Wednesday, August 31, 2005
My Neighbor's Health Battle
I was on my way to my next door neighbor's house, Robin, to ask if she wanted to go for a walk when I saw 2 women walk in her house. I decided not to knock since she has company over. While standing on the driveway, I saw my other neighbor Jenny wave and she started walking towards me.
Jenny: "How's it going?"
Me: "Ok, just finished cooking dinner for my boys. What's up?"
Jenny: "I have to tell you something but you can't tell anybody yet."
Me: "Tell me. Is there something wrong?"
Jenny: "They just found out that Robin has leukemia. That's her mom and aunt. They just flew in from Utah."
Me: "WHAT??!! Oh my God! Oh my God! How’d 'you know?"
Jenny: "I was just talking to her aunt and they just found out yesterday. Man, that's too much..."
Me: "I don't know what to say. I'm... uuhhhh... What can I say? Wow, that is heavy. How's Jason & Hailey??"
My neighbor Robin and her husband Jason invited us over for dinner 2 weeks ago. We've been doing our family walks some nights with their 20month old daughter Hailey pushing her miniature stroller, and we have Aden in his wagon.
Robin is very sweet, warm, thoughtful and very sure of herself. I also find her very attractive with her big deep blue eyes, blond hair, sweet smile - simply radiant. I couldn't believe what I just heard. She seems healthy and full of energy so I was thinking it was impossible for her to acquire the disease. She had so many plans for her daughter and she and her husband are so in love with each other.
I started reading a little bit about leukemia as soon as my son went to bed and found out that there are leukemia survivors. I clung to the hope of her being in the early stages and modern medicine will be beneficial to her treatment and survival.
Then this evening, I saw my neighbor from across the street whose wife is good friends with Robin. I asked him what they know about her condition. My heart just sank when he said that his wife visited her this morning and the diagnosis wasn't good. The doctors are giving her 6months. They've put a central venous catheter in her for chemotherapy and they're going aggressive with the treatment.
I want to visit her but I'm not sure if it was okay for me to go. Her whole family is still trying to cope with the depressing news. Her husband is at loss. Her daughter doesn't understand what's going on. Everything is just happening too fast.
I guess for now all I can do is pray. I believe in the power of God and I believe in miracles.
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Jenny: "How's it going?"
Me: "Ok, just finished cooking dinner for my boys. What's up?"
Jenny: "I have to tell you something but you can't tell anybody yet."
Me: "Tell me. Is there something wrong?"
Jenny: "They just found out that Robin has leukemia. That's her mom and aunt. They just flew in from Utah."
Me: "WHAT??!! Oh my God! Oh my God! How’d 'you know?"
Jenny: "I was just talking to her aunt and they just found out yesterday. Man, that's too much..."
Me: "I don't know what to say. I'm... uuhhhh... What can I say? Wow, that is heavy. How's Jason & Hailey??"
My neighbor Robin and her husband Jason invited us over for dinner 2 weeks ago. We've been doing our family walks some nights with their 20month old daughter Hailey pushing her miniature stroller, and we have Aden in his wagon.
Robin is very sweet, warm, thoughtful and very sure of herself. I also find her very attractive with her big deep blue eyes, blond hair, sweet smile - simply radiant. I couldn't believe what I just heard. She seems healthy and full of energy so I was thinking it was impossible for her to acquire the disease. She had so many plans for her daughter and she and her husband are so in love with each other.
I started reading a little bit about leukemia as soon as my son went to bed and found out that there are leukemia survivors. I clung to the hope of her being in the early stages and modern medicine will be beneficial to her treatment and survival.
Then this evening, I saw my neighbor from across the street whose wife is good friends with Robin. I asked him what they know about her condition. My heart just sank when he said that his wife visited her this morning and the diagnosis wasn't good. The doctors are giving her 6months. They've put a central venous catheter in her for chemotherapy and they're going aggressive with the treatment.
I want to visit her but I'm not sure if it was okay for me to go. Her whole family is still trying to cope with the depressing news. Her husband is at loss. Her daughter doesn't understand what's going on. Everything is just happening too fast.
I guess for now all I can do is pray. I believe in the power of God and I believe in miracles.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Too Judgemental
I definitely don't want to use the term "discrimination" because I've felt it before in my work place. I would never ever wish for anybody to experience or feel it. Unfortunately, some people are too ignorant to realize that God created us all equal. In spite of it all, I don't know if it's just me but I felt I was being ostracized in the new club I joined in our community.
It all started with a roster that had the meeting schedule and venue of the toddler playgroup for this calendar year. I had spoken to the playgroup leader last week and mentioned that I won't be in town for 3 months starting December. When I looked at the roster, my name wasn't there and she put a note on her email saying she didn't include me due to my extensive travels. So I was surprised that she didn't schedule me for the earlier months (Sept-Nov) since I'll still be in town.
Then this morning, we were scheduled to have another playgroup meeting but I didn't get any confirmation emails or phone number of the contact person for the venue. So I tried calling the playgroup leader to verify the meeting but she had left her house already. A minute later, I got a call from her giving me directions as to where the meeting was. I felt like I had to go to straighten things out. I'm sure I'm just being emotional and sensitive and I wanted to prove I'm wrong.
I arrived an hour late to the meeting. I talked to the playgroup leader and told her that I'll still be in town until end of November so I can still host a meeting. It turned out to be a terrible miscommunication after all. She thought I was going to be gone for 3 months up until December. Duh!
I really felt bad and stupid after our conversation. I should have called her sooner to clarify things.
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It all started with a roster that had the meeting schedule and venue of the toddler playgroup for this calendar year. I had spoken to the playgroup leader last week and mentioned that I won't be in town for 3 months starting December. When I looked at the roster, my name wasn't there and she put a note on her email saying she didn't include me due to my extensive travels. So I was surprised that she didn't schedule me for the earlier months (Sept-Nov) since I'll still be in town.
Then this morning, we were scheduled to have another playgroup meeting but I didn't get any confirmation emails or phone number of the contact person for the venue. So I tried calling the playgroup leader to verify the meeting but she had left her house already. A minute later, I got a call from her giving me directions as to where the meeting was. I felt like I had to go to straighten things out. I'm sure I'm just being emotional and sensitive and I wanted to prove I'm wrong.
I arrived an hour late to the meeting. I talked to the playgroup leader and told her that I'll still be in town until end of November so I can still host a meeting. It turned out to be a terrible miscommunication after all. She thought I was going to be gone for 3 months up until December. Duh!
I really felt bad and stupid after our conversation. I should have called her sooner to clarify things.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Love or Leave your Country
I had an interesting day today. I couldn't normally finish house chores unless Trent's around to watch Aden. I've never left him in daycare unless you count the one in the gym where they page me overhead every 5-10mins.
Trent got called for jury duty for the first time since we moved up here in Lincoln. He's usually out the door around 5am but thank goodness for jury duty, he was able to sleep in and he didn't have to work overtime. So I took advantage of the fact that I have extra hands. I was able to scrub our kitchen floor, clean all the toilets, do some laundry, vacuum 4 rooms out of our 5bedroom house and took Aden for a walk at the park. Aahhh... the life of a domestic diva...
After lunch, I did a favor for a friend. My friend called me late last night to ask if I could go to the remittance bank to send money to her mom. I could sense the urgency in her voice and she doesn't normally trust anybody with money. There's no doubt money is a very sensitive issue but if your parent(s) owned a business that was gravely hit by the economic crisis in the Philippines, you'll understand the gravity of the situation.
I know a lot of Filipinos who want to leave the country for monetary reasons. I constantly discuss this with my mom who is in the same predicament. Corruption is an institution in the Philippines. I know because my family is experiencing it first hand. My mom used to own a successful garment manufacturing company and my step-dad had a multi-million construction company. Both companies still exist but have negative revenue.
Just last week, the president of the country recalled projects for the public works and highway. My step-dad was looking forward to a project that would've earned a little. It turned out to be a huge loss and the project never even materialized. A week before the recall, Congressman Bingbong Crisologo (through one of his aids) asked for a 10% bribe money from my step-dad (tito Butch) to get the project. Tito Butch was given a deadline and he was able to come up with Php500K ($1=Php55.20). A few days after, the news broke about the recall.
Now, since the project didn't push through, don't you think he should get his money back?? He asked the "aid" to ask his boss, the Congressman, to give back the money since the project was cancelled. The answer he got was: "Wala kong nalalaman dyan" (I don't know anything about that)
This is just one example of the many cases of corruption in the Philippine government. Tito Butch's brother who was also hoping to get a project gave bribe money to Jaworski amounting to Php800K. Then there was another congressman who asked and got PhP3M!!! None of them got it back.
These kinds of unjust acts make me sick to my stomach. Where is the moral principle of all these people?
I truly sympathize with the victims of all these chaos. Since I left the country in 1999, a lot has changed. This doesn't apply to everybody especially to younger generations who are just starting and striving to succeed in life. Not too long ago, I talked to at least 3 of my friends who were asking for help to find a job here in the US or any country outside the Philippines. My friends are all well educated and well brought up. But with their future's uncertainty, I don't blame them for wanting to leave the country.
I'm proud to be a Filipino but I'm glad I'm a US Citizen. As a mom, it is inevitable for me not to think of my son's future and do whatever it takes to give him every best opportunity.
***************
I found this article by a Korean student studying in the Philippines. See what your thoughts are...
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Trent got called for jury duty for the first time since we moved up here in Lincoln. He's usually out the door around 5am but thank goodness for jury duty, he was able to sleep in and he didn't have to work overtime. So I took advantage of the fact that I have extra hands. I was able to scrub our kitchen floor, clean all the toilets, do some laundry, vacuum 4 rooms out of our 5bedroom house and took Aden for a walk at the park. Aahhh... the life of a domestic diva...
After lunch, I did a favor for a friend. My friend called me late last night to ask if I could go to the remittance bank to send money to her mom. I could sense the urgency in her voice and she doesn't normally trust anybody with money. There's no doubt money is a very sensitive issue but if your parent(s) owned a business that was gravely hit by the economic crisis in the Philippines, you'll understand the gravity of the situation.
I know a lot of Filipinos who want to leave the country for monetary reasons. I constantly discuss this with my mom who is in the same predicament. Corruption is an institution in the Philippines. I know because my family is experiencing it first hand. My mom used to own a successful garment manufacturing company and my step-dad had a multi-million construction company. Both companies still exist but have negative revenue.
Just last week, the president of the country recalled projects for the public works and highway. My step-dad was looking forward to a project that would've earned a little. It turned out to be a huge loss and the project never even materialized. A week before the recall, Congressman Bingbong Crisologo (through one of his aids) asked for a 10% bribe money from my step-dad (tito Butch) to get the project. Tito Butch was given a deadline and he was able to come up with Php500K ($1=Php55.20). A few days after, the news broke about the recall.
Now, since the project didn't push through, don't you think he should get his money back?? He asked the "aid" to ask his boss, the Congressman, to give back the money since the project was cancelled. The answer he got was: "Wala kong nalalaman dyan" (I don't know anything about that)
This is just one example of the many cases of corruption in the Philippine government. Tito Butch's brother who was also hoping to get a project gave bribe money to Jaworski amounting to Php800K. Then there was another congressman who asked and got PhP3M!!! None of them got it back.
These kinds of unjust acts make me sick to my stomach. Where is the moral principle of all these people?
I truly sympathize with the victims of all these chaos. Since I left the country in 1999, a lot has changed. This doesn't apply to everybody especially to younger generations who are just starting and striving to succeed in life. Not too long ago, I talked to at least 3 of my friends who were asking for help to find a job here in the US or any country outside the Philippines. My friends are all well educated and well brought up. But with their future's uncertainty, I don't blame them for wanting to leave the country.
I'm proud to be a Filipino but I'm glad I'm a US Citizen. As a mom, it is inevitable for me not to think of my son's future and do whatever it takes to give him every best opportunity.
***************
I found this article by a Korean student studying in the Philippines. See what your thoughts are...
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Tuesday Toddler Playgroup
It was our first day at the Lincoln Moms Club "Tuesday Toddler Playgroup". I'll tell you more about it later. I got the sniffles so I better rest before I start acting like a zombie when my son wakes up.
... Just wanted to share this picture. I thought it was cute to see several kids playing with this particular toy when there was so many to choose from.
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... Just wanted to share this picture. I thought it was cute to see several kids playing with this particular toy when there was so many to choose from.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
California State Fair 2005
Aden at the Cal State Fair last year (2004) & this year (2005)
We took Aden to the state fair last year. He was barely 3months old then. I remember how gruesome it was for me to drag him with his big suv of a stroller, oven temperature heat and finding a secluded spot to nurse him.
This year it was less challenging for us to take him. He's eating regular food, drinking any non-alcoholic drinks (I hope that lasts forever) and a lightweight stroller is perfect. There are pros and cons at this stage. When he was a baby, we just left him in the stroller and only worry if he gets hungry. Now, he tries to stand in his stroller and once in a while would wander off to enjoy his newly discovered sense of independency. We wanted to let him try the rides but there was a height limit of 36" for kids who need to be accompanied by an adult and 48" for regular individuals. Aden's about 31" so he still has 5 more inches to go.
We decided to go to the exhibits instead. Honestly, it's the best thing to do there because all the buildings are air-conditioned. There were about a dozen exhibits and they were all good. Aside from the rides and exhibits, they have live concerts & entertainment, kids zone, animal racing, livestock farm and shows, agricultural products of California display, an impressive sand sculpture, etc.
We were there for about 4hrs and we still missed some of the stuff they have. The place is so huge and there's a gazillion things to do in there.
Just in case someone reads this and is interested in going, the fair ends on Sept 5th, 2005 or for more information logon to http://www.bigfun.org.
We took Aden to the state fair last year. He was barely 3months old then. I remember how gruesome it was for me to drag him with his big suv of a stroller, oven temperature heat and finding a secluded spot to nurse him.
This year it was less challenging for us to take him. He's eating regular food, drinking any non-alcoholic drinks (I hope that lasts forever) and a lightweight stroller is perfect. There are pros and cons at this stage. When he was a baby, we just left him in the stroller and only worry if he gets hungry. Now, he tries to stand in his stroller and once in a while would wander off to enjoy his newly discovered sense of independency. We wanted to let him try the rides but there was a height limit of 36" for kids who need to be accompanied by an adult and 48" for regular individuals. Aden's about 31" so he still has 5 more inches to go.
We decided to go to the exhibits instead. Honestly, it's the best thing to do there because all the buildings are air-conditioned. There were about a dozen exhibits and they were all good. Aside from the rides and exhibits, they have live concerts & entertainment, kids zone, animal racing, livestock farm and shows, agricultural products of California display, an impressive sand sculpture, etc.
We were there for about 4hrs and we still missed some of the stuff they have. The place is so huge and there's a gazillion things to do in there.
Just in case someone reads this and is interested in going, the fair ends on Sept 5th, 2005 or for more information logon to http://www.bigfun.org.
Our only family picture at the fair 
A true Pinay uses an umbrella under the sun
Trent purposely wore yellow so I could easily spot him
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Nimbus Hatchery
We went to the Nimbus Hatchery today at Racho Cordova. We didn't really plan on going but Trent decided to use a different route on our way home. We did some errands in South Sacramento and traffic was building up on the other side.
I've only been to the hatchery once and it was freezing cold then. I think it was back in 1999 so I was kinda excited to see the little fishies. I wanted to see how Aden would react now that he's at the age where he's amazed at anything you point specially animals - his favorite is the bird. To our dismay, they close at 2:30pm and we got there at 3pm. Arrgh!!! We still went to the ladder where the salmons swim against the tide but it was empty. I think spawning season is around fall towards winter. We still went anyway.
Here's Aden in his carseat
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I've only been to the hatchery once and it was freezing cold then. I think it was back in 1999 so I was kinda excited to see the little fishies. I wanted to see how Aden would react now that he's at the age where he's amazed at anything you point specially animals - his favorite is the bird. To our dismay, they close at 2:30pm and we got there at 3pm. Arrgh!!! We still went to the ladder where the salmons swim against the tide but it was empty. I think spawning season is around fall towards winter. We still went anyway.
Here's Aden in his carseat
Behind us is the American River
Here's the salmon ladder I'm talkin' about.
I think that's Hazel Avenue behind us. I'm sure that's not the freeway.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Moms Club
I've been meaning to join some sort of group or at least have some activity with my son ever since I stopped working.
Two months ago, my neighbors invited me to a "Bunco" game. I didn't even know what it was but heck, I'm always up for something new. It's a no-brainer game played in teams with three dice. A lot of people think it's a game played by older women but I think it's a nice getting-to-know you game. Sure enough, I met at least 10 of my neighbors, all moms and most of them are homemakers. A lot of them have school age kids and they met through the new school in our community.
In one of the rotations, I met this lady and told her about my son. She told me that there's a group called Lincoln Moms Club in our area and it's not part of the international moms club. So we exchanged information and she told me she was going to contact the head of the group.
Finally, early this week, I got a packet in the mail from the moms club with some information in it. Enclosed were the application form, rules, pamphlet of the club and a calendar of activities for this month. I called the number to inquire if I could attend the scheduled business meeting instead of the playgroup. The lady on the other line gave me the venue address and I guess she assumed that I know the ins and outs of our city. My mistake was I assumed that I can get any direction from the internet.
This morning, after feeding Aden and giving him a bath, I checked the internet to get directions and it kept giving me an invalid address warning. So I decided to put Aden in the car and take a little adventure in our area. I tried calling the number on the pamphlet again but the answering machine kept picking up. After 15mins of circling the neighborhood and pondering whether I should turn around and head back home or keep looking, I coincidentally found the street.
I went inside the house and introduced myself. There were about 11 moms, 1 dad and lots of kids. They all seemed nice and very active in this organization. Well, these were the board members so I should expect that from them. They talked about a lot of things and it sounded to me like they're super serious about this organization. It was all good though and very educational for the kids. They also have some plans for dads to get involved. So right there and then, I decided to join but told one of the gals that I'll mail my application since I didn't realize that I had to get my husband's signature.
Aden seemed okay with the crowd as well. He mingled with the other kids with no problem. My son is known for freaking out when he sees strangers... I don't think he got that from me!
Now I have to wait for more information before I start getting too involved. I'm looking forward to this and I'm excited that my schedule is really getting full. The good news about this club is you are not obliged to go to every single meeting. I think they have activities 5 days a week but you only have to attend at least 1 or 2 every month but you are more than welcome to attend all of it if you want to or if you have all the time in your hands.
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Two months ago, my neighbors invited me to a "Bunco" game. I didn't even know what it was but heck, I'm always up for something new. It's a no-brainer game played in teams with three dice. A lot of people think it's a game played by older women but I think it's a nice getting-to-know you game. Sure enough, I met at least 10 of my neighbors, all moms and most of them are homemakers. A lot of them have school age kids and they met through the new school in our community.
In one of the rotations, I met this lady and told her about my son. She told me that there's a group called Lincoln Moms Club in our area and it's not part of the international moms club. So we exchanged information and she told me she was going to contact the head of the group.
Finally, early this week, I got a packet in the mail from the moms club with some information in it. Enclosed were the application form, rules, pamphlet of the club and a calendar of activities for this month. I called the number to inquire if I could attend the scheduled business meeting instead of the playgroup. The lady on the other line gave me the venue address and I guess she assumed that I know the ins and outs of our city. My mistake was I assumed that I can get any direction from the internet.
This morning, after feeding Aden and giving him a bath, I checked the internet to get directions and it kept giving me an invalid address warning. So I decided to put Aden in the car and take a little adventure in our area. I tried calling the number on the pamphlet again but the answering machine kept picking up. After 15mins of circling the neighborhood and pondering whether I should turn around and head back home or keep looking, I coincidentally found the street.
I went inside the house and introduced myself. There were about 11 moms, 1 dad and lots of kids. They all seemed nice and very active in this organization. Well, these were the board members so I should expect that from them. They talked about a lot of things and it sounded to me like they're super serious about this organization. It was all good though and very educational for the kids. They also have some plans for dads to get involved. So right there and then, I decided to join but told one of the gals that I'll mail my application since I didn't realize that I had to get my husband's signature.
Aden seemed okay with the crowd as well. He mingled with the other kids with no problem. My son is known for freaking out when he sees strangers... I don't think he got that from me!
Now I have to wait for more information before I start getting too involved. I'm looking forward to this and I'm excited that my schedule is really getting full. The good news about this club is you are not obliged to go to every single meeting. I think they have activities 5 days a week but you only have to attend at least 1 or 2 every month but you are more than welcome to attend all of it if you want to or if you have all the time in your hands.
Friday, August 12, 2005
First Haircut
Aden finally got his first haircut today at EJ's Little People in Roseville. He did really good since I was expecting him to scream his heart out. He was well behaved and he didn't fuss at all. He did exactly what the stylist told him to do. I'm proud of my little boy:-)
before picture - i couldn't take a close-up picture of him. he kept running away from me.
with hairstylist "kim" - notice the basket of toys next to him?
bye bye baby hair
after picture - wasn't really sure what happened there
after picture - wasn't really sure what happened there
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Above Average
When Aden was about 8-10months old, I started getting worried about his social-emotional development. He was and still is very clingy to me. Although he was either right on target or a little advanced for the skills he should be doing at a certain age, I was still concerned.
At 2 1/2months he was addicted to watching TV. At 5months he started crawling. At 6months, he was able to pull himself up. At 7 months, he started saying his first jargon "nya-nya-nya". At 8 months, he'd giggle and react to his bedtime stories. Then he started walking at 10 months (which a lot of babies nowadays master at a young age) Yes, it all sounded normal and I have to admit that despite the fact that nothing seemed wrong, I was still a little paranoid so I decide to have him checked by a developmental specialist. As my brother would say: "OVER!!!"
The appointment ran for about 2hrs. They did a myriad of tests that required some critical thinking for a young child. Of course, both my husband and I were there to observe and we were taken aback by some skills he showed that we didn't even know he could do. At the same time, the doctor was also amazed at this particular skill where he had to put about 6 sticks in holes with a diameter of about 1/8 inch and told us that babies his age wouldn't even normally understand. If ever they do, they can only do 1 but not all 6.
After the test, the doctor excused herself and came back with the results. First she asked us why we were concerned. We told her that we just wanted to make sure that Aden was normal. Then she asked how my pregnancy was and a little bit of our background.
Then finally she said, "Well, based on the tests, your son is very, very smart. In fact he's way above average. He's normal. There's nothing wrong with him." My husband and I looked at each other with a proud look on our faces. The doctor also said that Aden is very strong willed hence the querulousness. She said also that this may change if we don't stay on top of it. Kids undergo a lot of changes. Their skills and behaviors are still in the molding process.
So after hearing the good news, even if I expected the results to be normal, I had this smile plastered on my face. This kind of news would boost any parents’ ego. I'm glad we took this time to see his progress.
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At 2 1/2months he was addicted to watching TV. At 5months he started crawling. At 6months, he was able to pull himself up. At 7 months, he started saying his first jargon "nya-nya-nya". At 8 months, he'd giggle and react to his bedtime stories. Then he started walking at 10 months (which a lot of babies nowadays master at a young age) Yes, it all sounded normal and I have to admit that despite the fact that nothing seemed wrong, I was still a little paranoid so I decide to have him checked by a developmental specialist. As my brother would say: "OVER!!!"
The appointment ran for about 2hrs. They did a myriad of tests that required some critical thinking for a young child. Of course, both my husband and I were there to observe and we were taken aback by some skills he showed that we didn't even know he could do. At the same time, the doctor was also amazed at this particular skill where he had to put about 6 sticks in holes with a diameter of about 1/8 inch and told us that babies his age wouldn't even normally understand. If ever they do, they can only do 1 but not all 6.
After the test, the doctor excused herself and came back with the results. First she asked us why we were concerned. We told her that we just wanted to make sure that Aden was normal. Then she asked how my pregnancy was and a little bit of our background.
Then finally she said, "Well, based on the tests, your son is very, very smart. In fact he's way above average. He's normal. There's nothing wrong with him." My husband and I looked at each other with a proud look on our faces. The doctor also said that Aden is very strong willed hence the querulousness. She said also that this may change if we don't stay on top of it. Kids undergo a lot of changes. Their skills and behaviors are still in the molding process.
So after hearing the good news, even if I expected the results to be normal, I had this smile plastered on my face. This kind of news would boost any parents’ ego. I'm glad we took this time to see his progress.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Weekend Playgroup
Weekend with company is always fun. My husband went river rafting with a couple of our friends yesterday at the American River in Coloma. We used to go every year but its different this time around.Two years ago, we went with a bunch of people and had 6 rafts all to our group. A friend of our friend organizes this run during summer, every weekend for I think 2 months. He rents all the rafts, oars, reserves the campsite then divides the expenses among the rafters. Really fun group.
This year, some of us had to pass up the fun for the same reason. We all became moms. Haaaaaayy... the joys of motherhood. Of course the dads went and the moms were left behind to take care of more important matters. Aside from taking care of our kids, we had to prepare dinner for the exhausted rafters. Women usually lose the term "exhaustion" in their vocabulary once they're faced with a screaming baby.
So, with 3 moms and 3 active kids left behind, I thought we were up for the fear factor moms edition challenge! Just kidding. Well, we had our own entertainment. We set up a big kiddie pool that the kids enjoyed, a much needed kiddie sprinkler for the triple digit weather (yes, it was scorching HOT), put out all the toys and had the tv turned on to the disney channel. Unfortunately, I don't think they even glanced at the tv. There were times when they had this chain reaction cries. Of course, my baby cried the most because he thinks he owns every single cell in me. The kids enjoyed the pool even if the water was only about 4inches deep. We had to keep it low since we have a baby who's not walking yet, a baby who just started walking and a 2yr old toddler.
In between all this chaos, I was trying to cook dinner.
Finally around 8:30pm, the rafters got home. They were all tired and roasted from the heat, and they were all hungry. They were also excited to tell me about my "serious" husband who didn't hold back on letting out the child in him during the run. They kept telling me that they've never seen that side of him before. I'm glad it was obvious he had fun. Everybody had a good dinner with baby back ribs in the menu. Mmmm... my favorite!! But for the moms, we told them that we felt like we also went rafting after a full day with very active dependent kids.
Despite the exhaustion, I have to say I had so much fun having guests specially kids my son's age coming over to visit. I also miss seeing my friends from the bay area since we moved to Lincoln. I have no regrets moving out here. In fact, I don't want to move back there but most of my friends who live there are new moms just like me.
Friday, August 05, 2005
The Patient
Daddy and Aden
Mommy and Aden
Back of his hospital gown
Breathing oxygen with his IV still on
Hours after surgery, Aden's back to his perky self
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Surgery
Aden had a reconsturtive surgery yesterday, Aug 3. It was just a minor surgery that lasted about 45mins.
Just like most moms, I was so nervous and couldn't stop thinking about it for days. I wanted so badly to speed up time to get this whole thing done and over with and have his wound healed at no time.
We had to be at the admissions by 6:15am so I woke up at 5am, took a shower, put Aden in the carseat and headed straight to the hospital. Of course Aden didn't know that he was the patient. Since he was a minor, both parents were allowed to go with him in the prep room and at the recovery room so we'd be the first one he sees when he wakes up. As you walk down the aisle in the prep/recovery room, you see all the beds lined on both sides. We were following the nurse to to cubicle they assigned for Aden and when we got there, as expected, instead of having a bed, he had a crib. Then they gave us this tiny hospital gown for babies. It was so cute. I didn't think Aden find it cute though.
After putting on the gown, he started getting fussy so the doctor decided to finally give him his happy juice as they ran all the questionnaires and risks and procedure to us. I couldn't concentrate much so I let Trent sign stuff that needed to be signed and as for me and Aden, well, we played "tag" running up and down the aisle as the other groggy patients looked. When he started walking like a drunk, I finally handed him to one of the nurses and watched as they carried him to the operating room. When the doors closed, that's when I felt time started crawling at its slowest speed.
Finally time gave way. The door busted open and Aden's doctor came out. She told us that everything went well and Aden was just starting to wake up so she escorted us to the recovery room. From a distace i spotted my son being carried by the nurse. I saw his brown eyes starting to open and he was very calm. As soon as he saw mommy and daddy, he started crying and extended his arms for me to carry him. I got him right away and hugged him and gave him lots of kisses. Told him how brave he was and that mommy and daddy love him very much.
When he was finally fully awake, they gave him 2 cups of apple juice and took out his IV and all the other stuff connected to him. We went home then I put him on our bed. He fell asleep and I stayed next to him until he woke up. I even skipped lunch just to be with him. We left Trent at the hospital since that's where he works. He came home as soon as he could.
When Aden gained his strength back that afternoon, he was back to his normal routine and started playing. I guess the stitches didn't bother him at all. But thank God everything went well.
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Just like most moms, I was so nervous and couldn't stop thinking about it for days. I wanted so badly to speed up time to get this whole thing done and over with and have his wound healed at no time.
We had to be at the admissions by 6:15am so I woke up at 5am, took a shower, put Aden in the carseat and headed straight to the hospital. Of course Aden didn't know that he was the patient. Since he was a minor, both parents were allowed to go with him in the prep room and at the recovery room so we'd be the first one he sees when he wakes up. As you walk down the aisle in the prep/recovery room, you see all the beds lined on both sides. We were following the nurse to to cubicle they assigned for Aden and when we got there, as expected, instead of having a bed, he had a crib. Then they gave us this tiny hospital gown for babies. It was so cute. I didn't think Aden find it cute though.
After putting on the gown, he started getting fussy so the doctor decided to finally give him his happy juice as they ran all the questionnaires and risks and procedure to us. I couldn't concentrate much so I let Trent sign stuff that needed to be signed and as for me and Aden, well, we played "tag" running up and down the aisle as the other groggy patients looked. When he started walking like a drunk, I finally handed him to one of the nurses and watched as they carried him to the operating room. When the doors closed, that's when I felt time started crawling at its slowest speed.
Finally time gave way. The door busted open and Aden's doctor came out. She told us that everything went well and Aden was just starting to wake up so she escorted us to the recovery room. From a distace i spotted my son being carried by the nurse. I saw his brown eyes starting to open and he was very calm. As soon as he saw mommy and daddy, he started crying and extended his arms for me to carry him. I got him right away and hugged him and gave him lots of kisses. Told him how brave he was and that mommy and daddy love him very much.
When he was finally fully awake, they gave him 2 cups of apple juice and took out his IV and all the other stuff connected to him. We went home then I put him on our bed. He fell asleep and I stayed next to him until he woke up. I even skipped lunch just to be with him. We left Trent at the hospital since that's where he works. He came home as soon as he could.
When Aden gained his strength back that afternoon, he was back to his normal routine and started playing. I guess the stitches didn't bother him at all. But thank God everything went well.
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