Stitches

We had a couple of stores to go to, so I dropped Nate and Allie at Home Depot while Caitlyn, Kayla, and I ran to JoAnns. Then I took Kayla to a birthday party at the swimming pool in Tooele. I was driving back towards Home Depot trying to get a hold of Nate to find out if I had time to get gas or if they were ready. He didn't answer. A few minutes later he called back and said I needed to come take Allie to the hospital.

Fortunately I was almost there. Apparently Nate started to move some sheet metal for duct work in the basement. He stopped pulling it out so he could adjust the cart. Allie, not even being bouncy, walked between Nate and the sheet metal. She started crying and grabbing her right ear. When she moved her hand to show Nate, it was covered in blood.

They hurried to the front for some tissues. After figuring out it was bad, Nate called me. I picked them up and we went to the hospital which was only minutes away.

Allie grew more scared and her crying got louder. At one point she asked, "Will I still be alive?" Poor thing. Allie was quite concerned about the blood on her shirt. We assured her it didn't matter.

Blood pressure and oxygen monitoring made Allie all the more nervous. She was trying so hard to be brave. Instead of tears, at times we were getting uncontrollable anxious giggling. It was so cute and sad to see.

Here is a look at the wound once it started to clot over.

The nurse, who is actually a PA at the girls' doctor's office, was really good with Allie. He brought her this cute little bear, and he fixed Shiver's ear just like Allie's.

Allie was very nervous, but once they finally got the topical numbing cream on, it helped. She felt so much better, she asked if she could just have a bandaid and go home. Allie was kind enough to share her bed with Caitlyn for a few minutes.

Knowing Allie and her fear of shots, I quietly warned the nurse when we first arrived. They were very good at never saying the words and being quite sneaky with the needle. Only once Allie was in a headlock on Daddy's lap and had 2 other men and the doctor holding her down did the needle appear. I would have liked to warn her, but I've learned the anticipation is much worse. She kicked and screamed for all she was worth. Tears poured down both Allie and Mommy's faces. We were all glad when it was over.

Another hour later, they finally stitched her up. It took 7 stitches, and they discovered the cartilage had been nicked. We need to be extra careful to watch for infection. Allie cannot take a bath or swim for 7 days. She thought that was pretty funny until I told her she could still shower. We spend about 4 1/2 hours in the ER. We're grateful to the Garcia's for picking Kayla up from her party and taking her home for the next 3 hours until we finished.

We're so thankful our Allie is okay. She says she's still "experiencing" quite a bit of pain, but she is back to having fun. This evening she told us what a good day it was, and Allie said she is so lucky. We were baffled after everything that happened. Allie said she's lucky because she got a bear, a squirt gun (the syringe used to irrigate the wound), and cookies at the hospital. What an optimistic little girl. Too bad we all can't be like that.

Tonight we had to keep reminding Allie to not bounce, twirl, squeeze between chairs... She just doesn't like to hold still. Honestly, we're quite impressed that she made it 5 1/2 years before needing stitches. Hopefully we can go another 5 1/2 years without having to go back to the ER. Monday Allie has to go to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist to get checked out, but that should be the last appointment. The stitches used will dissolve so we don't have to torture her by removing them later. Thank goodness.

Riding the Bus

We live quite a way from the school. It takes 30-35 minutes for an adult to walk. Bikes are much faster, and that is how the girls have been getting to school this year. Our neighbor has been kind enough to ride with the kids three times a day (morning, midday to pick up the kindergartners, and after school). I would love to, but Caitlyn isn't really up for it. But Wednesday afternoon I got a phone call saying we're finally getting a bus. We checked into it a little more Thursday, and Friday morning the girls were lined up with 24 other kids ready to go.

Happy Allie Sienna and Kayla

It's here!

The girls really enjoyed riding the bus. I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but it will be so nice only having to pick up Allie. They'll probably still ride their bikes some, but this winter we will especially love having the bus available.

Stroller Blankets

I like to go for walks with the kids, but I really dislike how blankets do not stay on the stroller for my baby. So Sunday I had an idea of something to do about it. Monday I purchased fabric and got to work. I made two different weight blankets that tie onto the stroller. They worked perfectly (however Caitlyn wanted a bottle more than she wanted to be my model).

I also used the extra pink fabric to make a cover to keep the sun off Caitlyn. In theory it was a great idea, but my fabric was too light. When we tried it out, just a light breeze and the air from moving the stroller caused the blanket to stick to Caitlyn's face. I'm either going to have to make tie downs for the bottom or use some heavier and slightly larger fabric.

She's a happy girl when her tummy is full.

Growing Up

Caitlyn started off sleeping in the bassinet that has been passed from Cory to Me to Amy to Kayla to Tyler to Allie to Jason and finally to her. It served her well for the first 11 weeks of life, but she was starting to fill it out. Her kicking, whether while awake or asleep, would push her to the top of the bassinet. Every time we'd go in to get her, Caitlyn's head would be kinked at the top. So we returned it to Pocatello, and Caitlyn has graduated to her crib. She seems to like it, and she has been sleeping 8-10 hours every night. (Knock on wood)

Happy Birthday Nate and Tyler

Sunday we tried to have a BBQ at Mom and Dad's followed by a birthday party for Nathan and Tyler. It was all planned for the backyard since the Tyler can't be in the house with Gracie. We barely managed to get food on our plates when it started raining-by raining I mean a downpour. We quickly finished our food-some inside and some under the deck. Then we headed to Cory and Angie's for the party.
Nate got some Trio blocks. They will be lots of fun for Daddy and the girls.
Tyler got a hot wheel race track.

I was going to get Nate Carcassone or another game like it, but then I found this game. It is legos in a board game. We've been anxious to play it, but with school, the girls never have time. Sunday we'll try it out for sure.

My parents got Nate a nice big shower head for our shower. Yay!

It was nice to see everybody and visit for a while. Happy birthday boys!

Nick and Cydnee's Wedding Reception

After the wedding, we enjoyed a nice luncheon at the church right next to the temple. Things didn't go quite as planned, but I think everybody still had a great time.
The reception was from 4-7. Here are a few pictures.
The centerpieces.
The beautiful cake Nate's Mom made.

The Rexburg temple on top.

Cathy and Caitlyn

It was fun spending time dancing together. Nate made sure he had time to dance with all 4 of his girls.

Kayla had fun dancing with Caitlyn-although Caitlyn looks a little worried.

Allie (and Valyn) took advantage of the mass of balloons behind the couch.

The bride and groom were very careful in feeding each other the cake.

After the reception we grabbed dinner and headed back to Pocatello. It didn't take more than 5 minutes before all 3 girls were out.

Nicholas and Cydnee's Wedding

Nate's brother got married last weekend in the Rexburg, ID temple. It was a wonderful day. We all had a wonderful time, and we're so happy for the happy couple. They will have a great life together.
Dad and Caitlyn
Kayla and Morgan

Allie

Jordyn and Allie

Cierra and Cathy

Allie and Cierra

The girls were anxiously awaiting the bride and her dress. They had their noses pressed to the window forever until a temple worker invited them inside to wait. They really enjoyed being inside the temple.

Nicholas and Cydnee

The girls were happy to be able to finally hug the bride and groom.

Treasure Hunt

Friday night after arriving in Pocatello we let the kids go on a treasure hunt. I had a blast planning it. I emailed the clues to Grandma and Grandpa who then printed, cut, and hid them according to my instructions. Thanks guys.

How about a game to start our night, think hard and use all your might to find the answers to the clues just right.
Your first clue is hiding by Snow White's least favorite fruit.
The answer: Apple
Look in a place that is under your head, that is in a nice and comfy bed.
Answer: Pillow

Rhymes with coaster and makes breakfast food.

Answer: Toaster

A Whole New World is what awaits when we play; so hurry before it gets too late.

Answer: Aladdin and Jasmine toys
Lady and the Tramp love to eat this food on a romantic night out.

Answer: Spaghetti (noodles in the pantry)

In Beauty and the Beast, I like to be in charge. I have two hands and a face, but no feet. What am I?

Answer: Clock (Cogsworth)

One. Two. Find a shoe. Grandma's glass slipper holds a clue.

Answer: Grandma's slipper It is Mary Poppins way to the clouds; as well as her protection from the rain.

Answer: Umbrella

For most people I just cook food, but Rapunzel and later Eugene prefer to use me when the going gets rough.

Answer: Fry Pan

Lightning and Mater are best of friends. Makayla, Allison, and Caitlyn, you will also be 'til the very end. You have been so good, it is a please to reward you with this treasure. (The keys to Papa's car were also hidden here.)

Answer: Papa's car

Inside the car was a present that they brought in the house to open.

What could it be?

A treasure chest!

Full of gold, silver, jewels, t-shirts, chocolate coins, and some very special coins.

There were 6 special coins. Five of the coins were good for a parkhopper pass for Disneyland and California Adventure. The sixth coin was for breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen.

The girls are thrilled, but no more so than their parents. We had planned for this to be a Christmas present, but then we got a thinkin'. We Miss Caitlyn would be much happier riding in a stroller and being held at 4 1/2 months old than at 7 1/2 months old. So we are leaving November 4th. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!