Steroids

Lauren started taking them on Monday when she was diagnosed with croup (a virus that causes swelling of her trachea/airway and restricts her breathing.)  She is doing better now.

Addison started them today.  I took her in to the DR. for a follow up with her pneumonia.  She finished her antibiotics yesterday and has not had a fever for a week now (after having a fever for 9 days.)  I thought she was doing better...the crackles in her lungs are almost gone, but the wheezing is worse.  I stopped the albuterol on Monday because I did not think she needed it anymore...well she does...and she needs steroids for 5 days now...and another follow up appointment in 10 days...

So for my self and the journaling of my girls life this has been our fall/winter:

• Lauren had a cough for about 3 weeks at the end of September that she just could not shake.  I finally took her in to the Dr. when she started to c/o her ear hurting.  She had an ear infection (antibiotics) was wheezing (breathing treatment at the Dr's office and sent home on Albuterol) and needed to take allergy medicine until a good freeze.
• Addison (same story, minus the ear infection.)  When I took her in for her 2 year well child check she had been coughing for several weeks.  She ended up with a breathing treatment, Albuterol, and allergy medicine.
• Lauren was diagnosed with Streph in December---right before we went to Omaha for Christmas (my girls get sick the week before Christmas every year...I guess it is better than the week of Christmas.)
• January- Streph again for Lauren
• December- urinary tract infection for Lauren...if you are keeping track that is 4 rounds of antibiotics since September.
• Addison started acting up after the new year with some diarrhea that kept her home from daycare several days.
• Pneumonia for Addison in February...the latest saga.  She developed a cough/runny nose early February.  Finally after 5 days of a fever (as high as 103.2)  and green snot (rather than clear snot) I took her to the DR.  Sinus infection and pneumonia.  Albuterol and antibiotic.  She continued to have a fever on antibiotics for another 3 days so I took her back to the Dr.  Her pneumonia was worse and had moved to both lungs (rather than just the left side.) 
• Today, after finishing the antibiotics I took her back to the Dr. and the crackles are better, wheezing is worse...steroid time and back on Albuterol. 
• Lauren- diagnosed with Croup in February...

Please spring...you can come any time now. 

**There's more...on Sunday Feb 27th Lauren spiked a fever.  I called the Dr's office on Monday morning and they suggested to bring her in since she had a fever last week and it returned again this weekend.  At the Dr's office she checked out fine (no streph, no pneumonia) probably just a viral thing...lovely...so now we just sit and wait for the fever to go away.  It has been as high as 102.9 and she is pretty sluggish and just wants to watch TV.  She is not really eating great, but did perk up Monday evening and had some spaghetti.  We will see what the week brings...

Great Wolf Lodge

So this past weekend we went to Great Wolf Lodge with Mark's family to celebrate his Mom's birthday.  We had a great time.  Lauren and Addison loved hanging out with their cousins all weekend and the hotel was awesome.  We can't wait to go back. 

Each time Lauren gets in the pool she is stronger and braver.  By the end of Sunday night she was swimming all over the pool (life jacket in place of course.) 

Mark was so proud.  He spent so much time working with her this weekend and we are so impressed with how brave she is getting each time she gets in the water. She actually asked to go to swim lessons.  This is a huge step!

I took lots of pictures of these two this weekend.  Emma and Lauren.  They always have so much fun together. 

Nathan had fun too, after his trip to the ER for a concussion.  Poor guy...he slipped and fell, passed out for a few seconds, was unaware of where he was, did not remember a thing, vomited, went to the ER, had a CT, was cleared by a DR. and was back and ready to swim on Sunday.  He seemed fine and had a great time. 

Most of the pictures I got of Addison were of her running away from me...little stinker.  We spent a lot of time wandering around the hotel (in our jammies.)  There was so much to see and do that the girls were easily entertained. 

Again, she was running away from me, but turned around and I snuck in a picture.  She is feeling better, but was still pretty tired after playing and swimming all day. 

They were up early Sunday morning, so we hung out in our jammies for a while. 

Addison had fun playing in the cubs corner, a place for the litttle kids to play and take a break from swimming. 

We also had fun in the arcade. 

We had dinner Sunday night at T-Rex...all the kids loved it.  We celebrated all the February birthday's so Lauren, Emma, Aunt Chris, Grandma and myself got a free dessert! 

I snuck in a quick bath before putting her to bed.  So cute!

The weekend was great.  The Great Wolf Lodge is a ton of fun.   We can't wait to go back.  Thanks again Maryann. 

The Girls

Lauren had her 5 year well child visit this week.  She checked out almost perfect!  She weighs 40 lbs (50%) and is 43 1/2 inches tall (70%.)  Her vision check was exactly where it needed to be and I had a great visit with her pediatrician, Dr. Gladstone.  She is an amazing DR. and I feel very lucky to have to take care of my girls. 

Ever since Lauren was born she has had a murmur.  I assumed it was a PFO (patent Foramen Ovale) that would close shortly after birth...which I am sure it did.  However, this week with her well child visit Dr. Gladstone felt like her murmur sounded different...so it is off to the Cardiologist we go!  Since I work directly with the cardiologist at Children's Mercy then I can hand pick the perfect Dr. for Lauren and our family.  I am confident it is nothing serious, but I will keep you posted if something turns up.  We will have a visit with the cardiologist in early March.

Now, little Addison is a different story.  Poor kid  has had a fever for 9 days now.  She has bilateral pneumonia in the bases of her lungs, sinus infection, is on an antibiotic and albuterol, Tylenol and Motrin for the fever and benadryl at night to help her sleep.  She has been pretty pitiful the past several days, but she does perk up in between the fevers.  She has been sleeping a lot, taking 2 naps a day, and going to bed early.  I am really hoping for a recovery here soon.  It has been a long 2 weeks. 

Do you see all her animals, face down, sleeping too!  She has to line them up perfectly each night...face down.  Oh, and Strawberry Shortcake is in her hand (if you look real close you can see her!)

Mark and I have taking turns staying home from work (and my parents have helped a few days as well...thank goodness) but neither one of us has worked a full week in SEVERAL weeks.  It was been before Christmas for me since I have work 5 days and 40 hours in one week.  Between the holidays, snow, and Addison being sick it has been just crazy. 

Let's hope she is on the road to recovery.  I really need my happy energetic Addison back.  

(This is a smile...she is happy!) 

Finally, A Snow Man

So we have got a ton of snow this year, but it has not been the best snow man making weather...Finally, Mark and Lauren got to make a snow man.  Addison came out when she woke up from her nap to put on the finishing touches! 

Valentine's Day (and Birthday too!)

I don't know what I like the most....

The roses that Lauren picked out for me....

The cake that Lauren picked out for me....

Or this...what I had waiting for me when I returned from the Urgent Care with Addison (we were there for over 2 hours.) 

Lauren is just as excited about my birthday as I am!  She is such a sweet girl.  Mark took her shopping Saturday morning to pick out my gifts.  Addison was supposed to go to, but poor thing she was so sick this weekend.  It is very hard for Lauren to keep a secret and I am totally shocked that I do not know what Mark and Lauren bought for me yet.  She wants to tell me so bad!  So we will celebrate with dinner tonight and presents.  I can't wait. 

Oh, and thank you Mark for surprising me with roses on Valentine's Day.  He usually does not (because I tell him not too because they are a rip off)  so it was a huge surprise. 

My Latest Obsession

Since I have 2 girls, about a year ago I decided to figure out how to make bows myself.  Addison will always wear a bow, and Lauren will if it is a special occasion and she knows it is important to me.  I make several varieties, but these Korker bows are my favorite. 

They are really pretty simple now that I have tried it. 

You have to bake them in the oven, so I was a little hesitant at first.  But, now that I have given it a try, I am hooked. 

After they come out of the oven and you taken them off the rods they look like this. 

You have to cut them into 3" pieces and then fray check all the ends.  They are actually very time consuming to complete just one bow, but they are so cute and so worth it! 

This is one of my first ones and  I love it.  It is the Royals bow.  We are so ready for spring and to head back out the the K for a game. 

Of course anything is fun with this one helping.  Doesn't the bow look so cute on her?  I sat around and watched TV and wrapped ribbon around rods.  She handed me the rods as  I needed them and sat there and played with them in between.  I have several more pieces of ribbon cooked, cut and ready to be fray checked and made into a bow.  I have to get several made for all the new summer/spring time clothes!  Like I said....my latest obession. 

Jealous

I am so jealous of your girls.

Your girls are beautiful...I am so jealous.

I wish I had girls.

You are so lucky you have girls.

2 girls.  Wow, you are lucky.

I  hear this A LOT.  I never used to get it until recently.  You see, when I was pregnant with Lauren I wanted a boy.  I did not want girls.  I did not know what to do with girls.  I was not a girly girl.  I was a tomboy.  I played outside in the woods, rode my bike for hours on end, got dirty, got stitches, played sports (not cheer leading.)  I did not sit and dream about my wedding for years, I did not think about my wedding dress since I was a little girl.  I went to Homecoming and Prom, but I did not dream about it for years before. 

Now I am starting to get it.  As Lauren gets older I am starting to get it.  I will always have my girls around.  Girls never leave their Mom.  Girls always go shopping, out to lunch, out to the movies, haircuts, nails, spa treatments, girls weekends, shared books, cooking, baking, concerts, vacations, and the list could go on and on....

I don't think my friends that have boys love their kids any less.  Matter of fact I know they don't.  I guess they just don't have the things that a Mother/Daughter bond has.  But don't Mom's and Son's also have an amazing bond?  And what about Dad's and Son's? 

Mark and the girls have an amazing relationship.  He even says that he would not know what to do with boys...I am sure he would figure it out real quick if he needed to! 

I love having my girls.  I love dressing them up (as they both love dresses.)  I love making their hair bows (although Lauren will not wear them right now, but Addison won't leave the house without one.)  I love spending the weekends with them.  I love that Lauren looks just like her Daddy and acts just like her Daddy.  I love that Addison looks just like me and acts just like me. 

I love these girls.  They make my life complete.  I can't wait to watch them grow and mature into young women.  I can't wait to guide them and teach them about life and all the decisions that will need to be made. 

I have 2 girls, sisters, and I love it.  Now I am dreaming about their weddings. 

The Birthday Weekend

Lauren's 5th birthday was so much fun.  We celebrated all weekend long with her friend party Saturday at noon at gymnastics, her family party Saturday night at our house, and then her actual birthday celebrations on Sunday with Mark, Addison and I.  What a weekend. 

She had a Hannah Montana themed party celebration. 

The gymnastics party was a hit.  We had over 15 kids there and it was a hit.  I heard one kid say "this is the best party ever."  It was so great to hear!  The kids started out doing some games and activities on the floor with the hula hoops.  Most of the kids listened really well and participated in the organized games. 

Next was parachute fun.  Kids always love parachute games.  There were several games played, including one where Lauren got to run in the middle while the other kids moved the parachute around.  She laughed and laughed and loved it.  I loved hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, and soaking in her excitement. 

This is Aiden, one of Lauren's friends because we are friends with Aiden's parents (Mark and I actually officially met at their wedding!)  I think he had a good time too...can't you tell? 

The bounce house was next.  Of course the kids loved this.  There was an obstacle course of the other side for the kids to run though, and then this huge slide to go down.  Addison had fun just jumping at the end of the slide here. 

A good photo of all the kids at the party (except Addison, who was getting her diaper changed.)

Another good picture of all the kids at the party, including Addison!  (Claire, Lauren's cousin is missing...don't know where she was.) 

I LOVE this smile.  This smile is the excitement of Happy Birthday being sung to Lauren.  If you remember her 3rd birthday you will remember her crying while Happy Birthday was being sung to her.  Her 4th birthday we did not even attempt to sing Happy Birthday, with the ordeal of her 3rd birthday fresh in our mind.  As I took pictures I sat there and thought how much she has grown in the last few years. How much she loved having her friends at the party.  How much she loved the attention on her and Happy Birthday being sung to her.  It was HER birthday and she loved it.  What a great day. 

After cake and lemonade it was time for presents.  We went back in the gym and Lauren sat up on the blue mat and opened presents from her friends.  After each present she took a picture with the friend and the gift.  Killian and Seth are her buddies, so I included their pictures. 

This is all the gifts just from her friends.  She got a lot of great things. 

Oh, and we can't forget on Friday her party at school with all her friends.  We took in Hannah Montana cupcakes to share.  After lunch her birthday was celebrated.  Addison even got to come up from the 2's room to celebrate with Lauren and her friends. 

Saturday night we celebrated February birthday's at our house (which includes Lauren, me, Mama, and Uncle Steve.)  A special treat to Lauren was Doritos.  She is always asking for them, but I never buy them because there is no need to keep them in the house....if you know what I mean! 

All Lauren asked for for her birthday was a Barbie laptop.  I don't know why we even bought her anything else!  My parents got her the Barbie laptop and she was in heaven!  Thanks Gramps and Nana. 

Aunt Jen got Lauren the unicorn pillpow pet she had been asking for, and some books to prepare Lauren to read in Kindergarten.  Jen also made the huge announcement of a baby sister or baby brother who will arrive in August!  Yea Aunt Jen!!!  Congratulations. 

Mama gave Lauren cash ($50) and Lauren was thrilled.  She wants to buy the "firework" CD...Katie Perry...I think she might be a little young for Katie Perry...we will have to find another way to spend that money...or maybe save it! 

After everyone left Lauren enjoyed playing the new Kai Lan game that Gramps and Nana got her for her Leapster.  She really likes the game.  Of course, Addison can't wait to get her hands on the Leapster as soon as Lauren puts it down. 

Sunday February 6th was Lauren's actual birthday.  We went to church in the morning and then to Red Lobster for lunch.  For months Lauren has been talking about Red Lobster.  She has watched the Hannah Montana movie probably over 100 times (seriously) and in the movie Hannah Montana has a lobster.  A whole red lobster served to her on a platter.  Well this is what Lauren wanted, however I did not know this is what she wanted.  So at the restaurant we ordered her a lobster tail (which was quite expensive!)  She waited so patiently for her lobster to come out and she was so excited.  Well, can you imagine her disappointment when just the tail arrived and not the whole red lobster.  So, I took the meat out, cut it up for her and got her all excited for her lobster.  I dipped it in butter and she took a bite...and hated it!!!  Poor Lauren.  She was so disappointed and I felt so bad for her.  She wanted a red lobster like Hannah Montana. 

After lunch we headed home to open presents from Mommy, Daddy, Addison and Zoe.  Addison got her some Polly Pocket suff and a Barbie movie.  Mark and I got her a game, a jewerly case, some books and puzzles, lots of clothes, and a fur real dog which she can walk on a leash. 

Oh, and this Barbie cheerleading outfit.  The quality of this picture is horrible, but she loves the Barbie outfit so much that I had to include it.  She really wants to be a cheerleader...I am not really sure what I think of that...hmmm....

We ended the day at a Superbowl party at some friends house.  The girls had a blast, there was tons of great food and it was a really good time.  It was a great weekend.

5 things I love about Lauren:

• The sweet, compassionate, caring person she is to Addison.  I have said it before, but she is an amazing big sister who truly adores Addison. 
• Watching her do gymnastics and getting better each week
• Her love for music and dance.  She loves to listen to music and make up her own dance moves. 
• The ability to spend an afternoon with her and feel like I spent the afternoon with my best friend.  Lauren is kind, sweet, and fun to be around.  She is amazing daughter who is so much fun to hang out with. 
• I think Mark would agree that she is an amazing daughter as well.  She will watch football/baseball/golf...whatever Mark is watching.  She will ask questions and really want to learn about the sport or event that Mark is watching.  He loves to take every opportunity to share things with her and teach her new things. 

Happy Birthday Lauren