Sick of Being Sick....

I have never been as sick as I've been in the last three months of this new year. The second of January I was in the clinic with a nasty ear and sinus infection. Then in February I went back in because my sinus was still draining and was put on round two of antibiotics for a sinus infection. So when I went into the clinic yet a gain with the same symptoms for a third time he put me on a stronger medication. It not only killed the infection but all my good bacteria as well.
  Now for those who know me, know that I've never had a regular menstrual cycle. Well I started my march cycle the day they put me on the medication for the sinus infection. I figured 4-6 days and I'd be my normal self.(note to self, when has my period EVER been normal?) So when it continued on three days after I'd been on the fourteen days medication we made an appointment with the doctor. Last time this happened in the Fall of 2012 it took nine weeks before I got it to stop.
 So my doctor called for blood work to be done to check my hormone levels. He also put me on an eleven day regiment of metapregesterone. This was suppose to reset my menstrual cycle. The second I went in to have my doctor discuss my blood work. My female hormones were all low. In fact they are as low some lower than a woman who is going through menopause. The doctor wanted to send me to an endocrinologist but I was still bleeding. So he set up an appointment with a local obgyn for the ninth. I've thought I'd begun to slow down a few times in the last week only to bleed heavily later in the day. By Friday I was just trying to stay ahead of the cramps that I didn't realize just how bad my coughing had been. Heidi felt yucky and we figured she had a sinus infection. So to the clinic we headed at nine o'clock at night. I insisted I was fine but my sister knew otherwise.
Doctor's office twice in a week? Why not, the result? Lung infection. Albuterol treatment and z-pak. The weekend was spent attached to the Albuterol treatment machine and in the bathroom. I visit the gynecologist in two days and I'm still bleeding. Hoping that the gynecologist has some answers and I can simply start getting better.

Easter Love

It hasn't been the easiest year for Sissy. Hoho and I try to help any chance we can. April is a busy and trying month for Sissy. The 8th is K's tenth birthday. Five days later is Sissy's. Six days later little bee turns two. The day after that is Easter. Last time I was down Sissy told me she was worried about so much being so close together. My response, "Let Hoho and I get the kiddos Easter outfits."
Now the pic above isn't their Easter outfit, but what auntie can resist getting her buddies some styling new clothes? I can't wait to see them in their new Easter outfits. This auntie has a surprise in store for some kiddos!

My babies...

Bo
(Hermione Marie 7.5 yrs)

So this week just happened to be Dr. Suess's birthday. How can you not enjoy this cutie dressed up like the cat in the hat? I absolutely adore this little lady. She's grown up so much in the last year. She is a loving sister to her brother and baby sisters. When sissy sent me this text Monday I was so happy. I loved our cuddles and talks a few weeks ago. I'm so proud of you and everything you do!

Bug
(Aiden Jay 5.5 yrs)

Wow big boy, look at those guns! You've grown up so much in the last year. from turning five, getting your first big boy haircut, to graduating to big boy underwear! That 28 weeker, 2 lb little baby is now a big boy in a house full of girls! I love your personality and sweet relationship with Abby. Auntie loves you handsome boy! Can't believe you're in pre- k.

Bean
(Abbygail Jean 3.5 yrs)

Ah the diva. From day one you made your presence known. No one messes with you unless they want to be face down in the mud. you're all girl and let everyone know it. Aiden is your best friend and you his. Being a whole 22 months younger Bug and you had many firsts together. You made the milestone of baby to big girl and let everyone know it. you're a snuggler and love mommy and Auntie but got nana wrapped around your finger. Charlie is your shadow and you love it!

Baby Bee
(Charlotte Shannon 23 mo)

The caboose, you're a whole 21 months younger then Abby. You love the girls and just being with them. Abby is your best friend and you love mommy! You perfected the stink eye before you could hold your head up. You did everything fast because you simply wanted to keep up with your siblings. Love your gumption and drive. most of all I love those big brown bear eyes and sweet face!

Read the labels...

So with my drastic change in diet this year, I've found it extremely difficult to find safe snacks that aren't double in price or run the risk of being processed in the same place as wheat products. This leaves fruit, veggies, and nuts as fast and easy snacks. (especially while I was working at the elementary) So when Heidi and I found dried fruit at the dollar store I was ecstatic. Now I know your thinking, "come on, it's banana chips there couldn't possibly be a problem."

This red, patchy skin referred to as "chicken skin,"this is what is left of the rash I had on the tops of my hands and my inner forearm down to my elbow. Guess who is reading all labels and looking for the gluten free sign before she purchases any food? The culprit, my darn banana chips. They happened to be processed in a plant that processes wheat products as well. Now the rash showed up 8 to 12 hours after I'd consumed the tasty dry fruit. now the painful gut ache and doubling over in pain came within 45 minutes after eating the dreaded snack. Lesson learned, my food must never, ever touch gluten products. This includes cross contamination of jams, peanut butter, or my gluten friendly food and gluten filled items. I made rainbows with my 2-3's class at work out of fruit loops by the end my hands itched so bad I wanted to chop them off. Solution? Lots of hand washing at work, and extreme label reading in stores.

Bye-bye JR Smith Elementary...

So I knew that my last day was coming soon. I guess I secretly hoped that if I ignored it life would 't  continue as usual. I would miss the kids and staff at the school and frankly didn't want to say goodbye. I left with a lump in my chest and a hope to visit everyone real soon. Wish me luck on my new adventure.

I love these Kiddos

bean is a snuggler

Bean and Bug are best buds

I love that Sissy sends me pics of the kiddos. I love these cutie pies and miss their sweet voices and adorable faces. I love my surprise phone calls and silly conversations with  my  diva of a three year old niece.

Be my Valentine....

 

So I'm truly not a huge fan of Valentine's day. Unless your a little kid or married it's just another day. Now the kiddos at Sunny Day knew it meant a fun party and treats. Thursday afternoon S and B's mom came in with a special gift for Heidi and I. She had two dozen roses, Chocolates, balloons, and a necklace and earing set for the two of us.  Her response was simple and touched our hearts, "every girl deserves flowers, balloons, chocolate and something pretty on Valentine's day. So S and B will be your valentines. we love ya!"