Brooklynn,
You just turned 1 and 1/2 years old. You are growing so fast, and time is flying by. It seems like we just brought you home from the hospital. You have the best personality, and are always happy. You have learned the word "no" and say it any time you don't want to do anything. You love to play with your older sister, and always try to do things that are too big for you - but a majority of the time, you are able to do them.
You are very loving, and are always hugging and giving kisses. You love waving hi to people in the stores, and wave bye any time we go any where and say "buh". You love animals, and any time you see a dog you yell "dah" and run towards it. You give Carmen lots of hugs and try to climb all over her. You are always busy, and don't like to sit still for any period of time. You have worn a path in our carpet due to you always walking in circles and up and down the hallways.
Some of your favorite things to do is play outside, play peek a boo and hide and seek. You love to look at books, but hate to sit down and have me read them to you. You love watching movies with your older sister. You are always exploring, and always putting things in your mouth. You are very curious. You are learning new words every day - and are constantly trying to discover new things.
What are some of the things I love about you? I love that when you see me you yell "Mah Mah Mah" and come running to me. I love when you get excited you scream. I love that when you see Curious George on the TV you point, jump up and down, and yell "Eeej, EEEJ!" I love when we ask you to dance you bob your head back and forth and pick your feet up and down. I love that when you get a little scared you hold on tight and cry "no". I love that you still need me, but are getting a little more courageous and trying to venture out on your own.
I love your smile - it is contagious and any time I am having a bad day, I know that smile will turn it around. I love that you are my "little brute" and are a rough and tumbling type of child, but you also love to play dress up with your sister.
Life is so much better with you in it. When I thought my heart couldn't grow any more after having your sister, you were born and taught me that there is SO much more love to give away to you! I am so complete with you in my life. I will always be there for you. I will always love you, even when you do something wrong - I will help you pick up the pieces and be there to teach you life lessons (even if you chose not to hear me at that point, you might remember it later on). I can't wait to see what great things you are going to do with your life! Thank you for being such a wonderful little girl!
Love you always and forever,
Mommy
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Izzy's half birthday Letter
Izzy,
You are 3 and a half now, and boy how grown up you are! You have such a big personality, and you keep me laughing constantly. Your language is exploding, and you hold conversations like a big girl (like really - I feel like you hold conversations that a 7 year old would have). You are very intelligent and catch on to concepts extremely fast. You are in the "I want to do it" phase, which is really fun, but also really hard for me to adjust to. I don't feel like you should be able to do everything yourself. So you get discouraged sometimes when I try to do it for you. You are very friendly and love to meet new people. Every time you go to a new place, you walk away with at least 1 new friend. You take excellent care of your sister and cousin Mia (who your Nana Sugar watches). You are always wanting to help, and are concerned when they are crying, and have a great time playing with them.
Some of your favorite things to play with are your baby dolls and Barbies. You love princesses, Dora, and dancing. You enjoy drawing, writing, and reading. Your favorite movies are anything Disney, and anything about princesses (of course). You love to apply make up and want your nails painted all the time. You started your first all day preschool this year, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and your friend Lilly is in your class, which you are so happy for. You did a great job on your first day, with only a few tears shed around naptime. You are starting dance class (ballet and tap) tonight and are SOOO excited for that! I can't wait to see you in your dance outfit! Again, it will remind me how big you are becoming.
You are very indepedent, but you are very loving. You are going through the "I will miss you stage" and do a lot of thinking about what you really want. You have a hard time deciding who you want to spend time with. You also have learned how to throw a massive tantrum - including stomping your feet, slamming doors, crossing your arm, and screaming and crying at the top of your lungs, when you don't get your way. Most of the time, these don't last too long, and you are pretty reasonable when I sit down and give you options.
So what are some of my favorite things about you? I love when you see me you come running to me and say "Mommy I MISSED you!" I love that when you are upset, and I tell you not to smile, you almost always smile and tell me that I am funny. I love that you try to be bigger than you are, by "working out" with daddy, trying to be a mommy to your sister and baby dolls, and just try to hold conversations with older kids all the time. I love that every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of my baby girl who is vulnerable and scared, but who is willing to try almost anything even if you are a little scared. I love that you still need me, because I am sure that before I know it, you are going to need me less and less.
I want you to know I am ALWAYS there for you and I will always love you. I will encourage you and support you, and I will hold you when you are hurt or broken. I might get upset with you at times, but know that I will attempt to come back and explain to you why I yelled, or got upset. I want to be able to talk to you about anything, and you to feel like you can talk to me about anything. My life is full with you in it and I love every second of the time I get to spend with you! You brighten up every life you touch - and II hope you always know that!
Love you always and forever,
Your mommy
You are 3 and a half now, and boy how grown up you are! You have such a big personality, and you keep me laughing constantly. Your language is exploding, and you hold conversations like a big girl (like really - I feel like you hold conversations that a 7 year old would have). You are very intelligent and catch on to concepts extremely fast. You are in the "I want to do it" phase, which is really fun, but also really hard for me to adjust to. I don't feel like you should be able to do everything yourself. So you get discouraged sometimes when I try to do it for you. You are very friendly and love to meet new people. Every time you go to a new place, you walk away with at least 1 new friend. You take excellent care of your sister and cousin Mia (who your Nana Sugar watches). You are always wanting to help, and are concerned when they are crying, and have a great time playing with them.
Some of your favorite things to play with are your baby dolls and Barbies. You love princesses, Dora, and dancing. You enjoy drawing, writing, and reading. Your favorite movies are anything Disney, and anything about princesses (of course). You love to apply make up and want your nails painted all the time. You started your first all day preschool this year, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and your friend Lilly is in your class, which you are so happy for. You did a great job on your first day, with only a few tears shed around naptime. You are starting dance class (ballet and tap) tonight and are SOOO excited for that! I can't wait to see you in your dance outfit! Again, it will remind me how big you are becoming.
You are very indepedent, but you are very loving. You are going through the "I will miss you stage" and do a lot of thinking about what you really want. You have a hard time deciding who you want to spend time with. You also have learned how to throw a massive tantrum - including stomping your feet, slamming doors, crossing your arm, and screaming and crying at the top of your lungs, when you don't get your way. Most of the time, these don't last too long, and you are pretty reasonable when I sit down and give you options.
So what are some of my favorite things about you? I love when you see me you come running to me and say "Mommy I MISSED you!" I love that when you are upset, and I tell you not to smile, you almost always smile and tell me that I am funny. I love that you try to be bigger than you are, by "working out" with daddy, trying to be a mommy to your sister and baby dolls, and just try to hold conversations with older kids all the time. I love that every once in a while, I catch a glimpse of my baby girl who is vulnerable and scared, but who is willing to try almost anything even if you are a little scared. I love that you still need me, because I am sure that before I know it, you are going to need me less and less.
I want you to know I am ALWAYS there for you and I will always love you. I will encourage you and support you, and I will hold you when you are hurt or broken. I might get upset with you at times, but know that I will attempt to come back and explain to you why I yelled, or got upset. I want to be able to talk to you about anything, and you to feel like you can talk to me about anything. My life is full with you in it and I love every second of the time I get to spend with you! You brighten up every life you touch - and II hope you always know that!
Love you always and forever,
Your mommy
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Brooklynn's 18 month appointment
Today I took Brooklynn for her 18 month appointment. We met a new pediatrician today! Some of you may not know but we had A LOT of drama with our last doctor's office - long story short - their old doctor left (like went to Wisconsin) told me she would follow up on Brooklynn's sleep study, and never knew if she did. Month later, we had no more information on her sleep study than when we started. So, since it took a month to get "we don't know what to tell you - call the pulmonologist office and ask your questions" and "we will refer you to a second opinion if you want but we have no other advice because we can't find her study" I was done.
SO we switched to my sister's doctor's office. And so far, I am very happy. We saw Dr. G. I told the office to give us some extra time as her history is pretty complex...and the doctor spent probably 30+ minutes going over her history, looking through her medical record, and examining her. She was 29 pounds, 33 inches long, and her head size was 21 3/4 inches (1/2 and inch more and her head size will be unplottable on the growth chart!) She could hear a murmur (which was to be expected), and said that she looks pretty good health wise.
I brought up my concerns about the sleep study and the interpretation. Pretty much, she agreed with me that she felt the apneas we discounted (her biggest concern was the obstructive sleep apneas, even though there were 2-3 that were listed, her concern was that it might be more than that on another night). She said her tonsils are very large, and she wouldn't be surprised if she had them removed at 2 years of age. She said she was not sure how to interpret the central apneas, but she was a little concerned that she dropped her saturations to the mid to upper 80's and the pulmonologist who interpreted it did not make any comment on that in his impression - just in the study itself. And she was healthy. So she agreed that when she is sick that these might be more significant, and that from one sleep study to the next there could be significant changes.
So her recommendation is to go to another hospital to have another sleep study done. She was a little concerned that the only thing that came of her sleep study based on the interpretation was periodic limb movement disorder. So we will be referred to another hospital and have another study done probably within the month.
It felt nice to have my concerns addressed (FINALLY after 3 months of waiting since the sleep study was completed), and that we are FINALLY going to be doing something about it! She said they really odn't get concerned unless sleep apneas last for 20+ seconds, which makes me feel a little better as well. Her concerns were more for her oxygen saturations and the obstructive apneas.
She said she saw the asthma action plan, and thinks it is okay for now - but is assuming that once winter comes, we will be upping her medications to more than once a day. I also said that I was nervous because both winters of B's life she has been hospitalized with RSV, and she answered that with she should have outgrown that possibility, or let's hope. So that was reassuring...at least a little.
Other than that the doctor summarized Brooklynn's medical history in a sentence "She is the sickest healthy kid I have ever seen". She also said if I have to make appointments for Brooklynn, to just go ahead and request more time - because she will need it.
On a VERY positive note - NO SHOTS!!! So this evening, we have a happy happy child :)
SO we switched to my sister's doctor's office. And so far, I am very happy. We saw Dr. G. I told the office to give us some extra time as her history is pretty complex...and the doctor spent probably 30+ minutes going over her history, looking through her medical record, and examining her. She was 29 pounds, 33 inches long, and her head size was 21 3/4 inches (1/2 and inch more and her head size will be unplottable on the growth chart!) She could hear a murmur (which was to be expected), and said that she looks pretty good health wise.
I brought up my concerns about the sleep study and the interpretation. Pretty much, she agreed with me that she felt the apneas we discounted (her biggest concern was the obstructive sleep apneas, even though there were 2-3 that were listed, her concern was that it might be more than that on another night). She said her tonsils are very large, and she wouldn't be surprised if she had them removed at 2 years of age. She said she was not sure how to interpret the central apneas, but she was a little concerned that she dropped her saturations to the mid to upper 80's and the pulmonologist who interpreted it did not make any comment on that in his impression - just in the study itself. And she was healthy. So she agreed that when she is sick that these might be more significant, and that from one sleep study to the next there could be significant changes.
So her recommendation is to go to another hospital to have another sleep study done. She was a little concerned that the only thing that came of her sleep study based on the interpretation was periodic limb movement disorder. So we will be referred to another hospital and have another study done probably within the month.
It felt nice to have my concerns addressed (FINALLY after 3 months of waiting since the sleep study was completed), and that we are FINALLY going to be doing something about it! She said they really odn't get concerned unless sleep apneas last for 20+ seconds, which makes me feel a little better as well. Her concerns were more for her oxygen saturations and the obstructive apneas.
She said she saw the asthma action plan, and thinks it is okay for now - but is assuming that once winter comes, we will be upping her medications to more than once a day. I also said that I was nervous because both winters of B's life she has been hospitalized with RSV, and she answered that with she should have outgrown that possibility, or let's hope. So that was reassuring...at least a little.
Other than that the doctor summarized Brooklynn's medical history in a sentence "She is the sickest healthy kid I have ever seen". She also said if I have to make appointments for Brooklynn, to just go ahead and request more time - because she will need it.
On a VERY positive note - NO SHOTS!!! So this evening, we have a happy happy child :)
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Corpus Christi Vacation
This month we went on a family vacation with my side of the family. We went to Corpus Christi/Padre Island Texas. It was the first time we had been on vacation with my family in 10 years (yes, that is before we got married, had kids, and towards the VERY beginning of Sam's and I's relationship). It was due.
We flew out with my oldest sister Stephanie. The whole time we were in the airport, flying, and than driving the 2 1/2 hours from San Antonio, Izzy was asking "Can we go to the beach? I want to go to the beach!" Of course by the time we got down there, it was 8pm so no beach that night. Our condo was amazing - right off the bay, with a fishing dock right behind us. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. My parents had their own condo that was a two bedroom. Jacob, my nephew stayed with them, Stephanie and Devon my other nephew stayed with us.
The first day, we ended up going to a few surf shops, and than Izzy's request, we went to THE BEACH! It was so much fun to see her and Brooklynn in the water and sand. Izzy was a little leary of the water at first, but than became a regular water rat. Brooklynn just cared about eating the sand :).
We spent almost all day there, and by the end we were all exhausted, and I was pretty burnt! So burnt that the next day, I couldn't wear anything on my shoulders. It was an excuse to wear dresses the rest of the vacation.
The second day, we went to a wildlife refuge, and went hiking and driving. We saw birds, alligators (YES ALLIGATORS YIKES), deer, jelly fish, fish, and other random wildlife. Izzy saw an armadillo (thanks to Rango, she knew what one was), but nobody else saw it.
On the way over the the refuge, Devon and I saw a dolphin when we were hopping the ferry, but that was the only time and it was quick. It was a fun, and exhausting, day. The weather was not too bad, but it was a little warm when the wind wasn't blowing. When the wind WAS blowing it was blowing hard.
The third day we went back to the beach, but to a different beach this time. We spent a lot of the day collecting seashells and sitting on the sand and a little time in the water. We also went to the pool that night, and Izzy put her face underwater for the first time! It was amazing.
The fourth day, and we went to USS Lexington, and than to Texas Aquarium. Both were fun. The USS Lexington definitely was not a kid friendly environment - lots of balconies, and steep stairs. The girls enjoyed it, just a lot of anxiety producing events for momma.
The Texas Aquarium was fun, and the girls LOVED seeing all the wildlife. Izzy loved the dolphins, and Brooklynn loved them too. It was so much fun to see the girls just enjoy themselves. Brooklynn learned that she LOVES her nephews! She would not want to get too far from them.
Our final full day, we spent again at the beach. It was so much fun to just relax! We spent some time fishing throughout the week, and caught quite a few fish. We ate at lots of great restaurants, and went to some really cute shops.
The following day, we left early and drove to San Antonio and did some walking on the Riverwalk and driving around. The whole flight home, Izzy kept saying "I want to go home, I miss Carmen and Busa!!" It was a great trip, but I think her comment fit where we all were at. While it is nice to get away, it is nice to be home. Now if there was some way to make home Corpus Christi....Just kidding, but it was beautiful down there!
We flew out with my oldest sister Stephanie. The whole time we were in the airport, flying, and than driving the 2 1/2 hours from San Antonio, Izzy was asking "Can we go to the beach? I want to go to the beach!" Of course by the time we got down there, it was 8pm so no beach that night. Our condo was amazing - right off the bay, with a fishing dock right behind us. Two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. My parents had their own condo that was a two bedroom. Jacob, my nephew stayed with them, Stephanie and Devon my other nephew stayed with us.
The first day, we ended up going to a few surf shops, and than Izzy's request, we went to THE BEACH! It was so much fun to see her and Brooklynn in the water and sand. Izzy was a little leary of the water at first, but than became a regular water rat. Brooklynn just cared about eating the sand :).
We spent almost all day there, and by the end we were all exhausted, and I was pretty burnt! So burnt that the next day, I couldn't wear anything on my shoulders. It was an excuse to wear dresses the rest of the vacation.
The second day, we went to a wildlife refuge, and went hiking and driving. We saw birds, alligators (YES ALLIGATORS YIKES), deer, jelly fish, fish, and other random wildlife. Izzy saw an armadillo (thanks to Rango, she knew what one was), but nobody else saw it.
On the way over the the refuge, Devon and I saw a dolphin when we were hopping the ferry, but that was the only time and it was quick. It was a fun, and exhausting, day. The weather was not too bad, but it was a little warm when the wind wasn't blowing. When the wind WAS blowing it was blowing hard.
The third day we went back to the beach, but to a different beach this time. We spent a lot of the day collecting seashells and sitting on the sand and a little time in the water. We also went to the pool that night, and Izzy put her face underwater for the first time! It was amazing.
The fourth day, and we went to USS Lexington, and than to Texas Aquarium. Both were fun. The USS Lexington definitely was not a kid friendly environment - lots of balconies, and steep stairs. The girls enjoyed it, just a lot of anxiety producing events for momma.
The Texas Aquarium was fun, and the girls LOVED seeing all the wildlife. Izzy loved the dolphins, and Brooklynn loved them too. It was so much fun to see the girls just enjoy themselves. Brooklynn learned that she LOVES her nephews! She would not want to get too far from them.
Our final full day, we spent again at the beach. It was so much fun to just relax! We spent some time fishing throughout the week, and caught quite a few fish. We ate at lots of great restaurants, and went to some really cute shops.
The following day, we left early and drove to San Antonio and did some walking on the Riverwalk and driving around. The whole flight home, Izzy kept saying "I want to go home, I miss Carmen and Busa!!" It was a great trip, but I think her comment fit where we all were at. While it is nice to get away, it is nice to be home. Now if there was some way to make home Corpus Christi....Just kidding, but it was beautiful down there!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
7/24 Coupon Shopping Trip
Went on a shopping spree with my sister today at CVS and Walgreens - I was pretty successful. Spent a little more than I wanted to spend, but got a lot of great things! I bought $215.68 worth of product, for $69.99. That is a savings of $145.69! Here is the list of my savings:
CVS
Crest ProHealth Toothpaste $3.99 on sale 2.99
- 2.00 Extrabucks + $0.75 coupon = $0.24
Oral B Satin Floss $4.19 on sale $2.99
- $2.00 Extrabucks + $0.75 coupon = $0.24
Optifree Twin Pack Contact Solution $17.49 on sale $14.99
- $5.00 Extrabucks + $3.00 Coupon = $6.99
Kotex Liners $4.99 on sale $3.49
- $2.00 Extrabucks + $1.00 Coupon = $0.49
Kellogg's Cereal - Fruit Loops (4.39), Apple Jacks (4.69), Corn Pops (4.69)
- On sale 3/$6, and coupon for $1/3 = paid $1.67 each
Post Cereal Honey bran raisin (3.99) and Almond (4.39)
- On sale 2/$4, coupon for $1/2 = Paid $1.50 each
Palmolive Dish Soap $1.77 on sale $0.99
- $0.25 coupon = $0.74
Banana Boat Sunscreen $11.99 on sale $6.99
Kleenex $1.29 on sale for $0.88
- Coupon for $0.50 off 3 = $0.71 each
Crest Scope $3.89 on sale $2.99 - Learning experience - there was a limit of 2 for the extrabucks which counted Oral B, so did not get this for the price I was thinking
- $0.75 coupon = paid $2.74 (might try returning this)
Finish Powertab Dishwasher Detergent $5.99 on sale $2.99
- Coupon $0.65 = $2.34
Duracell AA 4 pack $4.99 on sale $2.99
- Coupon $1.00 = $1.99
Walgreens
Reynolds Wrap $1.79 on sale $0.89
Mars candy bars each $1.09 on sale for $0.49
- Coupon for $0.50 on 2 = paid $0.24 each
Zyrtec pack of 5 $7.99
- Coupon $5.00 = paid $2.99
Benadryl Anti-Itch Spray $6.49 on sale $4.49
- Coupon $2.00 = paid $2.49
Hand Sanitizier $2.99 on sale $1.99
Edge Shave Gel $2.79 on sale $1.99
- $0.55 coupon = Paid $1.24
Vaseline Lotion on Sale for $1.05
Wisk Laundry Detergent - $6.99
- $2.00 off coupon = $4.99
- Received Free Snuggle Dryer Sheets ($4.59 value)
Huggies Wipes $3.99 on Sale $2.49
- $1.00 walgreens coupon + $0.50 manufacturer Coupon = $0.99 (bought 2)
Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel $4.49 on Sale $1.99
- Had one $1.50 and $1.00 coupon - bought 2 - one for $0.49 and one for $0.99
Duracell AAA 8 Pack on Sale $5.99
- $4.00 Walgreens coupon = $1.99 - I totally forgot to add Duracell Coupon manufacturer so I could have Saved $1.00 more!
Covergirl Mascara on sale for $2.12
- Had buy one get 50% off sale = $3.18 for 2
- Had $2.50 on 2 coupon = $0.34 each
Scunci Hair Ties $3.49 on sale for $2.99
- Buy 1 get 1 free = $1.50 each
Huggies Jumbo Bag Diaper $12.99 on sale $8.99
- $3.00 coupon = $5.99 (bought 2)
CVS
Crest ProHealth Toothpaste $3.99 on sale 2.99
- 2.00 Extrabucks + $0.75 coupon = $0.24
Oral B Satin Floss $4.19 on sale $2.99
- $2.00 Extrabucks + $0.75 coupon = $0.24
Optifree Twin Pack Contact Solution $17.49 on sale $14.99
- $5.00 Extrabucks + $3.00 Coupon = $6.99
Kotex Liners $4.99 on sale $3.49
- $2.00 Extrabucks + $1.00 Coupon = $0.49
Kellogg's Cereal - Fruit Loops (4.39), Apple Jacks (4.69), Corn Pops (4.69)
- On sale 3/$6, and coupon for $1/3 = paid $1.67 each
Post Cereal Honey bran raisin (3.99) and Almond (4.39)
- On sale 2/$4, coupon for $1/2 = Paid $1.50 each
Palmolive Dish Soap $1.77 on sale $0.99
- $0.25 coupon = $0.74
Banana Boat Sunscreen $11.99 on sale $6.99
Kleenex $1.29 on sale for $0.88
- Coupon for $0.50 off 3 = $0.71 each
Crest Scope $3.89 on sale $2.99 - Learning experience - there was a limit of 2 for the extrabucks which counted Oral B, so did not get this for the price I was thinking
- $0.75 coupon = paid $2.74 (might try returning this)
Finish Powertab Dishwasher Detergent $5.99 on sale $2.99
- Coupon $0.65 = $2.34
Duracell AA 4 pack $4.99 on sale $2.99
- Coupon $1.00 = $1.99
Walgreens
Reynolds Wrap $1.79 on sale $0.89
Mars candy bars each $1.09 on sale for $0.49
- Coupon for $0.50 on 2 = paid $0.24 each
Zyrtec pack of 5 $7.99
- Coupon $5.00 = paid $2.99
Benadryl Anti-Itch Spray $6.49 on sale $4.49
- Coupon $2.00 = paid $2.49
Hand Sanitizier $2.99 on sale $1.99
Edge Shave Gel $2.79 on sale $1.99
- $0.55 coupon = Paid $1.24
Vaseline Lotion on Sale for $1.05
Wisk Laundry Detergent - $6.99
- $2.00 off coupon = $4.99
- Received Free Snuggle Dryer Sheets ($4.59 value)
Huggies Wipes $3.99 on Sale $2.49
- $1.00 walgreens coupon + $0.50 manufacturer Coupon = $0.99 (bought 2)
Skintimate Moisturizing Shave Gel $4.49 on Sale $1.99
- Had one $1.50 and $1.00 coupon - bought 2 - one for $0.49 and one for $0.99
Duracell AAA 8 Pack on Sale $5.99
- $4.00 Walgreens coupon = $1.99 - I totally forgot to add Duracell Coupon manufacturer so I could have Saved $1.00 more!
Covergirl Mascara on sale for $2.12
- Had buy one get 50% off sale = $3.18 for 2
- Had $2.50 on 2 coupon = $0.34 each
Scunci Hair Ties $3.49 on sale for $2.99
- Buy 1 get 1 free = $1.50 each
Huggies Jumbo Bag Diaper $12.99 on sale $8.99
- $3.00 coupon = $5.99 (bought 2)
Monday, July 11, 2011
Coupon Trip 7/10
Here is my coupon trip from 7/10. I like keeping track of stuff just so I know later on down the road what all I have been able to get at what price.
CVS PhARMACY:
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk Hair Gel - Originally $4.67
- On sale for 3/$10 (so $3.33 each)
- Had 3 $1 off coupons, so each of them was $2.22
Garnier Herbashine Hair Color - originally $8.29
- On Sale for $7.00
- Had a $3 off coupon - so was $4.00
When you spent $15 dollars on Garnier products, you received $5 extracare bucks (so that is $1.25 off each item)
- Smoothing milk ended up being $0.97 each
- Hair Color ended up being $2.75
Skintimate Shave Gel - Originally $3.49
- On sale for $1.99
- Had a $0.55 off coupon so paid $1.44
Kellogg's Crispy Nut Cereal - Originally $3.99
- On sale for $2.49
- Had a $0.70 off coupon - paid $1.44
Pampers Diapers box of 70 - Originally $24.69
- On Sale for $19.99
- Had a $2.00 off coupon - so made it $17.99
- Received $5 extracare bucks, so paid $12.99
WALGREENS PHARMACY
Curad bandages - originally $2.49
- On sale for $1.49
- Had a $0.50 off coupon - paid $0.99
Honey Crisp Cheerios General Mills - Originally $4.99
- On sale for 2/$4
- Had a $1.00 coupon for 2 - so it was 2/$3 - or $1.50 each
Hugges Wipes small pack - originally $3.99
- On sale for $2.49
- Walgreens coupon for $1.00 off - so paid $1.49
Charmin 6 roll - Originally $4.49
- On sale for $2.99
- Had $0.25 off coupon - paid $2.74
Colgate Toothpaste - Originally $3.29
- On Sale for $1 each
- Had $0.75 off coupon, so paid $0.25 (bought 3 of these)
Revlon Color Silk -
- On sale for $2.39
- Had $1/2 coupon - paid $3.78 for 2, so $1.89 each
CVS PhARMACY:
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk Hair Gel - Originally $4.67
- On sale for 3/$10 (so $3.33 each)
- Had 3 $1 off coupons, so each of them was $2.22
Garnier Herbashine Hair Color - originally $8.29
- On Sale for $7.00
- Had a $3 off coupon - so was $4.00
When you spent $15 dollars on Garnier products, you received $5 extracare bucks (so that is $1.25 off each item)
- Smoothing milk ended up being $0.97 each
- Hair Color ended up being $2.75
Skintimate Shave Gel - Originally $3.49
- On sale for $1.99
- Had a $0.55 off coupon so paid $1.44
Kellogg's Crispy Nut Cereal - Originally $3.99
- On sale for $2.49
- Had a $0.70 off coupon - paid $1.44
Pampers Diapers box of 70 - Originally $24.69
- On Sale for $19.99
- Had a $2.00 off coupon - so made it $17.99
- Received $5 extracare bucks, so paid $12.99
WALGREENS PHARMACY
Curad bandages - originally $2.49
- On sale for $1.49
- Had a $0.50 off coupon - paid $0.99
Honey Crisp Cheerios General Mills - Originally $4.99
- On sale for 2/$4
- Had a $1.00 coupon for 2 - so it was 2/$3 - or $1.50 each
Hugges Wipes small pack - originally $3.99
- On sale for $2.49
- Walgreens coupon for $1.00 off - so paid $1.49
Charmin 6 roll - Originally $4.49
- On sale for $2.99
- Had $0.25 off coupon - paid $2.74
Colgate Toothpaste - Originally $3.29
- On Sale for $1 each
- Had $0.75 off coupon, so paid $0.25 (bought 3 of these)
Revlon Color Silk -
- On sale for $2.39
- Had $1/2 coupon - paid $3.78 for 2, so $1.89 each
Asthma Action Plan
We trialed Brooklynn on asthma Flovent medicine. We didn't know if it really worked on Brooklynn's cough or if it was just time so I wasn't convinced she needed to be on medication. So we weaned her off the Flovent. Within 4 days she was coughing, sounding congested, especially after her sleep. So we put her back on the Flovent once a day and it worked on her cough. So we went to the doctor today, who said we should probably just bite the bullet and say she has asthma. We created an asthma action plan - for "green" or how she is now we will do 1 time a day of Flovent, with albuterol for breakthrough. If she has more trouble, than we go to twice a day flovent for 14 days, or her yellow zone. If she gets in the red zone we need to be seen and do albuterol breakthrough medication and have to be prescribed a steroid. Hopefully we never get here.
I also spoke with the doctor about Brooklynn's sleep study. I don't know if you recall, but we found out she has periodic limb movement disorder. Which means she moves her limbs frequently during the night, preventing her from getting good adequate sleep. So we started the iron.
I am a freak of a mom, and since I work in the hospital, I always go to medical records and get all her tests and consults so that I can keep record of all the specialized tests. I also am a visual person so I have to see what they are telling me. Well, reading the report they mentioned some things that they consider to be "normal" but to me doesn't seem quite so normal.
She had 18 periods of central apnea, which I guess can sometimes be considered a normal thing. She did not get woken up by these or stir, except maybe a few times, so this was considered "insignificant". To me, in my NICU mindset, central apnea is not a good thing. But I guess I am wrong. She had 4 episodes of obstructive sleep apnea or hypopnea (where she doesn't breath as well as she should), but none of these woke her up. They stated in their report that these could be underestimated because she only slept on her back 20% of the time, which is the worst position for obstructive sleep apnea. She had 5 episodes of desaturations, but only 86-89%. Again, I guess these are insignificant.
She had multiple periods where she desaturated from her normal range >3% (she would normally sit around 97%, but I guess she would fall down below that multiple times throughout the night). Again, they say this is normal.
She had a peak pCO2 of 51mmHg, which I guess is normal as well. I feel like, again, NICU mindset, 51 is not normal (normal range is 35-45mmHg, but I guess people have periods of having higher than this?)
She had one period of 5 minutes where she had 7 short, central apneic episodes, with desaturations ranging from 86-89%. To me that is significant, again they don't feel like it is.
I asked the doctor about this, and she stated she is not quite sure what to think. She has the opinion that the pulmonologist probably knows what is significant and what is not, but she will call them and ask them some more questions. I want to know how long these apneas were, why the are considered insignificant, and if I should be worried about these increasing when she gets sick. If she gets a stuffy nose, she sleeps so much more worse at night. Sam and I hear her waking up and gasping, and pausing her breathing after coughing, or even after she tosses and turns. But her sleep study doesn't reflect anything that we should be concerned about I guess. I asked if someone else looked at the sleep study, if they would find the same thing or if they would consider her episodes significant. She said let her call the pulmonologist and see what they say.
I don't want to sound like a crazy mom, or a crazy nurse. I want to trust what the doctor says, but I don't see how having multiple desaturation episodes at night is not significant, even if they are only into the upper 80's. Maybe I am being a freak. Maybe I should just relax. Maybe I need to just be happy that the doctor read it as normal and be on my way. But something keeps nagging in the back of my mind that tells me her sleep is not normal. I just wonder if this voice is one I should ignore and I am just worried for nothing.
Oh well. For now, she will continue to sleep in our room in her crib. Until Sam and I can get up the courage to try her in a separate room. I just don't know if I will ever feel comfortable with the way she sleeps.
I also spoke with the doctor about Brooklynn's sleep study. I don't know if you recall, but we found out she has periodic limb movement disorder. Which means she moves her limbs frequently during the night, preventing her from getting good adequate sleep. So we started the iron.
I am a freak of a mom, and since I work in the hospital, I always go to medical records and get all her tests and consults so that I can keep record of all the specialized tests. I also am a visual person so I have to see what they are telling me. Well, reading the report they mentioned some things that they consider to be "normal" but to me doesn't seem quite so normal.
She had 18 periods of central apnea, which I guess can sometimes be considered a normal thing. She did not get woken up by these or stir, except maybe a few times, so this was considered "insignificant". To me, in my NICU mindset, central apnea is not a good thing. But I guess I am wrong. She had 4 episodes of obstructive sleep apnea or hypopnea (where she doesn't breath as well as she should), but none of these woke her up. They stated in their report that these could be underestimated because she only slept on her back 20% of the time, which is the worst position for obstructive sleep apnea. She had 5 episodes of desaturations, but only 86-89%. Again, I guess these are insignificant.
She had multiple periods where she desaturated from her normal range >3% (she would normally sit around 97%, but I guess she would fall down below that multiple times throughout the night). Again, they say this is normal.
She had a peak pCO2 of 51mmHg, which I guess is normal as well. I feel like, again, NICU mindset, 51 is not normal (normal range is 35-45mmHg, but I guess people have periods of having higher than this?)
She had one period of 5 minutes where she had 7 short, central apneic episodes, with desaturations ranging from 86-89%. To me that is significant, again they don't feel like it is.
I asked the doctor about this, and she stated she is not quite sure what to think. She has the opinion that the pulmonologist probably knows what is significant and what is not, but she will call them and ask them some more questions. I want to know how long these apneas were, why the are considered insignificant, and if I should be worried about these increasing when she gets sick. If she gets a stuffy nose, she sleeps so much more worse at night. Sam and I hear her waking up and gasping, and pausing her breathing after coughing, or even after she tosses and turns. But her sleep study doesn't reflect anything that we should be concerned about I guess. I asked if someone else looked at the sleep study, if they would find the same thing or if they would consider her episodes significant. She said let her call the pulmonologist and see what they say.
I don't want to sound like a crazy mom, or a crazy nurse. I want to trust what the doctor says, but I don't see how having multiple desaturation episodes at night is not significant, even if they are only into the upper 80's. Maybe I am being a freak. Maybe I should just relax. Maybe I need to just be happy that the doctor read it as normal and be on my way. But something keeps nagging in the back of my mind that tells me her sleep is not normal. I just wonder if this voice is one I should ignore and I am just worried for nothing.
Oh well. For now, she will continue to sleep in our room in her crib. Until Sam and I can get up the courage to try her in a separate room. I just don't know if I will ever feel comfortable with the way she sleeps.
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