Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Promise To Return


"The story of bird migration is a promise - a promise to return" - Winged Migration


Working in the garden.
Releasing hundreds of Ladybugs.
Checking on our Mantis egg case.
Finding Found a hammock frame on Freecycle.
Planning an Art Empowerment Class for girls.
Editing Edited Volumes 1 and 2 of my diary on Blurb.
Working on Volumes 3 and 4 of my diary on Blurb.
Designing Satchel's 4th birthday party invitations.
Creating explorer totes and gifties for his party guests.
Making Dragonfly shaped sugar cookies for the last day of Creative Zone class.
Wishing for rain to wash the tree pollen away.

Trying to get through tree pollen season: administering eye drops to extremely-allergic-screaming-kicking-almost-4-year-old-boy; administering Nasonex to extremely-allergic-screaming-kicking-almost-4-year-old-boy; trying to convince extremely-allergic-screaming-kicking-almost-4-year-old-boy that the Claritin is working a little; days and days and days of whining and screeching and screaming; nights and nights and nights of sleeplessness.

It's beginning to rain. Thankful for the rain.

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posted by Wendy at 6:34 AM 3 comments

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day Book Basket

Happy Earth Day! On this day we're enjoying a few new gems from Barefoot Books, a publishing house that celebrates art and story inspired by diverse cultures!

Earth Tales is a collection of seven folk tales and activities from around the world from which children learn how different cultures live in harmony with nature.

Listen, Listen is a beautifully illustrated book that takes children on a journey through the seasons by the sounds they hear.


Whole World is a sing-along cd and book with tips to reduce global warming.

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posted by Wendy at 5:45 AM 3 comments

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Gon Out Backson Bisy Backson


"all of the animals in the forest except, of course, the Spotted and Herbaceous Backson, now know what Christopher Robin does in the mornings" - A. A. Milne


It was a whirlwind trip to NY and not without it's bumps in the road. Although Satch was cleared to go by our family doc, he's been refusing to urinate ever since that horrific ordeal in the ER. Thus, there's been a lot of pain and a lot of drama. There are conflicting messages about the source of his mysterious illness which had left him void of what little baby fat he once had. Our family doc believed it to be Strep, though his original culture in the ER reported out negative. The only thing that is certain is that he does not have appendicitis as the original doctors had thought.

So we packed a few things and headed to NY to stay with Nomah on Friday night. On Saturday morning, Sir Satch's fantasy of going to a castle was fulfilled, and then he went to see the dinosaur bones while I went to my friend Holly's baby shower. Later we reunited at my favorite restaurant, Tsampa, for an early dinner. I was amazed by all the construction that had taken place in the short time I've been away. There's a brand new building near the corner of Starbucks and Starbucks! We went to Ben & Jerry's for dessert with my friend Steph. Satch got a kick out of his slapstick antics.

We drove up to Columbus Circle to pick up my cousin, Phil, at Newseek and gave him a lift to his home in Sound Beach where he performed surgery on my Mac until 2:30 in the morning. My machine is so pimped out that I can hardly believe my eyes and it's fully loaded with all new apps. (sigh) My fellow Mac users will understand why I'm so blissed out and why I worship my genius cousin. One of the most exciting things about my new OS is that I can finally use Blurb and create physical journals from my blog for Satch.

That said, I plan to take a bit of diary break to work on a few other creative projects. I will be back for a Mom to Mom interview and to introduce you to Alfie, Patty & Judy.

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posted by Wendy at 7:04 AM 2 comments

Thursday, April 16, 2009

far and wee


"from hop-scotch and jump-rope and
it's
spring
and
the
goat-footed
balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee" - ee cummings

Satch has lost so much weight from this ordeal that it scares me to undress him. At his follow-up appointment with the doctor yesterday, he was cleared for our trip tomorrow. Satch is very excited. We are going to NYC to celebrate the pregnancy of a dear friend H, whom after 9 cycles of IVF and 2 surgeries, will be giving birth to her daughter sometime around Satchel's birthday in May.

Back Tuesday.

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posted by Wendy at 5:38 AM 2 comments

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

On the Mend: Pizza with Pal R

Satch is clearly recovering. For dinner he wanted to have a pizza picnic on the living room floor. While Robert went to pick up the pie, Satch and I set up our picnic. Suddenly, I was transported to a moment just a week before he got sick when Satch & his pal, R made pizza for lunch.

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posted by Wendy at 6:11 AM 1 comments

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Thick Of It

On Thursday night, somewhere around 8 pm, Satch complained of abdominal pain, then vomited. He continued to vomit every 30-40 min...all night long. I asked Robert, who goes to bed later than I, to sit with Satch until he's ready to go to bed so that I could get a couple hours of sleep. At around 5 am we decide to take him to the ER for fear of him becoming dehydrated. They started an IV and took labs. The labs showed dehydration, of course, and a slightly elevated WBC. All preliminary cultures were reported out normal i.e. strep, flu etc. They inserted a catheter to collect urine which, as you can imagine, was very traumatic. The doc palpated his abdomen (extremely hard in my opinion) and stated concern for appendicitis. He insisted that we get an abdominal x-ray which showed nothing except moderate stool and some sediment in the bladder. He insisted on an abdominal u/s which showed mild inflammation in the area, an enlarged bladder w/ sediment (I don't think it occurred to them that my son was now afraid to pee after getting a catheter inserted for a urine sample so he was holding all fluid being pumped into him). Then the doc insisted on a ct scan and said, verbatim SEVERAL times, "sometimes you can be totally fine with appendicitis and sometimes you can be on your death bed"...so not only did this scare us into going forward with the scan, but it scared Satch too. Satch began asking questions about death and dying, having already experienced the death of our elderly cat. I knew that he was trying to process what the doctor so carelessly said. The u/s came back inconclusive, not showing anything suggestive of appendicitis. They then concluded that the moderate stool was pushing on the bladder and blocking flow of urine and thus causing vomiting.

I'm not a doctor, but I knew this was unlikely because it wasn't as if he had gone for days without evacuating. My feeling was that he had some sort of nasty virus. They wouldn't discharge us until satch voided urine. I wouldn't let them catheterize him again. They wanted give him an enema and I refused saying, "Satch has already been through a lot of very traumatic and inconclusive procedures...we will give him miralax when his stomach settles". SO, we sat his bum in a bucket of warm water. He urinated. We were discharged. As we were being discharged there was another mindless remark on the part of a well meaning nurse. She said, "He's such a good patient, he doesn't even cry". This was oddly confusing for Satch because he did cry when he was being hurt, and I feel that he is entitled to his feelings. I replied, "Satch cries when he needs to and it is good to cry when you need to and Satch is indeed a very good patient". Then two nurses agreed in unison. I didn't want that statement to imprint anything on my son. I didn't want him to think that if he cried, he wasn't "good".

We arrived home at 3pm after spending 10 hours in the ER. Once home again, Satch vomited 2 more times. I tended to him all night, only allowing him sips of water every 2 hrs to be certain he kept it down. He didn't vomit again. Saturday I gave him dry toast, apple juice, some noodles cooked in veg stock and he did fine. However, he began complaining of a sore throat and a cough and periodic abdominal pain. I checked his throat and did not detect a strep odor or any white gunk, but his tonsils looked very enlarged. He developed a low grade fever which I did not treat with hope that it would kill the virus. He had no energy and slept on and off for most of the day. I sat beside him the entire time.

On Sunday, although the vomiting had ceased, he was clearly getting worse. He had no appetite, just a bit of light grazing. He was sleeping a lot and his fever went up to 102+ so I gave him some Tylenol. He also confessed that he was now afraid to urinate and said, "the tube hurted me" and he added that he did not like the potty. That night he woke frequently to sip water and began complaining about his throat.

In a fog of fatigue, my mind wandered to melt down that he had last week in which he, completely out of the blue, began crying. He told me that he was feeling sad because when he goes to school he will miss me. I told him that school was still a long way off and that he didn't have to go to school until he wanted to. I was suddenly overcome by guilt because we had started a very casual potty training routine with Satch after he expressed interest in going to school. We explained to him that schools want the children to potty trained and that when he was no longer using diapers, he could go to school. So, we used that as a way to encourage him to give up his diapers and he seemed to be on track. Now after the melt down conversation, I wonder if he's been afraid to void because he was harboring fears of separation.

Yesterday Satch appeared to get worse still so I called our family doc at 8:30 AM and arranged an appointment for 11. I told them the entire story and asked them to get the hospital records faxed over so that we weren't wasting the doctor's time. When the doctor examined Satch, we discovered that his staff had not called for the records. The doctor took another culture and although I was unable to see it myself, he was certain that he had a faintly positive strep test. He decided to give Satch Augmentin. Since that antibiotic is very harsh on the stomach and it was gastro symptoms that landed us in the ER, I asked if a different medication could be prescribed. The doctor stated that there is also a chance that Satch may have a urinary tract infection due to the sediment seen in the scan, but there was no way to be sure since he didn't have all the results from the hospital. We decided that since the Augmentin would knock out both strep and the possible UTI, that it was the way to go. This is the first time he's ever been on antibiotics. As we left the doctor's office, the receptionist casually asked me to get the hospital records. I said, "when I called the office at 830 this morning, I requested that your staff acquire the records so that they would be here for this visit. I was told it would be done and it was not. Therefore, the doctor didn't have all the information he needed for this examination. I will sign a release form for you if you need one, but I am requesting that you get the records".

When Robert got home, he made us dinner because I was exhausted. Satch was still not eating more than a few bites of toast and crackers. Right now, I'm not worried about nutrition, I just want him to get some calories. Robert asked if I wanted him to come home early today to help, but I told him not to. I felt that leaving early would only require him to make up the time...time that could be better spent when Satch is well and wanting to play. I asked him if he could, once again, do part of the night watch, so I could sleep for a few hours.

While I was sleeping, Satchel's fever went up again and Robert medicated him. After the fever broke in a sweat, he carried Satch up to bed. In my confused state of fatigue, I awoke startled when I heard Satch coughing, and because he wasn't next to me I called out urgently, "where are you...where are you". "I'm here, mama", he said in a froggy tone. And I was able to gather my wits and remember that he had been sleeping on the sofa next to Robert and was now coming back to bed.

This morning, there is no fever yet. He is still quite miserable and crying and coughing and arguing about taking the medication. We are hoping that we have an accurate diagnosis and that the medication does the trick.

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posted by Wendy at 6:39 AM 8 comments

Monday, April 13, 2009

And The Winner Is...

So I voided the duplicate comments and the winner of the Art Projects for Kids Giveaway is (drum roll, please)...howardsnsa and anonymous rkjfarmer!

Thanks for playing! Please pardon the not-so-pretty post, it's been a difficult sleepless-showerless 3 days with a very sick wee boy. We spent 10 hours in the emergency room and we're headed to see his doctor this morning. Most Alive Monday will resume next week!

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posted by Wendy at 7:01 AM 3 comments

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Hippity-Hoppity-Lippity-Lippity!


"A bunny's a delightful habit.
no home's complete without a rabbit."
- Clare Turlay Newberry (Marshmallow)

Some scenes from our pre-Easter/Spring festivities...














































Breakfast with friends at La Madeleine.


















Our community egg hunt.

Some little birdies told me that the Easter Bunny will be bringing Satch "Paperwhite" and "Winged Migration", and the woodland creatures will stuff treats in our felted eggs and hide them about the house. Since they trusted me with such secret information, I told them that we're giving Satch "The Sun Egg" and I'm almost finished making his promised Bird Mobile, but you'll have to wait for the unveiling for photos.


Have a good weekend. Happy Holiday, Easter, Spring!

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posted by Wendy at 6:29 AM 3 comments

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Fun! Not So Fun!

"running from marbles and
piracies and it's
springwhen the world is puddle-wonderful" - e.e. cummings

NOT SO FUN: listening to the constant whining from 6:30 AM until 11:30 AM...over anything and everything from runaway marbles to Velcro straps.


FUN: Plopping him in the stroller and schlepping to the play space...


listening to him sing in the rain the whole way there.

*For information about my son's marble track and box of marbles, simply click on the photos.

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posted by Wendy at 6:30 AM 4 comments

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Art Projects For Kids & a Giveaway

I receive a lot of questions about art projects for kids. There is inspiration everywhere, but when I can't come up with something, I hit the books...

Now that the warmer weather has returned we are spending more time outside. And we are loving The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art! The book is written for older children, but parents can easily tailor the projects for little ones.


Some of our favorite projects are:
  • Bubble Paintings: add a bit of dish soap to some bowls of watery tempera paints. Put a straw in the bowl and blow until overflowing with bubbles. Place your paper on top of the bubbles to create bubble art.
  • Super Spider Web: this project is made with twigs, floral wire and raffia and is so adorable that we're going to make a few for the garden.

We also love The Jumbo Book of Art. It's packed with easy instructions for all sorts of projects like: puppets, cardboard castles, wish flags and mobiles!

Another wonderful book is Great American Artists for Kids by MaryAnn Kohl. The book is in full color and contains biographies of 75 American artists with related activities for children.

And because these books are so completely fabulous, Kids Can Press is generously allowing me to give away a copy of The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art and The Jumbo Book of Art. Simply leave a comment by midnight on Friday April 1oth (and specify which book you would like to win and a contact email addy) and I will use a random generator to pick a winner. The winner will be announced Tuesday.

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posted by Wendy at 5:07 AM 31 comments

Monday, April 06, 2009

Most Alive Monday: Lizard Launcher


I didn't know what all the fuss was about...he insisted that I had to go outside to get the mud pie shovel and wash the mud off of it. He told me that he had an idea and I couldn't see it until he was finished.


Then he demonstrated his Lizard Launcher.


*About Most Alive Monday: I've decided to make at least one "most alive choice" each day and post my favorite each Monday. This, of course, is to motivate me to consciously "live juicy"! I hope you'll join me and share your "most alive moment" in the comments section so we may inspire each other.

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posted by Wendy at 5:05 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Like It Shines On Me

"I've got nothing to do today but smile" - Simon & Garfunkel




Have a good weekend.

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posted by Wendy at 5:31 AM 2 comments

Mom to Mom: Emily Bay Olavarri

I met Emily on a bus to Omega Institute some years ago. I lived in NYC and spent my lunch hours with her eating pierogies, potato pancakes and blintzes while talking about anything and everything as if I'd known her all my life. It is my honor to introduce you to my friend, Emily...

Mom:
Emily Bay Olavarri
Of: Genna (5 ) Zoe (2 )
Where: California
Blog: Caring Bridge

1. In what ways has becoming a mother changed you?

It is hard sometimes to remember what life was like before kids. I think becoming a mother has made me more present. Kids are totally in the moment and you have to be right there with them. Becoming a mother has altered my memory. I always joke that my memory is gone, but it is there- just different. I can’t always remember the plot of a book I just finished, but I know exactly where I last saw the pink pony or the good comb, and I always know the level of milk in the fridge.

2. What is one tip you would like to share about mothering?

You are the expert on your own family. Our first pediatrician told me this when Genevieve was a newborn. I was a typical worried new mom and she told me this so that I would trust my own experience and be guided by what I thought was best for my child and our family. This is the best parenting advice I have ever gotten. Because no matter what anyone else thinks, you know your children best because you spend the most time with them. No one way works for everyone, but you have to trust your experience to figure out what way is best for you. Trust yourself to know what is right and not right for your child. I really thought I was being paranoid when I called the doctor about Zoe’s bruises, but I knew something wasn’t right and I am so glad that I made that call and Zoe’s disease was caught early.

Also, I tell all pregnant women and new moms that I meet that the sling is your best friend. I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but if you can make it work for you- it is the best thing ever. A friend gave me a sling when I was pregnant with Genna. She could sleep in it, nurse in it- I always knew she was warm and safe. With Zoe, the sling has been essential. It is like having a third arm, which you need with more than one child. Since she has been sick she has been spending more time in it again. Even though she is two, she is still small enough to be carried and I feel she is safe and comfortable in it. When we have to go out, she snuggles down in it against me and I feel she is a little more protected from the world.

3. What is your creative outlet/medium?

I used to be a dancer, so movement has always been my outlet. Even though I don’t dance anymore (other than dancing with my kids in the living room), I still get a lot of release through movement. I love running now. Running is a great outlet. I love being outside and moving through space whether it is raining or the sun is out, it is always restorative.
I also journal and I like to make collage covers for my journals. I try to choose images and words that inspire me every time I see them.

4. How do you orchestrate motherhood and creativity?

I often feel like I am playing Tetris with our schedules. It is hard sometimes to fit the pieces, but balance is so necessary. I am constantly trying to find the best balance between time to myself and time with the family and time to work- some days feel more successful than others.

5. How has your recent experience with childhood leukemia changed you?

Honestly, I am all over the place. One minute things can feel really fine and manageable and the very next minute I feel totally overwhelmed. The type of Leukemia that Zoe has is quite rare, especially in children, so her doctors are constantly consulting with researchers and figuring out what to do next for her and revising their plans. We never know what the next step will be until we’re there. Confronting the unknown is extremely difficult for me. If I know what I am up against, I feel I can handle just about anything- not knowing has been incredibly scary. And yet, at almost every turn, she has exceeded all expectations. So on practically a daily basis, I am getting lessons in trust and letting go.

Before Zoe got sick, I was trying to wean her. Genna weaned herself at 15 months which seemed at the time like a really reasonable age. When Zoe hit 18 months and was more into nursing than ever, I got a lot of flack from some people around us for still nursing, but I also questioned it myself. How old is too old to nurse? If a child can walk up and ask for it in a complete sentence, shouldn’t she be done with it by now? I finally decided to keep going till she turned 2 and then try cutting down gradually. By two she had lost no interest and when I tried to cut back she was even more adamant. By that point she was probably already getting sick and maybe she was already starting to feel different and needed the comfort and the immune support from nursing. Who can know, but I am so glad that we kept nursing. Even during the worst of the chemo when she wasn’t eating, she kept nursing. One of her doctors said that he thinks she is doing as well as she is and has avoided most infections and side effects because of continued breastfeeding. I am so glad that there is something I can do that is so good for her and gives us both so much comfort.

Another thing that has changed for me is thinking that I can or should do everything myself. We have been incredibly fortunate to have family and friends around us to help us during this time. I have always felt the need to be independent and self-sufficient. When Genna was born there were a lot of services available to new moms in Vermont, but I didn’t take advantage of them because having someone come clean my house or cook me dinner seemed like I was lazy or a failure. It sounds silly now, but at the time I felt that I had to manage everything myself. I don’t know to whom or what I was trying to prove. But Zoe’s illness has forced me to ask for help. I can’t care for Genna at home and be with Zoe at the hospital and work at the same time. I have learned that people really want to help and feel better if there is something they can do. Friends and family supported us by taking Genna to and from school and having her over to play, sending us grocery and gasoline gift cards, and bringing me food and clothes in the hospital when I stayed there day and night with Zoe for weeks. We were totally blown away by the generous outpouring of support and love.

6. What would you like to say to other mothers going through the same ordeal?

Trust yourself, ask lots of questions, and when anyone offers help- take it.

7. What moves you, grounds you, fills your well?
  • Music- running with my ipod is fantastic.
  • Books- it really helps to escape into a good book.
  • Bookclub- discussing books, babies, and life with other educated moms- priceless.
  • Reiki, yoga- aaahhhh…..
  • Hugging my husband and cuddling my kids- ultimate comfort.

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posted by Wendy at 5:24 AM 3 comments