Ouchies

I don't know what is going on, but I've been struggling with extreme itchiness for the past 2 days now. I already know I have skin sensitivities, but this is just nuts. I've been using Aveeno products for a long time, the one in particular for over 6 months. And now out of nowhere, major skin issues. Head to toe itchiness, including the palms of my hands. Everywhere. It just sucks. Last night I showered and shaved and it just intensified everything so bad. The only thing different last night was that I used a new razor cartridge, and this time I just got the regular, not the sensitive ones. I really didn't think that would matter all that much. And actually, that is the 2nd cartridge that came with it, so even that was ok for the past 2-3 weeks. Anyway, after my shower, I was itchier. All the areas that were shaved, were blistering and some bleeding. It was bad. I figured it was just razor burn but then it didn't get better. By 10pm, I took some allergy meds and rinsed off again to try to help things. No relief. I used a ton of lotion and that did help some, but my head was still itchy. I finally went to sleep and this morning it wasn't as bad. After a few hrs, I started getting itchy again. I went and bought the normal sensitive razor cartridges that I typically use, got some cortizone 10 stuff and am going to give this a try. It looks like today that my leg has hives. It's not totally covered, but in some areas there are several white swollen bumps.
So now I'm trying to determine what this is. I had it once before, and the dr just simply told me to switch to more sensitive bath products, all free and clear detergents, etc. I was told to just take an allergy med for about 2 weeks till symptoms are totally gone. Basically made it out to be no big deal. That was a good year or 2 ago now I'd guess. So I do not feel like going to the dr now for this to just wait things out, and I do not have the time to go and get allergy tested now either.
Some of my research says that the skin issues can get worse during times of stress. I'm wondering if this is somewhat stress induced. It doesn't make much sense though because I'm actually not as stressed as I was a few weeks ago. Even with the move, I know an end is in sight, and I'm more relaxed. Just extremely itchy!!!!

The final stretch

Well, we officially have 3 more days (not counting today) till we have keys! A weird mix of emotions going on now. Kristopher is sad about moving and claimed to my mom yesterday that he doesn't want to move. This morning he is excited and counting down the days. I can definitely say that I'll miss the area, and even the house. But I know this is for the right reasons. I'll stay positive and hope that things are going to change for the better and it's a fresh new start.
I am almost totally packed, except for the normal day to day stuff that we won't pack till the very last minute. It's really happening!
Oh and Kristopher woke up all stuffy and weird this morning so I'm hoping whatever is bother him, skips me and rushes through him. We do not need to be sick for this move. It's bad enough I'll probably be dealing with something else to ruin things by the end of the week....

Zoey

I haven't posted about her in a while. Since the last big post directed towards her, she was on the steroids to try to help issues. It sort of helped but not totally resolving anything. Plus it gave her the most horrible gas I've ever been around. It was nonstop, loud and smelled bad enough to clear the house. Very bad. Anyway, we dealt with that for about a month. She would still have weekly episodes, but it was only one trip out, a mess, and then good to go for a few days to a week. I figured it wasn't helping enough to make the smell worth it and we stopped the pills. She went about a month with doing ok, and then I come home one afternoon to doggy accident. Surprisingly, that resolved itself after a few hours of her out several times. A week later, another episode while I was gone. That one took the meds to get her stopped again.
So last week I decided it was enough. Till about 2 yrs ago, she was on cheapy purina food that we could get from the grocery store. She never had these diarrhea issues, but at a yearly appt had an irregular stool sample. So we went a step up to ProPlan food. Over some time, I discovered that it had a lot of corn filler in it, and that it wasn't good for them. So we switched to the more expensive brands. Ever since those expensive brands, we have had the issues. One kind made her vomit after every meal. The next started the every 2-3 month diarrhea episodes. Then the big one that she was on for almost a year, it became monthly or more frequent episodes. I did a lot of research last week, and was about to go back to the proplan foods or even cheaper with the grocery store food. Then I discovered a new one called Canine Caviar, Special Needs. The reviews were all very positive and I have yet to find anything negative about it. It also ended up being cheaper than buying the large bags of proplan. So I went with that. Seriously within a week, her coat is MUCH softer. She's been getting that "I'm an old dog" feel to her. So far, no issues. It's only been a week though and she's still on the antibiotic for one more day. No gas. No bad breath. My favorite part though is she wants to play again! She has not touched her toys in a long time. The past few mornings after she eats, she runs into the living room, looks at me and then pounces to get a toy. Then she shakes it and slams it into me to play. It's amazing to see her act like this again! I'm assuming that means she is feeling better and it is helping. I know it's too soon to know for sure, but I'll take the happy play time.


(Ignore the bad quality. It was taken with my phone and poor lighting.)

Productive week

Wow, I can't believe a week from now we are going to be moved in. And I'll be staring at a house full of boxes and stuff to put away. I think we are all ready, but it will still be bittersweet to drive away with that last load of stuff next week.....And I know Zoey is going to have a hard time with it as well.

So this week I was very productive. I went through the toys. Kristopher made a pile of things he was willing to part with/doesn't play with, and a pile of what he would like to stay behind for when he visits or spends the night. The toy box still isn't shutting well, but a bunch of stuffed animals ended up in there. On my list of needs for the new place is a special net for the stuffed animals. So, after the toys, I went through the kitchen stuff. Anything I wouldn't use or need, I asked mom. If she didn't plan on using it, it went into a box. Next was my clothes. Anything that kept getting pushed aside and is never worn, in a pile. Then I went through 3 big totes of stuff I've had stored for years now. Some things I have no clue why I saved them, and they were boxed up. The 3 totes ended up going down to just one really full one. This went on with several other things, and basically I ended up donating and rehoming a full trunk load of things. I feel good about it too. The only stuff left is the stuff we can't do without. Things should go a little smoother now as well.

The school bus safety thing went pretty well today. My friend ended up finding someone to keep the baby for the day, so it was just Kristopher and the almost 2 yr old. Both thought it was great to go on the bus ride, and we got a lot of other errands done as well. Post office trip was a breeze, address is changed and mail is held till next Friday. Everything is falling into place very nicely.
So tomorrow is the picnic and we will spend the last weekend here low key and relaxing for the upcoming week. I'm sure it will go faster now....

Getting so close

I talked to the rental office yesterday and we've decided to sign the night before instead. It will be easier for me, and we can get an earlier start next Friday. So next Thursday we get the keys and start moving some things in! I hope it goes by fast. I'm pushed to my limit at this point with the stress of all this.

Tomorrow is the school bus safety thing. It's going to be too crowded for strollers, so we're trying to see if the baby can go somewhere else for the day. If that's the case, I can get a ton of other errands done while I'm over there. The bus thing ends right at lunch time and I need to get to the post office. The thought of 3 kids in the crowded post office just scares me. If it all goes well, we might hit up McDonalds. Or Ritas. I'm leaning more towards option 2. I'm not a fan of McDonalds. I also need more last minute move stuff from Target. Depending on the baby situation, it could be a really easy trip, or a very stressful one. We will see.

Saturday is my husband's work picnic. They have some pretty cool prizes this year, and the kids are getting nice prize bags too. Kristopher is going to crap when he sees what he gets. It's a toy story woody toy that he's been asking for for months. And there will be lots of yummy food. At least it's something to look forward to this week.

For now, I'm exhausted and I think I'll rest during the kids nap time. This moving stuff is hard work.