Book Reviews - The Chase & Love Trap

So, I am VERY behind on my sponsored posts, so bear with me over the next few days as I fill you in on a few things! There may be days when I feel the need to pop in with a more personal post so I might have 2 posts that day. I am very glad I have some patient clients as I could not anticipate this illness that I had ... or that it would get so bad.

One of the things I feel the most blessed about during this past month is having a lot of books to read. I was given the opportunity to read a couple books for free ... and I am going to tell you about both of them. These are two VERY different types of books but both will keep you wanting more until you get to the end. I was actually disappointed in the end of one ... only because I wanted more. I am sure that is is exactly what the author wanted me to feel too. *laugh*

So ... on to the first book.

Getting back into a routine after illness

One of the hardest things about being a mom is really having no time to be sick. There is no good time, but when sicknesses get the best of you, you have no choice but to make time. It's a fact. I posted my last update when I was feeling better after round one in the ER. Yup, round one.

Saturday was great for me. I was able to eat and drink again. I still had trouble eating some things as I had this huge swelling in the back of my throat, but I really thought the antibiotics had a chance to kick it. I was SO wrong. Some time overnight ... the pain meds and the steroid just no longer were hitting me full force. Or maybe the infection had just decided to remind me how horrible it really was. In any case, by 9:30pm on Sunday, I found myself BACK at KU's ER department. An IV was being put back in and another round of shots were being given. I got more morphine, steroids, and antibiotics. Then my ENT resident came back to visit with me. Same one that I had Saturday morning. We decided that draining was the next option.

My husband ... I felt so bad for him. I really could have grossed y'all out and decided to keep photographic evidence, but I was feeling awful. I told my husband no to all cameras. The doctor pulled 6 cc's of fluid out of my tonsils and Jeremy had to support me from the chair. It really was gross, I'm not even playing. I have NO idea how he was able to stay in the room. He says he feels like a wuss, but he was there holding my hand through the whole thing ... he's my superhero.

We were then told with how bad it was, they were keeping me overnight. I sent hubby home to relieve the babysitter and be there with the kids. There wasn't anything more he could do for me anyway. I finally got a room around 4:30am and passed out after they did their first round of vitals ... only to have the crap scared out of me 2 hours later when my nurse paid a visit. I was up the rest of the day. Visited by tons of residents, specialists, nurses, etc. I was given the all clear to go home by 1:30pm. I am able to eat and drink and there is only mild pain. However, I have been informed that if I get strep again, they are just taking my tonsils. It as really bad.

So ... my fever is completely gone and everything is returning to normal. However, I am just so exhausted by everything and I am so behind. So ... how do you get your routine back and catch up when you have been SO sick? :(

University of Kansas Hospital - Kansas City, KS

Well, this illness just went for a ride

So, I decided that I PROBABLY should fill y'all in on everything going on in my crazy life. I mean, that is why my blog is called Birdcage Media. My pocket book is heaving, my throat is crying, and I am so ready for a pause button.

Last week, all of my kids ended up with mild colds. I say mild, but they had a pretty good cough that was associated with them. The colds were gone by Thursday, but their coughs are still lingering. We took Turtle to her well child check and she has been given her vaccinations and we are calling a specialist to figure out this constipation issue we have been battling for two years. It's a little crazy and we feel like we have exhausted all natural and medical routes without using the specialist.

Before her appointment, we had the older two go to their dental exam. Found out that Peanut has not done as much damage as originally thought by sucking her thumb. She will need spacers and an appliance that will prevent her from putting her thumb in her mouth. UNFORTUNATELY, she is starting to act as if that means she can try to suck her thumb until we give her the appliance. *sigh* Bullfrog will also need some spacers, but not for another year. He has been cursed with his father's small mouth.

Let's Make the Perfect Smoothie

One of my favorite things to consume to stay healthy is to eat a smoothie once a day. I have done green smoothies and Shakeology, but there are many healthy smoothies you can make. Many people have asked me what makes the perfect smoothie. Guess what, I don't know your taste buds! SO, let's talk about the ingredients that make up a perfect smoothie, and you can select what would make YOUR perfect smoothie!

1. Use a nut butter or yogurt to make it creamy
2. Add chia or flax seeds for natural protein
3. Fortify with a protein powder if you are consuming it right before or right after a workout (or using it as a meal replacement)
4. Add a liquid component (milk, juice, coconut water, etc)
5. Add some greens
6. Add some fruits