How long can a molar take?

Day 3, only a tidbit of tooth poking through, but I feel it. Not with my finger per say, with my collar bone. This is Cade's preferred biting spot. Little terror that he is...

You know what I did today at work? Someone else's work. Not the easy stuff but the crappy, no one wants to do this stuff, that's what I get for helping.

I'm off to eat dinner, the most creative thing I could think of was Raisin Bran Crunch. Perhaps I'm not the foodie that I thought I was. Speaking of that, I was thinking that I should get together with other amatuer foodies and start a foodie blog. How much do you love that I've now said foodie four times? Anyway, if interested let me know. We could start a Blogger group, with recipes and snacks and anything that contributes to the size of my ass. We could have weekly food dates. Ohhh the calories are calling me, must go eat Raisin Bran and contemplate.

PS. What do you think of the new background? I totally ripped you off Kristi....and now my blog matches my house. Too matchy matchy? Too poop-inspired?

And here is something random for you-have you heard that Dentyne Ice commerical, you know the one where they sing: so kiss me againnnn, cause only you can stop this st-st-st-st-stuttering. Well I love it, like crazy.

Someone, anyone...help.

He has a molar coming in, specifically the bottom left one-as can be demonstrated by the PERMANENT indentation left on my index finger this afternoon. He bit me so freakin' hard I almost hit him. Now, you don't need to report me to Children's Services because I didn't. It was an instinctual thing that almost crept out. Thankfully I had a sane moment and instead barked at him to stop, while I GENTLY pushed my finger towards his mouth (or further in, as learned in Non-violent Crisis Intervention, thankfully that came in handy). It still hurts.

Over the course of today he also managed to hit me several times (in the head), scratch multiple parts of my body and pull my hair about 8-10 times. It was NOT a happy day for momma. Momma had to leave him in the room with the door shut to ensure that no bodily harm was done to her child.

I gave him Tylenol and several things to chew on (besides me). Nothing worked. When he was not in battle mode he freaked out if I left him for a MOMENT. I'm talking like getting up to answer the phone causing a full scale meltdown. I had to sit on the floor all day with him, while he crawled on and off me, whining the whole time. This persisted for about 10 hours, until I joyously put him to bed a half hour early. Now I am sitting here, looking like I was electrocuted because my god...you should see my freakin' hair.

So based on the above listed items I am now seeking a babysitter. If you can manage not to beat him I'll take ya.

You must read this blog

No not mine. Mine is pretty dull and I tend to drone on and on about the same things. No need to tell me I am:
1. humerous
2. witty
3. entertaining

...because I have come to accept that fact that I am not the above mentioned things. This was clearly driven home by my father who advised me that I am funnier on this blog than I am in person, because I am in fact "not funny". I'm fairly sure my husband nodded in agreement. It's ok, I accept this. I'm hear to vent, if you want to listen be my guest. If you don't, well then you can go ahead and get lost.

So, if you want humour, wit, entertainment and several other experiences you must head over to visit Dooce (www.dooce.com). [ Can someone tell me how to highlight just the Dooce portion of that? I am HTML illiterate.] If you don't then I think your rather lame, or maybe YOU aren't funny either.

In our house, we all puke together.

Cade and I are on the mend. I've stayed home the past two days, since vomitting in the public washroom at work wasn't exactly my idea of getting better. Plus this way we weren't spreading Cade's illness around either. It seems Ty is coming down with some of our nasty symptoms. Poor guy! He is taking care of Cade tomorrow, but hey I did it, so can he! I say that as though he complained about it, which he hasn't. He really rarely complains about anything to do with Cade, which I love. It's nice that he realizes that our son was not created by my mental powers, and that he has two parents. I say this to lend my support to the single mama's out there.

I'm dreading tomorrow, catch up at work is never nice, but it must be done. I hope your families are currently healthier than mine!

PS: Kristi, where did you go? No FB and no blog? Send me an email with your contact info if you aren't reactivating. I hope you don't have some crazy "security breach"again!

Cade's illness update.

This morning is a much better morning than yesterday for the following reasons:

1. Fever much lower.
2. Baby not lethargic.
3. Baby playing a little bit.
4. Baby eating a little bit.
5. Baby drinking a full bottle.
6. Baby only awake once last night.
7. Baby not vomiting.

However, baby now has diarreha and still a low grade fever. I can deal with these things. Fever at bedtime last night was 40 degrees, whew-thankfully that passed!

Mommy still ill, feels motion sickness when walking or turning head, leading to excessive vomitting. Mommy and baby home together today.

Thanks for the advise Kristi and Hollystar!

Desperately seeking experienced mom advice!

Poor poor Cade. He has a nasty flu/viral infection. It landed him in the hospital today, due to a really high fever and general lethargy. 4 hours later....there was nothing they could give him, but they laid out a plan for keeping him hydrated, told us to give Tylenol to try to keep the fever down, and a bunch of other details. I was feeling ok when we left the hospital but now I'm super stressed out. I'm wondering if I am missing something? He obviously has what I have too, so now we have two really sick people at home and Ty has to work the next two days. I called in sick because I couldn't work with my own illness let alone wonder (obsess) about my child from afar, or expose Amy's son to this. My poor little person is just laying on us, looking up, all red faced with pale mottled skin, nose running, laboured breathing, high fever, not eating solids, drinking about half of the usual, crying in the highchair, crying in the tub....I could go on. I desperately need advice from experienced moms, before I storm the hospital and demand admittance.

Help.

I birthed a genius!

At least I think I birthed a genius, you know-in a completely non-baised sense. Cade has developed a repertoire of words and I thought it best to share these with you poor sacks:

1. Dada
2. Mama (only used when injured, so I occasionally poke him with sticks).
3. Dat (seems to mean both Cat and That, as in What's that?).
4. Hot (everything in a cup is currently HOT).
5. Hi (HI DAT, HI DAT, HI DAT).

He also understands but does not say:

1. No (I was convinced this would be his first word).
2. Bye bye! (Accompanied with a wave).
3. Clap (yep, he can clap on command, when he feels like it).
4. Where is ______? (He goes runnin' like mad).
5. Tata mommy ____. (He "tatas" most of the time).

6. Baba (give me MILK!).

7. Tubby (give me water).

8. Sit down (reference the tubby).

I beam with pride.

My husband tortures me

He mentioned that he wanted to watch this vampire movie tonight. I am normally into scary movies and one of my favourite movies is 28 Days Later (gives me shivers just to think about it). However, this little masterpiece up on the screen is scaring the crap out of me and also annoying me to no end, given the numerous inconsistencies. As I blog about it, I am watching the sherrif take an axe to his co-workers head. Tyler has not gotten my repeated "umm this is too scary to watch before bed" and "WTF is wrong with these people?" and "why can't they escape on skidoos?" and "why does this head vampire talk like a 300 year old philosopher?". I was hoping that he would tire of my endless commentary and turn it off, no such luck. All I got was a "you talk too much, shhhhh". I guess he didn't get the message, huh?

Happy hoppy weekend.

Hello readers. I am done with my recent devotion to complaints. I'm back with a vengence, and a sickness (I had to, I couldn't help it). Today sucked, Cade was a holy terror and I suspect he is also sick. It also seems that he has a nasty white lump is violating his poor gums, yes I suspect a molar will erupt shortly. Whenever he drives me nuts I have to remind myself that I'm lucky to have him and it WILL pass. One day....

Onto other things. I've been back to work for one month and am pleased to report it is not even close to as awful as I thought it would be. I still miss C but I don't have breakdowns. This is likely due to the fact that I had quite a bit of work assigned to me in a short period of time and my caseload is growing. So while I won't tell you where I work, for fear of death threats from random lurkers, I will say that each case takes about 1-3 hours to review, gather info, send info etc, depending on complexity. That's no big deal, until you get 6 in a week and work 3 days, AND already have another 10 or so to monitor. Whew, but it's all good, I feel productive while wearing heels. Plus I have been good about going to the gym.

And on to fitness, I can't seem to get my crap together. I'm totally full of BS. I want to lose weight and can deal with the lunch hour gym session but can't seem to watch what I eat. It's not that I am eating crappy per say but just not watching it, and therefore am not losing weight. Someone, send me some inspiration!

And on to the move, we'll it's going to be delayed by about a month (putting the house on the market). Let's just say it is due to Ty's STELLAR employer, but since this discussion would entail a heavy dose of complaint, that is all I'm saying about it, for now.

Just as a side note: I do not work for the CSIS, FBI or CIA. I am not a covert operative. I also don't shoot people. If you know me, or are a blogger friend and desperately want to know what I do, because it is SO important, send me a note at kristian@theelephantroom.ca and I'll tell ya. I can assure you in advance that it will be anti-climactic.

And now I gots me a fever

and a cold, and a sore back, and a sore head, and several vomit sessions and a general feeling of death, topped off with an unhappy toddler.

I gots me a herpy.

Not THAT kind! The lip herp. I usually call them herps and the discussion is most often with my mother, since she kindly passed on the genetic pre-disposition. She gets them more than I do though, ha! I hate herps. I think they are the ugliest thing that can happen to my face (obviously maiming not included). I would much prefer a dozen puss filled zits because then I would at least get some poking satisfaction (no I don't have a zit poking fetish).

I think I got the nasty little critter from last weeks heafty dump of work-related stress. Thanks a lot work.

When Cade was a few months old I read this article about a baby who developed a cold sore and, from complications, died. It was awful! Ever since then I am absolutely neurotic about Cade having any proximal relationship to my herp. Tyler is currently sick too so our kid is lacking kisses. Poor baby!

Got any amazingly quick herp cures? I usually use Zovirax but it doesn't work like magic. Liars.

Potty time!

For mom, or dad or any other person brave enough to enter our little sliver of space. Every single time I try to enter the washroom (for typical washroom duties or otherwise) my child has a freakin' meltdown. I've tried ignoring, cajoling, being firm, and finally I clued in and got sneaky. I entertain my child with something he would not normally get the chance to do/use. Examples-keys, real telephone, lazy cat. I run in and do whatever I gotta do when he can't see me. This keeps him calm for at least 10 minutes. I, shamefully, have been known to sneak out and hide in another room, enjoying his quiet occupation.

Guess where I wrote this from, sitting on the toilet that's right! Now don't be gross or assume I'm raunchy. I snuck in to check email (since the laptop has become WAY too interesting).

Bad mommy, bad.

Hello weekend!

I can't recall the last time I so looked forward to the weekend. I would normally have been off today but had to work due to child care issues next week. That said, I have a two day work week starting Monday with 6 days off afterward. Ahhh....

I had a rough week though! I will not be telling you where I work or anything else really because that would be a breach of confidentiality, me getting fired, sued and put in prison where I never see my family again. Ok, that might be dramatic, but only a bit. Anyway, it was bad and I hope you all feel just a bit sorry for me.

What shall I do for 6 days with my son? I'm taking suggestions.

I'd rather not save daylight, thank you very much

I'm currently listening to my son cry and whine in his crib because his room is too bright (even with a dark blanket thrown over the curtains). He is so tired and he needs to sleep but that damn sun! I would prefer to live in the dark than listen to my poor over-tired, confused kid cry....15 minutes later....all done, after just a smidge of cuddling. Ok, perhaps some heavy duty soothing. I can't help myself, have you seen him? He's adorable. Aside from that I haven't had much to say lately, and since I'm so boring I thought it best not to subject you to anything "me" related. Have a nice day!

What's your type?

Have you ever done a Myers-Briggs personality test? It's generally the standard for in depth personality testing. I did one back in university and can't remember what my profile said. I did another one a few years ago at work, through a team building exercise and just re-did one last week. I was convinced that it would change since I am now a mom, but nope.

Here is my shortened profile and your welcome to tell me if you think it's me, as you know me. I'll tell you what is accurate below (you know-because I am completely unbiased). Oh and here I am, looking SO impressed and SO tired.

Portrait of an ISTJ- The Duty Fulfiller
ISTJs are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake.

ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities. While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings.

The ISTJ is extremely dependable on following through with things which he or she has promised. They hold a tremendous store of facts within themselves. The ISTJ is not naturally in tune with their own feelings and the feelings of others. They may have difficulty picking up on emotional needs immediately, as they are presented. Being perfectionists themselves, they have a tendency to take other people's efforts for granted, like they take their own efforts for granted.

The ISTJ is extremely faithful and loyal. Traditional and family-minded, they will put forth great amounts of effort at making their homes and families running smoothly. They are responsible parents, taking their parenting roles seriously. They are usually good and generous providers to their families. They care deeply about those close to them, although they usually are not comfortable with expressing their love. The ISTJ is likely to express their affection through actions, rather than through words.

ISTJs have an excellent ability to take any task and define it, organize it, plan it, and implement it through to completion. They are very hard workers, who do not allow obstacles to get in the way of performing their duties. ISTJs usually have a great sense of space and function, and artistic appreciation. Their homes are likely to be tastefully furnished and immaculately maintained. They are acutely aware of their senses, and want to be in surroundings which fit their need for structure, order, and beauty.

Under stress, ISTJs may fall into "catastrophe mode", where they see nothing but all of the possibilities of what could go wrong. They will berate themselves for things which they should have done differently, or duties which they failed to perform. They will lose their ability to see things calmly and reasonably, and will depress themselves with their visions of doom.

Can you believe that is the "short" version? It is mostly accurate for me, with the exception of a few things. I am actually overly sensitive about other people's feelings. I don't say things that I would natually be inclined to say to avoid upsetting someone. I also don't have THAT much trouble expressing my feelings, mostly to Tyler. He LOVES hearing about my feelings. Really, ask him.

A bunch O stuff

Here is the very definition of miscellaneous and will describe my current status.

Topic-Business
I am trying to get my little home based business up and running. Well so far it's not up and anything. It's just a bunch of clothes hanging on racks because managing to take all the pics and tag everything is proving to be a larger than expected task, especially when you have a husband who works enough for two people. I must MUST get going. I said I was opening in March and I am, I promise!

On the positive side, my cards are done and they are fantastic! My temporary website will be up in another week or so, says Josh-right Josh? Should I call you more to make sure? Should I send more email? Do you need more communication?

Topic-Baby
Cade is back to his endearing mid-night wake up calls. Last night this occur ed between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m.. Then again at 4:40a.m.. I fed him both times, make sure there were no numero 2 is his diaper and TRIED to put him back to bed. Ummmmm NO MOMMY, I WILL NOT SLEEP UNLESS IT IS ON YOU! Whatever dude, you will too!!! At 4:50a.m. I was done with this crap and decided to let him whine it out, it took 15 mins but I got another 1.25 hours of sleep. Now he is up and happy and trying to steal the laptop. Ok scratch happy, it was temporary....as we speak he is trying to steal a box of tampons from the linen closet-successfully I might add.

Topic-Pity Party
I am getting over a week old cold. Aside from the coughing I feel fine, but I sound like a smoker. And I am most certainly not a smoker. I seem to cough more around second hand smoke, which is likely my moderately bad asthma kicking in. Everytime I walk past smoke plumes (around work) I cough so I think that people are looking at me and thinking-"ohhhh that stupid smoker", and I am finding it incredibly difficult not to proclaim that NO-I DON'T SMOKE! Or, maybe the smokers are thinking I'm just dramatic and annoying in my coughing fits and that I should find something better to do than passively aggressively mock their habitual lung pollution. Of course, this could all be my paranoia.

Topic-We're moving!!!
We decided to put our house on the market. We had our real estate agent/family friend over to help us decide what we could do to increase the value for cheap, estimate the asking price and plan the sale date. The breakdown-not much to be done but we we're already installing our over-priced, never going to get to enjoy, new chocolate cork flooring, plus we will be ordering a new window for the bathroom and touching up the paint in a few rooms. Tyler has holidays in March (and I don't) so I completely get out of doing anything. Ha! Ohhhh wait, I guess I'll be cleaning since he is never home otherwise! We are on the hunt now for a suitable alternative. It's likely going to be a cookie cutter. No offence dear cookie cutter, you serve a good purpose and all houses begin like you. It isn't the cookie cutter that we dislike per say, it's the lack of trees and neighborhood character. So cross your fingers for us to find the right price, the right house, the right trees.

So that's it, now go pet Fred. Fred needs some love.