Wordless Wednesday - Drumming

The idea that there are harps in Heaven is a common misconception.

When we get to Heaven there will be DRUMS!!!  ~Tony Vacca

Drum-mer: "1. One that plays the drum or drumset. 2. He who constantly bangs on things and pretty much drives everybody nuts!".

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Wordless Wednesday - Cookie monster eats cupcake

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Life's little adventures.

There has been something I've been meaning to post since last week. Other things kept getting in the way ...life and my children mostly.

Last week I joined the Frequent Donor Loyalty Program 2010 at the Australian Red Cross Blood service

I had planned to sit down after dinner on Saturday night and blog about it.

It didn't happen.
Something else did.

The following little adventure reminded me how important giving blood is ...

Saturday night after dinner our youngest J, somehow tipped a very heavy, narrow hall table on top of himself, I heard the scream and loud bang from the other room. Dh was about 4 m away in our bedroom.He found J with the solid timber table completely over upended on his head.
I had only just sent him in minutes before to wash his choclately fingers before bedtime routine.

J was screaming .
He had a small gash under his right eye there was a fair bit of blood till I applied pressure.
I knew it would need stitching and as held a still screaming J , Dh locked up the house so we could go to Children's hospital. I was also concerned about head injury. The table is heavy.

J then started vomiting. I knew that wasn't good.
Then in the car he vomited more, luckily I beside him to catch it. J was quite drowsy, both from a busy day, the shock and more.
Thankfully we only had a short wait because they were concerned about his drowsiness & head injury.They put in a cannula just to safe.
He had a head CT at 10.30pm and J slept right through it.
J had a concussion but was ok thank God. He just wanted to sleep and also go home.
The Dr admitted him for observation and because his small laceration on his right lower eyelid needed stitching the next day anyway.

My only complaint was that they told me about 6 times in 5 hours we are taking him to the ward soon (spoken as if it was in terms of minutes not hours lol) ... everyone around us were being either admitted to their ward or discharged.

The same nurses were checking J about very hour and every hour she said it, each time I saw them carry a bundle of papers over towards our direction I hoped it was our turn.
New children arrived and even left before us.
I had an arm chair and tried to stay awake because they said we are taking him to ward soon lol.

It wasn't the wait I minded but being told soon ...I could have really curled up and had a snooze if I'd known it was going to be a 6hrs wait. J was in a bed so he was comfy.

I have to say too the staff there are all lovely and friendly. It's such a nice place to be if you have to be ...

I am grateful I finally got a an hour & half or so in a fold out lounge bed next to J before morning came =).

Except for a long hungry thirty wait (being a Sunday waiting to see the 'Plastic surgical' team and then a wait for theatre time) J was quite happy. He only wanted to go home so he could have food and drink.

Our operating time came up during his nap time. So J slept all the way to Operating theatre, over bumps and bed rattles ...he barely stirred except to turn over. I stayed till he was 'asleep' from anaesthetic ...not that he'd have known.

Once the surgery was over, and we got back to ward he still slept. First thing he wanted to do was drink & eat when he woke up, after fasting for almost 22hrs.He was starving. Then he ate more.

He was such a brave little man too, 4 IV cannula attempts while awake ...two to get first one in, then two the enxt day when his twin accidently pulled it out =(. Then another new one in OT. Hardly made a peep even when he wasn't so drowsy.

An hour after being back on the ward we were waving goodbye, on our way out the entrance doors.
It was his cousin's birthday and he still wanted to go visit briefly as we had used this as a bribe to keep him settled about fasting.

J was a bit shy because everyone was l00king at him. They had just finished dinner .... luckily - we sure cleared the guests away ... within first two minutes of arriving J threw up !

I felt so bad for him [and them] (lucky it was outside and could be bucketed/washed off). Dh needed to borrow my brother's T shirt , then I had to borrow my Mum's t shirt.

J was bright & cheery after a good 'barf' and a wash down, no more vomiting but asking for more food. Crackers only were given after a while ;).

Today he just has a small white strip covering his purple stitches & glue and a purply bruised 'eye'.

In my wanders with S, (who couldn't sit still) I once was again (over & over) reminded how grateful I am my children's health . There were sick kids everywhere.It's heart wrenching.

I am also grateful for the Red Cross blood bank. These children (& adults) depend on healthy donors to give regularly so they can fight not only life threatening illnesses, undergo surgical procedures, recover from accidents and also those living with chronic auto immune and blood disorders.

They all need eligible donors to participate in frequent blood donations to ensure an ongoing supply.

I am commiting to donate plasma/Platelets 15 times in 2010, so far my tally is 4.

It's also Bandaged bear day this month on 26th March so please help by supporting the Children's hospital Westmead major fundraising day.Check the website for ways to help and where to buy in Sydney.

With the support of the community, Bandaged Bear Day has raised almost $12 million since its inception 21 years ago.

I wish all children could have such short hospital visits ...
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I ♥ Tooshies

This week's photo challenge @ I ♥ faces is We ♥ Tooshies ...no bare b ums allowed

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I ♥ Faces Completely Candid

When I grow up I want to be a little boy ~Joseph Heller

I ♥ this face . I didn't have to be close to 'hear' him making moto' bike noises.
It is music to my heart if not my ears.

The theme this week is Completely candid

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Tiny talk Tuesday

I am loving age 2 . The language explosion is so much fun.

I wish I could remember to write down all the funny things they say ...let alone do (and did I mention how glad I am to have my camera back so I can take pictures).

I am a fan of Tiny talk Tuesday .Today I finally remembered I have something to add.
A few weeks ago I asked the twins to pick up the blocks spread across their bedroom floor.

J (age 2 & 3/4) : "No, you do it I got sore bad - ow "

...complete with a flick of one hand and the other hand on his lower back .
(previously showing no signs what so ever LOL)

My Darling hubby started calling him 'Compo' (the colloquial term for someone getting 'compensation' particualrly when alleged to be 'faking' e.g. a sore back to get out of working whilst still getting paid)

PS : I also won a competition on Facebook for it ...$30 voucher to an online store - woohoo!

Tiny Talk Tuesday helps parents focus on one of the many joys of parenting - the funny things that our little ones (and sometimes big ones) have to say.

Join in the fun and record the Tiny Talk overheard in your house! Publish a post on your blog and link us to the laughs.

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Wordless Wednesday - A blog of his own

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Good news ...Blessed relief

As I mentioned a few months ago both S and J have a few medical problems. Sam has been definitely diagnosed with an inherited genetic disorder. (4th generation we know of - but it is also a mutation in half of other people affected ).I have it too. J they are unsure.

S & J have regular checkups at the Children's hospital for their eyes and with a Paediatric Neurologist.

J has only a few Café-au-lait spots ( birthmarks) but he was also being followed up too.Watched.

I noticed by attending the Early childhood clinic (along with the Nurse) that J's head circumference had crossed percentiles from 50% - almost 100% over a period of six months. He had a large head but not off the charts - but his weight and height were in about 50%. His fontanel was still quite large too. It was odd .Previously both S & J head circumference was exactly the same for first 6 months almost.

At the time the Clinic nurse rang our Paediatrician and made sure she knew. Then J was sent for a head ultrasound. It was all okay but due to his age and even though his fontanel was large - they said the findings were limited. Though I was relieved I still worried. It was 4-5 months ago.

Four weeks ago we had an appointment with Paediatric Neurologist. He checked them both but had a concern about J's head size - it was slightly off the growth chart. Since tumours are a complication of the genetic disorder (as well as large head being a sign too) he told me he would like J to have a MRI of his head/brain.

The Paed Neurologist repeated he wasn't particularly worried as J had no other signs but "just to be sure"...

Then he said it might take 6 months to be done because it had to be done under a general anaesthetic -requiring hospital admission for the day [GA - only so child stays still and it is less distressing for them]. He said it wasn't urgent - basically it was a wait your turn at our very busy, specialised , Children's hospital.

He booked it all into the computer. They were to ring me.So I was a little worried about the waiting...

A few days later the hospital rang and said J was booked in next week -Thursday 20th March (day before Good Friday).

I was suddenly very worried because it was less than 2 weeks not 6 months - I wondered if Paed Neurologist had changed his mind and made the booking urgent.

I was very distressed. I couldn't talk about it or blog about it. I had to keep busy. I was also concerned about the anaesthetic.

We went and J had the MRI. The staff were lovely.The Anaesthetist explained it thoroughly before hand - the general anaesthetic.

I went in with J - cuddled him in my arms as they put the mask & gas near , then over his face, his got a little upset then suddenly was unconscious. I then placed him on the gurney and had to leave.

Despite being a paediatric nurse I had never seen a child go under - though I had experienced it myself. I was a little teary but couldn't cry. I was so worried. I was praying for him to be kept safe.

It seemed like ages before they came to get me after it was completed. My mother was there too and was looking after S. J was very drowsy at first and finally woke up after much prodding and feet tickling. He cried, sat up and reached for me. I cuddled him so tightly.So thankful. Then I was able to breastfeed him and he was happy.They can't tell you any results though.

(Dr Colourfool - who visits children to cheer them and blow bubbles)

I took J & S to Children's play area afterwards - because they love it and it is very calming.


The Paed Neurologist said before to call him in week and remind him to check the computer.It was the hardest week - I spent so much time looking at J and praying.

At night I cuddled him next to me, kissed his head, stroked his soft hair and breathed him in. The thoughts in my head were pounding and ugly. Then he was sick with high temperatures and I was more worried. The results of something on his blood test - stuff I shouldn't Google.

Friday I called - only to have to leave messages on voice mail - I left two. I had psyched myself up to call ... and it was a huge thing.

Monday - all day I waited ... every time the phone rang I jumped.My heart grabbed in my chest, beating wildly till I knew it was or wasn't the Dr. I can't describe how I was feeling ...the thoughts in my head.

Tuesday - same thing but I went to Early Childhood Nurse , unfortunately our regular nurse wasn't there, for something to do. I took the Brothers to playgroup ... but there was no message when I got home.

About 4pm I was due to go out - my husband was home to look after the Brothers. He took the call ... at first he thought it was telemarkers and said I wasn't there ... I was hanging on.

Then he got off the phone and told me - smiling it was all clear. I couldn't even really tell him how worried I had been.

I am just so relieved my baby is okay.
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Wordless Wednesday -Caption this ?

Caption This ?

Toddlers and Thankfulness

What is so thankful about toddlers ...

It is way past my bedtime and I am so tired after less than 5 hrs broken hours broken sleep last night (my fault staying up late reading my RSS feeds and demand nursing,twins, in middle of the night ... any advice on night weaning ???).

I (we all) had to be up early to take J for a renal ultrasound to check how his kidney reflux is ..
We get there through morning peak traffic crawl . I park in the huge Park - not car park .

I huff and puff pushing the 17kg stroller, 24kgs of toddler and 1kg of stuff stroll up the hill to the hospital .
I wait in line -9.10am

My turn. At last.

Only ... I found they had stuffed up the appointments. She tells me it is 3rd March. WTH eck(I gave up swearing for lent but it is not going that well)

Thankfully, after alot of whinging explaining my story they stuffed up,the receptionist though 'stern' sour faced, is understanding of my over 1hr journey (with toddler twins) and 2 hrs to get ready and she calls ultrasound to fit us in. She hands me back my form and says to take it to them, it will be an hours wait or more.She says I am to come back here and wait after I give them the form.

"no problem"

I am, really, so appreciative... I already have another 4 appointments there in next month or so.

I push the stroller down a few corridors to ultrasound and wait a few minutes -no one is around -one is door closed. Yes , they are real busy today.

After a few minutes I see a face I recognise from before.She takes the form and she says they won't be long -just finishing another child...

She is right about 5-10 mins later (not 1 hr ) a little girl about 3 yrs , comes 'skipping' out - she looks vaguely familiar. I see her mum -ah ha- the penny drops.

'A' is a twin , she has been to our local playgroup with her mum (and her twin sister) a few times. The twin sister was not there. I said hello to the mum, a little small talk and she asks why we were there. I explain J has kidney reflux. She said A is there getting her kidney checked too. (NB -I actually guessed the right twin 50-50 chance -Kate and Tiff)

J has his ultrasound (we don't get results till 3weeks at appointment) , I take the boys out to play in the wonderful children's outdoor play area. Grey skies , overcast and a few spits of rain. Boys are happily playing and finding every puddle from the torrential storms of last night.

More spits ... and spills. S & J both fall or sit in puddles.

Lots of rain and running away.By the time I catch them both -it is heavy rain.

Back inside ... I head to the exit . I exit the building ... d'oh - what was I thinking - it is pouring rain. I have a 5 min walk to my car. I go back inside. I have to pee . The twin stroller will not fit in the apparently disabled access toilet !!!

Is there anywhere in the state of the art Children's hospital that I can take my stroller in with me ?... not it seems !

I can't leave them with just anyone or in then open. Never !I cannot take them out of the stroller - are you joking (I saw a great post on kids in the public loo with mum last week ... but cannot find the link)

Busting -darn rain ! I go to the A & E desk and ask ... what can I do ? the lovely lady said I can take them behind the counter and she will watch them.

Relief ...
I retrieve my children in the stroller- the lady said they were playing - my kids are very cute.I don't deny it ,they are very friendly and smile a lot.

We buy a milkshake to fill in time. The "morning teas' "delivery lady we meet in the lift tells me she has 25yr old twins, she smiles and coos at them.

The rain looks like it has eased off .It's almost 11am ...

I exit again and we bump into the little twin A, and her mum C as they are leaving -but on the way back into get their free parking pass. She forgot and it costs $8- 12 max otherwise.

Things they don't share at playgroup ... We chat about A , having one kidney removed due to malignant cancer diagnosed a month before her 2nd birthday .Chemotherapy first didn't shrink the tumour -12cms on a tiny less than two year old kidney. It has been almost 2 years . 'A' just has chest x-rays and renal scans ,check ups - just in case.The free parking is perk ...for being an oncology and/or private patient .I don't want any perks!

It is still raining but I just brave it.I have other errands to do... We only get a little wetter.

I go shopping to spend my $10 Cotton on kids voucher (yay - score free t-shirts 'Easter Bunny Rocks" normally $12.95 each). I give the boys a quick bite of lunch. We leave.

I also have to pick up teddy bears on my way home from someone and once home I also have tax stuff to do , due today (28th). I am a stickler for waiting till very last minute. Finally - home at 2pm. I get sidetracked by other stuff. The boys have a long sleep.I finish my tax at 5.30pm.

We have our dinner almost as planned sans the salad as it was too cool we had steamed vegetables. I nurse the boys on/off for next few hours ...they will not sleep after a late and long nap. Finally ...one by one they are asleep.

Well - you may ask

why am I still up at 12.54am still composing my post ...a few interruptions to nurse and because I am addicted to blogging.

I have so much stuff going round in my head tonight- I had to. Some days I feel like I am on a merry go round and others a rocking horse ...I never get anywhere

Because life with kids is all about going back and forth, and getting nowhere.

Got time for a quick giggle ...

Have you heard the toddler song

... and no I don't have a toy rocket ... yet!
*sigh* I am in for it tomorrow.
I am so thankful for my active, run amok healthy boys.
please don't shoot me for my sleep deprived grammar !

Wordless Wednesday #15- How to surf the internet

In five easy steps ...

Wordless Wednesday #9 - Binky Biarch

Sticky Fingers and Sour squirms

I have learnt to live with the stickiness of my little munchkins fingers - over everything. Then there is the constant exploring of all things with buttons .

So now all the finger marks are higher and they can reach more things.Sadly , his crawling days are almost behind him ... my babies are now fully fledged toddlers.

S & J love of pressing my buttons hasn't diminished ... the television (but they don't watch it -only to press the buttons on/off) ,remotes, dishwasher , the front loader and my mobile phone. OM gosh the tantrums when I refuse to let them have it or if one happens upon it ( they look for it now too) and the other tries to snaffle it ...

Today, I thought I had lost my mobile phone. My eldest DS and I were looking everywhere.I was ringing the number but we couldn't hear it. I had just been to the post office to collect a parcel (tell you about that tomorrow). I phoned the Post Office via the stupid 13 number ... after they made me press 50 buttons I finally got to speak to a person and then after another 20 mins got transferred to my local PO. Then waited while he apparently went looking for it. Nothing. So we looked again and DS found it - where I told him it was all along.

During the day my husband had also called the land line (house phone) and I wondered why ... and why I missed a few other calls. O'Duh ... The phone was set to silent ...thanks J - he has a real knack at working those buttons. I have to learn the key lock feature or keep it out of reach and to leave DH or DS number as last calls so if he calls them it won't cost me.

S is now more confident with walking and even more so climbing. Saturday night he pushed the dining chair over to the kitchen sink stood on it and looked as if he was planning to wash the dishes when he reached for the dish washing liquid.... good training. It was very funny and cute - he was grinning as if to say I am very clever.

I discovered my little S loves sour tastes ... yes he is the one who won't eat real food ... one day it was lemons, cumquats and today it was sour lollies called squirms (jelly worms with sour coating)

We had a eye appointment checkup for J at the children's hospital. When I get J out - S raises the roof and wants out too. I was prepared today.

The face S makes is priceless when he eats them , and I made sure I saved a few of them. The sticky fingers and the quiet were worth it. He was very good today ...once I gave him the squirms. J's eyes were all good too. Next appointments for their eyes is March.

I am going to buy a bucketload of sour lollies tomorrow. They are from Natural confectionery food company people in case are wondering about the artificial colours and flavours - nil. They are yum. My Mum loves sour worms too.

This boy takes after me ... he can smell the chocolate a mile away too but he really only likes a little taste (that's all he is allowed LOL). J wanted a squirm too but he isn't as fussed on the sour stuff.

I also must pick up some real toothbrushes for S 's 4 teeth if I am to break my rule about never giving them lollies /candy etc .... oh well I tried. On the tooth front J is also cutting another top tooth (#6) and tonight he wanted a lot of lovin'. Poor Bubba