Fall Photo Shoot

WARNING!!!!!  Picture overload!  My friend Kristy Owens takes A-Mazing photos.  Look what she did with my family???  She's very talented and I can't wait to use her again.   

In some of these it almost makes you think my kids love each other....

Anyhoo - this is from our photo shoot in October.   

 Look how sweet... 

what she didn't capture on film was that of her brother trying to tackle her in the grass. 

Oh - and me screaming "Don't get dirty!!!!"

My daughter - the photo bomber.  Let's try this again 

Much better 

 In this pic - I was trying to get him to open his eyes more.  

This is what he did instead

Again - SO sweet....

 My sweet Caroline.  Such a diva!  

lots to be thankful for

My heart is so full right now {not unlike my belly from all of this food I've been eating}.  Wednesday we had our appointment at the Blue Bird Circle Clinic for Pediatric Neurology so we could finally get an answer - or at least some insight - into Sam's physical struggles.  Originally, this appointment was for July, 2013 - yes, you read that right.  Fortunately, I had enough sense to call back and see if we could get on the cancellation waiting list for a quicker turn around.  He saw 2 doctors, they evaluated Sam extensively, drew blood and then in walked the big neuro doctor.  I was starting to hyperventilate, until he said those magic words: "Sam's physical limitations are not neurological. AT ALL"  After that we stopped listening and I started crying.  We had to have the doctor repeat everything else - thank God Nick was there to ask again b/c I was a hot mess.  It was such a relief to hear him say that.  They diagnosed Muscular Myopathy - which is just a fancy way of saying muscle weakness.  Course of action is PT/OT {which we've been doing for over 6 months}.  A big part of me knew that it was probably nothing - but in the back of my mind there was a small part that thought perhaps this was Muscular Dystrophy or ALS or PLS or a tumor {just a bit of advice: stay off WebMD if you're concerned about anything health related}.  While we were there and because it's basically protocol, they drew some blood to test his enzymes and do some genetic testing to see if this is something he could possibly pass on to his future children and grandchildren.  And if it is, there's a likelihood that Caroline could possibly be a carrier as well.  Even if it is, this is very minor and very treatable without medication or surgery.

While in the clinic all morning on Wednesday, we encountered many children with huge fights ahead of them.  Children and babies who were SO sick and traveled from all over the world to be at TCH.  Nick and I both agreed that no matter what Sam's outcome was on Wednesday, it was in no way as severe as what the other families there were experiencing.  Puts things in perspective...

Thanksgiving has a truly different meaning after Wednesday.  

good-bye, dear friend

I hate saying good-bye to people.  I've been avoiding this because of being in denial, but the time has come to say farewell to one of my best friends {and one of my favorite people. ever} We see each other daily - and when we don't we're driving Nick crazy texting each other back and forth.  Her kids and mine play together all the time.  And while sometimes they don't get along, they love each other like siblings do.  Kelly and her funny, crazy little family are moving to Florida on Saturday.  I'm going to miss my friend.  I've tried to hold it together, but seeing the moving truck pull up today was hard.  I moved to the suburbs kicking and screaming {in my opinion old people and women who didn't know how to drive their mini vans lived in the burbs} and I was wrong - I have met people I will always consider some of the closest friends I've ever had.  Kelly is one of them.  Florida is lucky to have her.   She's a wonderful person: she listens, she has your back, she isn't afraid to tell you to shut up; she'll pray with you, she'll throw out a well deserved "f" bomb; she thinks she's a terrible cook but makes a mean salad.  She would do anything for her family and friends - and you don't come across many people like her.  I'm going to miss my PCB and our daily play dates with the kids.  The MANY pitchers of vodka limeade in the sac.  The impromptu dinners with our families.  FastPass.  Chloe + Chico.   The list of all the things I'll miss about the Krenzke's is so long.  I know we'll see each other again - so this is just a "see ya later" - Kelly can't get rid of me that easily.  Putting my selfishness aside for a moment - I wish her all the best in Florida and am so excited for her and her family's new adventure.  Miss her already.  Time to start booking my first flight to FL!

something good to say!

I've been a bit absent from blogging lately - quite honestly it's because every time I sit down to blog, I really don't have anything nice to say.  And I don't want you all to think I'm this disgruntled, miserable person - because I'm not.  I am simply following the good ole rule of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". 

Despite having a ridiculously busy October, I'm happy to say it's over.  The fall festivals, and school carnivals and football games and baby showers.  All over.  So.  Happy.  And while I LOVE being involved with the community and school and throwing my besties and sister fun parties - I'm ready for a break. 

In my spare time {LOL - what spare time???} I've been arguing with our insurance company and pediatrician about proper wording on a prescription for Sam's PT and OT.  Apparently having a physical delay isn't specific enough.  I feel like banging my head against a wall would get better results at this point.  I mean - how can anyone, after evaluating Sam - not think he needs a little help?  The kid can't hop on one foot.  So I've got these appointments with specialists who have 9 month waiting lists to get some kind of diagnosis so we don't have to private pay for therapy any longer....in 9 months.  I'm not a doctor or anything close to it, but what's it to our pedi to write a prescription for PT and OT?  It's not like I'm asking for drugs.  So frustrating.  I'm SO thankful Nick and I are fortunate enough we are able to pay out of pocket twice a week for therapy.  Does it suck?  Hell yeah it does!  It kills me that our incredibly awesome health insurance doesn't cover PT or OT unless it's "restorative".  It's BS.  Really - I can think of some really cute shoes I could buy with that money every week.  :)

And that, my friends concludes this week's installment of "things that piss me off"...

On to better things... the day before my birthday I got this really large, official-looking envelope hand delivered.  I had to sign for it and everything.  After opening it, I realized I was reading the results of my BRAC 1 & 2 tests.  Which were NEGATIVE!  No genetic mutations found.  Best birthday present ever.  {even better than the Gucci bag Nick and the kids surprised me with - I know - I'm shocked too}

I'm really looking forward to slowing down.  I really want to spend time with Victoria before her baby comes.  Hang out with Kelly before she moves to Florida.  I feel like I've been a very absent friend, sister, wife and mom.  November comes quickly and there will be LOTS of babies being born.  Can't wait to hold them all.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the kids at the moment.  But my next post will be of the adorable photo shoot my friend, Kristy, shot. 

PT {or more appropriately titled "people are a$$ holes"}

I need to get this off my chest....

Sam has been going to PT for about 5 months for some issues (that are not serious).  Running, jumping, general balance and core strength skills are delayed due to the many ear infections he had as a baby.  So we go to PT to get him caught up.  He's really doing great.  While at PT (and at home) we put Kinesiotape on his legs to improve muscle tone.  It's blue.  And looks like he has a stripe running up his leg.  We call it his super hero tape, or most recently, his Olympian tape (b/c most of the Olympic athletes wore it this summer).

My problem - people are a$$ holes!  Here's a tip: just because you think it, doesn't mean you should say it.  

You have no idea how many times a day someone says "what's wrong with his legs?' - in front of Sam!  I'm not talking about children saying this - no it's ADULTS!  There's nothing wrong with curiosity, but don't act like there's something wrong with Sam.  And certainly don't say something like that in front of my kid - he already thinks he's different, he doesn't need a rude comment like that to make him feel like there's something wrong with him.  B/c eventually, he will - that's how often we hear that question.  My favorite is when they look at him like he's deformed.  

When we first started wearing the tape, I would politely smile and say "oh he's fine".  Currently, I'm going into overly complicated details about how the kinesiotape works just to make rude people uncomfortable.  Now, I think the conversation will go like this:
Rude person - "What's wrong with his legs?"
Me: "Nothing.  What's wrong with your brain?"
The End.

Maybe a bit much?  I don't care - I'll be the crazy mom who can't handle comments made about her kid over having my son feel like crap.  Any day.  Questions like "What's that on his legs?" and "Is that paint on his legs?' are questions we hear too, but not as often.  And those are fine with me.  I'm happy to tell you what it is.  But I will NOT explain to you that there's nothing wrong with a child.  Especially mine.   Perhaps this post is a little bit hostile, but I've had it.

I feel MUCH better now. 

Love him.  And his tape! 

September

Think it slows down around here after school starts up?  Not at all.  In fact, we've been doing quite a bit of traveling.  Because what's a couple more days off, right?  I feel a little bad - Caroline has missed 3 of the first 9 days of school because of travel.  Personally, I feel that travel experiences are educational - fortunately the school agrees.  As long as she makes up her work and it's not excessive, we're ok.

Our first trip this month was to Albuquerque, NM.  Nick's good friend, Hank and his family live there and have been wanting us to come out for a while.  Labor Day weekend seemed perfect.  If you've never been to the ABQ - I highly recommend it.  The weather is FABULOUS!  And how can you argue with this view

We woke up to this view every day.  It was a realxing trip.  Hank and Deb are long past having little ones in the house...bet they think twice before asking us back!  Kiddos were very excited - not quite sure if it was the fresh air or the fact that we were a mile above sea level, but the kids were bouncing off the walls.

Our next adventure was to New Orleans last weekend.  Nick's college buddy/frat brother was getting married, so we packed up and drove down to NOLA.  Luckily, Nick and I had some peace and quiet thanks to my inlaws.  They picked up the kids and took them back to Alabama all weekend!  I went to the spa on Friday, Nick went to a couple bars and hung out with his friends.  It was a good time.  And the food!  How could I forget the food?  Delish!!! 

Arriving at Pat O's on the River after second lining through Jackson Square.  So fun!

This weekend I'm throwing my BFF, Victoria, a baby shower.  Dinner with my parents for their birthdays.  Birthday party for a friend.  Caroline is having a sleepover.

The following weekend, we're going to the beach with my family.  Sadly, we're also attending a going away party for one of my besties - I'm not ready to talk about that one yet.  I'm still in denial.

The weekend after that we're going to the Texans game.

I'm worn out just typing all this.  Don't get me started on October...I think I need an assistant.  

OMG - I have a second grader!

How did this happen?  When did Caroline grow up?  She went off to 2nd grade and didn't even look back!  To prepare for this special day, she started sorting her new clothes into categories of "what I will not wear to school on the first day"; "what I will wear on the first week"; and "what I will probably wear on the first day"  It was hilarious.  Then we had multiple fashion shows to make sure she had the perfect outfit - because that's really what the first day is all about - FASHION.  The entire school was a Justice for Girls advertisement.  

She hopped out of bed at 6, got herself dressed and ready before I even opened my eyes.  Knew it wouldn't last long though, b/c the second day of school was a different story - I practically had to drag her out of bed.  But at least she had a cute outfit to wear!

We are happy with the teacher arrangement this year.  Not thrilled she's out in a portable building, but we'll see how it goes.  Caroline thinks it's the coolest thing ever.  As long as she's happy, we're happy.  Hope she has a wonderful year this year!