We have increased Emma’s dose for a second time just to make sure we’re getting the maximum potential out of the medication. I am very specific in that I don’t want my daughter “drugged” or “numb” to anything. I’ve seen that with other medications and it’s not fun. But it is not out of the ordinary for me to want to “take the edge off”. At her age, there are certain behaviors we should not be seeing right now. I think the changes my daughter has made are night and day. She’s polite, sweet, compassionate and cuddly. Not that she wasn’t any of those before, but before it was more forced or reminded by us. Now she does it willingly. It’s the sweet little girl I always knew was in there. I don’t know that we need to increase her dosage anymore. She’s still on a relatively small dose. But I don’t want to push the limits if I feel it’s not necessary.
Below: picture of Emma holding her little brother who is 3 days old. Precious.
7-2-06
On another note, I leave for Paris in 4 days. Eeek!! I have a mix of emotions…excited, happy, nervous, anxious. Butterflies in my tummy more and more. I’ve never left my kids this long. And I haven’t been out of the country since having kids. But I keep at the forefront of my mind all of the wonderful experiences I’ll have. And that creates excitement. Last night I had a dream I slept all through the flight(s). I wish. Why haven’t they invented teleportation yet? Since 14 hours on a plane is a must in order to get to our destination, I am thankful for these things: family to keep me occupied, iPad, Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones, books on iBook, Ambien, and Xanax. (the last two not to be mixed together, nor with the free alcohol I hear you get on international flights)
Some necessities for travel…thought I’d share. Water bottle (see how cute it is?) if tap water is declared potable (Paris is). Large reusable bag, especially useful in Europe. Travel candle, Scentsy. You never know how your accommodations will smell. Laundry bag. Umbrella. Baby wipes, you just never know. Learned that lesson in Russia. One nice pair of shoes to go with multiple outfits: hello Tory Burch! Hat. To the right…rolled clothes…to save space.
Today is the day when my dear hubby packs up the car so that I can take the kids, plus my Mother In Law and Grandma In Law (GG) to California for 10 whole days! So excited. So much planned! And, so lucky that my dear hubby will come out Thursday night and spend the holiday weekend with us too! That makes my load a bit easier, especially since I had the kids for a full week 2 weeks ago. (By the way, I survived that whole week, in case you couldn’t tell) Anyway, this will be such a great time!
On Tuesday, I have a super-secret trip planned for my boy’s birthday (which is on Wednesday). I can’t wait to tell him! And you! And share the pictures. We’re going to have a blast!
On Wednesday, we will spend Mason’s birthday at the del Mar County Fair! Woot woot! Mason is super excited for the “carnibal”.
Thurday: Beach day.
Friday: the Midway and a harbor cruise (perhaps on the duck?) and dinner out with some SD friends
Saturday: Padres game with the family…and a special ride on the Coaster to get there!
Sunday: Happy 4th of July!! What will we do?
Monday through Wednesday we’ll be in Big Bear. I’ve never been there…and I’m SO excited!
Brett and I have been blessed with having both sides of the family in the Phoenix area. It makes it so much easier to get out on date nights or to maybe sneak away for a few days. This past trip was one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. And we’ve taken a lot of good trips. It was so nice to relax on the beach without worrying about anyone getting sand in their eyes, nap times, meal times, boredom, etc. It was like a second honeymoon, which I mentioned, was the last time we went on a beach vacation alone. Talk about time to recharge the batteries! Is it just me or do most parents come back with a deeper appreciation for their kids? I missed them a lot…especially the last day. And flying for a whole day seemed to take forever! My energy is restored, and so is my patience.
We got home from Boca yesterday. It was hands down one of the best trips we’ve ever taken together. I think it’s the only beach vacation we’ve had without the kids since our honeymoon in Jamaica almost 8 years ago. We had the best time with our friends, and loved meeting new friends and family of the bride and groom. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I had never been to a beach wedding and it was breathtaking! Everything was perfect. I have some iPhone photos for now, and hopefully I can get other photos up soon. Enjoy!
As for me, I have turned back into a pumpkin with piles of laundry, dishes to unload, and two beautiful kids who missed us so much!! I’m happy to return to my life, and hope that I don’t have to wait 8 more years for another vacation like this!!
View from our condo
Keys to our golf cart which we used to get around the island.
One more video about Autism…the whole topic is fascinating, and I don’t mean that in a “good” way. There’s so much to learn about it and from it. Take, for example, this lady:
In other news, Brett and I leave for Florida today….without kids! We are attending the wedding of some good friends of ours. I couldn’t be more excited for them; they are a beautiful couple inside and out. I couldn’t be more excited for us! I think the last time we had a beach vacation without the kids was our honeymoon! We’re staying in Boca Grande. Here’s a picture to make you jealous!
