Good Report

Today was our last visit to the University Hospital Burn and Wound Clinic. That is one thing that I am very excited to say. Sophia just freaked out this morning when I told her that we had to go there. She had been doing so well with her hand this week that I didn't really prepare for that reaction. Apparently the whole thing has been a bit more traumatic than I thought. Also, Sophia is a bit more dramatic than normal.

Still, we went, took off the bandage and don't have to put a new one on! Yeah!! Sophia is pleased that she's "healed," but she would still rather have it covered up, I think. Since having the bandage off, she's actually been more protective of it than she has been in a couple of weeks. I'm sure she'll adjust. She always does. It's still red and will be for a couple of months. It's skin, though, and that's the important thing.

First crisis of 2009 navigated. Whew.

Random Things

First, my fellow blogger tagged her blogging friends, of which I am proud to be one, to post the sixth picture from the sixth folder on pictures. (consider yourself tagged if you blog and haven't done this yet) Then tell something about the picture. Well, this is random cuteness + attitude from Sophia in April. What more can I say?

Second, for Facebook, I went to the trouble to think of 25 random things about myself for a tagged note that's running rampant around the place. I figured I might as well get double duty out of it, just in case someone who checks my blog doesn't check Facebook. This is me being lazy. Enjoy.


25 Random Things About Me

1. I don't need anyone that I tagged to respond, but I thought I'd tag you in case you were waiting for your chance.

2. I love to discuss other people's opinions, but I think I'm right most of the time - even if what I'm right about is that no one can be right.

3. I am given to extreme emotions.

4. #3 is patently untrue, but I do enjoy experimenting with random personality traits and testing them as my own.

5. I have been working on and off on this note for days because I can't think of 25 things to write about myself.

6. I am named after my mother's two sisters (Laura and Amy Jo)

7. My name would have been Timothy if I were a boy (not a relative)

8. When I was 17 (a month before I started dating Erick), I decided that I was going to move west instead of going to college. I'd spend two years in three or four western states, and if I didn't settle down there, I'd move back to Missouri and try to find my soul mate. The plan a few months later was a much better one.

9. My father's dad used to say that my great-etc. grandfather was the boy who stuck his finger in the dyke and saved the Netherlands (my maiden name is Van Dyke). I'm sure we're the only ones with that story.

10. I was a kick-a$$ Bible Quizzer in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Beat Schaumburg!

11. I used to think I was an interesting person until I started writing this list.

12. I get the free download from iTunes every week even if it sucks.

13. I enjoy throwing in cuss words now and then to keep my friends on their toes.

14. My family, which included mom, dad, three brothers and myself, would camp out in one tent for two weeks in Branson, Missouri for vacation.

15. I looked forward to vacation.

16. I ran into the brick next to the garage door with the Jeep - while I was going INTO the garage. Still have no idea how that happened.

17. I love jackets.

18. Before the internet, I had at least three people with whom I maintained monthly correspondence via U.S. Mail.

19. When I was a "Mom" to freshmen at College of the Ozarks, some of them threw me into Lake Taneycomo.

20. Taneycomo's water temp doesn't get much higher than 60.

21. I want to retire to New Orleans. . . . tomorrow.

22. To date, only one plant has survived my supervision for more than 6 months.

23. I had Sophia six weeks early and she weighed 6 lbs, 6 oz. Needless to say, I am still grateful for that early delivery - especially since she was healthy.

24. I went to State Competition judging horses for the FFA.

25. I also judged Dairy Products ala Napoleon Dynamite.

Who Knew?

Last night, we attended the Silent Auction and Silent Movie at the Missouri Theatre. The event was a benefit for Lee School, where Aaron attends kindergarten. We went with for several reasons. First, money spent for education, particularly when some kids we know and love will benefit, is always money well spent. Second, Casey had a photograph up for bid, which is very cool indeed. Third, reasonably priced art is always a good thing, particularly when funds go to benefit aforementioned cause and kids.

The chief attraction was a complete surprise for us! Kids are a fan of silent film!! We arrived close to 6:00, and the film, Buster Keaton's Steamboat Bill, Jr., didn't start until 7:00. As Sophia typically falls asleep by 8, we didn't expect her behavior or stamina to hold out to the start of the movie. True to expectations, around 6:40, her world fell apart, as she stopped listening to me and decided to join some other family, forcing them to suffer through her screeches as I dragged her away.

As we said our goodbyes, who should walk through the door but David, Aaron and William. Sophia jumped out of my arms and began waving hysterically while jumping up and down. She then proceeded to stay so close to Aaron that he couldn't move without falling over her. It is a great testament to his kindness and care that he allowed her to leave her arm wrapped around his waist while he talked to his best friend from kindergarten. She is, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions, a very lucky girl.

With both of her cousins to bolster her interest, we decided that we could attempt to sit down for the silent film. I walked into the auditorium a few minutes after Erick and Sophia to find her sitting in the row in front of Erick, next to William and Aaron. With David on her other side, she could not have been more content. Until we left at 8 o'clock, Sophia and the boys, along with throngs of other children, remained riveted and mesmerized by Buster Keaton. Not a peep, outside of laughter or pointing out a funny part!

I underestimated the entertainment value of falling down. Never again. If Sophia gets bored or irritated, I'm just going to fall down. I think it might work!

This is what I get

for checking Facebook after loading the dishwasher. What a rookie mistake. A mom ALWAYS needs to check silent kids. It was my desire to leave her undisturbed that made me do it.

She had put the shirt on her head earlier when she wouldn't allow me to help her get dressed. Funny, this happens just days after my Parents as Teachers educator asked if she was interested in dressing herself. I would change my response now. Anyway, the shirt on the head wasn't as funny until it seemed to be part of her schtick.

These are Curious George Band-aids. Now we're out. What you can't see in the picture is that she's chewing on a large piece of paper. For what reason, I have no idea. I really, really didn't leave her alone that long. She's just quick, this one. And yes, she's back there alone right now. I can see her, though. Dragging around a big bear and fixing his "ouchies." Oops. She just closed herself in my closet. Lord, help us.

Emotion where I didn't expect it

I am really excited for all that today means for our country. I have no idea if any President can remotely live up to the expectations placed on this one. That's really beside the point, and not what this post is about at all.

When I read this story about President and First Lady Bush leaving Washington for good and watched the accompanying video: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/INAUGURATION_BUSH?SITE=MOSTP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-01-20-14-41-49, I got verklempt. I actually shed tears. I was really surprised. I knew that I liked the guy as stated in an earlier post, but I didn't expect to get emotional when this presidency came to an end. So here are a few reasons that I think this may have happened:

-George W. Bush was the first person that I voted for in a presidential election. So with the end of his presidency, my first era of political participation officially comes to a close.

-I was probably looking for a reason to cry today and this was my first chance (since I'm saving watching the speech for tonight).

-As incredibly tired as I get about hearing 9/11 bantered about as political rhetoric, the truth is that it was a moment in which our nation changed. For the better? Nope. Just changed. He was the center of much of our emotion related to that crisis - good and then bad.

-I feel awful for the Bush family. No person deserves what he has been dished in the past eight years. Yes, he's aged 16 years in the same amount of time. Any person would. Maybe they were tears of relief for an embattled family who finally gets a little respite.

-My worst case scenario for why the tears came is this. I really believe that President Bush believed what he promised in his campaign and in the years since. I believe his intentions were good and that he thought he was doing what was best for our nation. Yet look where we are now. Maybe my tears are for our broken hopes and dreams that came with the last eight years. I can only hope that the next presidency will inspire tears of a different sort.

Regardless of the reason, I am happy to see them go home to Texas. Politicians and commentators will have to actually deal with facts and problems rather than dumping everything into the laps of Bush and Cheney. Again, I'm not saying they didn't deserve some of it. I'm just saying, I am so glad that I don't have to hear any more (who am I kidding? as much) Bush bashing.

I am really and truly hopeful that this next chapter in American history will be as bright as we can imagine. For now, I will simply enjoy the momentary unity that seems to exist for most people in the possibility that is America.

No Kodak moments

I realized this morning how uneventful our last few days have been when I discovered that my camera was missing - and has been since Friday night. Hmmm. This morning, Sophia finally woke up and started acting more like herself. So when the picture perfect moments presented themselves, I began to look around for my camera. Finally, I realized that I had left my camera at a friend's house on Friday night.

All that to say that Sophia is back to herself. She's been a chatterbox and has resumed bouncing from room to room rather than sauntering. It is a relief in so many ways. She has been used to a more relaxed system of rules in the past week or so. I just have been choosing my battles pretty carefully. It goes without saying that this has been duly noted and taken advantage of by a savvy Sophia. Still, because I know that her natural spirit is sensitive and sweet, I've been willing to put up with a little more. You can imagine my relief at having a good start today.

I tried to watch the Inauguration on streaming video on cnn.com, but Sophia saw video on the computer and began begging for Yo Gabba Gabba. Since we have plans to relive the entire experience tonight with some friends, I didn't put up a fight. Again with the battle choosing. Can't wait to hear if the speech lived up to the hype (that would be nearly impossible). I almost felt badly for President Obama (wow, it feels weird to say that) as so many people have incredibly high expectations. I am truly hopeful that some, if not all, promises will be fulfilled. Regardless of the success of the first 100 days, I am thrilled with the possession that Americans seem to have taken in their own political process. It's an exciting time!

Seven Days

It has been seven days since Sophia's run-in with the oven. I can honestly say that it has not been as bad as I expected. We learned the hard way to stay on top of her pain with round the clock Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Once we got that down, it seemed to improve pretty significantly. After that, it was mostly just behavior that we were trying to keep under control.

This morning we went back to the Burn Clinic for a follow up. She did much better today. Sedatives were not necessary, so that was a big step. She did cry quite a bit, but rather than flailing and attacking, she just insisted, "I just want to read a magazine!" I don't know where that came from. Then when the doctor told us that she was healing, Sophia weakly said, "Yeah!" Now she has a smaller bandage and theoretically more mobility, although she insists that she can't move her fingers. Don't worry. She's just dramatic.

The whole experience has definitely affected her enthusiasm for meeting new people. We had a Mediacom guy come in the other day to check out our internet. Before he arrived, Sophia got a concerned look on her face and said, "He won't look at my hand. It feels all better now." That was a theme throughout the week - the insistence that she was completely okay. I think she was convinced that we would leave her alone if she was healed.

So it's a week later and Sophia is doing a lot better in every way. We're looking forward to a return normalcy.

Current Mood

For some reason, I thought I had already posted this. I couldn't find it, so here it is. I love this song and video and artist. Enjoy.

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Brief Update

After a sleepless night last night and some complaints about the pain this morning, we took Sophia in a day early to the Burn Clinic, as the doctor had told us he wanted to know of any pain. So they unwrapped, cleaned and rewrapped the wound. Sounds so simple on paper. I'm just glad it's over.

We go back on Friday for another rewrap. He said the depth of burn typically heals in 10 to 14 days. I thought that sounded great! I was envisioning months, particularly since it already feels that way. But after a good nap this afternoon, Sophia and I are much closer to our perky selves, although I'm guessing that will take some time. Just wanted you all to know that Sophia is feeling better all the time. I don't anticipate her being willing to admit that her hand hurts again after this morning's ordeal. Even as they were unwrapping it, she began to insist "My hand feels much better!" I'm sure that is indicative of some larger thought about healing, but I'll just leave it there for now.

Thanks for thinking and praying for us!

2009 not shaping up well...

This week was the longest week in recorded history. It claimed to be seven days, but I'm certain that I lived 40 in the same amount of time. All week I had been looking forward to the promise of reuniting with old friends and colleagues one more time before the Governor's Mansion changes hands. We dolled up on Friday (not too much, mind you. It was only 'business' dress) and headed to Jefferson City.

Just as we had reconnected and settled in with our treats and wine, we received the phone call that started "Sophia's okay, but..." Ugh. As Erick took the phone call, I watched from my seat and knew that our evening was taking a disappointing turn. Sophia had "helped" take a pizza out of the oven and set her hand on the door in the process.

We returned home to a lethargic and sleepy girl with slight blisters on her palm. We were shocked when she slept through the night, but we were even more shocked that her entire palm had turned into a blister. Five hours and much pacing later, Sophia got into the Burn ICU at the University and was immediately patched up, so to speak. Tonight, we're resting.

Sophia did wonderfully throughout. Trooper doesn't begin to describe her sweet and heart-wrenching tenderness. Last night, as we were discussing bed, she looked at Erick with watery eyes and said, "I'll stay here under the blankie a minute. Is that okay?" It was. She seemed to forget about her injury if it was tucked safely under the blanket.

Then this morning while discussing the impending doctor's visit, Sophia said "I wish it didn't happen." Broke our hearts, that one.

The emergency room itself was actually a pleasure for Sophia. at 8:30 on a Saturday morning, she had her pick of nurses to Peek-a-boo with. They were all head-over-heels for the cute little girl. Even when the burn attending, Dr. Kratz (sp?) came to get her, she responded sweetly, to which he said, "Sophia, you are indescribably cute."

We were home around 1:30 this afternoon with a groggy but still happy toddler. She perked up this afternoon to play some with her wrapped appendage.

By tonight, she was feeling out of it again and needed to snuggle with daddy, watching her little DVD player while Daddy watched football. A restful and much needed scenario for both.

The pain is significantly less this way than had the burn had to heal on its own. We are very grateful for that. So, anyway, 2009. I'm not loving it. Any budgetary restrictions we had placed on ourselves are shot beyond recognition, and that makes them all the more necessary. I still have hope. Seriously, with an adventurous and fearless toddler, our chances of making it through 2009 without an e.r. visit were slim to none. So maybe we just got ours out of the way. One can hope if one chooses. I choose to do so. Remind me of that tomorrow when I'm still wishing for 2010.

Start Spreadin' the News

I mentioned after our August trip to New York (catch up on the story here) that I could easily imagine losing Sophia to New York City some day. She was so taken with the people and activity and bustle that she was sad to come home. She fit in pretty well in the big city.

I thought for sure that she would be over it by now. A two-year-old should not have the attention span to cling to an idea for five months. Yet today I found myself realizing that she is just as determined to go back to NYC as she ever was.

Sophia has maintained our trip to New York as a topic of conversation ever since we left. She talks about different things: swinging, shopping, the Statue of Liberty and Steve (I just realized those are all S's. Weird.) Regardless of the conversation's content, it always ends with a statement of intent to return. We have reasoned that she is fascinated with NYC because of things like Sesame Street, Little Bill and Corduroy. But we can only do that for so long.

The first time she hopped on her horse, Simba, we asked where they were headed. She responded, "New York."


The same thing with the skateboard or if Lulu happens to make a trip. The destination is always the same. At the calendar kiosk in the mall, she amused several bystanders with her excited, "It's New York City!" upon recognizing NYC images on two separate calendars. I'm torn on whether or not we should visit New York City again in the near future. (2009 is out because of self-inflicted budgetary constrictions) I don't want her to lose her feel for the city that so captured her imagination, but I don't want to lose her so far away. I know, I know. She's only two, right? Tell her that when you get a chance, will you?

It's Thursday....

...and I have nothing post-worthy. Sophia has been a challenge this week for whatever reason. Too good for too long, I suppose. This morning I tried to have a preemptive talk with her about it. She responded that she was sad. When I asked why she was sad she said "Because I don't want to listen." So I'm not sure if I should take that as progress or as a reason to think this week is just a loss.

Oh, and I want to get my hair cut tonight. So that's exciting. Really just a trim, so it's not all that exciting. Oh well. Some weeks are just a pleasure to get over.

Random Thought

I hate going to the gym on the first Monday of January. Seriously, people, stop clogging the parking lot just to run a lap and feel good about your New Year's Resolution.

Also, my single resolution for the new year is to drink more water. So far, as long as coffee counts as water, I'm doing great.

Why I can't wait for 2009

We know how to have a good time, and we know how to relax.

Here we are enjoying a stroll to the park yesterday to try out Sophia's new skateboard. Have I mentioned how she loves Tony Hawk? We got this skateboard on great sale at Target, and when we showed it to her, she said, "Tony Hawk brought it to me!" So apparently she thinks he's some sort of Alternate Sports Santa. Regardless, she thinks he's awesome.

I'm also excited about our year because I get to spend it with this guy.
Although my excitement appears to be tempered with wariness.

Fun happens and so does dirt.

Disclaimer: obviously since we are all human, we don't actually have fun 24/7, but I love spending time with my family.

The Artist

I think I have mentioned before that one of Sophia's favorite movies is Madeline. Now she has the cartoon and the actor version. Her favorite cartoon one involves Madeline's first experiment in painting. Madeline dons the hat and artist smock to dip into the paints. So when Sophia received paints from Grandmary for Christmas, it was unthinkable that she could try them out without the corresponding garments.

Have I mentioned that Sophia has a flare for the dramatic? The painting hat and my old t-shirt give her just the right artist feel. She fully enjoys churning out the masterpieces.