Broken? Hairline Fracture? Contusion? Who Knows?

While we all enjoyed our day of play yesterday it was not without some drama. There was a point in time where Kaitlyn was running, she dropped to the ground, and her fingers were stepped on. She was in a lot of pain initially, but I didn't think too much of it. While it swelled up pretty quickly she was able to move it. So we continued our day and she even continued to play and roll down the hill. I noticed though that she was holding her hand kind of funny and she was still in a lot of discomfort as the day wore on. She had a hard time eating dinner and holding her fork even. So I decided to take a closer look at it. It was still very swollen and bruised and she was still in a little of discomfort when it was touched or moved. So Joe ended up taking her to the ER last night. She was all excited to have xrays and had to call me when they were done. Sounds like the doctor didn't do too much hands on exam of her though. Just looked at the xray and said he didn't see a break, but there could be a hairline fracture and the radiologist would look at it in the morning and call if there's a problem. In the meantime they were going to splint it and if after a few days it wasn't any better come back for more xrays. So Joe had called me and told me this and I was thinking the two effected fingers would have a splint and tape on them. When she walked in the door her entire hand and half of her arm was wrapped up like this...
The official hospital paperwork says it's a contusion, but we should check with her doctor. She just happens to have her physical scheduled for tomorrow though so it kind of works out. We are to ice 4 times a day though and keep it elevated. We did take the splint off for a little while today and she says it feels a little better. It still looks very swollen to me, but Joe thinks it's better than it was last night. So we still aren't entirely sure if there's any break there. It's on her right hand and she's right handed so she'll get out of writing in school tomorrow I guess. And I'm hoping the doctor will have more answers for us tomorrow. She's being a trooper though. Refused pain meds at the hospital. She's a tough kid. Hoping for a quick recovery here.

Enjoying some Family Time and Nice Weather

Today the weather here in CT was just beautiful. And unseasonably warm. Temps in the 60's. Go figure, Monday we had snow. Ahhh as the saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in CT wait a minute."

Joe was off from work today which is rare for a Saturday. So since everyone was home and the weather was so nice we took advantage. We cleaned out the inside of the van and then went to the store to pick up some flowers to head to Joe's parents grave. Joe's mother's birthday was on Wednesday and of course his father being a Korean War Vet and Thursday having been Veteran's Day we figured this was the perfect time to pay our respects. We found their headstone and placed the flowers and Kaitlyn read her Me-ma a letter she had written her. Then we left.

Then we went and picked up some sandwiches at the store and found a park to eat our lunch. We had a nice picnic lunch and then the kids ran around the field for a while. CJ learned the fine art of rolling down a hill. Oh the giggles out of him. Then we headed back to the car and just went for a drive. Finally we decided to head back home though. Joe took down the Halloween lights and I started some baked ravioli for dinner. Now everyone's beat. Perhaps everyone will be off to bed early tonight. I love spending the day with my family. Glad we were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Baby K'tan Baby Carrier

Since I found out I was pregnant one of my concerns has been do we get a baby stroller or not? Do we do a double stroller or not? You see CJ still likes to be carried a lot or pushed in the stroller. So while he's 3 and capable of walking if we go places where lots of walking is required we like to have the stroller. However, I don't want the back of the van taken up by two strollers. And most double strollers are pretty bulky. So I started thinking perhaps rather than investing in a large bulky baby stroller (double or not) that maybe a baby carrier of sorts would be better.

I was thinking maybe a sling this time. However, Joe didn't really like that idea. But in my search for something I came across this cross between a sling and a carrier. The carriers are tough because they are usually bulky and hard to get on and put baby in, but slings just seemed easier. But then there are the safety concerns with slings. Although, as with anything if you don't use it correctly you will have problems.



So I saw this Baby K'tan Baby Carrier and I liked it because it's good for babies up to 40 pounds. It also can carry the baby in 8 different positions which is great because then we can figure out which position the baby is most comfortable in. Most of the reviews I have read are positive. I'm concerned about the sizes it comes in though. I wonder if we'll need a different one for Joe and a different one for me to carry the baby in because it doesn't adjust to fit the person carrying the baby. Also, how do you know what's the right size to get when you're pregnant? I can't really try it on and get a good idea now if it's going to fit. I would love to hear some of my readers preferences in slings and baby carriers though. Even if it's not about the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier. What was your favorite? Why do you prefer it? Does your husband like it too? Have you had experience with the Baby K'tan? What are your thoughts, good or bad on it? If I'm going to spend $55 on it then I want to make sure we're going to use it. I've never been a baby wearer before, but with four kids and a very busy schedule wearing baby might just be the easiest way to go this time around.

Thank a Veteran Day

While you are excited for the day off from work or school today don't forget why you have today off. Be sure to thank a Veteran today if you can. Because without them the freedoms and liberties that we take for granted on a daily basis we would not have.

So thank you to my Dad, who served in the army, Joe's dad who fought in Korea, Joe's brothers, and my grandfather who is pictured below.



And lets not forget to thank the families of these brave men and women who are protecting and serving us. They are the unsung veterans who are left behind to keep things going on the home front while their husband, wife, son, or daughter are serving their country. So thank you also for sharing your loved ones like that. I'd especially like to thank my military wife friends Erin, Renee, Angie, and Michele.

Ornament Swap

Ornament Swap Sign Up

I am joining "The Mrs." in an ornament swap this year. I thought boy does this sound like fun. Because lets face it when the ornaments come out every year the reminiscing of Christmas' past begins. For instance, I have this bell ornament from a friend in college. It's very special. It is from his country (India) so it's very unique and something no one I know has on their tree. Makes me think of him every year. Then there are the ones from my childhood and of course the ones my kids have made and the ones from their first Christmas. Great memories. Great stories to be told. What a great way to get a unique and special ornament. And knowing my kids they are going to love recreating a wonderful new ornament for someone else this holiday season. So go check it out. The rules are simple. Just get an ornament to your partner no later than December 15th. You cannot spend anymore than $10 on the ornament. Less is fine though. Have fun with this. Maybe you'll get an ornament from another country!

Life Has a Way...

of getting away from you.

It has been a crazy few weeks.

CJ is another year older.

I am another year older.

Halloween is over.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching.

Things are crazy with the kids in school.

Natalie is still having a hard time adjusting to middle school.

Christmas shopping has begun.

Crazy amounts of doctor's appointments on the horizon.

Is it any wonder with all of this my blood pressure is creeping up?

So far all is good with the baby despite my health problems.

Almost done with my 2nd trimester.

February really can't get here soon enough.

This is my life and I wouldn't have it any other way...

Happy 3rd Birthday CJ!

Dear CJ,
Happy Birthday sweet baby boy. So much has changed for you in this past year. A new home, started school, and a new baby sister on the way. You have taken everything with stride and a beautiful smile on your face. You have flourished. I cannot believe how much you've grown and changed in the last year. You are quite the show stopper. Always trying to make everyone laugh. And yet you have a stubborn streak. Daddy says you get it from me, but I think you get that from him. You have such a big heart. Always worried if someone is sad or even about the broken tree in the back yard. I know this is hard to understand, but not everything can be fixed with a hammer; try as we might.

I look forward to what the next year brings for you, but for now I will cherish you being 3. So Happy Birthday to you my sweet little boy. I am so happy that I am your mother. Your sweet smile keeps me smiling even in the most difficult of times. I love you.

Love,
Mommy