Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Winter Wonderland
Today it snowed all day.
I did not like driving to and from work today- thank God, no accidents to speak about. Got home around 4:30 pm and had time for Mary to play in the snow a little bit. Did not stay out too long, though - the cold just creeps up on you- next thing you know, you're freezing!
Today it snowed all day.
I did not like driving to and from work today- thank God, no accidents to speak about. Got home around 4:30 pm and had time for Mary to play in the snow a little bit. Did not stay out too long, though - the cold just creeps up on you- next thing you know, you're freezing!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Mary had a relapse these past few days. The fever came back and so we decided to take her to the doctor Monday morning. Sure enough, the doctor put her on antibiotics.
I dread giving her medicine. No matter what kid-friendy flavor it is (bubblegum, grape, cherry or chocolate) it is an ordeal. As Jack puts it--- "It's a miserable experience." If it's not the constant threat of a possible up-chuck, it's the tears and the many excuses. Of course, Jack and I are effusive with the praise and the "Good job! You only have a few more sips left..." but it still wind up being at least 15 minutes by the time she gets a dose down.
Luckily, the antibiotics (Bactrim to clear up her sinus, ear AND urinary tract infections) does not give Mary the urge to throw up as much as the Tylenol Multi-Symptom Grape Flavor.
I dread giving her medicine. No matter what kid-friendy flavor it is (bubblegum, grape, cherry or chocolate) it is an ordeal. As Jack puts it--- "It's a miserable experience." If it's not the constant threat of a possible up-chuck, it's the tears and the many excuses. Of course, Jack and I are effusive with the praise and the "Good job! You only have a few more sips left..." but it still wind up being at least 15 minutes by the time she gets a dose down.
Luckily, the antibiotics (Bactrim to clear up her sinus, ear AND urinary tract infections) does not give Mary the urge to throw up as much as the Tylenol Multi-Symptom Grape Flavor.
Great Job!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
"When do I get to be top-notch?"
Mary felt better today. She only spent about 30% of the day feeling poorly- most of that time spent napping.
We went out to do a little bit of shopping. It was bit colder than we thought it would be today (especially when we didn't have to wear coats or jackets yesterday when we went out dinner- we thought it would be mild again today.)
Some photos I took of her as we waited for her Dad to get ready...
Mary felt better today. She only spent about 30% of the day feeling poorly- most of that time spent napping.
We went out to do a little bit of shopping. It was bit colder than we thought it would be today (especially when we didn't have to wear coats or jackets yesterday when we went out dinner- we thought it would be mild again today.)
Some photos I took of her as we waited for her Dad to get ready...
Three hours later, on our way home, all she wanted was to lay down and nap- a sure sign that she is not 100% yet.
As I told her, it would be another couple of days before she is top-notch.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
I want my Mama!
Today is Thanksgiving Day and the plan was to go to the Broker Inn at 2 pm for Thanksgiving dinner. The party would be Jack and I, Mary, Jack's elder daughter, Erika, her boyfriend and his mom. Mary and I particularly love to eat out so we were looking forward to it.
Last night, Mary and I were laying on the couch, watching TV and her neck and forehead felt warm to my touch. Surprising because she had no other symptoms (like runny nose or congestion or cough or complaints of a sore throat or loss of appetite). Got the thermometer out and she did have a temperature of 100.3F.
So she was fine one moment and sick the next. I kept her close through the night and it was a fitful night for both of us. It was a long night- she would wake up every half hour or so. Not only was she fighting the fever--- the fever was giving her all these vivid dreams and she would wake up crying- "I need some glue!!!!" "I wanted to ride that horsie!" "Melina would not play with me!" She refused to take any medicine. I was not too concerned as long as her temperature did not go higher than 103F. So were monitoring that all night. We were hoping that her fever will break by the morning.
By 6:30 am she was ready to get out of bed. She still had a temperature and was sneezing a lot. She was not her usual bouncy self, only wanted orange juice to drink for breakfast. I finally got her to take some fever reducer medicine when I mentioned that we would be going out to the restaurant soon.
Thinking back, she did exhibit one symptom that I ignored. The last couple of days, she was so "clingy", was always wanting me--- "I need my Mama!" "Hug, hug!" "Kissee, kissee!" - being such a "baby". When all she wanted was for Mommy to make her feeling better.
This evening she is feeling a lot better. Asked for Spaghetti O's after seeing a commercial for it on Toon Disney. Hopefully, we'd have a better night.
Today is Thanksgiving Day and the plan was to go to the Broker Inn at 2 pm for Thanksgiving dinner. The party would be Jack and I, Mary, Jack's elder daughter, Erika, her boyfriend and his mom. Mary and I particularly love to eat out so we were looking forward to it.
Last night, Mary and I were laying on the couch, watching TV and her neck and forehead felt warm to my touch. Surprising because she had no other symptoms (like runny nose or congestion or cough or complaints of a sore throat or loss of appetite). Got the thermometer out and she did have a temperature of 100.3F.
So she was fine one moment and sick the next. I kept her close through the night and it was a fitful night for both of us. It was a long night- she would wake up every half hour or so. Not only was she fighting the fever--- the fever was giving her all these vivid dreams and she would wake up crying- "I need some glue!!!!" "I wanted to ride that horsie!" "Melina would not play with me!" She refused to take any medicine. I was not too concerned as long as her temperature did not go higher than 103F. So were monitoring that all night. We were hoping that her fever will break by the morning.
By 6:30 am she was ready to get out of bed. She still had a temperature and was sneezing a lot. She was not her usual bouncy self, only wanted orange juice to drink for breakfast. I finally got her to take some fever reducer medicine when I mentioned that we would be going out to the restaurant soon.
Thinking back, she did exhibit one symptom that I ignored. The last couple of days, she was so "clingy", was always wanting me--- "I need my Mama!" "Hug, hug!" "Kissee, kissee!" - being such a "baby". When all she wanted was for Mommy to make her feeling better.
This evening she is feeling a lot better. Asked for Spaghetti O's after seeing a commercial for it on Toon Disney. Hopefully, we'd have a better night.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thanksgiving with Canadians?
Since it is Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, Mary's daycare class talked about the first Thanksgiving and she was telling us all about it.
"Are you sure it's not JUST the Indians?"
"Indians and all the Canadians."
"And who's the real people?"
"Us," pointing to herself, "but we weren't around a long time ago."
Since it is Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, Mary's daycare class talked about the first Thanksgiving and she was telling us all about it.
"A long time ago, the Indians and all the Canadians brought food to the real people. They came to this huge table. And there were lots of food."
"Are you sure it's not JUST the Indians?"
"Indians and all the Canadians."
"And who's the real people?"
"Us," pointing to herself, "but we weren't around a long time ago."
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Mary's Fall Story
I am a working mom so Mary goes to a daycare/pre-school not far from our house. I am quite satisfied with the services that this facility offers. They are open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, have a truly wonderful Center Director (Miss Junie)and friendly yet firm caregivers. Mary is in the "Tigger" room and one of their activities to celebrate Fall was to tell a story based on a picture. Thanks to Ms. Rachel who patiently wrote/typed the stories as fast as she can while each kid was relating their take on the Fall picture- I have Mary's story to share. I do not have a copy of the picture- read on, I think, we can guess what it looks like.
I am a working mom so Mary goes to a daycare/pre-school not far from our house. I am quite satisfied with the services that this facility offers. They are open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm, have a truly wonderful Center Director (Miss Junie)and friendly yet firm caregivers. Mary is in the "Tigger" room and one of their activities to celebrate Fall was to tell a story based on a picture. Thanks to Ms. Rachel who patiently wrote/typed the stories as fast as she can while each kid was relating their take on the Fall picture- I have Mary's story to share. I do not have a copy of the picture- read on, I think, we can guess what it looks like.
My Fall Story
First there was a tree and the apples were falling off. And then the farmer picked up the apples. And then the cow and the pig helped the farmer make applesauce. And then the pig and the cow fell in the applesauce because they weren't careful. And then the farmer had to pick up the cow and the pig from the applesauce. And then the farmer had to wash her hands because they were dirty. Because of the pig and cow. Umm...Then the pig and the cow shaked the tree to get more apples and to get more applesauce and then they wanted to be very careful this time and there making applesauce. And the pig wanted to do it himself this time. And then he hit the cow's head with the apples. Then they were very tired and they went in the barn to go to sleep. The cow and pig went to sleep. But it was strange they thought it was a monster but it was a farmer. Yeah so she came in and they didnt know that she wasn't a monster actually they didn't know that if she was a monster. But she wasn't she was just a farmer.
The End
Written by Mary
I was told the Mary could have gone on and on with her story. Ms. Rachel had to tell her to wrap it up. When I read her story, I could just hear her saying "And then..... And then....."
Labels: Story Time
Monday, November 20, 2006
Today In Colorado
I was able to catch the sunrise this morning. Magnificent!
I do not remember any sunrises like this when I was growing up in the Philippines. I do remember how I like the stillness, the sound of roosters crowing, the cool early morning air...
Then, I was lucky enough to catch this equally magnificent sunset. This is outside Sam's Club- at their parking lot. Our home is only half a mile from Sam's but I was glad I had my camera with me. These nature shows do not wait....
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Me and My Mom Shadow
I got a new digital camera about 3 weeks ago and Jack made me learn how to use it. The camera has some cool settings so I thought I'd try them out. The next morning, I was up early enough to catch some dawn photos. So, still in my 'jammies, I throw on a heavy coat and head out the door. But, Mary heard me moving around and she wanted to come along. So, we put on her parka over her jammies and out we go.
Mary wanted to take the pictures and I show her how to do it. But her 4 year old hands could not get a steady shot and rather than have her getting frustrated about it she decided, "I'll tell you what to shoot, you take the photos, Mommy." Worked well for me.
I got a new digital camera about 3 weeks ago and Jack made me learn how to use it. The camera has some cool settings so I thought I'd try them out. The next morning, I was up early enough to catch some dawn photos. So, still in my 'jammies, I throw on a heavy coat and head out the door. But, Mary heard me moving around and she wanted to come along. So, we put on her parka over her jammies and out we go.
Mary wanted to take the pictures and I show her how to do it. But her 4 year old hands could not get a steady shot and rather than have her getting frustrated about it she decided, "I'll tell you what to shoot, you take the photos, Mommy." Worked well for me.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Dining with Family
Before we got married to each other, my husband and I had been single for a good many years and have some "single" habits- one of which is having your meals in the living room while watching TV. Even after we had Mary, we rarely had meals in the kitchen or dining room.
We had moved to our current home about a year and a half ago. For a long while, we had Mary on a kid chair sitting in front of the coffee table and having her lunch or dinner while watching TV with us. So, you can imagine the spills, clean-up, stains that can't be wiped off the carpet. Then came time to wet vac the carpet.
So now we have our meals, TOGETHER, as a family in the kitchen.
And this made for some good quality time together. Without TV to distract us, we had to talk- to each other.
Tonight, I was telling Jack how it was when I was growing up in the Philippines. I come from a big family - six kids, Mommy and Daddy, a couple of maids a lot of the time, a grandparent or 2 at one time or the other. I am the fourth child of Victor Vergara and Casimera Francisco, their 2nd daughter. Though tonight, I was telling Jack how we sit down for meals. We have our fixed positions at the dining room table. Looking back, what I am wondering about was how the places were set. It was not on any age order or gender division.
My dad would sit at the head of the table (8-seater boat-shape table), my mom was on his right, then it's my youngest sister (sixth child) , then the 2nd youngest sister (5th). On my dad's left would be my 2nd oldest brother (3rd) (my oldest brother was not around much by this time), me (4th)and then my oldest sister (2nd). The other end of the table would be for any guest who will be joining us for the meal. Not really a good place to sit - one's back would be facing the TV. Yes, we had a TV in the dining room. Even with the TV on at mealtimes (we always had lunch at exactly 12 noon- in time for a popular lunchtime Filipino variety show, dinner was at 6 pm- in time for the news), I still remember a lot of lively family talks during mealtimes....
What is interesting to me is what happened when my dad is not present for a mealtime. My brother would take his place, my oldest sister would then sit in my brother's place. I somehow stay at my place on the table. My mom will never sit at the head of the table.
Mary enjoys the mealtimes together. She regales us about the "rules" in her daycare class. "Start eating when everyone is served." "Wait till everyone had seconds before having thirds." And then there is the "No-thank-you-bite" instead of just outright saying "Yecccccch!" to something that looks unappetizing. Glad to know she is learning table manners at school. I hope she will have a lot of fond memories of our family's table as I have with mine.
Before we got married to each other, my husband and I had been single for a good many years and have some "single" habits- one of which is having your meals in the living room while watching TV. Even after we had Mary, we rarely had meals in the kitchen or dining room.
We had moved to our current home about a year and a half ago. For a long while, we had Mary on a kid chair sitting in front of the coffee table and having her lunch or dinner while watching TV with us. So, you can imagine the spills, clean-up, stains that can't be wiped off the carpet. Then came time to wet vac the carpet.
So now we have our meals, TOGETHER, as a family in the kitchen.
And this made for some good quality time together. Without TV to distract us, we had to talk- to each other.
Tonight, I was telling Jack how it was when I was growing up in the Philippines. I come from a big family - six kids, Mommy and Daddy, a couple of maids a lot of the time, a grandparent or 2 at one time or the other. I am the fourth child of Victor Vergara and Casimera Francisco, their 2nd daughter. Though tonight, I was telling Jack how we sit down for meals. We have our fixed positions at the dining room table. Looking back, what I am wondering about was how the places were set. It was not on any age order or gender division.
My dad would sit at the head of the table (8-seater boat-shape table), my mom was on his right, then it's my youngest sister (sixth child) , then the 2nd youngest sister (5th). On my dad's left would be my 2nd oldest brother (3rd) (my oldest brother was not around much by this time), me (4th)and then my oldest sister (2nd). The other end of the table would be for any guest who will be joining us for the meal. Not really a good place to sit - one's back would be facing the TV. Yes, we had a TV in the dining room. Even with the TV on at mealtimes (we always had lunch at exactly 12 noon- in time for a popular lunchtime Filipino variety show, dinner was at 6 pm- in time for the news), I still remember a lot of lively family talks during mealtimes....
What is interesting to me is what happened when my dad is not present for a mealtime. My brother would take his place, my oldest sister would then sit in my brother's place. I somehow stay at my place on the table. My mom will never sit at the head of the table.
Mary enjoys the mealtimes together. She regales us about the "rules" in her daycare class. "Start eating when everyone is served." "Wait till everyone had seconds before having thirds." And then there is the "No-thank-you-bite" instead of just outright saying "Yecccccch!" to something that looks unappetizing. Glad to know she is learning table manners at school. I hope she will have a lot of fond memories of our family's table as I have with mine.
Labels: Family Mealtimes
