Sneeze Queen

Kitty has allergies.  I've known this for a few years but have managed to control her symptoms with antihistamines.  However, moving to TN erupted a volcano of reactions.  She was miserable and it was obviously time to get her hooked up with allergy shots.

The days leading up to the scratch test, Kitty kept mentioning that she wasn't going to be allergic to cats.  I found it strange that she kept bringing up a cat allergy but told her multiple times that she probably was allergic to cats and it wasn't a big deal.  Still, she would bristle when I said it. I realized after a few rounds of this conversation that Kitty was worried I would make her get rid of Jeffery if she was allergic to cats.

Even though this could have been my golden excuse to rid myself of our cat forever, I assured Kitty that I would never make her get rid of Jeffery.  What kind of monster does she think I am?

Apparently the kind that would make a little girl give up her precious cat.

Finally, the day arrived for the allergy test.  

Kitty was nervous but was trying to be a good sport.  It helped that Michael was also being tested alongside her.  I know that guy has allergies by his constant stuffy nose.  Sometimes the wheezing and whistling through his schnoz is more than I can stand.  Sometimes I want to punch it right off his face.  

(Hmmm...I'm thinking I might indeed be a monster.) 

So here's the thing: I knew Kitty had allergies and I expected her to have some reactions to the scratch tests.  I didn't expect what actually happened.

Look at my poor Kitty's back!  She was allergic to everything that touched her skin except cockroaches.  Poor, poor Kitty.  The doctor gave her a 10 out of 10 for severity.  I don't think this is the kind of test in which you desire a perfect score.

She and Michael are now getting 3 allergy shots each, twice a week.  It's their new bonding activity.

I'm sorry for their suffering, but I'm more excited to have the singing schnoz finally be silenced.

Yup, I'm definitely a monster.

Going Along With It

Kitty lost another tooth.  I'm suspicious that she is actually a shark, housing 5 rows of teeth in her mouth.  

It's the only way to explain the number of denticles that are exiting her gums.

Even though Kitty no longer believes in the Tooth Fairy, she went along with the ruse and waited patiently for her prizes.  She didn't go along with the pomp and circumstance entirely though, since she declined to write the Tooth Fairy a note.  I guess I can't blame her...it's weird to write a note to your parents under the guise that they are magical fairies.

She hadn't confessed to me yet that she knew the truth, but her refusal to pen a note was a giveaway to me that she was on to us.

The Tooth Fairy brought presents regardless.  She's kind like that.  But she didn't leave a note.  The Tooth Fairy needs to admit that Kitty's outgrown the charade, even though it makes her sad.  

But in all seriousness: where are all these teeth coming from?!

Growing Up

Kitty admitted to me this morning that she knows the Tooth Fairy isn't real. She said she's known for a year but didn't want to tell me. When I asked her why she said, "I didn't want you to stop giving me gifts when I lost a tooth." 

That girl knows I look for any opportunity to be cheap and lazy. 

She also admitted that she knows the Easter Bunny ain't real either. I didn't ask her about Santa - my heart longs for her to believe in the magic just a bit longer. I asked Kitty if she was disappointed about finding out the truth. She said, "Nah.  It's fun for little kids. But I'm not little anymore so it's okay." 

My poor heart.

I know she's not little anymore but does she have to say it aloud? That just hurts.

The Tooth Fairy will continue to visit our house - real or not.  I can't bear to let all of the whimsy of childhood be gone completely.

Childrearing is an extraordinary experience. It is comprised of milestones, heartbreak, joy, and sentimentality for the years that have passed too quickly.  It's truly magnificent, and I am blessed to be in the middle of it all.

But you'd better believe the Tooth Fairy gifts just got a whole lot cheaper!

Mother's Day

I had the best Mother's Day an old gal like me could ever hope for.  It began first thing in the morning with surprises laid out for me in the kitchen - with the most amazing hand-drawn display from Kitty.  She worked hard on that baby!  She also chose out a singing cat card as an accompaniment to her display. Every few minutes Kitty was opening the card again to make the cat sing.  That little ditty was stuck in my head all day.

I also received my very own box of See's chocolates with all of my favorites inside.  What's better than that?

And a box of fancy shower steamers that looked good enough to eat.  Don't eat them, though.  You'd probably die.  

My favorite husband even made me a delicious steak dinner - not having to make dinner is the best gift of all.

We spent the day playing games and then went for a walk in the evening.  The weather was perfect and I felt like one very lucky Mama.  

Probably because I am.

Happy Mother's Day to me!

46 Spankins

Imagine being married to a 46-year-old man.  I just can't even fathom it.  Who would want that?

I guess I do.

My favorite husband officially turned 46 and we celebrated in a calm way, so as to not upset the delicate balance of an old man's system.  

We watched Kitty's soccer game in the morning, then had a fancy lunch at Jimmy John's, and opened presents later in the day.  We went full-nerd this year with his gifts: a Star Wars desk light, Mandalorian wireless charger, and the movie Dune.  Kitty also made him one of her famous hand-drawn birthday cards.  That might have been the best gift of all.

Kitty and I love our nerd so much that we agreed to watch Dune with him in the evening.  I just want to point out that the movie is over 2 hours long and I hung in there for the entire thing.  And I didn't even complain!  (My mouth was occupied with chomping on mint Oreos the whole time, but still.)

It was a wonderful birthday. Happy 46th to Michael!

Almost 46

The 'ol ball-n-chain decided I would be okay with him turning 46 this year.  I mean, he should have at least asked me first.  I probably would have said yes but it's nice to be asked.  

Since he has one foot in the grave, we opted to do something big before he keels over.  The odds are pretty high now that he's 46.

For his big day, Michael chose a trip to Dollywood.  What a grand idea!  He took his birthday eve off from work, Kitty ditched school, I canceled all of my important housewife meetings, and away we went.  We ate warm cinnamon bread, rode some rides, mined a sack of precious stones, took in the beauty around us, and had a lovely day.  Kitty even hugged me with gusto while we looked at the peacock garden sculpture.  I hope she never stops hugging me with gusto.

The only downside was that Kitty wouldn't ride any exciting rollercoasters with us.  My poor birthday boy and I had to walk by all the thrilling rides with longing in our eyes.  

But don't fret, we bought season passes and are planning on ditching Kitty one of these days and riding all the big coasters without her. Because that's what good parents do.   

Happy Birthday Eve to Michael! 

Tumbler

Kitty made a list of goals at the beginning of the year.  

I gotta say that I'm impressed by her thoughtfulness about what she wanted to accomplish.  She doesn't get that from me - I mostly shun goal setting because I lack what you call, "follow through."  So far Kitty has been working on everything except the ukulele.  I'm planning on getting her some lessons in the fall and that will round out her goals.  Look at me following through! 

One of her goals is to take gymnastics but I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find a place for her to do that.  I mean, she's 9 and has never done gymnastics before. Unless doing somersaults on my bed counts, then she's practically ready for the Olympics.  Thankfully, I found a gym that offers a recreational class for kids her age.  No competitions, no serious training, just a chance to run around and do somersaults on their mats instead of my bed. 

It has been perfect and Kitty loves it.  

Hooray for accomplishing goals!