Ear infections

Willow has had three ear infections since Christmas. The first time it was her left ear and she was given amoxicillin. About 2 or 3 weeks later we went back with double ear infections. Her doctor wasn't sure if these were new or if they didn't clear up from before. So she gave her augmentin. We went back for a follow up two weeks later and she was clear. Her last one was two weeks ago in both ears and we just had a follow up doctor's visit to make sure they went away. The right side was clear but the left still had fluid in it. Her doctor believes this will probably drain on it's own but recommended antibiotics for a month to keep the fluid infection free while it has a chance to drain. She doesn't want another infection because then we will "have to start talking about tubes" and nobody wants that. She seems to be concerned that her left ear has the most trouble. Each of her infections was preceded by a cold, but cold season is pretty much over. Also, she hates medicine. She's at an age (8 months) where she can physically prevent us from giving it to her but too young to obey us (if that makes sense). She turns her head and spits it out and we make a big mess. (I know I can mix it in something if I need to.) I'm really just wondering if it's worth it to get this antibiotic. My other two kids never had ear infection issues or colds even. Abby just had breathing problems and Luke has Luke problems. Does anybody (of the 4 of you who actually reads this blog) have any experience/advice in this area?

Spring Break plans

Anyone who wants to join us is welcome. (like that'll happen) Plans are subject to change without notice, meaning you might want to let me know if you are coming.

Wednesday: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" at the cheap theater, 2:10pm.

Thursday: Mesker Park Zoo, around 10am

Friday: Children's Museum, around 10am

Laura's thoughts today...

I need to do a little spring cleaning in my brain.

Soon, around July or so, I'll be done nursing Willow. She's the last one. It's like graduating high school. I'm going to have to start growing up at that point. I'm going to have to decide what I want to be when I grow up. I'm getting the itch to start leaving the house by myself to do things I think I once liked to do. I've forgotten who I am and what I like. I have to redefine me. Here are some of the characteristics I'm considering.

I've decided I need this:

Unfortunately I never leave the house alone. I'm not sure when I could use it but I think I would like myself and my lifestyle more if I had one. People would think I was a guy but then I'd take off my helmet and then they would think, "That's a cool chick."

I'm going learn to play the drums this year. Yes, I've said that before. I'm saying it again. I'll probably never get to use this talent, but I think just knowing I am a drummer is good enough for me. Like any good nerd, I've already got my drumming books and dvd to help me learn.

I've also decided to start wall-climbing again at Vertical eXcape. I really enjoyed that back in the day. I miss it. The problem is that I can't do it alone. Jason doesn't like climbing and that's okay. Someone's got to stay with the kids. Maybe this will be an opportunity to develop some friendships. Yikes.

When I was a kid, say pre-school age, I wondered how the stoplights worked. How did they switch and how did they know when there was traffic? I imagined there was a little monkey inside with a lantern. He could see out and lift and lower the lantern to the appropriate light. Smart monkey. His talents were wasted.

I am going to take more photos this year and use them as "art" around the house. I've seen the crap at the stores. I can do better than that and it will mean more to me.

I'm going to need some better clothes. I need things that are still comfortable but fit me better. I'm tired of dressing like Jason.

I want to go back to school and get a completely different degree than elementary education. What a waste of time. Sorry mom and dad. Thanks for paying for the degree that's sitting in my filing cabinet. I hope you don't mind if I get a new one. And thanks in advance to all those people who will be babysitting while I'm in class. Uh, Jenny, you live pretty close to Ivy Tech. We'll be in touch.

This is going to be an expensive mid-life crisis. That doesn't sound right. It's more of a metamorphosis. Thanks for listening.

Baby Abby

I had to get some Abigail shots in here. Our camera wasn't very good back then and we didn't have a way to get digital video so I have slim picking for the blog. I think Willow looks a lot like Abby's baby pictures despite the obvious eye color and dimple differences.

30 years ago

I guess you can tell I'm looking through old photos and videos, but none as old as this. This is my family 30 years ago. That's my dad, Don (aka Papaw), my mom, Betty (aka Memaw), my sister, Jenny (aka Jennifer Bacon) and me. Pretty attractive family. My mom was my age in this picture. Do you see any resemblance?

Luke and Papaw

This is one of my favorite videos. This is Papaw (my dad) making Luke laugh. Luke is about 18 months old.

Not peek-a-boo

Willow and her friends hanging out: (I wanted to show the video of Willow playing Peek-a-Boo but it was too big so this one will have to do for now.)