Girls weekend/Grant's surgery

As I mentioned in my last post, this past weekend was my girls weekend with my girlfriends from high school.  Everybody arrived Friday evening.  I was lucky enough to get to see Craig and Nick for a short time Friday evening when they dropped Lisa off.  He is quite the little man...so darn cute!  I loved the kisses, thanks Nick!  Nate stayed for dinner and then left with the kids around 7:30 and was off to the cabin after picking up Mema at her house.  I have to say, there was more than once that I almost shushed the girls, forgetting that we didn't have to be quiet because there were no sleeping children upstairs.  I had such an amazing weekend!  It was very low key with late night talks with wine, shopping, and some good food.  There are few things better in life than good friendships, and I feel so blessed to have had these ladies in my life for the past 18 years.  Thanks for making the trip ladies.  I'm already looking forward to our get together next year!

Nate and the kids got home Sunday afternoon.  Nate was exhausted.  :)  It sounds like they had a nice day outside on Saturday.  Ava's highlight was of course the doughnut that she got for breakfast on Sunday morning at the coffee shop. 

Today was Grant's surgery for his tubes.  For some reason I felt more anxious about it last night than I ever did with Ava's surgeries.  Once we got to the hospital I was fine.  I figured that the hardest part was going to be starving him in the morning.  He couldn't have any milk after 3:30 this morning, so I set my alarm for 3:00 and woke him up and fed him.  He was so confused as to why I was waking him.  He then chatted in his bed on and off for an hour.  So, needless to say I didn't get a lot of sleep last night.  I was up the first part of the night worried that I would shut off my alarm and he wouldn't get to eat, and then I was up all morning listening to him talk.  Anyway, we dropped Ava off at daycare at 6:50 this morning and were at the hospital by 7:30.  Our surgeon, Dr. Okner, arrived early and was able to get Grant's surgery started a little early which was great.  He was out of surgery before he was even scheduled to start.  The actual surgery went great.  The recovery was a bit rough however.  With Ava, she came out very calm both times.  With Grant, I heard him crying as they rolled him down the hall.  He bypassed the recovery room and came straight to us since his vitals and airway were stable in the OR.  My poor little man was so disoriented and restless.  He wouldn't open his eyes, he couldn't find his thumb, and he would nurse for a few seconds and then get restless again.  After about 20 minutes he fell asleep for a few minutes while I fed him.  I then had to wake him up so that we could put his clothes on to take him home.  He fell asleep on the way home, and by the time that we got home he was back to his normal self.  He actually fought sleep the rest of the day, but was very smiley.  He would not go down tonight so I rocked him to sleep.  I went up to get him out of the crib and he would lay his head on my shoulder, then look at me with his toothy smile that went ear to ear, and he kept doing it.  That little man just melts my heart with his smiles and giggles.  I'm so grateful that everything went well today and I hope that we no longer have to worry about ear infections.    

 

Nikki, Jenny, me, Lisa, & Steph

Our little man before surgery

Spending some time outside this afternoon.  Grant was all smiles.

Ava loves her sidewalk chalk.  If you can't tell, she is drawing a ladybug...next to the beetles that she drew.

We finally have grass and landscaping!

Love those little feet and toesies

Ava reading Grant a book.  It only has pictures in it, so I love to listen to Ava make up stories to go with the pictures.

Not slowing down

I feel like the weeks have been racing by, and I don't see any sign of things slowing down anytime soon. I guess that I should be grateful that we have jobs, as well as family and friends that keep our calendar full. After arriving home last week from Missouri it was back to work, and then we had our last ECFE class for this session on Friday morning. I will miss it. I loved getting to spend some 1:1 time with Ava doing whatever she wanted to do, and also getting some time to talk with other moms. We will be taking the summer off, but will hopefully be able to fit in a session this fall. We'll see, since Ava will also be busy with 3 year old preschool two days a week.

Friday afternoon Aunt Carolyn and cousin Steph brought "baby Andrew" to visit us. Ava slept for part of the visit but woke up in time to have Aunt Carolyn play with her. Andrew is exactly one week younger than Grant. However, to me he looks older even though Grant is a bit plumper than him. I think that it's all his hair. He is a doll and we're so glad that we got to see the three of them! As soon as they left Ava and I changed clothes and Leah, our sitter, showed up. Ava and I left for Dave and Lauryn's rehearsal and Grant got to stay home. After sitting in traffic for quite some time we finally made it to Maple Grove to pick Daddy up, go to rehearsal, and then off to dinner.

Saturday we were back in Maple Grove after lunch. Ava had to be ready for pictures by 2:00. Unfortunately the weather was less than ideal. It rained on and off and was quite cool. The rain did however hold off for the ceremony. It was one of the most personal and beautiful ceremonies that I have ever been to. Ava did a great job being flower girl. She had a great time dancing down the aisle with Lauryn and Dave after the ceremony. We were then off to the reception. I wasn't sure how long we would make it since the wedding wasn't until 6:30 and Grant is usually in bed between 7 and 7:30. Both kids did great through and we made it until about 9:30. A huge congrats to Lauryn and Dave. We are so happy and excited for them as they start their life together.

Sunday we got to catch up on some chores around the house, switched out car seats, and took a little stroll to the park where we got to play for a while. Yes, we switched out car seats. Grant is no longer in an infant carrier. It's hard to believe that my baby boy is now in a "big boy car seat". As I put the infant carrier in the basement it made me a little sad that we will never use it again. Don't get me wrong, it didn't make me sad enough to want another baby. I think that it was more that I can't believe how quickly they are growing. How did Grant get to be 7 months old?!? I think that he is growing twice as fast as Ava did. He has now sprouted his second tooth on the bottom.  I gave him a mum mum the other night and he absolutely loved it.  He chomped on that thing with those two little teeth.  It was quite the mess, but he looked so cute.   

The rest of the week is going to go very quickly. We have Grant's pre-op physical appointment tomorrow afternoon. He is scheduled for surgery on Monday morning at 9:30. Then Friday evening my girlfriends from high school will be arriving for our annual get together. Nate is heading to the cabin for the weekend with the kids since we are all staying here. I can't wait to see these girls and catch up. We have been friends since our freshmen year of high school, and I couldn't be blessed with better people in my life. Through all the ups and downs,these girls are always there. I can't wait for a relaxing weekend with them!

Andrew and Grant playing

Grant wondering if he can get Andrew's toes in his mouth

The Stephs with their boys

Grant trying out his big boy car seat for the first time...I think he likes it.  :)

 

Daddy & Ava at rehearsal dinner

Ava and the beautiful bride Lauryn

Mema, Ava, & Boppa

Marc & Sara's wedding

Last Thursday evening we packed up the car and once again headed south...this time we went way south. We headed to Springfield, MO for my brother Marc's wedding.  It was a wonderful weekend, a beautiful wedding, and we are very excited that Sara has officially joined our family! 

Like I said, we left Thursday evening and stopped to see Nana on the way to my sister's in De Soto where we spent the night.  We didn't get there until close to midnight, and were up early and loaded in the RV by 6:45.  Yes, that's right, we took an RV to Marc & Sara's wedding.  Missouri may be the only place that I ever do that.  :)  It actually worked out really well.  Great Grandma, Aunt Lori, and Dave followed us down there.  We got to stop at a park for lunch and were in Springfield by the afternoon.  The kids loved playing together, and it was nice to have room to move around on such a long trip. 

Our first stop was Uncle Marc's fire station.  He took the kids up in the ladder truck (yeah, it goes up pretty high), gave them a ride around the block, and gave a tour of his fire house.  They had a great time.  We then went to their house, which we had not seen yet.  It had been taken over by beautiful flowers for the wedding, and lots of cupcakes that Sara made for the reception.  That evening we were back at the hotel for some pizza with our family and family friends. 

Saturday morning Grandma & Grandpa took all the grand kids (except Grant) to the Bass Pro shop and mini golfing while we went and set-up for the reception.  Ava was very excited when she got back.  She told me about the animals that she saw and informed us that she "worked on my grip" while golfing.  A quick nap and lunch and it was time for wedding festivities.  After a small world war in our room trying to get Ava ready we were back in the RV and off to the wedding site. 

They got married and had the reception all at the same site.  It was a beautiful venue, and Sara (& Marc ?) had a ton of little personal touches that made the wedding very special.  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for an outdoor wedding.  I think everybody had a wonderful time!

Sunday we had lunch with our family and Sara's parents and then loaded back up to head to De Soto.  We spent the night there and arrived back to the cities yesterday afternoon.  We had a wonderful weekend and are so happy for Marc & Sara.  Thanks for a great weekend everybody!

 

In the ladder truck that Uncle Marc took us up in

Grant & Aunt Lori

Uncle Marc took the kids (and Lisa) for a ride in the truck

Ava working out at the fire house

Ava & Jakob with the fire hose.  Ava didn't want to put the coat and helmet on

All the cousins at the fire station

Yeah, those are my two kids that aren't looking

Ava & Aunt Sara

Mommy & Grant.  I just love how happy he is!

Mommy & Daddy with our little G-man

Reece & Jakob carrying the sign down in front of Ava.  I Loved this sign (it says, "Uncle Marc, here comes your bride).

Ava coming down the aisle. 

Cheese

Our attempt at a family photo

Melissa, Sara, Lisa, Grandma, and me

Ava & Aunt Darlene doing "cheers" with their cupcakes

Ava out on the dance floor trying to catch the bouquet

Ava giving Aunt Lori some love

Grant was photo bombing a picture of Aunt Lori & Dave (and probably getting ready to drool on Dave's head).  Grant loves him!

Cool dude Ava

Single parent

Last week Nate left for his annual golf trip with the guys, which left me to be a single parent from Thursday to Sunday.  We stayed busy with little things like appointments, preschool, ECFE, and a few walks.  Before we knew it, Daddy was arriving home again (exhausted).

Thursday Ava had her last day of "preschool" for the year.  Next fall she will start "real preschool".  I dropped her off in morning and then headed to the pediatrician, as I felt as though Grant had another ear infection.  Sure enough, his right ear was inflamed again so off we went to the pharmacy for another Z-pack (we are now on Augmentin as of yesterday since he didn't appear to be getting better).  Then we went back for Ava's program and carnival.  When Ava got up on the "stage" she immediately saw me and started waving, smiling, and saying "hi mommy, that's my mom that's my mom".  Oh, if only I could bottle up that pride and love and bring it back out when she turns 16. :)  They sang a couple of songs, and I could of course hear Ava just belting out the song.  That girl loves to sing.  They had a carnival after the program where we accumulated a bunch of junk in a bag to bring home. 

Friday and Saturday are kind of a blur.  We had our ECFE class, which I've really come to enjoy.  It's great to get that time with Ava, and also have that time to discuss issues with other parents.  We went and got Ava's hair cut, went to the park, and did a lot of playing.  Saturday I had a "mommy of year" moment.  We were heading out on our walk to Target.  I buckled Grant into the back of the stroller and Ava crawled into the front.  I was obviously preoccupied with Grant, and once we was buckled in we took off.  We got to the end of the block and before I know it, Ava is tumbling out of the front of the stroller and I almost ran her over.  Yep, this mommy forgot to buckle BOTH children into the stroller.  I felt horrible!  At least it was the stroller and not the car I guess.  A few scrapes on her arms and legs, a couple kisses, and we were on our way. :) 

Grant had his appointment with the ENT doctor today.  We have scheduled his surgery to have tubes placed for Monday June 10th.  I'm hoping and praying that the surgery goes well and that it is as successful as Ava's was.  I'm also hoping that now that he's on the Augmentin that he doesn't start having horrible diarrhea for our road trip to Missouri.  This is the third antibiotic this month.  That is not good for his poor little body. 

Wishing you all a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!  

 

Ava randomly asks to hold Grant and then wants her picture taken with him.  She will also randomly just go up and kiss his head.  I just love it!

 

All clean!   Here's a little shout out to Norwex (as you can see, the brand of towel that he's using).  My Aunt Virginia gave us this for a baby gift.  It is the most amazing towel ever.  I highly recommend it for any child (it dries him on contact)

Our trip to the park

 

One happy and excited man!

Happy Mother's Day

Let me start by saying Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!  Being a mom has to be the hardest, most frustrating, and exhausting job in the world (or at least a good mom), but it is also most most amazing job.  You never know what your day will hold, or even the hour.  One minute is tantrums and diaper blowouts, while the next minute is filled with giggles, smiles, kisses, and hugs.  I feel so blessed to have the amazing family that I do, and am blessed that I am able to work part time so that I can stay home and spend more time with these two precious gifts that are growing so quickly.  My mother's day was pretty low key.  We got up, went to church, met Nate's family for brunch, and then came home where we went for a walk, played games, did laundry, and just finished having a 20 minute conversation with Ava as to why she needs to sleep in her bed and not on the floor.  I'm sure that we'll be repeating the conversation in the next few minutes as she sits in her bed crying. 

Ah Ava (sigh)!  She has been a force to be reckoned with this past week.  I'm not sure what happened to her this week, but she has been a little monster.  I got a text from Nate on Wednesday morning saying, "it was a rough morning, Ava went to daycare in her pajamas.  hope your day is going better".  I guess Ava decided she didn't want to get dressed and refused to put her clothes on.  After 20 minutes Nate gave up and took her in her pjs.  Then there was the fit that she threw in the shower, throwing herself on the floor and yelling for 20 minutes.  Yes, that was a fun night.  :)  I thought that kids were supposed to be naughty when they were two.  I used to think to myself, "wow, we must be pretty good at this parenting thing because Ava was an awesome 2 yr old".  Now everybody tells me that the 3s are the worst.  Maybe they are telling me this to make me feel better about my parenting, I don't know.  I hope that it doesn't get worse than this though (at least until she is 16).  Right now it's a battle of the wills.  I'm pretty stubborn, and I think that she may get a little of that from me.  :)  I've been trying to step back and ask myself if some of these things are worth fighting over.  Most of the time they are not, I just don't want bad habits to be formed.  Hopefully this "stage" will not last long. 

As for Grant, he continues to be a happy little man.  Last Friday evening I put him down to bed and he fussed for quite some time.  I knew right away that he had to have an ear infection and told Nate that he would have to take him to the pediatrician Saturday morning since I had to work.  So Nate made his first solo trip to the peds office Saturday morning with both kids, and then walked over to the hospital (it's next door to our peds clinic) to see me.  Sure enough, Grant had an infection in his right ear.  That makes four infections in 5 months so he will be going to see the ENT on the 21st. 

That's all the excitement here.  We're been enjoying the  nice weather and have made it to the park a few times.  Ava has become quite the dare devil and loves to climb all over the playground.  Grant tried out the swings this past week and squealed with delight.  He just loved it!  Ava has her last "preschool" class this upcoming Thursday.  I'm looking forward to the little program that they will be putting on Thursday afternoon. 

Thanks for checking in.  Sorry for the lack of pictures.  Sadly enough, all of these came off of my phone. 

 

Grant tried a "mum mum" for the first time last week.  He loved it until he started to choke after biting off a huge piece.  I haven't let him try them again since. 

This was taken around 5:30 in the evening.  She obviously didn't take a long enough nap that day.

Ava enjoying a strawberry shake.  This is her favorite dessert that she and her daddy make

This would be Ava throwing a fit one morning.  I sent Nate this text picture of her "our not so happy child"...

"Our happy child"

She can be happy when she wants to be.