Like, Three was Soooo LONG Ago....

Oh Mommy, you always get that.

I know, cuz I love it. And, you, always get that.

NO, NO. I. DON'T. (Yes, he does.)

You don't, really, what else have you had here?

A lovely conversation with my big 4 year old at Panera, one of our favorite date places.

I got the ham and cheese once.

Noodle, you don't even like ham and cheese.

I know, but I did get it that one time.

Oh yes, you did get it that one time.

Seeeeeee, I don't always get this. {insert a little head shake}

Well, now you do. {insert a bigger head shake}

Yeah, I do now. Now that I am FOUR. I used to get the ham and cheese when I was three. {Insert scowled eyebrows}
(Said as if three was such a terrible thing to be)

Yes, Noodle, when you were three, that was oh, so long ago. {insert big smiles}

I know, right, Mom, it was like so long ago. (What is he a valley girl??)

AHHHHH, I love this boy.

Peace

Thirteen Years, and We've Never Had a Fight!!

We stood in the hallway and admired the portrait.

"We looked so happy", I said. "So young, wow, thirteen years went by so fast. That day was so magical. Still wouldn't have changed a thing."

"Mommy, you look so skinny."
"Yeah, thanks Schmoogie...."
"Daddy, you have a mustache....hahahaha, and you look...."
"What? Just like Daddy, right?"
"Yes, you do, you look the same, except that mustache." Chuckle, chuckle.

On this day, thirteen years ago, I married my "bestie", my BFF, my soul mate, my "husbando", the one who is always by my side.

Funny thing is while so much has changed for us over the years, so much hasn't, like how we feel about each other.

I love you more than I did on that day. I feel so satisfied with who we are and who we have become. I feel so rich and blessed with the family we have created. I love the memories we have and those we create each day.

Happy Anniversary babe, with so many more to come, I just cant wait.

Love to love you, still,
P

Since When are Second Opinion's a Bad Thing?

For most of my adult life, I have battled sinus infections. Lately, however, I have been losing, losing big time. I have been treated quarterly for infections for the past year and a half. Far too often, and my doctor and I have had enough. He sent me for a cat scan, and referred me to an ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist).

About two weeks ago, I met with the lovely, Dr. B, a well known and equally respected ENT here on the North Fork. Dr. B read the cat scan to which I will spare you the gory details. He did determine that sinus surgery was necessary, a pretty non-invasive procedure that will be done ambulatory at the local hospital.

When I shared the news with family and friends, it was recommended that I get a second opinion, as it is still surgery, and a similar specialist should really concur. I agreed.

By the referral of my boss, I went to see Dr. H, an experienced ENT up Island. Dr. H and I met and hit it off really well. A wealth of knowledge, he thoroughly explains the nasal anatomy and opens up a new door for the headaches I suffer, indicating that my ultimate prognosis may stem from migraines, and not necessarily from sinuses. He also suggests an alternative to surgery, a four week run of antibiotics to clear the gunk the surgery would remove.

When I inquired about another procedure that Dr. B suggested be done simultaneously with the sinus surgery, he deemed it unnecessary, and asked why would I ask such a question.

Once Dr. H concluded that my visit was for a "second opinion", he stood up from his little doctor stool, stated "oh, you have already been to an ENT", and informed me he had other patients to see. He told me to ask him my most important question, as he needed to wrap up our visit.

I was dismissed. I. Was. Dismissed. By a doctor!

Needless to say, I was beyond upset.

I think it's important to note, Dr. H performs the same surgery that Dr. B does.

Holding back the tears, I assured Dr. H that I appreciated his expertise and thorough explanations. I reminded him that my boss, his patient, had recommended that I come see him, because "he is the best". I also reminded him that since someone suggested surgery, I just needed to be sure it was the right thing to do. I was back pedaling, why was I back pedaling? I didn't do anything wrong, did I?

I asked my final question:

"Why did you become so stand-offish, once you knew I was here for a second opinion?"

Yes. I. Did.

He deserved it.

He was being not only unethical and completely unprofessional, but he was down right rude.

Dr. H replied, "I have told you what I think you should do. I need to see other patients now, and you need to make a decision."

Clearly, my decision was to never see Dr. H again.

I have also decided to go through with the surgery, with Dr. B, which is scheduled for 2 weeks from today. Wish me luck.

Peace.

A Brief but Fortunate Encounter with a Coccinellid!

A little Coccinellid brightened our morning.

How lucky were we, to find such a pretty little creature in our bathroom. The boyz were so excited to see her.

According to wiki, Coccinellids are and have for very many years been favorite insects of children. Many believe that if a ladybug lands on you, your wish will be granted after you blow it away. Some even consider ladybug’s to be fortune bugs. Wow we hit the jackpot this am.

I also read that they usually appear in the early fall, seeking warmth in brightly lit areas....well, my bathroom is certainly full of sunshine, fall/winter, well, that's close ;0)

Researching Ladybugs has slayed a lifetime belief in a myth, I guess. Did you ever hear that a ladybug's age is determined by how many spots are on it's wings? Wrong.

"Mommy, What should we do with her?", notice he called the lady bug a girl, posed the Noodle.

"Well, there aren't any aphids in our bathroom, so we should bring her to the backyard and let her go out and search for some outside."

After I gently placed the little lady on a thick square of toilet paper, Schmoogie took her down the stairs to the sliding glass door. Noodle, a tad squeamish, followed close behind. They eagerly let her loose into the wild of our yard to search for some food.

Something about her made me feel happy today. I'm not sure if it was her bright, beautiful color, or those vibrant spots, but something about her cheered me this morning, and I certainly feel fortunate that she came for a visit.

Peace.

~Happy Double Digits Schmoogie~

Ten years ago today, I became Mommy! Happy 10th Birthday to my dearest Schmoogie!!

To simply say you have accomplished so much this year, would minimize your existence.

To simply say I am proud of who you are, who you have become and who I can see you becoming, would minimize my pride.

To simply say you can make me smile, laugh, cry and become enraged all in one half hour, would minimize your effect on me.

With full admiration, I point out just one of the most recent honors you received. I'm not sure who was more proud, you, me, your father, or your little brother, as you graciously received three of the four possible awards at the basketball shootout. Out-standing! Sports are what frames you, you are an incredibly talented athlete, and I really don't believe you fully comprehend how good you really are.

With full determination you always give 110% to whatever it is you are doing. Sometimes it's bordering obsessive, but it is always with purpose.

You are an amazing child. I love our "date nights", our silly sayings and Schmoogie songs, our similarities until they hurt, and most of all the sparkle in your eyes when you look at me.

Schmoogie, I love you with all my heart. I look forward to this year's accomplishments and the pride you exude from me. Ahhh, to be ten, again.

Love you to pieces,

Mommy

We Bent Lent

While driving home with my amazingly intelligent first borne on Ash Wednesday the following conversation occurred:

"Hey Schmoog's, have you thought about what you might give up for lent?"

"Yes, Mom, I actually have."

Shocked that he even has given such a religious practice any thought at all, I eagerly inquire, "Oh, really, what?"

"Brushing my teeth."

Trying not to bust out laughing, I answer him calmly, "I don't think that's what Jesus meant. You know, Schmoogie, you're supposed to give up something that you really like, or enjoy."

"Fine Mom, then I will give up taking showers."

Jeeze, what's with this kid and wanting to throw hygiene out the window?

"Uh, I don't think so."

"Why not, you know I love taking showers Mom, I always sing in the shower."

"Yes, Schmoogie, you do love taking showers, but again, that is not what Jesus meant."

"I know Mom, I was just kidding. I think I will give up candy for lent."

Bingo, now we're getting somewhere.

"Great choice. I'll tell you what, I will give up candy too. This way we can be a team....Team Lenten."

Two days pass, and the little beast comes to me with this, "Mom, you know that bag of goodies you gave me for Valentine's Day?"

"Sure, why?"

"Well, there is some really great candy in there, there is no way I can do this lent thing."

And just like that, lent was dead. Maybe next year I can be a more forceful Catholic.

Peace.