Welcome Home Derek!

Read this!  Derek is a pharmacy school classmate of mine.  I recently friended him on facebook and this story brings tears to my eyes!  Thanks for all you do for us!

A good friend....

Will offer to cover you for the meal since you don't have time to deal with running your credit card because lunch lasted 1.5 hours and your child is a ticking time bomb!  And I donated most of my cash last night to the neighborhood park fund and Joe only had pesos!
THANKS!

Dim Sum was awesome today.....I'm hooked and Ella asks for her favorites! Such a fun tradition to begin with coworkers and friends!

If I'm really good and quiet, maybe they'll forget to put me to bed

Dr. Ella

I brought up surgery with her today.  She found these from her last surgery class and had to perform surgery on Elmo tonight.  I guess she knows what's coming and she's getting herself prepared.  She amazes me!

The Challenge

I'm having a really hard time posting this.  I've been emailing my family because it's just too hard to talk about.
I'm often asked, "how do you handle it all?".  Right now I'm not....I'm completely breaking.  Wednesday morning Ella and I were doing a puzzle and I felt the back of her head.  It was soft and squishy......her poor little head felt the way it used to feel.  A few weeks ago this was solid hard BONE and now it's back to mush!  I completely lost it!  We'd just been to the ER (where we saw 2 doctors) and to her surgeons office and just had a head CT.  Where do I even go next?  I called Joe who was on the ground in Atlanta before his very stressful trip to Mexico.  He suggested I call her pediatrician who has always been our best advocate.

We were the first appointment of the day.  After analyzing the situation and spending 45 minutes with us, he called radiology to re-look at the CT describing what he felt.  He came back in the room and after seeing his face I just started crying!

The worst possible news:  She's resorbing the bone substance.  Her brain is no longer covered by solid hard protective bone.  We are back to square one!  Everyone was so focused on the bump on her forehead.

I made myself so sick that I had to leave work for a while to just get it together. 

Why is this happening?  How do I keep my very active child safe?  Is her challenging behavior a regular 2 year old or is she in pain or just feel crappy?  How do we make the best decision for our precious pumpkin?  Why does she have to have every possible complication and the worst case of everything?

I'm struggling.  This is the hardest thing I've ever done.  We've been through so much and now we have to start all over!

The current plan:  We have an appointment Tuesday morning with our surgeon and an appointment in the afternoon with a 2nd opinion.  She's in her helmet almost all the time to keep her brain safe.

Ella is happy and does not say she is in pain. I'm putting one foot in front of the other and taking it one decision at a time and one day at a time.  I'm focusing on the fact that I have a happy, smart child who I just have to keep that way!

Prayers for Ella to remain safe from brain damage and for Joe and I to collect all the information, ask the best questions and make the best decisions.

Challenges....

I'm in the middle of a some challenges.  I hear often and believe that God gives you only what you can handle.
I'm struggling....

I'm confused, exhausted, sad and just plain overwhelmed!

Please pray that I have the strength and courage to make some good decisions with support of loving people around me (near and far).

Saturday Night Plans

There is a neighborhood function including root beer floats, face painting and kids games.  We'll give it a go.  Then I want to go to the Wizard of Oz.  Hopefully there are seats available.  Tickets are cheap, it's outside and we'll just see how long we last!  It's not Broadway....but I love the story and I grew up on local theatre!

Joe flew all night to make it home at about 11AM.  Let's hope everyone gets a good nap and is ready for a fun night! 

ToteaTot

I just ordered this from Zulily.  It's a good sale today only $18.99 compared to $30 from the company.  I have contemplated the Sit N Stroll for a while, but it's just not worth the money. 

I'll let you know how it goes on our next trip!

Finally Friday

It's been a very challenging week.  I'm looking forward to a night out with friends.  My date is still in Mexico, but I found a back-up!  Saturday's Voyeur should be hilarious and we're bringing appetizers, sushi, wine and cookies! 

Just what the doctor ordered for this stressed out lady!

The appointment

We went to our much awaited appointment.  We were the first to be seen!  He looked and said, "we're going to have to get a CT".  Well....we kind of already did that!  He pulled it up and was reassured by it.  Her brain is fine.  The bump is soft.  The other bumps are hard bone.  He feels this is the plexur he put in there hardening and it's a good thing.  He will smooth that out when he goes in to fix the other defect next year.  He said the big bump on the side of her head looked fine (and it has gotten better as he predicted).   Her forehead has been a constantly changing range of bumps and I guess that's part of the process.
It's hard to keep bringing her in when she's happy, full of energy and has an adult-like conversation with her doctor with please and thank you.  She also proudly told him that she built a tent and she is going camping!  I think she's stolen his heart a little!

He told us he wanted to watch and wait for 2 weeks.  He told us he could put a needle in and aspirate the fluid, but that's not what he wanted to do yet and he made sure we agreed.  He said he will gladly see us anytime....but if it's better as he predicts we don't have to come back.

We will watch it and pray that her body will absorb this fluid (likely blood).  We'll watch for fever or pain. 

Best case scenario - the bump is gone and I cancel the appointment!

Willy

I have such fond memories.  Did you really get rid of Willy?

Numb...

I have many questions going into this appointment today.  I've learned I can be prepared for everything and essentially NOTHING all in the same time.  It's a new mystery every time we go in with what I worry about as a problem.
I'm to the point of just being numb.  Her health comes first, but we major plans 4 of the next 6 weekends.  Joe booked a flight last night to leave for Mexico tonight (or really tomorrow at 1AM).  I've texted our sitter 100 times....can we change Saturday night to Friday, can we add Wednesday night.....can you pencil in Wed - Friday....I'll know more later....

Chaos!

More Fun in the Sprinkler

 I even took a turn....I just couldn't resist when it was over 100 degrees tonight!

This is the happy girl who is acting completely fine!

The BUMP update!

You haven't seen many pictures of Ella this week.  I didn't want anyone to worry.....I was doing a good enough job of that!
Sunday she fell forward onto her trike and then to the ground.  She bumped her forehead despite the huge protective helmet!  Joe told me and with the lotion incident it was low on my problem list!  Monday I saw the bump, Tuesday it got worse.  Tuesday morning I was focused on getting her labs done....

Then the daycare called me within an hour of her being there to ask about the big bump on her forehead.  I called her surgeon's office and got her the first appointment the following Tuesday when he returned home from Europe. 

"What I wore today"
She wanted to pose for a picture!

This one I had texted (not thinking)
really freaked out my poor sister!

"the face" while eating ice cream

I took pictures Wednesday morning and sent them to her doctor! He replied quickly and assured me it was likely just a hematoma and as long as it was soft and she was acting fine, she would be OK....but if I was worried, make an appointment with her neurosurgeon. I also had a lengthy conversation with her pediatrician about her lab results and discussed the bump!

These all really scare me, but she was acting FINE and it was soft and squishy!  We had a reason for it to be there.  I struggle so much between being "crazy-freak-out-over-everything-mom" and being rational.  I felt like I covered my bases.  I also was dealing with the household, sitters, blood work, daycare, and working a ton.  I checked my phone every 5 minutes until I received the email back from her surgeon!



Joe picked her up Thursday night and freaked out!  I had sent him the same pictures and he agreed that the pictures were accurate with what she really looked like.  He resisted the urge to take her to the ER!  Again, she was happy and would let us push on the bump!

After the bath it looks the worst!  With her hair slicked back, you see every ridge and the bump looks even bigger!  Saturday night Joe was too scared.  He begged me and I agreed to take her in this morning. 

We spent 5 hours in the ER today!  It's a Sunday and a holiday and traditionally the mornings are quiet in the ER, but nothing else is open, so it was super busy!  The look on the doctors face said it all.  I found myself defending my choice to NOT bring her in, but she agreed she was happy and acting completely normal!  She went her for a head CT.  Ella was such a rockstar --- sadly, she's getting used to the CT machine as well!  Then we waited and waited and waited.  Ella was STARVING and they wouldn't let her eat or drink.  They called the plastic surgeon on call and we waited for her to get out of the OR and came see Ella.  Finally.....surgery was ruled out.  The ER doc brought Ella a PBJ Uncrustables, Cheese and Crackers and the much desired SLUSHIE!  She was instantly a different kid!

Her skull is intact.  There is blood between her skull and skin of her forehead (called a hematoma or bruise).  They were going to put her on antibiotics....but she's already on the biggest and best!  I'm relieved to know the bone is in tact.  I'm worried that the swelling is not going down.  The whole time I've felt the person best to see is the guy who really knows what's in there and I'm anxious to see him Tuesday morning!  At least the CT is done and he can review before our appointment.  Joe and I are not patient people and the tincture of time is difficult for us especially when it comes to our most precious little girl!

She had fun with the pet shop toys.  This lasted for about
30 minutes of the 5 hours!!!!

Ella is amazing!  She told me it was my turn for a picture of my head.  I had to lay on the bed, she covered me up, she told me no owies, she pretended to strap my head down, and I had to stay still.  She danced around to entertain me!  She is something else!  As I type this, I'm slightly fearful that they secretly tape the crazy acting parents while the kids are in CT! 

Tonight she was super happy and acting fine!  The pics after the bath are quite striking!  I'm printing them to take on Tuesday. 

Pretty powerful angle.  The bump on the left here and
in the middle are solid, the one of the right (above)
is the big, soft squishy one

Here's the big bump from the side

I'm reassured by the CT results and her acting like herself. I still worry on the inside, but I think we'll just have to wait and see what he has to say on Tuesday. It will be a big Welcome back from vacation for him!

Ella is not phased by any of this, tonight I asking her if she liked the doctors she saw today and she told me she wanted to invite the ED doc over to do puzzles.

Happy Pioneer Day!

It's Pioneer Day.  It means that since it falls on Sunday....tomorrow is the observed holiday.  Daycare is closed tomorrow....so fortunately Joe's company does observe the day tomorrow and he'll be home with Ella and we are all home in the morning and we've already promised a morning trip to the Waterpark!  Holidays are weird with my schedule.  I'm an essential employee so I get the holiday off if it's not my assigned holiday, but I have to work the observed day if it's my scheduled day to work.  The bonus for me is that I earned 8 hours of much needed vacation!  
We didn't partake in a single Pioneer day event.  It just didn't work for us this weekend.  Joe's going to enjoy the extra day off!

She's her Daddy's Daughter...and I have to live with them BOTH!

Joe's form of distraction for Ella when things aren't going right is to always make her laugh.  This is how he copes with life in many aspects.
Tonight Ella knew I was mad at her.  We were having a serious discussion.  She looked me straight in the eye with a cute little smirk and said, "Tickle, Tickle' while attempting to tickle me.

Uh Oh!  I live with 2 of them!  The worst part was trying to keep a straight face while I could see Joe laughing from the corner of my eye!

Our New Friday Night

It's funny to think about how life used to be!  Our little princess has sure changed life and we love it!

We put a frozen pizza in the oven and began our very first game of Candyland.  Ella chose to be the yellow guy, surprise, surprise!  We played by all the rules and Ella actually WON the first game.  She doesn't really care about winning....but I'm sure it won't take long.  Thanks Nicole for sharing.....I had no idea she was ready for this!

After dinner we played another game and then went outside to try out the new sprinkler I bought. This is the best sprinkler ever! It very effectively waters the lawn and it's a blast for Ella. It covers a lot of space and she is either under the shower or plugging the flowers up to block the spray and giggling out of control!

CAMPING!

Joe and I were registered at REI for our wedding.  My Colorado peeps introduced me to camping and I borrowed Joe's sleeping bag and joined Jeff and Nicole and others for my first REAL camping adventure in 2003.  Joe and I have some great memories camping and our favorite group is meeting near Leadville, Colorado for a HUGE camping trip in a few weeks.

We haven't been since before I was pregnant....so 4 years, maybe?

We're going to make the long haul to meet everyone.  Joe got all the equipment out and Ella is ecstatic!  I made the mistake of telling her we were going to camp with Lauren.  We later left on errands and she kept saying, "we're going to see Lauren?".  It's going to be a long few weeks....

She LOVES the tent.  We bought her a cheapo Ikea crib mattress as her bed.  I think we'll get her a kids sleeping bag and we should be set.  All that fresh air and playing, she should be exhausted enough to sleep in the tent!

I'm so excited and decided I'm going with or without Joe because we just can't miss this!  Even Nicky knows what all this means!

Halloween in Iowa

I was hoping for a more exciting announcement via Skype with Ella and her grandparents....but I think they got it!  I hemmed and hawed over what to do with my 6 days off at the end of October.  The price of miles was right for Iowa....so Ella will be Trick or Treating in Iowa this year!
There may be time for a belated 3rd Birthday party as well.  The girl sures likes parties....and I always love an excuse to get family together!

Minnesota in the fall!

I just booked a trip to Minnesota for my birthday weekend!  It's my Great Auntie Joyce's birthday and I'm going to meet my Mom's Aunts and Uncles for a weekend of laughter and excitement to celebrate Joyce's birthday and hopefully she'll let me celebrate too!  She had hoped Ella would share her birthday....but she's 2 weeks later!
I'm excited to see everyone and for them to meet Ella.  Nothing quite like a weekend on the lake in Minnesota!  Only wish my Grandma Jean could be there too!  She would have gotten the biggest kick out of Ella and called her a little pipsqueak!

Amazon for Moms

I ordered from Amazon.com yesterday and I did a quick search for Amazon coupon code and Amazon Mom popped up.  I signed up!  It gives you amazon prime for 3 months and then extends the prime membership by 1 month everytime you spend $25 in the babystore.  I bought some educational things for Ella yesterday and I'm a memeber through the end of the year.  I can also share my memebership with 2 people.  Why didn't I do this long ago? 

I placed at order at about 11AM yesterday and it was at my house by 1PM today for FREE!  It's 2-day shipping, but today it's ONE DAY! 

WOW!  I do love amazon!

Oh Miss Ella.....you are too smart!

Ella is something else!  She's overtired.  She likely feels a little neglected.  She was thrilled that Joe picked her up last night and that's all she could talk about yesterday.  This morning, she decided she was mad at him and wouldn't even talk to him.  STINKER!

She's likely upset that I've worked so much.  She just cried and whined and threw fits all morning.  I am exhausted and she was sure testing my patience.  I probably shouldn't have taken her to the waterpark, but I knew we both needed some fresh air!

She cheered up once I got the swim suits and towels out!  She is VERY attached to her Minnie Mouse towel with her name on it.  It's in Joe's car which he has at work.  I found her other favorite towel - the Elmo one that caused so much bath drama she hasn't seen it in over 6 months!  She saw a red towel and said, "oh Mommy, that's your favorite color, you can have the red one".  How sweet!  I assured her she could have it and then she figured out it was ELMO and it was like finding her long lost friend!

She became very cooperative and I got her sunscreen on.  My co-workers have been giving me a hard time and YES, I put sunscreen on too!  (don't worry Cindy)  Ella was so sweet and offered to help with my back.  She did a great job!  Is this really the same child who fought with me the previous 2 hours?

The water park was a blast!  She takes the lead and we go between the deep and shallow areas of the wave pool and she just giggles!  She just screeches with excitement almost the whole time.  I'm also so proud that she requested to leave the pool and go to the potty.  Whew.....I was so worried she was peeing in the pool!

There is an area of the kids section where you hold on to the ropes above and climb across/balance on the alligators.  She's too little and she begs to do it every time!  A few minutes after we had our big discussion on her being too little she says, "Mommy, you're big.  You go do the alligators".  Seriously....too smart and she really thinks things through!

No, I did not embarrass myself on the alligators!

It was approved!

I'm very proud to say I will be presenting a talk on influenza vaccine in egg allergic patients on August 18th and pharmacists in attendance will be able to receive Live Continuing Education!

I was really stressed and it was a lot of work!

My Little STINKER!

This was the text I recieved while I was swamped at work:
Ella found her Elmo PJ's in her closet (in the dirty laundry) and is insisting on wearing them tonight instead of the Dora ones you put out, is that OK?

Seriously Ella!  We need this sitter to come back tomorrow night!  I'm so thankful Sara works with 2.5-3.5 year olds all day at her real job!  She assures me that she is just a regular kid and also warned me the 3's can be worse than the terrible 2's!

This morning she also listed several things that Grandmar wouldn't let her do....so I know she pushed all her buttons as well!  She knows the rules and she chooses to test every single one!

That's why I have a Jeep!

I love my Jeep!  I bought it when I was single and lived downtown Denver.  I wanted something that would take me where I needed in the mountains, yet be compact for downtown and somewhat environmental!
This vehicle has never let me down!  It turns on a dime -- I can do a U-turn ANYWHERE and I can pull into any parking space.  The full spare tire has helped me when needed.  Four wheel drive is always nice.

Today I parked in a tight parking space next to a huge padded pole (padded and full of marks).  I think everyone hits it.  I remember having to pull in carefully and I had to pull far forward so I could open my door.

Tonight I pulled straight out and I heard a noise.....yep, I hit the side view mirror right into the pole.  CRAP!  It had never bent that way.  I pulled forward, rolled down my window, crossed my fingers, pulled it in (and it did pull in), pulled out of the spot and popped it back out!

Whew!

This was after a crappy night at work.  I was the pharmacist in charge and there were computer issues.  MAJOR STRESS for about an hour.....and I was already worn out!

The Random Bathroom Lady saved Pokey Day

It's bloodwork day!  I told her it was time to go.  She asked where we were going!  Bummer....I had to start to tell her we were going to the hospital.  Her response, "no pokeys?".  CRAP!  We talked about pokeys and she cried and then said, "OK, pokey, hurt, cry, PRIZE!". 
It's getting slightly better or at least not getting worse!  She cried a little when they called her name and we walked back.  She looked right at the lady and said, "Two pokeys?".  The last 3 times it has taken 2 pokes!  Ella hid her arms behind her back and started wiggling and crying.  The child life specialist was with us and Ella is getting to know her and today was the first day that I found it really helped!

The best news --- ONE POKE!  I was thrilled and it was even the grouchy lady!

She went to choose her prize and she chose stickers.  They also went out of their way to find her a yellow bandaid and I now have a stash for my purse.

She said something about the toys as we walked out and I assumed she wanted to stay in the waiting room and play, but I got her out of there.

We headed to the bathroom.  She was on the potty and started talking about her pokey and then talking about a prize.  I told her she chose stickers.  She was starting to cry so I told her we would go get a toy (there's a dollar store by the daycare).  When she was done we were waiting for a lady (employee) to was her hands.  Ella was inquisitive and kept asking, "what her doing?" as she washed, rinsed, dried.  The lady was quiet and kind of ignored us.

We washed our hands and started to leave and the same lady came running back with a stuffed turtle!  I almost hugged her!  She said, "I felt so bad when she started to cry".  I don't know what this lady does or where she got the turtle, but she saved our day and I left with a happy, smiley toddler!  She was very proud to tell her teacher all about it!

Poor Grandma!

Miss Ella is TROUBLE!  Joe put Ella in bed for her nap today.  He finished getting ready for his trip and turned the monitor on to hear silence and assured Dorothy that Ella was asleep when she arrived.  I got the phone call that all was good!

Luckily I had warned Dorothy that I had a patient teaching to do and would be unavailable from 3 - 3:45.  I walked in my office at exactly 3:45 to a ringing phone.

Ella woke up with red, swollen eyes and grease all over her face.  In the crib was a (mostly empty) tube of face lotion and a pair of binoculars (with string on them).

Poor Dorothy freaked out!  I was unavailable and Joe was in the air.  Dorothy texted me a picture.

BEST lotion EVER.  We use it at the
hospital.  I used it on her eczema when
she was little and the last year or so on
her face.  We will have to give this up....
it tastes too good!

I answered the phone and got the info and saw the picture.  Ella admitted that she got her lotion off her dresser and used it. 

I was calm and thought, "oh well" and Dorothy assured me she seemed fine.

At bedtime Ella talked more about this and informed Dorothy that she ATE it!  YES, my child ate an entire brand new tube of Sween 24!  Seriously?

She has never been a kiddo who puts things in her mouth.  She does LOVE this lotion and when I put it on her face (and some gets on her lips), she licks it off.  I never would have dreamed she would EAT IT!

Lesson learned....some modifications to her room tomorrow (including any unsafe toys). 

She is fine.  I researched the ingredients.  Nothing harmful.

We are just plain LUCKY!  Poor, poor Dorothy! 

I can't wait to hear Ella's stories tomorrow.  She always tells me everything!

Submitted!

I feel so relieved!  Once a year we are required to do a presentation for the pharmacy department.  Everyone has to do it and it's not that bad, but it always takes longer than I think it will!

This year they stepped it up on us!  We have to complete it 4-8 weeks in advance and submit it to receive ACPE credit.  Meaning anyone who attends my talk gets 1 hr of continuing education which is required to keep up a pharmacist license. 

In the past everyone just had to listen to my talk.....but now a company is evaluating it and determining if it is good enough for everyone to receive credit for listening to me talk!

It's stressing me out! 

I finally decided it's DONE!  I also had to update my CV (resume-like thing) and fill out a ton of additional paperwork including objectives with specific words and test questions!

Now I just have to hope it's approved!  The presentation isn't until August 18th....so as that date gets closer I'll be stressing again to remember everything in my lecture and make sure I talk for an hour!

Ella's Fun Saturday

Good Morning, Turkey Tom

  Morning at the zoo - members could arrive at 730AM! 

She was so proud to tell me she rode the turtle!

She loves the photo ops!

Happy Girl on the train!



Off to Avery's 3rd birthday party!



Avery and Ella

Abby, Avery, and Ella - the 3 girls!  They are both
in her class and their moms work at the hospital.

Pull-string pinata - how fun!

She looks determined!

Happy 3rd Birthday Avery!

Ella agreed to take a nap (she had to be exhausted) and then Joe and Ella made it to the water park!  What a fun day for these two!  Joe may be more tired than Ella!

Emotional Struggle

I'm having an emotional weekend! It's been a crazy few weeks! I'm not sure if I'm just still behind from our Iowa trip? Maybe life with a 2 year old (who likes to skip naps) is wearing me out? Maybe I'm planning too many things?  I also have a big project deadline for work Monday morning and work has been too busy to get it done!  I just feel behind at home and I'm on day 2 of 7 of work!

Worse....I'm NOT AT HOME! I really felt like I missed out today. Joe and Ella went to the zoo at 7:30 this morning. It was a special day for members to come early and watch the animals have breakfast. Sounds like it was kind of a flop and I sure enjoyed my extra hour in bed and shower in peace....but I missed out on time with Joe and Ella.

I headed to work at 10 and Joe and Ella went to a birthday party. This one is really killing me! I HATE missing fun things and worse I hate missing Ella experience fun!

I'm a control freak. Poor Joe has to deal with this and my phone calls from work to check in!  I got out of bed this morning to find a certain plate for Ella and to make sure he had what he needed for the zoo!  My whole life I have hated missing things and always stretched myself to the max to do everything possible.

I'm thankful that Joe has this special time with Ella. She really has the best of both worlds with my crazy schedule. She doesn't know any different (and neither does Joe).  It's really allowed him to be "the dad" more than some parents.

I don't want to give up my days off during the week (I've never worked Mon-Fri) and this is the price I have to pay.....but I'm still bitter today!

I just keep telling myself that the benefits exceed the negatives, but it's always hard to see the good when I'm working almost 80 hours in 7 days!

Neighborhood Motorcycle Rally

There is a young guy who lives across the street.  There are always many "kids" coming and going with skis, motorcycles, snowboards, etc.  Very active young group who we refer to as "the kids across the street". 

We got a nice letter that Joe found in our patio this morning which basically states:
I'm having a BBQ/Birthday party on Saturday night
There are friends coming from out of state on motorcycles
They are parking in front of my house
I encourage children who like motorcycles to stop by and look at the bikes
I wanted to extend an invitation for anyone to stop by for a burger, hot dog or beverage, but also want to make you aware of this social gathering
My cell phone for noise concerns
Sunday morning we will be leaving town on our motorcycles and I apologize for the morning "rumble"

I give this guy a lot of credit!  I'm often annoyed by there constantly being cars in front of my house (especially when I have to find a space for my garbage/recycling containers or when I hit one due to icy roads).  His motorcycle is loud and we hear him come and go, but that's life.  All the "kids" are nice to us. 

I'm not sure if this is coming from previous complaints.  They are directly across the street and I haven't heard any raging parties! 

I can't wait to come home from work Saturday night to a ton of bikes!  I think Joe and Ella may have found themselves dinner for Saturday night!

Most interesting neighborhood invite yet for us!

Busy Day!

Our morning was crazy! 
Dentist - Ella did super well.  New issue to add to her problem list.  Tongue thrust.  No big deal right now, but we'll watch it.  I thought we were in the clear because she has never been a binky kid nor has she sucked on fingers or anything.  Instead.....she uses her tongue to close her mouth when she swallows.  Hopefully she'll outgrow it and the shape of her mouth will improve!  Seriously.....

Brunch with the girls (and boys)!  We had fun at brunch (as much fun as 4 kids under 3 can be).  Always good to get together!

We played at the park for a while.

We made it to Costco.  Why do I go on the first day of the new coupon book?  I should remember....but it was the best day for me to go this week!  AND I did buy many items in the coupon book.....but so did everyone else!

I had to stop the car twice for the "Mommy pee is coming out".  She is always dry, she always really has to go.......I thought we had the "hold it" part down, but maybe not!  I'm not sure how far to push her.  I guess she had her water bottle along and drank more than usual. 

I'm crossing my fingers for a nap!  This is my last day off.  I have a pile of laundry and bills to pay!

We have a sitter coming over tonight for a trial.  I'm going to show her around and then I think we'll go out for dinner and maybe drinks.  I'm excited to have a 2nd sitter to rely on again.  I'm hopeful she's a good match.

Back to work for the next 7 days tomorrow and Joe is off to Mexico again.  It just wouldn't be our life if it wasn't crazy!

*** attempts at pictures failed, but I did try!

Movies two nights in a row

I do love redbox in the summer when our DVR is empty!

Yellow Car and other Ellaisms

Ella will proudly announce to anyone that Yellow is her favorite color.

I told her we are going to Blue Plate (diner) for brunch tomorrow.  She said, "no, I want to go to Yellow Plate".  I laughed so hard! 

I mistakenly told her that a large building we drive by is a high school and when she is bigger she can go to school there.  DAILY I hear this, "That's my school.  When I eat my vegetables and meat, I will be big and I will go to that school.  Daddy will buy me a yellow car and I will drive there".  Slowly she put this story together and now I have to hear it EVERYDAY!

We frequently hear...."there's a yellow ___________, that's my favorite color".  If it's a yellow car, she says "there's a yellow car, Daddy will buy me a yellow car when I get big". 

She is so intrigued by the barricades on the interstate and we talk daily about how they are there to keep cars safe.  If they are left open, cars will fall off the road.  I just let her go with it.  It's hard to describe big cement blocks on the interstate....

She is VERY honest.  She reports everything to me.  I hear about every second she watches TV when I'm gone (she knows I'm the least likely to let her watch TV, but Daddy is a sucker)!  She told me Daddy took her to the restaurant with the slide and train (McDonald's). 

She does not forget ANYTHING!  Don't promise something you can't make happen.  You will never live it down. 

Yesterday at the park a little boy told her she couldn't climb up a ladder.  She can and had just done it twice.  She ran to me and said, "he said I can't do it".  Joe and I assured her that she could.  She did and she ran right up to him and said, "SEE, I CAN do it".  Very proud moment for Joe!

She proudly announces that she eats her meat and vegetables and is getting bigger. 

It's just awesome to watch her process and think through things. 

Currently, Joe will be buying her a yellow car of her choice when she turns 16. 

Our Guest

We hosted 1 year old Patrick this afternoon.  Ella was a little stinker!  We had a busy morning and she was exhausted and she chose to skip her nap!  My toys, My Mommy, MINE!  This alternated with being super sweet and helpful.  My favorite was when she stood in front of her car and put up both hands and kindly said, "No Swiping Swiper" just as serious as could be.  She doesn't understand that he's 1 and he doesn't care what she says!  Mostly I was chasing the 2 around and calming Ella from her fits.  He was happy as could be with so many new toys and adventures!  His favorite game was dropping his lamb and getting Ella to pick it up for him with just the right look!

You have to take your binky out to smile!  Come on SMILE!

He has his lovey, so she needed hers too!  They are so
cute!  He's 18 months younger and they are very close in
weight and almost height! 

You're welcome to come by anytime Patrick (whether Ella agrees or not)! 

Best choice this summer - Season Pass to Waterpark

We went again this morning!  We were able to leave the house earlier than planned after our photo session failure, so we got there about 10:50.  People were walking in so we followed!  The ticket booth wasn't open, but there were people inside.  I asked why and the guy said, "the park opens at 9:30 to season pass holders".  SERIOUSLY?  You couldn't have advertised this?  Everything I've read says "11AM".  We could have enjoyed an extra hour there today!

Lesson learned.....now that I'm almost done working weekends.  These 2 weeks were our golden weeks to enjoy fun in the sun!  We'll go early next Friday.

Today we spent all of our time in the wave pool.  I haven't been in one forever and I wasn't sure if Ella would like it.  Arriving early, it wasn't crowded and seemed like a swimming pool to her and she suggested it and I followed.  She was having blast just walking around and "swimming" with me.  Then the waves started!  OH MY!  Pure giggles for the entire time!  She loves it!  She got braver and braver each cycle of waves.  She would chant, "come on waves, come on waves, turn back on"!

I laughed.  I enjoyed every second!  I can't wait to go back!  I may have to get a water camera to capture the joy in her face!

Photo Session - FAILURE!

It was slightly overcast.  Ella was in a smiley mood.  I cleared the camera SD card.  I put her in a cute dress and thought I'd take some pictures at the park.

I shot these four photos in about 30 seconds.  Then.....the sprinklers went off!  We were both SOAKED!  This was the entrance to the park and I had more ideas....but we were now too wet to do anything!  The walkers and runners stopped to get a big laugh.  Well....I tried and got a blog worthy story out of it!

The best dinner

On a patio with my peeps.  What a beautiful night!

Family Activity

Joe snuck out of work for a bit and the three of us went to the water park.  Ella had fun.  I was super tired.  I don't think it was quite what Joe expected.  The lazy river was a disaster and it's at the other end of the park.  Walking past all the "real slides" just made Ella mad because we had to tell her she's too little! 

In the end, Ella had fun.  I took a long nap and Joe went back to the office! 

The Iowa Trip - the rest of the pictures!

I spent the morning packing and Grandpa and Grandma took Ella on a long bike ride.  We were so lucky with weather!  I'm so thankful!

We headed to Des Moines and met those that could make it out for dinner!  Ella was quite good and I think she had fun.  I was so proud when she gave EVERYONE a hug and kiss at the end.  Some people had tight schedules and some didn't feel good, but thanks to everyone for making it happen!

We got to see Gloria before we were off to the airport.  It was a fabulous trip!  I miss everyone already!  I always wish I could do more, see more people, and stay longer.....

Ella loves to swing!  Even under the pergola!
I wish I had photos of her playing with the enormous
bubble wand Uncle Dennis brough her, but I was
always having too much fun! 

Even Great Grandpa
pushed Ella on the swing!

Piano lessons with Uncle Steve

Diane and Sarah (my cousin)

Kris (Sarah's fiancee), Devin (my cousin) and Uncle Dick

Aaron (Jill's husband), Uncle Steve, Aunt Crystal

Laurie, Ella and Jill (my 2nd cousin)

Gloria (Crystal's Mom and Loyal blog reader), Aunt Crystal,
and Miss Ella (she's the feisty one)