when life gives you lemons...

Well if you add sugar to make lemonade, then you'll just add a bunch of calories and get fat. Or fatter. And really, to make lemonade there is a little EFFORT required. I say let's just suck the lemon, make the ugly face, and let it pass.

It's been one of THOSE weeks here in the Ruff house. We started the week off with a 7am commute in rush hour to Skokie (for those not in Chicagoland, it's about an hour and a half stop light to stop light) to see the Cranial Technology tech for Lyla's band. She'd had a weekend of sleepless nights and a nasty rash on the head. After an adjustment that included Wet n' Wild ruby red lipstick and a few more hours of healing, she was back in the band. Sleep not included. That was Monday.

Tuesday, Kevin called just after lunch to let me know someone broke the glass in his car to take the GPS from his dashboard. Of course, insurance considers a GPS a household item that is covered under homeowner's policies, so there is a thousand dollar deductible (per incident). I want to meet the idiot who needs the GPS in his HOUSE. Luckily, the glass is fully covered and was replace the next day.

Then came Wednesday. After a completely sleepless night with Lyla, I thought I might pass out. I thought this was from the exhaustion of being awake all night, so I opted to try some caffeine. By lunch, I had the chills and a fever and extreme pain in my chest (think breastfeeding girls). After a call to the doctor's office, I was on my way to CVS for a dose of antibiotics to cure MASTITIS. nice. My sweet mother in law came today to help with the baby, and luckily I was feeling much better by mid-day.

Then there's this whole insurance game of semantics in paying for a DOC band. I can explain it offline to anyone who really wants to know, but I find it rather boring to read about personally so I'll spare you. I found out there is a grant offered to help when insurance covers little or none of the cost - then I found out we made exactly $2,000 too much last year to be considered.

I don't need sugar here. Salt and tequila - I might make the effort.

So it's Thursday now - Lyla is getting used to the idea of the band, Costco had a great GPS on sale, I'm feeling much better, and the kids got some Grandma time. Also, I plan to tell everyone I know who childed gets "banded" about the grant (www.uhccf.com) - perhaps they can benefit from it, though we can't.

Here's looking forward to a pleasant weekend celebrating the men we adore. Happy Father's Day!

it's still us...

Hey there! I've changed the blog template - so don't leave! You're still in the right place. I found some adorable free blog templates at www.quirky-bird.com. There's a linkeroo to them down there on the right side of this page. Somebody please use the cutest gnome page I've ever seen! For some reason I didn't see it until after I'd already loaded this birdy one, otherwise you'd be staring at super cute garden critters as we speak (well, technically as you read I suppose). And for all y'all out there who want to be on my linky list there, no worries - I'm still updating it from the old page.

Always exciting around the Ruff house. Owen and Ray are outside watching the roofers roof the garage. Lyla is sleeping - still getting over yesterday's drama of six month shots. Really, it was all of thirty seconds for her. Now Owen is panicked about his four year old appt because he too will get the stick. Lyla's helmet had to come off al of yesterday because of a nasty skin irritation. It has to heal completely before we can put the thing back on her cutie head. On the plus side, she slept almost through the night last night without it on. So mom and dad got some much needed sleep.

Now I am off to the gym for some much needed exercise! Enjoy the weekend.

she's a happy girl!

Lyla has taken to the band well (with the exception of sleeping). She and Owen love to sit on our front porch and watch the squirrels, birds, cars, etc.

lyla's got a brand new do...

Our little cutie got her DOC Band today. These are photos from her "fitting." At first, the band was too low over her eyes and ears. After a few adjustments, it fit fine (sorry no photos yet). I managed to paint it tonight, so I'll get a photo of her in it tomorrow. Thanks to all who have called and emailed today to see how it went! We so appreciate your prayers and concern!

random happenings...

We've had lots going on around the Ruff house the past few weeks! Owen finished his second year of preschool - four year olds, here he comes! Lyla is busy trying to grab anything in site - she successfully grabbed, then spilled my large glass of iced tea all over the dining room rug last week. Both kids are loving the warm weather - Lyla loves the breeze in the stroller and Owen has taken an extra liking to the mud puddles after each rain. I think I rinse him and the tub three times a day right now. Somehow he too has mananged to leave his mark on the dining room rug - and the white rug in his room - and the carpet down the stairs. We have a no shoes in the house rule, but the warm air has gone to his head I think!

Below are some random photos. Before you think we've put Lyla in the torture chamber, allow me to explain. In order to build the cranial band she'll be sporting next week, an exact replica of her cutie head has to be created. They put a stocking on her head to assist in getting the precise photos needed. It lasted all of a few minutes. Needless to say, she wasn't thrilled.

Owen had costume day for the last day of preschool.


Looks like she's going to rob Babies R Us...





Here's our happy camper once more! Daddy makes everything better. =)

Owen's got a new ride...

Well, it's a little early, but Owen got his birthday bike! After the brakes failed down a hill while riding his 12 inch bike and he had to jump off to avoid the road, Kevin and I figured better safe than sorry. So YES, he got his gift a month early, but I'm sure he won't be without other gifts come the big day.

it wasn't five thousand, but...

I just have to tell you this. God uses us when we least expect it, and it really is such an amazing feeling to know that the Almighty allows us to be part of his work!

Two of our very best friends, Brian and Lori (and their adorable ball of one year old sunshine Camryn) moved into the house kitty-corner from us over the weekend. It's a beautiful 1920s bungalow similar to ours (just a little side note because I love the style so much).

I had my cousin Carla and her cute family visiting for the weekend - and let's just say with four kids, the house was busy. Carla and I prepared spaghetti for our two families, along with some bread and brownies (we're southern girls, so no meal is complete without sweets at the end). As we were finishing dinner, I was just about to put the leftovers away when the phone rang. It was Lori. The conversation follows(paraphrased)...

(ring, ring...)

Sandy: Do you have dinner?
Lori: That's weird, I was just calling to...
Sandy (interrupting of course): I have dinner for you. We have all this spaghetti.
Lori: Are you serious? I have a lot of people.
Sandy: Yes, please take it.
Lori: I'll be right down.

She was technically just calling to see if I could suggest a carryout place. When she said a lot of people, let me clarify - 11 or 12. We had six. That pot of spaghetti was 2lbs of meat, 2 jars of sauce and 2 boxes of spaghetti. You do the math. 18 people and there were leftovers.

While Prego I'm sure would like to take credit, I'm not giving them the chance. This was God.

One of my very favorite passages in the bible is when Jesus feeds five thousand people with a couple of loaves of bread and a few fish. He got them from a young boy who was just willing to share. I know he had no idea how Jesus was going to do such a miracle with them. And you know he certainly never forgot.

And I won't either. The lesson for me was that God takes what we offer and uses as only He can. Some had time, some muscles, some food.

So I say we all put some water on to boil tonight and see what happens.

On second thought...

Well, little Lyla's head isn't getting better, but in fact worse. Looks like she's going to be wearing a DOC Band, used to treat positional plagiocephaly. Basically, she has a flat spot on the right side of her head behind her ear. It's somehow pushing the right ear and forehead forward, creating moderate facial asymmetry. It's our understanding that if left untreated, she will have significant asymmetry later in life, beginning in the grade school years. One side of her face would likely be larger and more dominant. So, since it's fixable, we're electing not to take chances.

I'm including her initial photos and will post later ones as she progresses. We're waiting for the insurance preapproval and then her head will be digitally recreated for a custom fit band. For those who are confused and/or interested in learning more about plagiocephaly, you can go to www.cranialtech.com. You'll see examples of other children's cases and progress.

Lyla's case is considered moderate - not nearly as severe as those pictured. If you look closely at her photos (particularly the second page of them), you'll notice it better. You'll also notice how incredibly adorable she is. =)

Sunny San Diego...

The Ruffs took a much needed long weekend and headed to San Diego, California. All weekend Owen kept asking when we were going to see Diego (for those who don't watch Nick Jr., Diego is Dora's cousin). He also kept saying we were in "YOhio." I don't know.

Our good friend Tim Rogers, aka Rog, drove down from LA and spent the weekend with us - providing Owen with endless entertainment and conversation. Did I mention he is a GREAT friend?? =)

A few photos of the trip are below.

refusing to smile...




Owen's first time at the ocean!



Lyla is FIVE months old now!


I found the self timer on the camera - finally!




photos courtesy of Rog (from the beach outside our door)...









Balboa Park




Bye Rog! aka John, Chris, Bill - Owen couldn't remember his name for some reason.

update...

Of course I promised an update after our doctor's appt, then forgot to deliver. We went last week to a pediatric neurosurgeon for an evaluation. Way more dramatic sounding than the actual visit (a specialist has to do the assessment because brain growth is involved). The entire encounter from entering the office building to exit was less than fifteen minutes I think. I didn't even complete to paperwork before the appt was over!
Anyway, Dr. Ruge assessed Lyla's head, confirmed it was assymetrical (the right ear is further forward than the left), and gave us two choices: repositioning or a helmet. He assured us that if we chose the helmet, she'd have a straight head at one; and if we chose to wait and just reposition, she'd have a straight head by three. ASSURED us - someone remind me of this at 18 months when I'm still worried please. We were instructed to take aerial photos every three months to see progress.
He said if it were his own child with the summer months approaching, he'd avoid the helmet too. It has to be worn 23 hours a day until the first birthday. And has to be adjusted 2-3 times a month.
SO, at doctor's advice, we'll wait.
In the grand scheme of things, I'm reminded we are INCREDIBLY BLESSED to have two very healthy children. In Heaven, they'll both have straight heads and eat peanuts (according to Owen).

The biscuits in the army...

Anyone who went to Concord Elementary in the 1980's knows this song. Our beloved music teacher (yes, in a public school - every week) Mrs. Beard used to sing this funny song..."The biscuits in the army; they say they're mighty fine; till one rolled of the table and killed a friend of mine..."

I was thinking rolling today.

I put Lyla down on her back in the floor this morning while I sat beside her fumbling with the Tivo remote. I missed "the Office" last night, so I was enjoying the awkward dinner party with Michael, Jan, Jim, Pam and friends - suddenly I looked down and there she was on her tummy! Gosh doggit, I missed it - figures. Some day she'll ask about her important milestones and I'll be able to recount that I missed them because I was watching TV.

I'm quite sure I just missed out on the Mother of the Year trophy. However, Mrs. Beard would be proud that I know all the words 25 years later.

here she is just after the roll...

thanks for asking...

Everyone keeps asking about sweet Lyla's little head. Yes, it's crooked. Sort of. She has some "boding" - I think that's what the doctor called it - of the skull. Simply put, there's a knot on one side of her forehead. One ear is further forward and one side of the face fuller. Funny, but it's hard to see in 3-D and easier to see in the mirror.

Anyway, we go to a specialist tomorrow to hear our options. I think a little helmet is the most common solution. Thanks to all who have called and emailed to ask. Sorry I'm slow in replying. I'll keep you posted.

She's still the cutest baby I know. =)

just some photos

We've spent the last week in Kentucky visiting family. I'll post details later, but here are a few photos to enjoy.

I heart CVS...

Anyone who knows me well knows I'm a sucker for a bargain. I love to find the best deal on everything - really, it's only a bargain if you need it, but I frequently find myself "needing" most good deals. A marketer's dream, I am.

So, for those who have a CVS Pharmacy closeby, I'm convinced it's the best deal around. First, you sign up for their free member card - then you get "Extra Bucks" every few months just for buying the things you need, along with various coupons attached to your receipts each visit. Last month, they had a special where if you purchased $30 worth of Huggies brands (which by the way was on sale), you got $15 extra bucks. So I buy the Huggies stuff first, then the coupon prints right there and I instantly use the $15 for the rest of my purchase.

Then there are the prescriptions. Of course, being a mom of two little ones, someone always needs something. I filled a $15 antibiotic prescription and got a $25 gift card!

In the mail this week I received a 25% off your entire purchase coupon!!! For anyone who understands the price of diapers, children's allergy medicines and eczema creams, you can appreciate my excitement. I mentally mapped out my store trip numerous times to be sure not to miss anything. I need a better social life, I know.

To ensure no distractions, Kevin watched the kids so I could go alone. A cart full of diapers, wipes, lotions, and TWO mascaras later, I had saved $68 (including the $25 gift card)!!!! Yippeee! - the checker said I got a better discount than even the employees. Apparently, only a "select few" got the special coupon - and this lucky lady was one of them! That's right, show me a coupon and I'll show you the money!

Because I know you're all eager to get the car started to head down the street, I'll end my post here.

Happy shopping!

mama's got a brand new do...

Well, I did it. I got what I like to call the "mom cut," though I currently know no mom's with such a do. It's the one where you know a woman must have wild kids at home and she has no time to "fix" her hair. I went for a trim, honestly, and I still couldn't tell you what transpired. I just came home with a lot less hair. I know what Janet on "Three's Company" must have felt like now (well, except I don't live with a busty blonde and a gay man). Oh well, it's just hair - you get more. Unless you're an aging, balding man I suppose, but I digress...

Trust me, the cut is much cuter with Lyla in the photo.



Sorry no color mom, but black and white is much better on the skin when there's no time for makeup (good thing they don't have a "mom face," right?). Owen dressed himself, so the shirt is on inside out.



And then I had to include this sweet photo of my blue eyed girl (click on it to enlarge and see the bright blues).

fishy business....

Uncle Bryan took Owen to Target today and somehow ended up at the pet store. They called to ask if Owen could get a fish. Not wanting to get the "meanest mom of the year" plaque, I agreed - if they would get a fishbowl and food too of course. Two hours and a small AQUARIUM later, the fish arrives, Owen gets his photo made, we eat dinner, and the fish meets his maker. Turns out Barrington water is not fish friendly. Since Owen thinks Heaven is such a fantastic place (because you can eat peanuts there), he's okay with it all. I suppose we'll be at the pet store in the next couple of days.

And of course, I had to take some new photos of Little Lyla too. Enjoy!

scissors...

A couple of friends recently relived the story of their daughters finding the scissors and of course, giving themselves a haircut. One ended up with a mullet. Seriously. You'd think this would motivate a mother of a preschooler to take heed and hide said instruments in her own home. Oh, but no, I DID just have a baby right? So I forgot.

This morning Owen strolled into the kitchen with holes in his pajama pants - one on each side. When I inquired, his response was a huge smile (bursting with pride) and "look Mom! I made POCKETS!" Because everyone needs pockets in their pajama pants, right?

The scissors are safely away now. Take heed you mothers out there.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Owen and Lyla were super sweet Valentines yesterday!

Reading Owen's shirt...the ladies love it!




She loves her daddy!



sweet girl...