Pumpkins and Monsters

Well...we still aren't sleeping. I mentioned that we traced it back to a book at school...this one actually.... http://www.amazon.com/Go-Away-Big-Green-Monster/dp/0316236535/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224770967&sr=8-1 So, I bought a copy at Barnes & Noble and she and I did a "project" turning each scary monster into a silly monster by gluing, taping, coloring, stickering, etc each page that we cut out of the book. Seems to be working some, but now she is just mad at me and in a bad routine since she is used to bein up a lot at night - and mad since I won't let her sleep in my bed. Additionally, part of the fear seemed to be the issue of feeling "trapped" in her crib, so we have moved onto a "big girl bed" (aka toddler bed). We did night 2 of it last night. She is doing better at going to sleep, but not very good at staying asleep. last night she (& therefore we) were up at 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 5:30 and then 6:30. About a year ago I had the stamina and conditioning to handle this sleep schedule - but not anymore! The fact that I still have a fever just stinks too. So, I am practicing patience.

Here are also some pics from our trip to the pumpkin farm last weekend with Jackson.

Checking In...

The shingles front is going much better. Two weeks of real misery followed by a week of working on reduced power. Now I feel better, but I still can't shake the dang fever...its been right around 99.5 for 3 1/2 weeks now!

Lilly, unfortunately, has become really, really, really, deathly afraid of a monster at night. We haven't slept in a good 3-4 days, and I am actually dreading tonight. So, the lack of sleep (+ fever I guess) has given me a real solid migraine... Middle of the night last night she finally told me it started w/ a book they had read at school. So, this morning I talked w/ her teachers and figured out the book..."Go Away Big Green Monster." I went out and bought the last copy at Barnes & Noble at lunch and she and I will have some sort of regaining control of the monster party tonigt. At first I thought just ripping it up....but I think that sends the wrong message (about books and troubles). So...we will cut out the pictures and turn scary things into funny and silly things (ala scary monster becomes tickle monster). That said...prayers for her feeling of safety and bravery would be gretaly appreciated. I've tried enforcer mode (cry it out...didn't work & made both of us miserable). I've tried cheerleader mode (yea Lilly...you are such a bug, brave girl who slept all night in her own bed! I know you can do it!...works hit & miss but not reliably). So, know I am onto desperation mode. If anyone else has tricks up their sleeves, please share (oh - and we already have the light on, music on, calm routine, and the water bottle "stay away monster spray"). Last night I even duck taped the closet doors shut. Ugh. Definietly having flash backs to when she firt came home and we didn't ssleep for all those months.

We did go to a pumpkin farm this weekend w/ Jackson & Kendra, which was great fun. Pictures to come eventually. Since I am playing picture catch up...here are some from Florida/Disney the week before shingles!

SHINGLES :( (beware...whining ahead)

I have fun pics from our trip to Florida, but I haven't uploaded them to my computer yet - so you'll just have to stay tuned. Unfortunately as soon as we came back from FL I came down with the shingles. Yuck. (Basically - the chicken pox virus I had as a 6? year old (?can't remember exactly - but I know we were still living in England) back with extra itchiness and LOTs of pain and yucky burning (& soon to be oozing) scabs all over my left arm from my shoulder & armpit down to the tips of my fingers).

Lilly has had the chicken pox vaccine, so she should be ok. I just have to avoid pregant folks, folks who haven't had the chicken pox, and immuno suppressed folks like cancer patients...except...that's right! I'm the director of a cancer center! UGH! (and, turns out my secretary hasn't had chicken pox eaither). SO...I am trying to work from home when possible & go to meetings away from the cancer center. The home part is nice so I can wear a comfy cotton tank top and not irritate the dang sores all down my arm with fancy (read itchy) work clothes. If it was just itchy and pain it would be ok, but I just feel so dang crappy...fever, exhaustion, etc.

THANKFULLY, LUCKILY, BLESSEDLY I have wonderful people in my life who are jumping up and helping...Kendra and Jackson came Saturday and Jackson & Lilly entertained each other & wore each other out while Kendra basically cleaned my house. WHat an angel. Then Dad came all day Sunday and Mom came this evening. Kendra reminded me to not be prideful & ask for help...us super-moms...especially I think those of us who are single moms by choice - feel we signed up for this gig and can/should do it all ourselves....which is of course INSANE coming out of anyone's head but your own...but pride is a tough one to swallow. So, I am so very grateful for those angels around me!

I promise FL pics once I have overcome this insatiable desire to cut off my left arm to stop the incessant itching.