Update #3: School Year Begins

Back to school--I totally love this time of year. We all know that my favorite season is Fall and I think that's why I love it...it's when the kids go back to school and get out of the house!!! No more, "Mommy, I'm bored!", no more "Mommy, Dylan won't stop touching me!", and no more wet tracks through the house from running in the sprinkler. Actually, I love having the kids around all Summer--they still go to daycare since I still have classes, but we do get to spend alot more time together than usual.

We did tons of boating this Summer. Brad and I went to Grand Lake for a week long getaway which was very nice. The kids are like fish in Lake Arbuckle--they absolutely love the water. We got to camp with our friends several times as well. Then, finally, school started. Dylan and Taylor both go to the same school now--Taylor is in all day Kindergarten and Dylan is in 1/2 day Pre-Kindergarten. Taylor was really excited, but a little concerned that she wouldn't be able to do the work--as if she wasn't smart enough or anything. This was back in August mind you...the other day she came home (about a month later) and said,

"Mom, I was so frusterated in school today!"

"Why?"

"Because our teacher made us do worksheet, after worksheet, after worksheet!"

"Did you have problem's with them?"

"No!"

"Then why were your frusterated?"

"Because I finished mine first every time, then I had to wait for everyone else...they take forever!"

Haha--guess she's not worried anymore!

Dylan was a little different (since it is his first time in "Big Boy School". The night before school started he was so worried that he didn't fall asleep until 11:30. He went to bed at 8:30 and tossed and turned. When I went to check on him this was our conversation,

"Dylan, what the matter?"

starting to cry, "I don't want to go to school!"

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to ride the bus to daycare after school! I don't know how!"

(he's never been on a bus before)

"Dylan, the teacher is going to help you get on the bus, and make sure you are OK"

"Really?!?!"

"Of course! She won't let you get on the wrong bus, and you will recognize the bus driver because it will be Miss Misty from your daycare!"

"Miss Misty???"

"Yes."

"Oh boy! I can't wait to ride the bus!!!"

Haha! He was OK after that. The first two days went well, then he started with his attitude and the rest is history. He gets in trouble at least once a week for yelling or throwing a fit about something that doesn't meet his expectations. Same ol' same ol'.

Here's some pics from the first day...

Update #2: Chiari Malformation

Sometimes I get a little scared when I have to take DJ to the doctor...whether it be for an illness or a regular check up with his specialists. It literally seems like every time we go for what we think is going to be an average check up, we find out something else that is wrong with him...it really sucks.

I know, I know, life is not fair and I should quit whining.


DJ had an MRI this Summer for his headaches that he was having. It showed a new problem in his brain called a Chiari malformation. Without going into a ton of details, it is a problem where a portion of his brain (the cerebellum) is herniating through the opening in his skull that his spinal cord enters through. So, he had to go see his neuro surgeon, who ordered another MRI of his entire spine which showed the Chiari (again), but also showed a Syrinx. For those of you who don't have time to click the link...in a nutshell, it is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid on his spinal cord resulting from the Chiari. His brain is getting pushed into his spinal cord...great.


So, the surgeon wants to take a wait-and-see approach right now and continue with annual MRI's of his brain and spinal cord. This can be corrected with surgery, but it involves cutting away a portion of his skull to allow for movement of the cerebellum and drainage of the syrinx. If it worsens and is not treated, it can lead to muscle weakness, abnormal vision, severe headaches, and permanent paralysis.


Humph...Fabulous!!!


The neuro surgeon is almost positive that the shunts in Dylan's head (which artificially control the flow of fluid) caused this problem. I wonder sometimes how these parents do it that have kids with severe abnormalities like mental retardation or kids that have fatal cancer. I guess I have to think this way to make myself feel better and to keep in mind that my child is pretty lucky. It still makes me want to hurt that stupid babysitter.

Update #1 - DJ's Birthday

I am going to do a few separate updates for you guys since, once again, I have been neglecting this site! That way, you won't feel like you're reading on, and on, and on....

OK, so for this first one, we will go back to the end of June when my not-so-little guy turned 4. He had a pirate birthday party at the house and had a ton of fun. He was running around saying "Arrrrrgh, matey!!!" most of the day. He had a bunch of his friends there and got way too many gifts. In fact, he had so many to open that once he opened one, he would drop it, and rush to the next present without really even aknowledging it. It was pretty funny--he had a blast. We decorated mugs, played cannonball toss, and dug for buried treasure. Here's some pics...

How Many Stuffed Animals Does a Girl Need???

Taylor has become completely infatuated with stuffed animals. She has about 6 horses, 4 unicorns, a whale, a Dalmatian, and countless teddy bears of different sized and colors--all of which have a name and apparently feelings that get hurt very, very easily. Her new thing is to carry her "friends" with her everywhere. This actually is not such a new thing--she has been doing this for about a year and a half, but until recently, she only needed to carry one at a time. Just within the past couple weeks, she has started bringing these things everywhere! To the grocery store, church, daycare, the lake...everywhere! It wouldn't be so bad, except everywhere I turn, there is a stuffed animal...in my car, under her pillows, in Dylan's laundry hamper(???), etc, etc. You get the point. Anyway, for the last couple weeks, I have actually had to allot extra time when we go somewhere to allow her to round up all her precious friends, get them in the car, and manage to get her buckled in among of the sea of stuffed horses.

"Mommy, be careful of Sadie!"
"Oh, sorry" as I move a purple unicorn out of the way of the buckle.
"THAT'S NOT SADIE, MOMMY...THAT'S PRINCESS!"
"Oh, sorry, Sadie" (to the yellow bear)
"Mom (a little annoyed)...don't you remember who Sadie is???"
Me thinking, "Ummmm, nooooo. I can't keep all these damn things straight!"
Me saying, "Hmmm, well, I guess I forgot. Why don't you help me remember?"
"Duh, mom...she's the pink unicorn. Remember the one that I got when I was a baby?!?!"

Hmmm. My bad.

That was yesterday.

Today, I was running a little late. So, as I was trying to throw my lunch together, while brushing Dylan's teeth and buckling him up, pack up my computer, find the textbook that I fell asleep reading last night, and find my car keys and cell phone. So, when Taylor said for the third time, "Oh, Mommy, just a second, I forgot so-and-so" you can imagine how happy I was! So, on the way to daycare, I made a new family rule that only one animal could come along at a time.

You would have thought that I broke both of her ankles and made her run a mile. She wailed all the way to daycare. For a split second, I felt bad...until I opened the door to get her out and had to pick up the purple unicorn that fell out of the car. "See!!! I should not have to wade through stuffed animals to get you out of the car!" She just looked at me like I was the devil. She wouldn't give me a kiss goodbye either.

What a mean Mommy.

Dylan just sat in his seat and didn't say anything the whole way to daycare. It's like an unwritten rule between them that only one of them can throw a fit at a time--thank God!

There used to be a time that I said , "Stuffed animals are silly toys--kids don't even play with them." Not anymore. We can't seem to get enough in our house. Go figure.

I know, I know...it's been a long time! What can I say...I've had my head in my school books since my last post...literally...trying to learn this stuff through osmosis! (Or is it diffusion...whatever!)

However, I am happy to say that I have made it successfully through my first semester of nursing school! Round of applause please!!! 5 months down and 11 more to go, but who's counting? I ended up with a 3.82 GPA--stupid B in what should have been my "easy A" course! As Dylan would say, "Oooooohhh, Mommy said Stupiiiiid! I'm going to tell Daaaaaaddy!" Well, it was a stupid course and I'll say it again...stupid, stupid, stupid! Ahhh, that feels better.

I had to attend the graduation of the upper class on Friday evening and found out that we don't wear caps and gowns to the ceremony. Weird. It was just the ceremony for the nursing school, though, not the whole university so I wonder if we actually have to attend 2? For all this hard work (and the amount of money I am paying), they should pull me across the stage in a golden carriage...with me in a cap and gown!!! haha

Taylor is about to finish her first year of "Big Girl School" and is a little nervous about having to spend all day at daycare. Not that she doesn't do well there...she just really likes her teachers at school. She's also a little nervous already to start Kindergarten and get to know new teachers all over again. She is very much all about routines.

Dylan is even more all about routines. He has stated that he wants to be 3 "forever and ever!" because he doesn't want anything to change. He doesn't want to move up in his Sunday school room, he doesn't want to start Big Boy School, or anything else that may come with turning 4. He is feeling much better from his little hospital incident (for those of you who didn't know, DJ had to spend 5 days in the hospital a little while back due to a bacterial infection that they were having a little trouble diagnosing and treating). He has been successfully battling a cold and cough the past week and this morning he was coughing pretty good and I said, "Oh my goodness, are you OK?" He got this scared look on his face and said, "I'm fine, I'm fine...I don't need to go to the doctor!!!" I said, "OK, I wasn't going to take you to the doctor." He said, "Good because the doctor pokes me!" Apparently the hospital left a lasting impression this last time!

He is still getting in trouble at daycare, but not as much as before. He has kind-of figured out that it's not OK to hit...sort of...for the most part...when he feels like controlling himself. He had a note sent home the other day that expressed their displeasure after hearing the "F" word come out of his mouth. I can't imaging where he picked that one up...DADDY!!! Needless to say, Brad got an earful when he got home...DJ got an earful before he went to bed...and I haven't heard a complaint since. Not that I'm perfect...stupid, stupid, stupid! ;) Dylan will go for an MRI and his annual checkup with the neurologist the first week in June. We are still waiting to get him scheduled with the developmental specialist as his teacher has been dragging her feet getting her paperwork filled out. I would say that I would blog about all those results, but I will be back in school by then and may or may not have the time...I'll try!

Brad has decided that civilian employment is harder to get used to than he thought. Not that he hates it, but being active duty was much more comfortable for him. He also has 2 female bosses, which doesn't help matters any. He did, however, get contacted from a colonel at a reserve base in Ft. Worth who is hiring for traditional reservist spots, so he may take that opportunity to get in a reserve unit that he actually will get paid for. He is also getting very anxious to use the trailer and boat. We are going to get the boat out of winterization next weekend, then go camping for Memorial Day.

I think that is pretty much the extent of our lives. I know, it's not a lot of really super exciting stuff, but I kind of like it that way! School starts again on the 19th and clinicals start on the 22nd and will be twice per week. I will be on the Medical-Surgical floor where they say I will get to see a little bit of everything. Wish me luck!

Easter and Spring Break

Spring break was last week and it was a much needed break from classes. I got some studying done the first 3 days, then we went down to visit our friends in Texas for Easter weekend. The weather was so nice--finally SPRING! We had a really good weekend. On Friday, Brad and I took Taylor, Dylan, and Amanda (our friend,s daughter) to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was like 80 degrees--our first really nice day--and the kids were dying hot in their long sleeves and pants! Ooops! It really didn't bother Dylan because he got to see all his favorite animals, for real! His favorite was the Scarlet McCaw and he was cracking up when he saw it, he was so happy!

On Saturday, we went to an Arboretum called Dallas Blooms and got to see some real signs of Spring. It was gorgeous! The kids got to run barefoot in the grass and we got a ton of pictures.

Then, of course, Sunday was Easter, so the kids hunted for Easter eggs.

So, like I said, it was a nice break. Now I am back at it. We have 2 quizzes and 2 tests this week...the teachers sure planned that good! Semester is over half done (thank God), then we jump into Summer school. Summer is supposed to be our hardest semester, so we'll see.

Going ons...

Just takin' a study break (cuz I my head is always in a book now, I only take breaks when the dishes start to pile up in the sink and my kitchen floor has more footprints than clean spots on it!) It's a dang good thing I am not trying to work right now...I would have flunked out! Seriously though, school is going really good. I haven't gotten less than 90% on anything so far (praise God!), so I am in good shape to take a break and blog for a sec! And because I was getting a little frustrated because no one would leave me alone to study. It's Sat., so everyone is home.

Taylor loves to be in the office because she can "work" on her scrapbook and sticker books. My desk is right next to hers, mainly because she still loves to just be in the same room with me, and about every 29 seconds she starts talking. Sometimes it's to me, sometimes to herself, sometimes she starts singing, but OMG! When I am trying to read a pharmacology book and memorize the 132 different types of drugs to treat the common cold, it's enough to make me crazy! It's kind of cute when I'm not trying to concentrate, but jeez...do we really need to hear our own voices that often???

Then there is Dylan and he loves to be in the same room with me too. He has found an affinity for playing games on the internet (you know the ones that correspond to his favorite cartoons), so he sits at the desk on the other side of Taylor (yes, we have 3 desks in our office), and all I can hear is the theme music to "The Backyardigans" and him going, "Oh mannnn!" or "Moommmmmeeeeeee...I can't get him to jump (climb, race, whatever)!" so I have to stop (because if I don't, then I have to deal with an eruption, which takes even longer) and help him for the next 28 seconds. This morning though, he discovered my ipod and wanted to listen to it. My ears are a bit bigger than his, so the headphones wouldn't stay in, so he kept getting mad, I would have to adjust them, he'd get mad, more adjustments, more getting mad, etc...etc...etc! Heaven forbid he use his own headphones with it....that would just be unacceptable!

Then my husband, sweet, loving Bradley, who tries so hard to help, but, bless his heart, doesn't understand that at this point ANY interruption is an interruption. He keeps coming in the office, opening the door ever so quietly, tip-toeing in, waiting for me to acknowledge is presence (even though secretly I always hope somehow I became invisible), and he whispers something at me. Like whispering is going to help!!! Does he really think that if he whispers, maybe I can keep concentrating on one thing and respond to him at the same time?!?! Oh yeah, and even if he is quiet and it's just me and him in the office, he bangs on the keyboard on the computer when he types. I never realized he had this habit before! I'm amazed that I have not had to replace the keyboard yet. It's the funniest thing (sometimes)...as he types, he doesn't just push the keys, he plunks on them, ALL! It sounds like it's hailing behind me!

So, I love my family, but I have to go to the library on the weekends if I want to study! O-well. I must say though, after getting frustrated and barking this morning, "Can I just have an hour to read?!" Brad took the kids to play at McDonalds. Ahhhh, peace and quiet!

I have learned alot since I started...like I can now administer oxygen correctly via nose tube, mask, or through a tracheostomy. I can insert a Foley and straight catheter, I know how to maintain sterile environments to work in, take vitals, listen to breath sounds for lower respiratory problems and I can assess the head, nose, and throat for upper respiratory problems. Some of those things I was doing as an athletic trainer...but as I know now...I wasn't doing all of them correctly! Oooops! We start clinicals in early April so that will be exciting.

Taylor is going to start playing Soccer this month. She is really excited and Dylan is really jealous. He's not quite old enough yet though. I'm thinking about letting her play t-ball as well, but we'll see how much time soccer takes up...since I have so little extra time these days.

Brad is getting anxious (as am I) to get the boat out of winterization and start going to the lake. Not sure how much time this summer I will have to do that, but hopefully we will get to go a couple times a month or so.

Here are some recent pics of the kids...Taylor's winter clothes lasted her the winter, but she is starting to already grow out of some of the pants...that girl has long legs! Dylan, my little shortie, can still wear some of his 24 month pants (he is 3 1/2)!

Taylor and I at the Museum of Natural History for her last field trip. That is a replica of a mammoth behind us.

This is Taylor with one of her

Pre-K teachers, Ms. Leslie

And of course, my two guitar heros!