Odd Ones Out...

There are things you just don't think about when you are lucky enough to have another child.  You think of the big things like school, money, room in the house, but the little things turn out to be the most interesting.  When our first son was born it was rather easy to go out as a family for those first 4 years.  At a restaurant we would have a table for 4 and room for our coats, diaper bag and such.  Once our second son was born we would have a table for 4 and be more creative with our "Carry-Arounds."  We could easily team up with the boys and everything went smoothly.  Well tonight we went out to dinner as a family for the first time since baby was born.  We had a gift card from the MIL for Applebee's which is a favorite of the boys.  They can be noisy and not worry about it, plus they both like the fries.   When we arrived with two kids in tow and one in a carrier I did not think of the seating logistics until the hostess mentioned she would have to clean off the larger booth.   We no longer fit at a small both or normal table!  Five is a difficult number at a restaurant.  After this I thought of all the other things made more complicated by having the odd number above four.  Planes, Movies, Theme Parks,  and who knows what else.  Now were are the Odd Family Out...
Dinner

Dinner went really well.  The baby slept the whole time in his carrier all snuggled up in his little Bear suit.  He loves it so much.  7yo of course really wanted nothing to eat other then fries.  Offer him anything from Steak to Pizza and he acts like we are trying to poison him.  When we asked 3yo what he wanted we were shocked when he said Mac and Cheese! Really? we both replied in shock...Yes...Yummy!  So we ordered him a kids menu M&C and he ate probably half of it.  For so long he has always followed his big picky brothers lead, but tonight he chose to be different and eat something other then fries!!!  Wife and I are so happy and proud of him following what he wanted.  The wife had a Steak Dish and I had the Fajitas...  We skipped Dessert since we were all full.  7 yo did take the dish of shredded cheese for my dinner that I would not use anyways.

Cooking and Baking

I cook and actually enjoy it.  Everyone compliments me on my meals, even the simple ones.  Friday I made salads for the wife and I.  Orange Chicken Baked, 7 Different Lettuces, Tomatoes, Olives, Carrots, Fresh Squished Avocado, egg and a little cheese.  Mmmmm...

Yesterday I slow cooked a corned beef, made corn bread, fresh fruit and veggies.  3yo had been playing with a neighbor and they always ask me "What's For Dinner"  When I mentioned it they were both grins.  I offered to share it with them and explained I would just need to add a little veggies.  The declined since her sister was coming over with her kids for Pizza.  Since my 3yo was playing 7yo and I walked down and played Super Smash Brothers with my friend as well as brought by a little taste... They liked it very much.  We have talked about going out and I have volunteered to cook on many occasions so yesterday even before the taste the mom said maybe I could cook and they could bring the drinks.  Friend said he is good at bringing beer...

Tonight I made some Chocolate Chip Muffins.  They turned out fantastic!!!

Play Date

On Wednesday I am having a few other dads over with their kids.  I am making lunch and we can all play with the kids and talk a bit Dad to Dad...  Cool!

The 5

1. The Nines - My BIL let me borrow it and it is a bit different.  I can't talk about it much since I fear anything I say will give it all away.  Oddly Interesting.


2. Poopie Scoopie - Well we informed 7.5 yo he has a new job around here.  Lawn Duty!  With the two dogs it is important to keep up with them so when he is home on the weekends and in the summer he will be helping dad tend to the yard mines.


3. Swim Team - The local swim club has a beginners level and more then likely 7.5yo will be joining the team.  It is almost every morning, but I think he will love it and become really good at it.  He has a swimmers build.


4. Walking Weather - Well the weather is finally starting to break so the boys and I will be doing some walks.  I need them as well as bike rides.  Hopefully I can walk with the little guys in the morning and after wife gets home ride with 7yo as well as on Saturday Mornings on the vast trail network.


5. Spring Break Over - Tomorrow 7yo goes back to school.  I think we all need him to get back to school and on schedule.  3yo and 7yo have been at each others throats...

Daily Observation: A Good server deserves a really good tip! Tip'em!!!

New FEATURE coming... Daily Photo... Sometimes RANDOM and sometimes something dealing with the content of the post.  I have the ability I might as well use it.

Blog Roll Updates...  I plan on updating the Blog Roll in the next couple weeks adding a TON of links to places I go.

Finally Friday

I think since last Friday an extra day was added. It felt like at least 8 days, "Eight Days A Week." With a sick 3yo and a baby cranky from shots the last few days have been really long. Last night ended with a few Captain and Cokes, a long hot shower and some much needed time without little kid noise. This morning started as a pretty ordinary morning with the wife getting ready to leave, the boys up early and the baby getting a meal before mom left for work. My Sister In Law (my brothers wife) was stopping by with her 3yo to visit the baby. They had not seen him yet due to a bad bought of sickness in their house and then our house then their vacation. The boys played with their cousin while the baby got spoiled. They stay only for about an hour and a half, which for two 3yo's was probably long enough.

No Sleep For Baby...

From that point on the baby only slept for about 20 minutes at a time making the rest of the day rater difficult. He is probably a little off still from the shots. Being over tired made it even harder to sleep. I tried everything and at one point he was asleep in his bouncer while 3yo passed out on the couch while watching Wii Super Smash Brothers Brawl. I quickly made my way around the house getting things cleaned up and trying to get thing prepared for dinner. Well not even ten minutes went by when the baby woke and then 3yo both cranky. I had 3yo whining and the baby crying. I walked around with him and he was still upset. We ended up sitting on my bed and he was stretched out on my chest sighing. I had my iPod on listening to Eldest the second story in the Eragon series. At about 4:15 he passed out snuggled up on me. I took this time to relax and listen to the story. 4:50 rolls around and the wife gets home to two older boys teller her to be really quiet. WOW they actually listened today, maybe they were tired of hearing baby scream. At this point I passed him off to mom and he remained sleeping in her arms.

Bike Riding

I promised 7yo he could go outside and ride his bike when mom got home. He and I got ready and went out so he could ride up and down the block on the sidewalk. This was also a good time for me to see what adjustments might be needed for the proper fit. We ended up raising the seat a little and I showed him easier ways to get on the bike. He had been trying to get on while the bike was STRAIGHT up. I showed him how to lean it first, then put his leg over it. While out we chatted with some neighbors and a group of boys came to admire my sons new ride.

The Lost Bag

As I was getting work done and the boys were getting ready for bed 3yo began to panic that a bunch of his movie cars were missing along with his Car Movie Bag. The baby and wife were on the couch with a blanket so I helped look for the bag. Understand our house is ALWAYS CLEAN and organized so losing something as large as a bag is crazy. I searched EVERY room twice, looked under the couches, in bins and everywhere possible. After a very long time and the boys and I frustrated I looked over at the wife. The other day when looking for a Hot Wheels car it was on the couch under the blanket. We moved the blanket and under it less the a foot from the wife it was sitting there. That was just crazy...

The 5

1. Eldest - I just finished Eragon and it was ok. Not great and the narrator seemed to lose my interest here and there. I have now started the second book and it picks up right where the other ended. Within a few hours. So far it actually is moving a little better.


2. Smallville - The wife and I enjoy the show, but it seems that it never stops jumping the shark...


3. Forgot a thought - I had mentioned something to the wife about tomorrow and she forgot last night and asked me this morning. Funny thing is I could not remember either. It ended up being about Slow Cooking a Corned Beef tomorrow.


4. Dogs Groomed - Tomorrow my furry kids go to the groomers. At least two or three times a year they go to the groomers. After this winter they need it. The snow really messes up there thick coats. Plus they are shedding everywhere.


5. Dads PlayDate -Tomorrow my neighbor and I will be playing Smash Brothers Brawl. They have been gone since the day I bough it on vacation. So now we can have a blast on his MONSTER TV...

The Helmet... Bell Faction



BMX and SKATEBOARD rated... Plus in his favorite color...BLACK... He will NEVER ride without a helmet. If I ever catch him riding without it on he will lose the privilege of riding for a very long time. I have seen what a fall can do to a helmet...

2 Month Appointment, Sick 3yo and a New Bike

Last night I was too tired to blog.  Did I just say that?  We had a bit of a busy day with the baby having his 2 month appointment and 3yo getting checked out since he has been sick.  I thought I was going to have to bring all three boys with me, but a friend of ours invited 7yo to go to the movies.  This worked out really well.  We dropped 7yo off and headed out to the Doctors office.

2 Month Appointment.

• 11 lbs 12 Ounces (90%)


• 23 1/4" (50%)


• 40 cm (50%) Head

He smiled for the Dr and showed off really well.  He is doing great and is even a little strong.  I already know he has a heck of a grip. Pulls chest hair out all the time.   The shots are the worst part.  I know I get to be home, but this is the one thing that truly is rotten.  The screaming and then the really sad whimpering in the van.  That HURTS!

3yo

Well he has had a cough that just wouldn't go away.  He apparently has a slight case of bronchitis.  So more meds for that.  He was very well behavied at the Doctors office so that was a plus.

I needed diapers and they had a good deal at the Baby's R Us Monster box.  It is one inside a Toys R Us so we did our Cars Movie Car search and looked a toys for a while.  The baby was fast asleep in his carrier so we could look.

Waiting for the Prescription.

We needed to wait at the local Walgreens for like 20 minutes so3yo looked at toys the entire time trying to figure out how to get me to buy something.  I just wish the Doctors would call in the prescriptions so I would not have to wait with a sick 3yo and unhappy baby...

The New Bike

After Mom got home 7yo, 3yo and I drove out to the bike shop.  We already new which bike he wanted, but we wanted to make sure the size was right.  They had the bike he wanted in stock already built so not only did he get to try it out, but we brought it home.  He was so excited!!!  They also had a big 10% off sale going on so that was even better!  So he got the Specialized Hotrock Coaster Lime Green and Black.



When we got home he spent the rest of the light riding around.  New Bike and New Helmet! Funny thing is the helmet he had last year fits 3yo perfect!!!  3yo has my head...

The 5

1. Jericho - The show ended, but has room to be available for a cable network.  Funny thing is it is canceled, but some of the stuff on tv is really bad.   The last episode was well done, but they had too many things that needed to be answered so some things are left hanging.


2. Eragon Audio Book - Well I am 90% the way done and it is not too bad.  I don't know if it is the story or the narrator that makes it a little slow.  I also do not like the narrators voice foe Saphira the Dragon.


3. Cranky Baby -The shots have made the baby a little cranky today.  I have spent more time bouncing him then anything.  The Tylenol works ok, but when it wears off look out...


4. Weather - March 27 and it is SNOWING again.  We are supposed to have 1 to 2 inches by morning.  Cold and Snow, 50 and Sunny, Cold and Snow, 50 and Sunny... Repeat...


5. Play Date -7yo has a friend over and they keep forgetting that the baby is cranky ans sleeping.  For the most part they are great, but then LOUD LOUD LOUDER!!!

Daily Observation: No Selep mkaes it hrad to tpye...

Three Little Boys and a Mall...

I don't know if it is the weather getting to me, my over confidence or just plain craziness, but today I took the boys out to Gurnee Mills.  One of the anchor stores is Bass Pro Shop and they have a bunch of live fish in store.  The plan was to leave after I fed the baby around 10:00 am, get my emissions tested on the van and go to the mall.  Plan worked pretty well.  We arrived at the mall and both the bigger boys were rather excited to go wonder a bit.  I promised 3yo we could stop by Kay Bee Toys  and 7yo Gamers Paradise.   After visiting with the fish for a while the boys said they were hungry so we made our way to the food court.  Of course the boys wanted Fries from the golden arches and nothing else.  Just after getting the food 7yo announces he had to use the bathroom.  I asked him to next time to do this before we get the food.  He had his first experience going it allow into a public restroom.  The other two boys and I waited just outside and he made went quickly.  Luckily the entrance was rather large and I could easily here him talk to me.  After lunch we made our way to the toys and game stores where the boys looked and wanted to buy everything in the stores.  It was getting late so we started to head back to Bass Pro Shop to visit the fish once more and then go home.  While leaving I saw the bike section and decided to take a quick look at sizes for 7yo.  He needs a new bike and we are going to go to my local dealer, but we wanted to see what size he would fit.  As I walk by the helmets I notice they have the helmet I want for him.  The Bell Faction a BMX/Skate helmet and it was $5.00 cheaper then I had seen online.  So we left knowing the size bike and with his new helmet in hand.  Tomorrow or Thursday when mom gets home 7yo and I will be going to look at the bikes.  The one we both agree on is the Specialized Hotrock Coaster. (He likes the Green)



I want to go with a bike from a shop for many reasons.  The quality of the bike will make it last for at least one brother.  It will be built by someone that knows what they are doing making it ride better.   The components will be much higher quality and give a better ride encouraging him to ride more, especially with me.  So while we will spend about $50-$60 more for the bike vs some store brand it will be a bike that is nice to ride, well built and will last.

The 5

1. Malls - With the weather band they are nice to go to, but when they get crowded forget it...


2. Binky, BaBa Bye Bye - Well 3yo has had an addiction to a pacifier that was getting out of hand.  He had really only had it at night, but recently wanted it all the time and when we refused he would have a melt down.  Yesterday during a long meltdown we decided it was time.  The remaining ones are gone.  Despite him being heart broken it is nice to finally get rid of them


3. Weather - 8 plus inches of snow last Friday, 50 degrees and sunny today... Ah spring in Northern IL.


4. Music Taste - Well the baby seems to like The Monkees, Beatles and Beach Boys...  Play those and he is happy!


5. Cough Cough - It seems the family can not get rid of this cough going around.  3yo is a bad cougher and when he coughs too hard he gags...then barfs!!!

V is for Vasectomy Part IV "The Recovery"

I will admit it 100% that when it comes to pain I am not so good.  I will ride four miles with a broken elbow, but stick with a needle and I whine...  My overall pain tolerance in certain areas is not too good.  That all being said the actually recovery from the "Procedure" was not too bad.

Friday Night

After going to bed I realized how much I hat sleeping on my back.  I was rather sore so I broke down and took a pain pill the Doctor gave me.  I am not big on pain meds because they typically take the pain, but make me feel pretty bad.  Well once the pain meds kicked in I was able to sleep a little.  Having a dull pain, the cool mesh under wear and a pack of gauze made it not the most comfortable of nights sleep.

Saturday

Saturday came all too quickly and I knew it was going to be long day.  The moment I woke it felt like I was kicked a few times.  The bruising was rather intense and made for a "colorful" morning.  The Doctor said I would need to make sure I avoided any strenuous activities such as lifting or quick movement.  My father came out to finish up the snow blowing my wife started as well as help me with a flat tire on my van.  After he finished getting the snow off we tried filling the tire with air.  Well it stayed so after about 30 minutes we topped it off again and he followed me to our tire guy.

The shop is about 10 miles away, but I would not dream of taking it anywhere else.  They found a nice hole in the tread that was easily repaired.  They also checked all the tires as well as changed the oil.   While out there I decided to Pizza from my favorite place... Bill's Pizza... Mmmmmm... I ordered two pizzas and ended up eating pizza all day and for breakfast on Sunday.

After my trip out with the van it was time to just relax a bit.  I spent a lot of time on the couch and in my chair.  7yo and I played Video Games and Board Games for a long time.  There was a constant dull pain all day, but it was not too bad.  I had worried about the worst Friday after the procedure, but it was not too bad.

Easter Sunday

Cold Pizza... YES!!!! The breakfast of champions...  We had plans at the Wife's sisters house which is a 40 minute drive from here.  The main reason for going was to see the wife's grandmother and let here see the baby for the first time.  If she was not going to be there we probably would have stayed home.  Overall the discomfort was gone other then when I moved too quickly.  I did have to make a break for it once when 3 yo coughed so hard he gaged and then... Blahhhhh... Puke!!!!  That sudden movement made things a bit sore for a while.  Other then that the day was fine and no major issues with discomfort.

Monday

90% of the discomfort was gone.  The only issues I had were at the incision and the places for the shots.  The most noticeable discomfort was the areas where I was shaved and it was growing back...  I was able to pick up things and bend over without any concerns.

Overall

The overall experience was not the most pleasant, but not bad enough to regret doing it.  If I had to do it again I would without a second thought.  The only real PAIN was the shots and the few hours after the numbness wore off.  After that the discomfort was more of a bruised just kicked feel, rather then sharp pains.  The recovery time was not bad and by this Friday I should be back to 100%. Making sure I just relaxed and avoided any major movement the first couple days made all the difference.

The 5 "Vasectomy Edition"

1. Shots - OUCH! The shots around the boys was by far the worst of it.  they were the most painful shots I have ever had.


2. Shyness - After two people handling me my thoughts of being shy were gone.  Sharp Objects, Scrub downs and moving me out of the way make for a odd day.


3. Resting - It was good to take the few days and rest.  The wife, kids and other family were very helpful allowing me to recover


4. The Dull Discomfort - After 24 hours that discomfort was getting old, but by then the discomfort was going away rapidly.


5. The End Result - Do the Ends justify the means... YEP!

V is for Vasectomy Part III "The Procedure"

Have you ever wondered if there was a sign meant to tell you something?  Have you seen that sign, ignored it or just plain missed it?  Today has been a few weeks in the making and it is and was "V-Day."  Everything was planned out and of course you know what Spring brought today?  A whole lot of WET snow!  The snow was getting deep and we needed to head to my folks for babysitting so the wife could come with me.  So I would say a bunch of snow was the FIRST sign we ignored.  We get the boys all ready and pile in the van when I notice the van is leaning to one side. No, No, No... I get out and the front passenger side tire is DEAD FLAT!  We then have to make the jump to the wifes Mazda 5... So I would say that was the second sign we ignored today...  Wow I guess I just don't know how to see the signs... :-)

The Drive

The drive out was pretty bad.  With all the snow it took us a really long time to get to my folks.  We dropped off the boys and headed out to the Doctors office.  Cars were sliding every where and the roads were a complete mess.  We did make it to the office in plenty of time, but it was not a fun ride.  The return would be even worse...

The Wait

The Dr had assured me they would be on time and they even called me to set my time a little later because they were behind.  Well we get to the office 15 minutes early and end up waiting nearly an hour total in the office before I got sent back.  The snow was falling and as the aniexity increased I had fleeting thoughts of making a break for it.  Those thoughts quickly went away when the wife noticing my stress grabbed my hand... Well maybe she knew I was ready to make a break for it.  My plans to make a break for it were foiled by my alert wife.  Turns out with the weather and a patient taking a little longer to recover he was behind.

The Walk Back

The door opens and the nurse said I could come back now.  She was a relatively attractive young women with an accent I could not place.  She smiled at my wife and said I would do just fine.  At this she told her the worst part is just the shots.  Great!  As we walk to the room she directs me to take the wonderful paper blanket and get undressed waist down and she would be back.  Upon her return she reviewed with me some general care as well as explained the medications I would be getting afterwards.  Also said I would get a wonderful pair of underwear to wear home.  Nice mess shorts that I think look like fishnet panties for grandma.  She left and said the doctor would be in shortly.

The Procedure

So here I am sitting on the table in a T-Shirt and Socks sitting under a paper blanket wondering if I could escape.  As the minutes that seemed like an eternity went by I was hatching my escape plan.  Knock Knock... The Doctor came in and foiled my second escape plans.  Why is it that the Doctors Knock? Why do they leave when you take off your pants to come back in and look under the blanket?  The Doctor quickly reviewed the procedure and what the nurse said.  At this point any shyness I may have had is out the window.  Understand I met my wife in High School and since I met her the only thing done down there by strangers was a "Turn Your Head And Cough" hernia test.  So when the Doctor pulls back the sheet and begins scrubbing the under carriage with soap this was a rather new and odd experience.  Later the wife told me too bad it was not the nurse doing the scrubbing with a laugh. Well she would get her shot too...  After the scrub down he did some shaving work to clean up spots for the shots and of course the main cut.  Nothing like having a short older man shaving your privates to get that extra bonding going.  Knock Knock... The nurse comes in with me in the wind scrubbed and shaved in all my natural glory.  She helps prepare the shots to numb me and gets all the tools of torture ready.  As the procedure begins the nurse is on my left and the Doctor is on my right.  He says this is going to sting a little as he prepares to stick a needle that looked like it was 10 feet long into me.  The nurse said this would be the worst of it.  With that he slowly sticks the needle in and HOLY S**T that hurt!  I remained perfectly still fearing that if I even twitched something else would get nicked.  After a few moments the pain went away.  I had always thought my worst place for shots was on my mouth, but now there is a new spot hands down.  He then went to the other side and repeated the shot... This time I was prepared, but HOLY S**T that smarts!  After a few moments letting the numbness set in and hanging in the wind he began to make the tiny cut to pull the stuff out.  OUCH! he stops and is shocked I felt it... He said I must be rather sensitive to pain... Yeah especially when you are putting holes in my privates I thought!!! He waited a few more moments and then gave me a few more shots to make sure everything was numb.  At this point I begin to feel the numbness hit all over and the procedure continues.  With the numbness I lost ALL feeling in my privates and had no clue what was going on down there. While he is working on me the nurse is making sure I am out of the way, if you get my meaning.  At the same time they are chatting away about there evening plans and the snow.  They did include me in the conversations which I felt was rather courteous seeing as they are talking while he is cutting my privates and she is moving my manhood.  During the conversation I found out that she is from Israel and has been here a few years.  She came here with her mother and is married to a guy originally from West Virginia.  She said she really misses he old home and does not like the weather here.  So as he finishes up and cleans me up she is kind enough to put those really cool fishnet tiddy whities on me.  Afterwards he said I did really well and was surprised I was not more anxious.  I admitted to him I was actually a bit freaked out about the whole thing.  He said about 50% of his patients elect to take some meds for that prior to the procedure.  WHAT! What about me?  He said well if you take them you can't drive... DO'H my wife was driving!  Oh well I missed out of some drugs... LOL  As I got up I was rather surprised at how light headed I was.  He said I could sit for a while, but I wanted to get out.  He asked if I had eaten recently and I had not due to the long journey in the snow and the extra hour before the procedure.  He said that the shots tend to make you a little light headed if you have not eaten.  As I stumble back down the hall my wife was waiting for me with the prescription and instructions from the nurse.  This was a good thing because for the moment I had a foggy head and no feeling between my legs...

Overall the procedure was not too bad.  Other then the fact that I had strangers playing with my stuff and using sharp objects it was fine.   Now as for the pain of the shots that was actually pretty bad.  I know I have a rather low tolerance for pain, but OMG!  It only lasted moments, but OUCH that smarts.  It is like getting the skin caught in a zipper, but worse.

Now as for the recovery that will be another post.  As I sit here and type I feel like someone kicked me in the crotch earlier today... Time for bed...

T'was The Night Before My Vasectomy...

T'was the Night Before The Vasectomy.

T’was the night before my Vasectomy, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, except my computers’ mouse;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of spring break danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'sweats, and a baby in her lap,

Had just started settling down for a long Spring nap,

When out by the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a Delivery Man, and Eight Cases of Beer,

More rapid than eagles his brews they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Killians! now, Guiness! now, Point and Miller!

On, Goose Island! on Leinies! on, Fat Tire and Sprecher!

To the front porch! to the back wall!

Now chug away! chug away! chug away all!"

So out to the recycling bin the empty brews they flew,

With the Pizza Box, and take out too.

The delivery man sprang to his Van, to his Brews he gave a nod,

And away he drove avoiding the sod.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Vasectomy to all, and to all a good-night"

Well this is part II of my on going series about my experience getting a Vasectomy. You can read the first part published on March 9th 2008.

V is for Vasectomy Part I

V is for Vasectomy Part II - Mentally Preparing for the Procedure.

As the day approaches I find myself extremely torn about our decision. It is the right choice for us on so many levels, yet we both can't help feel a finality in this situation. This is it for us, PERIOD! We have 3 wonderful boys and the third was truly a miracle. We had so many problems and were pretty much resigned to the fact we were done on an awful note. There is no way we would ever want to be pregnant again because of the terrible issues another pregnancy would cause mentally for us, physically for mom and more then likely fatal for another baby. Even with all of that it is more difficult tonight then it was a few weeks ago. Plus I have spent my life keeping sharp objects away from there and now I am inviting someone to have a go with pointy things...

As I get ready to have this done I know in my heart and mind that it is the right choice, for me, us and my family.

Tomorrow during recovery I will be posting about the procedure from my point of view. It will have some seriousness, but there will be plenty of humor as I relate it to some of the things the wife has gone through.

A Long Day of Frustration

Again I got woken up with 3yo not happy and still feeling a bit under the weather.  Once again I got couched.  It was that or spend the night with two feet kicking me in the head, back, legs or where ever he ends up.  So the day started badly at 1:30 AM.  The morning was a bot rough with my allergies acting up a bit mixed in with some lingering cold symptoms.  After getting lunch ready for 7yo and everything going I decided it was time for 7yo to walk by himself.  With the baby actually sleeping and 3yo sick I felt it would be bad for them to come too.  So I opened the door and watched him walk with his friend from across the street to the bus stop a few doors down.  One of the moms was there so it all worked out well.  There is always at least two parents down at the bus stop.

The baby slept until about 9:30 and wanted to eat.  I fed him and he was a little piggy.  He was so content to eat it was cute.  By this time 3yo started acting up.  he does not feel well, but is getting better.  Everything was wrong... He was bored, he was hungry, he was tired... No matter what I did it was not correct.  By lunch time the baby was looking tired and I was trying to get him to sleep.  Every time he would start to doze 3yo would be loud and wake him...  So 3 hours later baby has not slept much and it is time for some more food.  He pigged out again and his 3yo brother went and napped.  I thought this is great 3yo is sleeping and the baby would sleep too.  Wrong!!! The baby was overtired and I could not get him settled.  Finally after 7yo got home we piled in the van and went for a short ride.  within minutes he passed out.  We went home and he stayed asleep for another couple hours.  He was so tired...

So now it is late, I am over tired and need to get some rest.  I just hope I can sleep in my bed tonight.

The 5

1. "You Are What You Eat" - I have been catching this BBC America show while I feed the baby around 10:00 am.  Pretty good show, but WOW I can not believe what some people can eat!!!  TUB of butter a day!!!  Oh and I learned that 1 Stone = 14 Pounds


2. Confirmation - Got my confirmation call for the procedure on Friday.  1:00 Friday is "V-Day" but they called again today to make sure I arrived at 12:45.  Tomorrow night stay tuned for the next article on my procedure.


3. SNOW! - We are supposed to get more snow in the next few days... DOH!!!


4. Shoe Time - We will need to get the boys shoes soon.  With the weather and of course that whole growing thing.


5. Bike - Well on Friday Morning we are going to stop at the bike shop and have 7yo fit to a bike.  We can then make the decission on which one.  We are not going the Cheapo Super Store Route.  I want him to enjoy the bike and have it last.  A Trek or Specialized will be able to make it through the other boys too.  We will be riding every weekend on the big trail near the house when the weather improves.

Daily Observation: Being Over Tired makes the simplist things seem difficult.

Sick and Cranky 3 Year Old

Well yesterday 3yo got hit with a cold like a ton of bricks. From noon until after 5:00 the only time he stopped yelling, complaining or crying was when he was either in the bath or in the van. So he took a long bath and we took a long car ride. What is worse is he kept waking the baby...

Dad Gets Couched

Well I went to bed in my own bed, but after a couple hours 3yo woke up and was extremely upset so he came into our bed. He spends most of the time kicking me so I grabbed a blanket, my pillows and hit the couch. It was not too comfortable last night and I slept bad, but it beat getting kicked and bruised all night.

Tuesday the Terrible

The crankiness of yesterday rolled over into today and it was rather unpleasant. This time the baby was a bit upset in the morning and would not settle down. Again 3yo was cranky and when the baby did settle he ended up getting woken up by a yelling 3yo. This time I hit the road a little earlier and both boys got a little nap. I hate to drive around with gas prices, but I needed some peace. The rest of the afternoon everything was not right and no matter what I did it was wrong. Baby would not settle and 3yo would not calm down.

I am hoping Wednesday will be much better for all of us. Thursday has to be really nice is order for me to be able to get a much house stuff done BEFORE the procedure on Friday.

Procedure Time Verified today. 1:00 Friday afternoon is "V-Day"

The 5

1. Bouncer Foot - I think I have bouncer foot from bouncing the baby all the time lately in his favorite ride, The Bouncer.


2. Peace in Van - My new fortress of solitude is my van. I can get both little boys sleeping and actually not have to much trouble.


3. Weather - Rain and Fog...Spring is almost here and it feels like winter still... Come on NICE WEATHER!!!


4. Canoe - My uncle has a really nice canoe sitting around that he is going to let us borrow. He and the family moved to SoCal and were unable to bring it. There is a Canoe, Roof Rack and Paddles I get to use. 7yo and 3yo and Baby already have life vests, I just need to get them for the wife and I. Granted the baby will not be out in the boat anytime soon...


5. Sleep - time to go get some sleep!

Daily Observation: Two days straight of cranky kids is enough to make you lose your mind... Granted mine was lost long ago...

A Long Weekend and A Very Bad Monday...

When it rains it pours, floods and makes everything unpleasant.  The weekend was busy as usual with too much to do and too little time as always.

Saturday 

I had my ESL Workshop in the morning so I had to make sure I got up and moving.  I was actually a little slow since we are all a bit lacking on the sleep.  The Workshop was really good and I am looking forward to the program.  The boys and mom went to a local Easter Egg hunt and had an OK time.  Too many kids, parents not watching their kids and of course not the best weather.  In the end the boys had a good time which is all that counts.  The afternoon was for housework and cutting the boys hair.  The night would turn out to be extremely long and unpleasant.  I had a very difficult time getting comfortable due to arthritis acting up.  35 and already feeling the joints stiffen up and hurt.  Doctor said I can only manage the pain and try to keep the joints active.  Since Friday I had been doing house work and I forgot to wear my inside gym shoes the wood floors really did a number on me.  We as I went to bed I was unable to get comfortable.  After watching a movie and some TV I was finally able to be so tired my body ignored the discomfort.  The baby woke as usual, but 3yo woke BEFORE 4:00 thinking it was time to get up for the day.  This did not go well and with less then 4 hours of sleep I was not pleasant to be around.  The wife said it was my fault for staying up so late, but I responded with my pain issues and she stopped giving me a hard time.  when 3yo wakes he is UP no matter what time it is...

Sunday

Sunday I made my trip to the local Meijer (Walmart/Grocery Store) for groceries, diapers and dog food.  I used to go during the week with 3yo, but having him and the baby is something I would like to avoid I my main shopping trips.  I need the room in the cart.  The only draw back is I am shopping on the weekends and it is very crowded.

Corned Beef and Cabbage...

Sunday night we went to my folks for dinner.  Have to have that corned beef for St. Patricks Day.  Since everyone is so busy Sunday Dinner works out well.

Super Smash Brothers Brawl

Saturday while I was out near the College campus I decided to go shopping at the Toys R Us near by.  I was out and always look for the Car Movie Cars.  While they I picked up my early birthday present from the boys.  Super Smash Brothers Brawl for the Wii.  The game is a lot of fun and plays well for both 7yo and I.  Going to take me some time to get used to the controls, but it is pretty quick to get used to.

.

The 5

1. The Sopranos - I finally got around to finishing the final 9 Episodes of The Sopranos... What a Wack-Fest!  Since I knew about the end of the last episode I was prepared, but really understand why so many people got upset.  Overall it was a great series.


2. 30 Days of Night - Just watched it and I really enjoyed it.  Nothing like Vampires in Barrow Alaska during the long WINTER NIGHT!  Good acting along with the creepy factor at a high...


3. ScreamFest - 3yo was sick all day and he yelled and complained about it for four hours straight,  This made it a long day...


4. Mastitis - The wife got hit with it again.  Not only was 3yo sick all day the wife has had a very difficult tie of it.]


5. Sleep - Going to hopefully get some of that tonight...

Attack of the Rabid Dust Bunnies

Slide, Slide...CLUNK! At that moment I realized that my good pen fell behind my computer desk.  My big solid wood desk with two workstations.  Leaning over the desk I could see it pressed up against the wall.  Out of the corner of my eye there was movement.  Again and again... Ahh Rabid Dust Bunnies are attacking!!!!  I was able to get my arm out in one piece as the little monsters tried to get me.  I was not going to be unable to reach the pen without moving everything.  If it was just a simple cheapo I would have left it for another day, but it was my nice cross pen that I love to use.  So I guess now was as good of a time as any to move things around.  Before I would attempt the rescue I grabbed the vacuum so I was armed against a year of dust bunnies.  The frenzy began as I put the end of the attachment down the back and the little monsters were sucked into the vacuum.  They tried and tried, but the vacuum was too strong for the vile dust bunnies...

Neighborhood in my front yard.

After 7yo made it home he got a snack and the 3 of us went outside since it was really nice out.  As we got outside 3yo could see his good little friend down a few houses.  They both ran toward each other shouting their names.  His little brother came wandering behind with his mom.  The one mom that treats me like I know what I am doing.  Well then two older boys that are friend of 7yo came wandering down with everyone.  Not long after the neighbor across the street got home and the 10yo boy that is good friends with my 7yo came out as well as his 4yo sister.  So the one mom and I chatted and watched 8 kids of different ages run around in front of my house.  Everyone had a blast and the baby slept in his carrier on his stroller all bundled up.  It was not too long before my wife home and out with us and my neighbors husband as well.  A good time was had by all.

Lunchtime Visit with BIL

Well my BIL works for Orkin and was on route near me today.  He had a few movies for me to borrow so I would have some more entertainment options after the "V" word next Friday.  We met at Wendy's so 3yo had some fries and we split a drink.  3yo had a blast playing with and talking to his Uncle.  3yo even decided to DIP one of his French Fries in BUTTER!  My arteries clogged watching him do that.  Mmmm Daddy he said...

The 5

1. 
   
   Dust Bunnies - the Dust behind my computer desk from this past year was unreal.  So many electronic devices attracting the little monster dust bunnies.
   
   


2. 
   
   One Week - One Week to "V" day.  I will be posting a little article on Thursday about preparing mentally for the procedure
   
   


3. 
   
   Time is NOT on my side- To quote the Stones with a little change... Tiiiimmmeee is NOT on my side no it isn't...  With 3 boys running 3 directions, work, volunteering, housework, wife and everything else my days are long and busy.
   
   


4. 
   
   Lost- The last of the Oceanic 6 was revealed.  Not a big suprise.  We are enjoying this season
   
   


5. 
   
   Smallville - Wow has it jumped the Shark.  I think even "The Fonz" would agree. 
   
   

Why...Why?, WHy??, WHY???, WHHYY!!!, WHHHYYYY!!!

Why oh Why does he need to say why to everything? WHY?

The weather has been improving so yesterday I decided to bundle up the baby and go for a walk.  As we get ready 3yo asks where are we going? For a walk I reply with a smile. Why? Well it is nice out so I thought it would be good to get out and get some fresh air. Why? Walks are good for us and we should enjoy going outside. Why? To be happy and healthy. Why? At this point I know it will not get better since I have been here before with his big brother.  So rather then answer another question I try to let it go and get us on our way.  This works until I speak again.  Please let go of the stroller while I but your brothers carrier on it. Why? So I can put him down safely. Why? Again I go with the ignoring option and move on.  As we walk every little thing is a why and then 7 more whys for good measure.  At one point in order to get peace I attempted to distract him by tickling him.  It worked, for a time.  They out of the blue with no prompting he looks at me and says Why?  Understand this why is not in response to anything, just out of the blue.  Why, what? I asked... WHY! I don't know what you are asking about..WHY!!!  Because daddy said so and daddy is the boss... OK!  DO'H!

Last night I would have blogged, but I was at my First of Five ELS Workshops so I can be an approved volenteer tutor.  By the time I got done with class and made it home I was just too tired and needed sleep.

I am really tired tonight and not too focuses so I will end just on one word...

WHY! 

Too Fast Tuesday...

Where did the time go today.  One moment it was 5:30 am and I was tucking back in 3yo and the next thing I know it is 10:30 pm.  Lately the days are so busy that it seems time just goes away.  Maybe with the time change someone stole a few hours out of every day.  that is the only explanation for how little time I have.

Tuesday is Preschool Day

3yo had preschool today which is the highlight of his week.  He loves going and has such a good time.  I am very happy however that he has not gotten into trouble like a few of his little friends.   Today was our treat day and I had forgotten to pick up Apple Juice so we made a quick stop and the local store.  The 3 ladies working the lanes and customer service we under the spell of 3yo and the baby.  They all had to come see both and talk to 3yo about his baby brother.  I would have normally had something to bring in the house, but it has to be Apple Juice because of a food allergy.  They do not allow juice boxes and prefer a bottle of juice with cups.  Otherwise I could just send in a bunch of juice boxes with a special one for the child with the allergy...  After preschool 3yo came home and he put himself to bed again.  I think my little man is growing again.

Weather Not Quite Nice

It made it into the 4o's today, but the wind was a bit strong.  After naps I took the boys far a quick walk around the block and that is about all we could do with the wind.  I just wish I could get my 7yo to walk to the bus while I wait in our garage.  It is just across the street and down a couple houses.  I watch him when he comes home, but he won't do it in the morning.  So I need to take the sleeping baby, bundle him up and get us all in the van.  19 degrees is just too cold for the baby.  In a few weeks the temps in the morning will be much better and it will not matter.

The 5

1. Jericho - Watched it with the wife tonight and was very pleased.  I was worried that with the changes and not being alone in there little town it would lose some edge.  Not so doing pretty well.  Still no word on if it will come back next year on CBS or a cable network.


2. Coca-Cola Cravings - One of my major roadblocks for me to lose weight is Coke.  I avoid it the best I can and today I fought major cravings and WON...  No Coke For Me...


3. Wall*E - The new Pixar movie coming out this June.  Something to take the boys to that we should all enjoy.


4. Gas Prices - The Prospect of $4.00 a gallon is bad.  Thankfully I do not commute for work and the wife's office is a little over 7 miles away.  Granted with Preschool, Shopping and everything else lately I might as well be commuting to work.


5. $5,500 - The NY Governor spent that on his little side thing... $5,500 each time... That is just completely INSANE!!!

Daily Observation: People in a hurry in cars should learn to leave earlier...

The First True Monday Test.

Well today was the first true Monday since the wife went back to work.  Honestly it is not too different then it was 3.5 years ago.   Since 7yo is at school most of the day it is just the two younger boys.  Granted having a baby in the mix really makes even simple things a bit more challenging.

Double Nap Time

It was rather cold this morning still so I took the van to the bus stop.  Baby fell asleep right away in his favorite thing his carrier...  Once home I put him down in my office still in his carrier and got breakfast for the dogs and me.  3yo had eaten already and was rather grumpy.  He hates Mondays since his Big Brother and Mom are gone.  Within about an hour he comes over to me while I was cleaning up the kitchen and asked if he could go to bed for a nap.  I told him that was fine and I would tuck him in.  He slept from 9:00 to Noon!!!  Baby slept until after 9:30 so I had a little time to myself.

Angel Baby

The baby was just about perfect all day.  He Ate, Slept, Pooped and played.  He was great and only had one spell where he was difficult to deal with from 2:00 to 3:00 which I think is his "Witching Hour"

Cabin Fever 3 Year Old

3yo is getting a bit tired of being inside.  The weather is starting to change so hopefully this week we will be able to go for long walks with the new stroller with a spot for bigger kids.  I thing being out for about an hour walking around will do wonders for all of us.

The 5

1. When a Stranger Instant Messages - Well today I had a stranger IM me.  I did not recognize the name, but that is not unusual since I belong to a few boards and give those out pretty freely.  We it turns out she was looking for someone with a similar IM as my darthdaddy...  Of course I still chatted for a few minutes because I do that... Anyone Anywhere I will chat with you.


2. Messengers - My Microsoft Live Messenger is amanamongmommies as is my yahoo...  Feel free to drop me a line...


3. Forgetful! - I went to the store tonight and forgot one thing... Of course it is the one thing I need. Juice for my sons treat day at preschool... DOH!


4. Chicken Avocado Salsa Sandwich - Mmmm... I made this the other day to rave reviews from the wife and my taste buds..
   
   
   
   • 1 Avocado Smashed
   
   
   • 1 Cup Salsa
   
   
   • 1 Can Chicken Shredded (Fresh Chicken or Tuna would work well too.)
   
   
   • 2 Pieces of Whole Grain Bread..
   
   
   
   Smash the Avocados, mix the Avocados,  Chicken and Salsa and then spread on bread. ENJOY!!!


5. Super Smash Brothers Brawl - Plan on getting that as an Early Birthday/Vascetomy present before the procedure.  Going to have that and some borrowed movies to along with Pizza, Beer and plenty of Ice

Daily Observation: Time Flies when you are beyond busy

V is for Vasectomy Part I

This will be the first in a multi-part series delving into the mental and physical aspects of our decision.  Through these articles I hope to bring important issues to light as well has have some humor at my own expense.

V is for Vasectomy Part I

The Decision

The biggest and most difficult part is making the actual decision.  We have made the choice that we are now done having children for multiple reasons the most important is risk.  Getting older coupled with all the issues and complications we have had in the past has made this choice about a healthy future.

Vasectomy vs Tubal Ligation

When contemplating this decision the one thing I kept reading and hearing from many men was to encourage the wife to have a Tubal Ligation which is an invasive and major operation.  Our discussions included this and if the baby had to come via Cesarean Section that could have been handled then.  Well this was not the case so the best option would be for me to have a Vasectomy.  Less then 30 minutes and 100% within a week.

The Consult

After speaking to my Doctor I was referred to a Urologist that works with the practice and has office time at my Doctors office.  So I scheduled the consult not really knowing what this would be like and was I in for a surprise.  Upon arriving at the Doctors office I had to fill out a mountain of paper work for the new Doctor which included my rather colorful medical history. (I like to break stuff) I need this on a form on a thumb drive so I can stop writing this stuff out.  The office was rather busy and the wait was a bit longer then usual.  After a while I was brought back and had the vital stats taken as well as detailed family medical history. They took my blood pressure, weight, height and of course a urine sample.  I was surprised that my blood pressure was pretty good because of the anxiety of the situation.  I was then led to another room and told to take off all my lower clothes and wait with one of those really cool paper sheets covering me.  I have a new sympathy for my wife in all those OB appointments with the paper sheet, rubber gloves and gel. Now this is where it got interesting and long.  The minutes passed and the doctor had not come in yet.  2o minutes later I heard the Doctor and nurse discussing a patient and they were having this patient admitted to the hospital...  Moments later the doctor came in and apologized for this time, but he was dealing with what he referred to as an "extremely unusual" case and had to head to the hospital after our visit.  The doctor was nothing like I had pictured and he would probably fit well with the Adams family or a Halloween episode of ER. He was much shorter then me which is much of the population, had a Friar Tuck Hippie Hair cut.  The U went around his balding head like Friar Tuck, but with long Salt and Pepper hair going down to his shoulders.  He had direct yet pleasant personality.  Now at this point I was a bit frustrated about waiting as well as the reason for being there.  Despite researching the procedure and knowing full well that this was the best solution for our family it is a difficult thing.  We spend all our lives keeping sharp objects away from our stuff and now I am going to allow someone to cut the stuff up.

Questions and Answers 

During the consult the doctor reviewed my family medical history and then had a list of questions for me with regards to my "physical" health.  Most of the questions were straight forward and were all expected.  Of course the first question was "Do You Have Kids?" After that it was all about my functions and if I had ever had difficulties or had ever caught something.  All Clear...

The Description of the Procedure.

At this point the Doctor briefly talked about the procedure which no-scalpel and then began to show me what was going to be done, using me as the model.  Now understand the most demonstrating down there by someone other then my wife has been a hernia test.  What he was doing made a hernia test feel like a pleasant passing handshake.  He quickly found the vas deferns and had me identify them as well.  After the full explanation including showing me where the "Key Hole" incision was to be made he explained the other vasectomy procedures again using me as the model.

Two for One with an Option for a Third

After fully going over the procedure and juggling my junk for a while he also checked for a hernia.  He said having a hernia with this procedure would be undesirable.  With the Two for One handled he offered a Prostate exam as the Trifecta, this was a tempting offer but I passed since I just had a physical a couple months ago.

Final Review

After all the wonderful Stuff Shuffling we went over the procedure again and discussed the options he uses and why.  He went over in detail the procedure, recovery and care during recovery.  Overall the first three days will be the key and in less then a week everything will be good to go.  After 4 weeks and at least 8 "events" I would be required to bring in a sample to make sure there are now swimmers present.  Overall I was pleased with how long the doctor spent with me especially with the really long wait.  He spent more time talking about the procedure then the actual procedure will take.  He said I will be in and out of his office in 30 minutes or less... (I was wondering if he was going to give me a free pizza if it took longer)  The only thing left was to find the right day to have the procedure.  After talking about my At Home Dad gig he suggested I find a 3 day period where I would not have to be the primary caregiver since picking up the kids would be a mistake.  Descriptions of grapefruit and blood drains were burned into my brain.

Good Friday

Good Friday is V-Day here since the wife is off and I will be able to sit back with an ice pack and not have to be Dad the Jungle Gym, Lifter, Carrier, Jump up and Downer... This also works out well since the wife wants to come with for support as well as to drive me home.  Despite the Doctors assurances that I would be able to drive home the wife feels my lack of pain tolerance will be put to the test with a rather sensitive area...

Coming Soon...

Part II Mentally preparing for the Procedure.

Part III The Procedure (Good Friday)

Part IV The Day After

Part V The Final Review

Purging the Plague from our Place...

Purging the Plague

The past few weeks have seemed like an eternity.  With the 7 week old baby, 7yo going from double ear infection to a cold, 3yo going from a single ear infection to a cold, the wife having a cold and of course my wonderful 10 day plus cold the house has been interesting.  Now that everyone is on the mend or at least the road to recovery things are looking up.  I just can not wait until I am able to open up all the windows in the house and get the wonderful spring breezes flowing through the house.  The springtime brings alergies, but that is so much easier to control...

ESL Volunteer 

Well I have finished my Orientation for becoming a volunteer with the required workshops and class preparation coming over the next 6 weeks.   It takes a bit of time, but after I get trough the basics I will be a tutor in the local program which is a two hour commetment each week.   At some point I may even look at being certified as an instructor.  The requirements are not that bad.  16 hours continued education and a degree in something.

The 5

1. Time Change - What a pain, but I do have to admit having it much lighter much later is really nice.  Eating dinner in the sunlight was pleasant tonight.


2. Play Dates - Both older boys had friends over at the same time this afternoon.  It did not take long for them to start playing together.  The older boys both in 2nd grade would run and hide from the two younger boys (3yo) and they all had a blast.  The big kids got to be cool and hide and trick the little ones and the little ones thought it was so great to play with the big boys.


3. Car-Ride Nap Time - On Friday the baby was overtired, 3yo was cranky and 7yo was tired and home sick.  Nothing would work to get the baby to settle and 3yo to settle down so we hit the road.  We pilled in the van for a car trip across the IL/WI border and home again.  The baby feel asleep about three minutes in and 3yo fell asleep about 6 minutes in.  While the little guys slept I listened to the radio and 7yo played Pokemon on his Nintendo DS relaxed and warm in the van.  Once we returned baby sleep another couple hours allowing for me to get work do along with a bit of housework.


4. Outgrowing - The baby is already starting to outgrow clothes so we will be looking at slowly passing the clothes on.  It is sad and exciting at the same time.  We have had bins of clothes for nearly 8 years and now the those bins of little clothes will be making room for bigger clothes...


5. First Real Monday - Tomorrow is the first real Monday on my own.  We have the bus for 7yo and the adjustment without mom again for the baby and 3yo.

Daily Observation: A Simple Game of Hide and Seek can be more entertaining then all the toys in the world.

Fatigue and Fighting Illnesses

We just can not catch a break with illnesses around the house.  Wife and I are still fighting colds and 7yo was out yesterday sick, but tonight he seems to be showing signs of a return.  To go with that 3yo is also showing signs of the cold.  If there is any bright side mom got the cold before the boys and the baby seems to have avoided it.  Ah the wonders of antibodies and nursing.

I am becoming extremely fatigued and am worried it will take a long time to pull out of it at the current rate.  Having the fatigue, trying to watch what I eat and have my 3 boys of and on sick is becoming a pretty big chore.  Next week we should be getting into a better grove with the baby adapting fully to daddy feeding him.  I just hope with in the next couple weeks I can figure out a schedule so I can get everything done.

The 5

1. Jericho - Well I am happy it came back to at least get some closure, but I have no idea if it will still be picked up by the network.  If not maybe a cable network like SciFi will get it.


2. Super Smash Brothers Brawl - The Wii game comes out this weekend and already 7yo has asked if we could get it.  I asked him if he had $50.00 and he said no...  My birthday is a month away and maybe he can get that for me for my birthday...  It looks really really really cool...


3. Break in the Weather...Maybe - Last night I let the dogs out to see it SNOWING again.  I am just glad it was only a dusting and by mid morning stuff started melting again.  Hopefully this is the end of that stuff and the nicer weather is on its way.


4. Difficulty Blogging - With how tired I have become and the fact that time is short it is really difficult to keep blogging.  I just have to push it and get writing... Helps me to get through it.


5. Little Dirt Devil - Last night I picked up a new Dirt Devil Stick Vacuum for the hard floors.  Put it together today and hopefully will get to use it tomorrow.  Beats the 15 year old Singer 3-1 with frayed wires we had.

Daily Observation: Having a baby laying on you chest on the couch is a sure way to fall asleep.

Gary Gygax, Brett Farve and Demcratic Primaries

Critical Hit
Gary Gygax the co-creator of Dungeons and Dragons and by many considered the Father of Role Playing Games has passed away.(1938-2008)  While a cause of death was not given in the statement from his family he had apparently been in poor health.  He has passed, but his legacy will live on for a very long time.

Cheddarcide in Cheeseland
Yesterday the announcement came and hit every Packer Fan like a bag of bricks to the head.  Brett Farve is retiring.  17 years in the NFL and just about every major QB record and stat is his.  Even being a Bears fan it is difficult to see him retire.  Honestly he is still a top level Quarterback being a 17 year veteran.  My son does not quite understand the whole retirement thing, so the impact is not as hard.  I am sure there are a bunch of Packer fans eating Brats and Drinking Old Milwaukee having a Farve love-fest right this minute...

Democratic Primaries
Well yesterday answered one question in the democratic primary.  Will it last 7 more weeks... YES... A very heated race is still not close to being over.  It is a pretty crazy thing even though Sen. Clinton got some wins the race is no closer, just not farther apart.  I guess it will be decided at the DNC...  With it being so close they both have a shot...

Preschool and showing off two brothers
Yesterday 7yo was off of school so there was a van load dropping off 3yo at preschool.  3yo was so excited to show off his baby brother and his big brother.  This was the first time the baby had been by the school so of course there was a lot of excitement from the teachers and the moms dropping off their kids.  Not only did he talk about his baby brother he talked about his big brother being there.

Visiting Mom at Work
In the afternoon we all went out to visit mom at work so she can show off all her boys.  All four boys (yes me too) behaved well.  Everyone seemed to be excited to see the baby as well as be rather entertained by the talking ability of 3yo.  He is our little chatterbox...

The 5

1. Sickness Continues - Just as we get over one thing  another thing hits us.  7yo started complaining about a headache last night.  That headache had a friend a nice fever.  This morning he still has the fever and is now staying home.  3 days missed this schol year... 2 in the last 3 weeks...


2. Bouncing Baby Boy - Baby loves his bouncer and has become a bit of an addict.  He can sit there just bouncing away, but if I even think about stopping I am doomed.


3. Finding Time - Well so far the last few days the only issue I have had is finding any time to do anything.  If I can not get it done in 20 minutes or less it probably won't get done, at least in one shot.


4. Eragon - My next audio book.  I was in the library yesterday and a request hold of Eragon came in.  I have the book, but I do not have the time to read it.  The wife a while back read that to 7yo over the course of many many weeks.  I did start the book, but now I can finish it.


5. Wife the iPod Hater - Well when I listen to the books the wife hates my ipod.  I will be sitting working in the office with either the headphones on hooked to the PC or my ipod.  Since they are ear buds she does not see them and will try to have a conversation with my from the other room.  I give her a hard time about it because I am working.  She is still a iPod Hater... Funny thing is she hates it just as bad if I have the books playing through the speakers...

Daily Observation: Here a sicko there a sicko everywhere a sicko...

First Day Just Me and Three Boys.

Well today marked the day the wife went back to work.  Unfortunately the day started really poorly for me late last night.  Yesterday I had been struggling with a headache in the evening the headache turned into a migraine.  I tend to get them a few times a year and they come right as major weather patterns change.  I was able to get to sleep, but around midnight the pain got so intense it actually woke me up.  The pain was truly blinding and I struggled to get downstairs to get some more meds.  I then took a super hot shower running the water across the really bad areas giving me enough relief to get back to bed.  I drifted to sleep to be woken up with the booming sound of thunder followed by 3yo screaming and running into our room.  He hates any LOUD noises.  Moments later 7yo came wandering in and we were all squished on the bed together.  About an hour later the weather had stopped and the boys were back in their own beds.

The Morning.

I was afraid that the morning would be bad for the baby since mom was leaving.  I was truly surprised when he proved to be a perfect angel.  As for his big brothers that is another story.  3yo was throwing fits about wanting candy, pop tarts and junk food, while 7yo decided this would be a good time to do things to get his little brother mad...  After about 30 minutes of them behaving rather badly I lost it.  Flames started shooting off the top of my head as my eye bulged out and steam shot out my ears...  With one long bellow of my voice both boys were silent as I laid done the law.  I told them the next time either asks for Candy, Pop Tarts or any junk those items with be thrown in the trash.  After confirming they understood that I said the next one to do something just to get the other mad will be sitting in his bed looking at the wall the rest of the day.  What do you know... The rest of the day I did not hear a single peep about junk food, they ate the lunches I gave them and best of all played well TOGETHER!!!  Now I rarely buy candy, but because of every party at both schools we have way too much all the time.  I also only buy pop tarts on occasion as a treat and not a regular food item.  Both boys are ultra skinny, but that does not mean they need junk...

First Trip With 3 Boys.

Well after baby took a bottle from me (his second) we had to do a few errands and pick up pictures of the baby.  The migraine was still bothering me and I took a handful of Aspirin and needed to get some caffeine to finish it off.  So after working to get the boys ready we packed into the van and headed out.  I ended up doing a drive thru for the caffeine and 3yo decided this was a good time to fall asleep.  He took about a 15 minute nap as we headed to get the pictures.  Once at the store I woke 3yo and he was dazed and confused.  He asked me to pick him up and I told him I couldn't.  He began to protest when I explained I needed to carry his brother in his carrier.   The trip in went smoothly and we were able to look around and have some time out together.

The Afternoon

The bigger boys continued to play well together and the baby continued to be really good.  The only thing was I had to pay 100% attention to the baby so it was difficult to get things done.  This time compounded with the headache still clouding my head made getting anything at all done near impossible.  The baby did take two more bottles from me and by the third was actually excited about it.  I had been worried his transition to the bottle would be difficult despite the bottle being breast milk.

The Evening

The headache picked up by early evening which made the night really interesting.  After another handful of aspirin, caffeine and about 1/2 gallon of water I began to get control of the headache.  I just hope by tomorrow it will be all gone.

The 5

1. NFL Football - The draft is coming soon and the free agent market has made some major changes to a bunch of teams. Da Bears were actually able to keep their Pro Bowl Linebacker Lance Briggs!  They lost their #1 WR, but he was paid WAY too much money for his actual production.


2. Primaries Heat Up - Well tomorrow will be a big day on the Democratic side with either Clinton staging a comeback or Obama taking the lead for good.  On the Republican side McCain should have the nomination officially tomorrow.


3. Migraines - I get them once in a great while and the most resent on is probably the worst I have ever had.  They are awful!


4. Boys Bonding - Tonight the baby was laying on the floor and 7yo was laying next to him talking.  They were there for nearly an hour with the baby just mesmerized by his older brother and 7yo just loving every minute of it.  3yo still needs to learn to be more careful around his little brother so his bonding will have to wait.


5. More Carcassonne - Yesterday7yo and I played again and again he was able to beat me.  Of course I am taking it easy on him, but he is beginning to understand how to place things to help him or hurt me.  This Rocks!!!

Daily Observation: A migraine so bad you are actually BLINDED by it is a bad thing...

Tomorrow... Baby takes his first trip to 3yo's school.  The moms are going to be so excited to finally see the baby.

Volunteerism, Colds and a Night Out...

Volunteerism
I decided late last year I wanted to start devoting some of my time to volunteering in my community.  After getting involved with the local United Way I signed up with a few local organizations.  First I was contacted by the Senior Services Center in my area to do simple household chores, repairs and yard work.  I actually got my first call a week ago, but the task to be done was just a step beyond my handyman abilities.  I finally got involved in my main volunteer aspiration which is Adult Literacy and language.  The local College has a large ESL (English as a Second Language) program and is always in need of volunteers.  This is a little bit more of a complicated task, but once I get through the start up procedures it will be 2 hours a week.  There are 5 workshops totaling 15 hours, 10 hours of classroom work and then final certification as a volunteer tutor.  Then I will work one on one with students 2 hours a week.  Once I complete the volunteer program I may follow a path that would move me from a volunteer tutor to a teacher.  As time goes on I think this would be a nice option for later change in my life.

Colds
I am only still up because my cold has gone from mainly congestion to cough!  I fell asleep a couple hours ago only to be woken up with my own coughing fit.   Now after some cough suppressant and a couple lemon drops my cough has settled down.  Hopefully I will be able to get some sleep and not keep the wife and baby up.  The boys have been recoverying nicely, but the wife and I are in ruff shape.  We were ok yesterday, but I think we pushed it too much yesterday.

A Night Out
The wifes company had a banquet yesterday at a very nice local country club.  It was cocktail hour and dinner.  Since we are both suffering the effects of a cold and the wife is nursing we avoided alcohol.  The wife actually only knew a handful of people because she is so new a few from her group could not attend.   We ended up sitting with a few people she had not met and of course my ability to chat came out breaking the ice quickly.  We were only out a few hours, but we were passed out rather quickly once we got home.  My folks were watching the boys and they had a wonderful time.

The 5

1. Colds - Are just awful.  It is difficult to focus on being a parent when you can hardly breath and feel like a train wreck.


2. Game Buddy - Tonight I played Carcassonne with 7yo again and he won.  Granted I played in a way not to focus on winning, but he is getting the game down well.  He is starting to understand how to block an opponnet out and focus on the entire board.


3. Note of Help - I was emailed about this March of Dimes walk so I decided to post the info.  Mommy of 5 wrote I am doing a 5 mile walk with my MOMS Club for the March of Dimes March for Babies. I am taking my 6 month old son with me. I did this walk last year and really enjoyed it. But let me tell you that I cried each time I read the little signs they had for each of the babies that died soon young and so early. Any amount you can give will help. My website will accept as little as $5 or as much as you can give. I am trying to $500. Please pass this on to anyone you know!!http://www.marchforbabies.org/mommyof4bbbg2


4. ESL Training - I am very excited to start to help.  I am looking forward to completing the workshops and start helping people.


5. Sick No Post - I was having a difficult time posting the last few days with the family being sick.  Since I was up with a coughing fit I felt it would be a good time to blog.  Blogging and a sick family do not always mix well.

Daily Observation: Once a coughing fit starts it is difficult to stop.