Referencing catchy old seventies song there and if you are too young to get that then you may find yourself bored with my blog - so be it :) Stick around, you may find something humorous here, everyone welcome !
OK, so I actually have 5 occupied children at the moment and a husband who has gone hunting so I am in my pj's with coffee and a brain that is awake and actually got 7 STRAIGHT HOURS of SLEEP last night!!!!!!! I still can't believe it! I didn't even have to get up and you know . . .
Cool! Sorry about all the exclamation points but a woman with newly found sleep + coffee + free time is a happy women. I think there is a logarithmic correlation between caffeine and amount of exclamation points used in a post.
Back to the topic, I have a short video on the inside of the Hbot chamber to show you what it looks like and how it feels in case you are about to embark on your own similar journey or are just curious if you could stand it. We had to wait about a month to finish our set of 20 dives and did so just this past Thursday. Here it is.
That hissing sound you hear is the pressurized oxygen being pumped in to the inflatable chamber.
As I have said before, I have found I am claustrophobic, mildly so and found I could deal with it through taking Benedryl before each dive, saying the Rosary and generally begging God to get me through it. I had one final episode of panic on the second to last dive which took me by surprise but the Dr. distracted and comforted me with a few tales of other people who had similar experiences but, according to her, were much more annoying than me! (I think she was just being sweet :) )
My final verdict is a mixed one - sorry if you were hoping for a definitive, miraculous finale but that's life.
WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?
- Yes if I didn't know what I know now
-Yes if God came down and told me to
-Yes because I love my daughter SOOOO much
-Yes if there was some new development that required a different protocol which wasn't available to me such as update equipment, drugs to knock me out, etc.
-Yes if I was financially endowed (I would go for 20 more dives) not that I really want to so no don't offer to pay for it - I know you were thinking about it!
Yes because I can at least say to myself that I tried everything possible to help her and don't spend the rest of my life wondering - if I had only tried Hbot . . .
NO
- if I knew what I know now - that it was horribly uncomfortable, time consuming, expensive and only vaguely effective and in that who knows if her gains were made by the actual Hbot or by her natural development and maturation?
By gains I'd say I have seen an emotional expansion in her, real emotions, real tears that were not caused by physical pain but by feelings of guilt over hurting her baby brother when she accidentally opened the fridge door on him and knocked him to the floor or fear of something she dreaded. And of course that wonderful moment back in July when she said "I love you" to me out of no where for the first time in many years.
But that's the problem with nearly ALL autism "treatments." Most are not scientifically documented and sound due to parents' desperation for any and all possible help they can provide there child and who are therefore quite vulnerable to charlatans and quackery of all types. By the way, there is an extra hot spot in hell for people who practice this kind of demented money- making in my opinion!
I read something comforting recently about such parents (obviously I include myself in that category) : A book discussing autism therapies said that these parents, were not generally naive and unintelligent but educated and thorough in their research about the different treatments available. True. I actually do consider myself educated and well-researched, just don't ask me for help with anything to do with fixing a car, the stock-market or how to bring about world peace.
I am sorry this post is so long. I am just giddy with freedom this morning although it will soon end as I am currently allowing my kids to jump on a less than 100% safe trampoline (one side of the net is coming detached but hey, some people don't even use a net on theirs and I figure they must have really good insurance as I have recently discovered broken little-boy-arms cost TONS of money! Not as a result from the trampoline jumping of course :) It was those darn old monkey bars.
On a final note: I can't actually say I wouldn't recommend giving Hbot a try for your child - if you are wondering. I really can't. Why? Because of the mystery of autism, what causes it, why it is becoming an epidemic, why there is such a wide spectrum of the affected, and a continued and general belief in miracles. For those reasons I will not tell you NOT to try this therapy on your child. Who am I to be the final judge? That said, do not mortgage your future away to do this, NO WAY.
Peace and God's love to you all always. I need to get out of my pj's :)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Book Review : " Why God Matters "
Welcome to my humble blog - Five Kids a Dog and a Blog. If you are new here my writings are generally about my life with 5 kids, four of them being quadruplets, a daughter with autism and my Catholic faith. Well its a big jumble O' stuff really. I like to have fun and make fun of myself and other things but I will not be making fun of this book because I really liked it.
Today I am hosting my very first book review! I love to read so when the offer came in my inbox I was intrigued. When I saw the title it was a neat moment of hmm is this a coincidence? I think not. I had seen a blurb about this book somewhere recently and was thinking I would like to read it anyway. Funny how that works out. As I am newly trying to be extra frugal, getting to read a free copy was a nice little perk.
The book? Oh I guess I should mention the title! "Why God Matters - How to recognize him in daily life," is written by a father/daughter team- Deacon Steve Lubert and his daughter Karina Fabian. I can only imagine that co-authoring a book on faith would have to bring a family closer even if it was hard work. It is published by Tribute Books and is set up in fourteen chapters. Each chapter has an essay on a particular faith issue followed by a short "Life Lesson." The chapters are alternately penned by the deacon and his daughter.
I am immediately drawn to the familiar voice in the essays, that of a friend almost and I like the Life Lessons for their digestibility. I know that is a strange choice of words for a book but it fits.
The writing style is quiet, simple and straight forward. It does not lack depth but pulls you into the next chapter by not overwhelming you. A chapter a night would be a good pace if you could hold yourself back, letting the lessons sink in and really finding how they apply to you.
The book quotes scripture as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, however this book appeals to a wide audience , its Christian at the core and as Christians we all believe in and love the same eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit, no matter how we celebrate.
There are chapters on a variety of topics and the personal stories were my favorite as they added to the flavor of authenticity. I just love this book because it doesn't make the reader feel stupid or bad about themselves! Everyone has to walk their own faith walk. No one can do it for you. We all may hear the same words in the Bible, at mass or service but our life experiences are different as are the gifts bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit. We truly are individuals created by God for a divine purpose. I'ts up to us to spend our life working with God's grace to fulfill our task set before us. I think this book will be an excellent tool for anyone who is struggling with that questions Why does God matter?
It is an encouraging book, warm and real and positive. I do recommend "Why God Matters"
OK, now back to my less mature usual blog rantings - by the end of the weekend and maybe sooner I will post my final installment on my daughter's and my experiences in the Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. Also, does anyone out there care if I try to monetize my blog with ads? I could use a little income and though this is a hobby I might as well try it see what happens. If it's too annoying I will remove it. Hey, have a great night and I will be back soon.
Today I am hosting my very first book review! I love to read so when the offer came in my inbox I was intrigued. When I saw the title it was a neat moment of hmm is this a coincidence? I think not. I had seen a blurb about this book somewhere recently and was thinking I would like to read it anyway. Funny how that works out. As I am newly trying to be extra frugal, getting to read a free copy was a nice little perk.
The book? Oh I guess I should mention the title! "Why God Matters - How to recognize him in daily life," is written by a father/daughter team- Deacon Steve Lubert and his daughter Karina Fabian. I can only imagine that co-authoring a book on faith would have to bring a family closer even if it was hard work. It is published by Tribute Books and is set up in fourteen chapters. Each chapter has an essay on a particular faith issue followed by a short "Life Lesson." The chapters are alternately penned by the deacon and his daughter.
I am immediately drawn to the familiar voice in the essays, that of a friend almost and I like the Life Lessons for their digestibility. I know that is a strange choice of words for a book but it fits.
The writing style is quiet, simple and straight forward. It does not lack depth but pulls you into the next chapter by not overwhelming you. A chapter a night would be a good pace if you could hold yourself back, letting the lessons sink in and really finding how they apply to you.
The book quotes scripture as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church, however this book appeals to a wide audience , its Christian at the core and as Christians we all believe in and love the same eternal Father, Son and Holy Spirit, no matter how we celebrate.
There are chapters on a variety of topics and the personal stories were my favorite as they added to the flavor of authenticity. I just love this book because it doesn't make the reader feel stupid or bad about themselves! Everyone has to walk their own faith walk. No one can do it for you. We all may hear the same words in the Bible, at mass or service but our life experiences are different as are the gifts bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit. We truly are individuals created by God for a divine purpose. I'ts up to us to spend our life working with God's grace to fulfill our task set before us. I think this book will be an excellent tool for anyone who is struggling with that questions Why does God matter?
It is an encouraging book, warm and real and positive. I do recommend "Why God Matters"
OK, now back to my less mature usual blog rantings - by the end of the weekend and maybe sooner I will post my final installment on my daughter's and my experiences in the Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber. Also, does anyone out there care if I try to monetize my blog with ads? I could use a little income and though this is a hobby I might as well try it see what happens. If it's too annoying I will remove it. Hey, have a great night and I will be back soon.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hey! I'm back!
Well I guess I took a hiatus for the end of summer/back to school season. I really miss writing here. I don't want to be one of those bloggers who has nothing to say but continues to post anyway :)
Update on Pauli : We are about to finish our last three dives in the Hyperbaric Chamber and I will give my more definitive opinion on the whole experience at that time. And answer some questions like - would I do it again? Did it really help? So if you're interested look for that at the end of next week.
I am really trying to get my act in gear right now. I have big plans to get my house cleaned and organized before Christmas (quit yawning) and I need to get on a better schedule at the gym.
I have to say, as to the rest of my kids, SECOND GRADE IS AWESOME SO FAR! I really feel that they have teachers more suited to their personalities. Teachers with patience, kindness and an appreciation for their differences and strengths. This year we split the quads up a bit more.
This is always a big questions with multiples, DO you split them up or keep them together? Thank goodness a law was passed a few years ago to give the parents the right to choose since they know best how their kids function. Thankfully, differentiation is becoming a common mindset among educators and lest you scratch your brain at that reference I will explain: In the past ALL multiples were treated like they came out of the same box. "We must split all multiples apart into separate class rooms no matter what their parents say or there will be a crack in the space-time continuum!" Now, we decide because guess what? I know that little Johnny and Jeffy get on each others nerves but little Sissy needs Johnny to help her make friends and shield her from some cruelness directed at her due to her smallness and shy personality, etc. (by the way, not my kids real names!)
Anyway, I have Doodle in her same class which is perfect for her with awesome Ms. Andrews for the third year! Her two sisters wanted to stay together and so they are while their brother wanted to try out things on his own and need to be in the FOCUS class anyway so that worked out well.
Me and the little man are to be found most days at the gym, park and or grocery store. I have joined the crazy coupon world order now and thanks to a couple of websites such as Southern Savers we are now saving quite a bit and I have stockpiled my pantry and freezer. I had no clue how much I was really spending and now I have no excuse! Look into it. If I can do the system with my crazy life then anyone can. One day I will conquer freezer cooking.
Update on book writing: I have written, yes written two children's stories and am waiting patiently on my dear busy brother to illustrate them before I send them off to prospective agents. If anyone knows anyone in the business who can offer advice please send them my way. I have a couple other ideas I am working on that have to do with my Pauli and my family in general. Have a great day!!
Update on Pauli : We are about to finish our last three dives in the Hyperbaric Chamber and I will give my more definitive opinion on the whole experience at that time. And answer some questions like - would I do it again? Did it really help? So if you're interested look for that at the end of next week.
I am really trying to get my act in gear right now. I have big plans to get my house cleaned and organized before Christmas (quit yawning) and I need to get on a better schedule at the gym.
I have to say, as to the rest of my kids, SECOND GRADE IS AWESOME SO FAR! I really feel that they have teachers more suited to their personalities. Teachers with patience, kindness and an appreciation for their differences and strengths. This year we split the quads up a bit more.
This is always a big questions with multiples, DO you split them up or keep them together? Thank goodness a law was passed a few years ago to give the parents the right to choose since they know best how their kids function. Thankfully, differentiation is becoming a common mindset among educators and lest you scratch your brain at that reference I will explain: In the past ALL multiples were treated like they came out of the same box. "We must split all multiples apart into separate class rooms no matter what their parents say or there will be a crack in the space-time continuum!" Now, we decide because guess what? I know that little Johnny and Jeffy get on each others nerves but little Sissy needs Johnny to help her make friends and shield her from some cruelness directed at her due to her smallness and shy personality, etc. (by the way, not my kids real names!)
Anyway, I have Doodle in her same class which is perfect for her with awesome Ms. Andrews for the third year! Her two sisters wanted to stay together and so they are while their brother wanted to try out things on his own and need to be in the FOCUS class anyway so that worked out well.
Me and the little man are to be found most days at the gym, park and or grocery store. I have joined the crazy coupon world order now and thanks to a couple of websites such as Southern Savers we are now saving quite a bit and I have stockpiled my pantry and freezer. I had no clue how much I was really spending and now I have no excuse! Look into it. If I can do the system with my crazy life then anyone can. One day I will conquer freezer cooking.
Update on book writing: I have written, yes written two children's stories and am waiting patiently on my dear busy brother to illustrate them before I send them off to prospective agents. If anyone knows anyone in the business who can offer advice please send them my way. I have a couple other ideas I am working on that have to do with my Pauli and my family in general. Have a great day!!
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