Another Surgery on the Horizon

After a 5-month wait, Ella was finally re-evaluated by ENT (Ears Nose Throat = Otorhinolaryngologist) for her mouth breathing and obstructed sleep apnea (diagnosed by Dad at Christmas). It was decided very quickly that she required a tonsil- and adenoid-ectomy. Her tonsils had increased from 50% enlargement/obstruction to 75% in the last year. We're looking at August/September for a surgical booking (which is much better than Taylor's experience with General Surgery). An overnight stay is required and I will be allowed to spend the night with Ella in hospital. Apparently, postop bleeding probability is only 1-4% with Ella most likely at the 1%. (Postop bleeding warrants a hasty trip to Emergency.)

I'm thrilled to finally get this resolved! Whenever Ella had a cold (which seemed frequent! over the winter), her parents feared she'd stop breathing completely! Ella's weight has also been a concern--she's at the 15th percentile for her age.

Also of note, Ella has been referred to the Children's Hospital Vision Clinic (where Averi goes for her eyes). I noticed her right eye turning inward about a month or so ago. Since Averi was visiting her surgeon this past Monday, I mentioned Ella's condition and Dr. Cooper fast-tracked her in on Avi's next appointment (August). The current wait-period is one year so I was quite ecstatic with this arrangement. My guess is Ella will only need glasses or some patching as it has manifested much later than Averi's condition.

Averi gets a break from patching this summer as her right eye has strengthened for the time being. There is a possibility she will be patched again. After Kindergarten, the effectiveness of patching will most likely be gone.

Happy Mother's Day!

I didn't get any cards out this year except to my mother. Guess that's what matters but I wanted to shout out to all the other moms in my life! Stepmom, sister, grandmothers, mother-in-law, friends... This world is a better place because of you!

We went on a short family bike trip, complete with picnic!

Skipping stones:

Averi asked: Did Jesus make rocks?
Me: Yes...
Averi: Did Jesus make them so we would trip on them?

Averi tripped on them.

Taylor drinking from my Camelback (a water backpack) reminded me of feeding from the breast.

Happy Mother's Day! Shawn got me a blizzard cake from Dairy Queen!

My Gentleman

My kids love checking out new showhomes. So much so that there aren't any nearby that they haven't seen. When I discovered the latest lottery home was close by (just south of Calgary), the kids were ecstatic to see it.

Since this was a really fancy neighborhood, we had to park in a lot and take a shuttle bus to the home. The kids thought it a great adventure.

Upon arrival, I made sure the kids knew to let the other 2 occupants disembark before us. As the last woman exited, Taylor could be heard saying "Ladies first!" He sounded so heroic that my heart melted.  ;)  The departing women were also quite touched.

We got to see not one, but two! houses worth over 2.5 million dollars. We were in love!

Weekend Getaway

Oh, glory be! It's been a few years since I've been on a weekend getaway with the female in-laws and we couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous weekend! The forecast for Banff and Canmore was SNOW but we enjoyed balmy sunshine.

This year, Lindsay, Vickie, Wendy, Diana and cousin Laura were in attendance. We enjoyed the usual diversions: brunch at the Banff Spring Hotel, window shopping, self-manis/pedis, hot tubbing and doing whatever we want without concern of children or spouse. Fab!! I will hopefully be able to get some pics soon.

We're each in charge of a portion of the menu and I made Lemon Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast with strawberries and whipped cream for Sunday breakfast. With church at 10am, it probably wasn't the best choice and we were a bit late.

Although I came heavily prepared with things to do--knitting, wedding invites I'm working on, 2 books, a movie--I spent the majority of my time re-reading Stephenie Meyer's The Host (this is my 3rd or 4th time)... The movie is coming out next year!

Returning home is always a trepidatious experience but I was monumentally and ecstatically surprised to find a clean home and happy children! Daddy had several sweet tales of his time with the kiddies causing me to dream of more frequent getaways! ;)

School Swimming

I'm so excited that Taylor has had the opportunity to go swimming at school! The last four days have been so thrilling for him.

On day 2, Taylor came home with the best swim-dry hair ever and so I, of course, took the opportunity to take some pics.

Of course, when either Taylor or Averi is getting pictures, the other must always get involved.  :D

A Few of Our Favorite Things: Breakfast

I try to make pancakes or waffles once a week because I'm a sucker for breakfast. On most days, though, the children prefer the following for breakfast:

Taylor:  Honey Nut Cheerios with milk (he also loves buttered toast)
Averi:  Vanilla Yogurt with Bran Buds (seriously!!)
Ella:  Strawberry Yogurt with Honey Nut Cheerios

My kids are suckers for fresh fruit, too, if it lasts long enough to enjoy at breakfast!

Cycling Dude

As I may have mentioned before, Taylor has been learning to ride a two-wheeler in the basement. Daddy took off the training wheels and away he went. It didn't take Taylor long to get over his trepidation [video below].



I promise that our first order of business this spring is to buy Taylor an appropriately-sized bike!

Embarrassed

Yesterday, Taylor's teacher called to let me know that Taylor had headed home later than usual due to a bathroom break. I decided to take Averi to meet him on the way home (Daddy had arrived home early and could watch Ella). We met him about halfway...

Taylor: Sorry I'm late.
Me: No worries. Your teacher called me.
Taylor: I know.
Me: It's good that you went to the bathroom before coming home so you didn't pee your pants again.
Taylor (eying a passing older child): Mom, you said that right when another kid was here.
Me (smiling a little): Did that embarrass you?
Taylor (matter-of-factually): Yes.
Me (smiling a lot): Sorry!

My boy's getting older! He was very calm about the whole thing but it's very easy to see one of the girls dramatizing it a bit.

Love

Last evening, as we were sitting down to dinner, Taylor remarked to Averi that she was stuck sitting near Ella. Averi replied that she was fine with that because she loves her. She went on to say, "She poops in her pants but I still love her!"

Isn't that a parent's sentiment?  ;)

Superfood Quinoa and Another Recipe

As I was chatting with Dad yesterday, I realized that when I posted the "Crabby Patties" recipe, I had posted very little information on quinoa.

Pronouced keen'-wa, quinoa is considered a superfood due to its high protein content and hearty crop. Often mistaken for a grain, it is really a seed which can be either cooked or even easily sprouted for salads and such.

One cup of cooked quinoa contains:

• 8 g protein
• 5 g dietary fiber
• 0 g saturated or trans fat (3.5 g other fat)

Source: Quinoa 365

I purchase my large sacks of quinoa at Costco. It can also be found at most health food stores but I haven't checked my local grocery store to see if it is available there.

It really is quite tasty, as evidenced by my three little ones who eat it readily enough.

Here is another tried and true quinoa recipe I found at the Eating Well, Living Thin(ner) blog:

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

(I double everything for my family and cook in a 13 x 9 casserole dish.) 

• 1 - 10 oz can condensed Cream of Broccoli soup (or mushroom)
• 1/3 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/4 cups (reduced fat, if preferred) shredded cheese (cheddar, colby-jack, etc.)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar or Splenda
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Dash freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 cups cooked broccoli
• 1 1/2 cups COOKED quinoa (see note below)
• Feshly grated Parmesan cheese

To cook quinoa:

• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear.  In a small saucepan combine the quinoa, water, and salt.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to low and cover.  Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until fluffy and the white ring/tail is visible.  Fluff with a fork.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat a shallow (8×8 in or 5-6 cups) casserole dish – or individual ramekins – with vegetable cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine the soup, mayonnaise, milk, shredded cheese, Splenda, pepper, and nutmeg until well mixed. Stir in the quinoa and broccoli.

Spoon mixture into prepared casserole.  Sprinkle on a couple tablespoons of Parmesan and bake for 35-40 minutes (20-25 minutes for ramekins) or until bubbly on the edges and golden.

Makes 8 generous 1/2-cup servings.

Per Serving: Calories 199,  Protein 10 g; Fat 9 g; NET Carbs 14 g; Fiber 2 g; Sugar 1 g; Sodium 297 mg

10 Year Anniversary

Shawn and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary (Feb 23, 2002) last evening at a restaurant called Chop. I have to say that I had the most FABULOUS petite filet mignon in red wine reduction. I ordered medium rather than my usual medium-well and I couldn't even tell that it was any pinker inside... It melted like butter. The decor was really cool, too. I forgot my camera even though I had been reminding myself the day before to take it... :(

Let it be noted that it has been agreed that Shawn is choosing the activity/venue next year!

Taylor slept over at Grandma and Grandpa's under the care of Uncle Aaron. They made pizzas and watched Kung Fu Panda 2.

Averi and Ella spent the night at Aunt Diana's. Apparently, Ella emptied the contents of a jar of vaseline onto her face and into her hair. Funny, since she doesn't like it when I put lotion on her face. She was also up frequently through the night. I guess it was a bit early to be getting rid of Ella for a night...

Crabby Patties

Taylor is a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants, though all the kids will watch it with rapt attention (parents, too!). So when I first made Quinoa Burgers, Taylor dubbed them "Crabby Patties" and it has stuck.

I made them again this evening and thought I'd share the recipe here since they're so tasty and relatively healthy.

I tried the carrot version the first time and the zucchini version the second. Verdict: not a very discernible difference, though the zucchini version has gotten better reviews online. I prefer zucchini simply because I find it easier to grate than carrots. (I use my Kitchen Aid mixer's new grater attachment--love!)

Serve with Greek yogurt.

"Crabby Patties" (aka Quinoa Burgers)

• 2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed)
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 green onions, including white parts
• 1 /2 teaspoon Splenda or sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

To cook quinoa:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat.  Add quinoa and reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender.  Allow to cool for a few minutes.

In a large bowl combine the cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, Splenda, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat.  Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick.  Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side.

Makes approx. 10 burgers.

Per burger:  Calories 132; Protein 8 g; Fat 5 g; NET Carbs 12 g; (Fiber 2 g); Sugar 0 g; Sodium 200 mg

Vitamins

Taylor seems to have appointed himself Head Vitamin Distributor.

Each morning, before preparing his breakfast (he loves his Honey Nut Cheerios!), he procures a vitamin for himself and his two siblings.

One morning, when Taylor was leaving for school, Averi had yet to wake up. He was about halfway down the front lawn when he turned around and called back to me, "Make sure Averi gets her vitamin!" or "Don't forget to give Averi her vitamin!"

Sweet Sisters

This past video will always have a special place in my heart.



Averi and Ella still get along famously... (video below)



The "ice cream" mentioned: We were heading off to the library and as incentive to behave, we promised Dairy Queen.

I have drilled the kids endlessly on saying "pat-tern" rather than "pat-ter-in" to no avail...

Fine Motor Skills: Check!

I recently took Averi to Taylor's school to register her for Kindergarten. (Wow!!) At that time, we were scheduled to interview with the vice principal who was meeting with all pre-schoolers to see what level they are at.

The result of Avi's interview was that she needed to work on fine motor skills (for writing and drawing).

A week or so ago, Ella kept herself busy for quite some time drawing the teensiest circles. Upon closer inspection, I noted that she was grasping the pen PERFECTLY. No one aided her or has shown her how to do so in the past (that I know of).

Notice, also, the mouth breathing... poor baby...

Both Taylor and Averi are still working on this type of thing so I'm positive that Ella's fine motor skills are terrific!  ;)