CHRISTMAS IS OVER? NOPE, NOT AROUND HERE

It's been busy around here. Busy but in a good way, so here's the poop:

Thursday I worked. I thought hospitals were supposed to be slow around the holidays?! I was swamped and still left a mess for the boss when she came back the next day. What up with that? Then Thursday night met some friends at Wick's for pizza and beer. Yum and double yum. Unfortunately our waitress was horrible. Not very friendly to begin with, along with hardly checking on us to see if we needed anything, AND it took forever to get our food. Seriously, don't make me wait on my food, people. I can be this critical because after all, I am a former bartender and waitress. At a pizza place, too! But as always the pizza was delicious. Wick's is one of my favs. And of course spending time with my gal pals was the whole reason we met, so it was all good.

Friday was my only day to sleep in for the whole week. Either we had Christmas goings-on or I had to work. Colby Michael was up at 4-freaking-15AM, just jabbering away. You know how you're not sure if you're awake or dreaming? It took me a while to figure out he was in there awake and wanting my attention. So I drag my sleepy butt out of bed and go check on him. Absolutely NOTHING was wrong. I tried all my tricks. Did he need trach suctioning? No. A dry slobber rag? No. Were his feet cold? No. Feet hot? No. Dirty brief? No. Needed to be repositioned or his head turned the other way? No. Feeding come undone and leaking on the bed? No. He just wanted to say hey mama, I'm up, and you should get up, too. Ugh. I was like, look kid, shut your pie hole and go back to sleep. It's not time to get up yet. He finally drifted off to sleep after 5:00. It was all we could do to keep him awake during the day. I was telling him, oh no you don't. No naps for you Mr. 5-freaking-15 AM Jabber Jaws. Tough it out.

Yesterday we spent the day with my brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. The other niece was home sick in bed with a cold. (Sad face.) Dad came over and picked up Colby and me and we drove to Madison, Indiana to meet the fam. That's about halfway for both of us. We met at Clifty Falls Inn and had lunch. They had a sitting room with a beautiful Christmas tree, fire place, couch and chairs. We hung out in there so Colby could lie down. We exchanged gifts, visited. It was very nice. Wonderful actually. Colby had an UNEVENTFUL day. No chokes. No tears. He was the bestest, sweetest boy. Of course he was good, he got to open more presents! We got home and Colby and I watched the UK/U of L basketball game, which totally sucked, and then the U of L/Miami bowl game, which totally rocked. Yeah, I won't be programming any of the words I used during the basketball game on Colby's eye gaze!     

Today I tried to get some things caught up around here. I worked 3 hours doing housework, but you sure can't tell it. On half of the kitchen table are clean clothes needing to be put away. On the other half is a myriad of things, bows, bags, tape, Colby's toys, Pampered Chef boxes, Christmas items needing to be packed away, etc. There is Christmas crap everywhere around here, and I don't even want to talk about the mountain of mail that has evolved over the last couple of weeks. Oh, and Colby's daddy brought 2 more gifts from his side of the family. How many presents has this kid opened since December 3rd? Not sure, many, I've lost count. That child has no idea how loved and supported he is. Enjoyed watching football today also. Lots of good games. Always good when my Colts win. On to the playoffs! Yippee skippy!

I hear a jabbering kid. Either his Spongebob DVD is done or he just wants his mama. Yeah, we all know which one it is. Later, taters. I also have laundry calling to be put away.

MASS, PRESENTS, SWEET BOY - A perfect Christmas Day indeed

This Christmas Day has been simply fabulous for us. Got up and got ready for the day. Got Colby up and ready for the day. My dad came by, picked us up. We went to Mass at the Cathedral. Met my BFF Kim and her boyfriend there. Last year's Christmas Mass ended badly, as Colby had a choking episode, a really bad one, right when Mass was ending. We had Colby all sprawled out, lying on the floor back by the blessed Mary statue. It really was an unpleasant experience. This year I was determined things would go better, and sure enough, they did. As soon as we got there we started scoping out the best place to sit. Kind of hard because Colby's chair is so big with all his equipment on the back vent tray. The priest had come over to say hi, and I mentioned that I really didn't like sitting all the way in the back of church. So he springs into action. Goes completely to the front of the church, the very front freaking row, and starts clearing us out spots to sit. Now, the only thing I dislike more than sitting in the complete back of church is sitting at the complete front. But what can you do? So all 5 of us went to the front and sat for Mass, suction machine being turned on, Colby's jabbering, his vent beeping every now and then, for all the congregation to see and experience. Oh well, Colby has just as much right to be there as anybody else. I kept thinking, what if he chokes? What if I have to give him a CoughAssist treatment right in the middle of Mass? What if we have an emergency with him? WHY are we at the front, very front of the church?! But everything went fine, wonderful actually. Colby did great, and I'm glad we did something "churchy" on Christmas Day. It was important to me.

Came home. Got Colby all settled in for the rest of the day. Did his 2:00 feeding, 3:00 cough treatment. His daddy came over to give him his Christmas present, a new fancy schmancy 10-gallon fish tank. The ex's wife got me a present from Colby. Yes, a little odd I admit, but she's always been super nice to me. I like her waaaaay more than I like the ex. It's a beautiful necklace with a peacock on it. Something I never would have picked out for myself, but actually I really love it. After they left, Colby and I opened the rest of our presents from each other. Now he's chilling out watching some of his new Spongebob DVD, and I'm sipping on a most delicious bloody Mary. They were making Christmas dinner, so I think later the ex is going to bring me a plate of food. Yes, weird I know, but thank goodness we get along decent. I'm sure it will be much better than the flavored popcorn and rum cake I've had so far today.

A friend of mine on Facebook described having all their kids together for Christmas and feeling "content and blessed." That describes how I've felt over this holiday season, too. Very blessed for the gifts we've been given this year. Colby has stayed out of the hospital, first and foremost. Not one single day in the hospital for an illness. NOT ONE! That's almost unheard of in the SMA world. Colby has made such amazing progress this year with learning to drive his chair and operate his eye gaze communication system. Lord knows he still has a ways to go, but wow, just look how far he has come. AND he's going to school 5 days a week! I never, ever thought that would happen for Colby, but sure enough, don't count that little crap head out. He is amazing to me and to many who are lucky enough to know him. He is the sweetest, most precious gift God has ever given me. Every day with him is like Christmas, truly.

Okay, going to let Colby watch a little more Spongebob, then it's Mama's turn to pick what we watch. Christmas Story (you'll shoot your eye out) or National Lampoon's Christmas (shitter's full)? Decisions, decisions. Merry Christmas to all out there in blog land. Hope you build memories with family and friends and that you ended up on the nice list. Or if you ended up on the naughty list, hope you had a lot of fun getting there!

OUR CHRISTMAS DOINGS

Just got Colby tucked into bed. I hear him back there jabbering away, the little stinker. Made me a big glass of chocolate milk, the king of flavored dairy drinks, as according to Spongebob. Popped in It's a Wonderful Life. Buffalo Gal, won't you come out tonight? Thought I'd do a little blogging and get to bed so Santa can come visit!

Yesterday Colby and I had Christmas with my mom and stepdad. The day got off to a bit of a chaotic start, but then things mellowed out. Overall we had a great day. I could swear I told them to be here at 11:30. They swear I said 11:00. So they showed up half an hour early according to me but right on time according to them. Sigh. Colby was hanging out in nothing but his brief, not even dressed yet. And then the nurse came a bit late to flush Colby's port. She was supposed to be here at 10:30, but of course showed up 10 minutes after Mom and Kenny got here. Mom had asked me what I wanted for Christmas lunch. I said biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs. She just chuckled, thought that was not your typical holiday lunch. Maybe not, but it sure was delicious. They finished up getting lunch ready while I finished getting Colby ready for the day. And I made a rum cake for dessert. Had lunch, then opened gifts. The fun stuff! Colby sure was a grumpy butt though. Not sure why exactly. He doesn't seem sick in any way. Once they went home, Colby and I snuggled on the couch and took a nap before the night nurse got here. Then we gave Colby a bath. Had a couple of friends over for visits and more gift opening. Come to think of it, the evening was a bit chaotic, too. But that's what Christmas is about, spending time with family and friends! 

I worked half a day today. Wasn't it wonderful for me to go in and work so we won't get too far behind over the holiday? Then when I got home the nurse and I did Colby's trach change. Colby and I chilled out for the most part the rest of the night. We've been watching some Christmas movies. My dad came over and fried us some walleye and hush puppies. Yum! Yes, again, not your typical Christmas dinner, but darn tasty. We got Colby up in his chair and we wasn't nearly as grumpy today. So I don't know, yesterday just wasn't his day I guess, because he seems perfectly fine now.

Okay, that wraps it up for now. I'm getting mighty sleepy. Not even going to stay up and watch the rest of my movie. Merry Christmas to all. Take time to remember the reason for the season. 

CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS - SO INTO IT THIS YEAR!!

We've been doing a bunch of Christmasy things around here the last few days. What the hell else are we going to do, it's CHRISTMASTIME!!! Shopping, done. Wrapping, 92.6% done. Baking, 95.8% done. If you're jealous, you should be, ha-ha. Actually I had to get my rear in gear because I'm working the next 3 days. My BFF came over Monday and helped me knock out the baking. We made peanut butter fudge, Oreo balls (still have a learning curve with those; it was an adventure), almond bark candy and some yummy Chex stuff with M&M's, peanuts, pretzels and melted white chocolate. There is nothing I'd rather be doing at Christmas than making goodies and no one I'd rather be doing it with than her! Colby had a very special visitor Tuesday night, Santa Claus! Colby's afternoon bus driver's husband dresses up as Santa every year, and they came over to see us. What a kind, thoughtful thing to do! We are truly blessed that's for sure.  

Colby, the night nurse and I went to Lights Under Louisville tonight. It was so neat! I've never taken Colby before, which is sad because it's perfect for him. You drive your car through this ginormous cavern and they have fantastic light displays. Over 2,000,000 lights with multiple themes, and they have Christmas music playing throughout. It was beautiful! Kind of expensive, $25/carload. Luckily we received a free admission coupon at the Hosparus party. Will definitely go back next year though.

Tomorrow Colby is having a pajama party at school. They're also watching Polar Express, which he hates BTW, and having a little gift exchange with classmates. Just one more day, then he's on break for 2 weeks. I know he's excited. He was, let's just say, less than overly excited to do schoolwork this week.

I have yet another "you suck" story about Apria, but this time it involves their enteral department. Never had any trouble with them until this month. Should've known it was too good to be true. Ordered Colby's feeding supplies on December 6th, they were to be shipped on the 12th. Still didn't have them by the 16th and we were completely out of Neocate Jr! Had to borrow some from another SMA family. Called Apria, got the complete run around. They finally agreed we should be getting the supplies. Yeah, no shit peeps. So they overnighted us 3 cans, one of which busted open and spilled everywhere. OMG. Then they sent us via ground shipping the rest of the Neocate, or so I thought. Sent 1 box (4 cans) and we were supposed to receive 3 boxes (12 cans). So I get on the phone this afternoon and say hey, yo, where is the rest of our Neocate, fools? The customer service rep says well, according to this, it was delivered today and dropped off at your front door. Crickets on my end. I was like, ummmm, well, let me check. Sure enough, there it was, 2 boxes of Neocate right outside the door. I felt just slightly on the stupid side. But if they weren't stupid and had shipped everything when they should have, none of this would have happened, right? Right.     

RIP hair dryer. We've been together many years, and I'll always remember all the times you dried my hair in a safe and timely manner. However, your orange, burning coils and your burning smell stinking up the bathroom tell me you no longer wish to continue this relationship. It's not so much me as it is you. No worries, you've been quickly replaced. Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Okay everyone, this blog is getting rather long. Plus I need to tuck Mr. Colby in bed, so I'll wrap up for now.

IT'S WRAPAPALOOZA - CARE TO JOIN ME?

This past Tuesday got off to an odd start. I was getting Colby ready for school. It was around 7:30 and we were in the middle of his morning routine. All of a sudden, they declared a snow day and called off school. Why couldn't they have called it off half an hour earlier so we could have slept in?! The nurse and I went ahead and took Colby swimming at Home of the Innocents. He sure loves that pool. It proved to be a good day after all.

Wednesday Colby's class had a field trip to the mall to see Santa. Can you imagine what was going through Santa's mind when he looked up and saw 6 special needs students coming towards him? Hope he had a flask tucked up under that beard!

The rest of the week was so-so. Colby had a crappy day at school Thursday. He wouldn't answer questions or cooperate at all with his eye gaze. He frustrated the teacher, nurse and speech therapist. Then when he came home, I was none too happy either. Had to put him in timeout, which I hate doing. Damn, the kid doesn't get to do much as it is. But I had to stand my ground. He didn't get to watch Spongebob from 2:00 until 6:30. Actually I just turned off the TV all together and had him look at a blank screen for a while. Mean old mama! But guess what happened? Sure enough, Friday he had a much better, more cooperative day. This kid is going to drive me to the cray-cray farm for sure.

I worked half a day yesterday. Then at about 4:00, Wrapapalooza 2013 began! I'm chipping away at it, and I'd say I'm about half done with all my wrapping. There is crap strung everywhere around here! Paper, tissue paper, boxes, bags, bows on my bed, on the kitchen table, on the couch, on the living room floor, OMG I need more room. Dear Tiny Jesus, in your golden fleece diapers, I pray to you we're in a bigger place this time next year. It'll take me at least 15 minutes to clean up my bedroom just so I can go to sleep tonight. Colby has been "helping" me wrap. Together we tear the tape off the roll. So it's probably taking me twice as long to wrap, but he seems to enjoy it, so who cares. I'm old school. I try to wrap as much as possible. Not shove it down in a bag and wad tissue paper on top. I prefer paper, ribbon and bows. But I'm sure by the end of the week, I'll be doing the bag and tissue paper trick, or even the here's your gift in a Wal-Mart bag because I ran out of time trick. Don't judge.  

Took the trash out this morning to the dumpster and saw my good buddy the albino squirrel. Yep, he's still creepy.

Want to hear something pitiful? Of course you do, it'll make your life seem better, haha. When we got home from Cincinnati on November 26, my dad took my van across the street and filled it up for me. No, that's not the pitiful part. Actually that was very sweet and generous of him to do that. The pitiful part is just today, December 15th, 19 days later, I just now had to put more gas in the van. That should give you an indication of just how much I DON'T get out around here. Oh well, easy on the wallet I suppose.

Time to get kid in bed, then I'm not far behind. It's been me vs a headache today, and unfortunately the headache is winning. Looks like I'll be cuddling up with Excedrin and an ice pack tonight. Good night, all. Only 10 more days until Christmas!! Ho-ho-ho.

LET THE HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES BEGIN

Colby is great/super/fantastic. Last Tuesday we attended the annual Hosparus party. Those peeps can really throw a party! It really is an amazing event. I get teary-eyed every time we go. Colby has been lucky enough to attend several years in a row. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there. He is the sweetest man, real beard, twinkly eyes, the world's best Santa in my opinion. We sang Christmas songs. Colby made an ornament. They had a fantastic balloon artist. Then they brought out the gifts! And Colby opened present, after present, after present. Pants, shirts, games, U of L blanket, books, tons of fabulous stuff. Shout out to the generous employees at Beach Mold and Tool for financially supporting this event, and thank you to the fabulous Hosparus gang for hosting and providing us with the best party ever. If that doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit, trust me, nothing will.

Colby has been hit or miss on his participation with eye gaze. Some days he's on it, some days he's not. He's doing very well driving his chair, though. We'll take him swimming tomorrow. He hasn't been able to go for the last 2 weeks because 1 week I had to work and last week was the Hosparus party. Then Wednesday his class will be going to the mall to see Santa and shop for gifts. I have to remember to send some money with Colby so he can buy me something really cool with my own money haha.

I'm great/super/fantastic as well. Oh sure, there are always some pain-in-my-ass events going on. Like the idiot neighbor of mine who parked in our handicap spot last night. They do it again, I'm calling to get them towed. Rude! But overall, I have no major complaints. We had the perfect snow day this past Friday. Finally got the ornaments on our tree. I keep it simple. No garland, none of those stupid icicle strands. No color schemes. Just sentimental ornaments. I think our tree looks perfectly beautiful.

Took my stepdad out for Homemade Pie Kitchen tonight. I mean, doesn't everybody go out for ice cream in December when there's snow on the ground? Good thing I did an exercise tape today, oink oink. Going there is "our thing." We take each other there for birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day. He's pretty much the coolest stepdad in the universe. Got lucky there, very, very lucky.

I've made my list and I've checked it twice. I must brag on myself a bit because I only have a few more gifts to get, 4 or 5 maybe, and I'm DONE shopping for the holidays. This is a miracle I tell you. I'm the world's worst Christmas shopper. Indecisive, thinking I'll find something nicer or at a better price somewhere else, then end up with nothing at the end of the day. Not this year by golly! I've had focus, which is not easy for me. Ooooh, shiny object!! And isn't online shopping freaking fabulous? I have a goal that I'll be done going out and shopping by Friday afternoon. If not, the rest of it will be done Saturday morning at the butt crack of dawn before Colby gets up. Mama ain't got time to waste.

Better wrap this up for now. Just wanted to let everybody know things are okie-dokie-artichokie around here. Nite-nite, more blogging soon.

FUNDRAISER INFORMATION

It's probably no great surprise that money can get tight around here sometimes. I can only work part time, so yeah, do the math. My wonderful, thoughtful, caring friends are doing a fundraiser for Colby and me. Here is the info:

Pampered Chef Fundraiser 

benefiting Amy and Colby

Thursday, December 5, 2013

7PM to 9PM

Memphis Christian Church

13503 Memphis-Blue Lick Rd, Memphis, IN 47143

 Colby was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I as a baby and is currently wheelchair and vent dependent. There are so many expenses above and beyond what insurance will cover. Amy and Colby will receive 15% of the profits from the show to help ease the burden of out-of-pocket expenses. Karen will be making The Big Enchilada, Touchdown Taco Dip and S'mores Cake. Hope to see you there - should be lots of fun!

Can't make it on the 5th but want to place an order? No problem!

You can order online. Here's how:

Go to new.pamperedchef.com/pws/karenchildresspcdiva. Click on top left corner where it says Shows you're invited to or hosting. Hit drop-down box. Click on: Looking for a specific show? Type in host first name: Amy. Type in host last name: Bagshaw. Click on Search. The link for the show will show up at the bottom.

Orders will be in by Christmas - start holiday shopping today!

 We're also raffling off the awesome rockcrok 4-quart capacity Dutch Oven featured on page 2 of the catalog. This cookware can go from stovetop to microwave, grill, oven, broiler. Raffle tickets are $2.00 each.  

If you have questions, please ask in the comment section below.