Mardi Gras 2019

My feed is full of people I know in Louisiana attending parades right now and I'm jealous. We missed all the parades last year, but this year we're holding off for St. Patrick's Day. I'm excited. Mississippi sucks for not partaking in carnival festivities, but at least they carry some Louisiana staples: king cake, Zapp's chips, and Abita strawberry beer. Just avoid the crawfish. It's not good.

Food, Family, Fun

Mom was off this weekend, so she invited us to go to Cock of the Wok for dinner with Carlton and his fam. It was SO crowded! My anxiety was through the roof. But, Cole slept through most of the noise, Elias ate all of his food and even tried (and liked!) turnip greens, Jac and Leah sat with my nephews at a separate table and behaved themselves, and I got to sit next to Payton. He's already outgrown me by a few inches. I managed to get a picture of the younger kids, but Cole started crying and wanted to eat so I forgot to get a pic of the rest of us. Oh well. A family behind us had a gender-reveal cake (pink!) and they offered us some cupcakes, but half our group was outside and we were heading to Baskin Robbins. There were also about four separate birthdays during our visit, so four times the servers came bounding out with a loud song of celebration. Our server kept fussing at them because Cole was asleep, ha. He was a cool guy who could flip two cornbread cakes at once. Elias thought it was absolutely awesome. I had a flashback of when we went there when Jac was a fresh, new baby and I was terrified of breastfeeding in public. I didn't pack formula and expected he'd sleep while we ate, but he woke up screaming and wanted to nurse, but I was scared to feed him and didn't want to go to the bathroom and the couple next to us was glaring, so out of shame, Zac and I left early. It was embarrassing, but if I could go back, I would've fed him right there. It's funny I stopped caring about a flash of boob so much after I had Leah.

Milestones and Fun Stuff

My Jac is growing up so fast. For the past year, his voice started changing from his "little boy" voice, to a croaky, in-between voice, to one that's mildly raspy and deeper. He's also been growing a mustache and outgrowing clothes within a few months, as well as catching up to his five-foot-three mama. We were going to wait until the big THIRTEEN before letting him shave, but decided he could just go for it. He's been nervous about using a razor, so Zac helped him a bit and he'll try it himself next week. It's a little sad for me, watching my first baby grow up so fast, but he's turning out to be a sweet young man.

I gave the kiddos the day off school and took them to the park early enough so it wouldn't be crowded. That's one of the fun parts of homeschooling - empty playgrounds. There was another mom-of-four who was sweet. Her kiddos were each 18 months apart so she was, as she put it "sleep deprived for 7 years". It's funny to think I didn't know how moms could handle more than two kids, that four seemed impossible, but here we are. And honestly, it's not that bad. However, my kids' age spacing may be more helpful than if they were closer in age. I would probably be sleep-deprived as well.

We picked up some ice cream from Bop's before heading back home for a bit. I had planned to take them to Miskelley's Furniture to ride the carousel, but gave my third dollar to the tip jar at Bop's, so we were short. Zac didn't have cash on him at work, so I decided we'd wait and go out later tonight after dinner. Upon arriving at Miskelley's, the lights around the carousel were off, so Zac went in to find out if it was closed and what the operation hours were, but one of the employees ran it one more time just for the kids. He was super kind and it helped end our day happily. Eli's been going through a meltdown phase and tonight he was "so very polite," as he put it.

Cole: 3 months

Baby Cole is three months old!

He still hates tummy time and will get upset when "abandoned" too long. He's quite talkative, cooing a bit and making barking sounds when he's trying to get my attention. Music is fun, he likes when I dance around with him and the current favorite is "You Spin Me Round" by Dead or Alive. He doesn't like pacifiers unless they're a last resort, but even then, he's only tolerating them until a boob is available. This kid absolutely HATES having a dirty/wet diaper and is so cooperative when we need to change him. I think Leah was like that, but it's just so funny. Breastfeeding seems to be the 100% effective soother regardless of what the distress is. When he calms down, he'll smile up at me and dribble milk all over the place. Sometimes he'll laugh while he's nursing, which is even more messy, but so cute. He found his hands and we've been trying to introduce random toys for him to explore. Elias' musical bunny is a current favorite.

Date Night

The church offered to host a date night for parents as part of an outreach to bring more people in. Not a bad idea, really. Luckily, we were able to drop off three of our kiddos (Cole got to hang with us cool parents) so we could get about two hours of quality time.

We decided ice cream would be best. Not a long wait time, no kids to ask for their own, etc. so we headed to Baskin Robbins for waffle cones. I should mention it was POURING DOWN RAIN. I sat in the car with Cole while my sweet husband jumped out into the weather to get us ice cream and run back to the car, soaking wet.

Pistachio = good; Bourbon Street Pecan Pie = not so good. It was too sweet and tasted more like a pecan cheesecake to me. Oh well. We walked around Target with our tiny one to kill some time and get a few groceries (and surprise treats for the kids) before heading back to the church. The kids were covered in glow-in-the-dark bracelets, filled with pizza and soda and candy, with a promise that they were worn out and would sleep (LOL). They were a little jealous that we had ice cream without them (because why not? Kids, amirite?) so we gave them their surprise treats: sour Skittles for Jac, chocolate assortment for Leah, and a toaster-shaped Hot Wheels car for Elias. Turds.

Muscles

So, Friday I did some sit-ups... I was fine Saturday, but Sunday my neck was sore. I figured I slept wrong. By Monday night I was contemplating going to the ER because I was in so much pain. I suffered through the next few days taking hot showers, using a heated rice pack and taking Ibuprofen, and this morning I could sit up without making a face. I'm hoping I'm almost better. It's been rough not being able to look around and being shocked by pain if I made a sudden movement. Serves me right trying to exercise. No more! I'll stick to Pilates, I guess. More stretching and less vigor.

Pictures

We planned to go to church this morning. I woke up at 8:30 and nursed Cole, but somehow dozed back off until 8:56. Zac jumped up Home Alone style and woke the kids, got Elias dressed and we were in the car by 9:15. Church is only five minutes away, so we weren't that late. I was impressed with how fast everyone got ready, but more impressed that I didn't lose my shit when Jac started making a bowl of cereal as we were WALKING OUT THE DOOR. He's still alive and well, don't worry.

After church, we picked up Popeye's and headed to Mom's for lunch. I went through some of her junk with her and helped her clean off her bed. Lots of pictures of Emily, lots of pictures of Dad. I found a few of Dad I'd never seen before, mostly when he was in his 20s or when Karen was little. This one is my favorite.

I had Zac print out a few pictures of the kids tonight because Granny gave me a bunch of frames and they've been sitting empty for a few weeks now. It's nice looking around and seeing their little chubby faces from what doesn't feel like that long ago. I don't have nearly enough pictures of Cole, but he's still new. I managed to get them all outside for a present-day picture and they even coordinated their clothes. The footprint pictures are my favorite, though.

C-Spire

This month's C-Spire had a mystery tournament which turned out to be Move or Die. Zac and I did our own thing, but Jac and Leah signed up. It's a crazy game where you literally HAVE to keep moving or you die. They loved it. Even Elias had fun playing Smash Bros. until he wanted to just sit in a big chair and watch Paw Patrol. My friend, Ash, gifted me 30 days of WoW time, so I've been playing that a bit off and on when I've got time. I kinda missed it, but doing the same raids, dungeons, and daily quests gets boring. I've been doing the "Love is in the Air" event in hopes of obtaining the Love Rocket mount. I've been trying to get it for about six years now. My cousin, Anna, wanted to come to the event also, but had to work, but she's hoping to go to the next one. I'm still trying to convince Alex to join us. Added bonus this month: GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!!

We stopped by Mom's when we got back into town. Granny had another box of things for me to go through, so more doilies and bobble heads. Elias loves the bobble heads, so I'm keeping those for him, but with my declutter kick, it's easier to leave things in the box and not bring it home.

Doctor and Workouts

I brought my little boys to the doctor to get Cole checked for thrush. Zac took the big kids to work with him and was pleased to report they were practically invisible with how well-behaved they were. As for my Bug, Dr. Y didn't see any thrush, but prescribed more Nystatin (plus two refills) just as a precaution to keep us from passing it back and forth. I'm anxious to get rid of all the yuck.

In other news, I started working out again. My movement is limited because of my knee (no high-impact moves), but I'm looking forward to getting back into shape. I had best results with 30 Day Shred, but haven't worked out since 2014, so it's going to be rough.

Dramatic Sigh

Guess who's back

Back again

Thrush is back

Tell a friend.

It's difficult to look in Cole's mouth unless he's screaming, so I haven't been able to see his tongue in order to check if it had cleared up. It still had some watery white color on it, which I assumed was milk because I was breastfeeding fine with only a slight pinch now and then. Today, it hurt to nurse and his tongue has what looks like cottage cheese on it. 

Yay.........................

I'm going to call Monday to see if I can get a refill on our Nystatin or if we're going to have to go in again. I am so sick of all these aggravations.

On a positive note, aside from thrush, I've been feeling really great lately. I've been able to stay on top of keeping the house tidy (just don't look at my bedroom plz) and have had more energy all around. I get restless from sitting too long, when before I couldn't seem to have any motivation to do anything at all. I'm wondering if my probiotics have made me feel better, as they're supposed to, or if it's the weather changing. Who knows, but I dig it.

Bday

Mom turned 64 today. She invited us over to her house for Chinese food and Rachel bought a cheesecake. I brought over the boxes from Granny that I'd sorted through and helped her organize some drawers and cabinets. She has a tendency to hold on to a lot of items she doesn't need or isn't using. We (I) made a bit of progress, but there's more to be done.

I baked a cake for her birthday, but since Rachel bought a cheesecake and Mom needed to go out anyway, she came to our house for the cake and a short visit.

It's also Katie's birthday, but I don't think she reads blogs anymore, ha.

Saint-like

I should've expected unsolicited comments after becoming a mother for the first time, starting with asking if I planned to add a daughter or sibling to my then-only child that we were still getting used to as first-time parents. But the comments followed after adding a daughter/sibling that we didn't need anymore since we had one of each and were *blessed*. But, did they have the same father? Jac is fair-skinned like me while Leah is noticeably darker so asking such questions in front of them is perfectly appropriate, as is asking "really??" after I say that yes, they are from the same father.

Now that I have four kids, it happened. I was in Hobby Lobby because I've decided to take the plunge into candle-making. I'm very much excited about it and it's something I've been wanting to do for a while now. I headed to the checkout with Jac and Leah in front of me following Zac. Cole was strapped to my torso, and I was pulling Elias by a measuring tape he insisted he needed and refused to let go of. A woman and her husband passed the big two, but paused next to me with her mouth agape.

"Are they all four YOURS?"

- Yes ma'am. *smile*

"My goodness, you are a SAINT. I could never." *places hand over heart*

- Yep. *awkward*

"Well, you certainly have your hands full. Good luck to you!" and she walked away, shaking her head.

- You too...?

I'm not offended, but mostly amused. I had heard of the fourth (and subsequent) kid "concerns". I'm proud of myself that where she "could never", I can. I'm lucky my hands are full because there are plenty of people out there whose hands are empty. Am I a saint? Don't ask the kids because they'll probably give an unsavory answer after a concerning hesitation and a glance in my direction.

Louisiana Trip

We arrived at Sean's close to midnight on Friday and met his cousin/roommate, Celeste. She has an outgoing personality like Sean and helped with Cole so I could get the other three kids to bed while Zac unloaded the van. We stayed up late hanging out, which is hard to do these days if it's not accidental.

Saturday, we actually arrived to the birthday party for Jacob on time. I had told Katie that we are always late since there are now six of us and bladders are unpredictable, but we made it. The kids roasted marshmallows over the fire pit and we ate hot dogs and red beans and rice. Cole was passed around so much, he was a bit overwhelmed and Elias bid farewell to each guest who left by shouting, "Wait! You forgot to hug and kiss me!" We had a fun time.

We headed back across the lake to do some minimal grocery shopping for dinner and the little boys were exhausted. I also finished the January section of my temperature blanket (finally!). It's super tacky and ugly, but so is winter in the south. I'm tempted to frog it and start again with just different shades of one color (like orange or purple) instead of rainbow because it's not at all pretty. I've seen some beautiful versions online, so it's an idea. I just haven't had much time to crochet for long sessions, but Cole has a baby swing from a couple at church and he absolutely loves it. I've been able to sit without him in my lap and get up when I need to. Hopefully I can get more crochet (among other things) done.

Stuff stuff stuff stuff stuff

Zac took the day off and we headed to Meridian to help my granny move out of her apartment. I visited with Aunt Trish and Anna and they passed they baby around. Granny gave us a much-needed and super comfortable sofa, a coffee table, and some new dishes. I'm so happy because I've been wanting a new sofa for about a year. It's a neutral color and the cushions are sewn to it, so they don't ever move. It's awesome! And the coffee table has wheels, so I can move it around and use it for my teaching books or laptop during school, or easily leave room for Elias or Cole to play on the floor. It's also small enough that it doesn't take up a ton of space. My den is actually looking like a den. Now to just remove the extra clutter.

Cole 2 months

Sweetie Squishy Pumpkin is two months old today! He hates baths (right now) and doesn't really like tummy time. He nurses maybe once or twice during the night and takes two "good" naps a day. He smiles and coos and makes sweet little giggle sounds. His feet are mildly ticklish and he gets really excited when he knows he's about to eat. Car rides are unpredictable. Sometimes he'll sleep in his carseat for a few hours, other times he'll be incredibly cranky. He's wearing size 1 diapers and has outgrown ALL the newborn clothes (*sob*) and is now in 3-month.

I brought him to the doctor on Friday and thrush was confirmed, so we're both using Nystatin - oral drops for him, topical cream for me. I had been unable to breastfeed comfortably on my right side because the pain was intense, even when pumping. Zac picked up some formula and I've been supplementing a little to help Cole feel full since he's only feeding on one side right now. The Nystatin is working pretty well for me. It didn't hurt to pump my right side this morning and I was able to nurse without pain this evening, so I'm happy about that. Meanwhile, I haven't seen a big change on Cole's tongue just yet, but we're only a few days in. I was told I should see a change by day five since his case is a little more advanced. He's also 11 pounds now! And so chunky. 

Thrush is Gross

I started treating Cole's (and mine now *eye roll*) thrush with coconut oil because gentian violet was nowhere to be found in this area. However, Zac requested Walmart to order some and we've been using it since Sunday. Aside from him having a very purple mouth, he appears to be feeling better. The fussiness has been knocked down a few pegs (which makes me feel like a shitty mom for not thinking he'd be experiencing any type of pain). I can't see the results on his tongue right now, but the patch of thrush I could see prior to the purple is smaller. I'm also taking probiotics for my UTI, which are supposed to also aid in curing thrush. Below, you'll see a before-and-after (after is on top) of said thrush while using coconut oil. It's kinda gross. Wednesday I can stop using the gentian violet if my nipple pain is gone. Fingers crossed it is. While it works great, I hate how easily it stains. Last night, the lid was loose, so of course it was knocked over. Fortunately (and unfortunately) the majority of the spill was soaked up by one of Jac's baby hats instead of the stack of library books. It will never not be purple. Zac has purple hands from trying to hand wash it in our sink over our now-purple dishes. Jac and Leah also have purple on their hands from helping clean it up. Meanwhile, Cole looks like Danny DeVito's Penguin character, except much cuter.

C Spire - Mario Kart

C Spire hosted a Mario Kart 8 tournament, so we spent most of the week honing our skills as a family. It came in handy because Leah brought home the champion plaque. She was quite proud of herself. The kids' group went first, which was what she was part of. Jac joined the adults because he's actually really awesome at Mario Kart. There were 16 kids and 30 adults grouped into fours. The top two in each group made it to the next round, then the winners of that round went to the next, and so forth until they were down to the final two. Leah was one of the winners of the kids' tournament and was eligible to compete against the adults.

The adults competed next, with Jac and myself making it to the next round. It was amusing. The host, Rashad, said it was pretty awesome that mother and son were competing against each other. I didn't make it to the next round, but Jac was able to continue, then he lost by a half-second. The winners from the kids' group competed with the adults until it was the final four, and Leah came in a very close second place. The first place winner was actually an employee and he passed on the champion title to make it fair, so Leah won the tournament.

It was really fun this time. Well, fun for me, I should say. Usually I'm holding the baby or keeping Elias out of trouble while Zac and the big kids play games. This time, I had pumped a few bottles so I could pass Cole off to Zac and play some games, too.