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On Immunizations

August 20, 2009 by Kelli

So, it’s been awhile since I discussed immunizations on my blog. Some of you will remember reading about my concerns with the current immunization schedule promoted by pediatricians, which I wrote about here, here and here (the second post is particularly lengthy as I was in the middle of my quandry on what to do). Lee and I took quite a journey in our decision on how to vaccinate Landon and how to continue vaccinations for Sloan and Tia. I’m still on that journey a bit, actually.

For the most part, we’ve stayed true to our convictions with Landon and we’ve vaccinated him completely different than the first two. He has not received more than two vaccinations at a time since his disasterous two month check up, except in the case of the MMR vaccination, which is a combo of three that my doctor was unable to split for us. But, when he had to receive the MMR, he received no other vaccinations on the same day.

This was a very comfortable schedule for me. It meant we had to return to the peds office a little more frequently as I wanted at least a month in between shots in order for his little body to be able to process the inoculations properly. But, despite the fact that we delayed and held off on a few shots, Landon is now, at 20 months, completely up to date on all his vaccinations. And I feel like we did it on a schedule that was healthier and safer for his little body.

The only vaccination he has not received, however, and the one he absolutely will not receive, is the chicken pox vaccination. (Well, that and rotovirus, which I just think is the most ridiculous vaccination they’ve come up with yet). I listened to a recording yesterday, which discussed the dangers of the chicken pox vaccination and it further confirmed to me that Landon will not be receiving that shot. And at this point, Tia will not receive the booster for it, in the hopes that she will get a mild case of the illness when she is young.

It makes me sick that Sloan has received all the chicken pox shots, knowing what I do now. I wanted to attach the recording to this post, but couldn’t figure out how to do it. If you’re interested in hearing it, leave me your email and I’ll forward it to you.

My concern with the chicken pox vaccination is the fact that it is not proven to be effective for lifetime immunization. It’s only shown to be effective for about ten years. Which puts children at risk for getting chicken pox or shingles later in life, which is much more dangerous and serious than getting it as a child.

So children will now need boosters for the chicken pox for the rest of their lives. Where is the logic in that? Getting chicken pox naturally, however, is proven to give a lifetime immunity to the illness. And, given the fact that the mortailty rate of chicken pox is extremely low, the vaccine seems unjustified.

This recording gave an explanation for why the chicken pox vaccination came into effect that I found interesting. I’m not sure if there is complete validity in this explanation, but I think it’s worth knowing and researching more (which I will be doing). The doctor speaking gives the explanation that the chicken pox vaccination was originally developed for leukemia patients as it was extremely dangerous for them to get chicken pox due to their comprimised immune system.

But pharmaceutical companies would not make money if only cancer patients were innoculated, so they began innoculating all children. Now, do I think that doctors are vaccinating all children simply because of a money issue? No, I don’t. I don’t believe that those in charge of implemeting these immunizations are soley out for the dollars. I do think, however, that there are factors that played into the decision to make the chicken pox vaccination mandatory that had more to do than protecting children from a childhood illness that is not known to be fatal. I also think that making an immunization like the chicken pox mandatory is a bit hasty given what little they knew/know about it’s long term effects.

It makes me angry that enrolling my child in school will now be more difficult simply because I am making the choice to do what I think is best for him. Vaccinating for the chicken pox is, in my opinion, unwarranted and unnecessary. I do not feel like it should be a mandatory shot. Parents deserve the right to decide whether or not to vaccinate their children for something as minor as the chicken pox. Putting us in the position where we feel threatened is unfair.

So what are your thoughts on vaccination and on the chicken pox shot specifically? I know this is a heated topic and people feel strongly about both sides. I hope there can be some discourse in the comments and that we can be open to differing opinions. So give me your thoughts! I really want to know what others think…

Filed Under: Family, Immunizations, Kids, Motherhood Tagged With: chicken pox vaccination, dangers of childhood vaccinations, immunization schedule

I laughed till I cried…

August 19, 2009 by Kelli

This morning we took Tia in for the procedure to clean out her ears. I was a little apprehensive before going in. It seemed like such a silly thing to do, putting our child out just to clean her ears. And because none of my children have ever been under anesthesia, I was just a little fearful about how she might react.

I needn’t worry. In fact, the morning was down right enjoyable…at least for Lee and I. Not only was it enjoyable, it was hysterical. Hys-ter-i-cal.

Because we know of Tia’s penchant for freaking out at the last minute, we decided to let them give her a sedative to ease her nerves before taking her back for anesthesia. Now, I’m not one for medicating my children. In fact, I generally try to not give them any medications unless they absolutely need it. So don’t think I’m a terrible parent for what I’m about to tell you.

Every parent should have the opportunity, just once, to see their child under the influence of a sedative. Because it’s about the funniest thing you’ll ever see in your life.

And no, I’m not advocating drugging children for fun. ‘Kay? So no one get bent out of shape. I’m just sayin’. It’s pretty daggum funny.

All that to say, seeing my daughter drugged was one of the sweetest, most hilarious things I’ve ever witnessed in my life. She wasn’t just punchy, she was just plain out of it. Giggling, waving her head around, making funny faces and so on…I laughed until tears streamed down my cheeks. It was awesome.

I didn’t have the video camera with me, unfortunately, but I did take some video with my camera and as soon as I figure out how to download it, I will share. Because, seriously – it was hysterical. At one point she waved her hand in front of her face and found that to be the oddest, funniest thing she’s ever seen. She kept waving it back and forth in front of her eyes, giggling the whole time. When we asked her her name she said, “Bootiful Tia,” then broke out in a peal of silly laughter. When we asked her her brother’s names she answered, “Bootie,” then dropped her head back and let out a high pitched, totally un-Tia-like giggle. Awesome. Just awesome.

On top of having a thoroughly entertaining morning, the doctor was able to fully clean out Tia’s ears and informed us that she did indeed have severely impacted wax and that she was likely experiencing a 25 decibel hearing loss because of it. So we were very glad that we had the procedure done, even if it did seem extreme.

So now we’re home and the drugs have worn off and Tia is back to her old self, tormenting her brother playing with her brother and having a good old time. She doesn’t remember anything about the procedure and has no pain. She’s a little groggy, but a good nap this afternoon will take care of that.

And I now have one more memory of her childhood that I’ll take with me to my grave.

Filed Under: funny stuff that happens, Kids do the darndest things, Motherhood, Tia Tagged With: ent, waxy ears

Blink

August 18, 2009 by Kelli

I’m not sure how it happened, but it seems that I blinked my eyes and this baby grew up…

Sloan Alexander Stuart

Blink...He's 1

Blink...He's 2

Blink...He's 3

Blink...He's 4

Blink...He's 5

: Blink…He’s 6 and he’s in Kindergarten!

I never thought I’d get emotional sending Sloan off to school. In fact, I haven’t been at all emotional about it…until yesterday when I sat in the cafeteria of his school and it all hit me. Even though he’s only going a half day (which I’m so thankful for), it’s still a big step in life. I’m now the mom of an elementary school student. I am getting information on the PTO. How the flip did I get here?

Sloan had a blast at school. When asked what his favorite part of the day was, he replied, “Everything.” He thought riding the school bus was “rockin’ awesome,” and “super loved” gym.

So there it is. I blinked and my baby grew up. And I spent the entire morning blinking hard against the tears that kept pricking my eyes. Especially after the big yellow bus drove away with my boy inside it’s belly.

Summer '09 143

Blink…blink,blink,blink,blink,sniffle,blink,blink…

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Life, Motherhood, Sloan Tagged With: starting school

He-ey Wait a Minute Mr. Postman!

August 13, 2009 by Kelli

Several times a week for the last month or so, when Sloan is home, he’s run out the door as the mailman came by to collect the mail. I haven’t paid much attention to this – I’ve just assumed he likes having this little responsibility and I’ve been grateful to him for it.

Yesterday afternoon, however, I got a further glimpse into this amazing little boy I get to call my son. Sloan and I were enjoying a rare moment of quiet together on the front porch when the mailman drove up. Sloan leapt to his feet and said, “Oh, Herman!”

As he raced down the driveway, I wondered what on earth he meant by “Herman.” Then I heard him call out, “Hey Mr. Herman!” as the mail truck came to a stop.

Our kind old mailman leaned out the window and replied, “Well hey there Mr. Sloan!” He handed Sloan our bundle of mail, then he and Sloan proceeded to talk for several minutes. I just sat on the porch and marveled at my son’s ability to engage this man in conversation. I’m a grown woman and I’m not even that good at talking to strangers. And here is my 6-year-old, sharing life with the mailman.

It was so sweet and tender to watch Sloan talk with Herman and to see the delight in Herman’s eyes. And I felt convicted as I realized that my kindegartner is better at showing the love of Jesus than his stodgy old mom.

After about 5 minutes, Sloan waved good-bye to Herman saying, “Have a great day delivering mail, Mr. Herman!”

“Okay, Mr. Sloan,” Herman replied. “I’ll see you again soon.”

As he walked up and handed me the mail, Sloan said, “That’s Herman. He lives in Afton, Missouri. I like him.”

I’m proud to be Sloan’s mom. Some days are really, really difficult. He is a passionate child, which can lend itself to passionate responses, both negatively and positively.

But Sloan is a lover of people. He genuinely loves to be with others and he has an uncanny ability to make others feel loved. He’s so much like his daddy in that regard.

Needless to say, I was very proud of him yesterday. It’s amazing what we can learn from our children when we take the time to observe the positive qualities they possess. Because days can be difficult with Sloan, I sometimes forget to stop and recognize all the goodness and sweetness that God has instilled in him. He’s a neat kid and I’m so excited to see how God is going to use Sloan’s passion to impact the world.

I also resolved that I need to walk down to the mailbox with Sloan and meet Herman myself. Because I am not ashamed to follow the example of my child.

Filed Under: Family, funny stuff that happens, Kids, Motherhood, Sloan

The screaming – Oh my the screaming…

August 4, 2009 by Kelli

Yesterday was Tia’s long-anticipated visit to the ENT. Well, long-anticipated for me. She didn’t know we were going until about an hour before the appointment.

Because I believe in the element of surprise. And because I believe in not listening to the fearful cries of my daughter for any longer than necessary.

Actually, she handled the news very well. Surprisingly well, in fact. She didn’t freak out or ask repeatedly why. She took it like a champ. And I actually convinced myself that the appointment was going to go smoothly. I entered into a fairy land where I suddenly believed that she would shed a few silent tears, but otherwise sit like a charm as the Dr. dug the hard, compacted wax out of her ears.

Further adding to my delusion was the fact that she was very excited about the ice cream treat that awaited her after the appointment as long as she promised not to scream.

Yes. I bribed my child. Shamelessly, I might add. And I worded the bribe carefully in an effort to set her up for success. All she had to do was not scream. Crying was permitted. Because I’m generous and a realist. Well, almost a realist anyway…

As we waited for the nurse to call her name, Tia was as chipper as could be. She actually seemed exctied. Until, that is, they took us into the examining room. That’s when she began to crumble.

First, her chin started quivering uncontrollably. Then, her eyes got so big they threatend to overtake her tiny little face. After that, she crawled into my lap, her lovey bear clutched in her white knuckled fists. Finally, she looked up at me and with a quavering voice said, “We go now and has ice team?”

I reminded her of our little deal – no screaming and we’ll go get ice cream. She nodded her head and turned as the door opened and the nurse came in with a thermometer. The kind that measures the temperature in the ear. And that, my friends, was the moment her desire for ice cream went out the window.

She screamed. She screamed really, really loud. And she arched her back and fell off my lap onto the floor. It took me and the nurse by surprise. Then it made me laugh.

After the nurse left (without getting her temperature), I reminded Tia of our little deal once more (I was willing to dole out grace at this point) and she nodded again. Then the doctor came in and she immediately clamped her hands over her ears.

After I pinned her arms down and wrapped my leg around her legs, the doctor cautiously approached. I think we scared him. And just as he got the very tip of his othoscope in her ear, she let loose.

“I DON’T WANT ICE CREAM!” she screeched. And the wailing commenced.

At that point, we all started laughing. I tried to hold her down, but there was no containing her. My daughter is freakishly strong. The doctor got a quick peek in one ear. Enough to determine that she does indeed have a lot of wax, but not enough to tell whether or not it might be impeding her hearing.

And the screaming – oh my, the screaming…

It wasn’t worth it for anyone to go on. He sent us to audiology where they determined that she is hearing fine, then gave me my options.

1.) Ignore it and try again in a couple of years when she’s older. The down side to this option is that the wax will continue to build and will eventually affect her ability to hear sounds.

2.) Put drops in her ears for a couple of weeks to soften the wax, then bring her back and try again. The down side to this is that somehow we will still have to contain her long enough to let them get the wax out.

3.) Put her under general anesthesia for about 10 minutes and let them clean her ears out completely. As far as Lee and I can tell there is no down side to this. So I’ve got an appointment to go back in a couple of week.

All that to say…we did not get ice cream yesterday.

Filed Under: funny stuff that happens, Kids, Motherhood, things I don't need to hear

The good of blogging

July 27, 2009 by Kelli

Blogging is a great thing. It is a powerful tool to reach numerous people with one minor strike of a key. It does, of course, hold some negative effects, one of those being the addictive power it can hold.

There are days when I find myself sucked into the blogosphere as a means of procrastination. I work really hard at not sitting at the computer all day because that’s not healthy for anyone; but some days, when I’m in a tired or lazy mood, I do tend to slack a little.

I am a work in progress.

There are a few blogs that I permit myself to read every single day. I try not to alot any more than 15 minutes of blog reading time most days, and, for the most part, I do a pretty good job of that (save for the aforementioned slacker days…)

One of the blogs I read faithfully is My Charming Kids. If you haven’t yet discovered this site, I highly recommend you check it out. Jennifer (or McKMama) is a brilliant writer, witty, a great mom, an encourager, a godly woman and she’s in need of prayer.

And this is what I love about blogs. Since she and her husband discovered the very serious nature of their son’s heart problem in the womb, the world – yes, I said world – has mobilized in prayer for their son. And we have witnessed miracle after miracle in that little boy’s life.

Stellan is now 9 months old and he is sick again. Will you pray? Will you allow this thing called the internet be used for good and cry out on behalf of a family that is desperate for healing?

For as much evil as the internet has brought into the world, it is beyond encouraging to see the good, and to participate in the good, that the internet holds.

So I ask that you join me today in praying for Stellan. A little miracle boy whose earthly heart is weak. And may we all rejoice in our ability to be a part of God’s miracles.

Filed Under: Blogging, Motherhood Tagged With: McKMama, My Charming Kids, prayer, Praying for Stellan, Stellan

Then and Now

July 20, 2009 by Kelli

Exactly one year ago, I took Landon to a small, relatively quiet section of beach and took pictures. On Friday, I did it again. In one year’s time, my baby has grown into a toddler brimming with personality and joy. He is sweetness personified. And he is growing up much too fast…

THEN - He was 7 months old and enjoyed immensely the taste of sand.

NOW - He's not too fond of the sand, particularly when it lands in his mouth.

NOW - He's 19 months and he's not too fond of the sand, particularly when it lands in his mouth.

THEN - He was still immobile. He hadn't even begun crawling.

NOW - He can walk...

Run...

And wave hi to the passing tractor.

THEN - He enjoyed showing a little crack at the beach.

NOW - Well, thankfully not everything has changed!

THEN - He was funny, sweet and brimming with personality.

NOW - That personality is (loudly) showing up in a thousand different expressions.

Whether THEN or NOW, the fact remains…

: He is one handsome little boy.

Filed Under: blast from the past, Family, Kids, Landon, Life, Motherhood

Yankee Doodle Went to Town

July 6, 2009 by Kelli

I sang that song to Sloan this morning. His response?

“Why would someone call a feather macaroni? That’s a weird song.”

He then returned to his ever running loop of humming the theme to Star Wars. So much for teaching him a little piece of Americana.

We had a lovely Fourth of July. But it was missing something. Lee had to fly to Arkansas last minute for the funeral of one of his dearest friends growing up. Not having daddy around definately put a damper on our holiday spirits. And knowing that my husband was grieving and hurting and I couldn’t be there with him made it even worse.

I have to say, I love Fourth of the July. I love the way that it brings everyone together. I love the smell of barbeque, the laughter, the music and the fireworks. I love watching kids run around with Sparklers (other people’s kids – not mine because I don’t quite trust my little piro’s just yet) and I love to hear their delighted shreaks as the sky explodes in flashes of color.

This year, I took the kids to a local park where we enjoyed the company of good friends and ooh’d and aah’d at the fireworks. I was a bit of a kill joy for the kids because I didn’t bring any cash, which means they couldn’t get a drink or a snack or a glow stick or anything at all. Mooooooommmm! (as you read that, let your voice go up about three octaves and stamp your foot and you’ll get an idea of just. how. traumitized the kids were at my lack of preparation.)

We didn’t get home until 10:30, at which point I had to throw the kids in the shower because they smelled like gun powder and mosquito spray. This resulted in us oversleeping Sunday morning. I was singing in church and had to be there at 7:45. I woke up to a quiet house at 7:30. I walked into the church building at 8:05, with all three kids dressed.

I deserve a medal. I nice, shiny medal.

Of course, those 35 minutes went something like this (clap your hands together loudly and repeatedly as you read this next paragraph out loud) – C’mon guys, get dressed. Let’s Go, Go, Go. We’ll brush your teeth after church. I know you’re hungry, I’ll get you something to eat later. There’s no time for a drink, we have to go now, now, now! And so on…

But we made it. And at 8:40, Lee came to church after flying in on the 6:30 am flight. And he brought my starving, neglected children some food. As the kids saw their daddy walk in the building, they took off running toward him and nearly knocked him over as they tackled him. I was on stage with a microphone in my hand and a lump in my throat as I watched them all take turns kissing and hugging on their daddy.

It was the perfect end to a good weekend. I’m a blessed woman.

Filed Under: Family, Kids, Life, Marriage, Motherhood Tagged With: Fourth of July, Yankee Doodle Went to Town

Is It Bad? Part Four

July 3, 2009 by Kelli

It’s time for another installment of Is It Bad? The series where I attempt to make myself feel better for the fallicies in my parenting and my life. It doesn’t really work, but it does make me laugh at myself and laughter keeps the world goin’ ’round, right? Or is it love?

Whatever it is – I hope you enjoy.

-Is it bad that I enjoyed every single moment of my trip alone last week? I mean, I missed my kids, but I reeeaaally enjoyed waking up on my own, going to the bathroom alone and eating sitting down for seven whole days. Is that bad?

-Is it bad that I was over the news about Michael Jackson’s death about ten minutes after I heard it? Is it bad that I have no interest in watching one more documentary about his life? In my opinion, Michael Jackson died a long time ago. All that’s been left for many years was the broken shell of a hurting man. But Michael Jackson the brilliant performer? He died sometime in the early ’90’s.

-Is it bad that yesterday, when I took a Core strengthening class at the gym, I contemplated all the ways that I could bring harm to the instructor who I’m sure was trying to kill us all? Is it bad that this morning, when I tried to sit up and realized that my abdomen has gone on strike in protest to the bajillion and one crunches I did yesterday, I revisited those hateful thoughts? I’ve since repented so that makes it better, right?

-Is it bad that by 9:00 am on Wednesday morning, I was already frustrated with my children besides that fact that I came home full of ambition to be more patient with them?

-Is it bad that I always splash a tiny bit of apple juice into Landon’s sippy cup because he refuses to drink water? Is it bad that when I’m out of apple juice, I put a little water into the apple juice container and attempt to trick him into thinking there’s juice in his cup so he’ll drink water? It worked for awhile, but I think he’s on to me.

-Is it bad that I posted a status update on Facebook yesterday that was grammatically incorrect? (I misused the comma, and, you know, I likes me some commas. Yikes, that last sentence was gramatically incorrent – slang, cliche – oh the horror! And now this paranthetical pause is getting way too long, a personal pet peeve (ooh, I do love alliteration though). Someone stop me!) Is it bad that the knowledge of my comma misuse bothered me so much that I actually laid awake in bed last night thinking about it? Say it with me – obsessive.

-Is it bad that my house is in a sad state (we could be pushing health hazard) but instead of cleaning it I’m thinking of taking the kids to the pool today and then taking a nap?

-Is it bad that I refuse to walk out my back door right now because there is a spider hanging in the air about two feet from the door and I don’t want it to swing over and attack me while I attempt to leave? Is it bad that I sent the dog out first in the hopes that she will eat the spider for me? Is it bad that I’m such a pansy?

-Speaking of the dog, is it bad that we are seriously considering getting rid of her? She’s such a good dog and it really does break my heart to think about giving her away, but we travel so much and are so busy that I feel like we don’t give her the love she needs. Is it that so bad?

-Is it bad that I stuck my kids in front of the TV where I can almost see there brains turning to mush and the eyes turning into liquid pools just so I could sit down at the computer and write this post? Is it bad that I used the television as my babysitter? Is it?

-Is it bad that I want to tear down our swingset because my daughter scares the ever lovin’ bejeebus out of me on it. She’s a crazy little monkey and I fear that she will lead me to an early grave as she dangles precariously from the moneky bars. Is it bad that I would rather just remove the death contraption than to teach her safety?

Okay, now it’s your turn. Write your own Is It Bad? post and leave me a comment with the link – or just post your own Is It Bad? statements in the comments.

So is it bad that I just shamelessly begged you all to leave me a comment?

Filed Under: funny stuff that happens, Is IT Bad?, Kids, Landon, Motherhood, Random, shameless self-promotion

Remember when I said…

June 16, 2009 by Kelli

That I wouldn’t sleep this week, but would just power through until next week? Yeah, what was I thinking?

I was up until 1:00 last night writing up this post. There are some fascinating things happening in the world right now and Twitter is capturing all of it in real time. (Go to Twitterfall and type in #iranelection. Updates will automatically pour in without need to refresh. So cool.) Who needs the news when you can get up to the minute accounts from people who are actually in the line of fire?

This was the most journalistic post I’ve written since I began blogging and, I’ve got to say, it was a lot of fun. But, it also reminded me why I did not major in journalism in college because the stress, Oy!

I also had to complete a review for 5 Minutes for Mom, which should be posted in the next week or so. Can I just say that I love writing? Like, I really, really love it. I always knew I liked it (heck, I’ve made a profession out of it) but the doors that are opening up through blogging are so exciting.

For the first time since becoming a mom nearly six years ago, I feel like I have something that is mine. I’m interacting with people that don’t know me as Kelli the mom, but as Kelli the writer. It feels good. I feel energized and excited.

I also feel tired, though, so I’m going to turn off the computer, fold a load of laundry and take a nap while I have the chance. Or maybe I’ll skip the laundry and just take the nap…Yeah, that sounds like more fun.

Oh, and to the person who found me via Google by typing in the phrase “firm bottom wife tube”-Ummmmmm…did you get what you needed? Yikes.

Filed Under: Blogging, Motherhood Tagged With: google, twitter, twitterfall