socially inappropriate behavior by the parents

Kyler is my ear child. He would be a perfectly healthy child except for those darn ears of his. The child has had multiple sets of PE tubes, a tonsillectomy, an adenoidectomy, and even a frenectomy (He was tongue-tied.). We spent New Year's Eve getting another set of tubes placed. If you'll recall, I'm a speech-language pathologist, so I was familiar with this physician outside of being my son's doctor. Kevin and I both went.

OK. Now that I've set the stage. . .

The doctor comes in and introduces himself to Kev (who had never met him). The doctor then procedes to tell us what they (himself adn his wife) will be doing to ring in the new year. The doctor, whom we saw at his main office also has an office/home in Paradise, which he made reference to. In response, I announced, "I WONDERED what you were doing."

I really hadn't. . .

But at that point, it was more uncomforable to correct myself.

The doctor once again mentioned Paradise, stating that he would be driving there when he finished up with Kyler. Kevin, being the completely-friendly-but-total-smart-aleck that he is, said, "You could just ride with us," which was never intended as an actual solicitation. . .I mean, we were in the "big city," with specific shopping needs ahead of us. We were not missing this opportunity.

The doctor was very quiet for a L O N G moment before replying, "Um, thanks, but I'll just drive myself."

As the awkwardness died away (i.e., The doctor left the room.), Kev and I had one thought: Our first restraining order was approaching.

Parents. . .you just can't take them out in public.

going the wrong way

You may have heard the news. I started this whole "get healthy" kick. I've been jogging and lifting weight and eating healthy. It's been rather dramatic thus far. First there was the lack of weight loss. Then, there was the frustration. Eventually, there were shin splints. Finally, there is the lack of weight loss.

Did I mention the lack of weight loss?

I went to the doctor Wednesday. It turns out this whole "getting healthy" kick is bad for my health. You want proof? My blood pressure has always been normal. Yesterday, it was high. HIGH. How can that be? I feel like I'm in an elaborate candid camera/punked episode. . .In fact, the entire doctor's visit felt that way.


The doctor told me not to worry about things that I can't control. . .like my parents' health. After all, they might not make it much longer. (He is not their doctor.) To lose weight, you should park at the far end of the parking lot. . .Did I mention I was walking/jogging 2.5-3 miles every other day?


Remember how they always have to take my blood from my hand? Well, fifteen minutes later, this lab tech felt she should [sigh] try my hand, although [sigh] that vein didn't look very promising either. (What am I--an ex-addict or something? How did I win the bad vein lottery? And why is she complaining? She's not the one about to be stuck with a needle and told it probably will hurt and have to be repeated. . .)


I went to pay my bill, and there was a huge commotion. Apparently, my doctor forgot to charge me (darn) and when he did, he charged me for a lab procedure that no one knew how to charge me for. . .

I'm pretty sure getting healthy and visits to the doctor are doing nothing good for my blood pressure. In fact, this whole "getting healthy" thing may kill me!

bubble for sale? (and bathroom humor)

We survived. If you've never experienced a 2 1/2 year old enduring allergy testing, you're not sure what an accomplishment that is! We survived, and Kady actually did really well. (I ended up cancelling the ENT appointment, because we just couldn't make it.) It turns out my daughter is allergic to "springtime" (e.g., pollens, etc.) among other things, so I'm gearing up for a fun month. She's also allergic to cats and dogs. There goes my dream of her opening Kady's Kat Kennel. . .

Apparently, her allergies will most likely get worse before they get better. (Because she's lucky like that. . .) Around five years of age, she will probably begin allergy shots. Until then, my child has the medication list of a 90-year-old. (If Kady had been born first, we couldn't have afforded having any more kids. . .) I think if I can find a bubble that fits, it should help me keep her asthma-free. . .Anyone have a bubble for sale?

In other (unrelated) news, Kady is doing great with the potty training. She went potty in the restroom at Red Robin. Red Robin, please note that it would be appreciated if you could lower the volume on those flushes or at least reduce the echo to a reasonable level. . . I thought it would scare her to death when she heard it, but she just looked at me with huge eyes. I said, "Boy, that was really loud, huh?" She nodded and said (with all seriousness), "There's a monster in that potty."

If it Pours When it Rains, Should I be Feeling this Monsoon?

Ok, apparently I'm not working much this week. Kady got sick day before yesterday, which we were dealing with. Then, she wakes up yesterday wheezing and coughing. She could not breathe, and I was scared to death. Two hours, forty-five minutes later, we were out of the doctor's office. Kady received a breathing treatment (which helped immensely) and a prescription for a steroid. She was, however, still running a fever and didn't feel well. I dropped her off with my mom (THANKS AGAIN, MOM!!), and I picked up Kyler from school. He had an appointment to get his hearing tested--huge ordeal, but thankfully, normal. I guess I should get to the point: looks like the baba is in no danger of leaving anytime soon. . .