CaseyAndKelly.Com

10 Year Anniversary!

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Kelly

Ten years. Ten years, man, ten years! TEN YEARS! I’ve been married for 10 years already! That’s just crazy it’s been that long. Where has the time gone? It does feel like we’ve always been together and well, I have spent all of my adult life with Casey.

We defied the odds of getting married young, didn’t succumb to the seven year itch, and even had a tiny human. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been easy. A lot has been thrown our way in the 10 years we’ve been married (11 we’ve been together). We’ve been with each other through separating from the military, job loss, not seeing each other for weeks at a time as he traveled for work, eight moves, being robbed, death of family members and pets, car accidents, a 40 day NICU stay, miscarriage, and more. But we’ve always made it to the other side. Happy 10th anniversary to us – here’s hoping for at least another 10 more!

Here’s 10 years (including our wedding day) in pictures as close to our anniversary as I could get!

[Show as slideshow]

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Ear Infections and ENTs

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Kelly

Monday I noticed Brady had a little bit of a runny nose but I wasn’t too concerned about it at first because it was clear snot, she didn’t have a fever and otherwise seemed fine. But I remembered the nurse practitioner had encouraged me to bring her in if she had a runny nose just in case it was the only sign she was giving of an impending ear infection. I let it go Monday and on Tuesday morning it was still running and even runnier so I made an appointment for that afternoon.

I’ve been trying to explain to Brady what we’re going to be doing before we do something. So when we go shopping I tell her we’re going shopping or if we’re going to the library I tell her where we’re headed (and she knows where the library is and whenever we pass by she says books!). I told her we were going to the doctor and she repeated me then said ears and when I confirmed we were going to have her ears looked at she said hurts. I asked her if her ears hurt and she wouldn’t confirm they did but kept repeating herself. I still don’t know if she associates the doctor’s office with the otoscope and not thinking that having her ears checked is very comfortable or if her ears did, in fact, hurt.

Brady loves watching the safari themed movies at the pediatrician’s office (they have a jungle/safari theme going) and playing with the toys but as soon as we’re called back to the room, she usually starts freaking out and crying. That day was no exception. We tried to get her to stand on a scale for a weight and when that wouldn’t work the nurse (or maybe MA – I don’t really know) suggested we sit her on the baby (sit down) scale. Brady was squirming so much we couldn’t get an accurate weight and I assured the nurse (that’s what I’m going to call her) that 22 pounds was not accurate. So we went back to the big scale and I said stand there – she repeated me and then stood still long enough to get her weight (I tell her this at home to weigh her too so she associates the phrase with the scale) which was 33.4 pounds.

Brady was much chattier at this visit than she’s ever been in the past and I was really impressed with her social skills as well. She was pleasant and once she warmed up began answering questions. The nurse practitioner tried to listen to her heart first and that never goes over very well. This girl has got some lungs on her! Once she was done she tried to take a peek in her ears and Brady also hates that part as well so she screamed and thrashed around while I tried to keep her in a bear hug hold long enough for the NP to look in her ears. The NP confirmed her ears were red but she didn’t see any fluid or infection – whew! After checking her chart she said she was going to put her on a new medication (I think we’ve been getting progressively more intense as the ear infections have lingered) called Suprax and gave me a coupon (thankfully she did because I would have had to pay $225 versus $25).

I mentioned the other NP had said before her last ear infection had cleared up that we might need to talk to an ENT if the ear infections kept happening or didn’t go away. She said she agreed we should meet with one since this was her fourth ear infection this year. I disagreed with her and said there was just the one ear infection but they considered each new medication because we were doing rechecks a separate ear infection. I still disagree with this logic but agreed to make the appointment.

Today we headed to the ENT for a consult. Brady was a completely different child today and while she didn’t want to get weighed, even after being told stand there (it was a different type scale) she did really well. This was the first time she has ever allowed anyone to look in her ears and nose and didn’t resist (read – scream and flail) in the slightest. The ENT said her eardrums were sunken back a little but that could be from allergies and assumes that she might not even have an ear infection and her ears were red at her previous appointment from all of the screaming. He said if she did have an ear infection he doubts it would have cleared up with only the two doses of antibiotics Brady had taken thus far. He said it could allergies since there’s a lot of flare ups with everyone right now (Casey and I included) and gave me some nasal spray to try out in addition to continuing her on the Singulair. Because her ears look fine and there was no sign of infection or damage, he said we don’t even need to discuss tubes and he’ll see her back in six weeks for a follow up to see how the nasal spray is working.

I can’t tell you what a big relief that is! I know it’s a simple, routine surgery but it still is surgery and freaks me out having Brady go under. Not to mention she loves baths and swimming and this would put a damper on our summer plans. I’m really praying that it’s allergies and we can get ahold of these ear issues. She spied the suckers going into exam room so I’m wondering if that’s making a difference in her attitude – knowing that a sucker awaits her?!

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Toddler Story Time Take Two

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Kelly

Well, I attempted to Brady to another toddler story time. We showed up, at what I thought was, half way through but in reality was only 15 minutes in. So I don’t forget the next time I attempt to go, toddler story time is an hour. Brady did much better this time and probably would have had the patience to listen to an entire story without grabbing other books had a rambunctious four year-old not commented on each line of the book. Brady stayed seated in my lap reading quietly until craft time began.

When I asked her if she wanted to color she got up and started hunting down the crayons, eventually ending up with two baggies of crayons and nothing to write on. I managed to keep her from writing on books or walls but when a hard surface (clipboard base) was given to her to do her project on, she immediately started coloring. I asked her to stop but wasn’t to serious about it since it was obvious that other children had done the same. Again, the librarian (different one this time) apparently doesn’t have much patience for two year olds like mine and freaked out. When the paper for the art project came it became apparent this was not designed for Brady and was for the parent to assemble and the child to look at (or destroy). We had now been there for a half hour and Brady had done so well being quiet and still-ish that she was ready to do laps around the library. I took this as our cue to go and so ended our second trip to toddler story time.

I’ll probably try to return for half of story time but Brady just isn’t into it. She doesn’t particularly enjoy listening to the stranger read to her and none of the kids really interact with each other. Do you think it’s worth it to keep going?

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Toddler Story Time

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Kelly

Last year I started taking Brady to the library for story time to get her used to socializing with other kids. When we started going, she was around fifteen months and in the baby (0-2) category. We were going a couple of times a month until she hit the throwing books phase. She’d stand in front of shelf and just start chucking books over her shoulder until she found one she wanted. Between the book tossing and running around the library like a mad woman, and the fast approaching flu season, after Halloween I decided it was best to hold off on story time for a while.

When we got inside, Brady immediately starting repeating books and I started wondering if I got the age group confused as most of the kids looked to be at least 3 and several had to be 4. I checked the calendar that was on display and sure enough, I was in the right place and this was story time for 2 and 3 year olds

The librarian started with a song and then would alternate between reading (longish) books and singing other songs. In total, she read four books and we sang countless songs. She had a hard time staying seated for the songs and stories and I had to battle with her the entire time and try to give her her own little story time to keep her seated. After trying for so long, I finally let her go exploring the rest of the children’s section since it was sectioned off and she couldn’t escape. Just when I thought the session was over, craft time began. I was able to call her over to color for a few minutes before she wanted to start running and exploring. I’d guess our time at the library was twice as long as it used to be and the kids were way more mature than Brady.

I recognized one other little girl from our baby story time and her mom and I got to talking afterwards. She commented on how different it was than baby story time and I, of course, agreed. She told me that her daughter had a hard time focusing for the entire period, so she often would show up half way through to make things easier on her. I think I might take her suggestion and ease Brady back into the library with half sessions a couple of times a month. She desperately needs the socialization and to start learning how to follow directions.

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Headaches, Headaches, Go Away!

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Kelly

I went to the doctor Tuesday to be seen about my headaches. They’ve been recurring since the beginning of the year and for the life of me, I can’t figure out what’s triggering them. Other than the ocular migraine, I don’t think I’ve had any other migraines but when I took an Imitrex, it was ineffective. I ended up just going to the same family doctor I’ve been going through even though I have issues with her since she already had my MRI and if I went some place new they might try to order a new one and I just don’t have the money for that.

The doctor didn’t give me a diagnosis but said that headaches are caused by three things – stress, stress, and stress. Not exactly helpful. As opposed to starting a new prescription when it’s possible we could get pregnant sometime in the upcoming months, she suggested I started magnesium oxide 500mg, twice a day. She said there were other things she could prescribe but none are safe in pregnancy. So I’m going to try this for now. If the magnesium doesn’t work, she wants me to see a neurologist (who I’m sure would order another expensive battery of tests that will find nothing). I really don’t understand the rationale of sending me to a neurologist and for all of these tests when she could do a little research and see there are medications that could be used safely in pregnancy and a neurologist most likely will just end up prescribing one of those things along with a much higher office visit bill.

I’ve also been wearing my mouth guard again at night. It’s only been two days, but each day gets a little better. I still feel sore at my temples (I think I suffer from chronic tension headaches) but overall things are much more bearable now than they were a few days ago.

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Recent Dog Pics

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Kelly

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Rockstar/Supermodel/Lawyer/Vet

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Kelly

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Marge

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Kelly

Brady has SO many toys, mainly in part to my parents saving all (or most) of my childhood toys. Out of the Care Bears, trolls, and everything else – her favorite is a Burger King kid’s meal toy. Marge Simpson is her go to toy. She has to have her with her to sleep at night and if we don’t bring her with us in public (which is usually the case), Brady asks about her or where she is. And if Brady knows she’s in the truck, we have to go get her or she’ll have a meltdown. She’s also fond of the rest of the family but for the longest time Homer has been buried under stuffed animals in her room and we didn’t know where he was (I don’t even know if she remembers having him). But as soon as I dug him out, she started carrying him around and even took him to bed with her. Along with Marge, of course.

Marge is in desperate need of a bath right now and I’ve been debating putting her in the washing machine but haven’t done so yet. I’ve been worried that something will happen and the small hole (thanks, Kiley 😉 will grow and Marge will be no more. After watching Toy Story 3 for the twentieth time yesterday (although, it might be more) I started talking to Casey about the blessing and the curse of playing with vintage toys. The curse being it’s not something easily replaceable if it’s lost or destroyed. Thank goodness for the internet and eBay! I went on last night and got her a backup Marge (just Marge for now) in case something happens just to thwart any meltdowns. She’s so funny about these dolls, it’s not like she’s ever even seen the show. I guess there are worse things she could be obsessed with…

Photos courtesy of Meredith – she did a great job catching the always busy, Brady while we were at The Saucer!

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My First 5k!

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Kelly

I did it – I completed my first 5k race on Saturday! Since the weather has been in flux since I registered, I didn’t really get to train as much as I probably could have and I didn’t modify my diet at all. Being my first timed, 5k race, I’m pretty pleased with my accomplishment!

Casey got back into town from his business trip in Virginia Friday night. After dinner and unwinding a bit, we didn’t make it to bed until around midnight. And then had to wake up at 4:30 to get ready before leaving for the 5k in San Antonio. Brady woke up in a surprisingly good mood but ended up vomiting before we even hit Buda. She’s been drinking milk and eating fish in the car and just doesn’t do well being in the car without enough on her tummy. This is her third time getting sick (twice in the morning, once after she refused lunch) and it was a mess. We ended up having to take her pjs off and she rode don to SATX in only her diaper.

The weather was supposed to have been sunny and in the 80s on Saturday, but it wasn’t. We got to the UTSA campus (benefiting the alumni association) right at 7 for registration (tons of people there, apparently it was a record year). After getting the BOB set up and Brady in her clothes (unfortunately I had planned on her wearing her pjs during the race but since they were covered with vomit, she was in a little short sleeved romper) and tried to cover her with a blanket (since it was 65 and overcast) but she wouldn’t have it. Casey decided he didn’t want Brady out in the elements while I was running, so they stayed in the truck and watching Toy Story 3 and Gabba. Thankfully, Meredith showed up to take pics so there’s evidence I actually did run and finish the 5k! (Note to self – even if it’s overcast wear sunglasses. That, or wake up an extra five minutes early and put on some makeup!)

Since I usually run with the BOB with a 32 pound toddler in it and in an area with lots of hills, I wasn’t sure how I’d do running on my own. Obviously I thought I could do better running on my own, but I didn’t have any gauge as to how fast I could run or what to expect. I ran with Adele and Christen who had both run 5k’s before and they agreed to stay with me and let me set the pace. I think it was both a blessing and a curse that I don’t know my limits -blessing because I surprised myself but curse because I didn’t do very well at pacing myself. From the get go I just started running. Because of the hills, when I run at home, the most I’m able to run in one burst is about .60 miles. On race day, I ran 1.5 miles straight, averaging a 10:00/mile pace!

The side cramps that plague me showed up around the 1.5 mile mark and I had to walk for a bit to stretch things out. I battled the side cramps for the remainder of the race and alternated walking and running. According to the Nike Run app, I ran a 37:03 race, but the picture tells a different story. I’m still happy with a 38:36 (I can’t find where to locate the official time on the website, but I’m thinking that looks pretty official right there) or between 12-13 minutes for a mile, especially without really giving it my best effort!

Hopefully with proper training and maybe some diet modifications, I will do even better on my next race. The Cap 10k (largest race in Texas) is coming up next month and I’m debating whether or not I’m capable of doing that. I wasn’t completely worn out after 3.1 miles but I’m still recovering two days later so I can only imagine if I were to double my race length, I’d be hurting even worse. I still have some time to decide but am still so unsure at this point what to do.

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Catching Up Again

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Kelly

After blogging every day for the first 45 days of the year, I intentionally took a break. After my experiment of daily blogging I’ve reached the conclusion that daily is just too much. I was running into the problem where I was posting too much about what was going on and when I’d talk to people on the phone, via text/email, etc – they’d stop me because they already knew about what I was going to say or I knew that they knew everything that was going on and didn’t have anything to talk about.

So what have we been up to you? Last Monday I went and got my blood work done. The rest of the original set that was never done. Brady did really well this time and just stood there patiently watching Abby in Wonderland while my blood was drawn. Hopefully they get it right this time. I’ll wait on even attempting to switch doctors until they results are received and this is all over and done with.

We don’t go all out on Valentine’s Day but I like to use it as an excuse to eat out. Unfortunately Casey had to work late so our plans of going to Pluckers and getting cheap wings and beer went out the window (Casey tried meeting me there but says there were at least 100 people standing outside waiting to get in – luckily it was in the 70s). Since we were already getting a late start we decided to meet at Texadelphia, a place we hadn’t tried before that has, you guessed it, Texas-style phillies! It ended up being really good but then again, how can you go wrong with adding jalapenos or queso to a philly? There was a place in the Village (in LA) that we used to really like that had phillies and other than one during a layover (in Philly) I don’t know that I’ve had one since. Brady and I made a strawberry cake with cream cheese icing so we all had that for dessert. Throw in a little Psych and we called it a night. (We’re now caught up on Psych.)

Friday morning my parents showed up for a super fast visit! They showed up right as Brady was waking up after driving through the night and then took a nap themselves shortly thereafter. Mom and Dad woke up at the same time Brady was waking up from her nap and we headed out for an early dinner at Flores. The timing and weather was perfect and we were able to eat outside next to the playscape all alone for most of our meal. When we got home, we took Brady for a walk around the neighborhood to walk off our dinner and then just hung out.

On Saturday I went down to San Marcos for Abbey’s baby shower. I had a lot of fun getting to see Robin and catching up with all of the Wonderful Wednesday ladies! Everything was decorated so cute and there was really great food and the cupcakes were amazing! I guess I was had a sugar crash or something because when I got home I took a nap while Brady was napping. My parents came back from San Antonio and grabbed some Rudy’s on their way so no one had to cook. After a long day they decided to relax and visit a little before heading to bed.

Then on Sunday, everyone left. After Casey cooked breakfast, we all left at the same time – my parents headed back to Colorado and I drove Casey to the airport. Casey’s in Blacksburg, Virgina this week (at least 4 hours from our friends in the DC area, sadly) and doesn’t get back til Friday. So it’s just Brady, Dudey, Stoli, and myself keeping each other company until then. Thankfully we’re pretty well armed (and so is our neighbor) at this point should happen. His time away is already half over now and I’ll be staying busy training for my race on Saturday. Ack, wish me luck!

Here’s some pics from the last week…