Bloody Noses

I am endlessly blessed with two healthy, strong, often stubborn sons. Sure, we have issue around bad boy behavior and general terrorizing, but physically, the boys are perfection. Except for this lovely trait they both seem to have inherited from their father: recurring nose bleeds. They started when the boys were toddlers and the bleeds flair up during the height of allergy season and in the dry heat of summer. So, yes, like right now when the winds stir up the pollen and the jumping and dropping temperatures tweak all of our bodies.

Last week, Bobby had nine nosebleeds in a five day period. Yes, nine bleeds. This included one every night without fail at bedtime, a couple on the playground and some in the morning. Ironically I had just spoken with the boys' pediatrician about Shane's recurring nosebleeds at his well-check, so I was reminded of the best way to stop the bleeds, when to be concerned, etc. By Friday, I was pretty concerned and took Bobby in. This doctor blamed it on allergies and a scab in his nostril that refused to heal and prescribed a whole arsenal of remedies I'd never thought of: swiping Vaseline in his nostrils several times a day, saline spray two times a day, allergy meds if they seem to help and the big guns: qtips saturated in silver nitrate to stop the bad bleeds.

So far, so good. She also ordered a blood test, just to rule out any clotting disorder. But I believe his clotting is just fine, as evidence to how quickly we can usually stop the bleeding. He hasn't had a bloody nose since that doctor visit on Friday.

Shane, however, seems to have taken the bloody baton and has had two bloody noses: one in the middle of the night, another this morning. Never a dull moment with these guys. Now if I can only remember to keep my car and purse stocked with baby wipes and tissue!

Summer on the Horizon

This sweltering weather is yet another reminder that summer is racing towards us and both boys will be out of school for almost three months. Yikes! Last year when I had more writing assignments lined up, I kept Bobby and Shane in preschool through the summer. Then I felt vaguely irritated when we had vacation plans and I still had to pay for the school days they missed. But it was sure nice to have those three mornings a week to write and take care of business without the wild guys harassing me.

This year, summer school is not an option. So now I'm burying my nose in the rec departments summer programs to fill up the calendar with sports, science and any other camps that will keep them stimulated and active. Yet, how do I decide? The boys are not much help. When asked, they say yes to nearly everything. It's up to me to narrow the field and decide just how scheduled our summer will be, and just how much we can afford with what we're saving in preschool costs.

At the same time, it's kinda fun crafting how our summer will play out. The weeks I leave free are for us to roam around the Bay Area and beyond, to take advantage of the beaches, museums and zoos. And the boys are finally at the age where I'm not terrified of taking them to the zoo by myself. I can't believe how much they are growing up!

Bobby's Tooth

He lost the tooth in appropriate, boy fashion: a pillow fight with his older cousin. Other front tooth is loose, so he'll only get goofier!

Easter Traditions

Anyone who knows me personally may know that the Pollards do not belong to what is called a typical family. We don't go to church on Easter morning and it's been years since we've cooked a formal Easter dinner.



No, the last few years have been all about family softball games on Easter Sunday. So we gather with my quirky, extended family at the sports park for bbq hot dogs, cold beers, an egg hunt for the youngsters, and a highly comical softball game played by the adults.



This year was picture perfect (see right) when a relative brought her bunny, named Turtle, to hippity-hop in the shaded grass. Bobby, who has been bugging me for a pet bunny, happily spent the afternoon chasing Turtle around the park. The adults managed to survive a fun game of softball with no major injuries--last year one suffered two black eyes and a near-broken nose--so all is well.

After regrouping at my house, we called five different pizza places to order our Easter dinner. All in all, a perfect holiday for our bunch!

Boy Updates

I've been seriously blocked when it comes to blogging lately, which is a shame, since the boys have been very busy. Here's the latest news:

Shane is officially riding a two-wheeler! My timid, cautious Mama's boy sucked up the fear and mastered the bike without training wheels one Sunday evening a couple weeks ago. I'm so proud, and a little sad, because my baby is growing up. The downside--my camera hasn't been functioning, so no pictures.

Bobby was top in his class at his school's Mile Long Fun Run. I think I have a future track star on my hands. He beat out the top runners in all the kindergarten classes. Again, I am so proud and amazed by another big accomplishment for him. The downside--yeah, no camera for that event either.

I promise to come back to the blog more often and snap out of my writing funk.

Happy Spring!