July 18th-July 25th went by much faster than July 10th-July 17th, that's for sure. We all had a fantastic time! Good family bonding and great memories were made! It is funny how expensive memories have become!
Niagara Falls
I must say that Niagara Falls is well worth the trip even if you have already seen it! I had been there twice before but you forget how breathtaking it really is! Absolutely amazing! The rushing river seems to fall right off the edge of the earth and the mist it creates usually forms a rainbow. We didn't make it over to the Canadian side but the American side is beautiful. The view from the Canadian side is just as breathtaking so if all your papers are up to date I suggest the extra few minutes to see it.
The town of Niagara Falls leaves a lot to be desired. Most of the area is under redevelopment and a lot of the houses and businesses are boarded up and it looks quite depressing. You would think that because it is a major tourist attraction that most of this area would have been tended to. Nevertheless, you tend to overlook this minor eyesore because of the natural wonder that is a mere 500ft away.
Buffalo
Bills Stadium, Anchor Bar (home of the Original Buffalo Wing)...that's all I have to say about that.
Syracuse
Jamaine is a huge Syracuse fan so we had to fit this into our schedule. It was a beautiful city. The architecture, the houses, the university:beautiful. The view from the football stadium into Syracuse was great and worth the stop. They allowed us to go into the Carrier Dome (where they play basketball and football) BUT apparently we over-stepped our bounds by going onto the field and we were promptly kicked back into the stands. Ahhh well...we had already taken our pictures! :-) Syracuse also has a beautiful park that has a memorial for the Underground Railroad called "Jerry's Rescue". I could definitely see myself living there...EXCEPT...they get WAY too much snow for me. As I have stated before I hate winter!
Cooperstown
The baseball capital of the country. What we didn't know when we booked our motel here was that it was inauguration weekend for the Baseball Hall of Fame. What we found out once we got there is all sorts of Hall of Famers and MLB players were going to be in town that day! We actually met Goose Gossage and...wait for it......Yogi Berra! Epic!! It was amazing! Jocelyn shook hands with a living legend! Oh, we also saw Pete Rose.
We are a family who knows how to eat...and boy, did we! We stopped at the cutest diner called...ironically enough, Cooperstown Diner. If you ever make it to Cooperstown, EAT THERE! We ordered a jumbo cheeseburger being naive out-of-towners and when we got it the burger patty was 2 inches thick!! I took a huge bite out of mine and it was DELICIOUS and cooked perfectly. I was unable to finish mine but Jamaine manned up and ate the entire thing. We actually went there twice. (Don't judge me)
Cooperstown itself is a quaint little town with a quaint little Main St. complete with a bakery, a diner(the formerly mentioned Cooperstown Diner) and a General Store. It is also situated on gorgeous Lake Otsego. It is where the Susquehanna River begins. We were skipping rocks and watching a mother duck and her babies and watching the sailboats blow whichever way they wanted. It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect either.
The only downside to the Cooperstown stop was the motel...when we returned from the glorious day we had just spent I realized the motel was infested with spiders. I couldn't face staying there and Jamaine checked us out and we found a new hotel. Jamaine was sort of fed up with me at having to leave our cute little motel, but I just can't handle spiders. There could have been snakes and mice all over the place but spiders...no.
I would definitely recommend going to Cooperstown and I am sure we will go back.
Boston
We spent most of our vacation in Boston. We were able to see much of the city and most of the historical sites. There is a trail called the Freedom Trail marked with red paint and bricks all throughout the city. The Freedom Trail, should you choose to follow it, takes you on a walking tour of the city's most notable historical places such as, the South Meeting House where they decided to make a stand against the English and dump tea in the river...waste of perfectly good tea I say..., also the Paul Revere House which was pretty neat to actually see and the USS Constitution. Boston is a great place for history. I am pretty sure I almost bored Lexie to death but she got over it. So. Much. Walking.
There is a wonderful ice cream shop called Emack and Bolio's not far from the USS Constitution...also definitely worth a look. Our trip to Boston would not have been complete without dinner at Cheers. Let me warn you ahead of time that it looks nothing like the set on the show but you can definitely see the inspiration for most of it. The food wasn't great but it doesn't have to be does it? That's not why you go there, is it?
The part of Boston that Lexie liked best was just outside of Boston in Salem. Of course we did all the witch stuff...The Salem Witch Museum (not what I expected...but ok if you don't know much about the witch trials) We also went to the Witch Village and learned where the stereotypes of witches come from...you know, the warts, the broom and the green face? That image was cooked up by the government of the time. These apothecary women were making medicines that the government were also selling at a higher price. The gov't didn't want the citizens buying their meds from these women and wanted them to buy their drugs so they concocted the story about the evil, ugly women making potions and casting spells. Seemed to work.
The House of Seven Gables is in Salem. A beautiful house right on the Salem Harbor and has beautiful gardens that Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about in his book of the same name. He is also rumored to have wrote The Scarlet Letter in that house.
Overall, the vacation was great. We only had rain and traffic on the way home trying to get through New York City (of course). I would have liked to spend more time in Niagara and maybe another day in Cooperstown. I think an entire week would be good in Boston to actually go into and enjoy all the buildings on the Freedom Trail...we were only able to go in a few of them. I suggest this trip or a similar version to anyone in the Northeast. You really cover a lot of ground without feeling overwhelmed.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Oh, Jocelyn...what's next?
We had an appointment with the Urologist today...needless to say, it did not go as I would have hoped. Do you need back story? Read on...if not, skim and keep going to the latter paragraphs.
Jocelyn was diagnosed with Renal Reflux at 2 months old. Her bladder was forcing urine to go backwards up into the kidneys She got a really bad infection that actually damaged her right kidney. She was diagnosed with Non Neurogenic Neurogenic Bladder at 9 months. Her bladder looks the same as someone who might have Spina Bifida or other Neurogenic problems but she doesn't have those things. Her bladder does not empty completely which means that we have to catheterize her every 4 hours...fun, fun, fun.
Both of these conditions leave a high likelihood that she will get a urinary tract infection. And she has had several. She has had dozens of tests and procedures over her 3 years and even a surgery last year to resolve the Renal Reflux. Her reflux has been resolved, but the infections continue to come, mostly due to the cathing.
Now to todays appointment. She had her kidney ultrasound today and she did VERY well and only fussed at the beginning and then started saying "cheese" when the tech took the pictures of her belly. Once we got the urologists office she told us that her kidneys looked the same as they did last time...we sort of expected that though. I cathed her at the office and gave them the sample. They can do a dip that comes back instantly for white blood cells that show sign of infection and then they culture it to see what bacteria is growing. So they dipped and it came back positive for infection...we are now waiting on the culture and we are starting antibiotics tonight. She had been infection free since October 2010. Streak broken.
The urologist also mentioned that she wanted all of us (including to consult with a neurosurgeon about a procedure that cuts a cord in the spine that connects the spinal chord to the base of the spine. Sounds super scary but apparently it is a very common surgery performed by neurosurgeon and something done frequently in children like Jocelyn. With that being said, I am scared. I thought our days of surgery were behind us. I don't want them to remove one of her vertebrae and put it back. I am so nervous and it's not even scheduled yet and it won't be set in stone for 6 more months, but she is my baby, no one wants to see their baby go through any type of surgery. It is likely going to help her bladder dysfunction and I am open to getting her as close to "normal" as possible, but I have a LOT of research to do about this surgery before I talk to anyone!
I am ready for Jocelyn's medical journey to be over. I hope that IF she has this surgery she will be fixed and her bladder will function correctly. A lot of questions need to be answered...now how do I find the answers I need before I go back to the Dr?? Another question...
Jocelyn was diagnosed with Renal Reflux at 2 months old. Her bladder was forcing urine to go backwards up into the kidneys She got a really bad infection that actually damaged her right kidney. She was diagnosed with Non Neurogenic Neurogenic Bladder at 9 months. Her bladder looks the same as someone who might have Spina Bifida or other Neurogenic problems but she doesn't have those things. Her bladder does not empty completely which means that we have to catheterize her every 4 hours...fun, fun, fun.
Both of these conditions leave a high likelihood that she will get a urinary tract infection. And she has had several. She has had dozens of tests and procedures over her 3 years and even a surgery last year to resolve the Renal Reflux. Her reflux has been resolved, but the infections continue to come, mostly due to the cathing.
Now to todays appointment. She had her kidney ultrasound today and she did VERY well and only fussed at the beginning and then started saying "cheese" when the tech took the pictures of her belly. Once we got the urologists office she told us that her kidneys looked the same as they did last time...we sort of expected that though. I cathed her at the office and gave them the sample. They can do a dip that comes back instantly for white blood cells that show sign of infection and then they culture it to see what bacteria is growing. So they dipped and it came back positive for infection...we are now waiting on the culture and we are starting antibiotics tonight. She had been infection free since October 2010. Streak broken.
The urologist also mentioned that she wanted all of us (including to consult with a neurosurgeon about a procedure that cuts a cord in the spine that connects the spinal chord to the base of the spine. Sounds super scary but apparently it is a very common surgery performed by neurosurgeon and something done frequently in children like Jocelyn. With that being said, I am scared. I thought our days of surgery were behind us. I don't want them to remove one of her vertebrae and put it back. I am so nervous and it's not even scheduled yet and it won't be set in stone for 6 more months, but she is my baby, no one wants to see their baby go through any type of surgery. It is likely going to help her bladder dysfunction and I am open to getting her as close to "normal" as possible, but I have a LOT of research to do about this surgery before I talk to anyone!
I am ready for Jocelyn's medical journey to be over. I hope that IF she has this surgery she will be fixed and her bladder will function correctly. A lot of questions need to be answered...now how do I find the answers I need before I go back to the Dr?? Another question...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
That's All Folks.
Some of you know that my Jocelyn had her 3rd birthday yesterday. I can't believe how fast it is going! I usually spend the night before her birthday sobbing about how she is growing up too quickly. This year I did fine...until it was 11:25p.m., the time she was born and then I got sad. I just want to freeze time...riiiiiiiiiiiiight NOW! She is talking really well and can feed herself and get around by herself but she still needs her mama too...to me that's perfect combination....semi-independent but will still snuggle. I think it makes it harder to watch her grow up because I know she is my last, my baby.
Meanwhile, my Lexie is going on 13 this summer. I have gone from coolest mom on the block to the meanest almost overnight. Is this how this tween/teen thing works? One day your the best thing walking and the next they can't even stand to be in the same building with you? It can be very frustrating. Now hear me out because Lexie is wonderful...not just a tween. She is a straight A student, involved in violin, likes to play tennis, is a great big sister and has big dreams and goals for herself. I am so very proud of her...then she says "I AM! GOSH!" and then I wanna punch her (but I don't). The "tude", as we call it around here, changes like the wind, but I do look forward to seeing the successful woman I know she is going to be.
I always thought I would want 5 or 6 kids but now I see that is just NOT going to happen! It is a very different place for me to be...the not wanting anymore kids thing. I no longer get jealous when I see a pregnant lady, I don't get baby fever at the sight of a newborn and I don't go all gooey in the newborn clothing section at Target. It is sort of liberating actually. I wanted Jocelyn for almost 5 years before I held her in my arms. It was a very intense 5 years and now...eh...no thanks, I'm done. I don't have the patience I once had and I NEED my 8 hours of sleep a night. While not rushing the kids to grow up, I look forward to getting through a meal without having to pick up a dropped fork or spilled apple juice. I look forard to not having to battle someone to get a shower and do their chores.
All in all...my family is 4 and that is perfect for me.
It's been a while...
My efforts to make more frequent blog entries have been thwarted by computer issues, sick children, and general projects around the house. An update is due.
Jocelyn was developing rashes over the weekend. They were pretty bad actually. We ended up at the ER on Friday night. If there are other parents reading this they have already been through this, but this was one of those times that you hoped the rash (or other problem) would last until you got to the doctor. Now, don't get me wrong, you also want it to go away so you know the child is better, but you want the doctor to see 2 things...number 1-The rash (or other issue), so that it can be diagnosed and number 2-That you aren't that crazy paranoid mother who rushes the kid to the doctor every 5 minutes! Luckily, the rash was still there and actually appeared in other spots almost in front of their eyes. It turned out to be viral and they told us what we thought they would...give her Benadryl and keep your eye on her. Ahh well, sometimes you just need other people to tell you they are ok.
As far as my diet, after 3 weeks of dieting and excercising, I have lost 9 lbs! I admit I was expecting more results by now but I will take it! I know my excercise is not at it's max level yet but I am doing what I can. Especially with my asthma being as bad as it is. Side note:Asthma sucks...real bad. I have been enjoying being more active in general. I like walking around the zoo or to the park or even parking further away in the parking lot...I don't see it as such a burden or obstacle I see it as an added bonus to the day. Somedays I really DON'T want to go to the gym but once I get there I am fine...well until I get to the stupid bike...man, I hate that thing! The part I am most proud of myself for has been my abilty to resist food temptation, but that Baked Mac & Cheese looked SO good!'
I am also less than 2 weeks away from vacation!(Which I would like to be down another 5 lbs for) In case you didn't know, I am super excited. Although there have been some unfortunate changes to the schedule, I am so pumped to just GET AWAY! I don't want to rush it here because I know that the sooner it gets here the sooner it's over. I am in no rush to get back to my normal, boring apartment or my normal, boring car. I am NOT one of those people who say "It's nice to go on vacation but it's nicer to come home". As long as I have my family with me I would keep moving. I am a rolling stone!! Lol.
I guess I will sign off here because the other topic on my mind (the children) is enough for its own post.
Have a beautiful day readers!
Jocelyn was developing rashes over the weekend. They were pretty bad actually. We ended up at the ER on Friday night. If there are other parents reading this they have already been through this, but this was one of those times that you hoped the rash (or other problem) would last until you got to the doctor. Now, don't get me wrong, you also want it to go away so you know the child is better, but you want the doctor to see 2 things...number 1-The rash (or other issue), so that it can be diagnosed and number 2-That you aren't that crazy paranoid mother who rushes the kid to the doctor every 5 minutes! Luckily, the rash was still there and actually appeared in other spots almost in front of their eyes. It turned out to be viral and they told us what we thought they would...give her Benadryl and keep your eye on her. Ahh well, sometimes you just need other people to tell you they are ok.
As far as my diet, after 3 weeks of dieting and excercising, I have lost 9 lbs! I admit I was expecting more results by now but I will take it! I know my excercise is not at it's max level yet but I am doing what I can. Especially with my asthma being as bad as it is. Side note:Asthma sucks...real bad. I have been enjoying being more active in general. I like walking around the zoo or to the park or even parking further away in the parking lot...I don't see it as such a burden or obstacle I see it as an added bonus to the day. Somedays I really DON'T want to go to the gym but once I get there I am fine...well until I get to the stupid bike...man, I hate that thing! The part I am most proud of myself for has been my abilty to resist food temptation, but that Baked Mac & Cheese looked SO good!'
I am also less than 2 weeks away from vacation!(Which I would like to be down another 5 lbs for) In case you didn't know, I am super excited. Although there have been some unfortunate changes to the schedule, I am so pumped to just GET AWAY! I don't want to rush it here because I know that the sooner it gets here the sooner it's over. I am in no rush to get back to my normal, boring apartment or my normal, boring car. I am NOT one of those people who say "It's nice to go on vacation but it's nicer to come home". As long as I have my family with me I would keep moving. I am a rolling stone!! Lol.
I guess I will sign off here because the other topic on my mind (the children) is enough for its own post.
Have a beautiful day readers!
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