The Dentist

I was so pleased to be thoroughly reminded of my former dentist (eight years as a patient, three more as an employee) and his practice. From the phone call setting up the appointment to the final check-out, there were similarities that I found to be comforting. Even the decor reminded me of Dr. Harrison's office. The staff was waiting for me when I arrived, I was seen as soon as I completed the paperwork, and the exam was full and comprehensive, just as Dr. H. would have done. The only difference was that the dentist planned amalgam fillings for me, when I know Dr. H. would have done white composites. When I worked for Dr. H. I learned that the white composite fillings are better--they have no mercury, they are as strong or stronger than the amalgam, and they bond to the tooth enamel, allowing less healthy tooth to be removed during the replacement procedure. I asked the desk clerk about the possibility of doing composites instead, and she told me most military patients want the silver amalgam because they are less expensive. I know that is true, and that the insurance only pays what they would have paid for silver fillings, but I still want the better filling. The doctor had already left the office for lunch, so I will find out at my cleaning appointment.

Oh, and I need to call the base clinic to request another antibiotic prescription. Sigh.

Dental appointment day...

Looks like things are going to work out. I wasn't so sure yesterday. I have a condition that requires premedication for dental work and I needed to get the prescription from my primary care provider for the first visit. I had to get an 'acute care' appointment in order to do this because my dental appointment was so soon. I hadn't realized this...I thought they would be able to look at my medical record, see the report that says I require the premedication and send the prescription to the pharmacy and I would be able to pick it up that day. Wrong! Since my provider had never seen me before for this specific issue (remember I moved here this year), I had to be *seen* before I could get the prescription. When I went in, the clinic was controlled chaos. Long waits were normal due to providers absences due to training and illness. I was even switched from one provider to another *while* I was waiting. When I finally SAW someone, he could find no cardiac report in my file...he did find a telephone consult recording a past request for the premedication, so he researched the required antibiotic and dose. Two hours after my arrival, I left the clinic with four five-hundred milligram capsules of amoxicillin. Unfortunately, the doctor had forgotten to include refills for the actual cleaning and any work I might need, so I will have to get *another* prescription for any future appointments. Such inefficiency. I'll post my impressions of the dentist later.

Problem identified?

I was again having problems with the appearance of the blog. I couldn't hit 'enter' and get a new line, so no paragraphs...

But I can do it now.

The difference? I am currently accessing Blogger through my ISP. It is possible every time I had this problem I had accessed through AOL. I don't know what made this click in my brain, but I do know I never had this problem in Maryland, where they do not use AOL. Hmmm.... no wonder none of my attempts to correct the problem were successful...

Has anyone else noticed this anamoly with AOL?

Sunday morning...

I haven't posted much since I got home. I have been spending my time with my husband, when he is at home. When he's not, I am trying to catch up with home stuff. He did a great job keeping up the house, but I have paperwork to file and unpacking and laundry.

On Friday evening we had a quiet fish dinner using a new product Tom bought while I was gone. It's called Better Batter and it's from Old Bay. Very nice.

Saturday, we had tickets to see Noises Off in Charleston. This is a play we worked on with the Theatre Company in Belgium, and we both wanted to see how a professional troup does it. I was amazed at how much their set resembled the one Tom built. I continue to be impressed by my husband's creativity. Anyway, we left home early so we could stop at a store in Charleston on the way. Tom heard the store mentioned on a woodworking show on TV and he wanted to check it out. He was impressed. It's called Woodcraft and their motto is 'helping you make wood work.' They had really exotic woods there, even some stuff that is naturally purple. I had no idea such a thing existed. While Tom was shopping, I went next door to Tuesday Morning. I had heard about this store from a friend who used to work there. She LOVED it - claimed she signed over her paycheck every week with all the great deals. I wanted to see what it was like. It was OK. Its one of those places that you can't know what you want and go get it. You have to look at their stuff and decide if you want it. I did buy some bibs with snap closures for Lily. They are hard to find, and Jen prefers them to Velcro. We also stopped at a Book Exchange, but didn't get anything.

For dinner, we ate at The Crab Shack on East Bay in downtown Charleston. I can highly recommend it! I enjoyed the atmosphere - friendly and informal without being loud and obnoxious. The food was GREAT! Mostly seafood to choose from, but some steak and chicken as well. I had the Shrimp Lover's Special - steamed, fried, and bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp with cole slaw, corn on the cob, new potatoes and two sauces for the shrimp. Yummy! Tom had the Carolina Crabcakes. Different from Maryland-style, but goo-ood! So if you're looking for good seafood in Charleston, try the Crab Shack. As they say, don't worry! Be Crabby!

Home safely

I got home safely last evening between 8 and 9 pm. No real problems for me on the way home, although I was slowed by an overturned truck onI-95. I'd say that was more trouble for a whole lot of other people than for me! There was a second overturned truck further down the road going in the other direction. I wonder if the wind had anything to do with it? More soon.

Going home soon...

I will be leaving here Thursday, and am beginning to realize how much I will miss being here.

More 'Nastics!

Today, Ryan had both Mommy and Grandma with him at Gymnastics. It was his last class of this session and Mommy wanted to go, but she wanted to see how things would go with baby sister along. She asked me to come along to hold Lily, and I was happy to do so. I *LOVE* watching Ryan at the gym! When we got there, Lily was crying in the carseat, so Ryan and Grandma went inside until Mommy could take care of Lily and come inside. Ryan immediately looked for Miss T.C. when we entered the Little Gym. He really likes his instructor and likes to know where she is throughout the class. When he spotted her at the uneven parallel bars, he walked over to say hello. Once Miss T.C. knew he was there, he felt free to play on the equipment. First he climbed onto the trampoline and bounced and bounced. He loves jumping on the tramp and rarely will leave unless another child is waiting for a turn. As much as he loves to jump, he will climb off and go to another piece of equipment when another child wants to bounce on the tramp. I was so proud of his willingness to share the equipment with the other kids. When Ryan went to the uneven bars, he was all ready to show Miss T. C. that he could do the new skill. The class is working on an 'above-the-bar' skill -- balancing with hips on the bar. Ryan had watched the other kids try and knew what to do. He just did it, without much help at all. First time he didn't hold on very long, but the second time he held the position a little longer. He seemed quite pleased with himself. During Circle Time, the kids were to practice their 'Ta-Daa's' meaning after a forward roll, they were to stand with arms up and say 'ta-daaah!' This was to practice for getting ribbons at the end of class. The first few kids didn't really 'get' the ta-da thing. They did the roll, but no pose. A couple of kids refused participation, then it was Ryan's turn. He marched up to the mat, chose a yellow stripe to do his forward roll, stood up, raised his hands and said proudly 'TA-DA!' He got applause from all the Mommies then ran to me and flung himself into my arms. I love that part. After seeing Ryan, the rest of the kids got the idea and the ta-daas went much better. He was such a good example. [No proud grandma here ;)] During Free Play, Ryan gladly practiced his above the bar work and turned forward rolls on the mat, but he simply refused to walk on the balance beam 'a different way.' He had already walked it twice before Circle Time. Since he usually avoids it with me, I was pleased with that much balance beam. When it was time to go the the Big Gym, Ryan was first in line. He always waits for his escort (Jen or me) to hold his hand and walk with him, so we led the way behind Miss T. C. Ryan had a great time in the Big Gym, as he always does. I took video of him getting his ribbon with my new camera. Can't wait to see how that turned out!

Funny words from Ryan

Mommy to Ryan: Go get Blankie and Huggy Bear for Naptime.
Ryan to Mommy: I need Blue Nuk-y (his pacifier).
Mommy: You don't need Blue Nuk-y. You're a Big Boy!
Ryan: Yes, I do!
Mommy, a little frustrated: Its all in your head!
Ryan, thinking: No, its not! Its in the cabinet!

Great-Grandparents

Sorry for the dearth of blogging activity...I just haven't felt quite up to it. On to the Visit:

On the morning my parents were to visit, I took Ryan with me to the grocery store. We needed to pick up a few things for lunch. Nothing essential, I can't even remember now what it was. Nevertheless, we were leaving the store when my phone indicated a message. It was Jen telling me that Grandma (her grandmother on her Dad's side) had called and was planning to visit, too. She was going to arrive around 11:00 and leave before the 'second wave' of great-grandparents was due to arrive. Oops. That shortened my three hours of prep time by just a little...but we did fine. Carolyn (Grandma to Jen, Great-Grandma to Lily, Ryan and Zach) arrived as planned. She brought a gift for the new baby with her -- two sweet little sundresses she got the day Lily was born. After a short visit, Carolyn prepared to go. I did give her the homemade Candle Cabin that Tom had made and sent with me. She gave me a toaster oven she no longer has a use for to give to TJ for his new place. Unfortunately, she left saying 'I feel like I've forgotten something.' It was the Candle Cabin. I'll have to get it to her before I leave Maryland. I realized just after she left that I really should have suggested she stay for lunch. I don't know where my brain was!

My parents arrived between 1:00 and 1:30, as planned. I was out picking up crabcakes when they arrived. I came home to find Lily in Dad's arms on the couch and Mom on the loveseat. After a few minutes, Dad transferred Lily to Mom. Lily did not like the transfer. She started to fuss, then she made a most unfortunate noise, and not with her mouth. Mom wondered aloud why all the new babies wait for her to hold them before they do that! Jen took the baby upstairs for a change and a feeding while I visited with Mom and Dad. When Jen returned with the baby, we all fussed over how pretty she is and how nice she looks in pink (good thing!) then we sat down to lunch. It was Friday during Lent as Mom reminded me as I was putting lunchmeat on the table. I was so glad I had remembered that and also provided tuna salad and the crabcakes. The crabcakes came from Box Hill Pizzeria and were yummy. Jen made that suggestions, and it was a good one. After lunch we retired to the softer seats of the living room and visited some more. After a bit, Mom and Dad decided to head for home. It was an enjoyable day, but exhausting for me and especially so for Jen. She didn't get to take her morning nap! We were both glad all the great-grandparents came to see Lily, though. It was a really nice day.

More simple pleasures...

Today's big amusement was watching the syrup got 'round and 'round on the microwave turntable as it warmed for our breakfast. Laughs and gigges galore!

I will be posting about great-grandparent visits tomorrow. Exhausted. Going to bed.

Thursday Evening

For some reason, I am exhausted this evening. It was a pretty good day for me. Jen had thought she might want to come to Gymnastics with Ryan today, if I would come along and look after Lily and maybe step in with Ryan if necessary. Unfortunately, caring for Lily last night took a lot out of Jen and she was ready for a nap as soon as I finished with my shower. If she woke up in time, she still wanted to try to go to the gym, but that was not to be. Ryan wasn't real sure he wanted to go without her, but we managed to get out the door and arrive just a few minutes late. We would have been on time, but Grandma managed to zip Ryan's thumb in his coat zipper and the little guy needed a Mommy kiss before he could leave the house. We did get there and join the other kids for free play before Circle time, so we didn't miss much. Ryan did very well during the class, and I found out this evening that the 'table' he did (hands and feet planted on the floor and raising the torso with the stomach up toward the ceiling to form the shape of a table) was the first one ever! Go, Ryan! Our empathetic little boy was very concerned about another little guy who was having a hard time. Conner was not participating well and was crying sometimes. His Mommy took him out to the lobby, and Ryan was so concerned he went to the window between the two rooms to make sure Conner was alright. He kept looking toward Conner for the rest of the class, just to be sure someone was looking out for him. Next week is Ryan's last class...they will be presented with participation ribbons and we get to take pictures. We stopped to do some errands on the way home -- I needed tape -- and then we had lunch when we got here. Ryan chose apple smiles (using an apple corer and slicer provides wedge-shaped 'smiles') and peanut butter, and grapes. Mommy came downstairs while Ryan was eating and she had some lunch, too. Ryan took a nap -- however unwillingly -- and the grown-ups did grownup things until dinnertime.

After dinner Jay went up to bed. I thought he was just really tired, but it turns out he was napping in preparation for the Maryland/Georgia basketball game that was going to be played starting at nine. He has been enjoying the Terrapins performance, so I guess it was worth it.

Tomorrow, my parents are coming out. We invited them for lunch, but the real reason we want them to visit is to meet Lily. She met Grandma, Grandmommy and Granddaddy and Aunt Elizabee at the hospital. Uncle Ben, Uncle John, Uncle TJ and Aunt Cathy have come to the house to visit. We thought it was time she met the really important people. We're planning a special menu because it is a Friday during Lent. Does tuna fish count as 'seafood'?

Simple pleasures

How much fun is it to watch little ones delight in simple pleasures? Recently, Ryan pulled his little chair up to the in-door refrigerator ice and water dispenser. He moved a switch and the light came on. "Pretty!"

I didn't realize this was noteworthy...

...until Jen mentioned it at dinner recently. Ryan wanted to watch a movie on DVD recently. Jen was holding Lily, so Grandma put the disc into the TiVo player. Ryan (my two-and-a-half year old grandson) showed me where the button was to open the disc drawer. I found this completely normal. Jen seemed to think it was funny!

'Nastics!

Ryan and I went to Gymnastics today! Yay! Since I got here, there have been three unsuccessful attempts to go and just one success, the very first week I was here. After that first time, I just couldn't get Ryan to leave the house without Mommy. It may have helped that Mommy had already left the house with Lily today. They went to the doctor, to check Lily's bilirubin. When it was time for us to leave, Ryan just walked out to my car, got into the carseat that Jay installed last night, and away we went. Since class takes place during Ryan's lunchtime, he got to eat a little snack in the car, to tide him over until we got home. When we got there, Ryan insisted I hold his right hand as we crossed the parking lot. His face and hands were stickly with cookie mess, so we went right to the ladies room to wash. Ryan happily washed his right hand, but refused to do anything with the left. Upon closer examination, I found he still had some cookie remnants there. Apparently he inteded to have a snack during class! It took several minutes of explaining that Miss T.C. likes to keep the gym equipment clean, and his hands might slip if they weren't clean and anything else I could thing of before he finally consented to washing his hands. What finally did the trick was when I said it must be close to time for his class, since other kids were coming in to use the bathroom. He got cleaned up right away then, and we went to take off coats, shoes and socks.

Ryan did a great job during class. He followed directions, remembered to take turns, and shared nicely. He did have two minor accidents -- he didn't let go of the trapeze until he had swung back too far. He hit the block (it is actually firm foam covered in plastic) and bit his tongue. He got right up to do it again, though. Later, he was 'bear-walking' across a horizontal ladder and missed a rung with his hand. He bumped his chest against the ladder and asked "What happened?" but he was OK. During class he did baby back handsprings over a foam roller, walked on the balance beam, balanced across a ladder, hung from the parallel bars and pulled his toes up to the bar, climbed everything in sight, swung from the rings, jumped on the trampoline, played with the parachute, sangs songs and played games. Pretty busy hour, isn't it? He had a great time.

When we got home, Jen and Lily weren't back yet. I didn't feel good about that. There were no messages on my phone or Jen's answering machine though, so I didn't worry too much. Jen came in as I was giving Ryan his lunch. She looked completely done in. She needed a drink right away and felt a little better. Turns out the trip to the doctor was actually a trip to the doctor so Lily could be exmined, followed by a trip to the lab for bloodwork. Both places took lots of waiting. The first technician at the lab was not very good. She stuck Lily three times and didn't get any testable sample. She also didn't protect the fabric on the baby carrier or herself from the blood. Amateur! They brought in another technician who was able to get the sample needed in one try. Too much stress for the first time out alone with a four-day-old baby. No wonder Jen looked so tired!

The doctor called shortly after Jen got home. The report, as I understand it, is that Lily's bilirubin has gone up, but not to dangerous levels. The fourth day is usually the day bilirubin peaks, and Lily is four days old, so the doctor doesn't expect it to get worse. Rather, it should gradually decrease now. Whew! I know Jen and Jay both are relieved that Lily doesn't have to do the return trip to the hospital like Ryan did.

As I was writing this, the doctor called again. I will have to wait until aftern Jen's nap to hear what she said.

Jen, Lily and Ryan are all napping. Wahoo! Quiet time!

So cute

At 6:30 this morning, Lily was crying to beat the band. I was sure she would wake Ryan. I know she woke the dog because she ran upstairs to check it out, then came bounding back down to ask me to let her outside. I did that, then attended my morning ablutions. When I came out of the bathroom, the house was quieter. Lily must have fallen back asleep and Mommy and Daddy went back to bed so I did, too. Couldn't sleep. Came upstairs for breakfast and heard Ryan in his room, singing to himself. He has gone through the Alphabet Song, I've Been Working on the Railroad, Jesus Loves Me, and several songs known only to Ryan. I have let him know I am available for morning rituals, but he is waiting for Mommy. He seems happy as a little clam.

Lily Grace + 2 days

I'd like to thank whatever gods were in charge of the Internet access here for waiting until after Lily's arrival to stop my ability to blog or check email. The computer simply stopped working and there wasn't a thing I could do about it. Jen and Jay were still at the hospital and had much more important things to worry about. I did suffer some withdrawal, but Jay fixed it within two hours (possibly less) of arriving home today and I am fine now, thank you.

Many, many thanks for the good wishes via comments and emails. Lily Grace is beautiful and we are blessed to have her as part of our family.

As I mentioned, Jay came home today, and he brought Jen and Lily Grace with him. Ryan was sleeping when they arrived, so he had a nice surprise when he got up from his nap. He had been a fine example of a big brother. He was greatly concerned when Lily cried, and he helped Mommy comfort her by gently rubbing Lily's back -- rubbing faster when she cried harder! So cute. At bedtime, Ryan was being disagreeable about staying in bed when Lily started to cry. Daddy told Ryan 'I have to go help Lily now.' Ryan said 'OK.' and that was that. He's asleep now. I think Lily is, too, and I hope Jen is able to get some sleep tonight as well. She is feeling a little stressed and she's exhausted, as is about normal for a new mother. More tomorrow, as I am sleepy myself. I'll even try to get some photos posted, if I am feeling dynamic!

She's here!

Lily Grace Dunning arrived on 2 March 2006 at approximately 9:35pm. She weighs a healthy 8 lb. 2 oz. (exactly the same as her brother Ryan) and measured 19" long. Mother and baby are doing well. Daddy says she looks just like her big brother.

Many thanks to all who hoped and prayed for a safe delivery. AS a family, we feel blessed.

Still waiting...

Ryan, Zach and I just got back from visiting Jen and Jay at the hospital. I was surprised Jen would want visits while she was in labor, but she knew the baby wasn't going to get here before bedtime and she wanted to see her boys for a few minutes today. She is calm and collected. I guess those epidurals really are an expectant mother's best friend! Jen thought they might up the dose of Pitocin, but I do not know if they did that or not. The boys, especially Ryan, were happy to see Jen and Jay. We left the room during a procedure and walked the hallways for a bit. When we got back, we said our goodbyes and are now in the throes of trying to convince Ryan it really is bedtime. He does not believe me. Zach on the other hand, went right upstairs to get ready for bed. I'm off to check on him.

More news as it becomes available.

Jenny and Jay called...

Jen has had her epidural and they've just introduced Pitocin (sp?). Things should start moving along now.

Quiet afternoon

Ryan is napping, Zach is in school and Daisy is asleep. With the TV off, it is very quiet here. Nothing new from Jen and Jay. I'll post when I hear from them.

Jenny just called...

...no active labor, yet. She's opted to wait and let her body do what needs to be done instead of letting the doctor induce labor. It may be a while, folks!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! ...and maybe Sweet Pea, too!

It is about 8:05 in the morning. Jen and Jay have just left for the hospital. Her water broke about 6:30 am. After a shower, Nuk-y Fairy presents for Ryan, breakfast for Jay, gathering all the electronics that needed to go along (digital camera, video camera, laptop computer, cell phone with Blue Tooth technology, DVD player and movies) they just left. I thnk Jen was ready about an hour ago...

Today is Dr. Seuss' 80th birthday. I know this because there is a celebration at Zachary's school. I think Dr. Seuss' birthday is a great day to be born!

I have the boys. Zach leaves for school in about ten minutes, Ryan is busily playing with his presents and later we will go to gymnastics (I hope!). Wish us luck.

So, good thoughts all around, prayers for a safe delivery for both Mom and Sweet Pea would be most appreciated. I'll be keeping in touch!

Wednesday evening

Sweet Pea update: still snug as a bug in a rug. There have been some contractions, but nothing of note.

On another note, Ryan has potentially made a big step tonight. He has been using his pacifiers almost nonstop ever since he was sick, just before I came. Before that, he was down to using them only for bedtimes. He has been hearing about the 'Nuk-y Fairy' who gives pacifiers to little children who need them. The Nuk-y (pronounced 'nookie') Fairy gets the nuk-ys from Big Boys and Girls who no longer need them. The BBs and BGs tie their no-longer-needed pacifiers to a balloon they leave in their room when they go to sleep. While they are sleeping, the Nuk-y Fairy collects the nuk-ys and leaves a present for the generous children who are willing to share them with unfortunate children who have none. Last night, Ryan tied one of his four pacifiers to a balloon for the Nuk-y Fairy. He was so excited! Then when Mom went to make the switch, he woke up! Eventually, he changed his mind about giving up his pacifier and they released it from the balloon. Tonight, however, Ryan decided to tie three of his four Nuk-ys to the balloon! He was so pleased with himself, and very excited. I hope he isn't sorry tomorrow. Even more importantly, I hope we're not sorry tomorrow!

Speaking of tomorrow, it is Ryan's regular gymnastics day and we are going to attempt it again. (Two past attempts have been aborted in the final stages). I loved watching him the one time we went--he was so active and coordinated, for a 2 1/2 year old. Wish me luck!

Wednesday!

Happy March 1st, everybody! Looks like our little Sweet Pea is planning a March birthday. Jen says aquamarines and daffodils aren't so bad...

Jen was having good firm contractions for hours yesterday afternoon. Then Jay got home from work...Jen says he repels them! I'm so glad she still has her sense of humor. She knows the baby will get here in her own time. She just wishes the baby didn't tease so much!

More as it happens...