At some point I think I'll need to have another blog (one for school, one for everything else) but it's enough to *try* to keep up with one. I will try, though, to keep school stuff seperate from everything else.

So I've been diagnosed with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). (this link is to a first person account of her life with CVID as I felt if you were led to read it, it would be easier to understand than an excerpt from a medical dictionary.) It's a disorder in which my body doesn't produce an adequate amount of antibodies, leaving me highly susceptible to infections. For me in particular, my infections come in the form of sinus and upper respiratory issues. And I've had this for as long as I can remember...but just learned learned it had a name. I've always been sick. Literally....always. Imagine my surprise, my relief, almost my joy when I realized that my being ill is not because I "never take care of myself" as people have told me, but because I have a chronic disorder that I'll never be rid of. It's not my fault that I'm sick with infections 4, 5, 6 times a year. It's not my fault that despite taking meds. the illness never seems to go away. It's not my fault that I spend more days than not (by far) feeling sick. It's not my fault that I can wake up one day feeling ok and the next day so exhausted I feel like I've run a marathon. It's not my fault. It's a blessing to know that.

What do I deal with having CVID? Prior to treatment, every little thing could make me sick. Someone could cough four houses down and I've got bronchitis. Someone could sneeze on the other side of post and I have a sinus infection. Ok, so I'm exaggerating...a little. But it's real. I can't fight infections on my own.

What now having been diagnosed? I will start receiving IVIG, which is intravenous immunoglubulin. Each month, I'll go to my hematologist's office where I'll receive immunoglobulin in an IV in my arm. It's blood that has been pooled from many donors to ensure I get the antibodies I need.

My hematologist said that it's a good chance that after starting this IVIG treatment, I could get my infection rate down to maybe once a year. One time. ONE INFECTION a year. What an amazing number. Not sick all the time, maybe just being sick one time.

How do I feel? I feel fine. I feel like I always have. I always feel at least a little tired (some days just a little drowsy, some days overwhelmingly exhausted). I never feel really really great. I think that so many past infections have taken a toll on my body. I feel like I can't wait to wake up feeling great.

That's a lot of info. So I'll stop now. It's not a bad diagnosis. It's a relief. I'm sick because of this, I'm not sick because of me. The treatment seems simple enough and I'll let you know tomorrow how my first one goes. I'll share more information in the future. In the mean time, my name is Nicole and I've been diagnosed with an incurable chronic disorder. :)

Yay for getting lots of school stuff done today!

Last week we reviewed spelling words we had used in the last six weeks of last year (when we started with My Father's World). This week, we finally got a new list going. The words are pretty easy for Adisson, but it's the curriculum MFW recommended and I guess I'll just have him stick with it.

He also worked on his puncuation (period, question mark, and exclamation point) and handwriting, had some more math review, and discussed Ben Franklin. We did a science experiment on yeast. We put yeast in a glass with sugar water and yeast in a glass with salt water. Here are our pics:
Experiment Picture 1

Experiment Picture 2 (just 90 minutes later):

We stopped the experiment then because Adisson was sure the yeast would explode everywhere.

We've also been reading The Courage of Sarah Noble and today went over new vocabulary words and discussed how fear could be measured even though it's a feeling.

And after the yeast experiment, we made bread. :) I'll hopefully have pics later of us eating it!! :)

This year we are learning with My Father's World. We started it at the end of last year and it seems to be going really well. Adisson is really into American History, and while we both really loved Five in a Row, it felt like MFW would be a better fit right now.
This week we mostly did review work over the first six weeks (what we covered last school year) and started on week 7. We discussed more early settlers and their interactions with the Indians. We made a canoe from construction paper (pic coming soon!), made and mapped a sundial, made play dough, and worked on punctuation. It was a great week!

Because my family is so far away, I'm soooo hoping that I can keep my blog updated this school year with what's going on with us and our homeschool. We'll see. :)

So three months. That would be all summer. That's how long since I've blogged. When I was blogging it was about how I was trying so hard to get in shape while Adam was gone for a month doing some Army training. A lot has changed since then.

If you know me, you know I get sick often. Sinus. Bronchitis. Allergies. Pneumonia. 4-6 times a year. Serious infections. On July 1, I got sick....again. And to tell you the truth, I'm not completely better. In August, I went to the ER twice for pain while I was breathing. On the second trip, two weeks after the first one, I was admitted to the hospital. For six very long days. My journey will this illness has not ended, though. It seems I could have a lifelong autoimmune disease. I've consulted with a hematologist and had some more blood work done (my stint in the hospital included a variety of tests), but due to the lack of a babysitter to keep the boys, I've yet to learn those results.
Last week we went on vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It was amazing.

We had a great time in an amazing part of this world. So much fun that Adam dreams of living there forever.
Today we started school. Finally. Due to my illness, hospitalization, and vacation, we started much later than I had planned. I wasn't too worried as Adisson had already started his second grade curriculum at the end of last year (and we were six weeks into it) so really we aren't too far behind and rather maybe even a little ahead. :) It went super well today. The boys did great and if everyday was like today (in a homeschool sense) the whole world would want to homeschool.

Here are some first day of school pics:

Ugh, so the working out isn't going as well as I had hoped. No surprise there, I guess. Jillian doesn't seem to focus enough on my midsection so I'll be going to Winsor Pilates. I would love to have the time to do both a few times a week, but it's hard to work out with the kids in front of the TV, beside me telling me what to do, crying in a bouncer seat because I'm not giving him enough attention, etc. I'm still determined, so hopefully that's enough.

Adam's been gone for a week and a half. It's a little stressful with him gone, but hopefully this is it for awhile...that would be nice.

We have an FRG picnic tomorrow so I'm making a few dozen cupcakes for the event. It's going to rain today so I should have time to get everything done if we don't have to run outside all day long.

Be back later....

Ohhhh, Jillian. How the workout seemed even harder since I just did it yesterday, I'm not quite sure. My muscles didn't feel too bad when I woke up, but I can definitely feel that they've been used! I do a lot of upper body work during the video also and while I definitely need to increase my stamina during the workout, my arms and shoulders don't feel ANYTHING like my legs. I do pick up and carry around a 13 pound infant alllll day long...that could be why.

I made pancakes and sausage for dinner tonight. Still no soda for me! :)

We also worked on our first daily craft! I didn't get pictures yesterday so we'll play with them again today and I'll snap a few. We made a homemade bubble blower! It was fun!!

I'll be back, off to hang out with the kids!

Welcome New Leaf, I finally turned you over!

Today was workout day one with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. Ohmygosh!! That was intense. It's only 25 minutes from start to finish including warm up and cooldown, but you never stop moving. I worry greatly what my legs are going to feel like in the morning. I also joined Livestrong today which is a really great site. It helps me track my fitness and nutrition goals. I should say, before someone says it for me, that my main focus is not to lose weight. Yes, I'm at my highest "not-pregnant" weight, but it's not the weight that bothers me. My goal is to tone and firm. I won't be disappointed in a few pounds lost, but it's not my focus. My nutrition goals are mainly to eat healthier. Garbage in, garbage out is also a good reference when it comes to what you are eating and drinking. I eat a lot of snack and junk food and drink a lot of soda. Today was day one with no soda, just water and iced tea (can't give up my caffeine altogether!). I also started taking a daily multivitamin.

Yes, I started this because I have a month at home without Adam here and I'm hoping to reveal a little mini makeover when he returns, but I also want to feel better about my appearance. I don't want to constantly be concerned that everyone is silently picking out my flaws when they talk to me. That might need more than just some working out, but it's where I'm starting.

I also made dinner tonight. Not that healthiest, but it was yummy! Pork chops, steamed carrots, and macaroni and cheese.

My plan is to incorporate a daily craft time with the kids and to get my cleaning on a better schedule. We'll see how that goes.

In the meantime, Jillian kicked my butt today with that workout. Zander is still peeing in the potty. And tonight, I'm letting the boys stay up to watch Toy Story 2 on tv. We own the DVD, but they are showing Toy Story 3 clips during the commercial breaks so the boys wanted to watch. :)

Adam left today for a month long training in Alabama. He was gone for the entire month of April and now he'll be gone for the entire month of June. I'm not happy. I hate to whine, but it's not easy being the only one around to wrangle my monkeys. They seem to all need something at the exact same time and Zander is too dramatic to wait for anything. I live in constant fear of the next meltdown.

I decided that there are things I'd like to do everyday while Adam is gone. Maybe this will help make the month go by faster and I want the boys to have fun things to do this summer. Since I can't really take them anywhere when Adam is gone, I figure the next best thing would be to do really fun stuff at home. So that's the plan.

I also plan on working out. Everyday. I don't know if I can do it. I severely lack motiviation and commitment to these types of projects. I've selected Jillian Michaels to annoy me everyday during a 30 Day Shred. I really don't like Jillian but it's hard to dispute her ability to force people to get in shape if they are following her workout.

And I will be cooking more often. When Adam is home, I cook nearly everyday. Some days we have leftovers, some days we get fast food, but a large majority of our meals are at home....with me having cooked them. When Adam is gone, it's harder for me to cook for me and the boys because Zander doesn't eat anything but yogurt and Adisson and I make up about one normal adult stomach. I don't know why I dislike cooking while Adam's away because really, I have to do it less considering there's always lots of leftovers. Maybe it's because while he complains or annoys me about other things, he rarely HATES something I've made and more often than not will eat it even if he did. The boys are much more critical.

Off to bed. Tomorrow should be pretty busy.

Potty Training Day Five

Exact replica of Day Four. I think it worked!! :)

Potty Training Day Four

He woke up dry, woke me up and had me take him to the bathroom! Then....HE WAS DRY ALL DAY! NO ACCIDENTS!!!

He yells, "Oh! I've got to go!" or "MOM! I"ve got to pee!" and races to the bathroom. I'm thrilled. THRILLED, I tell ya!

Potty Training: Day Three

Another dry night, followed by peeing his pants when he wakes up.

Between the hours of 9:00 and 4:00, there's just a few accidents and the successes actually outweigh them. Part of me thinks he MIGHT actually be getting it.

He has an accident at 3:32. And that was the last one for the day. :) He also managed to poop in the potty...so his only accidents were wet ones! Could this have worked? We'll find out tomorrow morning.

Potty Training: Day 2

Before Adam leaves for work, he checks to see if Zander is dry. He is. Yet when Zander wakes up, he doesn't go to the bathroom but rather pees where he stands. Accident number 1.

Today we have to go to the dentist. Adisson needs a few fillings so we'll be there about an hour. All I can think is please, please don't let my child pee in one of the upholstered chairs.

Accident number 2: 9:31. He insists that peeing in the potty is just too hard. We are going to be leaving to go to the dentist soon and I'm very nervous about the pee situation.

Success: He pees in the potty shortly after ten.

We leave to go to the dentist. I've got paper towels, plastic bags, extra undies and shorts, and prayers for a dry preschooler loaded in the bag.

SUPER SUCCESS!! HE DOESN'T PEE AT THE DENTIST!!

I risk it and stop at the commissary to check out their meat section since I was told the markdown bin is overflowing. Adam meets us there. We're in and out in less than 30 minutes....Zander is still dry.

Then we get home and he pees in the front yard....20 feet away from our downstairs bathroom.

Really?

The afternoon is a mix of success and not so much. For every time he pees in the potty there's a time he pees in his underwear. Suddenly, the light at the end of the disposable tunnel (at least Zander's) is getting farther away.

Then I want to risk it and go to Target. I want to look at a few things and Adam needs to get some stuff for his upcoming school.

We get in to Target with dry kids. We take the PeeMan to the bathroom while we're there. First he goes in with Mom, can't pee. Then he goes in with Dad...there's "urine holes" in there (that's what Adisson used to call urinals). After his traumatic touching the urinal cake holder and having dad hit it out of his hand, he did manage to pee a little in the urine hole. WOO HOO!

He's dry when we get home. Until he steps on the magic PEE HERE NOW spot in the yard....and then pees his pants. Again.

Is it bed time yet?

It's Potty Training Time

June 1: The Day of Reckoning.

This is the day that we say goodbye pull-ups, hellllllo underwear. We started the morning off with a big argument. Zander says "NO UNDERWEAR!" Mom says "No Pull-Ups!" Mom wins. So far.

Accident number 1: 10:13. Pee in the shorts. I happily take off his pee clothes, gently reminding him we pee in the potty. He takes a stand and redresses himself in a pull-up and pants. "No Pull-Ups, just underwear." Drama ensues. Mom wins...PeeMan is in undewear.

Success: 10:52, Pee in the potty! Bribe with sticker on the chart. Totally works.

Success: 11:43, Pee in the potty! Again, sticker is magic!

Accident number 2: 1:14. Sigh. This isn't much fun already.

Accident number 3: 2:27. Enthusiasm dwindles.

Sucess: 3:01. Does it count if it's merely 2 drops of pee?

Neighbor is dropping her daughter off soon so she can grocery shop without toddler madness. Please don't let me child pee on the floor!

Precious Pirate Princess plays and has a good time until her Daddy zooms in to pick her up. Thankfully, no accidents.

Oops. Accident number 4: 4:26. Outside on the sidewalk.

Success: 5:02. Pee in the potty! I'll take the tiny little drops as a sign of goodness.

Major Fail: Nasty undewear mess. Love the poop. Accident number 5: 6:34.

Success: 7:24...sticker time!

Accident number 6: 8:07. Is it bedtime yet?

Success: Pee. Woot. 9:12. Get in the tub. Convinces Dad that he must wear underwear to bed. This will be a disaster.

Accidents: 6, Successful Potty Visits: 6

Mom - 0, Zander - 1

So it's been awhile. :)

Jaxon-Cecil Wyatt McGhee was born on January 11, 2010 at 9:36 am. He weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20 inches long. My c-section went well, though it always takes me some time to come out of the fog of medication. I spent most of the actual surgery vomiting into a pink bowl. :) But he's here and healthy and we're thrilled!

The last four weeks have been almost a blur. We had visitors for the first several days (or blessings really, I never would have been able to get through those first few days without my mom!) and Adam was off work for two weeks. He's since gone back to work (though not for the last several days thanks to the blizzard of 2010!) and the boys and I are just trying to figure out how everything works.

Adisson is an enormous help. He is a lifesaver, especially when Adam's at work. He's always willing to help out with Jax and does pretty good at entertaining Zander as well. Zander is just smitten with Jaxon. He talks to him all day, shows him toys, gives him high fives, touches him, kisses him...he's in love. :) I've been very fortunate to have the big boys be so accepting to my little teeny guy, it's made things transition pretty well.

Adisson's been doing school, albeit a much lighter workload. I had everything organized before Jax arrived, so it's been really easy to just have him work on what I've already prepared. We're trying another "Download 'n Go" from Amanda Bennett and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine this week for Valentine's Day and I wish I could say I liked it more. I hate that I spent money on it since I've already seen a free one and we didn't like it, I don't know why I thought that would change.

Now that I've caught you up, I've got to go and I hope to be back again VERY SOON!