Friday Randomness

when I see a title such as mine I usually get a little annoyed. It's a way to basically say, "I have nothing exciting to say today" Boo on me, it's just that I couldn't think of any exciting title. You know, cause all my titles are so witty. Wow. Babbling.
Anywho... Sydney has a double ear infection. They thought she had pneumonia, but after the laborious task of holding her down on the x-ray machine (after verifying that I am NOT pregnant or breastfeeding) alas, she does not. But I'm really excited cause they gave her that coveted antibiotic shot that cuts the amount of medication to give by about 10 days. Oh yeah, baby. She, however, was not happy about it and proceeded to limp the rest of the morning. Not kidding, it was so cute if not a little sad. We got home and within thirty minutes was saying, "Nigh, nigh". And you know, I can't deny the child the proper rest! She promptly slept for three hours. Yeah, baby.

Grace lost her third tooth and requested, per Ashli, one dollar and one shiny penny. So, $1.01 is exactly what the tooth fairy left. By 7:15a.m. the penny and dollar were on the floor, never to be looked at again. So, the dollar went straight into my pocket and the penny straight to the trash. God, I hate those things.

Completely off the subject...Britney Spears. Now I know this has been talked about ad naseum. But I have to say...I feel kinda sorry for her. Is everyone yelling at me right now? I mean really, her life is totally effed up right now (or forever, depending on how you look at it). She can't go to the gd gas station without millions of flashbulbs and people screaming at her. Seriously. Go check out some of the videos on youtube.com. It's whack. And I know her life has been a series of poor decisions, but my God, not every human is blessed with good decision making skills. That shit is learned, people. Maybe it's because she has two small children or maybe it's because she actually seems like kind of a nice and funny person (barring the last year of interviews), but this story just doesn't sit well with me. I'm rooting for her. I mean I just don't have the same sort of sympathy for the Nicole Richie's and the Lindsey Lohan's. Call me crazy.

And on a final note, I am sooooo excited about my friend, Meredith, visiting in three weeks. I haven't seen her baby since she was 2 months old (she's 9 months now). Apparantly, she has quite the little temper. That should be fun watching she and Sydney have dueling tantrums. Can't.Wait.

weirdo

I was reading one of my favo blogs, Cheeky Lotus, and came across her most recent post about how her daughter, who is also 5, does weird things. I read a lot of her comments (she had about a million) and thought some of them were really funny. I started thinking about Grace and some of the, cough, less than normal things that she does.

• When I am putting Sydney to bed she pretends that she can't touch the rug so she expertly places objects through the room to jump on ie books, blankets, stuffed animals etc. It is so weird. She does this whole act without involving me and takes it very seriously. Throughout the rest of the entire day, she walks in and out of there with no hesitation or props. Bizarro.
• When she colors and cuts she hides behind this one specific chair until her work is complete.
• While playing in the bath she always pretends that she is Santa's brother and wants me to ask "where is Santa?" and then she goes into this whole diatribe about how Santa is dead and No I cannot speak with him. Hmm. Weird.

Ok, now this is interactive people. Let me hear some of the weird things your kids are doing. I know Ashli can take the cake on this one (hello, grandpa vacuum guy?).

365 days

*I started this post around the actual anniversary, but it has taken me some time to peice this together.

I cannot believe it has been one year. It freaks me out because it flew by and trickled by all at the same time. I had really great intentions for writing another letter to my mom, but at this moment I just don't have it in me. When I think about all the things I want to say to my mom I get overwhelmed. I know everyone knows how hard and sad it is, but it's those little, everyday things that really get me. I think about how much she would have LOVED Sydney. When Grace was her age she was much more serious and wary of people, even my own parents. We had just moved back from Chicago and Grace wasn't that warm or affectionate with them. Sydney would have been quite the opposite just judging by how personable she is, especially with my dad. My mom would have dug that.

This is what Sydney looked like the last time my mom saw her:

And Grace:

Weird, huh. I feel like my life has changed so much, mostly for the better. I got my new job which, as everyone knows, I LURVE! But there is still a feeling that sweeps over me every great once in a while that makes me feel that life is oh so unfair. Telling my dad the funny stuff that Sydney does just isn't cutting it. My mom would have appreciated all that funny stuff, so, unfortunately, I have to bore my husband and friends with all her quirks. Sorry about that folks.

And I ask my dad questions that my mom would have known the answers to that my dad has no fucking clue. It bugs me to no end.
me:"Did mom fix us dinner EVERY single night?"
dad: "yea, I think she did"
me: "well, I know I was picky, did she fix me something different than the rest of the family?"
dad: "no, I think you ate what everyone ate, like pork chops."
me: "I didn't like meat when I was little, dad. I'm pretty sure I didn't like pork chops."
dad: "oh, well, then I don't know."

Argggggg....that shit really bothers me. My mom had a memory bank like a steel trap. She never forgot anything (unless it happened yesterday, but I'm talkin' long term memory here:))

But I am super thankful that Grace hasn't forgotten her. The other day I tested her memory by asking her what Cici looked like. She replied, "she wore glasses, she had those scratches on her face (wrinkles, so cute), and.....(thinking hard here)...she always wore lipstick!"

Damn straight.

Little mizz sassy

In general Grace is pretty good. Pretty even-tempered and reasonable. Not lately. She has really started to get sooo sassy. Not only is it trying my patience it's making me ANGRY! I know I have told some of you the story about how she got really mad at me for not getting her an icee, throwing a monumental fit and then rushing inside to then LOCK ME OUT OF THE HOUSE. Well, sort of. She locked the screen door while I was carrying a bagillion grocery bags. Whoa. I was beyond steamed. She got a 5 minute time out and a serious explanation about safety. Now, here is my problem. Is there a better discipline method for 5 year olds? She only gets really mad when we tell her "no" or "not right now". I have told her thousands of times that she does not always get what she wants, I try to remain calm etc etc. I think I may not be being consistent. Tonight I had a little talk with her that we have a new house rule: no more sassy talk and if she continues she will be sitting in time out. It's just so hard because after her little outbursts she feels really bad and shows extreme remorse. Until the next time she doesn't get her way. I know she's just plain spoiled, bottom line. This frustrates me because I don't always let her have her way, but she seems so damn bratty!!!!!! I guess we'll just have to see how the house rule goes...

this is what mamma gets for farming her kid out for the day

No, she didn't get beat, although she does look like it, straight with the pathetic face and all. This was the result of a bodacious sledding accident. Now I know, in the grand scheme of things, it's not that bad, but, OHMYGOD, I got a small taste of the nauseating feeling a parent goes through when there little baby gets hurt. Seriously, it made me kinda ill. I have to say I am really proud of her though. According to the friend who took her, this occurred on the second "run" and after calming her down (which I'm sure was no small feat) she didn't want to go home and went on to sled for 2 more hours. She was smart enough not to get back on the torpedo and waited for a suitable replacement (ie a jankety-ass plastic thing) that apparently went a lot slower. Wow... I guess I better think about all possible consequences next time...oops.

the hair

ok, so the hair. On our 2nd to last day Wade had the idea to take her to this frilly, silly place in the mall called libby lu's. Not surprisingly, this place is pretty popular in Texas. You get to pick between several different hairdo's and then get your nails done, makeup etc. Every little girls dream. So Grace picked the "princess" up-do. Watching these women do this made me tired. She had to have used an entire can of aerosol hairspray and at least 60 bobby pins to bring this thing to fruition. And here was the finished product:


Never mind that she looks like a pedophile pin-up, look at the intricacy and detail! Of course, she loved it. Not my style, but whatevs. We got to the Museum of Natural History and she says, "mommy, why is everyone looking at me?" ps- she always thinks people are looking at her, the narcissist that she is- and I say, "it's probably your beeeuuutiful hair." To which she begins taking it out. Oh I begged and pleaded for her to stop, but she had her mind set on it. We went to the bathroom where it took me 10 minutes to remove the hairspray laden pins and it looked like a freakin disaster. Sticking up every which way. Thankfully I talked her into putting it into a ponytail in order to tame the beast. Kids. Why do they have to make everything so damn difficult.

Onto a completely different topic. The roach display. Seriously. why? Name one important reason or benefit for this thing to be on our planet. And they are feeding them! Look in the cage! Those things need to spend some quality time at my house. We could kill them in 2.2 days flat. Just like our hermit crabs (don't worry ladies, I threw the crab carcasses away this time). Alls I gots to say is EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

I'm not even gonna apologize for the lengthy delay...just gonna say HAPPY NEW YEAR and here's to 2007 being a hell of a lot better than 2006.
Rubbing the buddha belly for good luck...


So what the hell have I been doing, you say? Life at the Starr's has been hectic while the days without school have seemed long overall Christmas/New Years break flew by. We went to Houston for a mini-vacation after the new year and while it was fun, unfortunately, I was sick the entire 4 day trip. I had a bitch of a cold where I couldn't breath, or taste, or want to taste. So that sucked. I ate less on that trip than I have in weeks. Which, while thinking about it, was probably a good thing. The final day ended with me waking up with a little stomach virus (read: diarrhea) and nausea. That was very uncool. We did do some really fun things though. The Children's Museum was awesome. They had a little "tot spot" for the under 2's and it was incredible. Sydney loved it! We also went to the Butterfly rainforest at the Natural History Museum and that was also unbelievable. Imagine a really big, warm, beautiful place with millions of butterflies flying around landing on all the little kids. SO fun. There was one pesky blue, very large, butterfly that wouldn't leave Sydney alone. He kept dive bombing her and she was literally trying to run away from it, to no avail. We also went to the Galleria, which is by far the largest mall I've ever laid eyes on. Wade and Grace went ice skating while Sydney and I roamed around. So, here are the pics...
A little shaky at first, but was skating like a pro within the hour!

The infamous "tot spot" where Sydney kicked ass and took names...


Grace and her butterfly, so very proud (I'll explain her hair on the next post!).

Christmas 2006

Well, all, Christmas went off without a hitch. Wade was able to take massive amounts of time off the few days before Christmas which was such an immense help. I was able to wrap gifts, cook and get several much needed breaks throughout the days. Ahhh, it was nice. Christmas was hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be. The day was rather long especially since Sydney likes to take only about an hour nap, BOO!!!!!!!!! She's at that age where she wants EVERYTHING especially if Grace is holding it and then proceeds to throw a fit if she doesn't get right that very second. It gets a bit tedious...

The gifts were flowing at our house as usual. Santa decided that Grace had been a very good girl this year and proceeded to makeover the backhouse into her very own playroom (thanks, Brian!). This pic really doesn't do it justice, but it looks so darling. There is a blackboard wall, table and chairs, easel, and tons of art supplies. Anyway, Grace was stunned and thrilled. It was fun.

She also got roller skates and a new robe (just like Mama's!).

Even Sydney got into the holiday spirit and opened a couple presents. Whenever she saw the gift, she would get really excited and say, "AHHHHHH". It was highly entertaining.

This last picture I just had to put up here because it was the first time she ever wore a skirt. It looks slightly awkward because she so boyish in her appearance.
Hey, we don't call her crusher for nothing.

random pics

Not a lot going on over here minus our small bout with the stomach virus...just found some cute pics and wanted to share.
The first pic is an obvious one and Sydney's first time on Santa's lap (she was asleep in her stroller last year). Excited aren't they?

the next pic is the little chubby ball in the bathtub

splits!!!!!!!!!

Grace was one of five little ducks during her kindergarten play...doesn't she look soooo cute (and young!)

trimming the tree with the girlies! In reality the tree had been decorated for weeks but don't they look cute!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What amazing ladies!

Remember this post. Well, Camille and Ashli took it upon themselves to make me pot roast and dessert. I was so pleasantly surprised to come home after a hairy basketball practice and find a crock pot of delectable pot roast simmering in my kitchen. I'll tell you what it was dellllicious! And so thoughtful! Thank you ladies. Everybody lapped up the food and ate the pudding/chocolate/graham cracker dessert straight from the fridge...mmmmmm, goodness. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

(...I was just fondly remembering my mother's homemade monkey bread...just kidding, Camille!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

woe is me...

So, lately I have had the pleasure of assisting in the representation of juveniles that have the shittiest parents on earth. I simply do not understand the reasoning behind bringing into the world a child or children and deciding to do everything in your power to make sure that have no chance in hell of growing up to be a decent person. Wow. Now that was a run on sentence. There are two twin boys in particular that I have developed a bond with. They are locked up for an assault and battery(unrelated to said shitty dad) and I firmly believe that their actions were the result of self-defense. Oh I know all you naysayers out there (cough,bubby, cough, Wade, cough) think I am a naive bleeding heart that would believe anything told to me. Not true I say. I did my homework. I read the police reports, spoke with the kids, spoke with the dad! etc etc. Now I am not going to get into particulars here for various reasons but while speaking with the kids (age 14) they discussed with me the fact that there dad is a raging alcoholic (he really doesn't drink that much just EVERY DAY ALL DAY) and that yea, he used to beat them to a bloody pulp around the age of 5 on (no but really he loves us and is SUCH a good dad). This is the kind of deluded thinking I am dealing with here. After I lifted my chin off of the table I attempted to discuss ways in which they could begin to turn there life around. Mind you I do believe this can happen but I can't help but worry (and worry I will!) that these darling boys are eternally screwed. This is there only role model. Mom relinquished parental rights at their very unimportant age of 3 because she was/is addicted to meth (but it's just a "small drug problem"). I want to cry, I want to open my home and wallet to help. I know I cannot and will not do this but REALLY is anyone surprised that these boys have selected this path of self-destruction and poor choices.

So fast forward to this afternoon in the car with Grace. She was asking me if I ever dream about her and I replied, "Oh yes all the time." She says, "well what do I do in your dream" to which I reply, "Oh, your a good girl..." She says, "wouldn't that be funny if in your dream I was being a bad girl," and I say, "well, if you were being a bad girl I guess I would have to spank your bottom in my dream," to which she throws her head back and laughs uncontrollably for a good 2 minutes, "you are the funniest mom in the whole world!" Funny because this child has never been spanked in her entire life for anything. For me, spanking simply takes care of the parents immediate anger and I don't see how the child can learn the consequence from the mistake, instead, I believe, they then fear the spank and lose sight of the original or subsequent problem. Make sense? Anywho, this is not a debate or discussion about spanking, it is about an important and heartbreaking fact that these boys would never, will never, find what my darling daughter thought was so funny about that dream.

Sigh.....

sad, sad, loathing, loathing

Once again I am apologizing for the tardiness of my newest post. Okay, the title isn't allll true. We're pretty crazy in the Starr family. Wade is working an ungodly amount this month and I feel so sorry for him because he comes home and literally lays on the couch without uttering a word. I think his mouth hurts from talking so damn much and his legs hurt from running around that damn gigantic restaurant. Anyway. The holiday season is shaping up as expected with me continuing to run across things that my mom gave me last Christmas and me seeing things that she would have loved. Arggggg, it sucks. I found several pictures of myself with Sydney when she was about 3 months old that my mom had taken. I can remember exactly what we were doing. I was laying on her bed laughing while she took some darling shots of us. I look at myself in those pictures and I can't help but think I look so different. I hadn't yet been subjected to the fact that I would never see her again or hear her voice or eat her pot roast. It's just a really strange feeling that's hard to describe.

I have hesitated to write about this, but those of you who know me well already know this and that is the fact that my dad has a girlfriend. It's just soooo strange. Part of me thinks it helps him get through this time but another part of me thinks he is a selfish asshole that can't even give my mom the decency of one year to wait to fill up his social calendar with another hussy women. And the last part is definitely true. He goes out with her in some capacity every night. I simply cannot wrap my brain around this. And, yes, I know, men can't do anything without a woman taking care of him, or so everyone has told me. I find it absolutely asinine that we women can excuse and justify men's behavior on a daily basis. Blah! Anywho...all I really care about is not hearing anything about wedding bells, I think that would kill me. Dead. Dunzo. Gone. My brother assures me that this will not happen so I guess I'll hold him to that! If he's wrong he can help Wade lift my lifeless body from the couch...

There's no I in Team

Grace had her first basketball game on Saturday after 2 practices about 2 weeks ago. Oh yea, we were in for a comedy of errors! In kindergarten basketball they don't have to dribble just take turns "guarding" and "shooting". Unfortunately, she didn't make a goal, but boy did she certainly act in typical Grace fashion. This first two pictures are of her "guarding". Notice how she's really into the game at this point. Atta girl!

The next picture you can tell she's getting a little more aggressive, actually lunging for the ball. If you notice, none of the other kids are even moving a body part, but, hell who cares! she got the ball! WooHoo!

And typically, here is what Sydney did during the big game:



Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm , two fisted, no less!

Things I hate about snow

Let me start off by saying that I am really not that negative (I'm sure the hubby would disagree) but there are certain things that just piss me off during this kind of weather.
1.) No school. Ok, this is a no brainer here. Our kids get serious cabin fever and if you have a 5 year old like mine (which no one does) this gives her unlimited time for "let's pretend" type games. I absolutely loathe these kind of games. Here is an example of this type of fun.
"Mom, I'm gonna be this really pretty barbie and you can be the really ugly one."
"Grace! She's not really ugly (as far as I know they haven't made the pig-face looking barbie yet)."
"OK! let's pretend that your barbie won't clean her room and the daddy gets really mad at her and she gets in a lot of trouble and then my barbie cleans her room spic-and-span (actual words here) and the daddy lets her have ice cream."
So, you see where this is going, my barbie is the stupid, shitty one and hers is the angel. Weird, I know. No, but really, private schools should NEVER be closed in my opinion. We pay enough GD money to make our own informed decision as to when it is safe to drive our adorable tots (2 freaking blocks) to school. You're not comfortable driving, good, you choose not to send your kids. Period.
2.) The fucking weathermen. Ok, seriously, do we have to watch the same shit over and over and over and over and NOT broadcast the Today Show. Really. We know. It's cold, it's icy and no one should drive. And just in case we don't get it, the wonderful ticker on the top telling us that EVERYLIVINGTHINGINTHESTATEOFOKLAHOMAISCLOSED!!!!!!!! No shit. It's the first storm of the season, everything is closed at least one day.
3.) Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Here's to cabin fever, people!

I'm Baaaaackkkkk!

Sorry people!! We have been without a computer for over a week now and finally bought a new laptop! It's been killing me! I haven't looked at a computer in over a week and now that I have access to one I'm too overwhelmed to check all the blogs!!

Anyway, Las Vegas was fabu! I swear Wade had to drag me out of there kicking and screaming on Sunday. My personal heaven is Vegas. I love the whole vibe of that city, not to mention the food and gambling, my 2 favorite past times. wow, simply spectacular fun.

Wade always has his eyes out for me for movie stars anywhere we go and, sure enough, as I was playing some cards I hear Wade yelling at me from another table, "Ginny, there's your guys." I look up thinking, HUH?? and sure enough there was Carlos and Mike from desperate housewives. Exciting, no?

I have so much going on at work, but I'll save that for another post. I'll just leave you with a couple pics from the trip.! Missed y'all!!

Here is Wade's best friend from Altus, Jeremy, who was recently dumped by his wife of 6 years. ouch.


And here we are at MIX at Mandalay Bay. Probably the coolest looking restaurant/bar I've personally ever witnessed. Aren't we precious?!? Yea, you know I'm showing a little cleavage in Vegas...

Happy Birthday to me!

I am really not one to get all into the birthday cheer, but thanks to my 5 year old (and my 36 year old) there's no getting around it. Grace reminded me at least 6 days prior to the big day that "3 more days..." etc. All that to say, my darling hubby has far exceeded expectations again. We've got the big trip to Vegas this weekend (sooooooo excited I can barely stand it!!!!!!!!!!) but also an ungodly amount of gifts. He thrives on this and now he's got the little one in on it too. I can already see that he is making Grace into the gift giving fool that he is. She made me a total of 12 drawings and helped him pick everything out. Yesterday (my actual birthday) right before her ballet performance she was "sharing" with the group. Mind you she stated this in front of the entire group of parents, "Grace what would you like to share today?" "Today is my mom's birthday and I picked her out a lacy bra and panties for her!" THANKS!! However, the point not to be lost is that I really do need these things and Grace knew that, hence, she picked them out all by herself. The whole gift was entirely her idea. And this is where I get happy. My husband has this uncanny ability to pick out gifts for people that they will love and need. He seems to be passing this ability on to Grace. So proud! because if you think about this, that ability is pretty rare. I know it is impossible for me; I'll think about what to get someone (including my husband) for hours!!! And then Wade will think of something and it will be PERFECT AND WHY DIDN"T I THINK OF THAT!!
Anywho, the birthday celebration was fabulous if not slightly bittersweet. It was the first time in 33 years that my mom didn't tell me "happy birthday" and, you know, that was tough. I better just get used to it, cause we've got Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. Whew. Where is that hole I can crawl into.

Thank you Wade!and Grace! for always knowing just what I need. XOXOX

Just so long as Grace doesn't teach her to be a smart ass

I figured you people were having some Sydney withdrawls, so I am here to present to you the many unique qualities of my child (I am well aware that most of you are now rolling your eyes). I really just can't control myself. Not to mention lil miss Grace is going through some very terrible behavior issues at this time, so I think I'll still to lil miss thang for the time being. So here she is in all her glory:


Here she is placing beads on the little pegboard:

Here she is reading her book while lounging on the floor chair:




Here's a video of her using a fork:

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share PhotosHere is a video of her coloring:

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share PhotosHere is a video of her continuing to piss her mom off:

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

All this and STILL no walking!!!

she's still got it...

Unfortunately Sydney had other things in mind this morning when we took her for surgery.

Yeah. 101 fever. So, no surgery. Dr. K said the risk for pneumonia was too great since she was running the fever. Obviously I was grateful for this for many reasons. 1) clearly we wouldn't want her leaving the office sicker than when she went in and 2)I didn't have to deal with the entire event. I have to admit that I was kinda relieved. I worried about her all weekend and this put us home by 7:30.

Whew. I called her in an antibiotic to clear up the probable ear infection and we will try again another time. I really want to put the whole damn thing off for awhile because, you know, I saw this as a sign.

So, we'll see.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBY!!!! (I won't tell his age...let's just say he's 7 years older than me and I'm about to turn 33...hmmmmmmmmmm)

LOVE YOU!!!!!

Gotta love Halloween

Halloween 2006 was a fantastic success. Grace wants me to dress up every year with her, so we decided to both be Wonder woman:

Wow, I'm looking mighty scary! More like Wonder Woman in drag!

Anywho, it was fun. Wade and the two Chris'(his brother) took the big girls while Ashli and I handed out candy. Gotta say I was glad we didn't have to brave the cold, but, damn, if we didn't have hundreds of dressed up (and dressed down) goons. We didn't even have time to perch our lazy asses on the chair. Here are some more pics of the festivities:

And this is where my job starts to suck...

Ok, I'm kidding about it sucking, I still LOVE it, but yesterday I had to talk to a 16 year old boy who had beat his 33 day old baby so hard it landed her in ICU for many weeks. To the point where the doctors thought she wouldn't make it. Yeah. Nice. The most unbelievable part was the fact that he is absolutely denying it claiming that it had to be his mother. All the evidence points to him (you know, his confession to the cops) and the fact that there is no way she could have done this to herself (his initial response). It is just so f*cking sad, people! I talked to him for about an hour yesterday and he is one of this people that has absolutely NO remorse whatsoever and all he cares about is getting out of detention (he's been in there 99 days). I tried everything to get him to take responsibility for this, but it was like talking to Ted Bundy. Cold, callous and downright scary.

His court date was yesterday to determine what the judge was going to do with him. He already plead guilty about a month ago, but claims it was only to get a lighter sentence. He wanted to be put on probation and released to his grandmother (who is a complete f*cking idiot) and then get treatment in the community. He was SO POSITIVE that the judge was going to let him go home even after I repeatedly told him that I felt he was being overly optimistic. He didn't believe me. Unfortunately for him, the judge placed him in the custody of Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs where he will remain in custody at an inpatient treatment center until he is 20. He was not a happy camper. Me on the other hand, a little happy. And no I don't think this kind of a thing makes me unable to do my job properly. I am simply there to get information and then discuss it with the lawyer. I don't have to stand up and defend him. Thank God for that.

Oh and by the way, his baby is in foster care now and the state is attempting to terminate his parental rights in April. Heavy shit.