Love the blog land!

I love to blog!  It's a big part of my life. 

Comments from Iowa:

"I love reading your blog"

" I met Ella for the first time, but I feel like I know her"

"I keep up with you"

"I read first thing every morning"

"My friend asks about "our little girl" when she visits"

"I found stickers that look like Max for Ella's hat, I saw she doesn't have any"

"It's so awesome that you have so many friends who blog" (then I explained that I don't REALLY know many of my fellow bloggers)

"I can't wait to see these pictures on the blog"

I started this blog for family far away.  I continue to blog for ME.  This is the story of my life (painted much more rosy than it really is) and thousands of Ella pictures and stories.  I love my blog community and I turn to you for support and advice.  I'm still amazed at how many non-blogger and non-commenting readers I have!  My little girl has sure touched the hearts of many and I'm one proud mama!

We are home...

Ella and I had a fabulous trip!  The weather was perfect, all the surgery patients look great, we saw many people (not everyone, but many), I was able to relax.  It was just wonderful!
Then......this afternoon happened!
Ella did not sleep a second of any of the flights.  Today's flights were during her nap time and she didn't sleep.  She was overtired to begin with.
My bag took over 45 minutes to arrive after touchdown.
Joe was supposed to pick us up from the airport, but he left for Mexico yesterday.
Dorothy graciously picked us up and chased around a tired, grumpy, fiesty 2 year old while I waited FOREVER for my bag.
We pulled into the driveway and I said, "you know I don't have any keys, right?".  Yep, we were locked out!  Communication issue (I'm blaming Joe).  Back up plan is always the dog door and it was locked.
I started calling friends with keys and no one answered.  As we were ready to drive to Dorothy's, I found a friend who had my key with her at work and we drove there.
The sitter for tomorrow night cancelled.
We spent a crazy long time in the car and Ella slept and then woke up and screamed at us for about 20 minutes (always fun).
I finally arrived at home and remembered I had left all 3 bags in my front yard and thankfully they were still there!  The backpack had about $2000 worth of electronics, my wallet and Ella's milk. 
I rushed in while holding a crying child and found my Pharmacist license paperwork which had to be postmarked TODAY to keep my primary license!  The post office was closed, but I went to the grocery store which advertises a post office open until 8PM.  That's a LIE!
I drove to the nearest post office with a 24 hr CPU and put my letter in a priority envelope for about $6 and it IS postmarked today and on it's happy way!  FYI - CPU postmarks with today's date even when post office is closed.  I may need that one again....
I made it by exacty 7PM to pick up poor Nicky.  He had a bath earlier and they moved him to the back to feed him fearing we weren't coming to get him!
I drove thru McDonald's for dinner.
Finally we were home about 7:30 and I let Ella finish the Dora she started while she ate fast food (mother of the year, I know).  I put her PJ's on while she watched TV.
She asked for milk and I went to the fridge to find NONE.  I know there was milk when we left and milk is kind of an important staple for a toddler!
She went to bed without a bath and I'm going to follow her shortly.
Someone changed MY computer...where are my favorite tabs and tool bars?

My husband is wonderful most of the time.  He did leave town yesterday on short notice.  I was out of town and I left him some things to take care of.  It's my fault that I didn't send in my license paperwork before I left town.  BUT, tonight I'm mad at Joe.  He called and I verified he was safe and told him I was too mad to talk to him!

Iowa has been awesome!

This has been the most relaxing trip to Iowa ever!  I think I needed this as much as everyone else.  The weather has been fabulous.  Ella has definitely made memories.  I have many pictures to share and some priceless memories and framers for sure!

It's goodbye to Charles City today and off to see more family in Des Moines. 

Iowa sure has a special place in my heart and I feel so at home this week! 

Fun in Iowa

Grandpa and Grandma have an awesome orange car swing. We are having so much fun! 

Iowa Bound

I'm packing clothes, going through lists, and charging everything.

I'm READY for a fun trip to Iowa!  Joe had to dig my suitcase out -- it's been way too long!  I don't think I've been outside of the Salt Lake Valley since December! 

Tonight I told Ella she had to be good on the plane.  I even told her if she cried and screamed they would turn the plane around and we would come home.  That doesn't work for her....

Her reply, "It's OK, we'll just take the car". 

Thank you Keurig for getting me through this week

Coffee in the morning, brewed iced tea in the afternoon

Boy Crazy

Ella has 2 friends that we had play dates with over the last year. She talks about playing with them and they are always happy to see eachother.

One day, she wanted to give Ryker a hug on the way out. On our way home from school I was asking about what she did and who she played with. We talked about the girls and then I said, "what about Ryker?"

Ella said, "oooohhhh, Ryker, he's my new boy".

I started laughing hysterically and she kept repeating it!  There is nothing like a commute home with a 2 year old to make the stress of the day disappear.

One of her teachers told me (not prompted) that they are quite close and I know his mom and when I told her I hear a lot about Ryker, she said that all he can talk about is Ella!   The first boy made it 1.5 weeks....not sure how long Ryker will last.  The class is mostly boys, so we'll see!

Relief

In the past few weeks I have felt something on the top of Ella's head. I assumed they were dissolvable stitches, but they kept being more prominent. On Friday I finally got a good look. They are stitches!!! Are you kidding me?

I thought about it all weekend.  Could they really have missed some stitches?  Did I really miss these stitches for weeks?  I sent an email to her surgeon Sunday night. He replied on Monday and we took her into clinic today.

I was right, they are stitches. She is rejecting the inside stitches AGAIN. Her body is pushing them out. They look different.  He even used a different kind this time. The good news is they will work themselves out and everything will be fine. 

I was dreading having to make the phone calls to cancel our Iowa trip!

We got the clear for swimming (pools only). I assured him if we go to a beach we won't get her head wet.

The Tag Team

I'm super thankful for the tag team!  It was one of those nights with Miss Sassy.  I just had to walk away and I was thankful Joe was around to pick up when needed.

She's in her bed......but Joe just informed me now her light is on.  Awesome...

Father's Day

Ella had fun at her sleepover at Grandma's.  I'm so happy it went well.  She's overtired, but hopefully a good night of rest in her bed and she'll be a new girl in the morning!

Dorothy came over and Joe grilled some brats in the rain.  It rained ALL DAY! 

Happy Father's Day!

I made this for YOU!

Look, Daddy!

She does love her Daddy!

We had a relaxing day and I guess it's back to work and school tomorrow!

5 days and counting!

Ella and I leave for Iowa on Friday night.  I'm so excited!  We haven't been out of town since Christmas!  We'll be in Charles City until Wednesday.  We'll be in Des Moines on Wednesday and fly back on Thursday.

Let me know if you want to get together!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to these Dads who will wear Dora hats, go down slides to clear the water off, climb playground equipment and chase a little girl around with a camera to capture her joy in watching the ducks!

You guys are great!

Anthony and Robyn's Wedding

Anthony is one of my coworkers and a great friend!  He introduced us to Robyn and she does all of our hair!  I am so happy for both of them.  It was a very happy wedding!  You could just feel their love and all the guests knew this marriage was meant to be! 

They received a nice bottle of wine from a friend and during the ceremony they nailed a box shut to be opened on their 10th anniversary.  AWESOME!

Many of my coworkers were there and some that have left the hospital. It was awesome to catch up with everyone and always nice to see people outside of work and mingle with spouses.  Joe had a lot of fun!

Ella had her very first sleepover at Grandma's and I'm excited to hear how it went!  Thanks Dorothy for a fun night out for us.  Ella was welcome at the wedding and would have had fun, but it was nice to enjoy an adult evening.  The wedding favor was a candy table, so Ella scored 2 boxes of candy!

The view from our table!  Can't beat that!

Hi, Mike!  The ceremony was under the Red Lanterns.
The venue is the Univ of Utah football stadium
and it was amazing!

Salt Lake City

The Girls

Andrea, Cindy, Laurie and Marlow
(AKA "THE MSTAS")

Mike, this is for YOU.  The DJ was entertaining
and the people watching was a highlight for the guys

The 9PM surprise!  Drums and Dragons!

They put on quite a show!

Robyn and Anthony!
She changed into a red dress (Chinese tradition)

We had a great night out

Prayers for Grandma Eunie!

My spunky Grandma Eunie is having major surgery on Thursday morning.  Please say a prayer for a safe surgery and speedy recovery!  The horrible pain has been hard for her and I am hoping this surgery will bring her back to her energetic self!  She is always on the go and it's time for her to be back on the go!

We love you!

We can't wait to see you next week!

The Ella Update

I'm guessing the grandparents are ready for some Ella pictures!  Things are going well.  Everyone is happy that Joe is home!  It's an adjustment as always!  Many things change in 4 weeks with a kiddo and Joe is adjusting to Ella's new ways of doing things.  For instance she HAS to watch the water drain after her bath.  He thinks it's a crazy waste of time.....it's sanity for me.  I figure it's additional quiet time before bed.  She has been insistent on having her bedroom door left OPEN at bedtime.  I figure if she's staying in her bed, she can have whatever she wants!  Her bedroom is off our living room where we watch TV at night and Joe is scared he will wake her up.  He's been rolling his eyes at many things....but when it's just Ella and I, I have to choose my battles carefully!

School is going AWESOME for Ella.  She is truly happy!  Our timing was perfect and I'm ecstatic to see her so happy to go to school!  Her teachers have positive things to say and it makes me feel good.  She still cries when I drop her off, but I'm hopeful it will get better and better.  In the car on the way there we discuss drop off and she tells me she wants to cry.  I ask her why and she says because she needs mommy.  At least she's honest....

She's into BOYS!  She has her friends Abby and Avery that she knew well before school started, but the only new friends she talks about are BOYS!   When I pick her up I ask her to put away whatever she is playing with.  Some days she complies, but other days she looks to one of the boys and they gladly put it away for her.....uh oh!

Bear and Ella

She is so happy!



Love the smile...even through the blur!



Daddy dressed her and YES, she
wore this shirt backwards ALL DAY!

Weeeeeee!

Going slow to keep bear safe!

She gave up her coveted bucket swing
so bear could swing too!  She knows I will push
her higher in the safer bucket swing!

We went to the park after school today and she was so cute!  She had to help her bear do everything and she was so proud!

Ella wears her hat all the time at school.  I never push the issue.  Most pictures she's wearing it because she has no desire to take it off.  As long as she is wearing it when needed without a fight, she can wear it anytime!  She has to wear it at school and while playing outside.  Any other time is optional!

Thanks - Mission: Hamburger -- SUCCESS!

I knew who to ask and you came through!

Tonight we had Hamburger Helper (not my favorite, but we had it in the cupboard).  I browned the hamburger with a skillet full of water.  I drained and then ran it through the food processor. 

I had a helper and she proudly tried the meat right out of the food processor and loved it!  I NEVER would have thought of that!

She ate a generous helping and I got meat (including protein and IRON) into the little stinker!

THANKS!  You guys rock!  I love my blog network!

It's HOT!

Summer has arrived.  Joe was up in the middle of the night for many reasons, but one was because our air conditioner was not kicking in. 

We are going to have to sweat it out this weekend!  We replaced our furnace and added central air shortly after we moved in.  I'm crossing my fingers that we are still under warranty!

Thankfully it's only in the 70's.  It cools down wonderfully at night, but our 100 year old house brings challenges when it comes to no screens and most windows painted shut!

Zoo on a Saturday in June

We are CRAZY! I will NEVER go to the zoo on a Saturday in the summer ever again! It was insane, but we found areas we could tolerate. Ella has never been on the playground at the zoo. I've heard parents talk about the awesome zoo slide and she had so much fun.

It's a TALL slide and FAST!

Here she comes!

She loved the large teeter totter (one of my favorites
as a kid)

Hi Mom!

She stood in line and
demanded to ride the
elephant, I give the
credit to Alyssa. She's
always been too scared of him!
He's loud and squirts water!



She went running to
the gorilla and had
to smile for the camera!

We also all took a nap and Joe had promised a bike ride to Ella.  We woke up and she HAD to go....so poor Joe spent 45 minutes getting the bikes and trailer ready to go.  All the tired needed air.  She had a blast and I see a lot of bike riding this summer.  I was sleepy and forgot to grab the camera!  It was a LONG process to get going, but we had fun and now the bikes are ready!  I could smell BBQ food while we were riding and we came home to grill up some Iowa steaks and they were fabulous!

Haircut

This is a haircut that is blog worthy!  I LOVE IT!  I had just left my hair too long and I had started to abuse the pony tail.  I wanted shorter and she encouraged me to use my natural body.  She instructed me on how exactly to wash, condition and towel dry my hair to prevent frizz.  This style is going to take 30 seconds to do and I'll use the blow dryer for a few seconds to just style my bangs and get the bulk of moisture out.  Scrunch with product and air dry!  PERFECT FOR SUMMER!

Robyn ROCKS!  She's my friend Anthony's fiancee and I'm excited for their wedding next weekend.

*** photo taken after a trip to the zoo, nap, and bike ride with helmet....it did look even better this morning!

Daddy Doll

The perfect gift from Grandpa and Grandma!  They KNOW how hard it is for Ella to say goodbye to Daddy for a month.  She LOVES it!  Such a clever idea.  Joe is home for now and I'm sure he'll be traveling again soon enough!

Presents from Australia

Australia shirt with koalas

Kangaroos

Australian Wine - this was my
treat and we'll save it for
a special occasion

He's really home!

Joe made it home with no issues!  He picked up Ella at school and she was the happiest kiddo ever!  Her teacher took a picture for their family wall and showed me today.  You could see the joy in her eyes!

Her appointment with infectious disease went well.  We are going to keep her on antibiotics for at least 6 months (gulp)!  3.5 weeks down......and  A LOT to go!

We are going to be followed closely with her pediatrician who we asked to get on board since we are dealing wtih so many specialists.  We were able to get in to see him today and Joe met us there.  I see many, many "pokies" for Ella in the next 6 months.

We are bribing Ella with a trip to the zoo if she sleeps in!  WE ALL NEED MORE SLEEP!  She was proudly up at 5AM asking for Daddy!  I could hear her asking for crackers (which I knew were graham crackers, but her didn't).  He convinced her to have some cereal so I didn't intervene.  In the car she informed me, "Mommy, Daddy can't find the crackers".  She cracks me up!  She doesn't miss a beat and there are no secrets.

Our house feels great tonight!

My colleague laughed at me as I was chatting to Joe on the phone this afternoon.  She heard me say, "yes, a date would be nice, but it's not any fun to be with you when you're so tired". 

We will just lay low this weekend and enjoy some family time!  It's such a relief to not have to be "ON" 24-7 and to know I have a great partner on my team!

Ella Style

Yes, this is how she went to school today!   I had to wake her up and I had 5 minutes to get her up and out the door.  I hadn't laid out clothes last night.....oops!

I pulled out grey pants and thought this kitty shirt would be a good bribe.  She had her underwear in her hand and had to do it herself.  She kept screaming butterflies and I found her underwear with butterflies.  I was beyond frustrated!

Eventually I figured out she meant butterfly pants and she HAD to wear her Sparkle Shoes (thanks Alyssa!). 

When we came home to HAD to have lipstick (my chapstick from my make up bag).....this is the only time she stood still long enough for a photo!

She is overtired!  I woke her this morning and daycare woke her from her nap.  The last 2 evenings have been horrible!  She even told me she threw a fit at naptime and her teacher confirmed....

Tonight she kept saying, "ONLY DADDY".  I keep saying he'll be home soon. This morning she told me he'd be home in 2 minutes.  She is ready for him to be home.  We haven't Skyped since Sunday, it's hard on her.

Joe is on a plane!  I can't wait to see him tomorrow and I know a little girl who is going to be so happy!  He is planning on picking her up at daycare.  I'm not saying a word to her besides he'll be home soon.

I've decided 3 weeks is my new max of him being gone!  The fact that I know he'll really be home tomorrow is the only thing that got me through tonight.

Tomorrow I have 2 drop-offs at school.....before work and then after her appointment, wish me luck!  I need to pick her up before her class goes outside to play...taking her away before her playground time may be worse than the drop off!

The One-Upper of the playground

We were at the park on Sunday and I suddenly felt like I was in a Saturday Night Live skit!

Little Girl:  "What happened to her head?"  (she was standing on the platform above Ella and could see her scar through her helmet)

Laurie:  "She had surgery to fix her head, but she's OK now and she can play on the playground like you."

Little Girl: "I can climb on the monkey bars."

Laurie:  "That's great, she's little, she'll be able to do that when she's as old as you."

Little Girl: "I had surgery yesterday and I'm OK now"

At this point Ella is sees someone get off the swing she wants and bolts....I followed Ella!

The next round of appointments

I'm going through pictures of Ella's scar since surgery.  I chose 17 photos to print!  I put the date taken in the title and I hope it will print on the back.  We met with the infectious disease team 2 weeks ago just after Ella had her stitches out.  I felt like such an idiot guessing at dates of what happened when!  I want to be much more prepared for our appointment on Thursday.  I'm bringing the pictures with a list of dates of important events! 

I want to help them make the best decision for Ella and they are coming into the situation rather late.

They want to see Ella's labs prior to the appointment so I picked her up from school and went right back to the hospital!  It was HORRIBLE!  I have resisted my urge to ask for the BEST.....I'll do it next time.  This lady did not belong in a children's hospital!  Poor Ella is going to be bruised up and down both of her arms. She gave up on the first poke and Ella said, "It's over, I'm done, I did a good job" and I had to tell her.....no, we're starting all over!  I was gripping her legs between my legs and hugging her with her arm in both of my arms and we had an additional person come hold her arm for the 2nd poke!  She is STRONG and strong-willed!  It amazes me that when it's all over she is happy as can be! 

This is only the 2nd set of many, many sets of labs (5th time for labs this year)!  I was honest with her on the way there.  She started crying the first time at the mention of pokey, then stopped and we had a good conversation about what was going to happen.  She planned on crying, but she told me she would be OK.  She's so impressive to me!  As we pulled up to the hospital she said, "there's the hospital, I love it, it's beautiful".  Seriously, kid?  You LOVE it?

I don't think Joe has ever been at a blood draw.....he's coming next time (for moral support for ME)!  It's getting harder and harder!

I told the lady we needed a prize!  Ella told her she wanted a new dog or an Ernie sticker (both past prizes).  She chose a Dora sticker and was thrilled to show it off.  The lady also gave us 2 band aids for later and she said, "one for mommy, one for me".  Thankfully when we took the gauze/coban off it didn't bleed!

We did visit the grocery store with her in her helmet and both arms with neon green coban!  She's a tiny person speaking full sentences and people just stare!

Toddler Crush

There is a little boy who is ALWAYS with Ella!  He followed her around the day we visited and he stands at the door watching as we leave.  Yesterday we just left.  Today I was chatting with her teachers and she got down from my arms and I looked down to see her give the little guy a hug and kiss.  He's about a head taller than her even with her hat on.  So cute!

In the car the conversation was:

Laurie:  "Did you have fun with your new friend today?"

Ella:  silence

Laurie: "Did you give your friend a hug today?"

Ella:  "YES, and a Tiss (kiss) and got boogers on him"

Gotta love the honesty....I don't love the booger nose after 2 days at daycare!  She made me laugh and laugh and laugh!

So....he says!

Joe is booked on a flight home from Sydney to arrive Thursday afternoon.  I'll believe it when he is REALLY on that plane Wednesday afternoon (MST).  He finally gets that day back he lost on the way there!  He leave Sydney at 10AM and arrives in Salt Lake at about 1PM. 

I reminded him that he doesn't have keys to the house or a car at the airport!  He may take a car service to the hospital and get my car and get to see ME!  I'm so excited!  It's going to be so hard to go to work on Friday!

It will almost be 4 weeks, but it feels longer.  I think it's the company here, healthcare issues, my crazy work schedule....it's just plain been a long haul!

The 16 hour time difference has made all communication a challenge.  I can't wait for him to be home and I'm not saying a single word to Ella.....she knows he's coming home soon because he told her!

We miss you....GET ON THAT PLANE!

She did it!

She had an awesome day!  She took a nap!  I came in to pick her up and she exclaimed, "I took a nap....RESTAURANT?". 

I had typed a long list of Ella Tips, then I got worried
she would talk about Australia and going to a
restaurant and they would think we are crazier than
we really are!

 Her teacher asked if her daddy was on a business trip in Australia.  She said, "No, he's in AUSTRALIA"! 

Restaurant!

Mac N Cheese! She changed her mind about
the french fries.

Cheese!

She told me something about a cape and that she cried.  Her teacher said someone took her cape and she was upset.  They work hard on problem solving and the teachers encourage them to express to the other kid when they are upset.  I think this will be GREAT for Ella.  She also told me, "little boy looked at my stickers" and "don't touch, only look". 

I am really hopeful this will all work out!

She wore her helmet all day, no issues.  She also wouldn't take it off.....through the grocery store and dinner!  It must really be comfortable!

I'm comforted knowing she is safe!

Bring on SUMMER!

We went to the park today in the sunshine and it was 90 degrees!!!!  YEAH!  It's about time!

LOVE the watermelon shots.  I just cut up a watermelon and it's a challenge because Ella has to eat it with the rind on!  I have a TON of containers in the fridge!

This is MY watermelon

Nicky is hoping to snag a bite

I do love watermelon!

I've got my Sharpie out to write her name on everything and I'm packing the bag for school.  She's excited, but she keeps reminding me to pick her up!  We had an awesome night together....she's a sweet kid.  Is she really the same child who was screaming all morning?  It's amazing what a little sleep can do for a 2 year old! 

Ella's first barbie

I wasn't a Barbie kid.  I may have had one and I played with my mom's barbies! 

I think Grandma Dorothy found the most perfect Barbie EVER for Ella.  It's actually Nurse Debbie.  I'm not sure why she needs sunglasses or an I-Pod, but she has permanent pink gloves, surgery shoes, scrubs, and a surgery hat to put her beautiful pony tail in. 

Mostly I just redress her...when do they learn to put the clothes back on?

Back to School!

I'm very excited for Ella to go back in school tomorrow!  I'm worried that with Joe gone and her life just being off, the transition may be hard on her.  The good news is she is excited!

We went to visit the school on Thursday.  She was so excited about the toddler sized REAL potty, short sink to wash her hands,  and a drinking fountain!  Her class was out on a walk when we arrived so Alyssa, Ella and I just hung out.  We got out a sleeping mat and she showed me how she will take a nap.  It was perfect for us to prepare her for things and get her excited.

Her class came in and I chatted with her teachers for a while.  We are opting to have her wear her special hat all the time (not for her nap).  The class is mostly boys and it can get kind of rowdy.  We'll just see how it all goes. 

I recognize most of the kids.  We've had playdates with 2 little girls in her class and having a buddy going in should help.

The daycare has warned me this is a trial and we will see how it goes.  I'm hoping for the best and worried about what to do next if this doesn't work out!  On Friday (they asked me very last minute), I had her doctor write her a note.  I think it was a shock for everyone to see her with her scar and special hat.  They are pretty scared.

I made a card from Ella explaining her story.  I consulted a good friend and she said parents will wonder where she went and now wonder about the scar and helmet.  I opted for honesty and opened the door for questions.  I'm hoping they'll discuss it with the kids who have questions and now they can accurately answer them.  Kids her age don't care or notice.  One little guy kept complimenting her on her stickers! 

We've been talking about school all weekend.  She is so excited about the playground and has reminded me of all the toys she saw!  I keep telling her she has to take a nap.  She also keeps reminding me that I will come and pick her up!  Then she suggested going to a restaurant after school.  She has been promised dinner in a restaurant if she naps the first day.  Then she smiled and asked for a restaurant with FRIES! 

I'll say a prayer!  I know I am doing my best and if this plan doesn't work out I'll figure out the next step!