Quick Updates All Around: Travel, Lice, School, Friendship, and the passing of Amelie

I started this post about lice.  Yes, LICE.  As in Ellie had lice a few weeks ago.  That post isn't completed. . . yet. . .  but I decided to write about more mundane, and less disgusting things today.  Such as, what we have been up to the past few months!

In May, we had Ellie's IEP meeting.  You can learn a little bit more about it here.

It was also my darling, Tabitha's birthday.  My forever daughter in Russia turned 5 years-old and may or may not have aged out of the baby orphanage and transferred to an institution.  Given the adoption ban, I no longer receive updates on this sweet girl.  If any of you happen to know how she is doing, please contact me.

Andrew had a huge conference in Vancouver, B.C towards the end of May and I got to join him halfway through!  My mom flew down to care for Ellie so that Drew and I could have a mini getaway.  This is something we haven't done since Ellie was a baby and it was the longest we were away from her.  We had a lovely time eating out, checking about the water, and meeting up with my friend Lisa.  We went to the Capolano Suspension Bridge which is a huge deal.  I am petrified of heights.  I had this idea that I would swoon from the fear, crack my head open and then fall to my death.  Thankfully, that did not happen.

While we were gone, Austin and the surround areas were hit with record rainfall.  There was massive flooding just to the south of us.  At one point I-35 was washed over.  We had friends lose everything.  People were missing.  We were fortunate that the only damage we had was to our garage.

Bear graduated out of PPCD [preschool preparedness for children with disabilities].  I would love to tell you that she had a big graduation complete with cap and gown, but there was really nothing to mark the day.  She does have a few days of summer school that last about 2 hours/day for 4 days/week for 5 weeks out of the summer.  During her down time, we are having a grand old time with friends.

Girl's night with Sheryl & Rita at Cru Wine Bar

The not so fun part is that all of these doctor's visits seem to have snuck up on us.  My personal favorite is the dentist.  Ellie is usually such  little toot.  Screaming, thrashing, biting - and that is just a daily thing at home with me brushing her teeth.  So imagine my surprise when Bear cooperated for a dental cleaning - tooth brushing, fluoride treatment, flossing!!!

Then of course there was the lice incident, but more on that later.  Let's just say it was horrendous nit combing her hair and taking care of all of her hair accessories - hats, headbands, bows, horse helmet.  

It was very fortunate that the lice infestation was caught the week before our much anticipated trip to St. Louis to visit my parents.  Could you imagine bringing lice to another person's house?!  Ellie and I traveled to St. Louis sans Andrew.  Andrew had just returned from a business trip and needed to put in a bunch of hours at work and he also had great plans to work on the laundry room (this would be the laundry room that was gutted back in late December and the one that I blogged about in March).  

The Chunky Chicken was a rock star on the plane and behaved really well when we went to places like Kaldi's Coffee and this restaurant out in Washington, Missouri to visit my Uncle Robert and Aunt Sue.  Our visit was quick and we didn't get to see many people outside of family.  Ellie tried a ton of new foods - hamburger, deli chicken, alpine cheddar, gluten-free cookie.  I noticed that she did this the last time we went out of town back in March to visit my best friend.  Maybe the change of environment and being around new people make her a bit more adventurous?  We also managed to wear her out because she was going to bed between 6:00pm-7:00pm!

I ended up going with the white and the black mug from
The Shack, but I think I should have sprung for the red one too!

Unfortunately, a huge shadow was cast upon this trip.   My beloved 7 year-old tortoiseshell rescue kitty was compassionately put down.  To be so far away and not get to say good-bye was and has been rough.  The return home was extremely upsetting.  My spunky kitty didn't run to the door to great me.  She will never burst through the dog door and "chirp" at us.  She will never sleep on top of me again.  

Amelie was our honeymoon kitty.  The day we got back from our honeymoon, Andrew and I went to PetsMart to pick up dog food for Rodeo (?-2009) and kitty litter for Tama.  I walked out the door with Amelie in tow.  My little rescue kitten had a whole lot of spunk and personality.  Just after Ellie and I left for St. Louis, Andrew noticed that our Ame wasn't eating and seemed less energetic.  She used to sit on top of the fridge instead was laying around on the floor or on Andrew.

She arrived to the vet dehydrated, constipated, with a temperature of 95 (normal cat temp 100.5-102.5).  It was assumed that she had some sort of infection that entered her blood.  After a bunch of labs, it turns out that she was not septic, but was in kidney failure, most likely due to congenital polycystic kidney disease.  After intensive treatment, it because apparent that Amelie's body was shutting down (she was 91 degrees by the end) and we opted to compassionately ease her suffering.  It was really hard for Andrew to see her like that, but he was with her in the end when she gave him one last "meow".

I miss her so much, but I know that she is now playing with our dog Rodeo and curling herself up in his tail like she used to do back when she was a tiny kitten.

Similarities

I seem to keep finding Tama Kitty and Ellie in the same places.  Is it possibly that my little girl's nimble climbing skills and crazy wind-up energy are the result of her being part-cat?

Top Photo: yes, that is Vaseline smeared all over the top of the dresser.

Trouble. . . Double Trouble

A Beautiful Week

There is a lot going on in the world of Ellie Bellie Bear.  A lot of stress.  A lot of anxiety.  A lot of sleeping--for Ellie, not for m as I could really use some sleep--I fall into the stress and anxiety categories.  Rather than focusing on the chaos occurring within our household, I am appreciating the beauty. Here are a few snapshots from our week:


Ellie Bear Fashion Statements.

faux soccer socks are all the rage amongst preschoolers.  To get this fashionable look, steal a pair of Daddy's ankle socks.  Throw on a pair of winter boots to complete this sassy look.  These socks and boots go great with a knit sun dress or with a neon tutu.

Splashing Fun.

The most photogenic kitty ever--Amelie.

Reading to Pete the Cat

Preschool Love--Jack & Ellie

Selfie Photos.

Happy Weekend, everyone!

The Liebster Award: Part 1

I would like to thank April from Living by Faith and Linda at Out One Ear for honoring me with the Liebster Award.  I am fairy certain that the lovely Linda figured I had forgotten all about this seeing as she first notified me about the award back in February.  Yes, February.

The literal translation of the German word liebster is: dearest, sweetest, kindest.  April and Linda, are you sure I should be getting this award????

As with any blogging reward, there are rules.  Here they are:

Liebster Award Rules
1. You must thank the person who gave you this award
2. You must display the Liebster heart on your blog
3. You should nominate 3 to 5 up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 subscribers
4. Each person must post 11 random things about themselves
5. Answer the questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you
6. Create 11 questions for those you nominate to answer
7. Notify your nominees and provide a link back to your post.
8.  You’re not supposed to do “ping-backs”

I shall try my best to follow them. . . err most of them!  I will be answering a combination of the questions posted by April and Linda because I am certain that all of you will leave me if I attempt to answer all 22 questions.  Longtime followers know that my blog is an open book so there truly isn't too much you all don't know about me.  That being said, I have shared 11 random things in a previous meme and that can be found here.  (Random question: why is it always eleven questions?) More randomness and hilarity can be found on my post How I Got Here: From Combat Shoes to Cowgirl Boots, which will actually make you feel very sorry for my parents and say that all of Ellie's antics are payback.

Now, on to the questions!

1. What is your favorite travel destination and why?  Mittenwald, Regensburg, and Detwang, Germany.  My husband's father used to live in Germany and regaled Andrew with stories of his youth.  In fact, Andrew's eldest brother was born in Frankfurt, Germany.  For these reasons, we decided to honeymoon in Germany--in more rural, lesser known parts of Germany [except for Regensburg which is more densely populated].  The stark beauty of the country is breathtaking.  The Bavarian villages that quietly scatter the mountainous countryside is like something from an old novel.  The food.  Oh the food is delicious.  The architecture--imagine the German, Roman, and French Napoleon influences in Regensburg  The hospitality of the people is something rarely seen in the U.S.  By that, I mean everyone we met in Germany was kind, gracious, and not trying to con us into or out of something.  The weather beats this desert of a place and by desert, I mean Texas.  There is just something about lush, green hills and jackets and fuzzy socks.  Germany is a symbol of our "young" love and the beginning of our marriage.  I hope to go back with Andrew in the future.  The fact that I do not speak German is besides the point.  I can say "One more coffee, please." which is enough for me to get by!

2. If you had one hour to yourself, how would you spend that time?  Sleeping.  Provided that I could actually fall asleep right away.  Otherwise, a cup of coffee and a good book.

Where's Ellie?  Seriously, how is it a child can just fall asleep on the floor?
Notice the new paint job?  We are still finishing up the room renovation.

3. Do you own any pets?  If so, what kind?  Oh yes.  My first baby is a black bombay rescue cat from the ghetto streets of Camden, NJ.  Tama.  Tama is loosely translated to mean "lightening storm" in Native American.  She is full of teenage angst.  Although she is more middle-aged now.  Maybe a midlife cranky crisis?  Surprisingly, she meows with a Texan drawl and has a soft spot for our dog. Amelie is my second baby.  She is also a rescue kitty.  The day after we returned from our honeymoon, I walked into a PetsMart to pick up kitty liter and dog food and walked out with Amelie (the rescue shelter was there!).  I have since been forbidden to shop at a Pet Store.  Ame is tortoiseshell kitty full of spunk.  She is bowlegged with a Michael-Jackson glove/paw.  She actually carries on a conversation  .  Then there is the Sophie Princess Puppy Paws.  She thinks she is a cat.  A rather big cat.  She is a "South of the Border" collie.  She protects Ellie, but tries to herd the vacuum cleaner.  This is why I rarely vacuum.  

I cannot forget my first puppy.  Our rescue, Border Collie Rodeo.  He was Andrew's puppy and when I moved in with Andrew, he was so protective.  Rodeo would sprawl sideways across the bed so that I couldn't be near Andrew.  In the end, he knew I was his loving mommy.  RIP Rodeo.

4. What story does your family like to tell about you? There are many and yet, this one has been repeated many times.

This is my daughter:

Sometimes bibs just don't cut it.

Apparently, Ellie gets it from me.  Perkin's Restaurant in St. Louis used to have this pancake covered in delectable whipped cream.  It was my 1st birthday and my parents ordered this sugary confection to celebrate. My parents claim that I was so incredibly messy that the restaurant  had to shut down.  The cake was mashed into the carpet and the whipped cream was everywhere, but my mouth.  I will have you know this---they shut down after I was 7 years-old because I distinctly remember my father loading my brother into the car, but failing to unlock my door.  He tried to drive away with me banging on the car and shrieking.  I was 7 years-old and nearly stranded at a freaking Perkins.  They closed sometime after that after incident.




5. How do you motivate yourself to exercise?  Who says I exercise?  Seriously, I am still looking for motivation.  Help me!  I was the Zumba Queen of Sexiness until my car accident when I was physically unable to work-out for a few months.  It should be noted that I was cleared for physical activity at the end of December.  Here it is June and I have only worked out a few times.

Random Ellie Pic

I will finish this up later and then include my nominations and questions for them in the next Liebster post!

Traitor

Oh my goodness!  Could it be?  Is this really happening?

Is my hyperactive little Bearity Bear actually sitting and snuggling?  With me?!?!

I better not move.  In fact, I will not even twitch just so I can sit here all night inhaling her sweet little Ellie Bear scent and enjoying these snuggles.  Eh, doesn't exactly smell so sweet.  Actually, that blankie smells a little nasty.  Ew!  Still, let me just enjoy this precious moment.  Wait! Quick!  Andrew, get the camera and document this!

A rare, very rare, mother-daughter-kitty bonding moment.
Yes, I am indeed in my jammies.

Haha! Here is proof that there is indeed a real living person behind this blog.

Ack!  Escapee!  I knew a 5-second snuggle was totally pushing it.

Traitors!!!!  The whole lot of them!

Texas Neighbors

Andrew and I are ever so fortunate to have some of the greatest, caring neighbors.  We help each other out in a time of need.  Emergency babysitting?  Check.  Emergency check-in the puppy/kitty/birds?  Check.   An urgent need for pinking sheers?  Check.

King of the Hill: Sort of like this, but not quite. . . 

I can pop on by next door for a cup of sugar.  If I were to cook.  Or for a shot gun.

Oh wait, I didn't exactly borrow the shot gun.  Or the hunting rifle or whatever type of fire arm it was.


This here is my driveway.

This here is the small smattering off trees behind my house.  Behind that a highway.  It is noisy.  I would like new sound proof windows, but that doesn't really fit into this post.  Moving on.

Saturday afternoon.  Ellie is napping.  Andrew is in Spain.  Yes, the country in Europe.  I am left to fend for myself so I lie down for a little siesta and hear:

BOOM!

My thoughts were "what on earth are Amelie and Tama (the possessed cats) doing again?" and "Thank you, Sophie for not barking and waking The Bear up."

I roll over.

KA-BOOM!

At this point, I believe that a large bird or some small animal like an armadillo flew/was tossed into my window.  Nope, just a few friendly Texans with cell phone cameras and a gun in my driveway.

Me when I looks out my kitchen window.
Yes, my hair looks like that all the time.

Ah Hah!  Those were gun shots. Why on Earth didn't Sophie-dog alert the motherland?

A poor buck got hit on the highway.  His back legs were in tatters with flies circling all around.  He dragged himself through the woods onto my driveway.  Right by my car.   My kitty, Amelie, was trying to get in on the action.

Fortunately, my neighbor and his son (who was visiting) noticed the suffering little deer and put him out of his misery.  I gasped.  Cried.  And took a picture, of course.  No, I am not posting on here.   Then, I pleaded with my neighbors to help me properly dispose of him.  Thankfully, they know what a wuss I am when it comes to injured animals and took care of the poor deer for me.  Did I mention that I have great neighbors?

What I was visualizing--those big eyes, the antlers, sweet innocence.

My neighbor had called and left a message to say he would be using a gun on my property.  Unfortunately, I believe he called a different Anna.  Also, unfortunately, my other not-so-nice neighbor who I never go to for anything didn't get a phone call either.  He isn't social so no one has his number.  He does own a phone though because he used it to call 911.

So we all got a friendly visit from the Sheriff.  I really like that my "not-so-nice" neighbor was looking out for all of us.  Even being in Texas and all where nearly everyone (except for me apparently) totes a gun around and gunshots can go unnoticed, he did the right thing by calling the police.  Luckily, in this case, it was a deer that was put out of his misery, but sadly, there are too many instances where gunshots cause deadly harm to humans.

Lessons learned:
1. If you ever need a gun, visit your Texan neighbor.
2. If you plan on shooting wildlife in a semi-populated area like say a subdivision, notify the police first because your other neighbors will call alarmed.
3. Things always happen when Andrew is inaccessible.
4. I clearly did not know what a shot gun sounded like before this.
5. I need a new guard dog but Miss Sophie was clearly slacking.

Pets Don't Judge

. . . actually, they do.

Ever notice how cats can pick out that one person in the crowd who is "not a cat person" and they make it their mission to convince that person otherwise.  "Oh yes, I will sit on you."  "I will rub up on your leg and purr."  "You will like me".  "Look at my big soulful eyes". . . all with a liquid velvet voice like Antonio Banderas.  Sigh.

Photo: Puss in Boots

My college roommate Megan had or actually has a temperamental Riley kitty who would poop on the carpet if she had a boyfriend Riley didn't approve of.  When handsome, British Matt came along, the Riley kitty would sit at the door crying after he left (he loved Matt's sexy accent).  He also did not leave any hidden nuggets on the floor when Matt was around.  Clearly, the Riley kitty was granting his approval of Megan's suitor.  As a direct result, or not so direct, Megan and Matt are now happily married with not one, but two kitties (and a baby!).

Come on, Amelie.  It is time to call Awa Grandma!

You notice how some dogs are skittish around some people and not others?  I think that many animals have an innate sense of goodness.  Of course, I have absolutely no research to back that up.  Our deceased border collie Rodeo was Andrew's bachelor buddy.  He loved most people, but could sense non-dog-lovers.  He also had a fierce loyalty toward his Daddy.  When I packed my bags and drove 1,718 miles to Texas to be with my sexy honey-bunny, Rodeo became a bit possessive.  He would lay sideways on the bed, in between us, completely pushing me off the king-size mattress.  I believe he was stating that he did not like me usurping the household. When Andrew was around,
The Prince of Puppies would not follow any commands given by me.  Andrew would have to turn his back on Rodeo so that Rodeo would know I was Mommy.  After a few months, I passed Rodeo's judgement and he fully accepted me into his pack. . . as his mommy.  Yes, Rodeo passed judgement and I was deemed 'acceptable'.

Rodeo did not live to see Ellie.
He passed when I was pregnant, but I know he would have taken good care of The Bear.

Squirrel! 

Our Sophie Dog can spot a dog lover over a mile away.  She is skittish around those who possess the freakish Y-chromosome.  She knows how wily those males can be.  Toddlers.  She is petrified of toddlers.  Tail tucked, nervous, anxious, poops on the floor scared of toddlers.  However, if you are a female, look out!  Sophie Dog is under the mistaken assumption that she is a tiny dog and can fit in your lap and smother you with *puppy kisses*.

Hmm, where am I going with this?  I am not sure any more (reminder: I have a concussion.  S/P motor vehicle accident.  I still get easily confused. . .and lost).  The point is that my 3 animals love my little girl even with all of the tail and hair pulling and dog food stealing that Ellie tries to get away with.  The black Tama kitty only allows Ellie to touch her.  Bear can pull at her tail and Tama just walks away.  If anyone else were to do this "hiss".  Amelie loves everyone, but Ellie is her absolute favorite.  Sophie.  Now Sophie and Ellie have a special bond.  You cannot really see it in the photos, but they are best buddies.  When Ellie hops off the school bus, she signs "dog" because she wants to see Sophie.  She giggles when Sophie comes to lick her.  She tries to share her food with Sophie.

I do not know if animals can sense that she has different genetic make-up.  Does that extra chromosome make her smell prettier than rest of us?  I do know know.  Nor do I care.  Our little furbabies see Ellie as one of their own.  A member of their pack.

Don't worry, Ellie Bellie Bear.  I will protect you!

Photo Shy Tama-Boo