New Party Trick

Well, the croup saga continues, now placing my upcoming San Francisco weekend in jeopardy (more on that later). And, I'm not really complaining - shit happens and frankly, Makeda is the one who's actually suffering here, not me. But anyway, we went for another checkup to the pediatrician yesterday, and he sent us back to the hospital for an impromptu meeting with an ENT specialist. It was a long morning, and Makeda was not inclined to wake from her nap once she'd settled into the car seat. So I slung her over my shoulder like the 26 lb sack of potatoes that she is, and managed to check her in at Admissions, go back to the car for the diaper bag, and then into the ENT waiting room, all without waking her up. I sat next to the fishtank in the hopes that the burbling would keep her asleep. The burbling was very effective, especially to one sad little mom who has not slept more than 2 hours straight in over a week and is now also carrying a 26 lb sack of potatoes. We were wakened by the specialist standing over us asking us if we'd like a few more minutes to nap before we came into his office.

Anyway, the end result is that croup sucks and can last forever and there's nothing he can do and there's no point in drugging Makeda further (her mother - that's another matter). Also known as the diagnosis of "suck it up". But my point to all this was that I have turned into a farm animal. I have successfully napped in the upright position with a baby slung over my shoulder - without dropping her. This continues my successful record of not dropping her, even once, which I think is one of the slamdunk signs of being a good mother. Next month - sleeping while standing up. It can be done, I'm sure...

Happy Makedaversary! Without the Bells and Whistles

Also known as the weekend that wasn't. For the second time in a row actually, since my 5 star weekend at ShuttersontheBeach the previous weekend got truncated so I could jet home to my croupy child (American Airlines generously agreed to fly me out of LA Saturday night at the last minute on their last available seat for only (gasp! what a deal! US$2100)). Common sense prevailed and I flew out on the 7am Sunday morning on Air Canada instead for a $175 change fee. That was just the beginning. Over the last 7 days there's been 3 trips to emergency and 24 hours in residence at Children's hospital. 3 homecoming anniversary parties cancelled. I haven't slept more than 2 hours consecutively in over a week. I don't know which is worse - what I've just described - or the fact that Pierce Brosnan was staying at our hotel and no matter how many hours I spent drinking in the lounge, I couldn't manage to "bump into him". Somebody throw me a bone...

Happy Belated Birthmother's Day Fozia

Thanks to Habeshachild, I have a new occasion to bookmark. Apparently, the day before Mother's Day is Birthmom Day. I love that. Even I cannot forget something that falls the day before the world's biggest hallmark holiday. Not that I need to set a day aside to remember Fozia. She's never far from my thoughts.

I've spoken of Fozia before. I don't have a lot to add. She's smart. She's funny. She's the bravest person I know. There's a picture of us together in Makeda's bedroom. I'm not going to post it on the internet, but if you're at my place, I'd be happy to introduce you. This is her, holding Makeda and saying goodbye. Someday I'll reunite them.

I hope she's safe. I hope she still believes she made the right decision. I hope she's receiving my pictures. And in two years or so, when I travel again to bring home Makeda's little sister, I hope to see her again.

Happy Birthmom's Day Fozia.

xox

You Know I Don't Like to Brag But...

Is she frickin' cute or what?!?. Enjoy.