B.A.S.S.E.T. H.O.U.N.D.

B- BEAUTIFUL. WHO COULD ARGUE WITH THIS FACE?

A- ANAL GLANDS, SQUEEZE THEM. EWW!

S. SWEET. YOU'LL NEVER FIND A SWEETER PUP

S- SOFT. LONG EARS OH SO SOFT.. NOW SCRATCH.

E- EAT! EAT! EAT! NOT TO MUCH OR I'LL GET FAT (BUT STILL ADORABLE) JUST ONE MORE PIZZA CRUST?

T- TIRED, DO MY EYES LOOK TIRED? IT'S TIME FOR MY 5TH NAP




H-HAPPY, MY FACE MAY LOOK SAD ,BUT IF I'M WAGGING MY TAIL I'M HAPPY : )

O- OUT OF THE BED? NOWAY !DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS TO JUMP UP HERE WITH THESE STUBBY LEGS?

U- UNDERBELLY, IT ITCHES SCRATCH IT. IS IT DRAGGING YET?

N- NAUGHTY WHEN I ROLE IN SOMETHING I THOUGHT SMELLED TERRIFIC

D- DOG PILE. I DON'T MIND WHEN THE KIDS DOG PILE ON ME <3 I RUF THEM AND I RUF YOU


I wrote this about my Miss Molly Mae our beloved hound dog! She is such a great companion and nanny for the kids! <3

Cloth diapering a Toddler and Twins part 1

I  have passionate feelings for cloth diapering. warm and fuzzy feelings!
I know some would say "like eww!"
 I'm all like "I like big butts and I cannot lie!" 
no seriously diapers make babies butts look big and they pull it off!
I started when My eldest was 6 months! Then clothed my second. Took a few reaks back and forth whilst the house was for sale. Now Im clothing my twins and toddler! 

older 2 back in the day. baby and toddler

Toddler and  baby Twins

Why do I cloth diaper? 

-It's cheaper than diapers! with three in diapers two boxes of diapers from Costco would be  $80. $80 bucks a month! and what if we were buying pampers! GASP!

-It's better for their Skin.. Cloth diapers breath! I also change them a little more than with disposables.,

-I think I get more eye contact time with the kids. Since I change them more we get more one on one time. we enjoy giggles!

Its great for the environment!

My garage doesn't smell of STANKAY POOPY DIAPERS until garbage day (sometime we miss garbage day! *shivers*!!!!)

MY Kids don't leak in cloth diapers. They probably have  peed out of every disposable diaper we've put them in.

I like how natural and right it feels to me.

 lastly this may sound nuts but I have a strong feeling of connection to my grandmother and ancestors who undoubtedly clothed diapered their little ones (disposable haven't been around that long when you think about it!) When I wash the prefolds and change my kiddos I just imagine myself on the great plains or on a boat fleeing France (Huguenots). Even though I have a washer and dryer  I still get that feeling of comradery with them.  

In part 2 I will share what types of covers and inserts I use! Stay tuned!

Jedi Mom's Reality cartoons :Co-sleeping: The spouse

End.

What is an EEG a moms perspective

No I didn't Spell EGG wrong and EEG stands for electroencephalogram. SAY that tens times fast *.* and is a common test for brain disorders like epilepsy. which was the reason in our case.

Both of my kids that have TSC have had an EEG My 2 year old has had many and even a 72 hour EEG whearas my other son has had one just as a precautuion and nothing came up as abnormal (abi-normal).

Normal

Abnomal- SEIZURE

An EEG records and deteacts normal brain they are
-Alpha
-Beta
-Theta
-Delta

The Egg records the readings and they are displayed on a computer then printed out so the doctor and trained epilepsy nurses usually in an EMU (epilepsy monitoring unit) can interpert them. The waves are picked up through thin metal wires ,various colors (kind of pretty) and small round disks that are gently pasted to the scalp the covered with gauze by a technician. leads will also be attached to monitor heart rate.

The waves Begin to spike when a seizure occurs no matter how big or small. If you are in an EMU there will be cameras and nurses at their stations are watching at all times.
The cameras move and follow the patient and they talk over the intercom .. I was nursing through that first year and they were very kind to ask me not to cover up. That was fine by me I hated cover  ups and so did the little guy. They'll give you a buzzer to press when you detect a seizure.
It becomes a race between you and the technicians. Who can catch the seizure faster(the things you do when you get bored lol). expect that when your child has a seizure that a rush a of nurses will flood in, flip on all the lights, and describe the seizure. .Your child's physical manifestations mostly. if you are staying over night expect the same thing at all hours of the night.. All the lights and a flood of nurses that will leave as fast as they came. ...no sleep will come! Which is good they like sleep deprivation during these tests.

What to bring FOR CHILD
TECHNOLOGY
-snacks 
-Seizure meds if any
-DVD portable play
-Tablet
-Phone- whatever floats your boat
-My son loves Baby einstein so I brought our collection OF DVDS
-Comfort -fav pillow and blankie or lovie
-bright books
-Puzzles
-Music
THEY WILL HAVE TOYS IF YOU ARE IN A CHILDRENS EMU

WHAT TO BRING FOR YOU
TECHNOILOGY OFCOURSE!
CHARGER
COMFORT ITEMS
SLIPPERS
COMFY CUTE LOUNGE WEAR
STUFF FOR SHOWER IF THERE LONG ENOUGH
CAMERA! TAKE PICS HAVE FUN EVEN IF THE REASON FOR BEING THERE IS CRAPPY
I BROUGHT A BOOK AND STUFF TO DO ,BUT I WAS SO BUSY ENTERTAINING AND BUZZING FOR SEIZURE I NEVER EVEN PULLED THEM OUT.

Sometimes with packing less is more. less to keep track of.


IMPORTANT SIDE NOTES ****
1)If your child is going to have an EEG especially a longer EEG and you would like to cuddle,sleep with, and comfort your little one you can request a regular hospital bed instead of a hospital crib. They are understanding and its was so much more comfortable to co-sleep than sleep on the guest recliner thing.

2.)HOSPITALS ARE SO LOUD. MAYBE BRING A SMALL FAN FOR WHITE NOISE OR DOWNLOAD A WHITe NOISe APP ON YOUR PHONE.

3.) EAT! EAT! EAT! DRINK! RELAX!

4.) MAKE FRIENDS WITH THE DOCTORS, STUDENTS, RESIDENTS, PA, NURSES,MAIDS, clergy, HR, CPS,AND FOOD DELIVERY . you will probably see them all or even more. Keeps a busy room!

5.) MAYBE BRING A COMPANION OR HAVE ONE VISIT TO KEEP YOU COMPANY (SPOUSE OR GRANDPARENT). IT WILL ALSO GIVE YOU A CHANCE TO STRETCH YOU LEGS OR TAKE A SHOWER.

6.) FOR OTHER Siblings BRING HOME SOUVENIRs. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SOMETHING YOU BOUGHT $$$ I BROUGHT MY DAUGHTER A STETHOSCOPE WE WERE GIVEN AND SOME BANDAGES/GAUZE SO SHE COULD ADD THEM TO HER DOCTOR KIT.  ALSO LET THEM VISIT IF ITS ALLOWED. IT SO GOOD TO HAVE THE SIBLINGS IN ON THE ACTION TO.

7.) YOUR CHILD WILL COME HOME WITH CRAZY HAIR AND MAYBE RED AND BLUE PEN Marks ON HIS SCALP, BUT IT COMES OUT VERY EASILY IN A NICE WARM BATH WHEN YOU GET HOME.

 GOOD LUCK YOU MOMMIES AND DADDIES



'

Diapering Twins

meine Twinkies

For Six months ...six whole months! This stock pile of diapers lasted! I think that's Amazing! Especially for twins. Twins that like to POOP! We are so grateful for all that was gifted to us.

Miracle right!  so blessed

These were all the POOPY diapers from one of the first nights home

 

 

 

What does one do when all the diapers are gone???? you pull out your hefty stock of cloth diapers! I'm very excited to be back in the cloth diapering game. I clothed my first, second, and now I get to cloth the twinkies. Its a fiesta!

 See the Cloth diapering twins and toddler...Coming soon!

Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AFO) and Toddler Supramalleor Orthotics (SMO)

My two year old has tuberous sclerosis complex .Sometimes with TSC comes developmental delay it is a genetic disorders with a very wide spectrum.  My son has low muscle tone and has not yet learned to walk. He has started standing and also standing without support for up to a minute so far. His right ankle turns in when he stands so much so it almost looks broken ( he's also double jointed isn't that cool!) We are on our second set of Braces. The first were SMO's and now since he has mastered crawling he is in AFOs with ankle hinges which allow him to "squat" down ,but unable to stand on tippy toes.
Here are some helpful tidbits from our experiences.

Here are his SMOs He wore at 18 months till 26 months so roughly 8 month of wear(cute right) WE love Camo!

 Here are is Afos GOTTA CATCH EM ALL! POKEMON!

1. HAVE FUN PICKING OUT STRAP COLOR AND COOL PATTERNS!

2. SURE STEP SHOES ARE GREAT AND SAVE YOU THE TROUBLE OF HAVING TO SHOE SHOP FOR SHOES BOTH WIDE AND LONG ENOUGH FOR THE BRACES. GENERALLY THEY MAKE THEM TWO SIZES BIGGER AND THE BRACES ARE SUPPOSE TO LAST AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. our office sold them there at the office. ***Side not don't leave with out putting everything on first. sometimes the braces wont go into the shoes just right and need a bit of shaving around the toes.

3.A FRIEND OF MINE ALSO SUGGESTED GETTING SOME SLIPPERS WITH TRACTION FOR AROUND THE HOUSE WEAR. THE SURE STEP SHOES ARE BIGGER THAN WHAT YOUR CHILD SHOE SIZE IS AND THEY ARE HEAVY AND CLUNKY. GREAT SHOES THOUGH. 

4. I HAD AN EPIPHANY THE OTHER DAY! GETTING A 2 YEAR OLD TO KEEP SHOES AND SLIPPERS ON CAN BE DREADFUL! TO JUST WEAR THE BRACES BY THEMSELVES OFF OF THE CARPET IS A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THEY ARE SO SLIPPERY. NO TRACTION.. WE'VE HAD TWO SLIPS ALREADY. I WAS TAKEN BACK TO TAP DANCE CLASS (WHICH I DREADED) I WAS VERY CLUMSY AND SLIPPED LIKE CRAZY UNTIL MY MOMMY GOT ME THESE TO PUT ON THE HEEL OF MY SLIPPERY TAP SHOES. NO MORE SLIPPING!

• 

  NON-SLIP GRIP PADS

  
  

  
  

   

   5. BE EVER DILIGENT IN PUTTING THEM ON YOUR CHILD. SOME DAYS I HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. WHEN I CHANGE His diapers I HAVE TO DODGE HIS HEAVY BRACED IN LEGS AND FEET LIKE HAMMERS OR LIGHTSABERS.. >.< MY POOR SHINS, FACE, AND CROTCH (tMI). first time around we were really bad at putting them back on after nap time. Now even though it may not be the most comfortable he has his nap in them. after bath time at around 7 they are off for the night till first thing in the a.m. If your toddler enjoys taking the velcro off grab some of daddy's socks and fold them over the braces. They will look like leg warmers "She's a maniac maniac"
  As you know watch for redness and irritation. What an exciting time for you and your little one. these braces are such a great tool. Good luck on this adventure      ...AND RUN FOREST RUN!

  

  only real men wear floral diaper covers

From Wikipedia

Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)

An AFO worn on the left foot with ankle hinge

Schematic ankle-foot orthosis

An ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is an orthosis or brace that encumbers the ankle and foot. AFOs are externally applied and intended to control position and motion of the ankle, compensate for weakness, or correct deformities. AFOs can be used to support weak limbs, or to position a limb with contracted muscles into a more normal position. They are also used to immobilize the ankle and lower leg in the presence of arthritis or fracture, and to correct foot drop; an AFO is also known as a foot-drop brace. Ankle-foot orthoses are the most commonly used orthoses, making up about 26% of all orthoses provided in the United States.^[9] According to a review of Medicare payment data from 2001 to 2006, the base cost of an AFO was about $500 to $700.^[10] An AFO is generally constructed of lightweight polypropylene-based plastic in the shape of an "L", with the upright portion behind the calf and the lower portion running under the foot. They are attached to the calf with a strap, and are made to fit inside accommodative shoes. The unbroken "L" shape of some designs provides rigidity, while other designs (with a jointed ankle) provide different types of control.
Obtaining a good fit with an AFO involves one of two approaches:

1. provision of an off-the-shelf or prefabricated AFO matched in size to the end user
2. custom manufacture of an individualized AFO from a positive model, obtained from a negative cast or the use of computer-aided imaging, design, and milling. The plastic used to create a durable AFO must be heated to 400°F., making direct molding of the material on the end user impossible.

The International Red Cross recognizes four major types of AFOs:

Flexible AFOs	Anti-Talus AFOs	Rigid AFOs	Tamarack Flexure Joint
may provide dorsiflexion assistance, but give poor stabilization of the subtalar joint.	block ankle motion, especially dorsiflexion; do not provide good stabilization for the subtalar joint.	block ankle movements and stabilize the subtalar joint; may also help control adduction and abduction of the forefoot.	provide subtalar stabilization while allowing free ankle dorsiflexion and free or restricted plantar flexion. Depending upon the design; may provide dorsiflexion assistance to correct foot drop.[11]

The International Committee of the Red Cross published its manufacturing guidelines for ankle-foot orthoses in 2006.^[11] Its intent is to provide standardized procedures for the manufacture of high-quality modern, durable and economical devices to people with disabilities throughout the world.

My version of the UGLY SWEATER

I AM SPECIAL

 I actually really like ugly sweaters! You know the ones your elementary teacher and grandma wore. They are colorful,fun, creative,Themed, and sometimes they even light up or jingle. Whats not to love?

It's like Disney Land on a sweater

So here's my 5 min ugly sweater. You know me and My love of bright colorful...colors

I do want to create a real ugly sweater to embarrass my kids and hubby in =D 

What you need

Sweater- $4.78 Wally World Fruit of the Loom

Acrylic or Fabric paint

A fine sqare bristled brush   

 Zig zag your brush with first color

then repeat underneath

 Like a CHEVRON RAINBOW!!!

EASY EASY FUN FUN FUN!

Google images search =Other Beautiful Ugly (oxymoron) Sweaters 

=D

Now Her's I absolutly love and would wear not even kidding!!!

<3 <3 <3

  COOLNESS!