Thirty days of love and life

Optimistically cautious. That is how I've been feeling for the last seven months.  It seems we had just gone from a normal, busy life to one where mom was on bedrest. We found a somewhat normal family routine and my daily routine was pretty consistent. I knew exactly which shows I would watch at which time. I would make me something to eat for lunch, usually a baked potato with sour cream and cheese. Because I secretly gave the cats a few pieces of shredded cheese every day, they also got used to the routine. Every day at 11:00, as I was preparing my food, they would sleepily come out from where they were napping and sneak into the kitchen and patiently wait for their daily "treat". Then it was nap time before the boys got home from school. This routine was pretty much set. I was used to it. The cats were used to it.

Waiting for cheese!

Then it all changed again!

    I recently posted about my experience with Ryker's birth. A normal day...a routine OB doctor's visit. Next thing I know, we have a baby! Some of this experience is deeply ingrained in my mind and I will never forget it. Other parts of it are fuzzy and some of it, I don't remember at all. I remember Ryker's perfect little face as I said goodbye to him on his way to the NICU. I remember the first moment I saw him hooked up to all those tubes and wires. I remember being alone in my hospital room while everyone else around me was taking care of their babies. I remember sleeping for four solid hours for the first time in six months. I remember wishing I could hold that baby...many times.
    I realized yesterday that Ryker was 30 days old...and that was the day he was supposed to be induced due to my diabetes. He was never going to make it to 40 weeks...but we hoped he would make it to 38. It would have been my 38th week now. Crazy!
   It is getting harder. I thought the first week was hard when I had to leave him in the NICU. The second week was also hard. The third week, we realized how tired we were. And how chaotic things were at home. How much our children were dealing with. How the simplest things like dinner, chores, and bedtime routine became what felt like a burden. All I could think about was Ryker and my next visit. For several weeks now I've watched the parents of other babies heavily trudge in and out of the NICU two, three, four times a day. We have an unspoken common bond that allows us to nod at each other when we make eye contact. None of us should have to bear the weight of this burden. But we do it so willingly because of the beautiful sweet souls that are our children. And I am grateful to have Ryker in my life.

     This is week four. It might possibly be the hardest week yet. There is no end to his stay in the near future. No one can say when he will be ready to come home except for him. He needs to learn how to breathe, suck, swallow.  Maybe one or two more weeks if we are lucky. He hasn't been in the NICU the longest. There are smaller and sicker babies than him. He looks healthy. He looks content. But inside he is still small. He is having difficulty doing things that come naturally to us. He struggles to breathe and he struggles to eat. The doctors tell us daily "He is still young" and "He is acting like a preemie". I know these are meant as words of comfort but they just remind me it is still going to be awhile before he can come home. He was fussy as I left the NICU last night. I  couldn't comfort him or make his pains go away. I had to leave him in the capable hands of the nursing staff. I know he is well taken care of, but that hole in my heart feels bigger every day I have to say goodbye and leave him.
 This post is heavy. And I obviously don't have my "positive pants" on right now, but I haven't forgotten all of our blessings surrounding this little boy. He is meant to be here...a definite gift from God. He survived so many things other babies couldn't have handled. He is improving every day and for that I am grateful! The outpouring of love and help from friends, family, and neighbors is pushing us through this tough time and I know we will make it.

You aren't getting away Papa! 

Hangin' out with Uncle Rico

I got my Granny! 

We will look back on it and realize everything happened the way it was supposed to and we will be able to acknowledge the strength we were able to grasp onto during the hardest days. He is a fighter! I know he will be ok and will be home when he is ready. Our lives will start back up again and we won't measure time by our NICU visits. Anyone who has been there knows what we are going through and have offered many encouraging words. I am thankful for that. I also acknowledge how blessed my life is as I remember daily my angel baby Michael and my Angel mom friends. I know they would trade in a minute to have their babies back. I thank Michael several times a day as I snuggle Ryker and know the sacrifice his brother made to clear the path for this sweet baby. Life can be hard. And it can be beautiful. And through it all...we are survivors. Miracles do happen!

Loving my mommy! 

Caption THIS!! 

Camo baby! Just for his brother J! 

Our Bundle of love!

    Have you ever had a a situation in your life where you are walking or driving but your own world..the world you are aware of...is completely still? You know everything around you is moving...changing...but you are stuck in this surreal void that doesn't change along with everything else. And when you realize this thing is really happening to you, it feels like the walls start to crumble around you and you can't run, or get away, or do anything to change what it happening. I've spent a lot of time in this world of mine lately. Lots of tears and anxiety...

     Two weeks ago, baby Ryker came into this world. Six weeks early. The situation could have been so much worse. I know first hand how much worse it could have been. But leaving the hospital without him felt like my heart stopped. Like I was leaving a major part of me there. For seven and a half months I protected and grew this little being. We made some hard decisions...some major decisions...surrounding his and my care. The risk factors were always there in the background taunting me, but everything seemed fine. The doctors kept saying everything looked perfect. When I had the scare in December and had to go on bedrest, we had more hard decisions to make. Insurance and wage loss...so much stress!! But is was all for the good of this little addition to our life and looking at the whole situation now, I wouldn't change a single thing we did. 

Day 1-So many "snakes" to wrestle! 

     The stress is different now. Today, the tears are not as continuous and the anxiety comes and goes. In my last post, I talked about my trip to the hospital with signs of pre-eclampsia and out of control blood sugar. After we got the contractions under control, I rested and told Baby it wasn't time yet. One week after the hospital stay, I had an appointment with my OB. She was concerned about my blood pressure and a couple of other things. She called the high risk doctors I had been with the week before. When her nurse came back in, she told us they were "checking us in." Rob and I looked at each other and knew we were most likely having this baby. SIX WEEKS EARLY! I was so so anxious and scared! We had come so far...I couldn't lose him now. Ryker was supposed to be in this world but I wasn't sure how it would all go. 

   We checked in to be "observed" for awhile. They monitored the baby. They monitored me. I was still having contractions, even after taking medicine to stop the contractions. We talked to the doctor for a minute but still didn't know what was happening. We knew we had to see the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor again and get another ultrasound so he could make the call but that's about it. After several hours, we were still waiting to find out if we were having the baby or not. We knew I was probably staying but it was not clear if they were inducing me yet. We thought I might have to be observed again. By 5:00 pm, we were tired, hungry, and I was worried about my other children at home and what they would do about dinner and bedtime. Fortunately, my parents took care of all that and my brother stayed with them. Thank goodness for family! 

   We finally had our turn for the ultrasound. The high risk doctor, the MFM doctor and the labor nurse looked at the ultrasound thoroughly and for a long time. They asked me what I thought...if we should deliver the baby. I was surprised they asked me but so happy they did. After a VERY rough and anxious three weeks, I told them I felt Ryker could get the help he needed and I could get the help I needed separately but what we were currently doing wasn't working with me still pregnant. So we delivered! They got everything going quickly and Rob went home to take care of the boys and get my bag. He came back to the hospital around 8:30 am after dropping the boys off at school. Ryker Jay Stam was born at 9:06 am. It took one push and less than 10 minutes once it was time. Definitely the easiest of my deliveries. And our high risk doctor was amazing! He said the umbilical cord was the longest he has ever see...no wonder Ryker moved ALL THE TIME! He was wrestling that big "snake" in there for months! It was wrapped around him several times, but the doctor freed him from that cord so quickly it was like it never happened. There is no doubt this little bean is meant to be on this earth! 

Not so sure about this world! 

     The NICU doctors got him all cleaned up and he was whisked away to the NICU and hooked up to all the machines. It felt like a nightmare and a miracle all at the same time. I had known the whole time he would be ok and everything would work out. But I just kept thinking anyway. "He will be ok, right?" The NICU team is awesome and they take great care of him. He stabilized right away but had a little scare the third day he was in the NICU. He couldn't hold his food down and he aspirated when he threw up and his lung collapsed. It was terrifying! They put all the tubes back on and I put the call out to my FB friends and family for prayers. And he turned things right around! He has been continually improving since. Thank you everyone for sending healing energy our way! 

   So for now, our "normal" is frequent daily visits to the NICU to change diapers, take temperatures, try to bottle feed and let him grow. I'm honestly surprised he is still in NICU because he is doing so well. So many other sick babies there in the NICU! Our little man is small, but a fighter and ready to go home. He tries to pull the cords off himself every time he is awake and his hands are free from being swaddled. His little personality is huge! He is content and satisfied every time we see him. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives and he is a living miracle. Tender mercies my friend tells me often. I can't believe how much we have been through and I wonder if he feels it too. We are relaxed and relieved when we are together and SOON, we will be able to recover together at home. I am so grateful for the outcome of this story. Miracles happen!  

Baby Update

     February 25, 2017 ranks up there on my list as one of the longest nights EVER!! I'll explain that in a minute...
     Babies are hard! Raising them, anticipating their needs, and for me...even growing them is a challenge! I've been on bedrest for 9 weeks. Nine weeks ago, the whole idea of turning my classroom over to someone else was impossible. So much harder than I thought it would be! And it wasn't because I don't trust the subs or think they will do a bad job. I am a teacher. For the past 18 years I've been helping and nurturing young actors. I was afraid without that major part of me I would be lost. I was afraid I would be missing out, or the kids would like the sub more than me. But honestly, after all of the stress and worry, it's been a relief to be able to turn that major part of my life over to someone else and know I don't have to worry about it right now. My administration and fellow teachers have been so great to handle everything I just left without being able to wrap anything up. With so many other things on my mind, I am happy that school isn't one of them. 

     Nine weeks ago, I didn't realize how this bedrest situation would impact my family, immediate and extended. I didn't realize how demanding my needs would be on my husband and my children. My forgetful pregnancy brain has messed things up more than once over these last couple of months. While it embarrasses me and makes me feel bad, my loving family has been so forgiving! I realized quickly after starting bedrest, I was not going to be able to be the mom I want to be...and it was going to have to be ok. I had to learn to just let things happen as they are going to happen. I've been able to keep my mind pretty busy, but it is a LONG time to be stuck in my bed. 

      So we've settled into a pattern at our house. I've discovered that I can actually engage more with my children and my husband because my time and energy is not split between so many things. My boys say goodbye in the morning and come straight in after school to tell me about their day. I love that! I get to watch them play video games, and legos, and imagination games. I see them helping each other and helping me. It warms my heart when they come in my room to ask if I need anything. Or I "page" J on his phone and he comes running to see what I need. And Rob! He has taken over everything. Cleaning, cooking, taking care of kids AND me, and keeping us in stock of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. He actually learned how to bake them for us and they are GREAT! They don't usually last more than two days. He does all of this while still carrying out the jobs he has going on. And he doesn't complain. Well...at least not to me. 😂 

    So many people have stepped up to make this easier for my kids and Rob and a result, for me too. I have a long list of people to thank for everything they are doing for us. I would list them, but I'm sure I will forget people...you remember...that pregnancy brain I mentioned earlier. But the meals, and the baby gear, the baby clothes, the texts and calls checking on me, transportation of my children. So many wonderful people helping us out! And my family...my family has been so instrumental in keeping us going. My parents and brothers have been like parents to my children by helping them and shuttling them where they need to be. I couldn't do this without them! 

     So back to Friday night...longest night ever...my mom and husband convinced me to go to labor and delivery after three days of generally feeling pretty yucky. I had just been to my OB the day before I started feeling bad and everything seemed fine so I figured I just hadn't slept enough. I've had some good and bad days lately so I didn't think much of it. But contractions started getting stronger and more frequent so we headed in. Test after test was completed. After talking to the high risk doctor and the nurses, it turns out my blood pressure and my blood sugar had both spiraled out of control quickly. I was also dehydrated. The monitors detected something unusual about the baby's heartbeat, so of course I was terrified! All I could think of all night long is "how can this be happening?!?" We made it this far...I couldn't stand the thought of something happening to this baby. I couldn't even close my eyes and try to sleep because I was so scared. The ultrasound looked ok. They couldn't find anything wrong with the baby. It was baffling to everyone there so we worked on stabilizing everything throughout the night and through the next day. Then I had to be observed another night and day because of the shots they had to give me to speed up the growth of the baby and they were afraid my blood sugar would spike. The team of nurses and doctors were amazing and everything stabilized pretty quickly! Contractions stopped, baby's heartbeat regulated and I started feeling better. A thorough ultra sound was completed and he looks great. He is a BIG baby already.  At almost 33 weeks, he is just still too young to be born. They want me to go AT least 3-4 more weeks so he can develop. They gave me shots to help his lungs develop faster as a precaution...that first night, we were all pretty much preparing for an early delivery. I think I might have started to cry when the doctor said I could go home. :) 

     For now, everything is fine! I'm so happy and relieved he is strong and healthy. I am grateful I was able to get help. I am grateful for modern technology and medicine. I am grateful to be home and sleeping in my own bed! It was a rough few days!

     I am now focused on resting, sleeping, and making lists of final preparations for baby. He has a mind of his own and could make an appearance any time now...even though I told him he needs to settle down and keep developing. This has been an adventure! It's been fun trying to guess what his little personality will be like based on his constant crazy movements and "hiding" from the heart monitors. I can only guess we are in for even more adventure in the upcoming weeks! 

'Tis the Season of Giving!

     I love Christmas! All of it! Lights, music, cookies, presents...you get the idea. I love putting on the annual Christmas Showcase with my students because it's like having Christmas twice. We set it up, we celebrate, we clean it up. Then it starts all over again at home. I love all of it...
     Last year...is a blur. I don't remember what presents my kids got, I don't remember setting up the tree or decorating. I don't remember looking at lights. There are bits and pieces that come back to me as I hear my kids talking about it. I had a hard year. Quite possibly one of the hardest I have ever had...and some have been rough. Friends and family know we found out in May of 2015 we were expecting a baby. Total surprise! It took us awhile to get used to the idea of having another baby. Just as we started to accept that the pregnancy was real (four tests later and doctor confirmation), we found out our baby boy had Trisomy 18 and wouldn't live. We made some very hard decisions and lost baby Michael on July 31, 2015. School started the next week and I was on autopilot for just about the whole school year. It was hard, it was scary, and I was really tested to my limits. Looking back now, that sweet little baby I never met saved my life in many ways. I have since been able to recognize and get help for diabetes and high blood pressure. I also appreciate my boys so much more after having lost one and I know how important it is to hold them close. My angel baby will forever hold a special place in my heart, but I have been able to move on and accept it for what it was.

     Fast forward to this year...we found out in July (one year after losing Michael) we were expecting ANOTHER baby! Again...a surprise! It was just as hard to accept it was happening but in some ways it was even harder. My baby is 7 years old. This is like starting over!  And after the last experience, I was/am terrified! So many things can go wrong. I fluctuated between excitement, fear, and outright panic in the first few months. I think it could be categorized as PTSD with the shaking and sweating I face every time I go to the doctor. I can't stand the thought of losing another baby. I've been working closely with a couple of doctors and a specialist. Fortunately, everything about this pregnancy has been perfect!

Until last week!

     I had a scare last week. I thought for sure I was losing the baby. The doctor instructed me to go to labor and delivery to be checked. They did an ultrasound and everything was fine with the baby. Strong heartbeat, good movement. They monitored for contractions and sent me home with the diagnosis of bedrest. Bedrest...the most important thing I can do for this baby. But SO hard for ME. Physically and mentally. I had issues when I was pregnant with J and was on bedrest for 3 1/2 half months. The exact same place in that pregnancy as this one. Bedrest at Christmastime. So much to do with school, family, all of my winter break projects...all on hold for now. The rallying my family and friends was overwhelming! The amazing Kaye Bair stepped in and completely took over my classes. I hate asking for help and I didn't have to. People just stepped in and took over at school and at home. Meals and gifts and encouraging notes! Definitely feeling the LOVE!

    That brings me to the point of this blog post.... the season of giving! I love reading stories about how giving and loving people are around this time of year. Of course, I wish we could always treat other this way, but at least people remember each other during the holiday season.

     Last night, we were surprised and blessed by a Secret Santa(s)! My son thought someone was at the door...we've been on high alert since someone ripped apart our inflatable Santa the other night. He looked out and then came to get me. "Mommy!! Baby stuff. At the door. You have to come see!" I went to the door and couldn't even move...or speak... one of my big concerns about this pregnancy is that we don't have any baby stuff and not much money to purchase things. We didn't keep any of it because we didn't know we had another child meant for us. For some reason, we kept our crib. I'm glad we did! And neighbors Wade and Sarah Stevens gave us a beautiful changing table. I had a couple of baby clothes pieces from Sarah and a couple of other friends. But that was it! So of course there were many tears of gratitude shed when I saw this at the door...

     I'm overwhelmed even now as I write this. Clothes, diapers, gift cards and more! It is amazing! I don't know who provided us with these amazing gifts but I hope they are rewarded, fulfilled, and blessed in all of the ways they deserve! I can't even express the magnitude of my gratitude today as I keep looking at all of this stuff! For someone to take the time and effort to do this for us is so incredible to me. And a wonderful example of giving for my children to see and learn from. Thank you so much for making this Christmas so special and for helping us in this time of need. Merry Christmas! 

Flexibility Brings Fun

We had a picnic with the ants yesterday! Yes...you read that right! We ate with the ants...not aunts.  It was an interesting day. Actually, it's been an interesting week! 

 

Those of you who know me well, know I struggle with change. And the unknown. I like a plan and a routine. I know change is good and often for a reason. And I can adapt...it just takes me some time to wrap my brain around the change that is happening. And I often pretend it isn't happening so I don't have to face it. Not always the best solution. 😜 

My need for details often frustrates me. I want to be flexible and spontaneous, but it is hard for me to feel out of control of the situation.  And I'm afraid of the unknown. I've noticed lately that this need for details has spread to my children. And I need to fix it! Starting now...why not today, right? 😉 (Eric) 

As many of you know, we were in Hawaii last week for a family vacation. It was so nice and relaxing! And SO hard to come back. We had a few things on our agenda while we there, but most of the time was unstructured free time. One of the days, Rob and I decided we wanted to explore the island. Just get in the car and go. The boys didn't like that idea one bit! The questions began. Where are we going? What are we going? What will we do there? Is there a beach? Can I get a toy???  I didn't have answers. We were just seeking an adventure! So I told them, "We are going to be flexible. You never know where we will end up or what we will see. Just go with it!" They didn't love the answer, but it was ok. And we had a great time! 

 

Yesterday, my parents "family-napped" us! I told the boys we were going on an adventure. Then came the questions! I told them they could stay home or see where we end up. A couple of them weren't thrilled but they did come with us! My parents took us for a drive and a picnic up on Kolob mountain. 

 

As we picnicked with the ants and ate our Lunchables, I noticed the beautiful Quaking Aspen trees all around us and the amazing wild flowers. The stillness of nature was occasionally interrupted with the sound of the"quaking" leaves. I LOVE those trees! I learned from my wise momma that the Quaking Aspens are the largest living organism and share one root system. Every tree is a sprout! Amazing! I also noticed my boys weren't enjoying nature like I was. One of them had to sit in a chair so he wouldn't get dirt on him. One wouldn't put his feet down because the ants or spiders would crawl on him. The other ate quickly so he could stand up. The short moment we were out in the beautiful mountains was so foreign to my kids, it wasn't fun for them. I have some work to do with these kids!  

 

 

 

 

Some of my favorite memories growing up include trips like this with my family. We would get our drink and treat and head somewhere to find a hike or a pretty spot. I loved those times and have often thought about visiting some of those places with my own children. Now that my kids are a little older, it is easier to travel. I am looking forward to creating memories we will talk about again sometime. Things like some of those we experienced yesterday. The 4-wheeler that crashed into the lake, the gross hole-in-the-floor campground toilet, and the non-stop comedy comments and voices coming from my hilarious child in the back seat. And I loved spending time with my parents. I don't get to to do that much anymore now I am a grown-up. 🙄 It was a great day!

A favorite thing about the day: On our way to Kolob, we saw a sign/marquis that read, "put on your positive pants". That is so great! There was one particular point in my life when I was struggling to be positive. My mom kept reminding me to make the choice to "get on the happy bus". The idea of riding the "happy bus" and kicking the negative people off our bus stuck with me and I still use that with my kids....and myself. 😊 

NOW, I can ask them if they are wearing their  "positive pants"! Ha! What a great reminder! Whatever it takes to turn the daily challenges into something manageable, right? I am so grateful for my parents for giving us this fun experience and for helping to lift my spirits! Love you mom and dad! 

 

 

 

The Last Day

Well....I'm actually writing this post the day after the last day of vacation.  I fell into bed so quickly last night, we didn't even unpack. Or eat. 

The night before our return trip, I couldn't sleep because I worried about D during the night and hoped he wasn't going to have any major reactions to the jellyfish sting. Of course, when I googled jellyfish sting symptoms I got the typical list of deadly symptoms. So I had to check his breathing multiple times! Sheesh!!  But he was just fine. Here is the sting mark 24 hours later...almost completely gone and no pain! 

 

Then I was worried and stressed out about packing and all of the airport nonsense waiting for us. And I was dreading the long flight. So I didn't get much sleep. 

 

The flight was uneventful and dull...fortunately! But the toilets were awful! Kind of made me never want to fly again! One was stuck on continuous flush and the other two filled up and wouldn't close. GROSS!! As one who doesn't do well with public bathrooms as it is,  let's just say I definitely tested my bladder control. TMI?!? Ha! On the flight over, we were in the same seats...near the front. And we pretty much had that bathroom to ourselves because it was used by the pilots and the flight attendants. On the flight back, the flight attendant kept locking it with a key so it stayed "occupied" and no one could use it. 😖 But we survived and we made it! Our snack backpack saved us! Rob made a bunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to take with us and they went quickly! However, T really wanted to try a snack from the plane. They were charging for everything, but Granny ordered him a little snack pack and he loved it! The flight was a little shorter than it was on the way over, so that was nice! It seems like we waited forever for our luggage to show up, but we were soon on the road. We stopped at Loves gas station just outside of Vegas to eat Subway breakfast samdwiches... one of our favorite things to eat! Interesting conversation with my boys while there. While we were waiting in line, a Hispanic man said something to the boys about their drinks. We couldn't understand him very well and the boys kind of looked away. He then made a remark about how its ok to not talk to strangers. We paid and headed over to a table. We were eating and J stood up on the leg rest of his stool to see his cousins, and he slipped. He bumped his elbow and scraped his back. He started to cry a little.  An older woman with scraggly hair and a walking cane was walking by. She came over and asked him if he was ok. She said it is ok to cry and that she cries all the time. It was an interesting scenario and I didn't think much of it. When she walked away, T commented on how people there were really nice. First the guy in line and then the lady. Neither of those people knew us but with just a couple of words, they connected with us. With everything going on in our world right now, and he hate that circulates so frequently, I'm happy my children noticed that we don't have to know people to be nice to them. I really hope they continue to find kindness and love in their world since they are growing up in such a scary time! 

We are happy to be home! We miss the ocean, the carefree schedule, the adventure. There is just something calm and relaxing about the ocean and I need to find a way to experience that in my daily life. We are tired...jet lagged... still on island time. Lots of unpacking and laundry to do. But it was a great vacation and I am grateful to my family for making it happen!! 

 

 

The Great Jellyfish Adventure

I've decided sand is beautiful! And sand is annoying! And sand has a mind of its own. No matter what you do, or how many times you rinse off, that sand sticks with you! It ends up in and on everything! And several beaches have different types of sand. Different colors. Different grain sizes. It's so beautiful and crazy! Oh, I'm sure we will be finding sand in our belongings for days and weeks to come, but it will be a welcome reminder of our wonderful family vacation! And even though I will miss it, I'm ready to be home.  I miss my kitties! And I miss air conditioning! 😂

 

We've been using Yelp a lot while on vacation. It is a great way to find out how others perceive a place you are thinking about visiting. The reviews have been helpful and Eric even left some of his own. Technology is great!

We had a family meeting this morning. We each got the chance to say what we wanted to do for our last full day in Hawaii. Most of the answers were about going to the beach or the ocean. T wanted to hit as many beaches as possible. Well, he did get his wish...but not on purpose. 

We started out at Kokolio beach because of a suggestion from a local lady. There was a small tide pool there but it wasn't quite what we had in mind for snorkeling. We knew there were better places down the road. So we kept moving. 

Our next stop was Hukilau beach. There were a bunch of firefighters there working out and they told us there were lots of jellyfish out because of the strong wind. So we moved on. 

Next, we pulled into Waimea Beach and there was no parking. We kept going. 

We ended up at a somewhat rocky beach with great snorkeling opportunities. And some nice shady trees! The boys and Granny were able to see and swim with a sea turtle! It was an awesome experience! Both T and D were able to work with Granny and the uncles to learn how to snorkel. They both really liked it after getting used to it. Rob killed time by harassing  the chickens again. He was trying to get hem to believe he had food for them so they would come close. That didn't happen! Smart chickens! 

 

After awhile, we headed back to rest and have lunch. I was able to get some packing done. I'm not sure how I fit all of this stuff in the suitcase in the first place! 

This afternoon, we ended up back at Hukilau. We saw a couple of jellies but there were tons of people out there swimming. We all went out and didn't have any problems. We started to see more and more up on the beach and I knew I should have the boys come in. I was having big issues breaking up the fun because Rob was out there boogie-boarding with the boys and I ignored the warnings in my head. 

 

 

I finally had to call them in. As D was walking out of the final wave, a jelly got him on the arm. I saw him hitting his arm and flailing around and I ran over to him.   It was so scary and upsetting! He had a big red tentacle mark on his arm. I remembered the local lady saying to rub sand into it and pee on it. Rob, bless his heart, took off to find somewhere to pee in a bottle and help his boy. Some of the uncles went and asked a local man  about what we should do. He said the pee thing was a myth. So we didn't do it. But thanks for he willingness, Rob! Both me and Nikell started Googling (Ah! Gotta love technology!) what to do. Some said don't rub sand. Some said use seawater. Some said cold water. Some said hot water. Some said vinegar. Others said no vinegar. I really was freaking out and I think D was going into shock! Calmly and coolly, Rob went into Longs Drugstore and asked the pharmacist. He said those other things would work, but he had a faster solution...

 

This stuff helped him. Then we used hot water and ice. He is completely fine now. The part I love the most about the whole thing...he actually said to me, "Well, the good thing is that now I don't need to wonder what a jellyfish sting feels like." Aw!! That boy of mine! 

 

 

You can see how it looked right after and how it looked later. The lines are where the tentacle made contact. Ouch!! I learned: While many types of jellyfish are relatively harmless to humans, some can cause severe pain and some might cause a serious allergic reaction. The common jellyfish here is the Portuguese man-of-war. Also called bluebottle jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish live mostly in warmer seas. This type has a blue or purplish gas-filled bubble that keeps it afloat on the water and acts as a sail. This is the type of jellyfish the lady on the beach told us they called  "blue bubbles". They are not my friends. Just ugly little blobs of venom floating in the ocean. 

This evening after things calmed a down, we ended up getting a sweet treat from Angie's. I had a Berry Blast smoothie. Some of us had shaved ice and some had ice cream. We were all happy and content! 

 

This has been a great trip! Full of so many firsts for me and my children! Even though I am mostly ready to go home (mostly!) I am grateful we had this opportunity to vacation as a family and I am grateful my family made it happen for us!