Friday, September 28, 2007

Pain, Pain, Go Away

Two days after giving birth to my 10ish pound little boy, I was innocently chewing some gum when a large chunk of tooth fell out of my mouth and into my lap. This startling development was even more surprising because I felt no pain, which one would expect when half of one's tooth falls out of one's head. Little did I know that plenty of pain was headed my way.

One week later, I headed to the offices of our neighborhood dentist and spent over an hour having the tooth drilled, filed, shaped and reconfigured so that a crown could be ordered to replace the broken molar. I went home and took ibuprofen and expected my jaw to be sore. And it was. For days. And then for a week. And then, it began to worsen. Gradually, the pain was getting more severe, until my entire face felt as though I had been on the losing side in a boxing match. Why, you ask, did I not call the dentist and describe this crippling pain? Because I am an IDIOT. I was busy with the kids, I was hoping that it would just go away on its own. Why I didn't catch on to the fact that this was clearly *not* going to happen, I can not tell you.

And so, I headed to the dentist three days ago, for my previously scheduled appointment to fit the crown. There, I confessed that I had now been in serious pain for a couple of weeks. The dentist could not believe that I had suffered without calling him. He inspected the tooth and pronounced it abscessed. I have no idea what that means, but I am assuming that it involves infection, because penicillin and a lovely pain killer called darvocet were immediately prescribed. The dentist further told me that any pain beyond two days after the first appointment was more than I should have experienced. Have I mentioned that I am in IDIOT?

I am happy to report that the antibiotics are having their desired effect, and the pain is now subsiding. I am starting to feel like a new woman. I have recovered from the delivery, and I am now recovering from the follow up dose of pain that was due to my own stupidity. I think that having three kids to manage will become much easier now that I am not in severe pain. Perhaps my newly cleared head will allow me to become a cooking, cleaning, breastfeeding, potty training, teaching, boo-boo fixing wonder. Perhaps.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

One Month Old


This is still his favorite activity.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Ah . . . Life in the Midwest

Tonight, I had the distinct pleasure of serving Trader Joe's corn dogs, crinkle cut potatoes, and apple slices to two little people seated on the floor of our basement. Why the impromptu picnic, you ask? Because of the wailing tornado sirens and the violent thunderstorms passing through our area. I thought it best to head to the lower level when the weatherman on TV said, "Take shelter IMMEDIATELY if you hear tornado sirens." I also thought it best to evacuate to a quiet area in order to avoid a further meltdown by Miss who was growing increasingly nervous because of the melding sounds of thunder and siren.

As it turns out, our home was not leveled and we did not end up in the land of Oz. It also turns out that Mommy becomes rather cranky when she has to schlep dinner down the stairs, and then try to keep the littles seated and eating while simultaneously comforting a crying baby and keeping one ear attuned to the weather report on the radio. Mr., as you may have gathered, was working one of his night shifts this evening.

All part of the never ending weather adventure that is Minnesota. On the bright side, leaves are starting to change, and a beautiful Fall is on it's way. Let's just hope it gets here soon. I am so very *over* thunderstorm season. Can you tell?

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

A Few Random Remarks

*None of our babies have enjoyed the pacifier. Miss tolerated it for one day and then decided that she preferred her thumb. Master did not want it at all. Baby Peanut was initially receptive to the idea, but has now decided that the thing is good for nothing and should be spat across the room.

Here he is, during those good old receptive days.



*Why, dear reader, oh why, do toddlers feel the need to play with their poop during their nap/quiet time?? Why must it be found all over the room? Embedded into the area rug? Smeared across the bed sheets? Ground into the wheels of the Tonka truck? Miss did this as well at the tender age of two. Why, oh why? Or, maybe it's just my kids.

*Cousin W mentioned one of our favorite children's books in the comments from my last entry, and so I thought that I would heartily recommend it here. We love, love, love . . .


Sunday, September 16, 2007

Sweater Weather


We've had an early burst of Fall weather in the Twin Cities, prompting us to dress Baby Peanut in a hoodie that first belonged to his sister, 4 and a half years ago. Each of the littles has worn it, and it will be one of those small things that I just might have to keep in a box somewhere after he has outgrown it. Someday I'll look at its tininess and remember their soft little heads and their little cheeks that I spent so much time kissing.

The rest of the family is looking pretty cute in their sweaters, too:

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Yes, I Did Survive the Birth of Baby Peanut

I know, I know. The child is nearly one month old and this is my first post since his birth. I *do* deserve some grace, however, due to the boy's immense size (which led to a long and draining delivery and now has resulted in long and frequent nursing sessions throughout what used to be my usual blogging times).

Speaking of which, the little guy has just begun to cry for me and must be answered.

Suffice it to say, we love him terribly and already can't imagine our family without him. We all spend quantities of time each day gazing upon him just like this:



I will be back to regular blogging . . . I promise. The entries may be short, but the pictures will be plentiful.