Mr. Murff Spends The Night At The Hospital

All Mommy can say about today is HOLY COW!  We all had an early start to our day.  Mommy and Daddy had to go to work, and you two went to Aunt Ti's house.  When Mommy left you both at Ti's this morning there were no tears, however, Aunt Ti reports that you, Bodhi,  were cranking ALL day long.  You didn't like Victorea, Uncle Brent's oldest daughter, visiting at Aunt Ti's, and for some reason you still haven't warmed up to Uncle Brent.  Aunt Ti reports you cry whenever you see Uncle Brent.  You have also been especially finicky with noises lately!  Everything seems to scare you these days.  Aunt Ti reported that you didn't eat hardly any of your lunch, and though you were fussing, wanting dinner tonight, you didn't hardly eat any of your dinner either.  Jude, I think you had a pretty good day, a little fussy, but nothing compared to your sister.  Aunt Ti agreed to watch you two a full day, since Mommy didn't know what time I would get done with work (an important court hearing in Lafayette), however, Aunt Ti couldn't handle anymore fussy Bodhi butt by noon, our usual pick-up time.  Luckily, Mommy was back in town from the court hearing and finishing up work, so Aunt Ti only had to keep you both about an hour and half past the normal pick-up time.   Mommy had to get Mr. Murff into a specialty clinic at the last minute, for a second opinion, so Mommy was rushing around trying to figure out who would sit with you two, and how I was going to get Mr. Murff to his vet appointment.  Aunt Ti drove you two home, to allow for Mommy to get Mr. Murff ready.  GiGi came over to sit with you two, but since you two hadn't napped, Mommy waited for Aunt Ti to drop you off so I could put you down before I left.  If either of you would have seen GiGi when Aunt Ti dropped you off, neither of you would have went down for your nap.  So, once you both arrived home, Mommy whisked you to bed, while GiGi hid.      Acutally, Aunt Ti was able to keep you, Jude, asleep, and put you in your crib without you waking, while Mommy got Bodhi settled.  GiGi and Mommy do not know how Aunt Ti managed to keep you asleep, that never happens for us!

This morning Mommy had to drive her client to Lafayette for a Permanency Hearing.  Mommy is happy to report it went smoothly and there were no surprises, however, the vet called when Mommy was driving home and then all chaos ensued, as I briefly explained above.  First, Mommy had planned to take Mr. Murff for a diagnostic evaluation at an animal hospital in Anderson, but when Mommy called to make arrangements there was not a surgeon available.  Mommy wanted to get one last opinion before making the decision to put Mr. Murff to sleep.  The Anderson clinic recommended a clinic in Indianapolis, so while Mommy was driving, I was making calls to try and get Mr. Murff's current veterinarian to submit a new referral in time to take Mr. Murff to the Indianapolis clinic, today.  Then Mommy had to call the Indianapolis vet and explain the situation and see if they could see him today.  On top of it all, Mr. Murff's local vet said he was leaving on vacation for a week.  So, if Mommy didn't get the diagnostic today, and if the diagnostic determined that nothing could be done to help Mr. Murff, Mr. Murff could not be put to sleep for another week!  Mommy was able to get Mr. Murff into the Indy vet, and was told we would leave with a "full workup" knowing exactly what was wrong with Mr. Murff and if there were any options for him.  Thankfully, Grandmoo wanted to go with Mommy to take Mr. Murff to Indy to his appointment,  and Grandmoo comforted Mr. Murff  :)However, the vet decided he had to keep him overnight, at no additional cost, but the cost of the diagnostics could top out at $600 dollars.  Mommy went under the pretense that it would cost $145 for the office visit and $130 for an x-ray, and possibly a small charge for blood work.  So, the $600 dollar cost was a major shocker.  Mr. Murff was also shocked and very unhappy to be told he had to stay overnight.  So, as it stands, Mommy will know tomorrow what is wrong and the cost, if there's a procedure that can fix him, but if that will before Mr. Murff's local vet goes on vacation, we don't know.  Plus, Mommy has to work, and if I have to cut out of work, only to return to work later tomorrow night, GiGi has to come sit with you two again.    This such a major mess, but Mr. Murff is worth it!  Mommy just hopes she can make it through another hectic and stressful day!  It doesn't help that Mommy is not only trying to manage our hectic lives, but also managing and straightening out my client's hectic life, which only adds to the stress!   Oh, boy, Mommy just remembered billing for work is due tomorrow, uggggh!  Daddy went to bed and Mommy desperately wishes he was awake to help calm my nerves :(

Juders, you love to play with baby dolls hee/hee

Dr. Bodhi apparently lost a shoe, or possibly operating on her own foot??  Aunt Ti captured the moment for Mommy :)

Bodhi and Lizzy taking a wagon ride :)

Bodhi and Jude drive the shopping cart TOGETHER this evening.  Mommy and Daddy took you both grocery shopping after our busy days!



Wagon Train Adventure

The early part of the day was definitely a Daddy’s Day, Mommy had a full day of work so Daddy started you both off with breakfast, a large bowl of cantaloupe for you Bodhi and a large bowl of oatmeal and bananas and fruit for you Buddha (and you and Daddy finished off what little cantaloupe Bodhi didn’t eatJ). Then we played, watched some Nick Jr., and then got dressed.

Mommy got off to work and suggested we take a walk before lunch, so Daddy decided to make it a wagon train adventure! We walked and walked and walked and walked, I estimated three miles along the parkway scenic walk from one end to another, watching the animals, quacking like ducks, and occasionally being serenaded by Daddy (mostly Beatles tunesJ). We saw turtle families sunbathing, Daddy told you about precautions for not being ambushed by hostile Indians, we met a dog named Simon and his owner, greeted lots of folks along the trail, and stopped periodically to make sure both of you drank water (Daddy told you that part of our trail was across a desert and you had to conserve water, but still stay hydratedJ).

You both loved every inch of our adventure, and Jude you were just starting to fall asleep as we got back home (to the fortJ). I fed each of you lunch, Buddha you had squash and fruit for dessert and acted like you hadn’t eaten for weeks! Bodhi, you and Daddy had ravioli but you didn’t seem to care for it (the biggest clue was when you threw your bowl off the high chair!), and besides apparently not liking ravioli you just seemed tired, you went to sleep sitting up on the couch where I placed you and asked you to wait for Daddy while I finished with Jude. I went ahead and took you upstairs to your room and put you to bed for your nap. Jude, you would not let Daddy lay you down for a nap without holding you the whole time, so needless to say “our” nap was itself an adventure!

Daddy was hoping you would sleep, Buddha, as I had a conference call I needed to participate in for work, but you wouldn’t have it so I missed a good part of the call. Mommy arrived home and Daddy was able to finish the end of the conference call. Mommy was worn out so she took a very short nap with you, Buddha, while Daddy and Bodhi went downtown so that Daddy could get a new watch band (the one on the watch literally fell off from use).

Sister Kelly and the Governor stopped by and played with both of you for a while, Mommy got up to feed the two of you dinner, and Daddy went out to take care of the garden and mow the yard, Grandmoo came over to visit you both (and Murffee and Arlo) for a short visit then we all took turns getting bathed and off to sleep…wow, it was an adventure of a day!

*And Mommy is right (as usual) we really need to take more walks together; and Daddy is right (as sometimes happens) we need more adventures J

Buddha, you love to walk in your walker, well, more like run in your walker!  You about tipped over numerous times!

"What the heck are you doing Mr. Murff?" ;)

My sweet baby Mr. Murff!  I love you Soooooo much!  I'm waiting to hear back from the vet, maybe there is some miraculous surgery that will fix you.  It's a long shot but I'd do anything for you, as would Grandmoo!

"Momma, are you trying to sing?"

"Oh Oh, I know this one... If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)!"

Bo Bo, you hated the lawn mower, it scared you until you were shaking!" ;(  Grandmoo saved you though!

"I don't care if Daddy is driving the mower, get me out of here!"

Bodhi, you know you are scared when you want to go inside!  You NEVER want to go inside! :0



"I love bath time Momma!"



Jude, ever since your head when under (several baths ago) you scream and cry when you are in the bath!  You are only happy standing outside the bath playing with your sister.  This is a common sight during our bath adventures :) hee/hee



“Low Batteries”

Mommy and Daddy have to confess that their “batteries are low;” Mommy has returned to work and is adjusting to working outside the home again and still pouring her energies into keeping up the house in her remarkable style. She has been preoccupied with worry about Murffee who is so noticeably disabled that it is apparent his time is coming to an end. That truth is tearing both Mommy and Grandmoo to emotional pieces because neither can stand to watch him suffer, and neither can find any comfort for their looming emotional distress in anticipating him no longer being with us as part of our family.

Mommy slept on the floor this afternoon with Murffee as both of you, Bodhi and Buddha, were down for your naps. The courage of loving anyone or one’s pet finds true expression in times of loss. It is a sad time and there is simply no way to avoid that truth.

So, Mommy for a host of reasons is not sleeping well, and not getting enough rest, and it is taking a toll on her---her “batteries are low.” Daddy’s “batteries are low” as well, struggling with self-doubt about how best to be supportive of Mommy. And he has fallen behind on his work, and is distressed about concerns he is not keeping pace with his own expectations of such responsibilities. On top of it all, it is nearing the end of June, the half-way mark of the year, and for some reason (at least for Daddy) it just seems like an exhausting point in our journey into the year 2011.

Our blessings are not lost on either Mommy or Daddy, though, and there is simply no comfort in the world like the love of one’s child---Bodhi and Buddha, you each are a blessing beyond words!

You each seemed to enjoy a good day, though the past day or so you, Buddha, have set a record for poop productionJ Bodhi you were a little cranky a couple of times today, it seems a consequence of perhaps not having enough nap time, or at least quality nap time. You fell asleep when Mommy picked you up from Aunt Ti’s and by the time you got home you resisted lying down for your nap.

Mommy attended her Zumba class though her heart wasn’t really in it, and Daddy had to work this evening and his heart wasn’t really in it either. You both went off to sleep tonight with Mommy tending to you Jude and Daddy tending to you Bodhi, and both of us benefitted more than you either will come to understand until many years later in your lives. Sometimes all that can best be said is simply said best with a hug. And you can both be assured, your hugs are magic and you both “speak” it so eloquently.

Juders you decided to try and cook Mommy and Daddy a meal to return home to :)

"Chef Buddha" ;)
"Say what Sister Kelly?"  "Mommy lets me cook!"

Rotten to the core! :)

What can Momma say?  You are apparently licking the chair hee/hee  apparently you didn't get enough to eat at dinner time :0

Mommy and Mr. Murff took a nap together on the floor, since Mr. Murff can no longer make it up the stairs.  We were awakened by Sister Kelly, who got a good laugh seeing Mommy spooning Mr. Murff, and apparently my blouse didn't cover Jude's milk bottles, so she had quite the disturbing view :0

FINALLY... Back To Work!
 Today's progress on Vincent's home :)

Flowers blooming in our yard today :)

Grand Central Station :)

This morning came too soon for Mommy.  Momma didn't go to bed until 3:30 am after cleaning and ironing curtains :(  Jude, Mommy nursed you at 3:30 am but I honestly do not remember putting you back in your crib... did you crawl back into your crib???  Daddy didn't put you there?  Just glad you were safe and sound, chirping at me this morning.    Bodhi, Daddy was up with you when I brought Juders downstairs.  I don't know how long you had been up.  Mommy quickly got you both fed and dressed, because you, Bodhi, had Speech Therapy with Ms. Connie at 9 am.   Daddy sat in on the first half of the session while Mommy followed up with some messages for work from over the weekend.  Mommy then participated in the last half of the session.  Bodhi, you did so well.  Ms. Connie was impressed with your cooperation and knowledge of soooo many animal sounds.  Jude, you even got in on the action and made the snake sound "SSSSssss!"  After Speech Therapy, Bodhi, you were wanting to go downstairs to play.  You usually prefer to stay in your room in the morning, but Mommy took you both downstairs to play.  Mommy put the tunnel together, that Daddy had bought you both.  It also came with a tent, but Mommy didn't want to put it together and then have to take it back apart.  The tunnel collapses, so it's easy to stow away.  Bodhi, you had a blast.  You were crawling through the tunnel non-stop.  You even tried showing and getting your brother in on the action.  Jude, you were having no part of it.  You would start to crawl in it.  You would immediately start crying.  Mommy couldn't show you how to do it, because Mommy wouldn't fit hee/hee.  Your Momma is still "large" from birthing you both the last two years. 

After our afternoon nap, yes "our," nap, Mommy took one too, and it was oh so nice, we then played downstairs again!  Mommy was wanting to take you two for a walk, but I had some stuff around the house I wanted to get done, plus, we had non-stop visitors all day long.   Mommy did some ironing while you two played.  I still have a few more curtain panels to go, but I did get quite a bit ironed while you two ran all over the house. Mommy was hoping the curtains would look more hippie'ish or Bohemian'ish, but I think they actually look more frilly :(  Mommy's friend from elementary school, Dianna Rudd Spray, came over this evening to pick up Mommy's maternity clothes (this makes Mommy kind of sad to think I'm not having anymore babies). Mommy text messaged Dianna to come get the clothes, and because I wanted her  opinion on the curtains as well.  She liked them, but agreed they look more frilly than bohemian.  Mommy might add some beading, but who knows when that will be.  Mommy still needs to finish the photo packages for family members too. 

Anyway, we had several more visitors today.  Uncle Larry Hawkins rode over on his motorcycle to visit you both.  He absolutely adores the two of you.  Jude, you warmed up to Uncle Hawk right away.  Bodhi, you took a little while, but once he got you laughing, you two were best buddies.  Grandpa Kurt came over and played with you both.  He even sat and watched cartoons with you Bodhi, while Mommy was putting Juders to bed.  Sister Kelly came by and looked up concert tickets for Mommy and Daddy, she liked Momy's curtains hee/hee Sean Franky and Grandmoo came over for a little while too.    You both love having visitors... Mommy, growing up the only child, has yet to become completely comfortable with having surprise visitors all the time.  I always stayed in my room growing up, and we rarely had visitors.  So, this has been a major adjustment for Momma.  Our house is Grand Central Station 24/7 hee/hee :)  and you two love it! 

Bodhi girl tunneling through the living room :)

"Big Chicken Buddha" ;)

Between Speech Therapy, your new toy, and several visitors... you were in heaven Bodhi butt!

"Momma look, I may be too scared to go in the tunnel, but I'm walking!" :)-

"Say what, Uncle Hawk?"

"Uncle Hawk is a hoot!"

Bodhi girl showing Momma her snack... "see food!"

Buddha and his balloon = an hour of entertainment and Mr. Murff barking non-stop!

Momma could not keep you away from the washing machine... you were mesmerized by it!

Bodhi chillin' with Grandpa Kurt, in Granpa Kurt's shades :)

Juders, look at you sucker!!!

Talk about suckers hee/hee!  Bodhi, this is your "sucka" face :)-



Juders getting some Grandpa lovins'



New Dinning Room curtains

 

 

 

All Wet

Today started out as a lazy Sunday, but it was too beautiful out to stay indoors all day.  This morning you both played in your bedroom, and Grandpa Kurt came over right before nap time to visit you both.  Bodhi, you were bouncing on your huge bouncy ball when you bounced right off of it and hit your head on the arm of the glider.  You had an instant purple goose egg on the side of your forehead.  It had to hurt so bad :( Mommy and Daddy debated about taking you to the hospital, however, we opted to put ice on it (for durations until you wouldn't stand for it any longer) and watch for the all familiar signs... unusual behavior and vomiting. 

After naps, Mommy and Daddy took you both to the fruit stand to get some fresh fruits and vegetables.  Mommy has been meaning to walk you both in the stroller to to the fresh market downtown on Wednesdays, but life has been so hectic lately plus I keep forgetting.  Bodhi, you picked out a pear and while Daddy went back to get more goods, Mommy sat in the car with you and Jude.  Bodhi, you decided to try and eat a plum through the plastic sack.  Once home, you ate the plum that you had been biting on in the car.  You were a mess, but you enjoyed your first real plum :)  After returning home, Grandmoo and GiGi came over to see you both.  Mommy had planned to give Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo a bath outside, they desperately needed it, and Daddy was going to play with you both out back.  However, Daddy stayed inside while GiGi and Grandmoo played with you both out back while Mommy bathed the boys.  Bodhi, you decided you wanted to play with the hose, you were soaked and loved every minute of it!  Jude, you played in your walker and walked around with GiGi. 

Mommy and Daddy got into an argument this evening, in front of you both and in front of GiGi.  Now GiGi probably won't sleep tonight worrying :(  We usually try to avoid serious or heated arguments for when you two aren't around, but Mommy and Daddy failed you two tonight.  It wasn't horrible, just some shouting back and forth (no name calling or anything, though I"m not trying minimize), then Mommy and Daddy went our separate ways to cool down. Mommy played with you both in the front room and Daddy cleaned out a drawer in the kitchen.  Jude, Mommy then nursed you to sleep and Bodhi you stayed downstairs with Daddy until Mommy came and got you and put you to bed. You both didn't seemed phased by it, however, Mommy knows from personal experience, it changes who you are.  Mommy and Daddy should have talked out our differences so you both could have seen the "healthy" and productive way to work out a disagreement.   We'll do better, promise!

PS  For some reason this blog wouldn't let me loud my last three pictures last night, and it wouldn't let me do it again tonight.  However, I was able to close everything out and load last night's three final pictures, as well as tonight's.  :)

Bodhi after eating her first plum

GiGi and you and Mommy and Grandmoo cracking up!  Neither of you have mastered skipping.  You, Bodhi,  are so cute trying though :)

Bodhi helping Momma wash Mr. Murff.  You are such a good helper Bodhi girl :)

Just like Mr. Murff and Mr. Arlo, you got thirsty and decided to take a drink from the hose.  Good thing Momma doesn't put chemicals in our hose!

Bodhi watering plants and playing in the water

Another drink :)

Bodhi, you had such a good time playing in the water today :)

GiGi and the Buddha... you love when GiGi totes you around all the action!

GiGi LOVES her Grand babies!!!!

Buddha, you were sniffing your sister's shirt... you weirdo hee/hee :)-

Maybe Bodhi splashed you when no one was looking, and you are trying to protect yourself hee/hee

Come on teefers!!!  Juders, you chew on everything!

A Wedding Day

Bodhi and Buddha, Mommy and Daddy knew this was going to be a long day but you were both remarkable (really, as usual) and we had a fun day.

The day started with Mommy going to her Zumba session and Daddy going to his Saturday morning job, but the exciting part of the day for the two of you was GiGi coming over to look after both of you this morning. Jude, you squealed when GiGi walked through the door this morning, and though Daddy had already left for work before you got up, Bodhi, I have no doubt you were thrilled to see your GiGi as well. You both go bonkers when GiGi or Grandmoo are around!

By the time Daddy got home from work, Mommy had given you both baths and was preparing lunch for the two of you and soon after you both went down for a nap. Mommy finished up the revisions on her report for work, after only four hours of sleep.  Daddy took advantage of a good weather forecast for today (and a bad one for the next several days) and worked in the yard and mowed.

By the time the yard work was getting finished, Mommy came out to hurry me along so we could get ready to go to the wedding of Brandy Burbridge, one of Daddy’s recent college graduates from his criminal justice program. We drove to Lafayette, a town both Daddy and Mommy really enjoy visiting and arrived at the wedding site to recognize it was the site of Cody and Missy’s wedding, Aunt Terrie’s son and daughter-in-law.

The wedding was very nice, Brandy and her new husband Matthew looked great as a new married couple, and we all had an opportunity to meet several members of Brandy’s family. They were all very nice people and we genuinely had a good time. You both were so well behaved, and for having such short naps today, you both had great stamina.

After the wedding, Mommy made a run into Target store for a spell (a forty-five minute spell!), then we grabbed some soda, French fries, and a hamburger and headed home.

When we got home, Grandmoo was with Mr. Murffee and Mr. Arlo, and so naturally both of you were jazzed to see her. Jude, you were almost down for the count, so Mommy whisked you away to nurse you and get you to bed. You, Bodhi, were so energized by the opportunity to spend time with Grandmoo that while Daddy was blogging you were still playing!!!

But it is time to “piss on the fire, and call in the dogs, and head on back to Bowlegs” as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band would sing, and for all of us to get on to bed.

Rest well, Princess and Prince of Indiana, beautiful angels!!!

Mommy fell asleep after getting Jude down, but I got back up to put this blog together, than goodness Daddy wrote it, so all I have to do is add the pictures :)

Buddha and Bodhi during the wedding reception ;)

Such a a sweet baby Bodhi, giving your brother a balloon to play with :)

Brother and Sister

Bodhi and Daddy dancing :)

Bodhi, you became a little restless, so after dinner Mommy took you outside to explore!

Beautiful Baby Bodhi ;)

Bodhi, you love the outdoors!

Bodhi checking everything out!

Of course you found a waling stick hee/hee

Bodhi on the run!

Sweet Baby Buddha :)

Buddha on the move ;)

"What's going on over there?"

 The last three pictures won't load, Mommy will try again tomorrow, I'm very sleepy!

"Yes, Momma?"

"I love sticks!"

The Bride and Groom