Breaking Up is Hard To Do (with the pacifier that is)

It's going to be a rough week. Craig took Murray to our pediatrician today (we love him) to find out if Murray's sleep difficulties are due to a medical condition . He checks out beautifully - no ear infection, cold, or head trauma from his recent fall. Turns out the problem is behavioral. Even though we have been letting him cry it out, we weren't going about it quite right. Dr. G. said that by no means do we set foot in his bedroom the first few nights. If this doesn't work, he gave us a few more options to try. Either way, we're purchasing ear plugs (an idea my therapist gave me yesterday). Hopefully, he'll find a way to soothe himself soon. Dr. G. reassured us that all four of his children did the exact same thing when it was time to say goodbye to the pacifier (which we did about a month ago).

Anyway, things are looking up. We're busy, busy, busy, but having daycare closed this week allows us to get some neglected housework up to date. I let things slide when Craig was away last week, and then slide even more what with state softball all weekend. It feels good to catch up.

We're almost to Wednesday already!

Wild Weekend

We had a very busy weekend and are feeling the effects today. It was fun, but chock full of activity. Murray is still waking up anywhere between 3 and 4 am and generally not going back to sleep. I have a call in to the pediatrician. At this point, I'm thinking maybe the problem is medical and not behavioral. We've tried every technique out there to get him back to bed, to no avail. We aren't letting him get away with anything either - we've always pretty strict about bedtime and crib sleeping. Anyway, Craig and I are at our wits' end. I'm hoping to find a solution soon. The strangest part? He's happy as a clam and sticks to his normal nap and bedtime schedule. I'm completely baffled.

Murray thought that having the dogs in bed was super funny:

Have a great week!

Marie's Mission

I know that I just posted on this subject yesterday, but felt I needed to reiterate. Anyone who follows my blog knows that my cousin, Flynn Murray was in a serious car accident in March. She arrived in Moorhead last week after a lengthy stay at Craig Hospital in Denver. We are having a benefit and silent auction on September 20 at the Moorhead American Legion from 4-8pm. My mission is to collect as many donations as possible for her cause. Her parent's home has been modified to suit Flynn's needs, and there are many travel, medical, and various other expenses that are not covered by insurance. If there is anyone out there who is willing to donate or volunteer, the Murray family would be honored. For more information, please contact me via my blog, or at beckerleg@hotmail.com



Flynn is a woman of great strength and tenacity, and if you know her, you are lucky indeed. She is loved by many, and your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I am off to bed soon, but I wanted to share a few things first. I would have posted sooner, however, I finally have Murray in bed (and sleeping).

Last night, I attended a meeting for Flynn's benefit. I was bowled over by the amount of work co-workers, friends and family who are contributing. I am currently seeking anyone who can donate something for the silent auction or raffle. The benefit will be held on September 20 from 4-8pm. For security, I won't disclose the location, but please contact me if you would like to attend or donate.

Another horrendous bedtime. I know it's molars and one eye tooth, but this is so sad for Murray. He can't sleep through the night and we are up with him every hour after about 3am. If any of you can't sleep, call me, we'll catch up because no doubt I will be awake anyway!

I'm off to bed now. Yawn. . .God bless.

Addendum to "Let's Talk Seriously"

A couple of more things to preach: if you need to sneeze or cough, use your sleeve. Also, if you use a Kleenex to blow your nose, wash your hands immediately after. None of us want to get sick, so if we try to make these ideas a habit, we can avoid the spread of very serious disease.

On that note, I promise to post something a bit more positive tomorrow. I am not a health care expert by any means, but I have done the research. I will stop sounding like a know it all and hope that my point gets across.

Stay tuned. . .

Let's Talk Seriously (and please,wash your hands)

Before we even thought or knew about H1N1, we were aware that we needed to stop spreading germs. Now that things have become more serious than ever, we MUST take every precaution. I've preached about this before, but I have two issues that need to be taken vitally:

1. Washing hands. Yes, I know this is common knowledge, but many people don't understand proper hand washing technique. One of my very close friends is a health inspector. The rules are to scrub VIGOROUSLY; underneath nails and jewlery (especially rings), on top and bottom of hands, between fingers and up to the elbows (pretend you are a surgeon). Then completely dry and use a paper towel to touch the faucet, door knob, etc. on your way out of whereever you washed.

Bring on issue number 2: IF YOU ARE SICK, DO NOT GO TO WORK, DO NOT GO ANYWHERE! For crying out loud, stay home, rest and heal, and then disinfect your home, and again, DO NOT COME TO WORK! I know the guilty feeling about not reporting to your job, but really, our safety is at risk. My co-w0rker decided she should come t0 the office on Monday (she's famous for coming to work hacking, sneezing,etc) and I explained to her that the next time she shows up at work ill, I will go home.

Another easy idea is to always keep antibacterial lotion in your purse, car, and home. It's not always the best source, but will make a big difference.

I realize that this is a crabby post, but health is so important to me. Please help stop the germs.
On that note, I do hope you all remain healthy. More to come. . .
Ree