I have been sick with the stomach flu the past few days. I am finally starting to feel better. Just in time for William to leave on his snowmobiling vacation out west. I just hope he and the kids don't get it!
Showing posts with label Health and Our Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and Our Home. Show all posts
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Water*
It is no secret that I love water. Sitting in a canoe on a lake or river, surrounded by water is one of my favorite places to be. A sunset cocktail cruise on Big Sandy is always a great way to wind down the day. A nice warm soak in the bathtub can rejuvenate me like nothing else can. The sound of the rain hitting my roof is like a lullaby. I was married on the bank of a beautiful creek. I labored in the water with my son before heading to the hospital. Amazing how many important moments of my life are connected to water.
I have been thinking a lot about our drinking water lately. Actually, I have been thinking about it for years, especially since we have chemically treated city water at our home. It was only recently that I decided to do something about it.
We ended up purchasing this bad boy, the Big Berkey. I like the fact that it isn't a whole house system and that it is portable. Plus, it filters out some pretty nasty stuff that can be in our water supply. While our water doesn't taste bad, it doesn't taste all that great either. Especially when they up the chlorine because they found "above acceptable" levels of bacteria. I don't drink water from the swimming pool and so when the water coming out of my faucet smelled like the pool, that was the last straw for me.
So far I really like the filter. We got a little table for it to sit on and I have been filling it each night and by morning we have great tasting water. It does take a little while for the gravity filter to work in this unit, but with the quantity that we drink, I think we should be okay. Now I realize that I need to figure out someway to get this good water to my office. I drink between two and three quarts of water at work everyday, so it is a bit to carry with me. I will have to think about that... And how do I get the chlorine out of the water we bathe in? A simple shower filter will not work for the kids as the tub they bathe in doesn't have a shower head to fill the tub with. Something else to start research on!
I have been thinking a lot about our drinking water lately. Actually, I have been thinking about it for years, especially since we have chemically treated city water at our home. It was only recently that I decided to do something about it.
We ended up purchasing this bad boy, the Big Berkey. I like the fact that it isn't a whole house system and that it is portable. Plus, it filters out some pretty nasty stuff that can be in our water supply. While our water doesn't taste bad, it doesn't taste all that great either. Especially when they up the chlorine because they found "above acceptable" levels of bacteria. I don't drink water from the swimming pool and so when the water coming out of my faucet smelled like the pool, that was the last straw for me.
So far I really like the filter. We got a little table for it to sit on and I have been filling it each night and by morning we have great tasting water. It does take a little while for the gravity filter to work in this unit, but with the quantity that we drink, I think we should be okay. Now I realize that I need to figure out someway to get this good water to my office. I drink between two and three quarts of water at work everyday, so it is a bit to carry with me. I will have to think about that... And how do I get the chlorine out of the water we bathe in? A simple shower filter will not work for the kids as the tub they bathe in doesn't have a shower head to fill the tub with. Something else to start research on!
This post is shared at the Homestead Barn Hop. Hosted by Kendra at New Life on a Homestead.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Stomach Flu - A TMI post.
Libby had the stomach flu on Saturday night. I could tell something wasn't quite right with her as she really wanted to be held and picked up all day long on Saturday.
She went to bed Saturday night just fine, then during the middle of the night, Bill heard her crying and got up to see what was going on. He found her with a pile of vomit on her bed. We cleaned her up and not much later she vomited again, this time on her pillow. As I was changing her diaper, she vomited again (of course while laying on her back) and I quickly flipped her over and helped her clear her mouth. She seemed much better after this and since we didn't have anymore sheets for her bed (note to self... buy another set of twin sheets) we brought her into bed with us. I really didn't think there could be much vomit left in that little girl after the last three episodes, but low and behold, she surprised us. This time we were able to catch most of it in a bucket, but our blankets and sheets got a nice little spattering as well. Thankfully this was the last time.
Eventually we all fell back asleep. Bill and I were on edge for quite some time as the fear of being vomited on (at least for me) outweighs the need for sleep!
The next morning she was asking for food right away, and didn't even act sick. She had a full day of playing and dancing, so thankfully our first full blown stomach flu didn't last too long!
She went to bed Saturday night just fine, then during the middle of the night, Bill heard her crying and got up to see what was going on. He found her with a pile of vomit on her bed. We cleaned her up and not much later she vomited again, this time on her pillow. As I was changing her diaper, she vomited again (of course while laying on her back) and I quickly flipped her over and helped her clear her mouth. She seemed much better after this and since we didn't have anymore sheets for her bed (note to self... buy another set of twin sheets) we brought her into bed with us. I really didn't think there could be much vomit left in that little girl after the last three episodes, but low and behold, she surprised us. This time we were able to catch most of it in a bucket, but our blankets and sheets got a nice little spattering as well. Thankfully this was the last time.
Eventually we all fell back asleep. Bill and I were on edge for quite some time as the fear of being vomited on (at least for me) outweighs the need for sleep!
The next morning she was asking for food right away, and didn't even act sick. She had a full day of playing and dancing, so thankfully our first full blown stomach flu didn't last too long!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Tis the Season... for Colds.
The cold/flu viruses have set up shop at our humble abode this week.
Libby has had a fever since Monday and it finally seems like it is breaking. To top it off, she also has a hefty dose of chest and nasal congestion.
Eddie has nasal and chest congestion as well and it is so difficult for me to see a little baby with these problems. We were so blessed Libby never got sick with a cold until she was at least a year old. Last night was spent sitting up in a chair holding him so that he could at least get a little sleep. I, on the other hand, didn't get much at all. The little I did get, was very light and interrupted every time he sniffled or coughed (as I had him right next to me in bed because he had so much mucous, he was gagging on it and I didn't want him to choke).
Thankfully, Susan has been at our home and has been able to care for the kids while we went to work. They have been home most of the week from daycare due to the illnesses and Susan has been a blessing so we haven't had to take time off work. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
On a bright note, I was able to get a wonderful massage yesterday afternoon. I took some birthday money and decided on a little "me" time (took a half day vacation from work). Now if I could get in a bath (without children) I could be a whole new woman!
This weekend will be a busy one for us as Wisconsin Deer Hunting begins tomorrow. We also have our family photo session tomorrow and a wedding to attend. I am really looking forward to going to the wedding with Libby. I purchased her a new dress and we are dressing up to go on a Mommy-Daughter date night.
Hopefully Sunday will be a day of relaxation and rejuvenation for us. If everyone is feeling up to it, we will go to church and then come back for a group nap. When it happens, it is one of my favorite times. Even when I only get a short nap because they wake up just after I fall asleep! Still love it.
Libby has had a fever since Monday and it finally seems like it is breaking. To top it off, she also has a hefty dose of chest and nasal congestion.
Eddie has nasal and chest congestion as well and it is so difficult for me to see a little baby with these problems. We were so blessed Libby never got sick with a cold until she was at least a year old. Last night was spent sitting up in a chair holding him so that he could at least get a little sleep. I, on the other hand, didn't get much at all. The little I did get, was very light and interrupted every time he sniffled or coughed (as I had him right next to me in bed because he had so much mucous, he was gagging on it and I didn't want him to choke).
Thankfully, Susan has been at our home and has been able to care for the kids while we went to work. They have been home most of the week from daycare due to the illnesses and Susan has been a blessing so we haven't had to take time off work. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
On a bright note, I was able to get a wonderful massage yesterday afternoon. I took some birthday money and decided on a little "me" time (took a half day vacation from work). Now if I could get in a bath (without children) I could be a whole new woman!
This weekend will be a busy one for us as Wisconsin Deer Hunting begins tomorrow. We also have our family photo session tomorrow and a wedding to attend. I am really looking forward to going to the wedding with Libby. I purchased her a new dress and we are dressing up to go on a Mommy-Daughter date night.
Hopefully Sunday will be a day of relaxation and rejuvenation for us. If everyone is feeling up to it, we will go to church and then come back for a group nap. When it happens, it is one of my favorite times. Even when I only get a short nap because they wake up just after I fall asleep! Still love it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
What is left to eat???
After a lengthy visit to our holistic doctor/chiropractor this week, it has been highly recommended that Libby cut dairy out of her diet (at least temporarily until her cold symptioms go away or she develops immunity to school children sharing germs that give her said colds) and that Eddie cut out gluten (which I had already been dabbling with) because he cannot tolerate it in the breastmilk.
Translation: My two favorite food groups are off limits or restricted to certain family members.
Translation: How do I cook without dairy and wheat?
Translation: $$$$$ for substitutes until I can figure out how to make substitutions or find new recipes.
So, I guess meat, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables it is for our family. Wait, Libby doesn't eat meat or vegetables... Can a kid survive on apples, almonds and peanut butter on a spoon? I guess we will be finding out.
On the bright side, it will be easier for me to enforce than for Daycare. Almost every snack they have there contains wheat and/or dairy...
Put another check mark on the list as to why I should be home with the kids instead of working. But, I digress. I must now go home and make dinner. Out of what, I don't know yet.
Translation: My two favorite food groups are off limits or restricted to certain family members.
Translation: How do I cook without dairy and wheat?
Translation: $$$$$ for substitutes until I can figure out how to make substitutions or find new recipes.
So, I guess meat, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables it is for our family. Wait, Libby doesn't eat meat or vegetables... Can a kid survive on apples, almonds and peanut butter on a spoon? I guess we will be finding out.
On the bright side, it will be easier for me to enforce than for Daycare. Almost every snack they have there contains wheat and/or dairy...
Put another check mark on the list as to why I should be home with the kids instead of working. But, I digress. I must now go home and make dinner. Out of what, I don't know yet.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Sick AGAIN.
Can I just say how much I really hate getting all the germs from daycare...
Elizabeth is sick again. This time with a terrible, deep chesty cough. We took her into urgent care this morning to make sure it wasn't anything that was settling in her lungs that could give her pneumonia (thankfully, her lungs are clear), but now the doctor said she has been seeing these colds last for 5-7 days. She has only had it since Friday and both William and I already missed work last week to stay home with her during her teething fever.
I tell you, I just don't know what to do anymore. I am so tired of everyone getting sick. The whole house smells like vomit (okay, maybe not the whole house, but I have been covered in Elizabeth's vomit twice in the past two days, so now everywhere I go, it smells like vomit to me). She just coughs up so much junk that she chokes on it and ends up vomiting to get rid of it. I have been cleaning like crazy, but it feels like no matter how many times I wipe off the door handles or the toilet knobs, I am loosing the battle!
And to top it off, my chest is extremely tight and there are only a few medicines I can take to help because of the pregnancy. Water is the best solution for me, but with already drinking over a gallon of it a day, there is only so many times I can really go to the bathroom to pee before it just gets plain old annoying!!!
Okay. Time for me to stop complaining and get back to sanitizing things!
Elizabeth is sick again. This time with a terrible, deep chesty cough. We took her into urgent care this morning to make sure it wasn't anything that was settling in her lungs that could give her pneumonia (thankfully, her lungs are clear), but now the doctor said she has been seeing these colds last for 5-7 days. She has only had it since Friday and both William and I already missed work last week to stay home with her during her teething fever.
I tell you, I just don't know what to do anymore. I am so tired of everyone getting sick. The whole house smells like vomit (okay, maybe not the whole house, but I have been covered in Elizabeth's vomit twice in the past two days, so now everywhere I go, it smells like vomit to me). She just coughs up so much junk that she chokes on it and ends up vomiting to get rid of it. I have been cleaning like crazy, but it feels like no matter how many times I wipe off the door handles or the toilet knobs, I am loosing the battle!
And to top it off, my chest is extremely tight and there are only a few medicines I can take to help because of the pregnancy. Water is the best solution for me, but with already drinking over a gallon of it a day, there is only so many times I can really go to the bathroom to pee before it just gets plain old annoying!!!
Okay. Time for me to stop complaining and get back to sanitizing things!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Elizabeth's Hearing Test
Elizabeth went into the doctor yesterday for a hearing test. Because she isn't saying a lot of words yet (like Momma or Daddy, etc...) they wanted to rule out any type of hearing problems.
Well, now she needs to go see an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist as it appears her eardrums are hardly vibrating. This could be because of a build up of wax (which we know she has) or fluid behind the eardrums or it could be just how her eardrums work. The specialist will need to hold her down and clean out the wax with a little tool, then look into her ears with a microscope. Boy is that going to be a fun appointment... I think William may have to come to that one to help! I am sure Elizabeth will be fine, but Momma may need some support after having to assist in holding down a screaming child!
We know she can hear, we just need to verify if the amount of vibration in her eardrums is normal for her, or if it is muffled by fluid or wax. So in a couple weeks, we will once again head back to the doctor's office for another visit. I should just ask my work to make my paycheck out to the clinic in St Croix. Most of my money goes there anyways! (Well, at least for the past couple of months!)
Well, now she needs to go see an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist as it appears her eardrums are hardly vibrating. This could be because of a build up of wax (which we know she has) or fluid behind the eardrums or it could be just how her eardrums work. The specialist will need to hold her down and clean out the wax with a little tool, then look into her ears with a microscope. Boy is that going to be a fun appointment... I think William may have to come to that one to help! I am sure Elizabeth will be fine, but Momma may need some support after having to assist in holding down a screaming child!
We know she can hear, we just need to verify if the amount of vibration in her eardrums is normal for her, or if it is muffled by fluid or wax. So in a couple weeks, we will once again head back to the doctor's office for another visit. I should just ask my work to make my paycheck out to the clinic in St Croix. Most of my money goes there anyways! (Well, at least for the past couple of months!)
Finally Eating
Elizabeth is finally eating again! Over the past month or so her appetite has steadily increased and she is eating a wider variety of foods again. Nothing spectacular (I still can hardly get her to eat a vegetable, but sometimes she will at daycare), but it is healthy food getting into her body.
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We have to try to keep Wesley away from her while she is eating as he will end up eating the majority of the food. Not by Elizabeth's choice either. He is now good at stealing it from her. If her hands are at his level, he just takes it from her. Another habit we need to try to break!
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Yummy Nutella on a gluten free waffle. She loves waffles and when she is sick or recovering from an illness, we try to keep her as gluten free as possible to allow her body to heal. Her wholistic doctor feels that since she is so young, her body isn't fully developed enough to digest the gluten's yet, so it is best to keep her away from them when she isn't feeling the best.
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She loves her yogurt! Nothing a bath and a pressure washer couldn't clean up!
We have to try to keep Wesley away from her while she is eating as he will end up eating the majority of the food. Not by Elizabeth's choice either. He is now good at stealing it from her. If her hands are at his level, he just takes it from her. Another habit we need to try to break!
Yummy Nutella on a gluten free waffle. She loves waffles and when she is sick or recovering from an illness, we try to keep her as gluten free as possible to allow her body to heal. Her wholistic doctor feels that since she is so young, her body isn't fully developed enough to digest the gluten's yet, so it is best to keep her away from them when she isn't feeling the best.
She loves her yogurt! Nothing a bath and a pressure washer couldn't clean up!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June ~ Is it really the end of June already?
So my ankle is finally better. This is the first week I haven't been wearing the air cast. Dr. Onnie gave me some pressure point therapy to do and it is working wonderfully! It hardly hurts when I do the therapy now.
Elizabeth has not coughed during the night for the past 5 nights! I am so thankful for this. Granted, she is still sleeping in our bedroom in her pack n play, but everyone is getting good sleep, so at this point I am grateful and will deal with transitioning her back to her bedroom next week.
It also seems like Elizabeth has gained a couple of pounds. She is still a little peanut, but now she feels like a more "solid" peanut! We are so grateful that she has started eating again and will even eat some chicken (if it is a chicken nugget). We are purchasing the Applegate Farms brand so at least she is getting some healthier chicken than a conventional brand. Plus she is able to be eating gluten again and she is loving her peanut butter sandwiches! Her attitude is better and she is such the helper around the house.
For her birthday this year I am going to have to ask for little girl "cleaning toys" so she can help Mommy. Last night she stole my broom as I was sweeping the kitchen floor and she wouldn't give it back to me. She was actually trying to sweep with the broom that is 3 times her height! She throws her diapers in the garbage, puts her shoes back in their place in her room and she loves to help with laundry and cooking dinner. I think her own little apron, broom, dust pan, vacuum cleaner and feather duster would be great gift ideas. William calls her a mini-me and says she is turning into a compulsive cleaner just like I am!
She isn't saying many words yet and her pediatrician has recommended that she have a hearing test to rule out any hearing issues. So next Tuesday, we will head to the hearing center to have that done. I am sure all will be fine, but they just want to be sure. She will probably be the kid who starts talking in full sentences and then doesn't shut up for the next 20 years. When ever she starts talking is fine with me. I do notice that it frustrates her now that she cannot communicate clearly what she needs or wants, so we are starting to enforce the rule of before we give her something, we clearly state what it is and see if she will mimic us and say the word.
We have friends coming into town this weekend for our little town celebration so it will be a great Friday night hanging out with them. I can hardly wait to entertain at our house. This weekend is something I look forward to every year. I love having people at our house and feel bad that we can't do it more often. After this weekend, the next time will probably be for Elizabeth's second birthday in November.
Elizabeth has not coughed during the night for the past 5 nights! I am so thankful for this. Granted, she is still sleeping in our bedroom in her pack n play, but everyone is getting good sleep, so at this point I am grateful and will deal with transitioning her back to her bedroom next week.
It also seems like Elizabeth has gained a couple of pounds. She is still a little peanut, but now she feels like a more "solid" peanut! We are so grateful that she has started eating again and will even eat some chicken (if it is a chicken nugget). We are purchasing the Applegate Farms brand so at least she is getting some healthier chicken than a conventional brand. Plus she is able to be eating gluten again and she is loving her peanut butter sandwiches! Her attitude is better and she is such the helper around the house.
For her birthday this year I am going to have to ask for little girl "cleaning toys" so she can help Mommy. Last night she stole my broom as I was sweeping the kitchen floor and she wouldn't give it back to me. She was actually trying to sweep with the broom that is 3 times her height! She throws her diapers in the garbage, puts her shoes back in their place in her room and she loves to help with laundry and cooking dinner. I think her own little apron, broom, dust pan, vacuum cleaner and feather duster would be great gift ideas. William calls her a mini-me and says she is turning into a compulsive cleaner just like I am!
She isn't saying many words yet and her pediatrician has recommended that she have a hearing test to rule out any hearing issues. So next Tuesday, we will head to the hearing center to have that done. I am sure all will be fine, but they just want to be sure. She will probably be the kid who starts talking in full sentences and then doesn't shut up for the next 20 years. When ever she starts talking is fine with me. I do notice that it frustrates her now that she cannot communicate clearly what she needs or wants, so we are starting to enforce the rule of before we give her something, we clearly state what it is and see if she will mimic us and say the word.
We have friends coming into town this weekend for our little town celebration so it will be a great Friday night hanging out with them. I can hardly wait to entertain at our house. This weekend is something I look forward to every year. I love having people at our house and feel bad that we can't do it more often. After this weekend, the next time will probably be for Elizabeth's second birthday in November.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hair
Yesterday morning I get a call from daycare saying Elizabeth's hair is falling out in clumps...
So after two appointments with two different doctors, no answers as to why her hair would mysteriously fall out. They said maybe it was stress, maybe it was nutritional deficiencies. They wouldn't even draw blood and do any tests to verify that something wasn't seriously wrong. They also suggested we bring her back in a week to develop a plan on how to figure out what is wrong with her. But to make sure she is feeling better when we bring her back. She hasn't been feeling good for close to five months now. What on earth makes them think she will be feeling better in another week?
I am really starting to hate conventional doctors.
So after two appointments with two different doctors, no answers as to why her hair would mysteriously fall out. They said maybe it was stress, maybe it was nutritional deficiencies. They wouldn't even draw blood and do any tests to verify that something wasn't seriously wrong. They also suggested we bring her back in a week to develop a plan on how to figure out what is wrong with her. But to make sure she is feeling better when we bring her back. She hasn't been feeling good for close to five months now. What on earth makes them think she will be feeling better in another week?
I am really starting to hate conventional doctors.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Cleaning Project
Thanks to Grandma Sue and Grandma Connie for helping us clean this weekend. Because of their help, we were able to get the entire upstairs and the kitchen clean! I will be working on the living room and entry way this week in the evenings after Elizabeth goes to bed.
It feels so good to have clean rooms for us to live in! I haven't cleaned the rooms that well since we moved in! I must make it a priority to do a thorough cleaning like that at least once per year! Even if I have to take time off work to do it, it feels so good to know that the rooms are clean and healthier for us to be in!
It feels so good to have clean rooms for us to live in! I haven't cleaned the rooms that well since we moved in! I must make it a priority to do a thorough cleaning like that at least once per year! Even if I have to take time off work to do it, it feels so good to know that the rooms are clean and healthier for us to be in!
A Fever
Elizabeth had a fever all weekend long. Of course, I am not sure why.
Saturday morning at about 4 AM was the worst, with it spiking to almost 104 degrees. I was so scared. We were able to bring it down fairly fast by having her stand in a tub of cool water and wiping her off with a cool washcloth.
I was initially thinking it was due to teething, but she wouldn't have had a fever that high just from teething. Someone at church mentioned that there has been something going around with high fevers and sometimes is accompanied by a rash. She didn't have a rash, but she is definitely fighting off something with that fever.
She still isn't eating well, and of course with the fever, doesn't want to eat at all.
Luckily last night we were able to keep the fever away with medicine, but it will be back to the doctor as soon as we can make another appointment. We did send her to daycare today, so hopefully we can get into the doctor this afternoon to see if there is something else we can do to help her out.
Saturday morning at about 4 AM was the worst, with it spiking to almost 104 degrees. I was so scared. We were able to bring it down fairly fast by having her stand in a tub of cool water and wiping her off with a cool washcloth.
I was initially thinking it was due to teething, but she wouldn't have had a fever that high just from teething. Someone at church mentioned that there has been something going around with high fevers and sometimes is accompanied by a rash. She didn't have a rash, but she is definitely fighting off something with that fever.
She still isn't eating well, and of course with the fever, doesn't want to eat at all.
Luckily last night we were able to keep the fever away with medicine, but it will be back to the doctor as soon as we can make another appointment. We did send her to daycare today, so hopefully we can get into the doctor this afternoon to see if there is something else we can do to help her out.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Can't Wait...
I can hardly wait to be done with work today so I can go home. TO MY OWN HOUSE WITH MY ENTIRE FAMILY. For the first time in about 3 weeks...
I am hopeful that the changes that have been made will be enough to allow Elizabeth to live there again. I need to get back into my regular routine. I am starting to feel lost without it! I can only imagine how it has affected Elizabeth as she is a creature of habit. This morning at Grandma Sue's, she drank her bottle then went to feed the dog and cat. Except the dog and cat had left last night with William to go home! She was upset that she couldn't feed them because it is part of her everyday routine!
I am hopeful that the changes that have been made will be enough to allow Elizabeth to live there again. I need to get back into my regular routine. I am starting to feel lost without it! I can only imagine how it has affected Elizabeth as she is a creature of habit. This morning at Grandma Sue's, she drank her bottle then went to feed the dog and cat. Except the dog and cat had left last night with William to go home! She was upset that she couldn't feed them because it is part of her everyday routine!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Home Repairs Update
Elizabeth had another bad bout of coughing last night. I don't know what brought it on, so we will continue to try and figure it out. One day at a time. She had been doing so much better without any gluten, but now I am not sure what is going on. Hopefully tonight will be better.
The drywall was removed from the bathroom this weekend (along with the toilet and sink) and the mold was killed. It turned out to be a very small bit of mold, just in the corner of the bathroom, which we are thankful for. We also were able to add two return air ducts to the main floor of the house. One to the living room and one to the kitchen. Hopefully these will help with the air circulation.
William also repaired the kitchen floor, so the refrigerator is back in it's "home" rather than in the middle of the kitchen. I am excited to go home and see how beautiful it will look again. Plus, to start cooking again will be wonderful!
Now it is time to do a top to bottom cleaning of the house. This is planned for Saturday. All day. Constantly working to get it done. Hopefully we will make good progress! I am so excited to get back to my home and start working on making sure it is a safe, healthy place for our family to be!
The drywall was removed from the bathroom this weekend (along with the toilet and sink) and the mold was killed. It turned out to be a very small bit of mold, just in the corner of the bathroom, which we are thankful for. We also were able to add two return air ducts to the main floor of the house. One to the living room and one to the kitchen. Hopefully these will help with the air circulation.
William also repaired the kitchen floor, so the refrigerator is back in it's "home" rather than in the middle of the kitchen. I am excited to go home and see how beautiful it will look again. Plus, to start cooking again will be wonderful!
Now it is time to do a top to bottom cleaning of the house. This is planned for Saturday. All day. Constantly working to get it done. Hopefully we will make good progress! I am so excited to get back to my home and start working on making sure it is a safe, healthy place for our family to be!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Elizabeth's New Mattress
Elizabeth's new mattress arrived today. We purchased this one for her. Hopefully it will help her sleep soundly without the added chemicals that conventional crib mattresses have sprayed on them for fire retardants. Thankfully, this mattress will also be able to be used in her toddler bed when she is ready to move to a big girl bed!
Since it is raining today, tonight calls for an indoor activity. Maybe we will go buy new sheets for her mattress. Maybe we should look at less toxic choices for disposable diapers because our daycare will not allow us to use her cloth ones. Maybe we should just stay in and have a picnic on the living room floor as it would be a lot less expensive!
Elizabeth is spending time with Grandma Sue this week and most likely most of next week. They are having such a grand time that I hardly feel needed! That is both a blessing and makes me feel a little sad at the same time.
Since it is raining today, tonight calls for an indoor activity. Maybe we will go buy new sheets for her mattress. Maybe we should look at less toxic choices for disposable diapers because our daycare will not allow us to use her cloth ones. Maybe we should just stay in and have a picnic on the living room floor as it would be a lot less expensive!
Elizabeth is spending time with Grandma Sue this week and most likely most of next week. They are having such a grand time that I hardly feel needed! That is both a blessing and makes me feel a little sad at the same time.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Air Purifier
Our air purifier arrived yesterday (a day earlier than expected) so we set it up and turned it on right away. I am anxious to see how it works and am hopeful that it will make the air quality better in our home so Elizabeth can sleep through the night without having a coughing attack.
I kept it in the living room last night and I was able to sleep through the noise of it on the highest setting. It isn't quiet when it is on that setting, but if it wasn't directly in the room with you, there shouldn't be any problem falling asleep. It is just loud white noise.
It is heavy so lugging it up and down the stairs will be a bit of a challenge for me (we want to move it to each of the three floors in the house throughout the week so we can make sure all areas get purified) but at the expense of the unit, there was no way we would have been able to afford two or three so moving it is our only option at this point.
I stayed in the house last night and didn't seem to have any problems/reactions to the environment. Hopefully, it will continue that way once we move back in after the mold is removed from the basement!
I kept it in the living room last night and I was able to sleep through the noise of it on the highest setting. It isn't quiet when it is on that setting, but if it wasn't directly in the room with you, there shouldn't be any problem falling asleep. It is just loud white noise.
It is heavy so lugging it up and down the stairs will be a bit of a challenge for me (we want to move it to each of the three floors in the house throughout the week so we can make sure all areas get purified) but at the expense of the unit, there was no way we would have been able to afford two or three so moving it is our only option at this point.
I stayed in the house last night and didn't seem to have any problems/reactions to the environment. Hopefully, it will continue that way once we move back in after the mold is removed from the basement!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Another Difficult Night
Last night was another difficult night. Elizabeth was up coughing for over an hour. Nothing I was trying to do was soothing her or helping her to fall back asleep. With the both of us crying out of frustration, we finally made it back to sleep for a couple hours before it was time to wake up at 5 AM.
I am wondering if possibly it could be some sort of food she has eaten during the day? I know she had gluten on Sunday and she coughed on Sunday night. She may have had some at daycare yesterday (even though they said she didn't). It is at least an opportunity for us to explore.
Off to Grandma's tonight for a couple weeks. Hopefully we can get Grandma to not give her any treats to see if it will make any difference in her coughing (or eating habits, which are still non-existent).
I am so tired and exhausted. I actually yelled at Elizabeth for the first time last night when she (once again) refused to eat her dinner. I am really starting to feel stretched thin and my mood and temper have turned sour. Hopefully my night off tonight (Bill is taking her to the city without me for a night) will allow me to sleep good and become refreshed so I can start fresh when I join them in the city.
I am wondering if possibly it could be some sort of food she has eaten during the day? I know she had gluten on Sunday and she coughed on Sunday night. She may have had some at daycare yesterday (even though they said she didn't). It is at least an opportunity for us to explore.
Off to Grandma's tonight for a couple weeks. Hopefully we can get Grandma to not give her any treats to see if it will make any difference in her coughing (or eating habits, which are still non-existent).
I am so tired and exhausted. I actually yelled at Elizabeth for the first time last night when she (once again) refused to eat her dinner. I am really starting to feel stretched thin and my mood and temper have turned sour. Hopefully my night off tonight (Bill is taking her to the city without me for a night) will allow me to sleep good and become refreshed so I can start fresh when I join them in the city.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Health of Our Home
Elizabeth and I have temporarily moved out of our home until we can resolve the issues that she is having with her health. We plan to be out of the house for at least three weeks to see if her body can start to heal itself (with the aid of some good probiotics, protein powder and an herbal supplement prescribed by her naturopath physician). William is still at home with the animals for a week before we can all move to a place in the city together for two weeks. After that, we don't have anything lined up, but will most likely need to find something else for at least a few more weeks while we continue to work on the house.
We need to remove some mold from the basement bathroom and then figure out some options for air purification system(s) for the main floor (she seems to be having reactions from the carpet?) and for her bedroom. We also need to purchase a new organic wool mattress for her as she is sensitive to her conventional crib mattress and bedding. There are also some other changes that need to be made such as a air exchanger for our furnace, a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner, and some serious cleaning to remove dust.
Hopefully these changes will allow her to return to our home a healthy and happy little girl. She didn't have a coughing fit last night for the first time in many nights. I didn't get much sleep as she slept in bed with me, but at least she slept!
We need to remove some mold from the basement bathroom and then figure out some options for air purification system(s) for the main floor (she seems to be having reactions from the carpet?) and for her bedroom. We also need to purchase a new organic wool mattress for her as she is sensitive to her conventional crib mattress and bedding. There are also some other changes that need to be made such as a air exchanger for our furnace, a HEPA rated vacuum cleaner, and some serious cleaning to remove dust.
Hopefully these changes will allow her to return to our home a healthy and happy little girl. She didn't have a coughing fit last night for the first time in many nights. I didn't get much sleep as she slept in bed with me, but at least she slept!
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