Options

I can't think of any more ways to offer liquid.

The Little Man has been sick (pink eye, ear infections, reaction to antibiotics etc).

He hasn't eaten anything but a few bites (a tablespoon of applesauce, quarter cup of yogurt, 3 bites of string cheese, a spoon of ice cream) since Saturday -and I'm not exaggerating- but he's been drinking.

Today? Maybe 5 oz -all day.

So I tried these this afternoon and evening.

Nothing. He had a sip of half of them and wouldn't have anything more to do with them.

Any suggestions?

3 Years

This hasn't been the most exciting anniversary thus far.

Not that it's really anyone's fault.

Justin was out of town for a week until Sunday and leaves again tomorrow.

Having a sick baby, and feeling like I was dying myself for a good 36 hours kind of hampered my celebratory mood. If there was one to be had in the first place.

Let's just remember more joyous occasions... shall we?

There's the wedding day. Ahh... to be young(er) and thin(er) again.

And then the first anniversary. Isn't that ring gorgeous?

Okay.. according to the almighty blog, I'm not sure we did anything too exciting on our second anniversary, but we did have a cute new little baby to blame for that.

Here's to many more years to come.

Some exciting, some a little less, but that's just life, right?

More things...

... that I simply do not get.

*White jeans. On a guy. In February. I'm pretty sure this is breaking a minimum of 3 rules.

*Reading a novel while waiting for someone (presumably) at a movie theatre. Maybe it was a library book and it was due back soon and she needed to take any spare moment she could to read.

*I think they're called lol cats. Those pictures of cats looking cute or ugly or weird and they have a saying or something on them. I don't understand why they can't spell or speak proper english.

For example:

*When a doctor waits FOREVER to call you back with results, even when it's good news. I understand it's just a job, and I really like my doctor and the office, but they called me back 6 days after a test to tell me they didn't find anything conclusive. Luckily the ultrasound tech had pretty much told me the same thing.

Guilt post

This is one of those posts where I feel like I should have something to say, but I just haven't felt like I've had anything happen TO post about. I guess I'm still in a bit of a funk from the vacation.

The Little Man is healing nicely, doesn't seem to take any notice of the scar on his forehead. Although, it's a pretty small scar, and I'm sure it'll get smaller and less noticeable as time goes on.

I also cut his hair -a little short. I was kind of sad at first, but it's grown on me. I think I'll keep buzzing it, but I'll go a little longer next time.

It's been a rough week getting back to normal. Justin was really gone from his 'other' businesses for 2 weeks (a week in Toronto the week before Maui), so he's been busy getting everything caught up. I've had a couple of doctor appointments with nothing conclusive to report plus, it's cold! It's actually been pretty sunny and not too bad, but considering how nice it was the week before, we're a little chilly. I'm itching to use our zoo pass, and hope that it'll warm up enough soon for a quick visit soon.

I told you there's not much to report. Justin's leaving for work later this week, and again the week after that -he's going to Las Vegas. Where it's warm. I'm a little jealous, but I don't really care for Vegas anymore, so it'll be okay.

I'll end with two things I don't get -from the gym. (Which by the way, is starting to thin out a bit, thank you to those who have already given up on their New Years resolutions, there are now more parking spaces and machines at 6:30 am.)

1. People that where jeans or make-up while working out. In the morning. I'll be honest, I've never done a lot of working out after work -I don't have the will power. I used to do drive-by's if I tried to go in the evening. It was always WAY too crowded and too much talking/flirting going on. But when I did go, I didn't necessarily take off my make up when I got there. However, I don't understand people that have obviously got up in the morning, applied make-up and THEN gone to the gym.

And jeans? Come on people, buy a pair of sweats or something.

2. "Mall" walkers. I understand the old couple or the ladies that walk around the mall, especially during the winter. Good on ya for trying to get a little exercise. But there were two women AT THE GYM walking around the large area of weights, over and over and over again. And it wasn't like there were no treadmills available, or that they were stopping every lap and doing a few weights. Nope, they were just walking around the perimeter of gym.

Weird.

But at least they weren't wearing jeans.

We survived!

I think by the end of the week, (and now that we're home and I'm minutes away from sleeping in my own bed for the first time in 7 days) we had a great time in Maui, but there were a few moments I so sure!

Day 1 Sunday

We were SO lucky on the way over! We ended up with an empty seat and he slept for 2 hours!

A tired Little Man decided to lunge toward a sharp corner and split his head open. Our first experience with the islanders was a calm nurse and an efficient doctor. We were in and out of the doors within 3 hours and he was finally asleep. Not as bad as it could have been.

The condo was amazing and right on the beach, it was a great place to stay for the week.

Day 2 Monday

We tried to stay out of the water and sand. We almost succeeded. We did go down to the beach for a few minutes and let the Little Man feel the waves for a few minutes and then Justin played in the ocean for a while. Justin and I spent a few minutes in the pool after he went to bed.

Day 3 Tuesday

Justin spent some time at the beach snorkeling and the Little Man and I went on a walk. Then we went and searched the area for some more medical supplies. I was determined to find something that would help waterproof the stitches so we could get in the pool later in the week. Finding anything helpful proved difficult -I'm too used to having a nurse for a mom, where we can get just about anything we need.

We went to the Needle of 'Iao -a short, paved walk that was really pretty and green.

Justin and I had a difficult evening.

Day 4 Wednesday

Justin went SCUBA diving with Kris. Most of the day was a bit of a blur for me. We went into Lahaina and walked around the shops waiting for the SCUBA divers to get back.

Almost everyone. Dustin, Laila, Shondel, Nolan, Dave, Hyrum, Lisa, Marime, and Me. We were missing the two SCUBA divers -Kris and Justin.

Justin got the Little Man into the pool for a little while after dinner. He loved it! Of course he loved it, what baby doesn't love swimming.

Day 5 Thursday

Spent the day at the Maui Ocean Center. I was surprised at how interested the Little Man was, he really seemed to get a kick out of the fish and other animals that were there. Plus, he loves playing with his cousin.

When we got home Shondel was brave enough to take out the Little Man's stitches. We were prepared for a lot of drama, but lucked out. He didn't even make a peep or seem that upset he was all wrapped up (I guess we DID use our beach towels).

After the stitches came out. Looks pretty good!

That evening Justin and I got away for the evening and went to the Old Lahaina Lu'au. I'm sure we overpaid, but both really enjoyed the food and dancing. Our waiter happened to be LDS (you figure that out pretty quickly after someone asks where you're from) and brought us the good non-alcoholic drinks.

Day 6 Friday

Finally -the beach! The stitches were out and I was starting to feel a little better, so we finally got into the ocean. The Little Man loved the water coming up on the beach, but wasn't too excited when mom mis-judged an on-coming wave and we crashed into one (or two).

We all went out for dinner that night to Aloha Mixed Plate, which was right next door to where we went to the Lu'au and happened to have the same owner. The food was great there too!

Proof that I was there too!

Day 7/8 Saturday-Sunday

Saturday we checked out and were lucky enough to have a place to go for the day (our flight didn't leave until 10pm). Dave's sister and husband had recently bought a condo in Kaanapali and we spent the day in the pool, the beach, and one last (failed) attempt at a nap for the Little Man.

To kill time we went to some shops where they happened to have a band playing. The Little Man couldn't resist a little dance!

Untitled from Melanie Lafeen on Vimeo.

We finally arrived at the airport, and that ended up being a bit of a blur as well. Kris and Marime's flight was delayed, ours left on time and, once again, could have been a lot worse. The Little Man didn't really sleep much, but he was quiet for almost the entire flight -which was 45 minutes shorter than expected. Which was good, since Justin and I didn't sleep much either.

Waiting at the airport

Good thing it's time for bed now.

Honestly, we had a good time. The weather was great, the beaches and resort was beautiful, it was wonderful spending that much time with family. Thanks again, Lisa and Dave!

Loss

It's strange that a loss that is so familiar can still be so painful.



It's different this time. A little easier, I think. Some of the waiting and wondering were over much quicker. I knew immediately.



But, that meant that I hurt immediately as well.



I once asked a friend, who was having her own struggle, if she would rather go without, or have... and then have not.



She chose rather quickly. She would rather have, and then have not.



I find myself here once again.



I had. It was wonderful, and exciting, and scary and fun.



And I lost.



I have a beautiful baby, who has given my life more fulfillment than I thought was possible. He is happy for no reason, loves no matter what, and is excited for everything. I know there are many of you that long for that, and my heart breaks for you.



I hope we all get what our hearts desire, and pray that we have the patience to wait and handle the challenges that may come.

Not for the faint of heart

I'm sure I'll do a play by play of our vacation soon enough, but there's a few of you (family and facebook friends) who might want to see a few pictures of our adventure thus far.

Right after we got to the (awesome) condo and had a quick dinner The Little Man was running around -happy to be out of the airplane, I'm sure.

He ran out to the balcony, tripped and ended up diving head first into a little step where the railing sits.

I was just behind him, saw the whole thing, along with his papa, Dave. Dave picked him up first, and I saw the mark go dark red, and then start GUSHING blood. (No exaggeration).

I hurried him into the kitchen and we tried to grab something to stop the bleeding and survey the damage. I knew that head wounds bleed like crazy, and was hoping it wasn't as bad as it seemed (I guess the fact that the two of us were literally covered in blood should have been a clue). When we pulled the rag away I knew we were heading to the hospital. Lisa called down to the front desk and they met us on the way to the car with the directions.

We were lucky that the bleeding pretty much stopped by the time we got to the car, and with Buddy in tow, the Little Man calmed down. So much that we had to help him stay awake on the ride (with the time change it was already about 3 hours past his usual bedtime).

As far as ER visits (this being my first) I think it went pretty well. We waited a few minutes to be triaged, and then maybe 10 minutes to go back to a room. I bet we were there about 30 minutes before the Doctor poked his head in, and then another 30 or 40 before we actually did the stitches.

That was rough -possibly worse on his parents than the Little Man himself, but I assure you, he was not happy about it either. We had to strap him down to a backboard and a sheet to keep him still and then it took 3 of us to keep him completely still. I tried to sing to him during the stitches, but had to look away for most of it.

He feel asleep instantly on my shoulders afterwards and actually slept really well all night.

He seems to be doing great -other than the fact that our Hawaii vacation has been without swimming time so far. I think we'll try to waterproof it tomorrow and at least let him splash around in the pool.

Shondel (sister-in-law) has volunteered to take the stitches out on Friday, so we'll see how that goes!