March of Dimes

SHARE HOME > SHARE YOUR STORY > ALL SHORT STORIES > BLOGS

MY PHAMILY

LilyGrace'sMom

August 2008

Category: Home

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Aug 05, 2008 11:13pm (EST)

I just love mesome “Sound of Music”, but what I love more is that Scott McTriplet has Julie Andrews on his top 10 list of hot females. LOL Oh, I digress…

Brace yourself for a really long post...so much to share!

I loved that Mickey and Lily Grace were so great on their first airplane ride. Mickey was just so thrilled that he was actually on one. He had the biggest grin ever. They even got to go into the pilot’s cockpit to check things out when we landed…what fun!

Kansas City
I loved that Leighton and Mickey got along so splendidly. They hit it off right from the get-go. They were nonstop talking as well. Leighton schooled Mickey on caring for frogs and their habitats upon finding one in her yard.

I loved that Denise was willing to step aside and let Billy take over her kitchen as he made his special potato salad. Denise even said, “I don’t do seconds ever, but I’ve had two helpings of it already”…as she scooped a bite off of my plate. LOL

I loved that Emerson let Lily Grace play with all her horses and dolls up in her room. I hardly saw Lily Grace all day once we got there. They got along and shared so nicely.

I loved that Leighton tried to put Lily Grace down for a nap on the couch. I have a sweet picture of Lily Grace playing along.

I loved that Scott McTriplet was so impressed with Mickey’s tolerance for pain…especially when he fell backwards off the swing and landed on his head after bouncing about a foot (well, that’s according to Scott) then popped right back up without missing a beat to play again.

I loved that Kara and her gang came over to play that night, and that the three of us had some girl time together.

I loved that all our husbands got along well and had good conversation. I think Billy loved it that Charlie kept hooking him up with some crown and coke as he hounded Denise about getting this and that from her kitchen.

I loved mesome Charlie’s burgers, Denise’s basil pasta salad and Billy’s homemade potato salad…what a great meal! And to wash it all down…I loved the Malibu and juice concoction that Charlie made up for me. It was the bomb! It ranks pretty high next to my Pham Cham now.

I loved that my best friend was so thrilled to have me in her home again. I just adore that sweet girl!

I so hated that our stay wasn’t longer. We will next time though…besides, Charlie promised to take me on the casino boat! Woohoo, I can’t wait!

Indianola, IA; Balloon Festival
Even though it was so very hot, I loved that our families were able to get together…meeting the spouses and kids that I’ve “known” for the last few years. I never would have imagined that I would build amazing friendships with people I met online. Truly amazing!

I loved watching Gavin (Darcy’s oldest) and Mickey horse around together…though I think Mickey got Gavin in trouble several times for running around us instead of walking. Mickey only has two speeds…sleep and go really fast! LOL

I loved that Logan and Lily Grace spent some time coloring together…another sweet picture.

I loved watching all 100 hot air balloons floating in the sky. It was so so cool! The best was the shuttle balloon…reminded me of home.

I loved that drilled in one piece fried potato…can’t really explain it, but it was so so yummy!

I loved that Randy took 900 pictures…some great ones of the all the kids.

I loved that Darcy held Smelly Ellie by her ears in our girls’ group picture, but I’m not thrilled that she thinks Smelly Ellie has cooties by the way she was holding her. LOL

I loved that we tricked the cars behind us when Billy and Mike played a block and cut move to get both of our cars out of the parking lot at the same time. Sorry we couldn’t get the McTriplets out as well, but they were on our tails shortly.

Ankeny, IA
I loved that Shonda’s bedroom was so pitched black that we all slept in until 9:00am our first morning there!

I hated to see the McTriplets head out, but I loved that I would get to hang with them again later in the week.

I loved that the kids enjoyed another day together playing at a bounce house. However, I didn’t love that we had to crawl under tables in a party room due to tornado sirens going off…nice way to welcome us to the Midwest, thanks Darcy and Shonda! LOL

I loved that the kids finally went to sleep and Mike, Shonda, Billy and I were able to visit and watched a movie together…well, Billy and Shonda made it to the end of the movie while Mike and I called it a night earlier.

I hated to see my boys go the next day while Lily Grace and I stayed to enjoy the rest of our vacation.

I did NOT love that an hour after the boys left I found the keys to our airport parked car in my purse. However, I did love that our neighbors checked Billy’s truck and found it to be unlocked so then my sister was able to get in our house through the garage remote and got the spare set and met him at the airport later that evening. Whew!

I loved that Lily Grace grabbed Shonda’s hand and lead her out to the water fountains at the splash park while London and Camden sat on their towels and ate all the snacks. LOL

I loved sneaking by Carissa’s house where Shonda took a picture of me standing at her front door. I was so bummed that I was right there at her doorstep yet she was miles and miles away vacationing in Michigan. Bummer!

Even with the rain the day before, Mike was able to get a great fire going for us. I loved making S’mores sans chocolate out in Shonda’s fire pit…so fun. I loved that we stayed out there until 2am then moved inside and stayed up for another 2 hours. Crazy, I know…but we had lots to talk about!

I loved that Lily Grace did so well all week long without a single nap…well, besides two short ones in the van. She slept great all week, and bedtime was relatively easy given that she was in a new place and all.

I can’t say that I loved my pedicure. It was okay…tickled like heck, but the color was nice. The kids all got their toes painted as well…even London who chose a bright, apple red. LOL

I loved my time with Shonda even if our kids weren’t best of buds as we had hoped.

Then we got together with Darcy and her boys again for lunch and a fun play date at the mall. I loved that even in public Lily Grace still has to spend timeout with her nose against the wall and her hands behind her back (in this case on the bench…no walls available LOL).

Lee’s Summit, MO
I loved Kara’s spare bedroom’s bedding…pink and black polka dots…too cute! And the bed was quite comfy as well. Lily Grace and I slept well there as well…looks like we can sleep just about anywhere. Anyone else want to host us? LOL

I loved that Sullivan, Isaac, Lorne and Lily Grace got along so well. They played so nicely and hardly ever fought over toys or whimpered over this or that. I loved watching these 4 miracles together. Kara and Scott are unbelievably awesome parents to these sweet boys. They have so much love and patience, and the structured routines from “it’s your special day” calendar to the choreographed restroom ins and outs. I learned so much just watching them interact and play with their sons…truly special.

I loved participating in the boys’ nightly routine of books and prayers. Kara asked Lorne who he wanted to pray for…his response… “Mommy and daddy, Sullivan, Isaac” then he whispered “Jaclyn and Lily Grace”…totally unprompted! Oh my goodness! It so brought tears to my eyes. I had to fight them off. What sweetness! I just adored that sweet face.

I loved that Lorne forgot that Lily Grace had already given him a hug goodnight and whimpered that she had forgotten. I loved that Lily Grace went back in his room and gave him another big hug and even a kiss on the lips. Melted my heart!

I loved (and still do) hearing Lily Grace say, “It’s my bess frend Suleban.” They were best buds…sitting next to each other at the dinner table, on the couch, coloring together, holding hands on the fireplace… so sweet…as if you can’t tell from those pictures.

I loved that we all tattooed ourselves and sported dino tats in support of Colleen’s MOD fundraiser…well, everyone but Miss LG! She declined…miss prissy!

I loved Scott McTriplet’s burgers! I’d like to see a cook off between him and Charlie Rock! That would be great fun…and so tasty to my tummy as well. Oh, and his grilled corn on the cob…the burnt, crispy taste and smell…I had 2 cobs that night and threaten his life if he touched any of it! LOL

I loved that...heck, I don't even remember what was said...but apparently it was so funny that Scott spewed his beer out from his mouth all over the kitchen and Kara's leg. It was oh so funny!

I loved that I was able to keep Kara up late both nights…with our adult beverages we chit-chatted about all sorts of fun things! We had great laughs together. It was just so much fun!

I hated to see our vacation come to an end…though I was looking forward to seeing my boys again. I did miss them so!

All in all, I loved our entire vacation…all three-leg tour of the Midwest. A big thank you to all our hostesses for opening up their homes and being so accommodating to all of our needs…you guys are the best! I had oodles of fun as did Billy and the kids.
Jac

KC 2

Balloon Festival 2

LG BF 2

IA 2

LG & SMcB

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (6) | Permalink

WENT WITH A SMILE, WOKE WITH A CRY

Jul 17, 2008 09:01pm (EST)

I'm just posting this so I can have it later for my blog book...

I couldn’t sleep Monday night so I enjoyed myself a glass of some Germany port. It was yummy, but it didn’t do the trick. I finally made it to bed around 1am only to wake up at 3 am when Lily Grace started to whimper. She probably was headed for another ear infection. Ugh…but that would all change in just a few hours.

We made it to the hospital at 7:15 am for her ear tube and adenoid surgery after dropping off Mickey at my mom’s. We checked in and waited…well, I waited while Billy and Woogie walked around, played with toys, rode in buggies and wagons, admired the fish tank, etc. We finally made our way back to the holding area where she changed into some cute yellow scrubs and played some more while we were given instructions from the ENT, nurses and anesthesiologist. Dr. Imelda, who is a good family friend, was the anesthesiologist who worked on our surgery last time who would be on our case again this time around…per our request of course. We knew this going in so we played and swam at their house for their son Davis’ birthday party and spent the 4th of July weekend with them so Woogie would be comfortable and familiar with Imelda.

After Dr. Imelda gave us the procedures and what to expect then she said, “Oh wait.” She then ran off only to come back a minute later with a toy boat that we had left at her house. Woogie loves this boat and had the biggest smile on her face as she hugged the boat, and off they went hand in hand. The moment was perfect! Later Imelda would tell us that as they walked, Imelda said to Lily Grace, “I’m Davis’s mom”. To which Woogie replied nonchalantly with, “I know”. Too cute!

I was more composed this time around than the last surgery. I didn’t even tear up. Billy and I went to the family waiting room where I finally could get something to eat and drink since we couldn’t partake in front of Woogie…wouldn’t have been so nice of us. We sat down and started on a movie. Then in no time flat, the ENT came out to tell us she did great! He drained the fluids behind her ears and her adenoids looked great coming out.

Ten minutes later we were lead back to the recovery room. My poor Woogie was crying and so not happy. It just broke my heart. I rocked her in my arms. She was still so upset. She wouldn’t have any of her juice. She yanked the pulse ox off her finger and was tearing at her IV. She was so mad. This is when I started tearing up. She kept crying and crying so the nurse gave her some Tylenol with codeine to ease her pain. She drank it down like a trooper, but continued to cry, pulled off her pulse ox again, and yanked at her IV. The nurse gave up on the pulse ox, but then reinforced the IV with more tape for the “just in case we need it”…which we did moments later for more meds.

Billy was great through all this. He told Woogie that she had 5 more minutes then the nurse would take off her IV but only if she drank some juice or water. She opted for the water. The meds were kicking in some, and in between cries she would slowly sip her water. Billy’s 5 minute countdown last 40 minutes! It was great and she bought into it. By the time we received clearance Woogie was calmed and ready to go.

After exchanging party favors…so it seemed…Billy brought Imelda his company cap that just came in for her husband John while Imelda gave us our watermelon container back from the 4th of July gathering LOL, we head down to valet. Woogie, funny we had the nurses and Imelda calling her that as well, snoozed on and off on the ride home. She woke up when we got home so I made her a palette on the floor with a juice bag and there she lay for another 40 minutes watching her Princess Sing-A-Long DVD. She even went pottied in the big girl potty before naptime.

All in all, it wasn’t a bad surgery but a sad and tough recovery. Hopefully we’ll now have another year or more of infection-free ears and strep-free throats.

Update since her surgery: She ate like a champ the first day, then didn’t care for her food much the 2nd, and is now back to her normal eating and playing schedule. She bounced back quicker and with less pain than I anticipated. Thank God for that. Thank you all for your well –wish posts, emails and texts.

Jac

ENT

LG Dad post op

LG post-op

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (9) | Permalink

FIRST FOR EVERYTHING

Jul 10, 2008 06:18pm (EST)

Earlier this summer, I cooked my very first full meal from scratch. Rosemary pork chops, stewed tomatoes with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. It was tasty! But the time spent and the messes were no fun. I think I’ll leave the cooking to Billy.

Last week, I went to put a load of laundry in the washer then dumped a cup full of detergent…well, what I thought was detergent was actually bleach! Yikes! I ruined a few of Billy’s and Lily Grace’s clothes. Oops. What’s a girl to do? I think I’ll leave the laundry to Billy.

4th of July found me cutting up my first whole watermelon. If I say so myself, each piece was so uniformed in size and shape…I was quite proud. LOL I think I can handle that again!

Just this past Monday, I took both kids to the mall to play at the play area. We get there only to find that they did away with the playroom, and in its place was an athletic store. Bummer for the kids! The mall was 25 minutes away so I didn’t want to just get back in the car and drive home so we decided to walk and shop a little. It was the first time that I took the kids *into* the mall by myself. They were great for the most part…well, thank goodness for the little television seating area at Gymboree. I did manage to purchase an outfit and two pairs of shoes for Mickey, and a cute little visor and a pair of comfy shoes for Lily Grace.

Lily Grace has been going to the big girl potty since she was 18 months old right before bath time every night, but hasn’t wanted to any other time of the day. This morning, she decided she wanted to start potty training. I was not prepared for this…I hadn’t even bought any pull-ups or girly panties yet. So I grabbed one of Mickey’s old little underwear for her to use. She got the first undies a little damp before she came running to tell me she needed to “go potty”. Then thereafter proceeded to come tell me before heading to the bathroom. She did this for the next 5 times prior to naptime. Back to a diaper for naptime, but as soon as she got up she asked to go to the potty. Woohoo! We did go to the post office and to pick up some pull-ups so she did have a little tee in her diaper, but it was a great start…I’ll take it! I hope tomorrow goes just as well. Wish us luck…but then next week and traveling may set us back some…oh well. She initiated potty training so hopefully she’ll do it again.

Upon getting out of the car from the above trip, and while I was visiting with some neighbors, Lily Grace and Mickey grabbed their trikes and started down to the cul-de-sac. Next thing I know Lily Grace is pedaling her trike all by herself. She has always foot-pedaled, but not pedal pedal…another first! Woohoo! My little pink princess is growing up!

Next Tuesday will find us at the hospital for Lily Grace’s ear tube and adenoid surgery. Though it’s not her first time…this time she’ll know a little more about the pain and “doctors”. Hopefully, this recovery will be much easier than the first time though with adenoids as well…hmmm. Please keep her in your prayers for this upcoming procedure…minor but still makes me nervous.

Then on the 25th of July, we are taking our first family vacation that actually requires air travels. The kids have never flown before. Mickey is so very excited! He asked if we were flying in a jet. He asked if he could sit all by himself. He asked how long it will take. He asked if we would take the plane back home. He had millions of questions. Then, he asked who we were seeing. I told him some of Mommy’s favorite people in the whole wide world.

Mickey then asked, “Will we see that little boy who likes construction trucks, trains, big rigs and monster trucks like me?”

I hated to break it to him but… “No, we can’t see Braden this summer. He’ll be at the lake in Michigan.”

“Can we see him when he gets back though?”

“No, I’m afraid when Braden returns home we’ll be on our way home as well.”

“Well, can we see the little boy that likes Thomas the Train?”

“Oh, you mean Kyle?”

“Yeah, that’s the one. He likes Thomas a lot!”

“Yes, Kyle does. But no, we can’t see him. He’s not well enough to travel right now, but we sure will miss him, won’t we?”

“Well, who *can* we see?”

“Well let's see, you’ll get to meet the Rock girls, the McTriplet boys, the Boybarians, the 4 Miracles and my twin’s two children.”

“You have a twin? And girls will be there too?”

LOL

Jac

PS. LG definitely took her time with potty training and pedaling her trike…all at her own sweet pace…whether it’s preemie relate who knows...who would know best would be Dr. Berns. Please join us for our next chat on Tuesday, July 15th when Dr. Berns will discuss hitting milestones with our preemies. 3EST/2CST

LG trike front

LG trike back

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (7) | Permalink

CAN WE WIN THIS RACE?

Jun 26, 2008 08:24pm (EST)

Lately, I find myself in a place of doubt…a place where I question what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and how I’m doing it, but the question that cycles through my mind over and over is “what have I done?” I try to imagine my children’s lives 5, 10, 20 years from now, and I wonder if what I’ve done has caused them future harm…perhaps mental and possibly emotional harm.

It has never occurred to me to entertain these thoughts before now, but I’m finding that it’s popping up all around me…the race issue.

Being Asian and married to an Anglo-American and having two incredibly beautiful bi-racial children has not once been difficult for me. I guess I grew up in a bubble, but I’ve never been discriminated against or felt that I didn’t belong anywhere that my feet landed me. However, as I listen to the general public dissecting of a possible president elect, I do wonder if my unending love for my husband and my children will be enough to withstand, encourage and teach them that there is never a need to judge someone due to the skin color of their parents and of their own. I do wonder if and should they “favor” one race over another if that would cause others to question their loyalties to their other ethnic background and family. I hope and pray that no one will belittle them, segregate them or suggest that they don't belong to either race should they find that they spend more time with and emulate one over another. I hope and pray that race doesn’t bar them from doing whatever their hearts’ desires…even being President of the United States one day.

My children are growing up with two different cultures…one not as prevalent as the other, but still there none the less. My children have two languages though they speak only one, but can understand the other for the most part. My children love whole-heartedly both their grandmothers and their respective families. My children see love and not differences, people and not skin color. My children are our gifts from God…a glorious mix of the two of us. I just pray that I can help pave their future and help them become the person that God intended for them to be…loving, kind, compassionate and understanding.

Jaclyn

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (14) | Permalink

DOES YOUR HUSBAND…

Jun 17, 2008 03:44pm (EST)

cook?
clean?
do laundry?
iron?
wash dishes?
watch click flicks?
buy Christmas ornaments in June?

Yes, you read that correctly, he buys Christmas ornaments in June.

Yesterday, Billy picked up Mickey from school and they went shopping…to Tuesday Morning. They came home with a backhoe for Mickey, a swimming fish for the pool for Lily Grace, and fourteen Christmas ornaments. He said they were a great deal so he bought them. Gotta just love my manly man of a hubby! Y'all are jealous, aren't y'all? Hands off, he's all mine! LOL

Jac

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (15) | Permalink

LILY GRACE'S 1ST PHAMILY PIANO RECITAL

Jun 14, 2008 08:59pm (EST)

You can skim through the first two items, but do go down to the video and check out Lily Grace's 44-second video. This tickled us so.

Click here to view her video

Jac

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (6) | Permalink

MY UNKNOWN FATHER

Jun 02, 2008 12:20pm (EST)

Fumbling through some old papers, letters and pictures, I came upon this poem that was written by my older sister over 25 years ago when she was in high school.

My Unknown Father

I wish to know that man
That my mother had so dearly loved,
Who, when I was only two
Returned to his maker above.
I can still remember the softness
In his voice as he sang me to sleep,
Accompanied by the pitt-pattering
Of the rain upon the streets.

I wish to know that man
Who had cared and loved me so,
And held me in his arms
When I was sleepy and cold.
I can’t even recall the face
For I was merely a child,
But one thing I’ve not forgotten
Was the smile in his brown eyes.

I wish that I had known
How to speak as I now do.
I’d tell me dearest father,
Before he left, that I love him, too.

Please join us for our Father’s Day Chat, June 4th at 3 PM EST, 2 PM CST.

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (5) | Permalink

POPSICLE PRO

May 17, 2008 10:09pm (EST)

Miss Lily Grace has become quite the pro at eating a popsicle. If you haven't quite perfected your popsicle method, check out the 26 seconds play by play, step by step instruction on how to eat a popsicle starring the Pink Princess...watch it here.

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (5) | Permalink

MICKEY’S MUFFINS FOR MOMS MOTHER’S DAY MORNING

May 08, 2008 11:09am (EST)

What a special treat to spend this morning with Mickey at his school where we had breakfast together and then he presented me with his Mother’s Day gifts. I received a purple “Mom’s Memo” magnetic thingymagiggy for the refrigerator, a corsage made from cutouts of his hands, and some special poems and letters.

Of course, our special time was short lived. He spent a total of 10 minutes with me and then he was off playing with his buddies. I felt loved…really. LOL

His teacher came by and sat down next to me. To be honest, I got a little nervous and worried that she was going to tell me how “all boy, active and needs to be engaged at all times” Mickey is, but instead, she totally surprised me and said, “Mickey has the biggest heart of any student I’ve ever had. Even when he doesn’t get to go to the treasure box, he’s the first one to clap his hands and say “good for you” to someone else. He’s so kind and polite. He’s so smart and does such great work. I’m so proud. He’s come so far. I already told your husband, but I wanted you to hear it first hand as well. You have a great kid there, Mom.”

Wow! I was not expecting that at all. I mean, I know Mickey has a kind heart and is quite compassionate, but I didn’t expect her to see “him” that way…to overlook all his other shortcomings to get to the softer, kinder side of him. Wow! What a special moment for me. She definitely brought me to tears.

Then I looked over and he’s horse playing with another student and gets reprimanded by another teacher. LOL

I hope you can read his letter about me…

Happy Mother’s Day to you all!
Jac

Mick's Thoughts on Me 2

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (12) | Permalink

BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER

May 01, 2008 10:35am (EST)

I can’t think of a better birthday present than to celebrate by marching with close family and friends to give every baby a healthy start!

The week leading up to our walk was full of clouds for me. I lost a few walkers. Our t-shirts were running behind schedule. Then they arrived with the wrong shade of pink color lettering…pepto pink…I could have used some Pepto to calm my stomach! And just like a man, Billy said for me to go home for lunch, hoot and holler then get over it! <Rolling my eyes at him…again!> And just when I thought my stomach was calmed, the weather report indicated a 50%-70% chance of rain on March day. UGH! Things were not looking so bright for The Haynes Phamily Team for March day. It just seemed as if the clouds kept rolling in.

But the sun was trying to peep through. Friday night, my sister called and asked if two of her co-worker friends could walk with us. Then, we had a steady stream of donations that came in which really boosted my spirits. Everyone was healthy and ready for our march. Things were looking up for us.

Sunday morning arrived. It was cloudy and muggy but no rain. We packed the single and the double jogger and headed out to the walk site. We met up with our team, ate Panera bagels (yummy!) and got our walking feet going. I have to say that my favorite part of the entire walk is when your team arrives at the start line and the announcer announces “Lily Grace is here. The Haynes Phamily Team is ready to walk. Thank you, Haynes Phamily Team”, and then again at the finish line. Something special about that moment.

We walked and talked and had a great time! We finished the 5 miles in about 2 hours… well, some of us took the shortcut. hehe

The rain held off until we got on the road for home. All in all, it was a fantastic day for a little birthday walk amongst friends and 40,000 other walkers.

I can’t wait for M4B09!

Jac

Haynes Phamily Team 08

The_Phamily

Team_walking

Posted by LilyGrace'sMom | Comments: (13) | Permalink

Archives