Happy Halloween 2011

Kitty Soft Paws dressed as a pirate with her companion the Monkey.  (The cuteness overload on this photo just about kills me.  Just sayin'.)

When it came time to put on her costume, I asked Ellie, "Are you ready to put on your monkey?"  She very eagerly said, "YUP!" and raced over to have it put on her. :o)

And, since Miss Bean likes to put everything in her mouth, I'm sure you can imagine how cute it was when she was nomming on that banana.  ;o)

Miss Kitty SP and her cool boots.

A little fuzzy, but please note the earring.

No, there's no plume, but I think it still works nonetheless.

Fine detail on the Bean's costume--there's a belly button!  Or "budnen" as the Beanie would say. ;o)

I had to chuckle when I saw the three big girls together--all three of them in black and hot pink!  Lily, Sadie, Alicia and Sally. :o)

We made a quick trip to the vet's office for our annual trick or treat there, came home, raced through dinner and met up in the cul-de-sac so the big kids could go out together.  Ellie and went around in the wagon while B headed out with Bev, Hector, and Jana and the four girlies up there. 

The all seemed to have pulled in quite the haul, let me tell you.  Whew!  Bean did fairly well, and we only visited six house.  She finally got the hang of "Trick or Treat!" just about the time we were done.  She was very good at making her monkey sound and saying "danks!" or "dank-oo" when treats were placed in her bucket.  She also enjoyed reaching in the buckets and bowls to select her own goodies.  Folks were quite indulgent.

She and I came home to sit on the front stoop and pass out candy to neighborhood (and import) kids.  I saw a bunch of kiddos and friends and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  Bean did too.  :o)

Lil came back with a BOATLOAD of junk and should be on a sugar high for the next month, at least.  ;oP  Overall, I'd say it was a wonderful evening. :o)

Tales of the Teeny Beanie

 No, no Halloween costumes--yet.  I'll post those this evening.  :o)

Ellie had a well baby visit this morning and I wanted to get the details down.  She awoke with a runny nose (yellow snot, lovely) and cough (rather barky, and Dr. Jen informs me croup is going around.  Great.) but we went anyhow.  Turns out, the only shot she needed was her last Hep A so we just did it--she had no fever, just the nose, cough, and shiny pink eardrums.  Oy.

So, Miss Beanie continues to be my teeny tiny girl.  Okay, my skinny, long girl.  She gained only 3 ounces or so from her last appointment, and now weighs a whopping 19 pounds 11 ounces.  Whew!  That puts her just below the 2nd percentile for weight.  (Lil's stats are here if you are interested.)  Length wise she was 31.25", putting her in roughly the 35 percentile.  I'm sure I don't have to tell you what a pain in the tuckus it is to try to fit the girl for pants.  :oS 

There were two concerns this visit, neither of them huge.  The first was the weight.  Jen wasn't at all concerned.  Truly.  She said the biggest thing is she has no extra body fat whatsoever which can be a concern when winter really hits and Lil starts bringing home all those fun germs from school.  She said she knows I feed my girl very well (lots of lean proteins, whole milk, whole milk yogurt, fresh fruits and veggies, etc.), and she was not at all worried, but that if I wanted to give her a Pediasure or Boost every couple of days (or, on those days when she decides she's just not going to eat--don't you just LOVE toddlers??) that that would be a way to get some extra nutrients in her.  I'm good with that.

*****If you have a problem with potty/bathroom talk, you will want to skip this next paragraph.*****

The other problem (which I haven't blogged about, but since this is a journal for family records sake, here goes) is Ellie's bathroom behavior, more to the point, number twos.  She goes only every few days, creating some big issues for herself.  I've been pushing whole grains, fiber and dried fruits to help alleviate some of the problem, and Jen suggested adding 2 oz of pear juice mixed with 2 oz of water do her daily regime. Perfect!  I hadn't even thought of that.  Duh!  I've known so many tiny tykes who have had issues with BMs (I cannot believe I'm even writing this...:sigh:) and I didn't want this to become one for Ellie.  We're pretty good to go if we're home when the need strikes since I can just put her right on the potty.  If we're out, though, there can be lots of crying and pain because there is just no room in her diaper for all there is to get out.  I have high hopes for this pear juice, that's all I'm sayin'.  :oP

*****If you skipped, you can start reading again now.*****

Finally, her head is still small, at around 17.75", putting her in the 15th percentile, but given we are a family of rather small headed folks (I'm looking at YOU, GG and Liss!) this is nothing to worry over. 

In the end, she's growing and developing beautifully, hitting all her milestones (and then some!), shows no signs of autism, and is gaining weight slowly because she burns so many calories she's so busy.  A mom can't complain about any of that. :o)

Halloween: A Three Day Adventure

So, I may have mentioned that Lily was going to dress up as a costume within a costume.  My girl was going to be Puss 'n' Boots dressed as a pirate.  I have to say, this costume tickled my fancy quite a bit.  Sure, she was still going to be a kitty (which seems to be a running theme around here), but it was so stinkin' creative!

I thought a good pirate's hat should have a big ol' plume and found an online retailer from whom to purchase said feather.  It was to be delivered Thursday.  Thursday came and ended and there was no visit from a man in a brown truck. 

I tracked my order for verification and found it was being "held for customs inspection".  Wha...? Ooookay.  Friday came and went and I became concerned with that notorious brown van was elusive once more.  Tracking once more, I discovered:

THE PACKAGE WAS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH THE DETAILS / ALL MERCHANDISE IS BEING RETURNED. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH DETAILS OF THE DAMAGE

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! 

Oh well, who needs a fluffy white ostrich plume anyway?  :sigh:

Apparently, not Lil.  We pulled her outfit together, I painted on a kitty face once again and we were off to a Halloween party at Sadie's house last night.  We ALL dressed up.  As soon as Shawn sends me the photo, I'll post it.  :o)  Brien went as a "Jersey Shore" cast member.  Never has someone been so perfectly costumed to be the antithesis of what he normally is.  I hit him with so much bronzing powder it was floating in the air.  (Don't tell him, but it was kinda fun to do. :oP)

Ellie was a little flower fairy (so so sweet!) and I went in a borrowed Ren Faire sort of dress.  I also slathered the make-up on my own mug as well--very out of character for me.

I carted over the 100 cake pops (okay, really, only 97.  I made 98 and we lost one when Ellie went into the kitchen for a few moments and reappeared with one in her hot little hand) and we had a wonderful evening.

Today was "Trunk or Treat" or "Trick or Trunk" after Mass.  The Puss 'n' Boots pirate kitty came out once again.  It's so fun to see all the kiddos in their costumes, parading from one car to the next.  It's even more fun to see how into it the grown-ups get decking out their vehicles. :o)

Tomorrow we'll reprise Pirate Puss one last time--although it's sure to not be the last time around for the kittyness of it all.  You know how my girl is.  ;o)

She and I will be heading out to see "Puss in Boots" here in a moment--shhh, she doesn't know it!--so maybe she can add a little something to her repertoire.  ;o)

*******ETA******
Well, as predicted Miss Bitty did indeed find something to add to her repertoire.  She is no longer going to be Puss 'n' Boots as a pirate for Halloween.  No no no.  She is going as "Kitty Soft Paws" as a pirate for Halloween.  Because, she can do things MUCH better than Puss.  ;oP

How is it I never noticed that "Bitty" is one letter off from "Kitty"?  Hm. 

Layaway

Do any of y'all remember layaway?  When did it disappear?  WHY did it disappear?  Was it store credit cards that did it?  What happened to taking your cart of goodies back to the fine folks in the layaway department and paying off little bits at a time until you got to take your items home?  Was it our need for instant gratification?  I just don't know.

What I do know is I miss layaway.  I used it at the BX when B and I were first married.  When I discovered I was pregnant with Hannah, I put a crib, maternity clothes and some baby supplies on layaway.  I didn't need them right away and had no desire to run up credit card debt (B and I were po' when we got married.  I mean really po'.  I suppose that's what comes from getting married right out of college and not being gainfully employed. :shrug:) so layaway was the perfect option. 

But somewhere between 1999 and 2005, it disappeared.  Huh?  Why?!? 

I'm always reminded this time of year, as this is when I begin my Christmas shopping in earnest.  Sure, I purchase and tuck things away throughout the year, but I still have to do some big-ish shopping around now.  Layaway would be wonderful.  Instead, I'll scan the 'net, searching for the best deals available.

I did see a commercial that the Wal is doing layaway for the holidays.  Hooray for them.  Really.  They're not my favorite retailer, but this is a wonderful thing they are doing.  If only more retailers would follow in their footsteps.

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  Lil is watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" on ABC.  Sure, we have it on DVD, but there's just something about staying up late to watch the special on TV, you know?  Remember when you could only watch your favorite holiday shows once a year? Remember this:

And then the special would start ("Sponsored by Peter Paul").  Ahhhh, the oldy days. ;o)  When you saw this, you knew it was Charlie Brown time. :o)
2.  I managed to find the last few bags of orange candy melts at Michael's today.  Whew!
3.  A great trip to Costco with TONS of coupons.  Woo hoo!
4.  I remembered to make dinner and plug the crock pot in and turn it on! ;o)
5.  Making plans to take Lil to see "Puss in Boots" tomorrow. :o)

No milestones.

***ETA***
Hokies fans, just saw this during the UVA/Miami game.  OMGoodness!! :o)

It's Movie Time Once Again!

Last night during dinner, Ellie was rather chatty, so I snatched up my phone and started filming (which explains the most excellent lighting conditions).  In this clip, you can hear her ask for "hawp" and recite part of the Boyton classic (hey, it's a classic to us!) Moo, Baa, La La La. 

Then, at the end, you can hear her frustration with me for asking the same question three times, and with her sister for interrupting her.  Watch and see what I mean:



This one is a quickie:


And, not to be left out, here's Miss Bit:


I think the big kids sometimes get lost in the excitement of the teeny ones doing new things.  I didn't want Bitty to feel left out.

I have Bible study tonight, so this is it.  Oh, except for this quick PSA:

If you are planning a lovely crock pot meal for dinner, don't forget to put it together and turn on the pot.  

That is all.

Keepin' it Real

Yesterday, I was emailing back and forth with my friend Kelli, bemoaning all the chores I hadn't gotten done and how behind I was, all the while thinking of all the blogs out there where the writers seem to have it all together.

I'm sick and haven't been feeling well, but I have also been slacking off a bit.  So, the house suffers.  And, it got me thinking, how many of us bloggers out there seem like we have it all together, swipe some things off the counters before taking a photo and look calm, cool and collected?

Y'all know I'm pretty good about keeping it "real" here.  I'm open, I'm honest, but sometimes I hide my dirty little secrets--not by being deceitful with intended malice, but just by omission.

Folks, we are counter clutterers around here.

I do all in my power to clear the counters and keep them clean, and yet, the things that are left on them just seem to multiply. And the truth is, I can't stand the sight of cluttery counters.  Even worse?  I'm just as guilty as the other members of the family. 

Somehow, the laundry has gotten away from me.  You saw that top photo.  Here's a basket sitting in the living room, and there's another on my dresser.  Usually I try to do laundry three times a week--it saves me from the big piles and build-ups.  Yeah...that hasn't happened in a couple of weeks.  Doh.

Then, there's the school room, playroom and living room... Obviously, Destructor has been through here.  And, it's been like this for over a week.

Fred is cowering over there by the window, hiding from all the junk that litters the floor.  I haven't wanted to get in and clean this either.  It's not Lil, she didn't make the mess.   Nope.  She's at school all day.  It must be the kitties making these messes.

I did mention my family's penchant for piles and piling, right? Craft supplies that should have been tucked away long ago still litter the dining room table.

And, my lovely sideboard.  Even it isn't immune to piles.  How hard is it for me to find the proper place for these things and just put them away?!?

After taking these photos yesterday, I felt a little bad and got into the playroom:

Ahhh.  Sooooo much better.  And, while I was busy working on that, Destructor was helping me out in the living room.

See? 

So, I've decided, there really aren't that many perfectly organized perfectly coiffed, perfectly perfect bloggers out there.  They must be hiding things too! The great thing about the 'net is we control what we put on our blogs.  We can hide those imperfections and things we don't want folks to see, or simply not blog about them.  

In my house, I can focus on the inside OR the outside.  Both won't be taken care of in a day.  If I'm working on a DIY project, chances are the rest of the house is falling into a shambles around my ears.  If I'm getting cards made in the offudio during the day, the house and yard are suffering.  The truth is, as much as I would LOVE to believe I can do it all--and goodness knows, we mamas sure can do a LOT--I can't.  Something's gotta give, and more often than not, it's the house.  Honestly?  I'd much rather play with Ellie and Lil than clean.  I'd much rather putter around in the kitchen then clean.

So, if things seem perfect and wonderful around here, just remember it's all a sham. :oP

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  B stayed home today to help me out since I'm dizzy and headachy.  Thanks, sweetie!
2.  Fall, glorious fall!  It's so beautiful out there!
3. The girls playing outside together and the sounds of them drifting in through the open windows.
4.  Pink chicken for dinner. 

No milestones.

The Go-Go-Go Bean

My sweet and darling Ellie, how I absolutely, totally and completely adore you.  You are cute, funny, spunky and full of whimsy, vim and vigor.

You also GO, nonstop.  Unless, you are coloring with your markers or reading.

You love to do both, and want somebody else to do them with you as well.  If you are going to read a book, you will bring me (or Daddy, or Lily) one, and then race off to get another for yourself.

If you are markering, it's not enough for me to be sitting there right next to you, helping you take lids off and making sure lids are put back on.

No no, my darling, you will grunt, screech and whine at me until I remind you to use your words at which point you will very frantically say, "peese peese peese" (signing all the while) and then shove a marker in my hand and try to make me draw with it. 

If I'm trying to do something else, it doesn't matter.  What YOU need done is far more important than whatever task I may be trying to finish.

We're really working on getting you to use words since the whining is about to drive me batty.  You know how to use words, but in your hurry to communicate, you forget to use them.  I think it's habit.  That, and we're all so quick to anticipate your needs and give you what you want without making you ask.

You are getting very good at saying, "Halp!" when you need help, and typically follow it nicely with a "peese!".  This is nice.  I'd much rather hear your sweet voice than your screeching whines.

You have always been a mover.  You continuously want to go go go.  You make me tired.  I adore you, but I'm exhausted by you.  You are quite the girl to keep up with.  You are so different from your big sisters.  And, no, I'm not comparing you, exactly, I'm just making an observation. 

Hannah was an extrovert like you.  Lily is an introvert.  You are a MEGA extrovert.  I can already tell.

When we are at the grocery store, you don't want to be confined to the cart, you want to be out and moving.  But, you are good to go if folks come along and make eyes at you and chat with you.  Today I got smart and brought in a bag of goodies (you frequently just want to open up what I have put in the cart and get very angry with me when I tell you no, that we have to pay for it first) with food, a paci and some paper and coloring implements.  Oh, and some books too.  These kept your attention long enough for me to get the shopping done.

Hannah would be with me and take it all in as I told her everything we were getting.  Lil was content to just sit in the cart and observe.  You?  You want to be a part of it all, into everything.

You want to be a part of everything and you don't want to be still while doing it.  I asked Nana and Pop yesterday afternoon if you were getting sleepy.  Their response was, "She's starting to slow down just a bit."  If you have to be described as "slowing down", that says something.

You are my baby.  My last one.  I'm almost 35 and don't have the energy I did when I was 24 with Hannah.  How come YOU are the one that's the busiest?  Huh?

But, oh, look at you.  You are sweet and precious, and utterly adorable.  You are inquisitive and want to explore everything (if only you didn't want to explore so many things with your mouth...).  If I need to get some things out of the car along with you, I have to grab them first.  If I don't, and I get you out first, you are off and running.  Needless to say this is a bit terrifying in parking lots.  I've only been foolish enough to do that twice.  No more.

You are bound and determined to make things work or figure out HOW they work.  You open drawers that are well above you, stand on tip toe and reach in to grab things.  You are now pushing the little step stool all over the kitchen to reach counter tops and the light switch (which is very fun to turn off and on and off and on).  If I don't want you to have something, you are guaranteed to get it--somehow.  You have excellent problem solving skills, that's for sure. 

I'm always on my toes with you.  Recently, you've begun to think you are two, throwing yourself on the floor and screaming and tantruming.  It's really quite awful.  This morning's tantrum was caused when I wouldn't let you in the bathroom with me.  This in turn led to you screaming inconsolably, and then being in a rotten mood and not wanting to put on your jacket (another meltdown ensued) so we could walk Lil to the bus stop.  THEN, you were mad because I picked you up and strapped you in the stroller (no one arches their backs harder than a baby who doesn't wish to be strapped in) and your screams could be heard echoing through the neighborhood. 

I'll say this for you, no one will ever miss it when you are upset.  :oP

However, you are also the sweetest thing, always running over for a quick snuggle and squeeze before running off again.  You, my darling, are a force to be reckoned with!

And, before I forget, a list of words that have been tumbling from your mouth of late:

"bess oo"--bless you

"mook"--milk

"wah-der"--water

"cuck"--cup

"no daydoo"--no thank you

"dis"--this

"dat"--that

"look at dat"--look at that

"need halp peese"--need help please

"shiiiiiiirt"--shirt

"shoooooooes"--shoes

"pannnnnns"--pants

"arrrrrrm"--arm

"noce"--nose

"eeeears"--ears

"mouf"--mouth

I know there are so many more, but these are the ones I can recall right off the top of my head.  :o)  You are growing so fast little Bean.  You haven't wanted to be a baby at all, always trying to keep up with Lil and be a big kid.  You are well on your way.

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Today's Sparklies:

1.  Meds.  Thank goodness for cold meds.  I'm feeling wretched but the medicine helps.

2.  Ellie was such a doll at the grocery store.

3.  Getting a batch of cake pops/balls made.  I've been meaning to try the frosting trick Ann told me about and since I'm bringing 100 of the little guys to a Halloween party Saturday, I thought I had better get to work.  ;o)

4.  Sunny, beautiful autumn days.

5.  Naps.  Thank goodness for Ellie's nap.

6.  Lil's enthusiasm when she gets off the bus.  She is so excited and thrilled with school and I couldn't be happier.  

No milestones.

Us

Well, here we are.  It finally happened.  After so many schedules, reschedules and cancellations, we were married in the Catholic church.  As Catholics, we are called to participate in all the sacraments we can.  Since we weren't married by a priest in the Catholic church the first time, we needed to have that done--otherwise known as a sacramental marriage.  In layman's terms, it got us "right" with the Church.


We've been married for 12 years, a couple for 18 (never in my life could I have anticipated being able to clearly remember something that happened 18 years ago...).  I've learned quite a few things in that time.  Marriage is a process, not a product.  It takes work.  Yes, WORK.  We often find areas in which we need improvement and work on making that happen.  Sometimes it's me needing to be a better listener, not just a "hearer".  Sometimes it's a matter of one of us saying we don't feel as appreciated as we would like (it works both ways).  Whatever it may be, we talk about it.  It may be trite, but communication really is the key.  Where would we be now if we hadn't talked (and talked and talked) after Hannah died?  Who knows.  But, the point is, we DID talk.  And listen.

I've said this to a number of folks recently, but I feel it bears repeating; People are often more focused on the wedding and making sure it's perfect than they are on the marriage itself.  Marriage is NOT easy some days.  Goodness knows I wouldn't want to be married to me.  Gah!

But, I digress.  Really, this isn't a post with me preaching my thoughts on marriage, it's about stealing these guys' anniversary!  ;o)  Mom and Dad were our witnesses--on their 39th wedding anniversary.  Thanks, guys!  Pop was the best man at our wedding and again at our convalidation.  I think B was pretty smart to want Dad to be his best man--he's been a great role model for B and he really values his opinion and judgement.

Besides Mom and Dad and our foursome, the other attendees were Father Pete (who had to be there ;oP) and my RCIA instructor/Bible study leader/friend, Terri.

I should also say, right now, our photographer was Lily, and Ellie tried to steal the show.  More on that in a moment.

Father and Terri set up our chairs like this for us.  Ellie is seated in such a lady-like position.  :sigh:  She pretty much ran around the entire time--which was okay, since it was just us.  The other chair was left for Lil, who instead sat up front part of the time to take photos.  Fr. Pete would direct her and move her around as needed so she could get the best shots.

Terri very kindly stepped in to do some of the readings.  Ellie stepped up right next to her to translate the readings into baby gibberish.  Very kind of El to do so, don't you think? She stepped right up there next to Terri and jabbered away the entire time Terri was reading and stopped when she did.  Silly Bean.

And then, Father began the gospel readings and here she came again.  See her off to the right there?

Here she comes...

And...she helped Father with the gospel.  He held her the entire time and she grinned like the Cheshire Cat. 

Father gave the homily and then handed those words of advice to Beanie to bring to us.  We weren't sure if she would actually do it, but she did!

Here we are renewing our vows. 

Lil had the best angle here, didn't she?  :oS

No, I have no idea what I'm doing here.  I want to point out that we all (the four adults) wore something to have Hannah be part of the day. I glammed it up in the sparkly sweater with sparkly skirt and earrings.  Brien wore his Hannah bracelet.  Pop wore his Hokie neck tie.  Nana had her Pandora bracelet with its sweet little angel charm.  She may not have been with us physically, but boy was she there. :o)

And now, Lil gets artsy fartsy. Nice blingy earrings, though, huh?

More artsy-ness.

Yes, Brien often looks like that when he's serious.  People have a hard time telling when he's joking or not and often think he's angry because of that face.  But, when he gets a good grin on, it lights up his whole face.  Oh, and btw, thanks, Jess, for B's most excellent haircut. :o)

Didn't Lil wear a beautiful dress?  I have to say, it was odd to see so many photos of me since I'm typically the one behind the camera.  And, it was odd to see so few photos of my girlie since she was the one behind the camera.

Ah, the smooch.  I believe this was take four...or was it five?  Father Pete kept trying to get Lil to get with it.  She finally did. ;o)

And, it was over.  I was trying to get Lil to put the camera away.  Like that face?  :sigh:

I had to chuckle about the Hokie colored 'mums there behind me.  They were perfect.

And, finally our little family with Father Pete.  He really does love kids and was so good with the girls.  It was a joyful little ceremony and I'm happy we have so many photos from the day (97, thanks to Bitty and her talented shutter finger).

If you check out the post after this one, you'll see Miss Bit lost her second tooth (Nana got to pull it--thank goodness it wasn't me this time!) after dinner that night.  Then, she and Brien headed to the 'burg for the ballgame.  He just called and they're on their way home.  They did go to Mabry Mill, and it seems he had to tear her away at 2:00 because she could have stayed there all day.  I expect they will get home around 7:00 or 8:00. I can't wait to see their photos. :o)

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Weekend Sparklies:

1.  Jane, the bag arrived and it is utterly delightful!  I too love the colors!  :o) Thank you thank you thank you.  It certainly brightened my Saturday. BTW, any ideas on where I could pick up Oilily clothing here in the states?
2.  Robin, the costumes arrived.  I'm going to pull them out and see if we can make something work.
3.  Religious Ed.  I'm sick (nasty cold) and had to miss Mass, but made it in to teach--I'm so glad I did.  I just love those little kids.  They make me smile!  Terri told me my numbers for my class are ridiculous, that they NEVER have numbers that high for a kindergarten class.  I think I'm flattered. :o)
4.  Smart kiddos who think hard and give fun answers.  I miss teaching and this really does get my fix for me.
5.  My Hokies won!  Hooray!!  I would dearly love for them to get started in the first quarter instead of the third, though.  It's tough on my nerves.
6.  Brien and Lil had such a wonderful time.  :o)  Mom made them French toast and bacon for breakfast and spaghetti for dinner last night.  How great was that?  They drove down in time to make it to the game, stopped at Lee and Patti's tailgate on the way out (where Miss Bit scored herself a couple of Lee's to-die-for brownies and a great big hug) and made it to Lissie's in time for dinner.  I'm thinking that's not too shabby.
7.  Yes, yes, I know y'all get icked out by it, but it makes me happy (and, Liss always told me if I learned to eat it I would never have to share :oP)--I had anchovy and onion pizza for dinner.  Yum.  Since I'm the only one who will eat it, I can only have it when B's out of town.  Now, if Lissie, Jessie and I get together, it's another story altogether.
8.  I ran into one of my former students at church this morning.  It was SO wonderful to see him.  :o)
9.  Sudafed (not the stuff you can get OTC now, but the stuff you have to get carded and sign your life away for), ibuprofen and DayQuil.  I have no idea how folks did it before modern medicine.

No milestones.