Safe Kids Fair

This year we decided to go to the Safe Kids Fair, and I think we will go again. The kids had a good time, and it was free which makes it even better. We learned about fire safety and the kids got to sit in the fire truck. They got to sit in a helicopter too. Carissa and Gabe even got to get they faces painted. Gabe also got to have a picture with some Star Wars characters. We also got to watch a Karate demonstration, and afterwards Carissa and Gabe both got to learn how to break boards with their hands. Carissa took a couple tries and Gabe broke the board on his first try.

Ear infections all around

So, we had scheduled an appointmaent to have Gabe's stitches out a week after he got them. But, the day before (Sunday) Gabe woke up complaining about his ear. He had a cold for almost a week at that point so I thounght it was probably an ear infection. Kira had also been pretty grumpy with a runny nose. So I decided to call first thing in the morning to see if we could get Gabe and Kira checked out at the same time as Gabe's stitches, so I didn't have to go to the doctor over and over. Gabe had an ear infection and Kira had a double ear infection (her first one). Then by Thursday Carissa started complaining about her ear. So we went to the doctor again on Friday, and she had had an ear infection too.

Then on Monday Ben was diagnosed with strep throat. It was crazy, and I managed to stay mostly healthy throughout it all.

Crazy day

First of all, I dropped Gabe off with my Mom and then headed to the doctor with Carissa and Kira. They both had check ups, and Kira had vaccines as well. Check ups went well, both girls are healthy and doing well. Carissa is 45 lbs. (13th percentile) and 45.5 inches (23rd percentile). And, we have the option to try medicine if we want, since Carissa is still wet every night. Kira is 15 lbs. 15 oz. (49th percentile) and 26.25 inches (60th percentile). Kira took her binky when it was time for her shot, and she didn't make a sound or move. She did awesome and didn't fuss at all.

Then we went to pick up Gabe, and visit for a minute. My mom said that right after we left Gabe hit his head while on the trampoline, and she initially thought he may need stitches. But, then she thought maybe it was more of a scratch after cleaning him up. So, she wanted me to look at it before we left since it had a bandaid on it. When we took the band-aid off, I decided it was worth at least having the doctor look at it.

As soon as the doctor saw Gabe, he said it looked like he would need about 2 stitches. He ended up getting 3 stitches. I held Gabe's hands and talked to him through the numbing shots, and cleaning. He was very upset about it, and I really felt bad for him. Then the doctor started to try stitches and Gabe said it hurt. The doctor got the numbing shot again. I started to feel like I was going to pass out, and thought I need to get to the floor and say someting. Then I woke up.

I was standing and holding Kira when I passed out, so I was really worried about her being hurt. Apparently, I held her really well and kind of squated down before I tipped over. She was scared but ok. I think I scared Gabe even more too. So, we're all ok, but my lower neck really hurts because I hit it when I fell.

Seven!

I really can't believe that Carissa is 7 already! I feel like if I blink she will be driving and moving out. I also don't feel old enough to have a 7 year old, but that is another story. 7 years ago I spent 18 hours in labor waiting to meet my baby girl. We had a bit of a rough start to things after that, but we made it through. And, Carissa has turned into a beautiful, bright, caring little lady. She is an awesome big sister, and way more responsible than she needs to be. Sometimes she needs a little reminder to enjoy being a kid. But, she also loves playing outside and in. She is also turning into quite the little artist.

Appointment with School Psychologist

I set up a meeting with the School Psychologist at Gabe's school for today. I wanted to just kind of chat with her about what we could do to help Gabe in school and what kind of resources are available. Really, as far as academics are concerned he is doing fine. But, he does have some trouble spots with transitions, controlling his body, boundaries, and he may start seeing a speech pathologist. Gabe frequently uses descriptions instead of the names of things. And, that can lead to some very long and sometimes frustrating conversations. For example, the other day instead of saying the kitchen counter, he told me "where we put the dirty dishes." Another time he didn't know what the dishwasher basket for bottles pieces was called. So he told me, "it is green and white and it is on top of the thing that makes the things with yummy stuff inside that you put frosting on." The basket was on top of our toaster oven which we use to make toaster strudels.

For now, we will hold off on doing an evaluation of Gabe through the school until he is 6. But, we are going to continue working on boundaries, and following directions. Also, the School Psychologist is going to observe Gabe in class and work with his teacher too. It is really great the we got to have this meeting today with the Psychologist, and Gabe's teacher, and Ben and I were both able to go as well. Working together hopefully, we can help Gabe with his challenges.

Christmas

I'm a little behind on this. Anyway, we spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house and we opened up presents from each other there that night. We had dinner, and played a game as well. It was a lot of fun, and the kids loved their presents. I think this year is the most excited Gabe has ever been waiting for Christmas and also in getting his presents. He loved his presents, and was more excited with each one. We celebrated Christmas morning at home, which was nice. Again, the kids were very happy with their presents and were even very excited about the new tooth brushes that Santa put in their stockings and they couldn't wait to brush their teeth. Kira enjoyed chewing on her new toys, clothes, or anything she could grab. She had a nice first Christmas, which included a huge blowout in her fancy Christmas clothes on Christmas Eve right after we finished opening presents. I had to give her a bath. That is what I get for dressing up my baby.

Christmas Eve


Christmas morning

Visit with Family from CA

About a week before Christmas, my Aunt and Uncle and 2 cousins came to visit. We had a big family dinner with everyone who lives in Salt Lake area and them at my parents house. Carissa and Gabe had lots of fun playing with Kailee. And Carissa and Kailee even got to have a sleep over together before they left.