Sunny Saturday

The real blogger...

"I like to dance!"

So, do you think Miles has got a shot at being a back-up dancer on "Yo Gabba Gabba"?  I think Brobee might be his best friend, if friends could be battery-powered monsters.  Actually, I have no clue what species, or even if the term "species" applies when describing Brobee.  Whatever he is- the kid is crazy about the critter.  I think Jesse and I get an equal kick out of watching the show.  Catch it on Nick, Jr- it's appealing on some many different levels. 

Do you like the new decorations on the mirror behind Miles?  There was a little life left in my paint pens, and I felt like an ode to the Ugly Dolls was due.  Toss in a Yo Gabba Gabba-ian, and we've got ourselves a regular monster jamboree.  Visually stimulating for sure...

Last item of note- in the clip, Miles is sitting on our inflatable camping pads.  Since his balance is still not at a 100%, the pads ease the trauma of tilting over.  In fact, there is no scariness at all.  Miles' head remains bump free, as long as I remember to put the pads down prior to playtime.

Empowered

As I sat in pin-dropping silence with my 5th period class, I couldn't help but look over the heads of the transfixed teens- watching them lock on to some of the most powerful and encouraging words I have ever heard.  President Obama's eloquence, power, and grace took my breath away.  I only hope that my students will recognize a new world of possibilities that await them, that they will develop the courage to face difficult decisions with knowledge and patience, and that they believe in themselves and their talents.  

Originally, I wanted to be among the masses in D.C.  I thought the magic would be among the millions.  I was wrong; my classroom couldn't have been a better setting.  I saw history unfold with its intended audience, the next generation.  A generation given a charge, a mission, and a new hope.  What an awesome sight it was.  I watched the Inauguration with our future, the potential of our nation.  

Now we must wait and watch them fulfill the destiny- the destiny that was charted out on this electrified January day by a new voice, an empowered voice.  

A Robert Frost kind of morning (minus the snow)

Taken from my front yard about an hour ago- the serenity is overwhelming.  I am home with Miles today, and we are celebrating MLK day with some MLK birthday cupcakes.  (Seriously, my family has baked birthday cakes for Dr. King since I was a wee one.  Strawberry cake at that.)  Dr. King is a personal hero, as is the man being sworn in tomorrow morning.  I am bursting with pride and excitement.  These are dark times in the education world.  Instructional positions are being cut, programs are being trimmed back or totally slashed- our budget is in the red.  President-elect Obama has said some very encouraging statements about making education a top priority.  Now there's a man after my own heart.  

Uncle Clark, along with a whole host of our extended family, is bundling up to brave the chilly air tomorrow in D.C.  I am all shades of green; I wish I could be there with my own little family.  As of now, we will snuggle in and watch a new era begin from our couch.  At least Miles voted.

This is a perfect morning for being reflective and patient.  Here's hoping that a snow day will let me stay home and cheer on the Inauguration.  Otherwise, I will being preparing for semester exams- of which I need to finish writing this morning.  So far, Miles (and all of the pre-Inauguration programming) is infinitely more entertaining than the 8 parts of speech.  That's a no brainer.

Seems like only yesterday

Not very productive

He hasn't coughed out any mucus.  In fact, Miles is sounding worse today, in terms of stuffiness and lung congestion, that he did yesterday.  Also, he's now running a (very) low grade fever- but he's got that fevered two mile stare going on.  And he's having longer coughing spells.  Oi!  Little man needs a break.

Has anyone ever given their child Cardec DM?  This was prescribed to help with the congestion; I've got the feeling that it's not helping at all.

In tummy news- Jesse and I just remembered that we have to reintroduce wheat into Miles' diet before his next GI appointment.  She agreed to do the Celiac screening then, but it won't work if he has been eating wheat.  We started back to days ago, and I don't think we can make it to February 12th.  He has been soooo gassy.  On numerous occasions- we've got him sleeping in a triangle pose- buns aimed sky high and little tummy all scrunched up.  

I hope someday Miles will be cool with me sharing updates about his gas with folks I've never met.  This thought does cross my mind every so often.  Is blogging like having your parents whip out baby pictures to a new boyfriend- times a billion?  Even so, I've gained so much from this site.   I let out the bad and accept the good; I get great advice.  And I feel the love and support I so desperately need at times.  Thanks everybody! 

p.s. In a month and a half, Miles will be a year old.  Zoinks, Shaggy!

What is a productive cough?

We should be in the final throws of the pneumonia.  A cough,  not too loud or barky, has emerged in the past few days.  Doc said Miles would "cough it out"- and "it" I guess refers to the pneumonia, and the cough should be productive.  He seems a little sickly tonight- no fever, but pretty grumpy, and the reflux is kicking into high gear.  Bet the cough could be reflux relate- but I do hear some chest rumblings with some of the louder coughs.  How do I know that this is a productive cough or something else?  I am getting a little worried.

Pregnancy setting

My car's outdoor thermometer read 25 degrees.  I was feeling toasty, not shivery.  Then it dawned on me- my internal radiator must stuck on pregnancy setting.  I spent three trimesters with a sauna stuck under my skin.  It's not as searing as it used to be- though it doesn't take much to make me feel overheated.  Just hope my core chills out a bit before summer rolls around, but for now- I'll enjoy the built-in boiler maker. 

Heart health...some good news

Good news on the medical front:  Miles had an amazing check-up with his cardiologist today.  His ultrasound revealed that his ticker has healed beautifully.  He might need a cath in a few years if his right pulmonary doesn't grow, but that will not be as complicated as this summer's surgery.  I cried because I was so happy to hear this news.  Though I am not currently crying, I couldn't be happier. 

We won't have to see his cardiologist for another two years.  Wow.