"It's A Boy!" Those were the words of Harry A. Ludwig, D. O., the world's most knowledgeable, loving and caring obstetrician. We just called him "Doc".
Doc was there with us when we got out positive test results with our first child, Samantha. And he was there with us after her death, sobbing tears of pain and sorrow, tears of hopes and dreams crushed. That man had THE most consoling hugs EVER, the kind you get from your grandpa. The kind of hugs that said everything is going to be all right. Warm, loving hugs full of hope and happiness.
That was the reason that a year and a half after Samantha's death, we went back to our good friend wanting to try again for another child. Doc knew the routine, Glucophage three times a day in conjunction with Clomid. First month we tried, BINGO! We were expecting. And Doc was the first person we called to share the news!
The first 26 weeks were the most harrowing. Waiting, each passing day, with baited breath; we wanted, no, we NEEDED to get to 27 weeks this time to know all was well with our baby-to-be. Through it all, Doc was there promising us "poopy diapers at 3 AM".
It was decided that our new family member would arrive two and a half weeks before my due date of March 28th. When March 12th arrived, we were filled with so much anxiety, but mostly with joy and happy anticipation. Up until this point, we didn't know whether it would be a girl or a boy. The mystery was going to be revealed and our world will change for ever, for the better!
Seven years ago, we heard the most wonderful and amazing words we've ever heard, "It's A Boy!" On Friday, March 12, 2004, at 8:36AM, Eastern Standard Time, our little Buddy came into this world, in the warm, waiting hands of Dr. Harry. He got his first hug from that great man.
Seven years ago, we heard the saddest words ever "Call a priest, he might not live past today."
Seven years, he's had to over come one medical milestone after another....
In seven years, he has proven all the neo-natologists wrong!
In seven years, he's blown them all away!!
These have been the best seven years of my life and I would not trade them for all the riches or wonders in the world!
Seven years ago, Buddy was gently brought into this world by a wonderful man; a man that we will never forget even though we are separated by time and eternity! Without him we would not be celebrating another milestone in our lives! Thanks Doc for one of the best gifts ever. Thanks for our lucky seventh year. We will love you forever for it!
Happy SEVENTH birthday Buddy! And thank you for being one of the best things to ever happen to me! I love you to Pluto and back again.... and I always will!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
They're Going Bald for a Cause
I've been living in my neighborhood now for just over nine years. In that time, I've gotten to know a few of my neighbors, some more than others. Some are cool, some not so much. Some friendly, outgoing and fun to hang out with, some, well, not so much. This is the story of the cool ones...
Last year at this time, my neighbor Kathy, and I were chatting and she asked me what I thought of her husband's newly grown beard. I said it was a new look for him and asked what made him decide to grow it out. Her response blew me away. Very calmly Kathy said, "Mike is going to get his beard and head completely shaved bald the week of St. Patrick's Day." I think she was expecting my response of "What? Is he nuts? It's so dang cold here in Michigan. He'll freeze his fool head off." That was the day I learned about the St. Baldrick's Day Foundation.
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| 2011 Team Clintondale Shavees - Mike, Dennis, Ryan & Jason |
What an amazing charitable foundation this is! Their mission is simple: "The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives." Can't get more simple than that, now can ya?
That evening a check was delivered to the neighbor's house.
That evening a check was delivered to the neighbor's house.
My neighbor's husband, both sons and their best friend will be shaving their beards and their heads to benefit St. Baldrick's. Our check has already been forwarded and we're looking forward to seeing our bald neighbors. We're extremely proud to say that we've helped work to kick childhood cancers' collective asses!!
Want to help make a difference? Just visit Team Clintondale's page and make a donation. Every PENNY helps. Together we CAN and WILL show kids' cancers just WHO is in charge!
NOTE: I "borrowed" these photos from our participants. Thanks for sharing guys! And thanks for your bravery!
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| Mike, Jason & Dennis - Post Shave March 2010 |
NOTE: I "borrowed" these photos from our participants. Thanks for sharing guys! And thanks for your bravery!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Project 365 - Chapter 3
Ok, so I made the commitment to take a new photo one a day for 365 days. And so far, I've only missed a day or two. And now without further ado, here's the next Chapter in our lives.
My Other Daily Addiction
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Poppers and Pretzel Nuggets
Counting Down the Days till We go to Illinois
To see Jim Henson's Fantastic World
at the Lakeview Museum of Art and Science
And so we bid a fond farewell to the first month of 2011. It was an interesting, snow and illness filled month for our family, but we survived. Here's to a great February, 2011. Hoping it's filled with all the love St. Valentine will allow!
Lego Creations Abound in Our Home
January 17, 2011
Working on My 101 in 1,001 Days
Making My Own Greeting Cards
January 18, 2011
Junior Chef
January 19, 2011
No Pictures Today Mom, PLEASE!
January 20, 2011
A Pleasant Pick-Me-Up from the Big E.
January 21, 2011
A Day Well Spent With Buddy's Best Friend
January 22, 2011
Thinking of My Angel in Heaven, Samantha Marie
January 23, 2011
I LOVE Turtles!
January 24, 2011
Testing Out the New Purex Complete Crystals
WE LOVE THEM!
January 25, 2011
Thinking of A Future Vacation in Holland, Michigan
(Maybe I'll get to meet Julie)
January 26, 2011
My Favorite Souvenir from Our Holland 2006 Trip
January 27, 2011
Waiting for Warm Summer Nights to
Swing, Sip Wine and Star Gaze
Swing, Sip Wine and Star Gaze
January 28, 2011
Thirst Quencher - My Daily AddictionJanuary 29, 2011
Jalapeno Cream Cheese Poppers and Pretzel Nuggets
January 30, 2011
To see Jim Henson's Fantastic World
at the Lakeview Museum of Art and Science
January 31, 2011
And so we bid a fond farewell to the first month of 2011. It was an interesting, snow and illness filled month for our family, but we survived. Here's to a great February, 2011. Hoping it's filled with all the love St. Valentine will allow!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
For The Love…Of Blogging Top Ten Tuesday
OK, so I moseyed on over to Sluiter Nation today as I usually do and came across Katie's top ten reasons that she blogs. So, I thought I'd give it a go...
10. Freedom. Blogging gives me the freedom to say the things to the world that I would otherwise not say to their face. If I get annoyed with some one, I blog about it. If someone hurts me and I can't face that person, I blog about it. I can even share a good joke or laugh.
09. Therapy. Blogging helps me prepare for the next session with my son's therapist. When I write posts about how things went or what I'm hoping for I sometimes hope that my little thoughts will help some other Mom going through the same things as I face with my son. It also helps me get through the rough and dark days whe n I can't deal with the death of my daughter.
08. It's an Amazing Support System. This wholeheartedly connects to # 9. When I have a bad day with my son and he's not doing so well, I can post a blog and know that someone out there has walked in my footsteps already and can lend a supportive shoulder to lean on. We can cry, laugh, scream and even sing together.
07. The Sisterhood That is Dear to My Heart. I've "met" so many amazing women in just the six months I've been blogging. If I post a question on a forum or just stop to spread some blog love, I know that they will genuinely appreciate it. They are there to listen, lend a help when you're stuck in writer's block prison and will give you honest to goodness feed back when you ask their opinion. And these women? They don't care what size you are, whether or not you own the latest fashions or designer purses or even the brand of cheap wine you drink. They just care about YOU.
06. Seeing the World Through Others' Eyes. I've met so many great people from all pover these United States. I've learned about life in Missouri, California, Texas and even about life in our neighbor to the north, Canada.
05. Reading Others' Blogs. I love to read and just don't have the time to devote to reading an entire novel. Blogs are short (mostly) and to the point. It's a great escape for me.
04. Reviving the Creative Juices. Many, many moons ago I wrote poetry when I was just a wee school girl. Then I grew up and got a life and slowly stopped writing. Blogging has revived my love for the written word. Once I start typing I just can NOT seem to stop.
03. It's ALL MINE. No one can tell me what to write or how to write it. I can write fact or fiction. I can be overly dramatic or cleverly subdued. No one can edit away my words to meet their hidden agendas. I can chose to accept or delete their comments if they get too personal or too nasty. It's MINE and no one can take it away from me!
02. Leaving a Legacy for My Children. Years from now when my memory has faded, I will be able to log in to my computer and share my life with my sons and their children. They'll know the REAL Mom and what she felt and what she dreamed.
01. Just For Me To Remember Who I Am. Sometimes we, in the many roles of wife, mother, daughter, friend, get so lost we don't know just exactly who we are. Blogging gives me the opportunity to remember just who I was before all of the life changing events that happened to me actually happened.
So tell me, why do YOU blog?? Jot 'em down and share with the class over st Slutier Nation. Go ahead, what are you waiting for? Join our BLOG HOP, won't you?
10. Freedom. Blogging gives me the freedom to say the things to the world that I would otherwise not say to their face. If I get annoyed with some one, I blog about it. If someone hurts me and I can't face that person, I blog about it. I can even share a good joke or laugh.
09. Therapy. Blogging helps me prepare for the next session with my son's therapist. When I write posts about how things went or what I'm hoping for I sometimes hope that my little thoughts will help some other Mom going through the same things as I face with my son. It also helps me get through the rough and dark days whe n I can't deal with the death of my daughter.
08. It's an Amazing Support System. This wholeheartedly connects to # 9. When I have a bad day with my son and he's not doing so well, I can post a blog and know that someone out there has walked in my footsteps already and can lend a supportive shoulder to lean on. We can cry, laugh, scream and even sing together.
07. The Sisterhood That is Dear to My Heart. I've "met" so many amazing women in just the six months I've been blogging. If I post a question on a forum or just stop to spread some blog love, I know that they will genuinely appreciate it. They are there to listen, lend a help when you're stuck in writer's block prison and will give you honest to goodness feed back when you ask their opinion. And these women? They don't care what size you are, whether or not you own the latest fashions or designer purses or even the brand of cheap wine you drink. They just care about YOU.
06. Seeing the World Through Others' Eyes. I've met so many great people from all pover these United States. I've learned about life in Missouri, California, Texas and even about life in our neighbor to the north, Canada.
05. Reading Others' Blogs. I love to read and just don't have the time to devote to reading an entire novel. Blogs are short (mostly) and to the point. It's a great escape for me.
04. Reviving the Creative Juices. Many, many moons ago I wrote poetry when I was just a wee school girl. Then I grew up and got a life and slowly stopped writing. Blogging has revived my love for the written word. Once I start typing I just can NOT seem to stop.
03. It's ALL MINE. No one can tell me what to write or how to write it. I can write fact or fiction. I can be overly dramatic or cleverly subdued. No one can edit away my words to meet their hidden agendas. I can chose to accept or delete their comments if they get too personal or too nasty. It's MINE and no one can take it away from me!
02. Leaving a Legacy for My Children. Years from now when my memory has faded, I will be able to log in to my computer and share my life with my sons and their children. They'll know the REAL Mom and what she felt and what she dreamed.
01. Just For Me To Remember Who I Am. Sometimes we, in the many roles of wife, mother, daughter, friend, get so lost we don't know just exactly who we are. Blogging gives me the opportunity to remember just who I was before all of the life changing events that happened to me actually happened.
So tell me, why do YOU blog?? Jot 'em down and share with the class over st Slutier Nation. Go ahead, what are you waiting for? Join our BLOG HOP, won't you?
I'm A Purex Insider... And I Like It
A little while back I stumbled onto a website looking for Purex laundry detergent coupons. I googled it. Didn't find the coupons I was hoping for, but I found information about becoming a Purex Insider. "Well", I thought, "I've GOT to check THIS out! After all, I am the Purex Queen!" (At least in my own little world I am.)
So, I took the plunge and I signed up. (Yay me!) And I waited and waited and waited for what seemed forever to get to try out the free sample of their newest product Finally last week, the package arrived. (Yay me!)
On top of being 92% natural, they:
We tested the freshly laundered towels against our sensitive skin and VIOLA! NO REACTION!! (Super Yay me!!) So, it was off to conquer the rest of Mt. Washmore. After all of the laundry was complete I still had enough of the crystals left over to do about three more loads.
Overall I was satisfied with this product, but would love to see them develop a hypo-allergenic version that is fragrance, dye and color free. Here that fine people of Purex? Please!!
NOW FOR THE BUSINESS END OF THE POST:
I received no monetary compensation to write this post. The opinions expressed here are purely my own and not those of any other person or entity. In exchange for my membership with Purex Insider, I received one free sample to test of their product.
So, I took the plunge and I signed up. (Yay me!) And I waited and waited and waited for what seemed forever to get to try out the free sample of their newest product Finally last week, the package arrived. (Yay me!)
I have to confess before we go any further... I don't like, despise, loathe hate doing laundry and anything laundry-related! You see, our laundry "room" is a big open space in our super messy (think aftermath of an F-5 tornado) basement. It's not a place I want to frequent and I avoid it at all costs. It's just too stressful to deal with without a glass (or three) of wine. There, with that confession off of my chest, I can go on further. (Yay me!)
And there it was, laundry day, me with mountains to conquer and a fresh bottle of Ultra Purex Free and Clear and my newly obtained sample. (Yay me.) And what, you ask, was the sample product? It was their newest fabric softener for the washing machine. They are sweet smelling crystals - Purex Complete Crystals Softeners.
And oh what great little crystals they are. They are 92% natural, non-oil based crystals. You add them directly to your wash water when you add your detergent. Simple enough. Even this blond could handle this mission. (Yay me!)
- Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children's clothing (what Mom doesn't love that?);
- Retain your athletic wear's wicking ability (a gym-rat's dream);
- Maintain your towel's ability to absorb water (no more needing multiple towels to dry off); and
- Keeps your whites from yellowing or graying (woohoo! Less bleach against my family's skin).
I opened the bottle and shook away. It was premeasured on the side of the bottle so there was no guesswork involved with how much to use. (Yay me!) Something I rarely use is scented products as we live in an eczema-laden household. Every soap, detergent or skin-related product is hypoallergenic, fragrance and dye free. Well, this product was not scent free, but it did have a delicious heavenly scent. (It is available in three scents.) So I thought I'd give it a try on something that doesn't stay on our skin too long, the mountain of towels.
At first the scent was quite strong but after a trip through the washer and then the dryer, the scent mellowed and was enjoyable. Everything felt as soft as if I'd used my fabric softener sheets. (Yay me!) My only disappointment is that it doesn't really reduce the static electricity like the fabric softener sheets do. Maybe they can work on that (hint, hint Mr. Purex)
We tested the freshly laundered towels against our sensitive skin and VIOLA! NO REACTION!! (Super Yay me!!) So, it was off to conquer the rest of Mt. Washmore. After all of the laundry was complete I still had enough of the crystals left over to do about three more loads.
Overall I was satisfied with this product, but would love to see them develop a hypo-allergenic version that is fragrance, dye and color free. Here that fine people of Purex? Please!!
NOW FOR THE BUSINESS END OF THE POST:
I received no monetary compensation to write this post. The opinions expressed here are purely my own and not those of any other person or entity. In exchange for my membership with Purex Insider, I received one free sample to test of their product.
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