Double Trouble

Well, I must say that we are really, really enjoying having my parents here for these few days!  Having recently turned into a family of four, lots of things have doubled: double feedings, double diapers, double illnesses, etc. Nonetheless, the immense love and joy in this house has also doubled.  That's not to say, however, that Ethan & Elise don't sometimes mean "double trouble."

My parents and I arrived at the mall this morning with Ethan and Elise, and as we were walking in, we commented on the "lifesaver" that is the double stroller.  As long as we were rolling along, everything was fine, but when we actually started shopping, the trouble started...double trouble. First, Ethan began screaming at me because he wanted to keep moving; yes, he was actually screaming at me, and he can't even talk yet. Next, Elise starts spitting up the AquADEKS vitamins, thereby dying her clothes and carrier a nasty shade of orange.  Before I could even get to the bathroom to change her, Ethan has his second "explosion" of the day and also needed changing.  And through it all, they were both crying. They were crying, and several other women in the bathroom were staring...staring at me as I took a picture of Elise's poopy diaper. I felt an overwhelming urge to explain myself, but really, what could I say? It's not like there's a simple explanation for taking pictures of your baby's poop.... assuming of course that these other women are not "liver moms." Oh, and FYI, the poop was worthy of my "poop dance;" the color was a great indication that there is indeed bile flow out of Elise's little liver!  SO, I never imagined I'd have so much to say about a bathroom trip at the mall!

As we were on the way out of the mall, Ethan and Elise settled down long enough for me to run into The Loft to buy a new outfit. Let's just say that I seriously need new clothes.  I have lost about 35 lb since Elise was born, so the maternity clothes that I have been wearing for almost two years now doesn't quite fit anymore. But the whole time I was in the fitting room, I could hear them crying, so I finished up quickly, gathered everyone up, and left the mall. So taking my two kiddos for a day out at the mall didn't quite double the fun; it doubled the trouble.

Ethan (14 months), Elise (3 months), and Me

Grammie loving up on Elise

Ethan spending a little quality time with Paw

When Elise isn't happy.....no body's happy.  And Elise isn't happy being changed at the mall.

Looks like somebody needs a nap!

When we returned home this afternoon, I learned of a new resource for obtaining Pregestimil, the specialized formula that Elise requires which retails for approximately $30-$40/ can. Apparently, an organization called The Oley Foundation can link one with individuals who are willing to donate cases of the formula, and all the requester  needs to do is pay shipping & handling costs!  Wow!! There are currently 60 cans of Pregestimil up for donation!!  I requested one case at a total cost of $17.30 for shipping!!  Oh, and there are lots of other types of specialized formula and medical supplies/ equipment also available.  I added this organization's website to my "Links" page on this blog, but here it is:
http://www.oley.org/