Super Scary

So tonight we had another super scary event with one of our kids. Here's the summary:

Evelyn woke up from her nap feeling a bit warm and not wanting to eat or drink anything. I figured it was her 2 year molars since she had been waking up some nights and was chomping on anything she could get her hands on. Anyway, I ended up giving her some Tylenol because she started to get warmer and I had to leave for a New Intern Welcome party for Doctor's Hospital. I handed off kid duty to Patrick (who also had to watch our friends Nathan and Carter since Ashli was joining me) and I was off to mingle and recruit new doctor's spouses. As soon as I pulled into the driveway of the party Patrick called. In a very calm voice he said, "I just called and ambulance for Evelyn." I thought he was joking because we kid about how crazy she is and adventurous - never would I think he was serious. I even told him that he needed to quit joking - I was just getting to the party and had to go. Then he said again - very matter-of-factly (in doctor mode now that I look back), "I am serious. I had to call and ambulance, Evelyn had a grand mal seizure and was not breathing for almost 2 minutes. She is ok now, but we need to take her to the hospital." I immediately dropped everything off and headed home.

He said he had taken all the kids outside to play and she was running around like normal - maybe a bit slower than usual - but nothing way wrong. Suddenly, the boys wanted to go in for a drink so he turned to get her and saw her start walking funny and then she just collapsed. She started seizing in all 4 quadrants and her eyes rolled back and she was not breathing. She had a rapid pulse but was starting to turn blue. He took her inside and checked her airway, breathing, circulation. He called 911 and she started to gasp and breathe on her on again. She slowly came out of the seizure and stabilized but was in a post-seizure state...sort of like a rag doll. She didn't care when the EMS took vitals, etc. I got home when the ambulance was there so they let us drive her in since she was stable and Patrick was a doctor. We got top notch care at Children's and Ashli took Gavin for us during the whole thing (A HUGE THANKS).

I had an eerie sense of calm, maybe because Patrick was so calm, maybe because my mommy instinct told me she was ok. Evelyn has had a history of febrile seizures before so we knew that a rapid increase in her temperature could set it off. We have to be very careful even when she shows the slightest sign of a temp. It turns out she has hand, foot, mouth virus which caused the high spike in temp, which caused her seizure. We are grateful there was a logical reason behind it - at least we don't have to worry about WHY she seized. But we always have to be careful when she gets a temp because once they have multiple episodes, they are more likely to keep getting them. The febrile seizures usually go away by the time they are 6 - but that is 4 more years of worry!!!

We want to make all of our friends aware - since we were at playgroup, over friend's houses, etc and this is a communicable disease. Please check for fatigue, fever, rash on hands, feet and mouth. Ashli told us Nathan also spiked a fever tonight - so it is definitely going around!

Anyone who knows me...

photos by nbc4i.com

knows I slept under my FITTED sheet covers last night. After be woken up at 11:45 by thunder lightning and TORNADO sirens, I tried to wake Patrick up (a very hard feat). He did not believe me so I turned on all 3 local channels and saw on of my worst fears approaching...severe thunder and lightning storms as well as a tornado warning. The storm developed so quickly they did not have time to even have a "watch". Hail, lightning that was non-stop and lit up the sky...all of it developed right over our streets in Hilliard (over our exact location in Hilliard as they showed on the NBC radar - following the worst parts of the storm street by street). I was totally freaking out as the weathermen were telling us that "This is NOT a drill, get in your basement now". So, did we go to our basement? NO! I was frozen in fear (for real) and Patrick kept sleeping!!! Even when I heard the golf ball sized hail - I started shaking Patrick again, who kept assuring me we would be fine. Next time - I am really not listening to him. Although the storm did eventually pass (after about 30 minutes), we saw that there were 2 other storms JUST like it following it's tail. So we braced for rounds 2 and 3 (well actually just I braced - the kids and Patrick slept through it all). The power flickered on and off - but there was no wind. The national weather said they spotted a tornado on their radar during the 1st storm, but then lifted the warning for the other 2, downgrading to just a severe thunderstorm. Once the 3rd storm finally passed (over an hour and a half later), I was so shaken up I couldn't fall asleep for another hour or so. Overall, a terrifying experience for me!!! The only cool part was watching the live radar and really tracking the storms. They could turn the radar into 3-d mode and you could see the HUGE storm cells - all 3 traveling in a row. It was a beautiful and magnificent show of what mother nature is capable of.

Baby steps...

I loved this little poem to match this picture of Evie I took at our playgroup today. We went to Ballantrae Park (aka the Bunny Park, the Fountain Park, etc). We were just about to leave and she FINALLY started getting wet and playing in the water when she decided to talk a little stroll. I followed the baby step footprints and found her, staring up at the huge hill with the bunnies on top. I also included some other cool pics from the day...


Someday I'll jump through puddles, take a stroll or run a race.
Someday I'll walk across the street, or maybe walk in space.
Someday I'll scale a mountain, or join a ballet corps.
Someday I'll walk a tightrope, or explore the ocean floor.
Someday these feet will do some things that only heaven knows,
But for today they're happy just to wiggle all their toes.

Nathan having fun splashing the water around.


Gavin running head/face first into the water spray.


Evelyn getting up the courage to go near the fountains.


Gavin on top of the Bunny Hill.

Things I thanked God for yesterday

1. I thanked God for my friends and family.


2. I thanked God for my husband and kids.

3. I thanked God for not letting it rain, even though most all other areas of Columbus got drenched, so we could hold a going away party for our friends, Cara, Phillip and Hailey.


4. I thanked God that my friends are amazing cooks/salad makers/dessert makers/appetizer makers/food bringers so I didn't have to make anything for the party and we still had tons of delicious (mostly healthy) foods!


5. I thanked God that they kids ate veggies (even if it was doused in ranch dressing).

6. I thanked God my husband took over Grill duty and made delicious dogs, burgers and chicken for everyone.


7. I thanked God that there were THREE yummy desserts to choose from (even if some of us chose all 3 - not just Angie).


8. I thanked God that the kids all played together very well and ate at tables together, like real friends do.


9. I thanked God for the guys getting to hang out and catch up.


10. I thanked God for little girls who love dolls, and little boys who help their moms.


11. I thanked God for neighbors who dress alike and play alike.


12. I thanked God for little friends


And big friends.

A few fav pics

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the beach. To see ALL pictures - check out http://picasaweb.google.com/kellybull/MyrtleBeach2008.

This shows off the tide pool, my baby, and my sucking my belly in pose.


My loves...


Gavin getting eating by an alligator


The Pack-N-Play Sport was used for baby jail as well as an eatery.


Dessert (frozen yogurt sticks) at our playground.


Our visit with the Pokablas.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABE!!!

Babe -

How do I begin to tell you how lucky

I am to have you in my life?
I'll start by saying what an honor it is
for me to be your wife.
I'm going to try to speak the words
that my heart wants you to know.
I want you to see what you mean to me
and why I love you so.
You're my best friend in the good times
and my rock in times of sorrow.
You're the reason for sweet yesterdays
and my promise for tomorrow.
Nobody else can know my thoughts
and touch my soul like you can.
No one can melt my heart like you do
by simply holding my hand.
With a loving glance or a tender kiss
you make my cares disappear.
Warm thoughts of you surround me
and always keep you near.
For better or worse, thick and thin,
you've been there by my side,
sharing the laughter and the tears
through life's uncertain ride.

I never thought I could feel this loved
until I became your wife.
You made this year and every year
the best one of my life.
I need nothing more from you than this-
to know you'll always be mine
And the promise of your love in my life-
until the end of time.
We don't know what the future has
in store for you and me
but this I know, without a doubt,
the best is yet to be.

I love you and I love us more than words can write. Thanks for everything!

Our tribute to Leah...

Leah, our very health conscious friend, would have keeled over and died when seeing what we ate almost every night in Myrtle. It included: peanut butter chip brownies, Edy's double fudge brownie ice cream, peanut butter sauce, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. If we did not eat that, it was because we got ice cream with the kids at Maggie Moos. Forgive us, Leah, for we have sinned! Yum :-)

Almost ready to post...

I have just finished uploading my pics - but am waiting for Ashli and Cara to veto any they do not want seen (common courtesy for girlfriends in bathing suits). I will post some pics with some of our highlights as we can!

For now - you can read Ashli's blog. She has started outlining each day with pics also...

PS

A shout out to all the great dads out there this weekend. I would've/could've/should've posted a schmoopy message about what a great dad Patrick is - but instead we spent every second together (not on the computer) since I just got back from missing him for so long! But - schmoopiness is coming.

Weeeee're Back!

Long time, no blog. We are safely back to our Ohio house after a 13 hour trip yesterday. We were so excited to see our Daddy, but it was sad leaving our awesome beach house. We can't wait to go back!!! We had a great trip with the Pokablas, by ourselves as a family, and with Ashli, Nathan, Carter, Cara and Hailey! I will be blogging shortly about our trip - but I want to spend time with my hubby for now!!! :-)

We'll be back in a month!

I won't likely be able to post anything for the next month as we head out to Myrtle Beach. Patrick will be there for 10 days then my friends, Ashli and Cara (and their kids) will join me for about 2 weeks. Here we come sun - good bye cold weather (it was only in the 50s today!)

What a fun evening!

Tonight (after long naps) we had our friend/neighbor Stone's birthday party (check out the card with Gavin's writing - so good isn't it?). He turned 5 and loves firetrucks. So his parents had cake and ice cream for him and then asked the local fire station to send a truck out if possible. There were tons of kids between his relatives and all the neighborhood kids and surprising, everyone got along great! Cory brought the kite back with authority and got it in the air quickly and had no issues during flight...so the kids liked that too.

But the best part was when the fire truck came and all the kids got to go inside, try on gear and talk to the REAL firemen. The guys were great and all the kids loved it!!! The best part for Gavin was that they parked in front of our house - so Gavin was like "There is a firetruck at MY house". Too cute! They stayed for a pretty long time and all the kids got a turn going inside and pretending to drive it.

Go Fly A Kite!

Yesterday, Julie and her kids came over and Angie and her kids (plus some other neighborhood friends). So to occupy some time I got out Gavin's Thomas Kite. The $5 kite provided hours of entertainment and all the kids got to use it and were able to fly it. The wind was not too strong - but strong enough to keep the kite up. Once, I looked over and saw McKenna laying on the ground, holding the kite. Then the other kids joined her and we had all the kids laying on the ground, staring up into the sky at a flying kite. It was picture perfect.

So, today I decided to try this again in the morning. But the wind was much different today. It was very strong, and going every which way. I couldn't even get the kite in the air. So Angie's hubby (Cory) came over with the girls and tried (for almost a 1/2 hour or more) and FINALLY got the kite in the air. But, the wind was pretty fierce - so I wouldn't let Gavin hold it himself, but otherwise the kids played. Somehow, it got to close to a tree and the line whipped out of our friend's hands. The wind took it immediately but luckily the handle got snagged in a tree. This send most of the kids into a crying frenzy, so Superhero Cory (with the help of our other neighbor, Kevin) climbed an unclimbable tree (if you look closely - you can see him in the picture of the tree) to rescue this $5 kite. Seeing her Dad climb a tree sent an already crying McKenna into an uncontrollable sob. But eventually Cory rolled the string in enough so we could grab the kite and safely detach the string from it. The kite was saved, the kids all clapped - but I think we will reserve kite flying for a more open space - or a less windy day :-)

After that, my kids went in a watched a DVD while I planted some much needed floral decoration at our house. Look how pretty. Now the polls can begin on how quick I kill them.

Belated Mother's Day Thoughts...Part 2...Tear Jerker Alert

On the day of my last post (which I have been told has made people misty eyed)...I had to search for a baby picture of me (since I totally forgot to get one when I was in PA). Anyway, one of the first places I looked is this private "Kelly" folder I have, which contains special cards, my best friend's wedding invitation, nursery school pictures, etc. Well there was this folder in there with my name (in my mom's hand writing) on it. A big folder with lots of cards and letters inside. Turns out it was from a sorority retreat I had in college where they secretly had your loved ones write things to you (as a special treat/confidence booster about who you are and where you came from).

I am so glad a "re-found" these because reading them now has taken on a whole new meaning for me. They are very dear and private for me so I am not going to share all of it - but a few sentences make me truly believe in the circle of life - as my parents words seem to emulate my thoughts I have about my own children.

Here are a few:

MOM
"I remember moments that you will only know through pictures...you were so independent, so lovely, so very Kelly. I've always felt that it was you leading me through life. You showing me how to be a good mother."
"Do not live your life for me, or for anyone else. Just let them be lucky enough to share in it. And one day, you should pass along this wisdom you were born with to that lucky child(ren) who has a mother such as you."

DAD
"I hope you know that I love you very much!! But if you don't know it or don't hear it enough, I'll tell you again..."I LOVE YOU!!!"...What you might not know as well is how proud I am of you."
"I wanted to be part of your life in any way I could (and still do). I loved coaching your basketball team and being involved with your prom committee and Black and White night because I knew there were not going to be a lot of time for a father to bond like that with his daughter. I do cherish those times that I was involved in your life experiences, not only for what I got out of it, but to see how glad you were that I was doing it too".

ANNA
"Even though we used to fight a lot, I love you with all my heart" ***(she was 16 or 17) - too funny!!

KAITLIN
She just signed her name but printed out a beautiful picture of some Barbie she colored on the computer. :-)

I know I spend a lot of time bragging about my kids here - but it was time I shared some of the brag-time with other people who matter so much to me and let them know I love them too. I am so blessed to have a family who loved me (and told me they did), who believed in me and who was proud of me. I can only hope that I make me kids feel this loved one day.

The pic that I posted is one my sister Anna uploaded for me since I couldn't find one after all my searching!

Belated Mother's Day thoughts...

My mother's day went great. I got to sleep in a bit, Patrick made breakfast for my whole family and then took the kids so I could go to the race tracks/casino with my mom and sisters for an adult day. And, while we were there my mom gave us this speech about her present SHE got all of us. She got my sisters and I this gorgeous necklace with a dazzling jewel (topaz) in it. Her speech, however, made us all cry. She talked about how her mother is no longer with us, and one day she won't be either. It made me realize I am in that awkward zone of my life where I am being sandwiched...between worrying about my own children and my (and Patrick's) parents. Mind you - our parents are not considered old. They are in their early 60's, but we still manage to treat every arm pain as it could be a heart attack, or we hold their hands when there is a large step to go down. We realize that life is short and we need to appreciate every moment we get to spend with them. I would love another lifetime of time to spend together.

I also started thinking of how they (our parents) must feel about us. I wonder if my mom looks at me and remembers a time when she used to carry me on her hip - only to realize that my legs started dangling a little bit longer than they used to, and that I started to outgrow her WAY faster than she would ever outgrow me. This is how I feel now about Gavin and Evelyn. Gavin, my big boy, can do puzzles without my help. He can reach lights, go to the potty by himself, and knows what channels his favorite shows are on. He doesn't need me for those things any more. And I don't carry him as much as I used to because he loves walking by himself. Evelyn is in a major growth spurt. She has gotten so big and is our fearless one. She climbs ladders, throws tantrums, and picks herself up after her brother shoves her to the ground when playing. I love seeing them develop into their own beings - but sometimes I wish they were like goldfish (ok, not OUR goldfish that we killed). I wish that they would only grow big enough for the bowl they are in. I wish I could keep them little forever.

But I know (God willing) one day, I will be taking my kids to brunch with their kids. Watching them realize just how strong love can really be. I understand now how much my mom loves me. I only wish I could show her somehow that the feeling is mutual.

Jungle Wonder

I can't upload any pictures because my mom's computer isn't compatible with my camera. But I can take camera phone pics...so that's all I can post! Last night, Patrick and I had our FIRST night to chill together by ourselves (after we put the kids to bed). We watched a movie and had pizza! Our favorite things to do!

Today, we all went out to one of our fav breakfast spots. They have amazing food - and their pancakes are bigger than the plate!!! I couldn't even eat 1/4 of one (even with Evie's help). Then Patrick went golfing with some buddies and I was supposed to meet up with a friend for lunch - but she got sick. So instead, I took the kids to another indoor playground, Jungle Wonder. There were some parties going on - so it was a bit crowded at first - but then they went into private rooms and we had the WHOLE place to ourselves. Gavin had so much fun on the playground and rides and he even helped Evie (who was a bit scared at first) by putting his arm around her on rides and holding her hand through the jungle gym. We also got some coins for games and when we had one coin left - he put it in a random game we were passing and hit the jackpot for over 300 tickets! All the kids around thought it was so cool. He got some GI Joe stuff (an army truck and some guys - which Daddy will love because it was his fav growing up). All in all, very fun!