Roses and Thorns

Every Rose Has Its Thorn...and on Monday morning we discovered our little flower had a few -- in the form of unwelcome guests. Just as I finished braiding Natalie's hair, my trained eyes zeroed in on a light-brown sesame seed sitting on the crown of her head. Only it wasn't a seed. As I held the little bugger between my thumb and index finger, a four letter word escaped my lips... LICE!
"No!" Natalie cried.
I wanted to cry, too.

Three years ago, Noah brought it home...twice.  Since that time I have religiously doused their heads daily with products like Lice Shield and Fairy Tales which contain rosemary, citronella and tea tree oil that are supposed to repel head lice. Perhaps these new visitors have faulty sniffers.

As a seasoned warrior, I knew what had to be done.  I immediately began stripping the beds and stuffing dozens of stuffed animals into garbage bags.  I had no idea how deep the little pests had penetrated our home.  Next, I grabbed a flashlight to scrutinize Noah's head.  Upon finding nothing, we all jumped into the car to get Noah to school.

My next stop was Walgreens.  I knew from experience that they regularly carry an array of products.  After consulting with the pharmacist, we settled on Walgreen's brand of Nix.  However, on the way home, Natalie took it upon herself to read the label...

"Mom, this stuff seems really toxic," said Natalie
"Yeah, it's a pesticide.  It'll be okay," I replied.
"I don't think we should use it," warned Natalie.
SIGH... "Alright, I'll call the doctor and see what other options are available," I said.

Unfortunately, while there are a couple of prescription medications available...due to a rise in cases -- we couldn't get our hands on them.  Pharmacies can't seem to keep up with the demand. The two brands we tried to get are called Ulesfia and Sklice. We ended up using the "toxic stuff" and after nearly two hours of combing, removed a second adult louse and about 20 eggs.  (The doctor called 8 hours later to say they'd located a box of Ulesfia, however, when I went to pick it up, I experienced sticker shock.  It cost $100, and though the pharmacy tech was quick to point out that my insurance was saving us $600. I chose to leave it and take my chances with the OTC brand. Apparently, lice aren't the only blood-suckers.) While I was relieved that we caught it early, my consolation was short-lived as I gazed at the mountain of laundry.

By Friday I was almost caught up with the loads and happy to have a distraction.  Noah had his follow up visit with the ENT to find out if his ear surgery was successful.  As the doctor peered into Noah's ear, I held my breath.

"Looks good.  He can get it wet." said Dr. Pete.
"It does?! He can? You mean..." I stuttered.
"Yep.  No restrictions," replied Dr. Pete.
"Noah! You can play again! Back to OT! Back to the playground!" I cheered
"Mom! Hive five!" said Noah.

By the time Noah and I had returned to the car, the good news was still sinking in. Noah actually began crying -- he was so happy. For the last three years he has been plagued with monthly ear infections and wore a custom-fitted ear plug to prevent water from entering his ear during showering or at the pool.  We still have to revisit the doctor in two months to have his hearing re-tested, but things are definitely looking rosy again.

Deep Thoughts From Noah #54

Noah: "Can we get some of those Pop Tarts?"
Me: "I don't know...I think they are just all sugar."
Noah: "No, they aren't.  It's just frosting."

Musings From Natalie #105

Car ride convo...
"Mom, can you believe there was a time when I wasn't even born...I can't even imagine that -- I just can't!"
Me, either.

Deep Thoughts From Noah #53

Noah on BBQ potato chips...
"Mom!  You've got to try these! They'll change your life."

Musings From Natalie #104

Morning convo before school while fixing Natalie's hair...
Natalie: "Um, Mom...(boy in her class) tells me he likes it when I wear my hair down better than when it's in braids.
Me: "Ok, what would you like then...one braid or two?

Musings From Natalie #103

A few minutes before we needed to leave for school, Natalie asked, "Mom, can two girls get married?"
I took a deep breath...then spoke from my heart -- as succinctly as humanly possible and answered any questions she had before we had to scurry out the door.
Her conclusion: "So, it's kinda different, but also kinda awesome, right?"
Right on!

Grant's Farm: Behind the Scenes

On Sunday my family and I were invited to join our friends, the Tevlins, for a behind the scenes tour of Grant's Farm.  While I was looking forward to spending a lazy day in the sunshine with friends and family, I wondered what we could possibly see or do that we haven't experienced already.  As a native St. Louisan, I grew up visiting Grant's Farm and continued the tradition of frequent visits with my own family.  I thought we had seen and done it all.

I was wrong.

The 2+ hour tour began in the Clydesdale barn.  Our two guides shared all kinds of interesting facts about these hearty horses, the training involved and the selection process used for building a Budweiser draft horse team. The kids had the opportunity to spend time with a former Budweiser team member.  Natalie wanted no part of the horse, but Noah happily stroked the 18 hands-tall animal while chatting away with his friend.  It was obvious that contact with the horse was immediately therapeutic.  Prior to our arrival, Noah had been quite agitated and very much against going on the tour. 

We traveled the grounds via a specially designed truck with covered seating.  We stopped frequently -- to walk the grounds and peek inside Ulysses Grant's cabin, to feed the koi fish abundant in Mirror Lake and to take in the sights and history of the AB family's mansion.  Towards the end of the tour we came upon a group of buffalo.  It was then that Natalie really perked up.  She immediately had a favorite - Fred, the bull buffalo of the herd.  She eagerly scooped out cupfuls of feed for the one ton, hairy beast.

All of this left me scratching my head...

Pet a beautiful, calm, chestnut-colored horse with snow-stocking feet?  = NO
Feed a hump-backed, shaggy-furred, beast with horns? = YES!

Our behind-the-scenes tour was certainly full of surprises. Thank you Tevlin family for giving us a fun, memorable good time!

Prior to the tour, we stopped in for a peek at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.  The museum offers free tours and a junior ranger program for kids to enjoy...anytime -- you only need to ask.

Natalie tries on period clothes at the museum

The AB mansion

The playhouse that sits beside the AB mansion...check out the zebras.

Grant's cabin

The steer started walking over to us as soon as they spied our truck.

Nat feeds Fred