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Monday, May 24th, 2010Last night, if you followed me on Twitter, a panicked Tweet went out just at about 9:00. As other people were settling in to watch the last episode of Lost, I was calling my parents to quickly come to my house.
After our fun day in the sun at The Great Escape, the boys were exhausted. We ate dinner, TechyDad gave them baths and it was time for bed. NHL was in bed and JSL was still getting settled. After TechyDad brushed his teeth, he went to get his sippy cup with water. I was getting something on my side of the bed and the lights were out. JSL came running into the room and WHAM!
After the initial thud, I heard horror-movie screams coming from my three year old son. I ran to the other side of the bed yelling for TechyDad to come quick (he had just gotten into the shower). When I flicked on the light and got to the other side of the bed where JSL was, he was getting up. His hands covering his mouth and blood was all over the place.
I could quickly see that he had a gash in his bottom lip. TechyDad came in and helped me to take him into the bathroom to try to see what was going on. JSL was beyond upset and did NOT want anything to touch him. We obviously needed to check his teeth, face and head. I asked if he would put ice on the lip to make it feel better. Thank goodness, he agreed. I got a paper towel to put on it and we got the bleeding to stop.
Meanwhile, I had called my parents. With NHL in bed, I was not sure if we were off to the ER with the little guy. My father left Lost and rushed over to our house. He definitely helped to calm JSL down and we were able to see that the bleeding had stopped. Looking into his mouth was another story. I was in a panic imagining the worst about his teeth. JSL refused to go into our room and wanted to stay on the couch. At a little after 11:00, he finally agreed to come and rest/sleep with me.
This morning, TechyDad and I held JSL down and I was able to look in more. I could see bruises all around his two top front teeth and it did not look good. Luckily, we were able to get into the dentist this afternoon. Here is a photo of the little guy asleep in his stroller as we waited to see the dentist.
I love our dentists – can not say enough wonderful things about them. Dr. N reassured me that we did the right thing with ice and coming in today. As he slept, she moved his upper lip and touched his teeth. Immediately, I saw one move. My heart broke momentarily. She could tell and told me not to panic. When she got the little mirror to check under the teeth, JSL woke up and was not a pleased patient. She got a look inside and said it was bruising that I saw. She asked if I would be ok holding him for an x-ray and I agreed. It took the two of us holding him on me to get it, but it worked. It looks like there is no root damage or anything more to the tooth.
For now, we have to watch and keep it clean, cut his food (no biting into things) and go back in a few weeks for his regular check-up. Looks like his three year portraits will be waiting a little while. Oh and once again, I am requesting a little bubble for JSL because the kid has given me one too many scares in his three years.
Moments with Mimi
Monday, March 22nd, 2010A week ago Friday, I received a phone call from my father. He was on his way to my grandmother’s house because she fell down over another person’s wheelchair. 911 had to be called because she could not get up and was in a great deal of pain. After many tests, they were able to rule out several things. After a CAT scan, they found a double pelvic fracture. Mimi was in the hospital until mid last week. At that point, she was doing well enough to be transferred to a facility for rehab. She actually ended up going to the same home that my grandfather had been in for many years.
On Friday, the boys and I went to the home to see Mimi. When we arrived in her room, JSL clammed up. He stopped talking, would not look at people and was shaking. He had never been there before. NHL had actually been in the same room with Poppy S, but he was so little he would not remember it.
We stayed for a short time and then left to let Mimi rest. The next day, it was beautiful and we met Mimi outside for some air. Once again, we noted that JSL did the same thing. When he was near the wheelchair and Mimi, he was skittish at best. When he walked with Aunt S to her car for something, he perked up. Then, as he came closer to us, he stopped again. We talked with him about how Mimi was there to help her get better. In two year old terms, we told him that Mimi fell down and had a boo-boo that needed to get better by staying there. NHL had done something similar with Poppy S when he was in his wheelchair when NHL was about this age.
When we decided to go back to visit Sunday afternoon, we took a bag of tricks with us. We figured if JSL had some toys, he may be more comfortable. Here are both of the kids wearing their animal backpacks in to visit Mimi.
It worked like magic. JSL was so excited to show Mimi his items that he was not nervous. He ran around, sang and even danced with NHL. NHL was singing Michael Jackson songs from his concert a few weeks ago. Here are both of the boys and Crush having some fun:
Then, it was time to say goodbye to Mimi and do some Passover shopping. Here’s to wishing Mimi a speedy recovery. The boys are looking forward to playing at her apartment when she goes back home.
A snowy birthday to remember
Thursday, December 10th, 2009Each of us probably has a birthday that we will always remember. I have several of those from my childhood, when I first met TechyDad and as a mother. Yesterday, I added another memorable one into the group.
As if turning another year older is not enough, add being sick. My Neti Pot and I became very good friends by the end of the day. I was up most of the night not feeling well. Poor TechyDad was up with me and felt lousy in the morning. He had a headache and sore throat. He called in sick to rest up and try to feel better. Then there was the snow. The reminder of winter and the frigid months that are ahead came back fast and furious. The 1-2 inches turned into at least 5-6 inches of very heavy/wet snow.
NHL’s school was closed, along with pretty much every other school in the area and beyond. The two little guys were anxious to get outside. Too bad TechyDad and I were not feeling as excited about it thanks to illness. To delay going out TechyDad got the boys to give me my birthday presents. The boys gave me a Snuggie since I am always freezing in our house as we attempt to save the planet and cut costs. TechyDad had already bought me the "Forget Me-Knot" charm for my Pandora bracelet. In addition to this, he gave me a subscription to Picnik Premium. I had been toying with this for a while, but he splurged and now I get to play.
After breakfast, we found all of the snow gear so the boys went out. TechyDad focused his attention on the roof. He raked the snow to try to avoid the ice damn issues of the past few years.
Meanwhile, the boys had fun. NHL kept pegging JSL with snow and eventually the little guy caught on and did some sneak attacks on him. Once TechyDad was done with the raking and sidewalk in front, he helped the boys to make a snow creature and sled down the street for a few rides. Here is a photo show I created using Picnik.
When the boys came in, they were soggy and cold. So hot chocolate came out and then it was time for lunch. Eventually, TechyDad figured it was best to get our cars out from under the snow. NHL went outside to help Daddy. Meanwhile the little guy and I set out to bake a cake. We had planned on going out for a nice birthday dinner and then to have cake with my parents. Since I felt awful and so did hubby, we asked for a raincheck.
While the cake was baking, I heard a scream of "Oh no!" come from outside the window by my laptop. I looked outside and saw TechyDad grab NHL and scream to me to come to the door quickly. I ran and grabbed tissues expecting something to be bleeding. By this point, NHL was howling in pain. The boys were digging out the driveway together. NHL walked in front of hubby as he was looking down. TechyDad did not know he was back there and lifted up a big shovel of snow just as NHL bent down. The shovel got NHL right on the outside edge of his eyebrow.
When they arrived at the door, there was blood all over the place (faces are brutal like that). I grabbed more tissues (could not find gauze). We removed the pressure for an inspection. I could see there was a deep gash. Still in my PJ’s, I called my mother. She came to our rescue. While TechyDad finished getting his car uncovered, I got NHL ready to go to the ER. He was in a panic because of past stitches history (and removal). The boys picked up Nana on the way.
Long story short, they went to a new ER and it was a good experience. The people there were amazing and in the end NHL did not need stitches. They were able to use glue to put the skin back together. Now we just have to be careful to watch for an infection and to make sure it holds. We go back to the doctor on Monday for a check to see how things are going.
So after that eventful day, I used my Neti Pot (with an audience amazed to see the magical event) before bed and curled under my flannel sheets to bid adieu to my birthday for 2009.
P.S. TechyDad wrote about yesterday here. He has photos from the ER and of my cake right before we ate it.
Head + concrete = trip to ER
Saturday, September 26th, 2009Dear JSL,
Yesterday afternoon was filled with a lot of crying, panic and rushing about. We were having a great day. We spent time with Nana and Papa. After a while we went to BJ’s to do some shopping. You slept while we shopped. Then you woke up in time to have some potato chips for lunch. Soon it was time to head to school to pick up your big brother. I was excited to hear how he did on his first ever spelling test. You were still pretty tired, but I could not take the stroller out of the trunk.
NHL came out of school and we were walking back to my car. Another teacher stopped us to ask a question. You and NHL were right next to me, my back was turned ever so slightly. Then I heard a sound that haunted me in my sleep. It was a horrifying THUD and it echoed like nothing I have ever heard before. There was a pause, time seemed to stop. . . and then I heard you scream. My heart sank as I quickly realized that terrible noise was your forehead making a B-line for the cement.
NHL’s kindergarten teacher saw the entire thing. You just slipped on your own feet and went down hard. I knew we had to go into the building. I rushed right into the nurses office. When we arrived in there you were screaming even louder. I moved your hair back and saw blood and started to freak. I imagined the worse. You never passed out, but were quite woozy. All I can say is thank goodness the nurse was right there. The nurse kept an ice pack on your head and kept you focused and listening to her. Meanwhile I called Nana and Papa to come quick. Then I put a call in for the doctor and called Daddy to meet us at the ER.
When Nana and Papa arrived we quickly moved out of the school to the car and went to the ER. I had to stop myself from recalling the past visits there, but it was not easy. After what seemed like forever they took us back and two doctors looked at you. By the time I took the first photo in the ER the swelling had gone down a little. The second is when we were finally back home.
After a while they said that you seemed fine. They did not think that you had a concussion, but we were to keep a close eye on you. We went back home and you ate a little dinner and some chocolate seemed to make you a happy little guy. Then it was time for bed. You fell asleep quickly, but were fussy several times during the night. No doubt you had nightmares of what had happened like I did.
I hope that the rest of the weekend goes more smoothly. I am not sure we can handle much more excitement. As it is, Daddy and I are seriously starting to think about buying you full hockey goalie gear to protect you.
Love,
Mommy
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Physical, allergy testing and dentist…oh my!
Thursday, August 27th, 2009This week has been pretty busy. Originally, I thought NHL was going to the allergist on Tuesday. Monday they called and told me the visit was Wednesday. I was not happy since I know I put it on my calendar immediately. My main concern was we already had NHL’s 6 year old physical exam at our family doctor Wednesday afternoon. I knew we could swing both of them, but it would be "interesting" to say the least.
Monday I also called the pediatric dentist. I told them that this tooth was not budging and the new one was really coming in behind it. In adddition to this I reminded them that hubby only lost one tooth on his own. Every other tooth was pulled by the dentist, so perhaps NHL was going to have some troubles. They offered me a Tuesday appointment, which I did not take since I thought we were going to the allergist. The only other option was Thursday. I took it with the hopes that we could get his tooth out by that point.
Tuesday night JL and NHL sat down on the couch and really worked on the tooth. Here they are getting ready and going for some wiggles with gauze to assist the grip:
After this, I thought we were really close. Check it out. In this photo you can see the new tooth in back and that tiny speck in front is the front edge of the baby tooth that will not let go.
Shortly after this photo was taken I opted to do a video of this hopeful milestone. While filming, JL felt a pop and suddenly the tooth was bleeding. This really freaked NHL out. No matter what we tried, NHL refused to let us back into his mouth. We called it a night and got both of the boys into bed. JSL was getting quite concerned about his big brother. Check out the serious face.
Wednesday NHL went to the doctor for his physical. When we arrived we found out that they were already giving flu shots. This sent NHL over the edge, but he and I both had them. Everything else went well during his appointment. The doctor’s only concern was that one of his eyes is not moving along with the other. Since NHL has low muscle tone it may be related to this. When we got into the car after everything I called and made an appointment with the specialist for the end of September. Hopefully it is nothing, but we will have to wait and see (no pun intended).
Less than an hour after this we went to the allergists office. JL met us there because I was afraid NHL would put up a huge fight. We talked with the doctor for a while about how things have been great this summer – no medications needed. We talked over a plan of action for back to school and onto the rest of the year. Then it was time for allergy testing. While we waited for JL to show up at the right doctor’s office NHL colored. Then it was time to check things out. He was a pretty good sport and was glad it was done on his back so he could continue to color.
Much to our surprise nothing came up positive on the test. The doctor can not explain why it did a few years ago and nothing now. So we left with our game plan that was used last year. Our goal is to control the items that bother him and prevent an asthmatic reaction that usually comes during the school year.
Last night JL tried to work on NHL’s tooth again. After much crying and wiggling the tooth just did not want to move in the one spot. JL said that it was just the way his teeth used to hold on. NHL was very upset about not getting it out on his own and going to the dentist. We explained that it was not his fault and we are lucky to have the dentist that may be able to help.
On a last ditch effort we had corn on the cob to try to see what it could do. NHL refused to eat it. No worries though, JSL devoured his piece and then here is a video of him with NHL’s cob.
So today we head to the dentist to have her check NHL’s tooth. We shall see how it goes. I will mention to her that the position of the tooth is really altering his speech and that concerns me (our family doctor even noted it until I explained the tooth troubles).
Unlucky lip lessons
Sunday, July 26th, 2009JL and I have been married for eight years now. Over the years, his parents have only come to visit for day trips. My father-in-law refused to leave their dog at a kennel. It has been frustrating over the years for JL because they have missed out on so much with the kids. NHL was their first grandchild and he has only seen them a handful of times. Even more telling, the other day he had to be reminded about what he calls them.
Not too long ago, my in-laws dog passed away from illness and old age. Years ago, they had promised that they would come to stay for a weekend as soon as they no longer had their beloved dog. True to their words, when the dog passed away they asked if they could come here the weekend that we were scheduled to visit them. We were floored! Sure we thought they would follow up on this promise, but we never thought it would happen so quickly.
So, Thursday evening my in-laws arrived. They spent the long weekend here and stayed at a hotel not far from us since our house is really small. The visit was nice, but it was almost ruined mid-day on Friday. Friday, JL had to run into work to deliver some things to co-workers and fix a problem. While he went there, my in-laws, NHL, JSL and I went to the park for NHL’s tennis lesson. It was interesting listening to my in-laws. They were floored with how much NHL is a mini-JL. Apparently, many of my big kid’s quirks are exactly the same as his Daddy was when he was little. Makes a lot of sense, but they had never told me this before.
After tennis, we met JL back at home and went to lunch. We had an amazing lunch at an Italian restaurant. From there, we met my father at the car dealership. My father-in-law wanted to look at some cars to possibly replace his second car. While they were chatting with the saleman, the boys and I were walking around looking at fish in a little indoor pond with a waterfall. JSL was following NHL and suddenly, CRASH! JSL went face first into the floor, just missing the bricks on the pond area. When JL picked him up off the floor he howled. The agony in his screams brought back memories of a night in March when he fell on his face running.
JL moved him into the light so I could check his mouth. Immediately, I saw a pool of blood in JSL’s mouth. At a quick glance, I could see his teeth seemed fine, but there was a HUGE gash in his bottom lip. It was pretty obvious that he had bitten it when he fell. We had to try to assess how bad it was quickly. NHL went to get my father to come and help. Other people heard the little guy screaming and helped us to get some ice. We went to the bathroom to try to stop the bleeding. By the time we had ice, the swelling was really bad. I went to the car to get water for JSL and some motrin. I knew he would be hurting and need it to help the throbbing and swelling.
Thank goodness we did not need to head to the ER for a fieldtrip with my in-laws. JSL fell asleep in the car on our way to the mall and was clingy the rest of the night. He only ate challah for dinner, but was able to nurse and use his pacifier. So far we still think his teeth are fine, but wil try to get more of a look in a day or two when he is not as swollen and in pain.
Here are two photos of the little guy from the weekend. The first is Friday at the tennis lesson before the accident .
Now a photos of the little monkey Saturday night a little more than 24 hours after the fall.
Oy. . . boys certainly do know how to keep their parents on their toes! More about our weekend with JL’s parents coming soon.
Fat lip FALLout
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009My heart stops every time I hear a giant thud. JSL is on the move constantly. He is running and climbing all over the place. Last night, I was in the kitchen making green dip for NHL’s kindergarten Green Food Festival. JL and NHL were on the couch for nebulizer time. JSL had been watching me and ran off through the dining room to the living room. All of the sudden we I heard a giant crash. My heart went right to my throat and I ran into the dining room.
In the dining room I found JSL face down screaming and clutching his mouth on the hardwood floor. While running he must have lost his footing and went down hard. As soon as I picked him up he continued to hold his mouth/chin area.
JL rushed over and by this point the little guy’s mouth was filling with blood quickly. I immediately thought the worst. Sure, I know that mouths are vascular and bleed badly, but I could not assess the situation. JSL was screaming, would not open his mouth and blood was now getting onto his shirt.
I grabbed the phone and called Nana asking her to please come over. At this point I did not know if JSL had a tooth bent, if he cut his tongue or what. Nana said she was on her way.
We took JSL into the kitchen and tried to clean his mouth to get a look. I immediately saw that his lip was now 2-3 times the normal size on the bottom. Then we pulled his lip down and saw a huge gash on the inside. By the time Nana arrived he was putting some ice on his lip and she was able to get into his mouth for a better look. His teeth looked fine and did not seem to wiggle. We gave him Motrin and opted to skip brushing teeth since we did not want to disturb the clot on his lip.
Thankfully, JSL slept very well last night. This morning the swelling in his lip looks much better. Later I plan on tackling him to check his teeth. Not sure if I should call the dentist or not. At this point there isn’t much that they can no anyway. Still I worry, I guess that is just me being a mom. Here is a cute photo from Sunday of my little guy before he looked like he got into a fight.
So does anyone know where I can get some toddler sized hockey goalie gear, including a helmet, for JSL? Seriously it is that or putting him inside a bubble!
Feeling frazzled
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Lack of sleep, an ambulance ride and visit to the emergency room can leave a family quite frazzled. I would be one of those family members this morning.
Last night, we went to Nana and Papa’s house to have an early Chanukah dinner with them, Mimi and Aunt T. We had a wonderful time opening presents, spending time with each other, and of course eating a delicious meal. After dinner, we decided to let the kids play. JSL loves to run around the large space at Nana and Papa’s house. At one point he was playing with my father and they were running through the kitchen. The rest of us were sitting in the living room and heard a gigantic THUD.
The night quickly changed at that moment.
That noise was JSL’s feet wiping out, his body flying into the air and him coming down on the back of his head. After a minute he cried and wanted JL. We figured the boys were getting tired, so we went to the table for cheesecake.
Of course after the fact, everyone else mentioned that they noticed the same thing when we sat down. JSL suddenly got very pale, stopped talking, was sweating horribly and then started shaking. Then the scariest part, he was unresponsive to us.
Nightmares of February came flashing back to me.
We got him out of the booster seat and took him into the kitchen. He was still not responding to us. Not to his name, tickles, nothing. He was trying to close his eye. When he did look at us, it was as if we were not there. I screamed for JL to call 911. He did and they sent out first responders.
During the time it took for them to arrive, JSL came in and out of it. When we tried to let him walk, he looked like he was drinking and could not walk in a straight line.
When the paramedics came into the kitchen we noted more odd behavior. Typically if a stranger tries to go near JSL he will recoil onto one of us and scream. Nada happened, he just sat there starring into space. They did vitals and said they were ok, but wanted to take him by ambulance to the hospital.
As I went running to get his coat and my boots I failed to notice all of the water from the paramedic’s shoes on the kitchen floor. I went flying into the basement door jamming my foot, hand and fingers. I was on an adrenaline rush and kept moving.
During the ambulance ride JSL was very quiet. He did move or do much. Finally minutes from the hospital he uttered "Mama" and pointed to the light. When we arrived into a room at the hospital the little guy started to perk up after about 30 minutes. He wanted to get down, explore and he was chatting up a storm.
When the PA came to see us you would never know there was anything wrong. The end product is JSL definitely had a concussion and may have had a mini-seizure. We have to follow up with our doctor Monday and keep a close eye on him today.
Last night he was up until midnight and was screaming and very restless during the night. Thankgoodness this morning he is in a great mood and playing nicely.
Today we will be staying in during another snow storm for a quiet day with the boys.
Baby’s first goose egg
Sunday, February 10th, 2008Did you know that crawling can be hazardous to your health?
Man, I forgot how a baby with no fear in the world can quickly get into trouble with practically nothing in front of them, just trying to crawl.
This morning JSL was on the floor playing. He decided he was done sitting and wanted to move to get a toy. He moved his feet out and was attempting to get into crawl position. Thanks to his PJ’s he was having a hard time moving his one leg around. Next thing we knew – BOOM!
That was the sound of JSL’s eyebrow and forehead making contact with his cow truck. In moving his leg out he lost his balance and his arm went out and his head went down. He screamed bloody murder and within 10 minutes this is what the bruise looked like (not the best shot):
JL kept icing it to help the swelling to go down, but it looked horrible. We called Aunt M to ask her about things because NHL never had a goose egg like this (sorry we woke you up M). This kiddo is going to be a trouble maker. The poor kid is a mess thanks to this and tooth #7 coming in fast and furious.
*sigh* Boys!
They used what with 3-5 year olds?
Sunday, January 27th, 2008Last Sunday it was bitter cold here. We’re talking teens (if that) for high temperature without the wind chill factored in. We had signed NHL up that morning at 10:00 for a monthly free craft and story time at our temple for 3-5 year olds. Each time they focus on a holiday and read a book and do a craft related to it. Thanks to the cold I opted to stay home with JSL and let NHL and Daddy have a morning out together.
This month they did things about Tu B’Shvat. They listened to the Lorax by Dr. Seuss. After this it was time to decorate pots to plant some seeds in.
When they arrived home JL was telling me about the craft. I was floored with what they brought for the 3-5 year olds to use. I have no issue with markers (even regular non-washable ones), glue, paint. . . they can be messy, but are appropriate for children. They used Sharpie markers for the kids. What the heck were they thinking? Sure, they thought ahead and brought shirts for the kids to put on to protect clothing, but HELLO? I teach my child that those are not for him to use. I was pretty pissed annoyed.
I understand that only certain items will work on clay pots, but still there are more kid friendly art supplies. When NHL came home he was upset that his hands were colored with the Sharpie. He said his one finger hurt because they were . . . (ready for my literal child) sharp!
LOL – I was trying very hard not to laugh right in his face. I was good. I told him to meet me in the bathroom and I would remove the sharpie with some magical stuff that Mommy had. I put some non-acetone nailpolish remover on q-tips and went to work. He was very protective of one finger that was hurt from the sharp spot. When I went to that finger the thin line did not budge. In fact what I received was screams of bloody murder in my ear. So what did I do? I tried it again.
Hmmmm. . . . something was wrong here and I needed light to check it out. We went into the other room and got a flashlight. Time for Mommy to see what the deal was. Sure enough it was not Sharpie – it was a splinter. Flashbacks of the HUGE splinter in his buttocks haunted me. JL was home to help me wrangle the kid and I got it with a struggle. That thing was in there more than the one last time. Thank goodness since digging into his butt would have been tricky at school.
JL took his camera with him (of course) to show what the kids were doing during craft time. Here they are. Please note my captions if you hoover over them.
Here is NHL using a Sharpie for the first time:
He certainly had a fondness for one of the colors!
As you can see a lot of the things were fine for 3-5 year olds to use:
This yet again was not one of those acceptable items.
This is the inside of the pot when NHL was finished with his seeds to grow inside.
On the top rim NHL put his name and JSL’s – too cute! And of course he had a blast using the Sharpies.
We shall see what they do next month – most likely they will do something for Purim. . . I think.
