Yesterday was a perfect day..I began the day with a play date with my college friends. Even though our friendship started before motherhood I am happy to be raising my kids with these awesome women. It is interesting to watch the next generations' friendships blossom, and share parenting troubles and triumphs together. Then, we celebrated my niece's First Holy Communion with my family. Again, I had the opportunity to spend time with my own mother, nieces, brothers, and their fantastic wives. When I looked around the room yesterday I felt rich. I am surrounded by women who are all role models to me. My day continued with a very special coffee date with my own mom. We were able to talk with no interruptions! My mom has taught me everything I know about mothering and teaching. She is an incredible mother and my best friend. The last stop of my day was up to my in-laws house to rejoin my husband (who had already put the kids to bed!) and mother and father in-law. We had a great time catching up. My mother in law has a very special place in my heart. She is fun, caring, and a wonderful listener. I went to be last night and I thought wow I am really lucky...today I saw most of my favorite mothers. Cheers to all the mothers out there- I hope you are as fortunate as I am to be spending time with the people you love!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mother's Day
As I wake up this morning I am filled with gratitude and joy. Even though today is the day Hallmark deems "mother's day" I believe Mother's Day is celebrated all year long. My children have their own little ways of showing appreciation, and these little acts fill my heart and keep me striving to be the best mom I can be all year long.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Pretty in Pink
Tuesday began like any other day. Kevin had court, which meant I had both drop off and pick up duty. We got the kids in the car, said our goodbyes and I headed to Lynda's house. I pulled in her driveway, quickly unbuckled Pat, and grabbed Shannon out of her seat. We walked in and I lowered Shannon down. She wouldn't go. This never happens. Shannon is not clingy. Shannon is a social butterfly. I gave her another squeeze and went to let her ago again. She clung. Then, I noticed she was pointing her toes so she wouldn't put any weight on her left foot. "Seriously, Shannon? Can't you stay healthy for 1 week?" I though as I sat down with her and pulled her shoes off her feet...
So, my double duty day turned drastically different. Here are the highlights...
-went to work for all of 20 minutes. Called the doctor at 9:00 sharp and got an appointment for 9:45.
-picked up Shannon (tenderly explained to Pat that Shannon had to go to the dr. and he couldn't come)
-went to Dr...my least favorite at the practice...see previous post on his act
-went to get x-rays, which were negative
-took Shannon back to Lynda's (gently explained to Pat that I couldn't take him this time because I had to go to work)
-went back to school to teach my first graders
-tried to make an orthopedic appointment, but dr. wouldn't see her until a virus was ruled out.
-headed to the ER to rule out a virus around 7PM
-arrived home at 10:30 with a new set of x-rays and NO NEW INFORMATION.
Yes, Tuesday was a frustrating day. I was hoping to see improvement in Shannon throughout the rest of the week, but she just got worse. She couldn't climb on and off the couch by herself, and asked to be carried much more. At times, she wouldn't even try to walk. Other times, she would walk and even RUN around the house. But, when she was running she was running on her toes. Oh, and I must mention that she even climbed out of the pack-n-play at school this week. Who does that when you have foot pain???
So, last night I took her to the orthopedic doctor. He took one look at her foot, and explained it could be a hairline fracture or a bad sprain. When this happens to toddlers they assume the worst and always cast. So, here is my 20 month old with her pretty pink cast. She will be in a cast for 2 weeks. Then, she will be reevaluated.
So, my double duty day turned drastically different. Here are the highlights...
-went to work for all of 20 minutes. Called the doctor at 9:00 sharp and got an appointment for 9:45.
-picked up Shannon (tenderly explained to Pat that Shannon had to go to the dr. and he couldn't come)
-went to Dr...my least favorite at the practice...see previous post on his act
-went to get x-rays, which were negative
-took Shannon back to Lynda's (gently explained to Pat that I couldn't take him this time because I had to go to work)
-went back to school to teach my first graders
-tried to make an orthopedic appointment, but dr. wouldn't see her until a virus was ruled out.
-headed to the ER to rule out a virus around 7PM
-arrived home at 10:30 with a new set of x-rays and NO NEW INFORMATION.
Yes, Tuesday was a frustrating day. I was hoping to see improvement in Shannon throughout the rest of the week, but she just got worse. She couldn't climb on and off the couch by herself, and asked to be carried much more. At times, she wouldn't even try to walk. Other times, she would walk and even RUN around the house. But, when she was running she was running on her toes. Oh, and I must mention that she even climbed out of the pack-n-play at school this week. Who does that when you have foot pain???
So, last night I took her to the orthopedic doctor. He took one look at her foot, and explained it could be a hairline fracture or a bad sprain. When this happens to toddlers they assume the worst and always cast. So, here is my 20 month old with her pretty pink cast. She will be in a cast for 2 weeks. Then, she will be reevaluated.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Why Do I Teach?
This morning while I was tutoring a high school student I saw another former student walk by in the hallway. I waved to her and continued on with my tutoring lesson. Next thing I knew this young lady was stretching her arms out exclaiming, "Mrs. Birkhead!!!! You're Back!!!!" We embraced, and I explained to her that I come once a week to the high school to work with a student. She went on to tell me about how successful she has been in school, and that, thanks to me, she loved to read and has moved from self-contained English to inclusion English.
This little story is the reason I teach. I want to make a difference in the world, and I know I can do that by teaching students how to read, and how to positively contribute to society. I taught this young lady English in 9th grade 2 years ago. I no longer work at the high school. Yet, when she saw me this morning SHE stopped what she was doing. SHE turned around, SHE entered the library, SHE walked all the way to the back room where I was working, and SHE reached out to thank me. Thank you former 9th grade English student for reminding me why I teach, and for thanking me. But, I must admit, I am the one who learned the lesson today...how important it is to thank the people who help you get where you want to go in life.
This little story is the reason I teach. I want to make a difference in the world, and I know I can do that by teaching students how to read, and how to positively contribute to society. I taught this young lady English in 9th grade 2 years ago. I no longer work at the high school. Yet, when she saw me this morning SHE stopped what she was doing. SHE turned around, SHE entered the library, SHE walked all the way to the back room where I was working, and SHE reached out to thank me. Thank you former 9th grade English student for reminding me why I teach, and for thanking me. But, I must admit, I am the one who learned the lesson today...how important it is to thank the people who help you get where you want to go in life.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
3 Things to Do To Make the Nebulizer More Fun
The nebulizer has become a regular part of our days and nights around here. Shannon has never been a fan of the nebulizer. In fact, last June when she had to get a treatment in the hospital the Respiration Tech stopped and claimed she was the worst neb patient ever. I've tried to brainstorm creative ways to distract her during treatments this time around. I really hope this helps other parents with children who refuse to use the nebulizer.
We do not use the mask...I just hold it up in front of her nose and mouth.
3. Watch a movie, or youtube clip on a computer, tablet, or phone. It is impossible to hear the regular tv over the noise of the nebulizer, but if the device is in close proximity to the child it tends to hold their attention better. Allow your child to hold a favorite toy or blanket.
2. Sing songs together. This works well for an active child because you can bounce them up and down and swing their head from side to side. Again, hold hands which keeps the hands away from neb.
1. Gather 5-6 books to read during treatment. Read and point to different pictures. Reading is good because if the child sits in your lap you can read right into his/her ear. Then, you can hold their hands (this keeps hands away from neb!) and point to the pictures.
Another idea...
Neb in the high chair. The child has nowhere to go. I'll admit I haven't tried it this time, but last year this was the best way for me to do it.
We do not use the mask...I just hold it up in front of her nose and mouth.
3. Watch a movie, or youtube clip on a computer, tablet, or phone. It is impossible to hear the regular tv over the noise of the nebulizer, but if the device is in close proximity to the child it tends to hold their attention better. Allow your child to hold a favorite toy or blanket.
2. Sing songs together. This works well for an active child because you can bounce them up and down and swing their head from side to side. Again, hold hands which keeps the hands away from neb.
1. Gather 5-6 books to read during treatment. Read and point to different pictures. Reading is good because if the child sits in your lap you can read right into his/her ear. Then, you can hold their hands (this keeps hands away from neb!) and point to the pictures.
Another idea...
Neb in the high chair. The child has nowhere to go. I'll admit I haven't tried it this time, but last year this was the best way for me to do it.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Be Flexible
(FRIDAY)
The alarm sounded at 5AM this morning and I hit snooze...5 more minutes! When it rang again I sprung from bed, put on my workout clothes and headed out the door to yoga. I love to begin my day with yoga, and find on the days that I practice in the morning I am more centered and peaceful. I've often thought about how incredible it is that so many people wake up early to come to yoga, or to work out. It's like an entire different universe of people who are up before the sun - ready to start their day on their terms rather than on the typical hustle and bustle that fills our lives.
This morning just as class was beginning one of the other ladies jumped up from her mat and said, "Ok, plan B today. The first teacher overslept, and I'm going to be teaching class this morning. I recognized this lady right away - she is another teacher at the studio, so it wasn't just a random person. But, then I thought, she came this morning for herself, and when she found out that one of the teachers overslept she was flexible and readily accepted the task of leading the 5:30 AM class. More importantly, she did it in a positive manner.
I was getting excited for this weekend because we were sending the kids to stay with my parents so we could go to a St. Joe's game, and then out for drinks to celebrate my brother-in-laws birthday. But, around 1 o'clock I received a text from our caretaker to let me know Shannon had a "croupy cough" and we may want to have her seen by the doctor before the weekend. After calling the doctor's office they said they weren't seeing anyone just for a croupy cough. The moment I saw Shannon after school, I knew she was sick. I called the doctor again, and we both agree the best place for Shannon was the Emergency Room. She was diagnosed with RSV and the FLU, and stayed for 2 days in the hospital. The entire weekend I just keep thinking about being flexible. I am grateful my little girl is ok, and I am thankful for the reminder that we need to be flexible in all areas of life.
The alarm sounded at 5AM this morning and I hit snooze...5 more minutes! When it rang again I sprung from bed, put on my workout clothes and headed out the door to yoga. I love to begin my day with yoga, and find on the days that I practice in the morning I am more centered and peaceful. I've often thought about how incredible it is that so many people wake up early to come to yoga, or to work out. It's like an entire different universe of people who are up before the sun - ready to start their day on their terms rather than on the typical hustle and bustle that fills our lives.
This morning just as class was beginning one of the other ladies jumped up from her mat and said, "Ok, plan B today. The first teacher overslept, and I'm going to be teaching class this morning. I recognized this lady right away - she is another teacher at the studio, so it wasn't just a random person. But, then I thought, she came this morning for herself, and when she found out that one of the teachers overslept she was flexible and readily accepted the task of leading the 5:30 AM class. More importantly, she did it in a positive manner.
I was getting excited for this weekend because we were sending the kids to stay with my parents so we could go to a St. Joe's game, and then out for drinks to celebrate my brother-in-laws birthday. But, around 1 o'clock I received a text from our caretaker to let me know Shannon had a "croupy cough" and we may want to have her seen by the doctor before the weekend. After calling the doctor's office they said they weren't seeing anyone just for a croupy cough. The moment I saw Shannon after school, I knew she was sick. I called the doctor again, and we both agree the best place for Shannon was the Emergency Room. She was diagnosed with RSV and the FLU, and stayed for 2 days in the hospital. The entire weekend I just keep thinking about being flexible. I am grateful my little girl is ok, and I am thankful for the reminder that we need to be flexible in all areas of life.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Shaking up the Typical Bedtime Story
Read with a flashlight!
Children are fascinated by flashlights. And, if you have a smart phone you can download the flashlight app. It is so much fun to read by flashlight. So, tonight (or tomorrow night hopefully!) give it a try. Snuggle in bed, pull the covers up and shine your flashlight on a favorite book. If your child is a little older, play "I spy" and shine the flashlight on parts of the picture.
Children are fascinated by flashlights. And, if you have a smart phone you can download the flashlight app. It is so much fun to read by flashlight. So, tonight (or tomorrow night hopefully!) give it a try. Snuggle in bed, pull the covers up and shine your flashlight on a favorite book. If your child is a little older, play "I spy" and shine the flashlight on parts of the picture.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Parallel Lives
In 10th grade I decided to switch high schools. Initially, I was a bit nervous to make the move, but the moment I walked into Upper Dublin I knew it was the right move for me. The music, athletic, and academic programs were top-notch. But, most of all, the people I met at Upper Dublin were welcoming, kind, and caring individuals. There was one girl I knew that even back in high school when you are easily influenced, was not afraid to be herself. I remember on one of my first days as a new student she welcomed me and asked if I needed any help. Really she always went out of her way to chat with me. I would say in high school we were acquaintances.
After high school I lost touch with her. But, she reappeared at my cousin's wedding. One of her best friends was marrying my cousin. Weird. But, it was nice to reconnect and check in on how life was going for her.
The next year, she began teaching Special Ed in Central Bucks School District. I remember looking around the auditorium and spotting her blond curly hair in the crowd,, and thought I was dreaming. Of course, she was a great addition to this district.
Then she became the 7th grade girls basketball coach at another middle school in the district. We coached against each other several times, and I think it was an even split. But, at the end of the games we hugged and went on our ways.
Once I got married we decided to make our way over the state lines to New Jersey. I got a job here, and began teaching. Somehow we connected again only to find out She lived in NJ. We lived in different towns and never saw each other, but still, it was weird we both left CB at the same time and went to the same place.
It was literally my first day back in my own house with 2 kids that I received a facebook message from this girl indicating she had moved to Haddon Township. I wrote back asking where, and guess what? She was 2 blocks away from my house! She walked over a little while later, and we caught up on life again. This time she was pregnant with her first, and she met my two little ones. Last year I became good friends with this kind-hearted woman. She made me several dinners when she was out on maternity leave last year and I was working. These dinners would show up on my doorstep at just the right moment. She never judged my messy house, and brought her daughter over several times for playdates. She introduced to me hot yoga at 5:30 in the morning, which has become a staple in my life, and she introduced me to 31 products. Sadly for me, she moved back to PA in August. Now it is my turn to follow her as we look forward to moving back to PA sometime in the near future.
Lesson learned - You never know how a person can impact your life. Be kind to everyone you meet!
After high school I lost touch with her. But, she reappeared at my cousin's wedding. One of her best friends was marrying my cousin. Weird. But, it was nice to reconnect and check in on how life was going for her.
The next year, she began teaching Special Ed in Central Bucks School District. I remember looking around the auditorium and spotting her blond curly hair in the crowd,, and thought I was dreaming. Of course, she was a great addition to this district.
Then she became the 7th grade girls basketball coach at another middle school in the district. We coached against each other several times, and I think it was an even split. But, at the end of the games we hugged and went on our ways.
Once I got married we decided to make our way over the state lines to New Jersey. I got a job here, and began teaching. Somehow we connected again only to find out She lived in NJ. We lived in different towns and never saw each other, but still, it was weird we both left CB at the same time and went to the same place.
It was literally my first day back in my own house with 2 kids that I received a facebook message from this girl indicating she had moved to Haddon Township. I wrote back asking where, and guess what? She was 2 blocks away from my house! She walked over a little while later, and we caught up on life again. This time she was pregnant with her first, and she met my two little ones. Last year I became good friends with this kind-hearted woman. She made me several dinners when she was out on maternity leave last year and I was working. These dinners would show up on my doorstep at just the right moment. She never judged my messy house, and brought her daughter over several times for playdates. She introduced to me hot yoga at 5:30 in the morning, which has become a staple in my life, and she introduced me to 31 products. Sadly for me, she moved back to PA in August. Now it is my turn to follow her as we look forward to moving back to PA sometime in the near future.
Lesson learned - You never know how a person can impact your life. Be kind to everyone you meet!
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