And so it begins. It is already almost 4 months into 2015 and I have been a slacker. Kids have gotten much bigger, and cross my fingers, they will continue to do well. DJ is in 1st grade and Yvie is in pre-kindergarten.
So far in the past year, DJ has had his third set of tubes and his adnoids out in the hopes that this would help with his ear issues. This type of surgery was a little more involved and DJ needed a lot of time to recuperate. Poor little guy, I felt so bad for him. My heart hurt to see him in pain. I want to be the one to take his pain away. He was such a trooper. He went to school even when he was in pain. He knew he had to do it because mommy and daddy had to work. So far he is doing good, but it looks like he may need to have a fourth set of tubes. Fluid is still building up in his left ear and he has had a very bad ear infection earlier in the year when he had such pain with bloody fluid dripping from his ears. It was during this that his left tube fell out. if it's not one thing, it's another. As for Yvie, she has been quite healthy, except for getting croup whenever she comes down with a bad cough.
In the past year, DJ has joined the cub scouts. We have done a lot of fun things with the scouts as a family. DJ enjoys it and so does Yvie. She wishes she could be a cub scout too. She is quite the tag along. And I wonder how long DJ is going to tolerate it. She wants to be like him so much. She continuously copies him and will not make a decision about things until she finds out what DJ is going to do. It's going to break my heart when they no longer want to do things with each other. I hope it never changes. At this time in their lives, they enjoy sharing a room and do not want their own privacy. They love knowing the other one is there with them. It's like a security blanket. This is what I hold most precious. Their love for each other knows no bounds. They can be bitter rivals, fighting with each other and then the next minute they are best friends. This is what being siblings is all about.
We went to Taos in February and did some snowboarding again. Took another lesson and so did the kids. They did extremely well. Much better than me, but I'm much older and not as resilient. But I was not a quitter. Had to show the kids that we do not give up. It was so much fun! Dave and I could not be prouder parents. We also did some tubing while we were there. I have never done that before and it was great! It's fun to watch your husband and children act like little kids without a care in the world. We were living in the moment. Pure fun!
Last summer we did a weekend trip to the Grand Canyon. We camped at a KOA in Arizona and took the train to the rim. It was overcast, cold, and rainy. It was such a great experience to be there and not be hot. The sky was wickedly cloudy and the view was breathtaking. Never a dull moment. It was great. I hope we create great memories for the kids. I feel like this life is super short and time is going super fast. I'm trying to cherish these events and tuck them away for myself to reminisce at a later time.
Earlier this month I did my second half marathon with my brother, Ray. We drove to Phoenix and met my brother there for a quick turn around trip to do this together. It was such a wonderful experience to be able to do this with him. I was so proud of my brother. He is much older than me, but kicked my butt running. He is such an inspiration. I ended up pulling my Achilles tendon eight miles into the run and had to jog/walk it the rest of the way. Ray could've continued on ahead of me, but didn't. He kept me going and I love that about him. He is so optimistic. It's sickening.
We added to our family this past Christmas. Dave had been bugging for a new puppy and he got his wish. We got a blue heeler and named her Dusty. She is such a beast. The other dogs tolerate her...barely. She has nickname of 'puffball' which I casually called her one time and it has stuck with the kids. Dave cannot stand it. She better learn some manners soon or else...
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Hiking,Snowboarding, and the Yvie at the dentist
Once again I am having a glass of wine and pondering on the first month of the year. Can't believe it is already gone. One month into the new year and so far (cross our fingers), we are all doing good. DJ still loves school, Yvie enjoys preschool, I still tolerate my job while Dave enjoys his. But we all have so many things to be thankful for. So far this year, we have been on two hikes, one to the foothills and the other to Tent Rocks, which was a long awesome hike. I was very pleased with DJ and Yvie for completing the 2 hour hike. They never cease to amaze me. Also, we took the kids up to Taos to take snowboarding lessons. I took lessons as well and have come to realize that I am not as young as I used to be. I don't think I have ever fallen on my ass that much. The kids loved every minute of their lessons and now think they are pro. I also went to DJ's first school dance. It was a 'sock hop' and we danced a whole hour straight. Listened to music that reminded me of my dad. Made me really miss him. Tried to teach DJ how to do the 'twist' and the 'cupid shuffle', It was great! Yvie also had her first dental cleaning. She was not scared at all. As long as Mommy was there to hold her hand, she was fine. Life Happens. I have to remind myself to enjoy it!
.
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At Sandia Base Elementary 'Sock Hop' |
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| DJ learning to snowboard in Taos |
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| Yvie learning to snowboard |
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| Look at DJ go! |
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| Looking Good DJ |
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| Yvie with her teacher |
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| Go Yvie! |
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| I'm impressed! |
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| And down she goes! |
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| DJ going to try again |
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| Yvie cruising on the board |
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| Dave going on another snowboarding run |
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| Tent Rocks |
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| My Loves! |
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| All my favorite people! |
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| Yvie with Daddy in the background |
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| View from the top at Tent Rocks |
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| Snacks at the top |
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| Trying to be like Daddy |
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| Dave at the top of the rock |
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| Slot Canyon, Tent Rocks |
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| Tent rocks |
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| Yvie at Tent Rocks |
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| DJ |
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| Mommy and DJ |
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| Hiking in the Foothills with Dodge and Luna |
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| Snack Time |
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| Hiking while holding hands, very precious moment |
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| Yvie's first dental visit. |
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2012/2013
Well, it's the last day of the year of 2013 and I am now sitting in my pajamas with a glass of wine, waiting for 2014 to begin and I regret that I have not updated this blog. Dave has so 'graciously' reminded me that this is for the kids and needs to be updated...he is so right. Life has a way of getting away from us and I 'try' to live in the moment and enjoy all the little things, but the stress and worry of work and everything else sometimes grab a hold of me and everything seems so insignificant sometimes, like this blog. For a brief recap(what I can remember), lets see what went on in 2012 and 2013.
In 2012, DJ and Yvie started playing soccer in a small group called Kids In Saturday Sports. It teaches the fundamental of soccer to small kids starting at age 2. Yvie could not start until the end of the year before she turned two. DJ seemed to enjoy it more than Yvie, who had a very short attention span.
For Easter, my parents came down to enjoy the holiday with us. It was a short visit, but any time spent with their 'Nana' and 'Papa' is always a good thing.
In May, DJ turned 4. We were short of cash and could not afford to do a birthday party for him. He did ask for a white cake with white frosting which I made. He refused to eat it because he said he didn't like cake. What is wrong with this child???? You want to give your kids everything you can, and he has all the love we could give. What else could he need?
In June Yvie came down with 'intussusception'. Not cool! This was another scary time in our children's lives. Yvie started screaming and crying at daycare and collapsed on the floor for no reason and then stopped suddenly. I guess it happened several times in the morning before the daycare called me to pick her up. When I got there, she was fine. Took her to the pediatrician and she was fine but was told she had an ear infection. If her symptoms persisted, I was to take her to urgent care. Rest of the afternoon she was fine...and then IT happened. Unbelievable screaming and crying. I was at a loss. Yvie could not communicate to me what was going on. Rushed her to Urgent care and after an ultrasound and xray, she was diagnosed with intussusception. An enema with xrays had to be performed to straighten out her intestine. Of course I hold to hold her down and wear a lead apron and tell her everything was ok while they did this to her. I felt horrible. I wanted it to be me, not her. I didn't want her to know what pain was. After too many hours to count, they decided to admit her to observe her and make sure she was out of the woods. Dave ended up staying with her all night and most of the next day since I had to work. Needless to say, she turned out ok. This turned out to be her first hospital stay.
In August, we went on vacation to California to visit. Jamie came out to Albuquerque first and we drove to San Diego where we stayed at the Marriott my cousin Alex works at. It was a hot and humid vacation! We went to Sea World and ate in-n-out as well. Took Jamie home and stayed with my parents. Went to Knott's and the Long Beach Aquarium as well. My kids are great travellers!
In September, we went once again to the state fair and then the following week we did the balloon fiesta. This is my favorite time of the year!!!
Yvie turned 2 in October. Once again, we could not afford a birthday party for her either. So, we took her to I Scream, Ice Cream for her birthday. She had a good time playing with her brother. I also made her a chocolate cake which she ate unlike her brother!
Also in October, I ran my first half marathon!!! WooHoo!!!! I did it in less than 3 hours. Not bad for someone who started running 2 months prior!
For Halloween we did the pumpkin patch and the kids dressed up. DJ was Buzz Lightyear again and Yvie was a scarecrow. Mommy (me) dressed up as a clown for work on Halloween. As everyone knows we celebrated Thanksgiving and had Christmas.That's all I can remember!
In 2013, DJ had his second set of tubes placed in his ears in February. I think this time he understood a little more about what was going on and was a little more scared/nervous. Not as much as I was. It is so difficult for me to see any child go through anything traumatizing, especially my own. Once again, he was a trooper and did fabulous.
We went on our first road trip of the year to Denver for Valentine's weekend. Took the kids to the zoo over there. What a GREAT zoo they have! It was very visitor friendly. I would definitely go back!
In March, Dave got a new job working at the VA. First working in the spinal cord injury unit then he was able to transfer to optometry which he just loves. The good part about that is that he now works on my floor. We now take lunch together, which is very nice!
In May, my little man turned 5!!!! This year we did have a party at the bowling alley on base. DJ wanted a batman themed birthday cake and wore his batman mask most of the time bowling. It was a good time. I can't believe he is 5. Where has all the time gone. He is still my snuggle buddy and still loves for me to 'hold you', but how long will that last? I don't ever want it to end. I will love to do it while he lets me and when it stops, a little sliver of my heart will crack...but we'll keep plugging along.
This was the first year we decided to try swimming lessons for both kids. It was ok while it lasted, but DJ refuses to put his head in the water due to the tubes in his ears and refuses to give up his kickboard. Yvie on the other hand, loves to be in the pool as long as she has her floaties on. Sooner or later these kids will need to learn to not use these devices to swim. Maybe not this next year, but next year.
We went camping this summer in Durango at the KOA. It was definitely a great experience, not only for us, but for the kids as well. We went to Mesa Verde to check out the ruins I always wanted to go to ever since I was a little girl reading about it in social studies class.
In August, DJ started Kindergarten at Sandia Base Elementary.. My little man is growing up!!! It's so incredible the emotions that I was feeling on that day. DJ was not scared one bit. He took it all in stride. I guess what helped was that everyone that he went to Pre-k with would be going to that same school.
In September we went camping again at another KOA in Carlsbad. We went to Carlsbad Caverns and tried to go to Sitting Bull Falls which was close by. Unbeknownst to us, there had been a lot of monsoon rains which flooded the road to get there, but we decided to persevere and try to make it there anyway. After an hour of cautiously maneuvering away through many messes and obstacles, we were close to victory. But alas, my SUV could not make it through the last part and we had to make our way back to our campsite. This road we took was fine until we almost made it to the main highway where the road was closed due to a washed out bridge. We did not want to turn around and drive another hour out of our way, so Dave decided to brave the water in my car!!! I was not going to do it. I wanted someone else to blame if something went wrong! But I am happy to say, we made it.
Fall, for me, begins with the State Fair. Once again we made the usual rounds of the fair, balloon fiesta and the pumpkin patch. And in the midst of all that fun, Yvie turned 3! Yvie definitely has her Nanas personality. Stubborn one moment and then loving the next moment. I can't help but love this little girl. She always puts a smile on my face. She requested a Minnie Mouse birthday party at the park and a bouncer which Nana and Papa happily obliged! A great time was had by all! Soon Halloween came and DJ was Iron Man, Yvie was Minnie Mouse, and I was a bumble bee. The older they get, the more fun it has been. I love seeing the recognition and joy of things in their eyes. It makes me feel like a kid!
In November we saw quite a bit of snow, more in the mountains than here. Kids are looking forward to doing some sledding and making some snowmen! Dave also (finally) got promoted to an E6! He is now Staff Sergeant Guidi! Thanksgiving came and went and Christmas was just upon us. Kids looked forward to Santa and leaving cookies and milk for him and carrots for the reindeer.
It's hard to believe we are at the end of one year and the beginning of another year. I have to keep on reminding myself to stop and enjoy the kids. They will only be small for a short period of time. Let them sit with me and lay with me and want me to hold and play with them. Try not to lose my patience and see the humor in their antics. Happy New Year. May this coming year be blessed. Pictures to be posted next year!
In 2012, DJ and Yvie started playing soccer in a small group called Kids In Saturday Sports. It teaches the fundamental of soccer to small kids starting at age 2. Yvie could not start until the end of the year before she turned two. DJ seemed to enjoy it more than Yvie, who had a very short attention span.
For Easter, my parents came down to enjoy the holiday with us. It was a short visit, but any time spent with their 'Nana' and 'Papa' is always a good thing.
In May, DJ turned 4. We were short of cash and could not afford to do a birthday party for him. He did ask for a white cake with white frosting which I made. He refused to eat it because he said he didn't like cake. What is wrong with this child???? You want to give your kids everything you can, and he has all the love we could give. What else could he need?
In June Yvie came down with 'intussusception'. Not cool! This was another scary time in our children's lives. Yvie started screaming and crying at daycare and collapsed on the floor for no reason and then stopped suddenly. I guess it happened several times in the morning before the daycare called me to pick her up. When I got there, she was fine. Took her to the pediatrician and she was fine but was told she had an ear infection. If her symptoms persisted, I was to take her to urgent care. Rest of the afternoon she was fine...and then IT happened. Unbelievable screaming and crying. I was at a loss. Yvie could not communicate to me what was going on. Rushed her to Urgent care and after an ultrasound and xray, she was diagnosed with intussusception. An enema with xrays had to be performed to straighten out her intestine. Of course I hold to hold her down and wear a lead apron and tell her everything was ok while they did this to her. I felt horrible. I wanted it to be me, not her. I didn't want her to know what pain was. After too many hours to count, they decided to admit her to observe her and make sure she was out of the woods. Dave ended up staying with her all night and most of the next day since I had to work. Needless to say, she turned out ok. This turned out to be her first hospital stay.
In August, we went on vacation to California to visit. Jamie came out to Albuquerque first and we drove to San Diego where we stayed at the Marriott my cousin Alex works at. It was a hot and humid vacation! We went to Sea World and ate in-n-out as well. Took Jamie home and stayed with my parents. Went to Knott's and the Long Beach Aquarium as well. My kids are great travellers!
In September, we went once again to the state fair and then the following week we did the balloon fiesta. This is my favorite time of the year!!!
Yvie turned 2 in October. Once again, we could not afford a birthday party for her either. So, we took her to I Scream, Ice Cream for her birthday. She had a good time playing with her brother. I also made her a chocolate cake which she ate unlike her brother!
Also in October, I ran my first half marathon!!! WooHoo!!!! I did it in less than 3 hours. Not bad for someone who started running 2 months prior!
For Halloween we did the pumpkin patch and the kids dressed up. DJ was Buzz Lightyear again and Yvie was a scarecrow. Mommy (me) dressed up as a clown for work on Halloween. As everyone knows we celebrated Thanksgiving and had Christmas.That's all I can remember!
In 2013, DJ had his second set of tubes placed in his ears in February. I think this time he understood a little more about what was going on and was a little more scared/nervous. Not as much as I was. It is so difficult for me to see any child go through anything traumatizing, especially my own. Once again, he was a trooper and did fabulous.
We went on our first road trip of the year to Denver for Valentine's weekend. Took the kids to the zoo over there. What a GREAT zoo they have! It was very visitor friendly. I would definitely go back!
In March, Dave got a new job working at the VA. First working in the spinal cord injury unit then he was able to transfer to optometry which he just loves. The good part about that is that he now works on my floor. We now take lunch together, which is very nice!
In May, my little man turned 5!!!! This year we did have a party at the bowling alley on base. DJ wanted a batman themed birthday cake and wore his batman mask most of the time bowling. It was a good time. I can't believe he is 5. Where has all the time gone. He is still my snuggle buddy and still loves for me to 'hold you', but how long will that last? I don't ever want it to end. I will love to do it while he lets me and when it stops, a little sliver of my heart will crack...but we'll keep plugging along.
This was the first year we decided to try swimming lessons for both kids. It was ok while it lasted, but DJ refuses to put his head in the water due to the tubes in his ears and refuses to give up his kickboard. Yvie on the other hand, loves to be in the pool as long as she has her floaties on. Sooner or later these kids will need to learn to not use these devices to swim. Maybe not this next year, but next year.
We went camping this summer in Durango at the KOA. It was definitely a great experience, not only for us, but for the kids as well. We went to Mesa Verde to check out the ruins I always wanted to go to ever since I was a little girl reading about it in social studies class.
In August, DJ started Kindergarten at Sandia Base Elementary.. My little man is growing up!!! It's so incredible the emotions that I was feeling on that day. DJ was not scared one bit. He took it all in stride. I guess what helped was that everyone that he went to Pre-k with would be going to that same school.
In September we went camping again at another KOA in Carlsbad. We went to Carlsbad Caverns and tried to go to Sitting Bull Falls which was close by. Unbeknownst to us, there had been a lot of monsoon rains which flooded the road to get there, but we decided to persevere and try to make it there anyway. After an hour of cautiously maneuvering away through many messes and obstacles, we were close to victory. But alas, my SUV could not make it through the last part and we had to make our way back to our campsite. This road we took was fine until we almost made it to the main highway where the road was closed due to a washed out bridge. We did not want to turn around and drive another hour out of our way, so Dave decided to brave the water in my car!!! I was not going to do it. I wanted someone else to blame if something went wrong! But I am happy to say, we made it.
Fall, for me, begins with the State Fair. Once again we made the usual rounds of the fair, balloon fiesta and the pumpkin patch. And in the midst of all that fun, Yvie turned 3! Yvie definitely has her Nanas personality. Stubborn one moment and then loving the next moment. I can't help but love this little girl. She always puts a smile on my face. She requested a Minnie Mouse birthday party at the park and a bouncer which Nana and Papa happily obliged! A great time was had by all! Soon Halloween came and DJ was Iron Man, Yvie was Minnie Mouse, and I was a bumble bee. The older they get, the more fun it has been. I love seeing the recognition and joy of things in their eyes. It makes me feel like a kid!
In November we saw quite a bit of snow, more in the mountains than here. Kids are looking forward to doing some sledding and making some snowmen! Dave also (finally) got promoted to an E6! He is now Staff Sergeant Guidi! Thanksgiving came and went and Christmas was just upon us. Kids looked forward to Santa and leaving cookies and milk for him and carrots for the reindeer.
It's hard to believe we are at the end of one year and the beginning of another year. I have to keep on reminding myself to stop and enjoy the kids. They will only be small for a short period of time. Let them sit with me and lay with me and want me to hold and play with them. Try not to lose my patience and see the humor in their antics. Happy New Year. May this coming year be blessed. Pictures to be posted next year!
Monday, May 28, 2012
October 2011
I think October is one of my favorite months. Fall is almost here and it is not too hot or cold. This year we started October with the 'Balloon Fiesta.' Last year I couldn't go because I was pregnant and on bed rest. It was nice to go and see DJ get excited at all the balloons. Yvie on the other hand couldn't care less. She was along for the ride.
DJ had a big shocker this month too. He started a new daycare at Kirtland Air force base. I felt so horrible. He had been at the daycare for over 3 years and was very comfortable there. Now I had to take my child to a new place and leave him there. I put a brave face on and escorted him to his new room and his new teacher. He cried and clung to me and a little piece of me died on the inside:( It took weeks for him to finally get used to being there.
Later that week Yvie came down with 'toxic synovitis.' This condition affects children and causes hip pain and limping. This condition started gradually with her favoring her left leg and limping when she used her walker. Later in the week she refused to use the leg or stand on it and would cry when we touched her leg. I ended up taking her to urgent care for a battery of exam and tests. They first thought her hip was dislocated since it appeared much longer in a visual exam. 1 xray of the hip and one of the knee, 2 ultrasounds, 2 blood tests, and 7 hours later, nothing was found and we were referred to the UNMH children's hospital the following morning for more of the same!!!! My poor baby was miserable and so was mommy! Next day we went for the same tests to see if anything had changed. More blood work, one more xray, and one more ultrasound and results were negative for any abnormalities. So the doctors said 'toxic synovitis'. They said it occurs mostly in boys and a little older in age sometimes caused by growth spurts. Two weeks worth of ibuprofen around the clock was what they recommended and I guess that is what she had cause it seemed to work.
We also went to to the pumpkin patch again. It was a sunny, beautiful day! The kids enjoyed themselves immensely.
Yvie also turned one!!! What a wonderful, incredible year it has been! I'm not sure how we survived it, but we did! Yvie had her first taste of cake and enjoyed it immensely!
Three days later and it was Halloween! My favorite time of year! DJ was 'Buzz Lightyear' and Yvie was a pumpkin. DJ really got the hang of trick-or-treating and eating candy this year. I really am the luckiest person in the world to have 2 beautiful and wonderful kids!!!
DJ had a big shocker this month too. He started a new daycare at Kirtland Air force base. I felt so horrible. He had been at the daycare for over 3 years and was very comfortable there. Now I had to take my child to a new place and leave him there. I put a brave face on and escorted him to his new room and his new teacher. He cried and clung to me and a little piece of me died on the inside:( It took weeks for him to finally get used to being there.
Later that week Yvie came down with 'toxic synovitis.' This condition affects children and causes hip pain and limping. This condition started gradually with her favoring her left leg and limping when she used her walker. Later in the week she refused to use the leg or stand on it and would cry when we touched her leg. I ended up taking her to urgent care for a battery of exam and tests. They first thought her hip was dislocated since it appeared much longer in a visual exam. 1 xray of the hip and one of the knee, 2 ultrasounds, 2 blood tests, and 7 hours later, nothing was found and we were referred to the UNMH children's hospital the following morning for more of the same!!!! My poor baby was miserable and so was mommy! Next day we went for the same tests to see if anything had changed. More blood work, one more xray, and one more ultrasound and results were negative for any abnormalities. So the doctors said 'toxic synovitis'. They said it occurs mostly in boys and a little older in age sometimes caused by growth spurts. Two weeks worth of ibuprofen around the clock was what they recommended and I guess that is what she had cause it seemed to work.
We also went to to the pumpkin patch again. It was a sunny, beautiful day! The kids enjoyed themselves immensely.
Yvie also turned one!!! What a wonderful, incredible year it has been! I'm not sure how we survived it, but we did! Yvie had her first taste of cake and enjoyed it immensely!
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