Continued Healing

It's been a few days since the last update. You'll have to forgive me as the holidays have kept the family quite busy.

Let's see...... Cliff's notes of what happened last week:

I hadn't been sleeping much (thus Mom had not been sleeping much either) and Mom decided to call Dr F. in the late evening hours to see what could be done. He hemmed and hawed and sent us to our pediatrician, who found a pretty good ear infection in one ear and also that I had caught my Dad's cold. Got some different ear drops and kind words from the pediatrician.

Dad went back to work on the 19th, leaving Mom and I to fend for ourselves.

I like eating from my cup. Starting about Saturday the 22nd I was eating more than 3 ounces at a time.

Sunday we spent time at Nanna and Poppa's in the afternoon to celebrate Christmas. I got some wonderful toys and clothes, and everyone took turns entertaining me and passing me around. Sunday evening we went to Bubbe and Zayde's to celebrate my Aunt's birthday.

Monday evening, Aunt Robyn and Uncle Jason came over and had dinner and played games. Later on Bubbie and Zayde showed up with Aunt Caroline.

Tuesday we headed over to Nanna and Poppa's to hang out with family. We played my favorite game.....pass the baby!

The past two nights I have actually slept through the night. Mom sure looks quite a bit more rested...... Mom and Dad have been trying to keep the arm restraints off me as much as possible. This requires me to be watched at all times to make sure I don't put my hands, or anything else around me, in my mouth. I'm pretty sneaky and can manage to slip a hand in my mouth once and a while, but I always get caught and have to pull it right back out.

I go for my follow up appointment tomorrow with Dr F. He is going to take a look at my mouth and see how things are healing....

Better get back to work.... Chat later

Maybe I'd rather have a cup

Our feeding woes continue. Izzie takes the bottle however does not do it happily. We continue to struggle with the bottle even though it is the best option to feed her. At least we can get some of the formula down.

Izzie had sort of a rough day again. We all had a long night. Up every 55 minutes or so. Chris and I traded off getting up with Izzie. It's hard to tell what her problem is or if their is no problem and she just wants to get her frustrations out. In any case she let us know she was unhappy. This morning wasn't much better. Around lunch time I needed to get a few quick things done at the office and Chris and I thought maybe a change of scenery would do her a little good. We packed her up and got her in the car. The second she hit her car seat and the car she was out. I only wish it was always that easy. She slept for about forty minutes and woke up while we were eating lunch. In order to keep her entertained we let her hold a glass of water. The glass had ice water in it and she wanted a drink. She took several sips without spilling. It wasn't any worse than what she did with the bottle. She seemed to be pretty happy with a glass.

The rest of the afternoon she was pretty crabby. We still haven't figured out how to make her happy. The bath seems to keep her happy for a little while but the second you take her out she gets angry. I also think she caught Chris' cold which has not helped in her healing.

This evening we tried to get a couple of ounces of formula down with the bottle but she just wouldn't have it. I again got another grand idea; maybe we ought to try a cup of formula. Izzie totally went for it. We definitely had some formula that did not hit the mouth but for the most part it was success AND she liked it. We might continue to use the cup. We will see how things go. In the mean time the mom and dad variety show needs to get started because the princess is requiring entertainment.

Chris and I are counting down the days until the restraints come off her arms. We estimate that we have 19 days left of the arm restraints. That is encouraging.

The road to recovery

Mom posting for Izzie:

We know Izzie is still in pain. The road is still a little rocky but she has periods of happiness which we like to see. Chris and I are home with her the next two or so days and Wednesday it will be Mom and Izzie on our own. We will see how this all pans out.

Saturday night Izzie slept so well. She woke up about every three hours and had pain meds and a little (and I mean very little) to eat and then went back down to sleep. Last night we weren't so lucky. Izzie's internal clock is set to know when to get those pain meds. She was even napping this morning/early afternoon and awoke three minutes before she was scheduled to get her next dose. It truly amazes me that her little body is ready and waiting when she can have pain relief.

The cleft bottle and red catheter tubing are working out pretty well. Each bottle only holds about three ounces which when she was born sounded like a lot of formula but before surgery she was a master eater and was up to eight ounces severeal times a day and baby food. It has been very gradual but Izzie we believe is almost to the three ounce mark. She took a little over three ounces around lunch time. This was a huge victory. We hope she will increase the amount she takes in. We would hate for her to get dehydrated.

She still wants to be held all the time but we are beginning to have periods where she will play on the floor. We aren't able to let her play on the floor by herself. We have to be right there next to her otherwise she has figured a way to face plant on her toys and suck on them. We also picked up our dog Louie from my parents yesterday and he acts like he hasn't seen Izzie in ages. He wants to be right up in her face and kissing her all the time. She doesn't get to play on the floor by herself. She gets pretty angry when we don't let her suck things. Our saving grace has been bath time when she can splash and play. Matter of fact we are headed there now for a mid afternoon pick - me up. That always seems to put her in a good mood.

I'm BAAAAACCCCKKKK!

You will have to excuse me as I will have to dictate my posts for the next several weeks. I seem to have these awful arm restraints on and my parents don't allow them off much.

Mom will update for me today.

Last night (Saturday the 15th) at about 8 pm, Izzie was released from the hospital. It was really up to Chris and I what we wanted to do, stay or go. Izzie was getting such horrible sleep in the hospital (not to mention I was I getting no sleep) we decided that what they were doing for her at the hospital we could do for her at home. We thought she might be more comfortable in her our surroundings.
Izzie had a better day yesterday but the evening and overnight were pretty bad. Nurses and doctors were coming in and out. Everyone wanted to check out Izzie's neat surgery. It was rather irritating as just as I would get her back to sleep someone would come in and ask to check her breathing and heart beat which was their way of asking for a look at her mouth. They really were not monitoring much after the first day. The frequent overnight interruptions made for a long day. Izzie was much better yesterday in regards to pain and mostly stayed with Tylenol. By the time late afternoon came and I was back at the hospital after my short nap we knew that Izzie would be released. We waited and waited and waited some more for Dr. F. to come and give us his word. As the nurses on the floor and in PICU all told us Dr. F. runs on his on schedule. Apparently this is acceptable in the plastics world. We had to learn to accept this.

Izzie went home on a modified syringe feed. We sort of rigged up a syringe and red catheter tubing and she was eating from it. We did a couple of feeds at home this way and this morning I had an idea that if she would eat from the red tubing maybe we could place it on the cleft bottle that she hated some much from the hospital and she would eat from it without her knowing it was the bottle. It has worked which we are very thankful for because the syringe feed was so diffult to do with two people let alone if one or the other of us had to do it alone. You learn to just do the best you can.

Izzie is like a little Mcguyver. We knew she was smart but she has figured out how she can get the arm restraints off. We have given her a couple respites from the restraints but you have to keep such a careful eye on her even while holding her because she can sneak ANYTHING in her mouth. We are doing so much better know. Izzie is still pretty crabby but we definitely see periods where her smile is back. I can't tell you how good that makes us feel. Izzie boo-boo is still in there.
She has been quite chatty the last two days. We imagine this is because she can hear better. We are hoping that she doesn't have any lasting hearing problem which we are hopeful that she doesn't.

We will continue to update progress as we can.

Thank you for all of the kind thoughts.

It is a New Day ***UPDATED 5:40PM****

It's mom still posting for Izzie. She is not well enough yet to post. Plus she has her arm restraints on and will continue to have to wear them for the next six weeks or so they say. It makes typing on the computer hard for her.

Izzie and I had quite a long night. They continued to give her some meds through out the night. She slept from 11:45 pm until 2 am this morning which was sleep she certainly needed. We debated about when the next dose of pain med was going to come because we figured that we shouldn't wake her if she was good and asleep. Like clockwork her internal alarm went off before mine and at 1:59 she awoke screaming. Pain meds again and then it was difficult to settle her. The nurses have been great, one of the tech's keeps telling me that this is normal for the kids to be in so much pain. I am surprised that they don't want them more pain free but I am happy to fight for her and the nurses have been good about getting her what I ask for. She didn't sleep much more. A few twenty minute segments and then finally when she got more pain meds at 7 am she fell asleep around 7:30 am. She has been asleep but her neighbor in ICU is screaming at the top of his lungs and as I type she is getting fussy.

We will continue to try and update as we can. Thank you for all of your kind thoughts.

*****UPDATE*****
Izzie dictating to Dad:

What a day!! Dad showed up sometime around 9 to help Mom. We had a rough night. Neither Mom or I got much sleep. I wasn't comfortable all morning. Bubbie and Zayde visited and left early afternoon.

At about 3PM I finally was able to take some formula from a syringe. My nurse suggested that since I took my meds so well from the syringe, maybe we should try formula in the syringe as well. YES!!!! I WIN. No more of the crapy noodle bottle!! We had excellent luck with the syringe and was even able to get almost 3 ounces down, which is not too shabby if I say so myself. After eating I was much happier and smiled quite a bit. Nanna and Poppa came to visit. Uncle Aaron stopped by as well, and I hear that Bubbie and Zadie are coming back this evening. I am awefully tired, and believe I will take a nap now. Maybe we'll update later.

To all of my fans: I miss and love you all.

Surgery has started ****Updated- FOR THE LAST TIME** 11:45 pm

This is mom posting:

Izzie has had quite a good morning thus far. We were in surgical waiting for about two hours. She was in great spirits before we left her, laughing and charming all the nurses. She has put on the charm for all around. She left lots of friends in surgical waiting.

The anesthesiologist has promised us that they would give her the gas and let her get completely under before they put the IV meds in. That greatly put our minds at ease. When we left her with the Dr.s and we went one way and she went into the surgical area she was laughing. Thank g-d for that. I might have cried if I had known that she was upset.

The first portion of her surgery should be about done already. The ear tubes were only to take about ten minutes once she is completely out. We expect to see Dr. M. anytime. We will get periodic updates from the nurses in the surgery and we will let you all know as we here things.

We expect smooth sailing. Thank you to everyone that has kept us all in their thoughts. We are thinking of all of you too.

You will hear from us as soon as we know.

***UPDATED*** 12:55 pm

We just got an update from surgery. Izzie is doing well. Dr. F. is still separating the muscles and will be in surgery a few more hours. Dr. M. did the ear tubes and they went in easily. Their was quite a bit of fluid in her ears which we already knew. Her ears were quite infected and so Dr. M. put concentrated ear antibiotic in her ears. We hope this solves some of her ear problems.
So far so good with the cleft surgery. She seems to be doing OK. I know it will be rough when she wakes up. We expect another update around two pm from surgery.


***UPDATED*** 2:00 pm
Dad Posting:

Just talked with Dr Franks and he described Izzie's surgery as "Textbook." Everything could not have gone smoother. We are anxiously awaiting getting to see her. They are working on getting her up and around and up to PICU. Should know more in 30-40 minutes. We will get some pics when we get to see her.



***UPDATED*** 2:50 pm
Dad Updating:
Izzie is up in her room, recovering. She is draining from her nose a bit (normal) but is doing well. She was extremely fussy and not happy when she got up to the room, but they gave her some morphine and she is sleeping now. We'll update later on in the day after she really wakes up and we find out exactly how she is truly feeling.



****UPDATED*** 7:50 pm

Mom again:
Izzie is definately in pain. Lots of crying. She seems to settle herself for a little while and then getting all worked up. We're trying to get on a regular schedule of getting meds every 2 hours. She gets Tylenol every 4 hours and 2 hours after the tylenol she can have Lortab (the good stuff!) inbetween.

I'm going to be staying with Izzie tonight and Dad is going to head home in a while and take care of Louie. Izzie says thanks for all the kind thoughts and hopefully she will be able to update the blog herself later in the day tomorrow!

***UPDATE FOR THE LAST TIME TONIGHT*** 11:45 PM

It's mom:
Izzie and I have had sort of a rough night. They have been giving some sort of pain med every hour. Eleven forty five and she FINALLY fell asleep. The night nurse who is so sweet pulled in this crazy chair for me to get a few short hours of sleep in. We were laughing so hard trying to make it work but we had to laugh almost silently. Our plan is for Izzie and I to sleep for two hours and then re-evaluate and see what's up. As I type Izzie is whimpering. I sure hope this plan works. It has been quite the long day and we ALL hope that she can sleep for more than twenty minutes. It's sad that I can see so much of my own stubbornness in Izzie. She takes the pain meds and still screams after they have completely drugged her. Well I hope she can rest some.
Mom over and out for the night.
We'll update tomorrow.

My Big Day tomorrow

Today I turned six months old. Mom says it's hard to believe that I am already six months old. I can do lots of fun things.

Mom made me mashed up bananas for my last solid food meal before they had to stop the solids for surgery. Fresh bananas are my new favorite food. I don't know for a fact but I did hear Dr. F. tell my mom and dad that I won't be able to eat solid foods again for about six weeks. Back to formula only and I will have to eat out of a special bottle with a tube. Mom is really nervous for my surgery. I know she is but she's trying not to show it. Last night my pink blankie and my fuzzy bunny got washed. I knew something was different this morning when I got in my car seat and they smelled different. Mom slept with them last night so I could take them into surgery with me.

I haven't quite figured out where I'm going or what's going on tomorrow. I do know that my parents talk about it a lot and my dad keeps telling me and mom that I am going to be just fine. I keep trying to let them know that my ears hurt really bad. Dr. D. told mom last Friday that I have a pretty bad infection in my ears but she wanted to hold off on the antibiotics because of my surgery. I have tried to be as good as I can but my ears hurt really bad. I have been really cranky and mom and dad can't wait until the tubes are in my ears. They really hope it helps me.

Speaking of the doctor's office last week I did not weigh 17 lbs. like mom thought but weighed 15 lbs 15 oz. I am so close to 16 lbs I can almost touch it. Mom did not tell me that they were going to have to get gallons of blood from me and that I was going to get four shots. I was happy when I went to the doctors office but haven't felt well since.

I promise to be a big girl tomorrow and do everything that the doctors tell me. Mom hopes they give me LOTS of sleepy medicine so I don't feel anything. I know my parents will be waiting for me when I wake up and I am thankful that lots of people are thinking of me. Dad said he promises to update while I am asleep. They will give you all as much information as they have. I wish you all could come visit me but some of you live too far away. If you live close to me and you are not sick I can have visitors. I will be in the Pediatric Intensive Care unit at Mercy hospital. Come visit me if you can!

I'll be back posting as soon as I can dictate a new post!!!

My social secretary is a slacker

It's been forever since I have updated all of you, my fans!

It was a hard month without Bubbe in the office. When the work horse is out of the office everyone else gets over whelmed. We are glad to have Bubbe back to work. Bubbe's surgery went really well and she is healing nicely. It must be all those vitamins she takes.

I am doing really well and getting ready for my surgery. I will have surgery next Thursday the 13th of December 2007. Mom and Dad have promised to take the laptop to the hospital and update every so often while I am in surgery to let all of you all know how I am doing. Mom and Dad are going to try to keep phone calls to a minimum for a little while at least through the first day or so but will be updating my blog to let you know how I am doing. It will be exciting, I will have my first guest bloggers on my site. In addition to having the cleft repair surgery I will also be getting ear tubes because I have had a few more ear infections since my trip to the ER. I am trying to stay healthy for my surgery and mom and dad hope that I don't have any more ear infections before my big day.

I am getting big and strong. Mom's guess is about 17 lbs but we will find out for sure on Friday at my doctors appointment. It must have been all that turkey and gravy over Thanksgiving that helped me gain all my weight. Mom and Dad think I am filling out nicely. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I had the chance to spend time with family. I played with cousins on both sides and got to play with all my aunts and uncles. Unfortunately I did not get to spend time with any great aunts or uncles or my grandpa in Tucson but hopefully I will get to see some of them soon. I know all of them are thinking about me. I did get to meet my GREAT uncle Roger for the first time on Thanksgiving. I got a little scared when he tried to pick me up but that was short lived and soon it was fun to play with him too. I got to play with my Nana Judy and my Grandpa Al too.

I have learned to eat all kinds of different veggies. I still hate peas but sometimes I think mom tries to sneak them in. Sweet potatoes and carrots slide down nice and easy and I enjoy spreading them all over my face. I have included a beautiful picture of myself with carrots. I will be back to formula only once I have surgery. Dr. F. says I will be without solids for about 4 to 6 weeks probably. I'll probably get my girlish figure back during that time.

Last night I celebrated my first night of Hanukkah. We had a great time lighting candles and opening presents. I got all kinds of cool things. Diana in our office made me a beautiful Hanukkah dress. I wore it yesterday and I got lots of good comments about it. Mom also had a Hanukkah "bling" shirt made for me at the hair bow store. I really like to stare at the sparkly on it. This weekend cousin Carter and I are going to have our pictures taken for Bubbe. We were supposed to go last weekend but we had a lot of ice and it wasn't safe to drive. Mom said she wants me to wear my bling shirt for a few pictures and we will see how they turn out. She also has a few really silly hats for me to wear during pictures with little dingle - berries on them.

I am still waiting for my first tooth to come in. I keep thinking anytime it will pop through but it still hasn't come through. My cousin Carter has two big teeth that mom thinks are so cute. She is always begging Carter to show his "cute toofies"!!

I am trying to stay healthy and mom and dad are just sure I have no idea that I am having surgery next week but I know that I am. They have taken me to all kinds of doctors appointments in preparation and I definitely know what those are for. I bet they are even going to spring shots on my at my appointment on Friday. I will be six months old next Wednesday!!!

Until my social secretary updates again, enjoy the pictures! Check out the picture of Bubbe and I in our bling!

My trip to the ER and my first Halloween

My Halloween extravaganza started almost a full week before the actual day. My dad went to Pittsburgh and mom and I were on our own. I was on my best behavior and I wanted to try and give mom a break. I went a little easy on her and even stuck to a good bedtime schedule.

Because dad was out of town mom and I went to Night Eyes at the zoo by ourselves. We picked up Bubbe and Zayde and met Uncle Aaron., Aunt Laura and Carter at the zoo. Carter's other grandparents were there too and so were his cousins. Mom dressed me up in a nice and cozy pea pod costume. She thought I looked especially cute and lots of people at the zoo complimented me on how cute I was. Mom even tied a green stripey bow on the top of my pea pod so people would know I was a girl pea pod . I had a nice time all snuggled up in my pea pod while everyone else pushed me through the zoo. Not many animals were out for Night eyes but I did get to see the lions and a few other cats.

On Saturday after dad was home mom and dad started setting up for our big Halloween bash. Mom cooked lots of food and all my family was coming to see me. I told everyone to wear costumes so I could guess what they were. It was very cold on Saturday night but my mom dressed me up in a really cute pair of pumpkin pj's that my Bubbe bought me. My Nana and I wore almost matching costumes!! We were both pumpkins and boy were we cute. It was really cold outside and I was crabby so I got to spend the night at Bubbe and Zayde's house on Saturday night. My parents said the party was a hit when they came to bring me another pair of clean pj's the next day at Bubbe and Zayde's house but I didn't really care. I was not feeling well by Sunday and neither way mom. Mom and Dad had a meeting they had to go to on Sunday afternoon and I tried to sleep at Bubbe and Zayde's house but I was really grouchy and congested. Mom and dad thought I might be getting an ear infection but I really didn't seem that sick.

On Monday during the day I had a really hard time settling myself down and couldn't get myself to rest. Monday night I cried for four hours straight and nothing helped me. Mom wanted to give me the bubble gum medicine from the fridge but dad wouldn't let her. Bubbe told mom to call the on call Dr. for my pediatricians office. When we called the doctor and explained that I am prone to ear infections and my ears had fluid in them at my four month appointment he told mom and dad to take me to the emergency room. The Doctor didn't want to give me anything over the phone. I fell asleep just as they were strapping me into my seat. We ended up at the ER at 11 pm on Monday night. You could almost swear the it was a full moon and close to Halloween on Monday night because their were lots of people there. The whole waiting room was full. When they called me back it was much later and they took one look in my ears and prescribed me bubble gum medicine again. Mom and dad picked it up and took me home. I slept the whole time.

On Tuesday night it was trick-or-treat night in my neighborhood and mom had invited over my Uncle Aaron and Aunt Robyn and everyone for dinner but I wasn't feeling up to company and neither were my parents. Cousins Abbi and Ashley came to our house for treats with Aunt Cari and Uncle Chris but after they left we turned our light off. We were all tired. I cried a lot on Tuesday night too. By Wednesday the medicine was starting to take effect and I was finally sleeping a little bit better. I still have a really bad chest cold but my ears are slowly improving.

Wednesday was Halloween and my Aunt Caroline's thirtieth birthday. I made her a special sign for her birthday. She is the first one to turn thirty, next is Aunt Laura and then Uncle Jason and mom finishes up the thirtieth birthdays.

My mom finally put together this really cool toy I got from Bubbe and Zayde for the office. It makes all kinds of sounds and flashes with light. I love it and I talk to it every time I get to play in it. The toy came in hundreds of pieces. Mom had quite the time putting it together and Bubbe even came in and helped read directions a few times so Mom could get it put together correctly. Now I have something to keep me entertained for a little while since I really am getting tired of playing with the same people.

On Friday Mom, Dad and I went to see the surgeon about my cleft. The next time we will see him will be in surgery. My cleft surgery is on December 13th, 2007 and the doctor and the social worker at the hospital said we can have as many of my family and friends as we want in surgical waiting and in my PICU room. I will be in the hospital for at least three days and I may have stuffed animals and balloons but no latex balloons. If you want to come visit me you can. I am not sure how good I will feel. I am going to have special bottles to drink out of and I have to wear arm restraints. Mom and Dad are sad about that but since I am starting to teeth they don't want anything in my mouth after surgery most especially my fingers. We got to go on a hospital tour of the PICU and of the surgery area and we met a really nice lady who helped us and answered all of our questions. She is going to visit me in the hospital. They also introduced us to one of two pain specialists for the PICU, he told me he would help me the best he could while I was visiting him in December.

Yesterday we went Hanukkah shopping. I showed my parents all the things I want for Hanukkah. Mom and Dad bought presents for all the kids and they only have a few other things to buy before they are completely done shopping. This month is a busy month. Bubbe is going to have surgery on her right foot on Tuesday because it is gimpy. I hope she gets better fast so I can play with her soon. I can't wait for my first Thanksgiving at the end of the month. I will get to meet my Great Uncle Roger for the first time.

The solids have started

My parents have started giving me the most awful tasting stuff that I could imagine. I can barely gag it down. Sometimes just to placate my mom I swallow it and she claps for me and yells yeah. Dad makes smiley faces at me so that I will swallow, while mom shoves a small green spoon of goop in my mouth. Apparently I have started rice cereal. The only reason that I know that it is called cereal is because dad keeps asking when I will start on my corn flakes and Rice Krispies. It's all really weird.

My Bubbe keeps asking when I get to start peas, squash and carrots. I have no idea when my parents will spring this crap on me however my dad said I must try everything. If I don't like it I don't have to continue to eat it but I must try it, even green beans which he told me he hates. Zayde told me I don't have to eat peas. He doesn't like peas but Bubbe said I should try them because they are really good. My parents are making my food really thick in preparation of my surgery. I didn't get to try my cereal really liquefied because they are trying to get me to learn to eat from a spoon.

Uncle Aaron is out of the hospital and feeling much better. He had a really bad infection in his leg and we are all glad that he is on the mend. We hope that he doesn't do too much too soon. His infection was really scary. If he would have been in the hospital much longer we may have had to share a hospital room when I go in for my surgery.

I have been pretty tired lately which during the day is nice for my mom so she can get her work done. I have been pretty grouchy in the evenings though because I am so tired. Mom and Dad think I have grown a lot over the week. They keep calling me a big girl. We will see this week when I go to my new Doctor. At my 4 month appointment this week they will tell me how much I weigh. Mom is sure I only weigh just over 12 pounds because all my clothes are still huge on me. But I know that I am growing. My mom tells me that I am so cute and calls me pretty baby all the time. I really like that and it is sure to bring a smile to my face when she calls me that.

As you can tell by my picture I can hold my head up really well. I get bored doing it though. I am learning how to sit by myself. I am not very good at it yet but I do try hard. I sit well in my Bumbo chair for about five minutes and then I get angry. I have learned to play by myself for a little while and then I get lonely. I still want to be held a lot. Hello!!! A BEAUTIFUL BABY NEEDS TO BE HELD!!! If everyone would understand this we would have less problems. I went to the Dr. with mom this week so she could have her diabetes checked and all the people at the office told me how pretty I am and what I miracle I am. They were stating the obvious but I still don't mind hearing it.

I have had a full week. Last weekend was my Nana's birthday and I got to play with all my girl cousins and go to Chucki.e Chee.se with Dad. We had tons of fun. Later in the evening we celebrated Nana's birthday with Mexican for dinner. I wanted Nana to wear the pretty sombrero but no one else agreed. We missed Aunt Cari and Uncle Chris at the party but they were playing in Chicago. Maybe they will be at my big Halloween bash at the end of October and I can see them then. I think my cousin Mollie, my Aunt Catie and my Uncle Daniel will be there!! We can't wait to see what everyone wears for costumes to the party.

I will let you all know how my 4 month appointment goes. I heard my mom talking to my dad about shots. I am sure my parents wouldn't put me through that again, seeing as how I threw a fit the last time they did it. I guess if the nurse tries it this time I need to try a different tactic than crying. Hmmm...anyone have any ideas?

So much going on so little time...

So...
I know I am a slacker. Everyone keeps reminding me that at this age (almost 4 months old), I should be more responsible. I need to be updating more often but their is not much time to do that.
My parents used to take my picture ALL THE TIME but now they haven't been doing it quite as often because my world has been so busy.

On Yom Yippur my great grandpa Jerry died. While it was very sad that he passed away I was glad I was able to see him on Labor Day. I wish I had the chance to get to know him better. My mom told me he loved kids. We traveled with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Laura and Carter to Rock I.sland to be with mommy's family. We stayed with Great Aunt Marla and cousin Jacob. I can't wait to be as big as Jacob so I can be a hellion too.

My Uncle Aaron turned 27 on Sunday but we didn't get to have a birthday party for him. Uncle Aaron got really sick on Sunday and on Tuesday he ended up in the hospital with a leg infection. I have been to see him every day. Someone has to entertain him, plus I really miss him. I love him a lot and I hope he gets to come home soon. Mom said he will be there a few more days. I hope everything turns OK. We are going to throw Uncle Aaron a little party at the hospital tomorrow.

Bubbe and Zayde are taking me to services tonight for Simchas Torah. Mom said it is lots of fun and I am going to have a great time. Mom and dad are going with me.
Tomorrow morning Aunt Robyn, Mommy and I are going to walk in "The Race for the Cure". I of course will be traveling in my stroller and mommy is trying to figure out a way for Aunt Robyn to push both mom and I so mom doesn't have to walk. Mom is tired because I have been waking up around four every morning to play. I play by myself as long as I can and then I need someone to play with and that person is Mom.

On Sunday is my Nana's birthday and I bet we are going to do something fun with all of my cousins, aunts and uncles. I can't wait to play with everyone. My Aunt Catie is going to have a baby cousin for me I hope in April. Maybe it will be a boy cousin, that would be a lot of fun to have. I don't have any boy cousins except Carter.

Speaking of my partner in crime, he is really strong and I bet that if we had a wrestling match right now he would be able to pin me. I am not going to tell him he is stronger than me though, I don't want him to get a big head. My cousin Carter sure is cute though. I hope I get to play with him more.

I promise to write more. My Aunt Caroline keeps begging for posts and pictures. The pictures will come soon!!!

Happy New Year to you

My first Jewish New Year.
If I were speaking in tax terms this part of my life would be considered a short-year return! But since I was able to set aside work for a few days and spend time with all my immediate family we don't need to talk about tax terms right now.

Bubbe had 27 people for dinner for erev Rosh Hashanah last Wednesday night. Aunt Caroline came home from Chicago but Aunt Suzanne stayed in Iowa City. She must not love Carter and I. Mom and I helped Bubbe cook a lot of food for that night. We had some extra help too but the person helping us messed up the carrot ring and mommy had to remake it. Bubbe was really tired and upset that it had to be remade. Bubbe made every one's favorite thing for the New Year. Lots of people came to dinner and told me how cute I was. Of course I already knew this however it does wonders for one's self esteem to be told how beautiful you are.

Bubbe invited this crazy lady to her house for dinner and I had to sit by her. Dad had me right in her face and she had on really stinky perfume. Not only did I have to smell that all evening long, she also tried to shove a whole slice of apple with honey on it in my mouth. DIS-GUS-TING!! I couldn't even chew it and the honey just slid down my throat. My dad tried to pull me away quickly but the old lady was sharp, she kept turning my direction.

It was fun to celebrate the New Year because I got held A LOT. Which is exactly the way I like it. People are starting to figure out that I cry if I am not held. Mom nominated Zayde just the other day head of the entertainment committee for me. I can't believe it took these stupid people three and a half months to figure out that I want to be held all the time, even when sleeping.

On Rosh Hashanah I got to spend a little time in the office with my friend while mom and everyone else went to services. I had a nice nap while they were gone. We took a walk later in the day. I like to go for walks because I get to ride in my stroller. I really like to go for walks when mom puts me in the front pack thing but I didn't mind the walk in the stroller.

This weekend I had my pictures taken because I am three months old. Mom and Dad were going to take me to a really cool place to have my pictures taken but it was so expensive so they took me to a big chain store to have them done. I got to wear my Rosh Hashanah dress to pictures. I tried to be good for a little while because I was sure if I smiled then they would leave me alone. No such luck. This nasty lady with crusty teeth kept calling me pretty girl and touching me and it was gross and so I stopped smiling and just laid there. It took the lady quite awhile to realize that I really could not stay sitting up very long even though my parents told her several times I wasn't very good at sitting up for long periods of time. My parents just wanted the pictures to be over and they should be happy that I smiled for a few of them. Maybe if they took me to a nicer play with nicer toys I would have smiled more. Mom said that in December I am going to get my pictures taken with Carter. I don't make any promises to be good.

Dad and I are going to spend some quality time together tonight while mom works. I have been really angry lately and I haven't let mom get much work done unless I am sleeping. The doctor told mom that I might have colic. Maybe I do but I don't care I still want to be held.

If anyone wants to stop by and take a turn holding me. I would be all up for that. Mom is looking for someone to hold me during the night so she can get some sleep!!!

My first wedding

I must say first that I am so busy working at the office that I don't have much time to write but I will produce entries as long as people continue to hold me on demand.

Last weekend I went to Chicago to visit my Aunt Caroline, my friend Rosie and attend my first wedding.


Mom, dad and I drove to Chicago in our "head shlepper" mobile. It was a comfortable ride though I do have to say it took way too long to get there. We got a bit of a late start because we had to fix Bubbe's computer. She broke it while futzing with her photos. Dad fixed it right up but it gave us a pretty late start to Chicago which meant that we hit rush hour traffic. I was screaming in protest the last about two hours. I was so angry and Aunt Caroline sent us on a short cut that wasn't so short. We were in a pretty bad area of town however if I am ever hungry for tacos or burritos I know where to go. We arrived at Aunt Caroline's almost nine hours after we left Bubbe's house. It was crazy. Aunt Caroline made us really good food for Shabbat however I wasn't allowed any. I can to have formula. It won't be long before I get to start on real food.

On Saturday morning we got up and my mom and dad took me for a walk to find something to eat while Aunt Caroline cocked around in her apartment. We tried to take extra long so she would be ready to go to the Lin.coln P.ark Zoo but she still wasn't ready when we arrived back to her place. Mom remembered some really good Jewish deli to have breakfast at from when she used to visit Rosie but we walked and walked and walked and still couldn't find it. Mom needed the exercise anyway so she didn't mind walking. After Aunt Caroline was ready we went to the zoo. My parents and Aunt Caroline had fun at the zoo. i kveltched a lot and then I finally fell asleep. My dad told me about his favorite part which was the polar bears. They had a much bigger swimming pool of polar bears in Chicago than they did at the Om.aha zoo. Mom felt sad for the bear that had mental problems and kept pacing along a log. We saw really pretty flamingos and lots of other animals.

On Saturday afternoon my Bubbe and Zayde arrived to Chicago with my Aunt Robyn. My parents and I drove to the suburbs to meet them at the hotel. Aunt Caroline stayed downtown and slept. We got to the hotel and got all ready to go to Great Aunt Doreen's house for appetizers before the rehearsal dinner. We had just sent Bubbe and Zayde down on the elevator when the lights got REALLY dim. Aunt Robyn and mom wondered what happened and when we got down to the lobby we realized that the hotel lost ALL power and they were on generators. Bubbe and mom thought it smelled like roasted marshmallows outside. It was not a good sign and Bubbe was very angry. Aunt Caroline said she was only going to take a little nap but showed up several hours later. We went to a fun dinner at an Italian place -. The food was pretty good. I had to sit by Zayde's brother Great Uncle Steve. Zayde doesn't talk to him so I had to entertain Uncle Steve all night and I was running out of tricks!!!

On Sunday mom and dad and the whole gang went to Ik.ea. Oh my gosh I was so overwhelmed with all the fun things they had. Mom finally put me in my carrier so I would be happier and then I slept my way through the rest of Ik.ea. Mom and dad bought lots of stuff and so did everyone else. I got to see the pretty silverware my parents bought me when I woke up. I can't use it until I get"real" food they said.

We went to Brent and Susan's wedding on Sunday night. It was beautiful. I slept through the whole ceremony but I got to dance a lot at the party. Great Aunt Doreen carried me around all night and showed me off to all her friends. It was so much fun because I love to be held. Susan looked beautiful. Mom and Bubbe thought it would be really funny to let me try some mango sorbet for dinner. I hated it and I even made an "ucky" face to prove it. I guess I won't be trying that again anytime soon.

Bright and early on Monday morning (Labor Day), we left Chicago for Bubbe Bubbe (mom's grandma's) house. She got to hold me a lot and then she took us to Harris pizza for lunch. My mom and aunts and uncles love Harris pizza, I just slept.

We finally got home from our trip on Monday night and I went right to bed. Mom went and picked up Louie from Bubbe's house. She stayed a little longer so she could give Fred some love. She loves Fred and she is really sad without him. I think she loves me more.

The reunion

Mom is here helping me type tonight. I dictate and she types. I am way too tired to type.

You will have to excuse me if some of the details do not get recorded correctly (mom doesn't listen so well sometimes).

Our trip to the Omaha Zoo last Friday was really fun. We saw all kinds of animals. They had a really neat gorilla exhibit but I felt bad for the animals. Their was a mom gorilla that was holding her baby, just goes to show you that in every species the baby MUST be held on demand. I tried to tell my parents but they still don't think I need to be held ALL THE TIME. We took pictures of Uncle Aaron with the apes. It was hard to tell the difference between the big ape on two legs (Uncle Aaron) and the ones behind the glass. We love Uncle Aaron anyway. Dad took pictures of the flamingo's for mom because I had a very ripe diaper and so mom and I missed the bird area, plus we never knew Aunt Laura is deathly afraid of birds. I tried to tell her I would save her but she just didn't listen. There were lots of other really cool animals at the zoo but I was so tired that day and we needed to get to the reunion that I didn't get to see everything.

After the zoo we went to Nebraska City for my great grandma's family reunion. It was nice to see everyone there and they all commented how cute I was. Mom of course dressed me in cute clothes. Is their any other way? I was kind of crabby over the weekend and I have been drooling a lot. Mom wonders if I am so hungry I am salivating or maybe Bubbe's theory is right and in a few months I will get a tooth and this is the beginning. I know the answer but I'm not telling. We went to the Apple Orchard right by our hotel in Nebraska City. It was the home to Arbor Day. Apparently that is where it first started. We bought lots of tasty treats. I got to stay up really late and play with my cousins at the reunion.

Tonight mom is packing us up for another trip. Tomorrow we are going to stay with Aunt Caroline in Chicago. My cousin Brent is getting married this weekend and we are going up for the wedding. Aunt Caroline has lots of fun things planned for us. She is going to have Shabbos dinner at her house so everyone can meet me. I don't make any guarantee's about being good. I think Aunt Caroline wants to take me to the Lin.coln Park Zoo. I already know all my animals so this will just be review for me. I'm eleven weeks old this week. Doesn't every eleven week old baby know their animals?

We hope Aunt Caroline wants to go to Ikea while we are in Chicago, if not it's very close to the hotel where we are staying the other nights while in Chicago. I am not looking forward to the LONG car trip that I have tomorrow. But I know that my mom and dad will keep me entertained for the entire six hour trip. Too bad Aunt Robyn isn't driving with us this week because she could play with me in the backseat while dad drives. I will see what kind of attention I can get in the car but mom is pretty strict about making me ride in my car seat.

I hope you all have a nice Labor Day weekend. I am going to get to see my Bubbe Bubbe on Monday in Rock Island, IL. Maybe I will even get a little Harris pizza.

My date with Dr. Franks

Last week was quite traumatic for me. I had two doctors appointments in one week. Shots on Monday and an appointment with my surgeon on Friday. I don't mind my surgeon and so that appointment wasn't so bad.

While at my appointment with Dr. Franks he made all kinds of silly sounds at me, he definitely can make me smile!!! He told me I am getting big and strong and instead of having my surgery in May or April my surgery for my mouth is going to be in December or the first week in January. Mary Jo the nurse penciled us in for December 13th, 2007 for a surgery date. My mom and dad are a little scared but Dr. Franks assured us that the sooner we do surgery the less impact I will have. My parents want me to be able to speak well because we all know how important it is in this family to get the last word in!

I am eating well and I am happy I am not on my fatty formula anymore. My tummy is much better. My cousin Carter had to go for his shots this week and he cried when he got his shots too. I was only a little sad when I got the shots in my pochies but I was down right angry when they gave me the oral one. Carter and I are still close in height and weight. On Monday of last week I was 10 lbs 9 oz with no clothes on and on Friday with clothes and a diaper I was straight on the 11 lbs mark. Carter and I are within 1/4 of an inch of each other. I am a little rounder in the face.

My Bubbe and Zayde finally returned from Alaska. I think they had a good time. They bought me a really warm cover for my car seat that has pretty polar bears all over it. Zayde didn't get eaten by a polar bear on his trip but Bubbe did mistake him for a polar bear once while on the cruise. Just kidding Zayde. I am glad they are home but Diane our answering person at the office got used to holding me a lot and I really don't mind it. I can't tell you how nice it is to be held all day long. I am a princess and all so really these people need to be holding me all day and night if I want but for now I will let them rest. I know it's so kind of me, right?

My Aunt Robyn has been wedding dress shopping for lots of weekends already. Last Saturday I got to go. I got bored REALLY fast and so mom and her friend Joy kept me busy with new tiara's. What do you think?

This weekend we are going with the whole family to Nebraska City for a family reunion. It should be interesting. Lots of people pinching my cheeks I'm sure. At least I will be held a lot which of course I love. Tomorrow mom and dad are taking me to the Zoo in Omaha. I might be little but I already know all my animals so this should be a fun trip.

Next weekend I am going to Chicago for a wedding and I am going to stay with my Aunt Caroline. She is going to take me to the zoo in Lincoln Park by her house. I can't wait. I hope we get to do a little shopping too. We'll see.

I have some really sad news to leave you all with, my brother Fred is getting shipped out. My dad says he must go. My brother Fred is going to live with Bubbe. I am really sad because who will lick my face one thousand times a day, and who will stand on my chest when I am trying to sleep, and who is going to poop five or six times a day on my rug??? My mom said I could visit Fred on Sundays. Maybe Bubbe and Zayde can rehabilitate Fred and then I can have him back. Mom and I really love Fred :( We are sad but soon I will be crawling I am pretty sure I don't want to crawl where Fred has been. So in closing we say "good luck to ya Bubbe and Zayde". I hope they can rehabilitate Fred for me!!!

It's been a big week

*** Pictures to follow ***


This week I have been so busy.

On Sunday my parents took me to the Iowa State Fair. It was so hot there and their were lots of stinky people. The temperature was in the nineties, even in the early morning when we were there. Don't you just love my pig ears that I got at the fair? Mom and dad didn't want to stay long because it was so hot outside. We were only there about two and a half hours before I woke up and wanted to go home. Mom and dad were happy I wanted to leave. I got to take the rest of my naps on Sunday in my nice cool house.

On Monday, Mom, Dad and I went to see Dr. R. for my two month check-up and shots. Mom isn't so sure she likes Dr. R. and so I may get a new doctor soon. Mom thinks Dr. R. doesn't take very good care of me. Becky the nurse gave me three shots in my legs which I wasn't very happy about but the worse vaccination I had was one they gave me in my mouth. I really hated that one. Stuff was coming out my nose and I was really angry. Here's a picture of my pochies with the band-aids they gave me. The most exciting part of Monday was that they took me off my fat formula since I have gained enough weight now. My official weight as of Monday was
10 lbs 9 oz.

When we got to the office on Monday the air conditioner was supposed to be fixed because it had broken on Sunday but the guy couldn't fix it. I thought I had pretty awful working conditions before but with no air it was even worse. The office got up to 97 degrees and mom made me go home for the day. Our landlord kept promising that it would be fixed but it wasn't getting fixed. Mom and I had lots of work to do and we were getting really upset. Our air is finally fixed in the office but what is it with these people and their air conditioners. They can't seem to keep them working. A girl needs air!!!

Tomorrow I have another appointment with my mouth doctor. He is going to fix my hole in my mouth in a few months. Mom and dad keep talking about how I will have to learn to drink from a cup a six or so months old. No bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers or fingers. When I have surgery I won't be able to suck until I am all healed. I sure hope I can take my bunny blankie in with me to surgery otherwise I will be scared. My parents told me not to be worried. They will take care of me but I know mom is a little worried about how she will get me to cup drink before my surgery.

Things in my world are pretty good right now. I have been working hard while my Bubbie and Zayde are on vacation. I have a new trick that I am perfecting, I can smile and laugh at people. It's pretty cute and it makes my parents laugh!!

Word to my Bubbe and Zayde

Today I turn 8 weeks old. My mom commemorated the occasion with a picture of me at 8 weeks.

I am continuing to gain weight and I go for my two month check-up at the doctor's office next Monday. Mom and dad hope the doctor stops my fat formula. It makes my tummy hurt really bad and gives me all kinds of gas. It is helping me plump up nice though. My mom put me on the postal scale at the office last week and I weighed close to ten pounds!!!! Look how big I am!

My Bubbe and Zayde are in Alaska right now sleeping with the Caribou. I really do miss them!

My Bubbe told me I am in charge of the office while she is away and I definitely have had to lay down the law with the employees at the office. They don't like my strict guidelines of holding me all day long and last week one employee quit. It's pretty much just mom and me at the office. She called in reinforcement and she (Diane) loves to hold me but has to get work done too. My working conditions are awful. I must be held more. Since my employee's refuse to hold me all day while working I have decided that I will make my parents lives miserable at night by crying and refusing to go to sleep. My mom and dad need a reminder of who runs the show and it surely isn't them!!

My Bubbe and Zayde are far away and my mom told me that on Thursday they are going to do the "Polar Plunge". I think they take off all their clothes and run into the ice cold Arctic water. I bet Zayde gets mistaken for a polar bear!!!!

I wanted to post proof that my cousin Carter is indeed a happy baby and does in fact smile and laugh. I have seen proof before but this side of his family doesn't see him awake AND happy very often!!! This was taken outside the Mexican restaurant this weekend. Apparently Carter likes Mexican. My mom sure can make Carter laugh sometimes!

Not much news here. It is really hot. The air conditioning broke at my house and it has been like a sauna. Mom called the air conditioning people and it took them two days to fix it. My mom gave me lots of cool bathes in the mean time and I really enjoy those. It won't be long before I am swimming in the big kid pool.

I can't wait to spend more time with all my favorite family members. I'm blowing virtual kisses to everyone!!!

My Trip to the Dells

My mom and dad took me on a trip to the Wisconsin Dells.

We had a lot of fun. We stayed at a big resort with lots of water parks called The Wilderness. We got to share a room with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Laura and Carter.

Our trip started out bright and early on Thursday morning. Mom and dad packed up all of our gear and we headed out to Uncle Robert and Aunt Princess' house. We met up with Grandma Kathy, Grandpa David, Uncle Aaron, Aunt Laura, Carter and the Ball boys. The boys all got together and nailed down the trip route. Uncle Aaron forgot Carter's stroller and so they had to go back to there house because I sure wasn't riding with him in my stroller for my whole vacation.

We took three cars to the Dells. Mom, Dad and I went in our van, Aunt Laura and Uncle Aaron in their car and the rest in the Balls van. We had so much stuff it looked like we were moving out of our homes. We thought about opening a grocery store with all the food we brought. Mom and dad wanted to open up the back of the van at the first rest area and see what they could sell. We didn't do that but we had plenty of opportunities to. We had to stop several times so I could stretch my legs and so Carter could eat. The scenery on the way to the Dells was interesting. I slept most of the way so I was rested when we got to the Dells. Dad, Uncle Aaron and Uncle Robert had walkie talkies to play with so we could all talk to each other on the trip.

The first night we were in the Dells we went to this funny place called Moo.sejaw Pizza. They had these silly cars with a Moose on top of them. The pizza was pretty good and I slept well because it was noisy.

The next day we played at the water parks a lot. There were lots of fun things to do but I wasn't quite big enough to play in the water. I got a lot of good naps in at the Wilderness. Grandma Kathy and Grandpa David held me lots and played with Carter and I. I had a couple of special visitors on Friday. Mom's friend Rosie and her mom Fran came up to see me and Carter. They got us some really nice gifts and it was fun to play with them. Rosie swam with mom and dad while Fran went to Ho-Chunk to gamble. I hope she won lots of money.

We all did a lot of swimming while we were at the Wilderness. They boys got to play together tons and I think everyone had fun together. I especially enjoyed bedtime when Aunt Laura put on Carter's womb bear. It made nice sounds and even made mom and dad really tired.

Here's a picture of me in my swimming suit and cover-up. Mom didn't want me to get burned on our vacation. I was trying to have a conversation with Carter when someone snapped this picture of me. Our vacation was lots of fun and I hope next year we get to go again so I can actually play in the water.

We left Wisconsin Dells yesterday after a trip through the rest of the city. Mom and Dad want to come back next year and see some of the other things in the area. It's very tourist-y mom said but it looks like we will be able to have lots of fun there in the future.

The ride home was really long and I was sure that we were never going to get home. We had yummy ribs on the way home at Hickory P@rk. I finally arrived home to my bed around ten o'clock I think. I was happy to be home but didn't want to go to sleep. My parents were praying that I would go to bed but every time I would shut my eyes for a few minutes I would wake myself up. Little did they know I was dreaming of the great big water slide that they made mom get on. I was scared for her and every time I went to sleep the thought of it woke me up. I hope next year to go on some of the baby slides.

I can't wait to go again next year!!

We are going to the Wilderness

Our weekend was so much fun. I had lots of company and I think I got to spend time with everyone who came to see me.

We went to dinner with Great Aunt Doreen and Aunt Caroline on Friday night. They had Italian and I had a bottle. It was pretty good. My cousin Carter was there. He got sad right before dinner came so he got to go outside with Uncle Aaron. My mommy tried to help but Carter was really sad. He got a little better toward the end of the meal but they still had to leave a little early.

On Saturday my Bubbe's friends had a party for Carter and I. It was lots of fun. The noise in the party room was at a roar, just the way I like it. Perfect for a nice long nap. I was a good baby throughout the whole shower. My mom let my Aunt's Cari and Catie hold me first. Aunt Catie had been waiting a long time to hold me. Some people at my party were baby hogs and they didn't want to pass me around but mommy came and told people to take turns. I got a lot of really nice presents. I love my new stroller and my swing. I like to look at myself in my swing mirror as I glide past the birds and leaves that hang from above me. I got lots of really good books at my party too. My mom and dad have been reading to me. I love books and apparently so does my big brother Fred. He ate my Brown Bear, Brown Bear book that my mom bought me.

On Saturday night I spent time with my cousins Abbi and Mollie. My other cousin Ashley was already asleep. I had to stay up really late so everyone could hold me. Aunt Cari even got to feed me and she did such a good job. I didn't barf on her like I did on my Aunt Robyn last Friday. Sorry Aunt Robyn about that, I guess I need a new party trick.

On Sunday I went to breakfast with my whole family. Aunt Caroline and Great Aunt Doreen had to drive back to Chicago but not before taking LOTS of pictures of me and of Carter too. My dad promised to send the pictures to Aunt Caroline but we have been to busy packing for our trip.

Tomorrow we are going on a long drive to the Wisconsin Dells. We are going with lots of people and I hope we have lots of fun. I want to learn how to swim in the pool. My mom hopes I am good in the car. I don't know how it is possible for me to be bad when she has packed enough gear for ten armies to travel. My mom is crazy! We are sharing a room with Carter. I hope he cries a lot so I get a good night sleep. I like a lot of noise.

I am going to go take a nap. I hope all my aunts, uncles, cousins, bubbe, zayde, nana, papa and all my friends are having a good week.

Lots of Excitement

We have all kinds of exciting things going on in my life right now.
I already told you that a few of my aunts that I don't get to see very often will be in town for my party this weekend. My Aunt Catie will be here from Minnesota and my Aunt Caroline and GREAT Aunt Doreen will be here from Chicago. I am looking forward to spending time with them.

Yesterday my daddy got a new job. Mom and I are so excited for him because he will be working out west and will be making more money to pay for diapers and formula. I'm expensive. We went out for dinner last night at a fancy place. The food looked really good but I just had formula. Aunt Aaron, Aunt Laura and Carter helped us celebrate.

Later last night I overheard my dad tell my mom that my Aunt Robyn might be calling later. When my mom pressed him he said that he had helped Uncle Jason with a plan. We knew right away that Uncle Jason was going to propose. I waited and waited for Aunt Robyn to call but she didn't and finally I got so tired around six o'clock this morning I fell asleep. My parents were really happy that I fell asleep so they went to bed too. My Aunt Robyn called us at 6:15 this morning to tell all of us that she and Uncle Jason were engaged. Mom was really excited but probably wasn't to enthusiastic on the phone because she was so tired. I can't wait until Uncle Jason and Aunt Robyn get married. Mom got together some planning stuff for Aunt Robyn and put it in a pretty bag for her!

I am still eating well, I gobble down my food. I finally stopped throwing up for the most part. I think I might be figuring out how to eat out of my new bottles. I just get so excited that I forget to breathe. Mom and dad are helping me learn how to eat with my special bottles.

Tonight dad and I are going to have an evening alone. Mom and Bubbe are going to a cooking class and dad is going to pick me up at the kitchen store so we can have a night out on the town. I'm not sure what dad has planned but I think it may involve burping and farting. Don't tell mom she would be sad.

I'll let you all know next week how my party goes on Saturday.

My Fat Formula

Today my mom and I went to the doctor.
The doctor drives my mom nuts with my weight. Today when we went for our weight check we were thinking heavy thoughts and we knew everyone in the family was rooting for me to be heavy.
My weight today was 8 lbs 8.5 oz!!!!!! I gained 9 ozs in a week and I don't have to go back to that stinky doctors office until my two month appointment in three weeks!

Mom and I went and got more "magic" bottles at the hospital that our favorite feeding specialist set aside for us. My parents must really love me because those bottles are as expensive as 14kt gold. Our new bottles that are working so well for me are called pigeon bottles. I am really glad my parents found them because they help me eat. Mom laughed when we picked up our supply of bottles because the packaging and all the directions are in Japanese. How are we supposed to read that, I barely know english.

I will still be on my "fat formula" until my two month doctors appointment. Mom calls it fat formula because it is supposed to help me get fat. My dad really wants to get rid of it because it makes me throw up sometimes. It is really heavy in my tummy, but it helps me win the gas blowing contests against my dad. Boy can I toot with the best of them.

Mom and I are looking forward to our shower with Aunt Laura and Carter on Saturday. I can't wait to meet everyone. Dad is going to go do boy things with Uncle Aaron and "Uncle" Robert. Uncle Robert isn't my real uncle but I love him anyway because he likes to hold me and kiss my head. He is going to go swimming with us in the Dells when mom and dad take me on vacation. Uncle Aaron, Aunt Laura, Carter, and my Aunt Princess, Uncle Robert, their boys and also Grandma Kathy and Grandpa David are all going with me to the Dells. I can't keep track of who all these people are and how I am related to all of them. I think they belong to me but so many people hold me I forget who everyone is. I remember my mom and dad.

On Saturday my furry brother Fred is going to get some boot camp training. Mom says he better shape up otherwise Fred is getting shipped out. I don't know what that means but my furry brother Louie told me we all better be on our best behavior or we are kicked out of the house. Louie says mom means business. Now that Fred is "healed" from whatever it was that was causing his accidents we know Fred is faking it. The boot camp trainer is coming early on Saturday before my party. I'll let you all know if Fred gets kicked out of the house.

I better get back to work. Bubbe says I need to work hard and these last few weeks I have been working hard on eating, I guess I better learn a new trick.

Yep, I have been slacking a bit at getting my blog updated. Dad and mom have been busy running me here and there.

Tuesday I went to the doctor again to check my weight. I was 7 pounds 15.5 ounces. Evidently I have to go back again this Tuesday to check yet again. My mommy went to the hospital to get some parts for my special bottles that I use, and met with a feeding specialist. Boy an I glad that she did. We got a bunch of tips and tricks and she even got us a special bottle that works MUCH MUCH better. Mom and Dad used to take 1 1/2 to 2 hours to try and get 2 - 3 ounces down me. I would be so tired that I wouldn't eat so well. This new bottle is so much easier for me. It took some training, but both Mom and Dad can get me fed a lot easier and quicker. I can plow through 3-4 ounces in 30 -45 minutes.

Saturday I got to go to my first Farmer's Market downtown. It was fantastic. My mommy found some very cute bows that will actually stay in my hair really well. She took a look at how they were constructed and went out and bought supplies to make them herself as well. My mommy is soooo smart.

Sunday, my cousin Carter (pictured left) had a baby dedication at his grandma's church. Afterwards we all went back to Carter's grandparent's house and hung out. They had lots to eat and everyone got to hold me and say how cute I am.

Sunday night, Mom and Dad had to go to some leadership meeting, and I got to spend the evening at Bubbie and Zadie's house. I cannot talk about what happened there, because what happens at Bubbie and Zadie's, stays at Bubbie and Zadie's.

Hopefully I will have gained some weight tomorrow. I am thinking heavy thoughts.........

Nap Time

So here is what nap time looks like sometimes at our house. Mom is the photographer, and my two dogs are cashed out on the bed with me. They are the bestest furry brothers!

On Tuesday the 3rd I headed to the doctor for a quick weigh-in and I have gained 6 ounces. Currently I am sitting around 7 pounds 12 ounces. Mom and Dad have been mixing my formula rich to promote weight gain. We have another weigh-in tomorrow, so we are hoping for continued weight gain.

This weekend I slept in with Mom on Saturday while Dad did some chores around the house. He mowed my yard and did some work on the gutters as well. Afterwards, Dad headed out to watch some movie called "Transformers" on Saturday with Aaron and Robert (Carter's Uncle). Mom and I went to Sarah (Carter's Aunt) house and met Laura and Carter there. We hung out and did girl stuff.

Sunday I got to go to Dad's favorite store: Home Depot!!! Mom kept saying something about it being a record, because we were in and out in less than 20 minutes. Dad bought me a shower curtain rod to replace the glass doors in the bathroom upstairs. He says it will make it a lot easier to give me baths in the tub. I can't wait for that!

We had dinner at Bubbie and Zadie's house after the shopping. Quite an exciting evening.

Today I got to go to work with Mom. I will leave you with a picture of us working together at the office. I like to dictate as she types my emails:

Welcome to my blog

So here I am in all of my 7 pound 9 ounce glory. Let me introduce myself. I am Isadora Madeleine. I am new to blogging, so my dad and mom are helping me get things going. I want to use this blog to keep in touch with my family and let them know how things are going in my life. I am lucky to have quite a bit of family in town, but I also have some that live out of state.

A little bit about me and my family. I was born on June 12th at 5:55PM. I came with a pretty full head of hair. We were born in Iowa at the big Hospital. Both Mom and Dad were tearful as I made my grand entrance. They tell me my Mom does stuff with taxes, and my Dad does something with computers. I sleep, eat, and make Mom and Dad change my diapers. I have what is called a soft-cleft palate. It's kinda like the hole between my nasal cavity and my throat, in the soft fleshy area, never closed. Mom and Dad took me to a fantastic specialist and they said something about a surgical procedure in 9-10 months or so. Mom and Dad told me everything will be ok, so I am not going to worry about it now.

My first few weeks were pretty much a blur. Dad took off two weeks of work to spend time with Mommy and me. My parents sure are on the go! I have gotten to know my car seat pretty well, and at times I get REALLY sick of it. I spend much of my days sleeping, and often times I can sleep for 3-4 hours at a time during the night. I have had quite a few visitors, and our phone sure rings a lot! Thanks for all of the clothes, toys, and well wishes that you have sent me!

Mom and Dad got a new (well, new to them) mini-van just for me. It makes loading me up and heading out much easier. They tell me that we will be taking a trip to the Dells (wherever that is) in a few weeks. We will be going with my Uncle and his in-laws.

I hear that my Mom is going to be taking me to work with her. Dad's boss, although he thinks I am cute, said that it might be best for me to not come to work with him.

That's all I have for now. I hopefully will update this quite frequently.

Izzie