H1N1 Vaccine

To get the vaccine or not, that is the question. I was so against the vaccine and I told everyone there is no way me or my children will be getting it. I was listening to the news and not one doctor was against it,but they are doctors, of course they are going to "recommend" it. The one side effect that stood in my mind was the chance of paralysis. The chance was one in 1 million but there is still that chance. The fact that it is a new vaccine is scary in itself. I just didn't know what to do. These sorts of pandemics are nerve racking and put you in positions you just aren't sure of. Who wants to be injected with all sorts of nasty things? But do these nasty things protect you or harm you?
There was a flu clinic in Raymond yesterday that started and 12:00pm and ran until 6:00pm. I initially wanted to get the regular flu vaccine along with my children. I got there at 11:30 and the line up was already down the sidewalk. I still wasn't sure if I was going to get the H1N1 vaccine. I started to think of the health of my children and the chances of them getting H1N1. The chances are pretty high according to the Health Region. Do I decide not to get the vaccine and take my chances of them getting H1N1 and the consequences of the sickness which could be possible death? Or do I decide to get them the vaccine and see if there any consequences to that. It is really a sticky situation to be in. In the end I decided to get the H1N1 vaccine as well as well as my children. I did figure the consequences would be worse to not get the vaccine. It made my decision a whole lot easier when I saw a respectable doctor and his family from Raymond waiting in line to receive the vaccine also. It was a nightmare experience waiting in line for 4 hours but I know that I made the right decsion for my family.
I have to tell Ava's experience. My sister Kerrie came with me to help with the children. We told Ava she would be getting a needle and it would feel like a little pinch. I would give her little pinches to prepare her and she laughed each time I did it. She was actually excited which was strange to me, I figured she just didn't get it. There was screaming kids everywhere but I don't think she was paying attention to that. Finally it was our turn after a four hour wait. She sat on my lap, pulled her sleeve and gave the nurse a smile. I looked at Kerrie in disbelief not knowing what was going to happen next. The nurse cleaned her arm with a swab and gave her the needle. Ava just sat there and gave a little chuckle and turned over to receive the next needle. She reacted the exact same way. I was so proud of my little angel. Then it was Jaxen's turn. As I was holding Jaxen I was looking at Ava and she didn't look so well. She was getting more and more white by the second. She looked sick, so I told Kerrie to take her to the bathroom incase she decided to throwup. When Jaxen was done, I went to get Ava from the bathroom but a Nurse was walking out with limp little Ava in her arms. My heart dropped as I followed them to the couch in the back of the room. After a little juice and rest Ava was ready to go again. I was the exact same way when I was little so maybe it runs in the family. It's just different when it's your little one instead of yourself. No side effects from the injection yet and lets hope it stays that way. I am not trying to promote getting the drug so please nobody think that I am. It was a hard decision for myself but I decided it was the best decision for us.

Potty Training

I have decided that this is one of the hardest things both Ava and I have done. For me is trying not to get angry everytime she says "nope, I don't have to pee" then 5 seconds later she pee's on the floor. I think Ava really doesn't care to be potty trained but she really is too old for diapers. She is going to be three is Jan. and I really want her to be diaper free by then. Everyone tells me she will get it in her own time but I don't agree. If I let her stay in her diapers it will get harder and harder to get her out. I never really knew just how stubborn she really is. Daughter like mother I suppose. I even ordered the "The Potty Bootcamp". Let me just say drill time is just horrible. Imagine going back and forth back and forth between rooms and a little girl saying "mommy what are we doing?" "stop it". It just broke my heart. We did make it through the first day but it was unsuccessful. The second and third day there was some process but everytime she goes she thinks she should get a surprise. She still wears diapers when we go out and for naptime and bedtime. I make sure that when we are at home she only wears her panties. She has gone a few times on her own but refuses to poop in the potty. She was holding it in and I knew she had to go. As soon as I put on a diaper she went. This really is one of the most frustrating things I have ever dealt with. I hope she gets it soon!

Early morning drive

I decided it was finally time to make the trip to Strathmore to visit a dear friend. Before I left I couldn't decide who I should take, Jaxen or Ava. They both have their own pros and cons but yet my heart was torn. Naturally one would think Ava might be the easiest but in reality not so much. She only eats at home or in her car seat, so fast food in usually the only option when out. My lovely little Ava has decided that she is now in charge and what she says goes. I didn't want to have to deal with a kicking and screaming child in the mall if she didn't get her way. So my poor little Ava was out.
Jaxen was the next runner up so we packed and were ready to go. We got to Strathmore eary afternoon, had some lunch and off to Balzac we went. Things we going good so far, had a little melt down in the mall but nothing a bottle couldn't fix. Three hours later we decided it was time to go. Traffic was nuts!!!! We got back home had some supper and played for awhile. Little Ellie and Jaxen we beat so it was time for bed. Jaxen it usually a good sleeper so I didn't think we would have a problem. At 8:30 both kids were out. Kristi and I went down stairs and watched a movie and had some snacks. Midnight rolled around and we headed to bed. I crawled into bed thinking I wouldn't be up til morning...wrong. My little man is such a loud sleeper, it drives me nuts. He wouldn't stop moving and banging his head at the top of the play pen. I can tell if he is restless but still sleeping but the moment I hear him sigh or coo he is up for good. I heard a little coo and we were up. I thought I could get him back to sleep but no luck for me. I knew it was over from there. I really didn't want him to wake Ellie and I really didn't want to stay awake all night.
So it was now 2:00am. What to do what to do??? I am a tad bit crazy so I decided to drive home. It was snowing so bad I thought I was going to have to turn around but thankfully it stopped. Jaxen was sleeping, I was driving, life was good. Never have I seen so much wildlife on the road, I had a couple of close calls. I got home around 5:00am feed jaxen a bottle and slept till 8:00am. Quite the little journey but if I am not sleeping at night I would rather be driving!