Happy birthday Joshua!

Today one of Kerri's classmates was celebrating his fifth birthday party at one of those specialty party places. There were two parties going on at once. So you can imagine a place full of arcade machines, and sugared-up kids running, sliding and bouncing all over the place. Add one already super-hyper four year old named Kerri to that mix and you have a real party on your hands!

Unfortunately, I left my camera at home. We ran out in a hurry this morning to buy the birthday boy's gifts. I procrastinated because yesterday Daddy went to Uncle Rene's wake, and Kerri and I decided to just stay inside on a rainy Saturday. But a rainy Sunday is a totally different story. Especially if there is a birthday party to go to!

After the party, we went out for a bite. And to try to get Kerri to calm down, and Mommy's blood sugar to go up. And then we went back home. Where procrastinating Daddy (do you sense a pattern here?) realized he needed to go downtown to get a photo ID in order to use the new monthly bus pass he just purchased this morning. Can you ever tell we are not used to public transit? Who knew you needed a special photo ID for a bus pass? Sheesh.

This afternoon/evening we will continue with Kerri's newest obsession: Harry Potter movies. Our daughter is growing up and following in our footsteps! We have popcorn coming out of our ears.

Life with Kerri is always a party!

What Kerri learned at school.

Lately, Kerri has been coming up with some sayings that I just KNOW she did not make up or come up with on her own. When I asked her to fess up, she claimed she learned them from the boys in her class. When I was volunteering the other day, I talked with one of the boys Mom and she said her son also was coming home with the same new sayings. So this is what Kerri learned at school:

• "What the!!!!"
• "What the heck?"
• (in a valley girl voice) "Oh My G-d!"
• "Blah, blah, blah."
• "That just kills me!"

She has picked up some bad habits, too. Like when I tell her not to interrupt and wait her turn to talk, she says: "No one ever listens to me around here."

The cutest thing she learned at school: when she has something to say and she knows she is not supposed to talk (like for example once we tell her no more questions and it's time to go to sleep), she raises her hand. Just like at school.

As for the request for crock pot recipes, I will post some of my favorites soon. Last night I made yummy pot roast. In the meantime, you may want to visit this blog: A Year of Crockpotting.

Life with Kerri is an education in itself!

Rambling thoughts.

• I love my crock pot. I just throw all the ingredients in, turn it on and then forget about dinner until it's time to eat!
• Kerri has learned how to blow up balloons. We now have two dozen large balloons in our living room. She has collected them in shopping bags, because she likes bags almost as much as she likes balloons!
• We have discovered Pookie is now afraid of balloons. Yes, my mean mailman-hating machine got scared when one balloon popped. Now he hides in between my legs whenever there is a balloon around. So he has been there for a day and a half.
• I found a "Lice Squad" who comes to our home and they are professionals. I will be calling them!
• Sunday Kerri has a birthday party at one of those gym places for a boy in her class. She has been counting down the days until the party all week. My girl loves parties!
• Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, so I am learning to tolerate sharing my home with lice eggs and bed bugs and other invisible bug things. Maybe out of sight out of mind works for some, but not me. I bought hypoallergenic covers for every mattress and pillow in our home years ago, and I wash them constantly in hot water. Not to mention I am allergic to dust mites. But just the thought of any of these things living in my home makes my skin crawl. I was better off with the baby squirrel!
• Oh, and there was a spider on the ceiling the other day. I made hubby dispose of it. He said it would rain if he did. Now you know who to blame for all the rain!

Life with Kerri is the rainbow with the pot of happiness at the end!

Ewwww!!!!!

I dropped Kerri off at school today and was just getting my lunch ready at home when the phone rang. It was Kerri's teacher, and my heart stopped. Why is it we always expect to hear the worst? Anyway, she wanted to know if I could step in at the last minute and volunteer to cover for a parent that did not show up today. So, without thinking, I jumped back into the Mama mobile and went to school. I should have said no.

I had forgotten that this whole week is BUG week at school. And I have a very big BUG phobia. And today the BUG scientist lady was in class, with real live BUGS. And I was to help the kids make their own bugs to take home. Everywhere I looked, there were pictures, plastic versions, real, sealed in plastic, live in containers...BUGS. And I think that was the longest two hours of my entire life.

When the day was over, I explained to the teacher why I had not volunteered in the first place, and she felt bad. And it did not help that one of the other parent volunteers thought my phobia was funny and kept pointing out the bugs in the classroom. I got out of there as soon as politely was possible!

In the car, Kerri kept repeating "This was the best day ever! I am always going to remember this day!". My phobia obviously has not rubbed off on her. And she delights in seeing me squirm. Oh yeah, and she proudly told everyone in the classroom today that she had bugs in her hair. I am so proud.

Life with Kerri forces me to face my fears!

Updates

• Last night we got the news that hubby's Uncle Rene passed away after a very short bout with Leukemia. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with our aunt and cousins. Hubby will be attending the wake on Saturday, but Kerri and I will stay home. I just don't feel comfortable taking Kerri to a wake at this age (especially with her obsession with death).
• Hubby's job is good! The only drawback is parking and traffic. So today hubby decided to take public transit, which provides him with door to door service at a very reasonable price. And we are saving on gas and parking costs!
• I don't want to jinx it, but I think the Fairy Tales stuff is working and we might be seeing an end to the lice issue. Kerri never had an infestation, but there was always one or two bugs laying eggs and if we even left one behind the whole cycle would start again in a week. I am crossing my fingers, because I am really over it. Really!
• Pookie escaped today to chase after the mailman, barking his head off. And it was raining to boot. And it smelled like skunk outside. So I had to chase him down, and apologize to the mailman (Pookie got to him but did not bite him, just barked his head off). Unfortunately, our 12 pound little bugger is fast, so I could not catch him, but lured him with the promise of a cookie. He fell for it too! So now wet and stinky pooch is getting a bath tonight. And hopefully I will still get mail tomorrow!
• It is cold here again, last night it went down to freezing. We have the heater on again. So much for Spring!

Life with Kerri is sunshine on a rainy day.

Happy Memorial Day!

Today is a day for memories and celebrations....

• Wishing everyone a Happy Memorial Day! It is a somber holiday for our family, as we have lost way too many relatives to war. Today we honor them, and also everyone that has and/or is still serving our countries all over the world.
• Twelve years ago today, I bought my first computer. And met my future husband online that same day!
• Nine years ago today, hubby surprised me with a cruise to the Bahamas and a diamond ring. Although he had asked once before, he "officially" proposed on this day!
• Today is Pookie's second birthday. Happy birthday pooch!
• Today is hubby's first day at his new job at the University of Ottawa!

Hope everyone has a safe and memorable holiday.

Life with Kerri is always memorable.

Be careful what you wish for!

Yesterday we had a wonderful afternoon barbecue with friends. Then we progressed to the back yard to blow bubbles. And it became very apparent to me that all our wishes had come true. But be careful what you wish for! Let me explain:

When Kerri was just a toddler, she did not talk. She used sign language and a few basic sounds to tell us what she wanted. And I could not wait for her to talk! Tia and my Mom, in their experience and wisdom, told me: "Be careful what you wish for. Because there will come a time when you will wish she would stop talking and just be quiet!" I totally disagreed with them, but, oh...how right they were.

Kerri is a chatterbox. She is only quiet when she chews (just barely though, because she forgets her manners and talks with her mouth full at times). As a matter of fact, I would feed her on purpose during our long car trip recently - just to have a moment of silence. And Kerri is somewhat quieter when she watches something on TV she is very interested in. Don't bother taking her to a movie theatre unless you want dirty looks and "Shhh!" remarks from strangers.

So as we celebrated four glorious years of having Kerri in our lives, we also celebrated that all our wishes had come true. Maybe next time I should be more specific when making a wish!

Life with Kerri is endless conversations!

Four years ago today...

Last night we celebrated privately by putting two candles in a cupcake, and singing the "Happy Birthday" song to Pookie (who turns 2 on May 25th). Today we celebrate with company! We are having a barbecue, and I am making a great potato salad to go with it. Carol and Andre will be joining us in the afternoon. And we will toast hubby in congratulations for his new job, and more importantly, celebrate that 4 years ago today, we received our referral for Rao Wan Zhen.

Four years ago today, we saw our daughter's face for the first time. We were so in love with her already, not even knowing who she was, while we waited for our referral to arrive. And then the call came, the tears of joy followed, and we would stare at her picture for hours trying to memorize her features.

So today is a happy day. Just ask Pookie, who got to eat cupcake last night. He is looking forward to the barbecue!

Life with Kerri started four years ago today!

And now for some good news...

As you may remember, hubby was laid off around the end of February. I was on the phone with Tia today when hubby's cell phone rang. And as Tia and I whispered, hubby made a thumb's up sign and smiled. He got the job! Hubby starts working for a major university on Monday! Whew, what a relief. So this weekend we will be celebrating.

This whole experience has reinforced a lesson we already knew, but was worth being reminded about. My Mom used to always tell me to save for a rainy day. Then I grew up and heard one should have six month's salary put aside just in case. In the U.S., the loss of a job, insurance, or a major medical issue could wreak financial ruin to an individual or family. I have been there, and done that too. And in Canada we don't have to worry about the medical expenses. But when you have a little one that now depends on you, the stress and pressure is even more so. Because one of the things we had to do in order to survive hubby's job loss was to temporarily terminate Kerri's speech therapy. I cannot begin to tell you how that ate us up inside, knowing we were depriving Kerri of something she so desperately needs.

We are looking forward to "getting back to normal" now. That means Kerri will start speech therapy as soon as the paychecks start coming in! But, the temporary changes I made are going to be a bit more permanent. I don't really need manicures and pedicures at some fancy spa, and I think twice about what we spend our money on. The rainy day account will be replenished by the end of next month. And most generic brands are just as good as the brand name kind. If we were frugal before, now I am a bit more on the cheap side! And although we have been very fortunate that we did not go into foreclosure, or go bankrupt, we are very aware of how quickly that could have become a reality for us.

Our hearts go out to all our friends who are still searching for jobs, or dealing with the loss of income, as we were. But the most important lesson was that money is not the be all, end all. If we lost it all, we still would have our health, and each other. We made it through because of our love and support for each other, and the unconditional love and support we received from our friends. You all know who you are. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We are blessed to know you and have you in our lives. You are our family.

Life with Kerri is a reminder of what truly is precious in our lives.

Trip pictures!

Before our trip, a visit from Carol and Andre

Kerri at the hotel in Virginia
Kerri loves hotels.

Playing soccer at her grandparents' home in Florida!

Mom, I made two goals!

Visiting Charlie's grave, it's been three years since we lost him.

Rest in peace, our beloved friend.

Petting Grandpa's cat Kitty.

Kitty follows Kerri around like a puppy dog.

And then Kerri takes off for a new outdoor adventure!

Swings!

Push me harder Mommy!

While Kitty keeps a close eye...

And then....running!

Look at Grandpa's apples! Or are they pears?

And the temperature continued to rise daily...

Tia came for a visit!

Kerri loves Tia

Tia and swings - what else could a girl want? Well, maybe a butterfly catcher!

Now that's what I am talking about. Pure happiness.

Playing with Grandma

Who needs red hats anyway?

Pink is the way to go!

And let's not forget the gloves to complete the look!

Chelsea, Kerri, Alora, Caleb and Justin

Cousins rule!

While we were in Florida, Kerri received a very special package from our friends, the Piver family. There was a beautiful book about their home state of North Carolina, and a cute book about mermaids.

But Kerri's favorite part of the package was the map that showed where the Pivers live!

Thank you to the Piver family, who made Kerri's trip that much more fun. And she planned her trip to North Carolina for days!

In Saint Augustine...Daddy, can you guess what kind of tree this is?

(Posing outside the sushi restaurant). Look Daddy, a palm tree!

And later, at the pool....

the girls play with bubbles!

Bubble fight!

Tia, Kerri and Sadie pose

Sadie, our favorite redhead, hanging out in our room.

Kerri riding a horse at the Premium Outlet Mall in Saint Augustine

Life with Kerri is a photo opportunity!

Quick updates

• Pictures from our trip will be up in the next few days.
• Kerri went back to school today, yay!
• Hubby and I are so over the lice thing. Kerri had a shampoo treatment Sunday, and last night hubby found three bugs and more eggs in Kerri's hair. I almost puked. Will it ever end?
• I am thinking of flying to Fort Lauderdale (alone!) for a long weekend in June. I have some business to tend to, but the rest of the trip (per hubby) is for a much needed break and girly time with friends! This will be the first time ever I will be away from Kerri for more than a few hours.
• I love my hubby (see above bullet!).
• Pookie insists on sleeping in our bed. He was never allowed to do that before I left.
• Spring is here! But what a difference. It was hot and muggy in Florida. Here it is cold and dreary and raining. But everything is in bloom!
• Kerri had a really bad night. She cried out and called for us all night long. Finally at 5 AM-ish, I put my foot down and said my piece and then walked away. It worked, but only because Kerri was exhausted and all cried out. Her problem? She is afraid of bad guys and wants us to sit in her room all night and watch her sleep. Or sleep in our bed (which is NOT going to happen while she has lice!).
• I have a month's worth of grocery shopping to do, ugh. I vacuumed and mopped, am catching up on laundry, and am very grateful hubby did his very best to keep the house clean while I was gone. So now, it's back to business as usual here!

Life with Kerri is what I live for.

Car trip home, part deux!

Kerri and I had breakfast, then started our journey home around 11 AM. We made a few stops for gas and bathroom breaks (where Kerri would say hello to everyone she would meet!). Kerri invented songs and games to pass the time. And before I knew it, we were crossing the border at 7:30 PM. This is the first time I have been asked if we had a fever, cough or cold at the border (I guess they are scanning for swine flu?). Kerri brandished her pirate sword but the customs agent did not even bat an eye. And at 9 PM, we parked our car in our spot and Daddy came running out to kiss his girls and welcome us home.

The vertigo was a little worse on day two, but we got home safe and sound. Pookie went crazy, and it took him all night to get over his excitement. As a matter of fact, he jumped into bed with us and kept checking on me. But before that, Kerri got a second lice shampoo treatment. And we tucked her into her bed, and she fell asleep pretty quickly. Hubby only had to get up twice to sit with her during the night.

This morning, hubby caught baby squirrel with Kerri's help. Baby squirrel was safely released to the outdoors, but not before he bit hubby. And now there is another one (hopefully not the same one) running around in our attic. Ugh.

So today I unpacked, vacuumed, mopped, cooked, and spent time reassuring Pookie I was not leaving. Tomorrow we will run errands and do some grocery shopping. And then I have to contact school and let them know we are back early (and find out if they will let Kerri back to school since we are treating her lice). Life is somewhat back to normal for us.

Life with Kerri is home, sweet home.

Car trip home, part one!

After a long day of driving, we made it to our usual stop in Stafford, Virginia. Kerri ate and talked throughout most of the trip. Here are some of her most memorable comments:

• "It is not a happy day because it is raining. The clouds are crying Momma."
• "That car is speeding! Go faster so I can take a picture of it!"
• "What time are we going to get there? How many minutes is that?"
• "This is boring."
• "I know, you need to dribe so we don't have an accident. But I want to go to heaven Mommy, so I can see everyone that is there."
• "I miss Pookie."
• "Is Miss Tammie and Erin going to be at the hotel?"

We arrived late, ordered some Chinese food, and then Kerri watched her favorite Mulan II movie. I chatted with Daddy while I waited for the vertigo to pass. Then Kerri asked me to tuck her in, and we both fell asleep pretty quickly.

By the way, Kerri's fortune cookie paper had this fortune: "You look pretty." That made her day. My fortune read: "There is a prospect of a thrilling time ahead for you." Hmm, I hope it is not referring to the chasing of a baby squirrel.

I think we are going to have a late start again today. Kerri is still sleeping, and I woke up with the sniffles. So I am going to take a very hot shower, then pack up everything and wake up my pirate princess so we can start our 12 hour car ride home. Tonight we will be reunited with Daddy, Pookie and our new resident, baby squirrel!

Life with Kerri is never boring.

2nd Day in Saint Augustine

Kerri and I awoke early and hung out in our hotel room until around noon, when we decided to take a walk down the road to the golden arches of childhood happy feasts. After devouring her meal and my fries, Kerri played for a few minutes in the outdoor play structure. But it was so hot, we decided to head back to the hotel and wait for Tia and her beautiful redheaded doberman Sadie to arrive. As we were waiting to cross the street, a car honked at us and two young guys waved at us. We waved back (no clue who they were), and Kerri took this to mean that she could wave and say hello to everyone she met that day.

Tia arrived shortly after, and Sadie possessed the King sized bed and stayed there the remainder of the day. After spending some quality time with our friend Sadie, we headed out to do some shopping at the outlet mall. As we were exiting the hotel, Kerri yelled out to the front desk personnel and said, "Man, we are going shopping now, OK man?"

At the mall, Kerri continued to wave and say hello to people we passed. Kerri got new shoes, Mommy got new sunglasses, and Tia continued to spoil Kerri. Kerri also picked out a pirate sword and a princess tiara and sash. Because Princess Pirates exist, you know? And in between shopping, we met a Newfie. A very BIG Newfoundland, whose nose was as wide as my hand. This was the dog breed I almost purchased before we got Pookie. Am I ever glad we did not get one! They slobber and drool continuously.

As we were standing in a long line at a bath shop, Kerri decided to walk up and down the line and say hello to everyone. And everyone sheepishly, amused or otherwise, said hello back - because if they did not reply Kerri just said it louder and louder and got in their face. Tia and I lost it and giggled hysterically, and by the time we made our purchases, everyone knew who Kerri was.

After stashing our goodies in the Mama Mobile (who hates the heat so much she is shedding her side panels - ugh!) we headed to a great seafood dinner. Mommy had a Mai Tai, and Kerri made more friends at the restaurant. When we were leaving, a very drunk lady in the booth by us decided she needed to hug and tickle Kerri. It was an awkward moment for Tia and me, as we both stood protectively close by to pounce...but Kerri played her like an instrument and off we were, as Kerri continued to say hello to every table we passed.

I met a Mallard duck in the parking lot, but just when I was getting ready to take it's picture, a car sped by and scared it off. Then we headed to the hotel to check on Sadie, and the girls changed into bathing suits and it was time to go to the pool. Kerri and Tia braved the cold water until they were blue, and then back to the room we went. Kerri yelled at the front desk guy again and this time said, "Man, we went to the pool and it was cold so now we are going back to our room!" We were all giggling again as the elevator doors closed. We hung out in our room until way past Kerri's bedtime. We had so much fun with Tia and Sadie, and it has been a wonderful two days of rest and relaxation.

So this morning I have to pack, we are checking out, and starting our journey North. Tonight, hopefully I will post from Virginia, G-d willing. And we can't wait to get home to King Daddy and Prince Pookie, who will not recognize their Pirate Princess. She is less shy, a bit taller, and has really filled out (she has been eating up a storm this entire trip!). And once I am back home, in a few days I will post all the pictures I have taken.

Life with Kerri keeps my feet rooted on the plank!

Our first day in Saint Augustine

Yesterday we arrived at our hotel, checked in, and waited for Tia to arrive. And then we were off! First we went to Yamato's for sushi (which was very good). Then we went to the grocery store to buy snacks for our trip.

After we returned to the hotel, we went out to the pool and Kerri and Tia blew bubbles at each other until they were both covered in soap. And then they sat by the pool, and Kerri would put her feet in the water jets and spray Tia. They both were soaked. Kerri went right into the bath, and Tia used our blow dryer to dry off!

While Kerri bathed, Tia went out and came back with some munchies and more drinks. We ate, we drank, we laughed, we talked with Daddy on the phone and mostly interacted with Kerri, who was hyper and talking up a storm.

And then we checked the weather. Rain. More rain. With a chance of yet more to come. So Daddy, in his wisdom, told us to stay one more day in Saint Augustine and enjoy Tia and go shopping. Yay!

However, Daddy had an ulterior motive: it appears our home has been invaded by a baby squirrel. Apparently the baby was in the attic, and it fell down three stories into our basement because the dividing wall of our townhouse is hollow. And apparently there is a huge hole and the baby squirrel got out and was running amok in our basement/laundry room. And when Daddy tried to catch it, he picked it up by it's tail and the baby squirrel screamed. And a surprised Daddy dropped the squirrel and it ran back into the hole in the wall.

So tomorrow, while Kerri and I enjoy Tia's company, shopping, and the rain - Daddy is going to be hunting down baby squirrel. And he is taking Pookie in as a back-up, just in case. Oy vey! I am glad I am here and not there. I hope no one gets hurt!

Life with Kerri is bubblicious.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to my sister Denise and her great hubby Aaron! We hope you have a great day!

I arranged for Mom to get physical therapy twice a week, so I hope she continues to strengthen her leg muscles so she has some more stability. And I hope I was more of a help than a hindrance! It was great to see Mom rebound, and I hope she continues on the upswing. Leaving Live Oak was hard. Every time I leave my parents I always wonder when and if I will see them again.

We are safe in Saint Augustine, and Kerri is watching cartoons while awaiting the arrival of her Tia Veronica. Tonight we are going to do a little shopping and have some sushi. And then hang out and relax at the hotel and sleep!

Thank you everyone for your support this last month. Your comments uplifted me when I was down, and I cannot wait to catch up on all your blog posts. I will post again tomorrow, so you can follow our journey home. Anyone want to place bets on how many times Kerri will say "Are we there yet?" ;o)

Life with Kerri is what keeps me going.

On the road again...

When I first arrived here a month ago, my Mom was bed ridden and suffering from incredible pain. She barely ate and was not able to lift herself up in a sitting position. And I was told to expect the worst. Incredibly, as the days went by, Mom made huge strides. She now can lift herself up off the bed completely, although she cannot stand for more than a minute. She can now sit up pretty much all day, so she can eat at the table and watch TV, play cards or beat everyone at Yahtzee. And she is eating normally now, and her pain medications are finally doing a decent job. Although she still needs round the clock care and is totally dependant, she is in a much better place health wise and emotionally than she was a month ago. Thank you G-d!

When I first arrived here a month ago, my Dad was exhausted, not sleeping well, and doing his best to deal with everything. It is not easy to watch your loved one suffer. And not easy to take care of a home, the acres of land outside, and be a round the clock nurse to Mom. Since then, he has taken a few trips, been able to get out almost every day, and seems much more at peace. Especially since my Mom is doing way better and not suffering as much as she was a month ago. It may be temporary, but the relief is apparent, and I think he now has options to consider should Mom start to deteriorate again. It was not easy to sit at the table and talk about end of life decisions, nursing homes, and funeral arrangements, but I am glad we did it.

When I first arrived here a month ago, Kerri was an inch shorter, a bit thinner, and her usual energetic self. She has grown a bit, in more ways than one. She is now extremely opinionated, very bossy, even more talkative than before (if that is even possible!), and just as funny as ever. Kerri has shown empathy and a sincere interest in all of Grandma's medical needs. And she is now really good on her Leapster games, since she has plenty of time to work on those skills here. Kerri has also blossomed in her artwork: she can now draw houses, and look at something and draw a very near likeness (for example, she drew a chicken my Mom has pictured on her napkin holder). And somehow, she learned how to spell the word "Mom" all on her own. She is also a champion at Yahtzee, and the only person in our family that can actually beat Grandma, and get away with it.

When I first arrived here a month ago, I was not sure what to expect. I was scared, and still recovering from a bronchitis while driving down. I have had the most enormous gift of seeing my family again, and the miracle of seeing Mom today in a way better condition than when I first got here. I have watched Kerri struggle to contain her energy and learn how to be quiet and not run around (nothing short of a miracle there too!). And watched her bond with her grandparents and aunts and cousins, whom she adores. I have learned pretty much how to be a nurses' assistant, and I am pretty good at it too! I leave here emotionally drained, somewhat depressed, and physically exhausted, but a much better person than when I arrived.

So Thursday we are on the road again. Our first stop will be in Saint Augustine, where we hope to spend some quality time with Tia and relax and sleep for the next leg of our journey home. And I will finally have high speed Internet at the hotel, yes!!! Kerri is disappointed that we are not going to see Tammie, David and Erin. She does not understand that we are headed North, and they are South. And I am a little disappointed too, because I miss all our South Florida friends. But right now the only thing I want is to go home to my wonderful hubby, sleep in my bed with my pillow and let Pookie lick us for an hour if he wants to. So I hope you all understand why we chose to cut our trip short and go home.

Life with Kerri is my journey, may it be a long, happy and healthy one.

Doctor Kerri

After about a month of watching me care for her Grandma, Kerri has turned into a little Doctor. Here are just some examples of the medical advice and/or questions she has been bestowing on her beloved Grandma:

After I placed medication and a glass of water next to Grandma for her to take in a few minutes:
Kerri: "If you want to live Grandma, you better take that medicine. If you want to die, then don't take it."

After she found Grandma trying to adjust her wheelchair by herself:
Kerri: "Mom, come quick, Grandma is trying to escape her chair!"

After finding a picture of Grandma wearing a medical metal halo device on her head right before her surgical radiation for her brain tumor:
Kerri: "Grandma, why are you wearing this funny hat?"
Grandma: "They put that on me so they could hold me still while they looked inside my head."
Kerri: "Oh I see, they used a camera to look at the bones in your head?"
Grandma: "Something like that. Are you going to be a doctor when you grow up Kerri?
Kerri: "No, I just want Mom to buy me the camera that takes pictures of your bones."

As Kerri walked in while I was helping Grandma get dressed:
Kerri: "Grandma! You're naked!"
Mommy: "Kerri, Grandma needs her privacy, she is getting dressed."
Kerri: "Oh, OK. But she is still naked."

While Grandma watched TV, Kerri noticed her catheter bag was 1/3 full:
Kerri: "Grandma! You have to empty that bag or your pee pee will get out!"
Mommy: "It's OK Kerri, it won't come out of the bag and the bag is not full."
Kerri: "You still need to empty the bag Mommy, there is too much pee pee in there."

Talking to Daddy on the phone last night about her head lice:
Kerri: "Daddy! I have bugs in my head! Mommy tried to kill them but you know she don't like bugs."

Talking to Grandma:
Kerri: "Grandma, how did you get your brain tumor?"
Grandma: "I don't know Kerri."
Kerri: "I know. I bet you got it from people smoking. Grandma Donna smoked and she died."
Grandma: "You are probably right Kerri! When I used to work in Las Vegas, people smoked around me all the time, I bet that is how I got it!"
Kerri: "You better tell them not to smoke anymore before someone else gets a brain tumor."

After noticing that the urine in Grandma's catheter bag was darker than usual:
Kerri: "Grandma, you have to drink more water. Your pee pee is too dark. You have to drink lots of water. Mom! Grandma is not drinking enough water!"

After watching me take blood from Grandma's finger to check her blood sugar:
Kerri: "Grandma, you're bleeding!"
Mommy: "It's OK Kerri, we need a drop just to check Grandma's blood sugar levels."
Kerri: (crossing her arms) "Grandma, have you been eating too much sugar?"

After watching me inject Grandma in the arm with a needle containing insulin:
Kerri: "Grandma did that hurt?"
Grandma: "No Kerri, your Mommy is very gentle."
Kerri: "Is that why you aren't bleeding?"

At the dinner table:
Kerri: I don't want to be a doctor when I grow up, I want to be a medicine woman."
Mommy: "What do you mean Kerri?"
Kerri: "You know, like the Indians and I would live in a tee-pee. There are medicine mans too, but I would be a medicine woman."
Mommy: "Because you are a girl, obviously."
Kerri: "No, because everyone knows girls are smarter than boys, that's why."

During lunch:
Kerri: "Grandma, you should eat an apple. Because everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away!"

Who needs doctors when you have Life with Kerri!

Nit picking

Warning: this post may gross you out. Trust me, I am grossed out way more than you are!

I have a phobia: bugs. I can deal with pretty much anything, except for any kind of creepy, crawly insect of any sort. So keep that in mind as you read on.

A week ago, Kerri's cousin came to play. Unbeknownst to us, she had a bad case of head lice. The next day her Mom (my sister) called me to warn me, but Kerri's head and scalp were clean. So on Mother's Day, my sister came over and checked Kerri's head, and voila: Kerri had two bugs crawling around, and little nits and just laid eggs in her hair close to her scalp. Can we say eww? I pretty much gagged, and then went into panic mode.

So I spent last night treating Kerri and picking nits and eggs out of her head. I did not faint, and for that I am thankful. My sister checked me out and said I did not have lice. But I started itching and scratching anyway, and feeling things crawling all over my scalp. At midnight, I panicked and called hubby, and had him Google lice and tell me everything ever known to mankind. Hubby started itching and scratching too. Oh, and I have vacuumed the entire house, washed everything we pretty much own, and slept on the couch. With one eye open, in case a bug wanted to crawl up.

So if you start feeling like little insects are crawling on your scalp, and start to itch and scratch, don't blame me. You can't catch it over the computer. ;o)

Life with Kerri challenges me to face my fears. And now I can honestly say I have been nit picking.

Happy Mother's Day

Today Kerri made me a Mother's Day card, all on her own. She surprised me with it when I was really feeling down, and to see her proudly holding a folded piece of paper with the word "Mom" written all over it just made my day. I didn't know she even knew how to spell the word!

Wishing all the Moms and Moms-to-be a very happy Mother's Day tomorrow.

With love, from Kerri and her proud Mommy and Daddy.

Life according to Kerri

According to Kerri:

• There are three princesses: Mulan, Cindalella and Sleeping Booty.
• There is noting wrong with being naked and streaking around the house while yelling "look at my coo-lee!"
• Milk is only good when it is warmed up and has chocolate syrup in it.
• Cereal should be eaten dry, in a cup.
• When you run out of things to say (gasp!) you can always say "I love you Mom" and get away with it.
• Interrupting is necessary, even if she forgets why or what she was going to say. (At that point see above bullet).
• Why should she get her hands dirty? That's what Moms are for.
• Bugs are cool. Especially if they make Mom scream.
• Laughter is best if the head is thrown back, and there is some snorting involved.
• No one should ever have to go to Heaven. Kerri wants to study to be a doctor to make sure everyone can live forever.
• Imaginary monsters really do exist.
• Imaginary monsters are always to blame if something is wrong.
• All pennies are lucky.
• Superheroes are real.
• So are bad guys.
• Mommies should not pick their children's clothes out for them.
• Parents have too many rules.
• So do grandparents.
• In order to swallow your food, you need to sip some juice with every mouthful at the same time.
• No one sings "Twinkle, twinkle little star" better than Mommy. (I beg to differ).
• Singing should be done at the top of your lungs.
• Shoes should be worn on the wrong feet.
• The saying " a little goes a long way" is not right; because a lot goes a long way even better.
• Toothpaste is best if squeezed in excess.
• Hamburgers should be eaten plain and with no bun.
• But french fries are the best food in the whole wide world.
• She should be allowed to cut her own hair, since she did it better than Mommy.
• Growing up is not for her, she is in no hurry. (I beg to differ here too).
• Girls are smarter than boys.
• Girls have testicles too, they are just smaller.
• Stickers are fun.
• So is drawing, coloring and painting.
• Pots, pans, lids and kitchen spoons are musical instruments!
• Grownups take too long.
• She is too busy to go to the potty.
• Children's TV shows are real.
• Commercials are boring.
• Helping people is fun!
• Everyone is honest and trustworthy if you know their name.
• The box is always more interesting.
• There are too many minutes in a day and time takes forever.
• Sleeping is easier if Mommy or Daddy hold her hand.
• Manipulation and control are very important.
• Love is the most important thing of all.

Life with Kerri is a glimpse into our childhood past.

Week at a glance...well sort of.

• Kerri is bored. She is very energetic and misses playing with her friends outdoors every day at home. And her friends at school. I really wish I did not have to bring her on this trip, it is so unfair to her.
• I am depressed. I will get over it. Life goes on.
• I have read the entire Twilight book series in just three days. Since I am not getting much sleep, I asked my niece to lend me her books. My Dad saw the size of one of the books and asked me if I was reading the Bible.
• We miss Daddy, our home, Pookie, our routines, our beds. This is by far the hardest trip we have ever done.
• Mom seems to be a bit better. I am not hanging on to false hopes or miraculous recoveries here, but she really is making an effort.
• It seems that Kerri has taken a few steps back on this trip, and under the circumstances, I totally understand. She is very afraid of losing me, and tests me every day. And it does not help when there are grandparents around who have a different parenting style and forget that I am her Mommy (and they don't believe in attachment issues, PTSD, RAD, SDP, etc.). But, Kerri is really taking it all in stride, all things considered.
• I also have to be very careful around Kerri. She listens attentively to everything, and repeats things (sometimes out of context). For instance, I told hubby on the phone at night how much I missed him and wished I could come home. The next day, Kerri told Grandma that I wanted to leave and did not want to be here anymore!
• Kerri has taken a big interest in photography, and says she wants to be just like her Nana Jessa and take pictures. Except that Kerri wants to take pictures of bugs, because she says they are her favorite. Kitty the cat comes a close second, because Kerri says she loves her.
• I am planning an escape today, if possible, to go to the grocery store and WalMart. I think Kerri and I need some alone time, to get some fresh air, and maybe find some other crafts to keep her busy the next few weeks.
• Time seems to go by so slow here! Then again, I have no idea what day it is. Every day here is pretty routine.

Life with Kerri is what keeps me going.