How Time Flies

May 4, 2000




She Says:
3.5 children
5 states
2 apartments
3 rental homes
4 yrs. medical school
1 internship
1 residency
1 mortgage
and countless blessing throughout

EQUALS

Eight Great Years and still a relatively good looking couple

Hospital Havoc

Throughout medical school Steven would return home and share stories or events that would happen where a child or individual ended up in the ER. I would comment with each story how if something ever happened while I was here at home I would completely freak out and not know what to do. With that response Steven has been able to coach me over the past years on what to do if such and such happens - the number one thing of course being to stay calm. Alright, good advice, makes sense, but come on stay calm - what if one of my babies is bleeding amounts more than a band aid can handle, what then? Well, unfortunately on Wed. I experienced the answer to "what then".

Kadyn has a best friend (Noah). They play together great and one of their favorite things to do is hunt for treasure with a game Steven gave me a few years ago. It has heavy "gold" coins and beautiful gems that the kids love. I hide small amounts of treasure all around the house with an "X" over it (to mark the spot of course) and they walk around with velvet pouches and a map to try and find each treasure. They had been busy playing this game for over an hour and to be honest I was just about treasured out. I left the room to hide one final "treasure" and while I was gone they had fun running "the circle". You know, the necessary circle that runs complete from kitchen to living room to dining room and back through kitchen. From what Kadyn tells me she came towards the kitchen entry and turned to look for Thatch but when she turned back she hit the corner of the wall instead. I immediately heard her cries and as I walked toward her I called out, "come here and let Momma kiss it". When I turned the corner and saw her I was in complete shock. There was blood everywhere. In her hair, running down her face, and all over her clothes. I scooped her up and ran to my bathtub where I proceeded to clean her off as best I could so that I could see the area that was bleeding. The blood was really upsetting Kadyn so I grabbed a dark blue hand towel and used that to apply pressure while I cleaned the rest of her off.

To shorten the story let's just say that my awesome neighbors, who call me super Mom, came to give me a second opinion that "yes, she would need to go to the ER". They told me they were impressed with how calm I was and it's because I'm super Mom and I said, "just give me a few more minutes and you'll witness super mom quickly disintegrate into nothing". They helped me gather everything needed and then transferred all car seats and took Thatcher and Noah to lunch while I ran to the hospital. The doctor said if the cut had not been such a perfect line he would have to use stitches. Since it would align perfectly when pinched back together dermabond glue appeared to be a better option than convincing a four year old to hold still while stitching her up. It was not one of Kadyn's finer days but she was definitely a trooper for such a hard ordeal and within hours was back to herself with her same sweet smile.

Fire House Fieldtrip

We have continued to enjoy the warm weather throughout this week. On Monday our playgroup went to the fire station. Kadyn loved climbing around in the truck and thought it was so funny when the fireman began demonstrating the stop, drop, and roll technique. Thatcher was not excited about climbing into the truck but was gracious enough to sit on the front fender to take a picture.

The firemen were telling us stories about the crazy and humorous calls they receive from individuals and I bowed my head in shame remembering not to long ago that I was one of them. I accidentally locked Kadyn in the car when she was nine months or so. It was early in the morning so the temperature wasn't bad and looking back I could have just as easily called Steven at the hospital and had him come unlock the door, but did I do that? Nope, I immediately dialed 911 and dramatically explained how my child was locked in the car. Within minutes you could hear the sirens a few blocks away, that continued to get louder until the fire truck pulled up to our house. The entire time I am frantically peeking through the windows to check on her while she giggles uncontrollably thinking that Mommy is playing a very funny game. Oh well, you live you learn. (I think I say that alot - it may have to become my life's theme!)

Expect the Unexpected

I knew I could expect the weather here to be warm enough in April to head for the zoo, so on Tuesday we did just that. It was a group visit this time- Ryley's first elementary school field trip. I took Kadyn, but Thatcher got the raw end of the deal, because I left him behind with a good friend. I felt awful not taking him, but being a chaperone to look after kindergarteners makes a wandering toddler with a penchant for hide and seek too easy to lose. It ended up being a great day with the girls at the zoo, and from the smile on his face when I returned I am trying to convince myself that Thatcher had fun playing with his friends too.

What I didn't expect however was being prepared for "swim season" to begin this early. Two of the five neighbors in our cove have pools and basically open them up for all to use throughout the summer. Yesterday as the kids gathered to play after school they received the news that the water had been tested and the pool was ready to go. Due to my lack of preparedness however Thatcher was once again robbed and my heart just ached. The girls were able to throw on last years suits while Thatch got only as far as soaking his feet in the water on the stairs. Luckily he found a frog in the grass soon after and that consumed his attention the remainder of the time. Last summer he was just turning one and wanted nothing to do with the water. Yesterday I struggled to keep him jumping in off the sides. I'm glad he's excited, it will make going to the pool exciting for all of us now.

So, first item of business after Steven's test on Saturday is a shopping trip. No doubt my sister is going nuts right now at my announcement of shopping seeing as it's my least favorite thing to do in the world. However, once in awhile you've just gotta bite the bullet and go shop for suits, floaties, and all of the other necessities to make it through the hot and humid summer ahead. Wish me luck!

Carnival Craziness

Ryley's school had their annual carnival this past Saturday. The girls and I went while Thatcher took a much needed nap and Steven continued to study for his upcoming "end of the year, took forever to study for, this is going to be horrible, finished on Saturday, until he starts studying for next year" exam! Wow, try saying that three times fast.

Anyway, while sad to leave the boys behind, we headed out with excitement to the much anticipated carnival. It was a fun day for the Ballard girls and all three of us came home a little more tan and a lot more tired.

Not quite free furniture

As a follow up from my last post- we didn't get the free furniture. Lynette thought it was in the bag with 2 minutes left. I admit I stayed true to KU until the end and in pure obsessed form feel that ultimately it was my choice to cheer that led to the miraculous turn around! So for what it's worth, here are the pictures of our financial sacrifice that led to the Jayhawks victory.

A Ballard Birthday

Steven turned 33 this week. When he got home from work we had a fun family party with dinner, dessert, and presents. When the girls were born he gave each one a nickname that would be for just him and her. Ryley is his peach and Kadyn his pumpkin. Thatch is his buddy (or pal to stick with p's) but buddy has become a family favorite for all to use. Steven loves pies so in honor of their nicknames Ryley made a peach and Kadyn a pumkin pie. We also made Mom Ballard's apple pie which is one of his very favorites. It was a great night.

I can't let this "birthday post opportunity" pass without saying this. He is the only boy of seven and came on his mother's birthday. His dad has to be the best example of how to be a great husband because Steven is just that. From his mom, with the help of six sisters, he must have learned about kindness, patience, and understanding because they are a few of his strongest qualities. He's "Best Dad Ever" to his three little one's.

After losing my own dad I realized two things. First, with how fast life can go it is important to make the most of each day with those you love. Second, I realized even more just how lucky I am to have such an amazing man by my side because he not only makes each day on this earth a better experience, but no matter how fast this life may go I have been given him for eternity.

Happy Birthday Steven. We love you!