Some Days, It Sucks to be Me

Yesterday, I finally drug myself in to see a doctor after a week of trying to convince myself that I just had a cold and it would pass (sinus/ear infection – not going any where without an antibiotic). So, I take my little script and head off to pick up the girls, knowing that we will have to go to the drugstore after dinner.

We get home, and Ying is in the family room crying hysterically. I figure she is hungry and tired, so I take her an apple slice and some juice to hold her over until I finish dinner. I go back in the kitchen, she is still screaming. Five minutes later I realize that she is screaming because she has her finger stuck in the straw hole of a cup. For like 10 minutes, she had her little finger stuck in this lid. I stood right beside her, gave her a snack, and didn’t notice the cup stuck on her hand. I am the world’s worst mother.

I go to look for Blue Bear to comfort her, only to realize that BB is missing. I call the sitter and learn that BB is lying on the street in front of her house. She gets him and sticks him on the mailbox so I can just run by and pick him up.

We eat dinner, and I load the girls into the van for a trip to the drug store and to get BB. Plus, I promise OBaby we will go through the car wash (the girl LOVES the car wash). We drop off the script, and go get BB. Ying is very happy to have her bear back. As we head back toward the car wash, OBaby starts to complain that her head and tummy hurt. I’m thinking she needs to go potty, so I’m not overly worried. We get to the car wash about 7:04 – they closed at 7. Of course they did! So now, OBaby is REALLY crying, and groaning “Oh, my tummy hurts.” I’m thinking I’m getting drama because she didn’t get to go to the car wash. We go get my antibiotics and head home.

At home, I offer to hold OBaby since she feels bad. She is lying across my lap while I rub her back. About 5 minutes later – ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She pukes all over me, her, the chair, the carpet. I get her to the bathroom before round 2 begins. Ug. I get her cleaned up and calmed down and clean up the puke.

Then I remember that it is trash night, so I need to put the trash out. OBaby is on the couch in her underwear whimpering because, like any normal person, she hates to throw up. I gather the trash and promise her I’ll be right back in. Of course, she starts crying because she wants me to sit with her. I go to the garage, and grab the cans thinking that I hope none of my neighbors are out since I’m barefoot and in a dress top and my mauve pajama bottoms with big paisleys on them that are like a foot too short for me. Yes, I’m stylin’!

I get to the curb and realize that YBaby has followed me outside. Ok, that’s fine. Then she takes off down the sidewalk (her favorite game – make Mommy chase me). As I jog after her, I realize that she’s had a blow-out diaper and there is poop running out from under her shorts. Lovely. I grab her, turn around to see a van pulling over to the curb. It’s our elderly neighbors from down the street who just adore the Babies. Great. Anyone else and I could have excused myself with a quick “Baby’s got a dirty diaper”, but not the Nice Little Old Couple! I hate to be rude to them. So, here I stand in front of my neighbor’s house wearing ridiculous pajama pants with a shirt that totally clashes, holding a dirty baby and talking to old people while trying to act like I don’t have a hand full of poop. Ug.

I finally escape back into the house and plop YBaby into the tub. I get her cleaned up, stand her up so I can dry her off and what does she do? Of course, she pees in the tub.

Hey, if all this happened to you in the same night, I know I’d think it was funny. As for me, I was left wondering if you can really cop a buzz off of Scope and cursing the day I gave up drinking.

Glimpse of the Future

My sister sent me this picture of OBaby taken a couple of weeks ago. When I first saw it, all I could see was how grown up she looks. This is the face she is going to have when she is a teenager. I don’t see baby in it at all – just the woman she’s going to be. Where oh where did my bald little baby go?

Under the Knife

Ok, so I haven’t posted in a few days. I’ve been a little preoccupied. Friday, I had a little operation on my foot. Nothing major, I just went into the hospital and had a rather large chunk of something removed from my body. No big deal, right? Well, maybe not for normal people, but for me, yeah, BIG DEAL. First of all, I hadn’t had surgery since my tonsils were removed by Dr. Scissorhands in 1972. That didn’t go so well. I ended up back in the hospital bleeding profusely. My sister did, too – same doctor, same hack job. So, naturally, I’m a little cautious about letting people near me with scalpels. Then, there is the fact that I am a big baby and don’t like pain. So, overall everything went ok. The first IV went horribly wrong and I spent half an hour trying not to hurl or pass out. But, after that I got some happy juice, so nothing else really mattered. In the future, I think I would request the happy juice much earlier in the process. I did manage to win $10 from my surgeon during the surgery. Yeah, you read that right. While I was being operated on, my surgical team was playing musical trivia. I was just lying there, drifting in and out of consciousness, humming along to “Blinded by the Light” (ok, I may have been singing out loud, what do I know? I was loopy.) when I heard someone (found out later it was the surgeon) ask if anyone knew who wrote that song. Oddly enough, I did. Then he said, “$10 if anyone can tell me who wrote that song.” Now, I didn’t know if I could speak, or if anyone could hear me, but I squeaked out “Bruce Springsteen”. I heard the anesthesiologist say, “And the patient says Bruce Springsteen”. I was right. They all cracked up. I really don’t think they expected the patient to be playing the game. So, at my follow-up appointment tomorrow, Dr. D owes me $10. Hey, I figure it’s a small price to pay considering everyone in that room will be telling that story for years! So, when I’m feeling better I’ll post some new pictures of the girls. They are doing great – adjusting nicely to Mommy with the Boo-Boo Foot. O Baby has been a big help, and Y Baby has only stepped on my foot one time. Not bad considering she has adopted her sister’s habit of climbing Mommy like a jungle gym. Oh, yeah, and in case I forgot to mention it, Darvocet ROCKS.

Bathing Beauties

Baby Fish

Peek! a BOO!

Happy 4th of July!!

Freedom From Clutter

Anyone who has visited my house in the last, oh, year (ok, maybe not that long) will understand the significance of this photo. Today, I declared my independence from the mess that was the girls’ room. Man, do I feel better!

42

You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too--yeah
You say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
Happy birthday to you.


In honor of my 42nd birthday, I am going to share with you 42 things about me. (Don’t worry, mom, this is a family-friendly blog.)

1. My mom had planned on naming me Malinda.
2. She almost died when I was born. (Had nothing to do with the whole Malinda thing.)
3. I was actually named after my aunt who O Baby calls “Aunt Donna Cake”.
4. I attend Weir Elementary School. And Wilbur Wright Elementary School. And Cadiz Elementary School. And Parker Elementary School. And I should have attended Riley Elementary School, but I got bussed back to Parker.
5. When I was in sixth grade, I was the tallest person in the whole school except for the other sixth grade teacher, Mr. Bouslog. Any wonder why I loved Mr. Bouslog?
6. I used to be a Rainbow Girl.
7. I spent four years in college with absolutely no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.
8. I did know how to have a lot of fun in college.
9. My senior year I lived in a house with a bunch of my sorority sisters.
10. It was known on campus as the “Sugar Shack”.
11. And yet some how I still managed to graduate from my university’s Honors College.
12. I served in the US Navy for four years.
13. I lived in England for two of those years.
14. In England, I shared an apartment with MB whose mom lived next door to a girl I lived with in college.
15. We didn’t know that until we had been living together for a few months.
16. I once saw the “Pirates of Penzance” at the amphitheatre in Penzance.
17. I actually played on a women’s softball team once. We played in one tournament and never scored a run.
18. I spent 3 months on an island in the Aleutians – twice.
19. I have been to 24 of the United States and the District of Columbia.
20. Outside of the US, I’ve only been to England, Spain, Mexico, Jamaica and China.
21. I almost married the absolutely wrong guy once for absolutely all of the wrong reasons.
22. I haven’t spoken to him in about 15 years.
23. My first job out of the Navy was as a technical editor for a government contractor.
24. I was their second choice for the job.
25. I met my mentor while I was working there (I always teased him that he was like a grandpa to me).
26. He and I worked together at 3 other companies after that.
27. He died one week before O Baby was born.
28. I once had to perform CPR on the man I thought I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with.
29. He didn’t survive.
30. I did.
31. I went back to college at age 34 and got my master’s degree.
32. I visited a web site once for a hotel in the Outer Banks, and ended up reading all about the owners’ two daughters adopted from China.
33. I first told my family I was adopting from China on vacation at Atlantic Beach in 2001.
34. In 2002, I moved from beautiful Virginia Beach back to the Midwest.
35. I couldn’t afford to buy a crappy house in the worst part of Virginia Beach now (not that I’ve been looking or anything).
36. Adopting O Baby was the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
37. I can say this, because if I hadn’t adopted O Baby, I would never have gone back for Y Baby.
38. Adopting Y Baby was the second greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
39. If I could, I would adopt one more child.
40. I’d have to win the lottery first.
41. I don’t play the lottery.
42. I still think I’m going to win some day.

Are They Puppies or Babies?

This is how I found the girls in the middle of the night last night. Yes, they are both sound asleep. They didn't even flinch when I took the picture. They are just too darn cute!

Three weeks post-op. Look at those eyes!

“Wo Ai Ni, Ying-a-Bing”

In case there was ever any doubt, O Baby and Y Baby are definitely sisters. I was thinking about this last night as I listened to them trying (not) to fall asleep. “Wo ai ni (I love you), Ying-a-Bing”, says O. “Ai ni”, responds Y – then they both laugh. They laugh together and play together. They fight and cry. They tell on each other. And when Mama is trying to get them to go to sleep, they conspire to keep each other awake. Yes, these two little girls who didn’t even know each other 4 months ago are sisters in every sense of the word.

Girls Rule!

I had to capture Y Baby wearing the doorknob sign like a hat. Yes, that's ketchup on her face. Kids aren't always nice and clean while they are being adorable!

Random Cuteness

Before and After

Conversations with a 4 Year Old

Big Eyes!
No more pictures! Get out of here with that camera!!
________________________________________________________

O Baby and I had a great conversation on the way to school this morning:

O: Mom?
Me: Yeah?
O: I try really hard not to say this, but I have to tell you sumfing.
Me: Yes?
O: Well, sometimes you get on my one nerve.
Me: Yeah, sometimes you get on my one nerve, too.
O: Yeah. **pause** Mommy, you’re the coolest mommy ever.
Me: You’re pretty cool too.
O: I love you.
Me: I love you, too.

Through the rear-view mirror, I see her pop her thumb back in her mouth.

Remember Bing?

The little boy who was waiting for a new leg? Well, look at this!

Bing, standing on his own TWO feet! That smile is priceless!

A Week Post Op

This photo was taken exactly one week after Ying's surgery. She looks so amazing. Her “little eyes” are now big, round eyes. And the swelling and bruising are all but gone. I am just in awe of how resilient she is. She really is just an amazing child. And speaking of amazing children, O Baby continues to be a great big sister. She just loves her little Ying-a-Bing and is even learning to laugh when Ying steals blankie! (And if you know O, you know blankie is NOT a laughing matter!) I broke my toe this morning (stubbed in on a door jam!), and O Baby immediately went into nurse mode. She wanted to get me a band-aide, an ice pack, a tissue. “I’ll do anything for you, Mommy,” she said. If I hadn’t been so delirious with pain, I could have scored big there. But, too late I thought that I should have asked, “Will you clean your room?”

Why Does This Woman Keep Taking My Picture?!?

Could it be because you are beautiful, baby? Mama sure thinks so!

Tuesday's Face

On Day 4

Monday Evening

Monday Morning - She just keeps getting more beautiful!


Today is day 4 since Y Baby’s surgery, and I have to say that I cannot believe how well she has done. Her recovery has just been amazing. One of my biggest concerns was that Ying would have to go through a lot of pain because they were going to work on both the upper and lower lids. Do you know that girl hasn't shown any signs AT ALL of being in pain? And she isn't taking any pain meds! It just amazes me that she has let me put antibiotic ointment on her incisions since Day 1 without much fuss (ok, some fuss, but not, “Dear Lord, Mama, you’re killing me” fuss). She also has not been rubbing her eyes (another big worry). She really just acts like nothing happened. She spent the weekend happily playing with Mama and Jie Jie just like any other weekend. I have noticed that her walking is improving. I’ve seen her walk while actually looking at the floor, and the head tipping is going away. I wonder what she thinks when she opens her eyes and they actually open! Does she realize how much more she can see?

Knowing that we have to go through all of this again in about 4 years, I’m just thrilled that it has been this easy. Maybe next time I won’t worry myself sick beforehand. Those of you who know me can stop snickering now.

3 Days Post Op

Post Op Day 2

Post Op

Right out of recovery



10 hours Post Op (yes, her jammies are dirty, look at the kid, not the mess!)



4 hours post op

No More "Little Eyes"

Tomorrow is the big day. Ying is going to have her first surgery on her eyes. She is actually having two procedures – one on the upper lids to lift them so she can see without tipping her head back, and one on the lower lids to roll her eyelashes out and off of her eyes. It is out-patient surgery, and if all goes well, we will be home tomorrow evening.

She, of course, is blissfully unaware that anything is going on, while I am trying really hard not to throw up. According to other parents whose kids have had this done, it requires a lot of sedation to work on a kid's eyes. I just hope she reacts well to it. She has been so unbelievably healthy that I really don't know how she reacts to medication. The only thing I've ever given her is a dose or two of Tylenol and some cough medicine!

So, the surgery is scheduled for 7:30, but we have to be at the hospital at 5:30. Yes, that’s am. Nothing like dragging a kid out of bed two hours early to start your day on a good note! Fortunately, O Baby is spending the night with her best buddies (and day care provider) so I won’t have to drag her out of bed, too. She will just go over tonight for the slumber party and stay until I can pick her up after Ying is discharged.

You know I adore this child, and I hate to change a thing about that perfect little face. But, it is medically necessary. And, afterwards she will be able to see like she's never seen before. I know some of you understand my ambivalence. Of course I want what's best for her, and I'd do anything to improve her vision, but I hate that I have to change her face in order to do that. Big sigh! Of course, I’ll post pictures when I can. They may not be pretty. You were warned.

Baby Face

Oh how I love this sweet little baby face. After Friday, it will be forever changed. Yes, I know the change is for the better, and her life will be improved once she can actually see. But still, I'm going to miss my sweet baby Xiao Yin Jing Jing.

Real Sisters

Ying and Olivia are definitely forming a strong sister bond. Olivia is worrying herself sick about Ying’s surgery on Friday, and Ying showed me yesterday just how attached she is to her big sister. I sent Olivia to her room yesterday for some infraction of the rules that is unimportant to the story. She reacted in her usual style of high drama, complete with sobs from behind the bedroom door. I was in the living room talking to my mom on the phone (hi, Mom!) when I heard Ying knocking on the door and calling out “Jie-Jie, Jie-Jie” (big sister). Then, she came to me with tears spilling out of her eyes and said “Jie-Jie”. I told her, “Yes, Jie-Jie is in her room, I know she’s crying, but she’s ok.” Well, that wasn’t good enough for Ying. She took my hand and said “up” – clearly she wanted me to get up and go check on her sister! And she was crying real tears! I know the day will come when little sister will be saying “ha, ha, ha, ha, ha you’re in trouble” when Jie-Jie gets sent to her room, but for now, it is sweet to see that sisterly love starting to grow.

Who Needs Toys?

I'm just sittting here in my puzzle box lid, playing with my stroller . . .

When Mama calls my name.

Oh, Mama, aren't I supposed to sit around in a box lid with one shoe on? I'm having fun!