Bertram has been sick with a fever and cough for a week. He just left to see the dr again (I think he was there on Monday). It looks like he will miss 6 days of school, which is bad enough on it's own, but next week is Fall Break. Which means he is out of school for 2 weeks. Also, I'm going crazy, mostly being stuck at home, with at least one whiny kid (though usually 2). Bron has been mildly sick off and on, and we were all sick over last weekend. So it's been a rough week.
Aside from the illness, it's been really hot. It was close to 100͒ for 3 days. I am so ready for Fall. I think we're supposed to have a cold front coming in.
I changed my meds a couple weeks ago. I didn't feel like the Cymbalta was working anymore. So I am in the process of switching back to Zoloft. One (or more) of my meds is making me super sweaty. Not in a smelly way, just like embarrassingly damp.
School is going ok for Bertram. It seems like he gets easily frustrated, so we've been working on that. He started going to see the counselor (Mr Tony) once a week to help with interpersonal skills. He should be starting Speech at school before too long as well. He likes school. The only homework they have is reading, whatever he wants. He loves reading, so homework is easy.
Grandma's house closed yesterday. The little house is going to be torn down and made into a 3000sqft two story house. That will not fit in with the neighbourhood, and will likely be worth twice as much as any other house on the street.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Monday, August 19, 2019
Too long, again
After it's been so long, it's hard to remember what I wanted to write about.
Bertram started school last week. It has been fine so far. He has half days until next Monday. He has made a friend who was sitting at his table, but then the friend got moved because they were talking too much. But so far it's all gone well. Aaron usually packs his lunch, which is good; one less thing for me to do. I signed up to be the library helper for his class. But I need to get a TB test, and do a background check.
The kids are in the middle of swimming lessons. Bertram was in the tot class, but got moved to the level 1 class. It's hard for him, for sure, but he enjoys it for the most part. Bron is in the mommy and me class. She likes it. It was super hot last week, so it felt good to swim. We have this week, then they're done til next year.
Grandma's house is just about empty. I think it's in escrow.
The week before school started we did a lot of different things. Two different amusement parks, park day, beach day. It was a fun week.
Bron has become a picky eater as of late. She used to eat a lot of different things, but now she only wants Lucky Charms, which I'm going to stop buying, crackers, apple sauce, and cheese. She used to eat different fruit and veg, some meat, etc. But I'll keep giving her a variety. She was having some issues with cow milk, so we switched her to pea protein milk. She likes it, and it has a lot of the same things as cow milk (protein, calcium, fat, less sugar). She actually finished all the breast milk I had in the freezer, which is good. I'm glad it didn't go to waste.
Bertram started school last week. It has been fine so far. He has half days until next Monday. He has made a friend who was sitting at his table, but then the friend got moved because they were talking too much. But so far it's all gone well. Aaron usually packs his lunch, which is good; one less thing for me to do. I signed up to be the library helper for his class. But I need to get a TB test, and do a background check.
The kids are in the middle of swimming lessons. Bertram was in the tot class, but got moved to the level 1 class. It's hard for him, for sure, but he enjoys it for the most part. Bron is in the mommy and me class. She likes it. It was super hot last week, so it felt good to swim. We have this week, then they're done til next year.
Grandma's house is just about empty. I think it's in escrow.
The week before school started we did a lot of different things. Two different amusement parks, park day, beach day. It was a fun week.
Bron has become a picky eater as of late. She used to eat a lot of different things, but now she only wants Lucky Charms, which I'm going to stop buying, crackers, apple sauce, and cheese. She used to eat different fruit and veg, some meat, etc. But I'll keep giving her a variety. She was having some issues with cow milk, so we switched her to pea protein milk. She likes it, and it has a lot of the same things as cow milk (protein, calcium, fat, less sugar). She actually finished all the breast milk I had in the freezer, which is good. I'm glad it didn't go to waste.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
I'm trying to remember what has been going on the past few weeks. But not much is coming to mind.
The other women in the family are getting a bit contentious about grandma's things. The scheduling of going through items, how fast the house will be cleared and sold, etc. I'm not involved other than being around. My MiL is the executrix so she has final say on things, but it seems hard to be diplomatic with everyone. Plus there are a lot of people to deal with. The original will was split evenly between the three kids. But two of the kids died before grandma, so it gets passed on to the grand kids. So my MiL has 1/3 and 4 of the grandkids have 1/6, but that's of monetary value, not items. So yeah...
I have a colonoscopy tomorrow. Prep is going fine, so far. I feel sloshy from having to drink so much, and I'm at the point where I hate all the sweet things: jello (I always hate jello, but especially now), ice pops, hard candy etc.
After the first dose of methotrexate I haven't been feeling too bad. I'm relieved, because having to be on a medicine long term the those kind of side effects is terrible. In a couple weeks, I'll do a blood draw and make sure it's not hurting my liver, and we'll proceed from there.
I can't think of much else for now.
The other women in the family are getting a bit contentious about grandma's things. The scheduling of going through items, how fast the house will be cleared and sold, etc. I'm not involved other than being around. My MiL is the executrix so she has final say on things, but it seems hard to be diplomatic with everyone. Plus there are a lot of people to deal with. The original will was split evenly between the three kids. But two of the kids died before grandma, so it gets passed on to the grand kids. So my MiL has 1/3 and 4 of the grandkids have 1/6, but that's of monetary value, not items. So yeah...
I have a colonoscopy tomorrow. Prep is going fine, so far. I feel sloshy from having to drink so much, and I'm at the point where I hate all the sweet things: jello (I always hate jello, but especially now), ice pops, hard candy etc.
After the first dose of methotrexate I haven't been feeling too bad. I'm relieved, because having to be on a medicine long term the those kind of side effects is terrible. In a couple weeks, I'll do a blood draw and make sure it's not hurting my liver, and we'll proceed from there.
I can't think of much else for now.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Grandma's memorial was on Saturday. It was a nice service. I cried through the whole thing. I'm still not used to the idea that she's gone. I wonder if I ever will be.
On Wednesday I went to the rheumatologist for the first time. She said what we basically knew which is that the crohns could be causing the arthritis or they could be independent of each other. If they are related they should both flare at the same time. I'm getting a colonoscopy in a couple of weeks, so that will shed some light on it. But we still won't know if it will get better, worse or stay the same. In the mean time, I have exercises to do, and some new medication. Added to my large collection of medication is folic acid, Mobic, and methotrexate. Mobic is an NSAID (like Advil). The folic acid is to help combat the side effects of the methotrexate. Methotrexate is like a scary medication, at least for me. It's used to treat specific types on cancer and some auto immune diseases. (Like Humira) it's an immunosuppressant, unlike Humira it has a lot of drug interactions, and isn't safe for pregnancy. They were very specific: do not get pregnant on this medication. We're fairly sure we're done having kids, but if we decide to have another I have to be off the methotrexate for 3-4 months before we start trying. Anyway, I took the first dose on Wednesday. It didn't treat me well. Since then, I haven't been feeling too badly, just really tired. One of the good things about methotrexate is that it improves the effectiveness of Humira, and hopefully will help with my arthritis. I'm doing the acupuncture once a week, I'm not sure that it's helping. But it doesn't hurt, and it's a $10 copay.
On Wednesday I went to the rheumatologist for the first time. She said what we basically knew which is that the crohns could be causing the arthritis or they could be independent of each other. If they are related they should both flare at the same time. I'm getting a colonoscopy in a couple of weeks, so that will shed some light on it. But we still won't know if it will get better, worse or stay the same. In the mean time, I have exercises to do, and some new medication. Added to my large collection of medication is folic acid, Mobic, and methotrexate. Mobic is an NSAID (like Advil). The folic acid is to help combat the side effects of the methotrexate. Methotrexate is like a scary medication, at least for me. It's used to treat specific types on cancer and some auto immune diseases. (Like Humira) it's an immunosuppressant, unlike Humira it has a lot of drug interactions, and isn't safe for pregnancy. They were very specific: do not get pregnant on this medication. We're fairly sure we're done having kids, but if we decide to have another I have to be off the methotrexate for 3-4 months before we start trying. Anyway, I took the first dose on Wednesday. It didn't treat me well. Since then, I haven't been feeling too badly, just really tired. One of the good things about methotrexate is that it improves the effectiveness of Humira, and hopefully will help with my arthritis. I'm doing the acupuncture once a week, I'm not sure that it's helping. But it doesn't hurt, and it's a $10 copay.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Always catching up
Grandma passed away a week ago (last Tuesday), 6 days before her 95th birthday. It still doesn't feel real. We (the extended family) have been hanging out at her house a lot. When I walk down there, I suddenly remember that she's not there. Her memorial (and interment) are on Saturday. Bertram is having a hard time. He doesn't want to talk about her, or his feelings, at all. I do try to talk to him periodically. If anyone has suggestions, I'd love to hear it.
I had my first acupuncture appointment yesterday. And (surprisingly?) my back is feeling a bit better today. My elbow has been hurting for a few months, and I thought it was tendinitis. But I think/worry it's more arthritis. Actually, now any joint pain makes me concerned about my bones. (My ankles were hurting this morning). I know my bone density and calcium are good. But I'm prone to worry. Also, I'd love for my body to function properly. I miss being able to run. I may see if there is some yoga I can do. Or water aerobics was also suggested.
Apparently, I get yearly colonoscopies now. I'm doing mine in early July. My tummy has been having some twinges of pain off and on. So I guess it's good. But having to do the prep every year, ugh.
Bron is finally feeling better. She had a slight reaction to the ammox, a flat rash. The doctor said that 10% of kids get a non-allergic rash. She's been a good sleeper and napper as of late (knock on wood). She is starting to make 2 and 3 word sentences. She loves music (wheels on the bus, baby shark, etc). She is adding in a few more signs (mostly "please"). She knows a few letters and numbers and shapes. She is very dramatic when she's upset. That toddler melt to the floor thing. But usually she's good spirited.
Bertram has been into the Hilo book series. He likes reading but graphic novels specifically. He asks what words mean when he doesn't know. He has an amazing memory. He was telling me something in the car on Sunday, and I wasn't understanding. Once I got more information, I learned he was telling me about one of the campaign adds, from last November! He's doing well at speech therapy. He is starting to draw more people.
I had my first acupuncture appointment yesterday. And (surprisingly?) my back is feeling a bit better today. My elbow has been hurting for a few months, and I thought it was tendinitis. But I think/worry it's more arthritis. Actually, now any joint pain makes me concerned about my bones. (My ankles were hurting this morning). I know my bone density and calcium are good. But I'm prone to worry. Also, I'd love for my body to function properly. I miss being able to run. I may see if there is some yoga I can do. Or water aerobics was also suggested.
Apparently, I get yearly colonoscopies now. I'm doing mine in early July. My tummy has been having some twinges of pain off and on. So I guess it's good. But having to do the prep every year, ugh.
Bron is finally feeling better. She had a slight reaction to the ammox, a flat rash. The doctor said that 10% of kids get a non-allergic rash. She's been a good sleeper and napper as of late (knock on wood). She is starting to make 2 and 3 word sentences. She loves music (wheels on the bus, baby shark, etc). She is adding in a few more signs (mostly "please"). She knows a few letters and numbers and shapes. She is very dramatic when she's upset. That toddler melt to the floor thing. But usually she's good spirited.
Bertram has been into the Hilo book series. He likes reading but graphic novels specifically. He asks what words mean when he doesn't know. He has an amazing memory. He was telling me something in the car on Sunday, and I wasn't understanding. Once I got more information, I learned he was telling me about one of the campaign adds, from last November! He's doing well at speech therapy. He is starting to draw more people.
"This is me walking a dog"
Monday, June 3, 2019
A busy day
Grandma is still hanging on. She is a tough lady; stubborn, like all the other women in the family. Haha. She's still not present. Her BP, pulse and respiration have been dropping as the day went on. But as of 9pm, she's still here. But it's awful to see her this way. It's crazy how fast it all happened, then how slow it all happened, if that makes sense. I think I'm ok with it all, but then I'm not. It's hard, because this is the first death of someone I'm actually close to. I wasn't close to either of my paternal grandparents (I don't remember my grandpa at all). I was somewhat close to my maternal grandparents, but we live 3000 miles apart, so the distance was a buffer when my Papa died. Nanny is still alive. But this grandma has been my grandma for the last 18ish years. In that time I saw her most days. We were friends. She was so funny, warm and kind. I'm going to miss her so much, and I wish there was an easier end for her. I'm also glad my MiL and cousin (in law) have taken the lead on her care. I'm grateful for them more than ever. Anyway, I'm sure I'll talk about this more in the days to come.
Bron has been sick for a week and a half: fever, then cough, then fever again. I took her to the doctor this morning and she has an ear infection. Her first one. So she gets Ammox. She's been feverish, grouchy, and tired.
Before her appointment, I went to get a low back x-ray. My doctor contacted me this afternoon to let me know I have "moderate to severe" arthritis. Because, you know, I'm 36, so I guess it's time for the arthritis to kick in. I have an appointment for PT next week. And I'm going to get a referral for acupuncture. Aside from that, I've emailed my GI because this is likely Crohns related, or Humira related, or both. And I'll likely have an appointment with a rheumatologist.
I had to take Bron with me to Bertie's speech therapy. Usually my MiL watches her, but she was with Grandma. Aaron was going to come home to watch her, but then he went to be with grandma too (we thought the end was more eminent than it was). The therapist has a dog, in a kennel. The dog barked, Brony cried, which made the dog bark, which made her cry. Eventually, the dog got moved to another room, then Bronwyn did ok.
Anyway, it's been a rough day. Tomorrow I need to go to the DMV to renew my license, because it expires on Thursday. I don't usually procrastinate on things, but the time got away from me. Then I need to go get my crown in the afternoon, and my yearlong tooth saga will be done (I hope).
Bron has been sick for a week and a half: fever, then cough, then fever again. I took her to the doctor this morning and she has an ear infection. Her first one. So she gets Ammox. She's been feverish, grouchy, and tired.
Before her appointment, I went to get a low back x-ray. My doctor contacted me this afternoon to let me know I have "moderate to severe" arthritis. Because, you know, I'm 36, so I guess it's time for the arthritis to kick in. I have an appointment for PT next week. And I'm going to get a referral for acupuncture. Aside from that, I've emailed my GI because this is likely Crohns related, or Humira related, or both. And I'll likely have an appointment with a rheumatologist.
I had to take Bron with me to Bertie's speech therapy. Usually my MiL watches her, but she was with Grandma. Aaron was going to come home to watch her, but then he went to be with grandma too (we thought the end was more eminent than it was). The therapist has a dog, in a kennel. The dog barked, Brony cried, which made the dog bark, which made her cry. Eventually, the dog got moved to another room, then Bronwyn did ok.
Anyway, it's been a rough day. Tomorrow I need to go to the DMV to renew my license, because it expires on Thursday. I don't usually procrastinate on things, but the time got away from me. Then I need to go get my crown in the afternoon, and my yearlong tooth saga will be done (I hope).
Sunday, May 26, 2019
bullet post
Maybe at some point I'll detail things, but for now, just notes and not in chronological order
So we've been trying to process all of this. We went from planning a big party, to trying to set care.
- (Aaron's) Grandma has been going downhill, slowly, for a while. She will be 95 in two weeks. Originally, Sophie (Aaron's cousin) was planning a decent size party.
- A little background: Grandma lives 6 houses down from us, and 3 from Aaron's folks. Her husband died a little over 20 years ago. Two of the cousins were teens and were living with her then. But for the last 15ish years, she's lived alone. 3ish years ago she has a mild stroke. The only lasting effect was short term memory issues. After that, my MiL started to distribute her meds, because she couldn't remember whether she'd taken them. Then she started repeating herself, and just slowing down in general.
So we've been trying to process all of this. We went from planning a big party, to trying to set care.
- While all of that was going on, we had to leave for Minnesota for Aaron's sister's wedding. Traveling with kids and Aaron is always stressful. Aaron is a very anxious flyer. (Though, he has gotten better at hiding it in recent years (which I appreciate)). We left out of SFO, at 7am, so we had to leave our house at 4am. We checked our suitcase and and the kids carseats. The flight was ok. The kids did pretty well. We arrived in Minneapolis, as did our suitcase, but the carseats were MIA. That was stressful. The airline had loaners, so that was ok. (And our seats came, the next day. I don't think they left SFO. We all slept in one room, because a lot of family was there. We had a bunk bed with a full on the bottom, and a pack and play. Bertram won't sleep on the top bunk, and Bron wasn't thrilled with the pack and play. But we made it worked. The day of the wedding was super cold, like 46⁰. The kids were the flower girl and ring bearer. They did amazing. (It was while we were at the reception that we got the news about grandma). The flight home was fine, but bumpy.
- I had FINALLY weaned Bronwyn. She nursed 22 months and 1 day. I still have mixed feelings about weaning her. I don't think either of us were really ready. But it's worked out ok, she has only asked for "neh" a couple times.
That's all I've got for now. It's 1am, and I can't think anymore.
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