CALL me Crazy....

Call...you certainly earned your stripes as a four letter word this weekend. 

For those of you not in medicine, being "on call" is the time when you are the go-to guy, covering not only your patient care responsibilities but also those of an entire group of physicians...however large or small that may be.  That said, not all "calls" are created equal.  

When I was a resident I was on call every 4th night.  This entailed me spending the night at the hospital, working 30 hour shifts, admitting new patients and taking care of any issues that arose with patients throughout the night.  The best part of being on call was that the next day you were "post call" meaning you got to go home early (around 1 pm---probably only 3 or 4 hours earlier than everyone else) and take a nap----or, for me, pick up your baby from daycare and try to coax him into napping with you.  Oh, and the Taco Bell I usually treated myself to on the way home. 

I did this for 3 years, 2 of them with a baby.  How did I do this???  I have no freaking clue.  I suppose the side effect of this schedule was that I was too tired to think too hard about what was going on...and everyone else around me was doing the same thing.  I liken it to boot camp...only everyone is more nerdy and not in that great of shape.

As I exited residency, there was much buzz about "duty hour restrictions" ---basically the governing bodies of medical education in this country seemed to have finally become concerned that a doctor in training during his 29th straight hour of working (possibly on his 21st straight day of working) may not be the best equipped for patient care.  Duh.

So, they created new rules...which as far as I can tell (I admittedly, and thankfully, have no real reason to know the details of this...) say that you can't work those long overnight shifts and you need more time off.  Sounds great, right???  Well, I say yes and no...

I admit that there were days when I finished a long shift that I was trying to tank up on coffee just to ensure I could make the drive home---the hours preceding that may not have been my finest moments as a doctor.  I'm just guessing....can't really remember...also not a good sign.  But I will also attest to the fact that those nights on call...when I actually felt alone and independent (well, not totally alone...you can always phone a friend!) were without a doubt the most educational and integral in my development as a physician.  Being a resident is just like being a kid...eventually you have to be left alone and allowed to make your own decisions, or you'll never learn how to make good ones.  Although, yes, I'd rather have the resident starting his shift than the one finishing running to my bedside...I question what these changes will mean for the overall quality of resident education and fear that in the long run we may all suffer. 

Well, enough of those deep thoughts.  Flash forward to present time.  I've graduated residency and now, for me, being "on call" hardly can be called the same thing.  I'm on call about 5 times a  year.   I round on babies, do an extra morning of clinic and take some phone calls.  I sleep in my bed.  I have yet to be called in for an emergency of any kind.  Really, relatively painless.  I love my job and am so happy to have the experience of residency...behind me.  That said, if someone told me today that I had to repeat those 3 years, at this point in my life I'd have to meet that request with big thanks but NO THANKS. 

Now take the situation of my dear hubby, Shikhar.  He is in the second year of his cardiology fellowship and still taking call on a regular basis (though thankfully not on an every 4th night in the hospital kind of schedule).  In addition to this, he moonlights on a rehab unit, he is partial owner of an urgent care, helps his mom run her clinic and is in the process of purchasing another clinic with his buddy.  Oh yeah, and he also makes sure he's home most of every weekend and evening to spend time with me and the boys while managing the family finances.  He's kind of amazing.  He is by definition over-committed, but he usually makes it look so easy...

Well, not this weekend.  This call weekend started with him getting called in to the hospital for emergencies most of Friday evening and night.  He woke up early Saturday morning so he could go round on 29 patients...29!  He came home for a couple hours before getting called back in...then we didn't see the whites of his eyes (which were really more red...) until 8 am when he came home for a quick shower before returning to the hospital to do more rounds.

When he came home that morning this is what he found...

Yes.  Those are our children.  Fast asleep in our bed...no sheets.

Let me explain.  In addition to the ridiculous schedule Shikhar was keeping, we were operating in survival mode at home.  Poor Shaan has been on a 2 week string of illness including a 3-4 day tummy bug, an ear infection, and finally waking up Saturday morning with this...

For those of you who didn't get my photo clue, that's Hand Foot and Mouth.  Oh yeah and he's got 3 huge "tooth bubbles" in his mouth that just won't erupt.  I guess this explains why he was up every hour screaming on Friday night...and Saturday night.  Although both nights are pretty much a blur...I am able to piece together some of the events of Saturday night by using clues I found around the house. 

Here's the remnants of the banana and water Shaan had to have at 3 am after demanding we relocate from my bedroom to the living room.  Oh, and the flashlight I used to look in his mouth for sores...I'm a doctor, I can't help it. 

Here's the pear Sonu had to have at 5 am.  He woke up around 4 am hearing Shaan and I downstairs, joined us for a cartoon then finally headed back up to my bed as I put a (finally) sleeping Shaan down in his crib.  Once in my bed he was hungry, of course.  An hour later I was bringing that screaming baby back to bed with us...and that is how we got to the situation you see in that photo.

Oh...no sheets?  Yeah, at some point early in the evening Shaan peed the bed.  At least he's well hydrated...

Well...as I kept telling myself, this too will pass.  And it did.  Shikhar finally rolled home for good after noon on Sunday.  I made Falafel and then he and Shaanie both hit the bed for a much needed nap.  I got to spend some quality time with Sonu where he didn't need to compete for attention with a sick, clingy babe.  We ate dinner then hung out in the living room, everyone happy to be well-fed, (partially) rested, reunited as a family and off the clock.

So, the next time you imagine your cardiologist living the glam lifestyle...leaving the hospital to head for a golf outing in his Corvette or something, just know that he may just be going home to crawl in bed with a crazy preschooler, a sick bed wetter and a wife who hasn't showered for 2 days.  Even Superman has to play Clark Kent sometimes. 

April Showers...

So...it's been awhile since I've posted.  I could make a thousand excuses for this...changes at home, changes at work, crazy schedules, crazy children...but truthfully, I've just been tired.  More on that later...

But today was just the kind of day this lazy gal needed.  The skies were gray, the rain showers were torrential...but we were warm and dry, and very unproductive.  I'm not quite the recluse I probably come across as here, but I have to admit that I do love a day that (sort of) forces us stay in our jammies and just be alone together.  As the rain washed away our previously laid plans of a Dora the Explorer birthday party down the street and a night out with the neighbors...we enjoyed our own little fiesta at home.

The day began with a hearty breakfast and far more cartoon watching than my boys would normally get away with.  The rest of the day was spent playing games and being superheroes...as the boys took full advantage of the usual "pants optional" policy.

Somewhere amongst the events of the afternoon Sonu got the brilliant idea of putting on as many pairs of underwear as possible.  The next logical step...a "rain"dance on the windowsill.  Of course.

Make dinner?  Too much work.  Go out?  Too naked.  Pizza?  Perfect.
Our family fave pie topped with pepperoni, mushrooms and "ahlooves" (or, olives, to anyone but Sonu) provided just the warm, greasy, naughty deliciousness this day deserved.

As a side note, I'd like to mention that nearly all the furniture in my house is leather.  I'd like to say that this is because I love the way it looks and feels, and that I have an appreciation for fine home furnishings.  But really this is why...

It's washable.

Anyway, we spent the remainder of the evening chillin' out in the basement until it was time for the kiddos to hit the sack and time for me and daddy to watch a movie.    Mr. and Mrs. Smith.  I can see why those two couldn't help but get together...if nothing else just to see if they could combine their genetics in an effort to create the world's most attractive babies.  Good times. 

So, I guess maybe April showers aren't just for flowers anymore...but also for sleepy mommies looking for a good excuse to hibernate. 

Rested, rejuvinated...ready to rejoin the land of the living.

Papa-Palooza! -- Dad's 60th Birthday Party!

I have been dying to share this...for months we have been planning a SURPRISE party for my dad's 60th birthday!  My brother Steve, sister-in-law Adrienne, Shikhar and I have been in cahoots with my step mom Teresa for weeks to pull this off...and I can't believe we did it!!  We kept him totally in the dark up until the moment he walked through the front door! 

We had a lot of fun preparing for this fiesta, and in the end our little get together went off without a hitch!  Nearly everyone we invited was able to make it including my dad's parents, siblings and several of his closest friends. 

Adrienne did all the cooking for the party and she totally out did herself.  She served up a delicious Italian dinner, complimented by her totally gorgeous desserts. 

It was so much fun to watch my dad as he laughed and enjoyed exchanging memories with some of his favorite people.  It's amazing the stories you hear when you get a few drinks into your dad's brothers and oldest buddies!

It seemed like everyone had a great time...including the babies!

In the end, it just felt great to organize an event for the sole purpose of celebrating my dad and the life he has lived.  A small gesture of gratitude for all he has done for us, I hope this party will serve as a reminder for him that he has so positively touched so many lives and that there are so many people in this world that truly and sincerely care about him.

He's an amazing person...and I hope he had an amazing time!

Happy 60th birthday Papa!!

A breath of fresh air...

For the past few weeks we have been battling "the crud" at our house....snuffling, coughing, sputtering, fevering...with some GI pyro-technics thrown in for good measure.  Just as I thought we were in the clear, poor Shikhar was laid flat by a nasty virus leaving him out of commission for the past 24 hours.

This is the time of year when I start to imagine the "toxins" building up in our house.  I get the urge to disinfect everything, to open up all the doors and windows...to, you know, let the germs out.  But with the sun out and temps up into the 70s yesterday, it felt like spring was finally here.

While my sickly sweetie was holed up in our bedroom tryin' to sleep away his illness, the boys and I took the party outside to get some fresh, clean March air into our lungs.

My pal Ashli brought her two adorable boys - Barrett and Jonah - over for a play date.  We were able to catch some rays while the boys played in the grass and climbed on the swing set.  While the outdoor adventure didn't last long, thanks to my little fair-weather friend Sonu (it was "too windy to play pirates!!"), it was still refreshing to feel comfortable outside -- no jacket required.

Gorgeous.

It seemed like everyone was out...neighbors were in the streets with their kiddos in wagons and strollers.  I even ran into more friendly faces than usual at the grocery store.  It felt like a reemergence into the world after a winter of hibernation.

I'm not going to fool myself...this is Nebraska which means a blizzard or two may still be lurking around the corner.  But after the past few weeks, this girl would much rather the high temps be outside than emanating from the feverish bods of her family members.


 So, here's to spring...and hopin' it's here to stay---I'm ready to get out and play!!

The best things in life really are free...

It sounds cliche, but I have been thinking about this a lot lately.

Now, don't get me wrong...expensive stuff is fun too.  I love traveling, spa treatments, new clothes, a nice car...and give me the green light and I could have a fabulous time running up an impressive credit card bill.  And I know it's not as simple as to say the best things in life are free --as it's certainly easier to enjoy said "free" things when you aren't worried that you won't have the cash to pay your rent or feed your fam.  I get that. 

In the realities of adult life and parenthood, one can't help but think about money on a fairly regular basis...Are we spending too much?  Are we saving enough?  Do I work too much?  Should I work more?  Where in the heck did I put that Pampers coupon???

I think it's easy to get caught up in the mentality that money equates with happiness.  I am oh so thankful that my husband and I come from supportive families that have helped and encouraged us as we pursued our educations. And, subsequently, that we have been able to get jobs that allow us to live comfortably doing something we enjoy.  But, even with all this, we still worry.  I am fairly certain there's no income that can totally alleviate this stress...I mean, even the B.I.G. had to lament his "Mo' Money...Mo' Problems" situation. 

But when I look back on my day, the best parts are usually those that cost little or nothing at all.  I think it's important for me to acknowledge these times and even to seek out free (or almost free!) fun for our family.  For me, this serves as a reminder that although it's certainly important for us to be very conscious of our finances and make good choices to help alleviate stress...to a point, more money doesn't necessarily mean more happiness...because we can have an awesome time without spending a dime.   

Here are just a few of the cheap laughs we've had over the past week...

Sonu, the comedian, seeing how many pairs of underwear he could wear at one time.



Super Hero Day at the public library...a totally free experience where Sonu could let out his inner Bat

Home made popsicles -- tastier, healthier, messier, way more fun.

Living room dance party...they had to rock the shades.

In two weeks I will be transitioning from full time to part time at work.  I am excited about my new schedule as I think it will provide me with a better balance ---still doing the job that I love but also able to spend more time with my little munchkins.  Although this change may mean a little less coin in our pockets...I know it's definitely worth it to have more "free" time at home with my guys. 

Any other ideas for good, cheap, family fun in the Omaha area?  Now taking suggestions!

 

Happy (belated) Forced Affection Day!

Ok,  I promise I'm really not one to say "bah humbug" to romance.   For me though, really, the whole V-day thing is just too much.  It seems too pressured, too forced...and the idea of trying to make dinner reservations on the same night as every single other couple in town...ugh...why can't we just go there next Thursday??? 

I don't need a holiday to enjoy canoodling with my hubby and I've always thought the idea of extravagant gift giving was confusing when you have a joint bank account. 

Truth be told, last week I received the best gift a gal could ask for.  While sitting with my boys watching TV, a commercial for a jewelry store came on.  In this ad a guy is shown gifting some fancy bauble to his lady friend. Sonu leans over to his daddy and whispers..."let's get that for mommy!".  Better than diamonds.

Now, I'm not totally against the idea of Valentine's day...I will go along with pretty much any excuse to have fun and show appreciation for the ones I love.  I just prefer to celebrate it the way I used to when it required decorating a shoe box the night before.

So... here's how I roll on what I very lovingly have termed the annual F.A.D. (Forced Affection Day!)

Gifts for the kiddos...

Breakfast:  Heart-shaped raspberry pancakes and PINK milk!!

Making Valentines!!

Baking cookies...with a few helpers...

After enjoying some delicious ribeye steaks for dinner, we put the munchkins to bed. 
Then, it was time for relaxing with daddy...and this tasty treat...

 

Perfect.  Happy (belated) F. A. D.!!

Half Time!! Sonu -- 3 years, 6 months

Today marks Mr. Sonu's half birthday!!  I don't usually make a big deal out of acknowledging half birthdays, but it seemed like a good excuse for an update on what The Noon is into these days...


Batman.  Whether dressing up in his Batman costume, spending hours (literally!) rearranging the pieces in his ImagiNext Bat Cave, or making "Bat Houses" out of cardboard boxes, this boy has bats on the brain.  The best part is the pure innocence of his super hero play.  In his world the Joker and Penguin just hang out with B-man and Robin deciding which snacks to eat and getting ready for parties.  He understands who the villains are, but as he has informed me, "when they're in the Bat Cave, they're all friends." 

The iPad.  He pretty much owns the thing, as most of the apps on there are somehow Sonu-related.  Whether it's Angry Birds, Super Why, or Team Umi Zumi, I'm amazed at how fast he figures it all out.  Sonu loves to veg out and lounge on the couch with his games (like father like son, I suppose)...and lucky for him I can justify it by telling myself that most of these activities have some educational value and are at least a little more interactive than a cartoon. 

Underwear.  If it were up to him it's all he'd wear, all the time.  He likes to maintain a pants optional policy at home...and usually he opts out.  Apparently clothes are just too "sweaty" to wear inside the house. 

"Naughty" drinks.  Most mornings begin with a request for "kid coffee" -- a little concoction consisting of coffee creamer, a splash of mommy's coffee, and a whole lot of skim milk.  Besides this "legal" drink, he also loves SNEAKING sips of Pepsi Max or Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade) when mommy and daddy aren't looking---partly because he likes the taste...mostly because he LOVES getting caught!

Family Togetherness.  Guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree on this one as Sonu clearly shares his parents' love for cohabitation.  He clearly is happiest when ALL of us are just hanging out at home.  He's king of the family hug and the best welcoming committee you could ask for after a long day at work.  It amazes me every day that a little guy I love so much can, in turn, make me feel so genuinely loved. 

And although this Half Time post didn't feature a performance by Madonna or Cee Lo, I'm hoping the second half of Sonu's third year will be even more exciting and fun to watch than last night's Super Bowl game.

Happy (Half) Birthday Snuggle Bug!

Snow Day!!!



Ever since the term snow day quit being an excuse to skip school and instead became the reason why it would take twice as long to get to work in the morning, I'd have to say I haven't been a huge fan of the white stuff.  So, in the midst of what has been an unusually temperate (amazing!) winter, I was not excited when the buzz among my patients' parents (my main source of news...) was the crazy snow storm coming this weekend.

Well, snow it did.  But, instead of being a total drag, today was a snow day to rival all others.

The day was complete with a snow man, hot chocolate, and my hunky hubby blowin' snow. 
With no where to go, nothing to do, we battened down the hatches and cozied up for a great day in.



It seemed like a good day to spend some time in the kitchen.  Noonie helped me grate veggies and we slow cooked ourselves a meaty marinara sauce.  I made homemade granola bars that the kiddos (and me!) can snack on all week.



We PLAYED --- hide and seek, Sponge Bob Yahtzee, Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  The munchkins splish splashed in the bath 'til they were good and pruney.  And the boys set up a race car ramp in my kitchen. 



We finished the day with movie night --- Mr. Popper's Penguins.  A real cute flick that Sonu absolutely LOVED.  Pretty much the perfect ending to a perfect day.

I guess the snow did succeed in slowing us down... but sometimes that's just what you need.  Although a snow day no longer means I get a free day to lay around the house and do nothing, it seems sometimes the snow can do a good job of whiting out the rest of the world and offer up an opportunity to just focus on being a family...and that's even better than missing a history test.


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