Howdy, Pilgrim

"Mom, when can WE ride the Pilgrims?" Though Elena has learned about Thanksgiving from preschool and from us, she still doesn't seem to have a grasp on the concept. I assume she's somehow mixing up our upcoming Disneyland trip with the excitement of the Thanksgiving holiday. She has been battling illness for about a week with a fever for a couple of days and now, a sinus and ear infection. We're hoping the antibiotics knock it all out and the rest of us can stay healthy for the trip we've been anticipating for almost a year now. Elena can't stop talking about Disneyland (though she has zero idea what to expect) and wants to fly in teacups, meet Ariel and Cinderella and watch Daddy run to the Nemo ride (so he can secure our place in line). Honestly, we're all so excited to go, we can barely contain ourselves.

Michael started eating sweet peas and has a mean case of cradle cap. And with that bit of 'over-share,' he will be ashamed forever. Actually, Michael did have a follow up with Dr. Ciricillo (pediatric neurosurgeon) to complete the assessment of his spine. He does not appear to have the tethered cord and it does indeed look like the pilonidal cyst they told us. But he said if he has trouble potty training by three or we notice some trouble when he starts to walk (because one foot is a little turned in), we'll re-assess. All it really seems to mean is that they'd give him some orthodics for the foot and check his spine again at three-ish if we notice trouble. I guess cords can become tethered over time, but Ciricillo repeated that this isn't something to worry about. It is correctable and Michael should be the beast of an athlete Daddy thinks he'll be.
So in the spirit of the season, I can tell you, I am very grateful.

Rub a dub buggy

Sweet Michael is outgrowing his baby bath tub and as soon as he can sit up, he will join his sister in the big kid bath tub. In the meantime, we captured a couple of these bathtime memories. He also started sweet potatoes this week and as you'd expect, sucked 'em down with energy. He is 'talking' up a storm these days with lots of 'aaaas' and 'pffffs' and constant giggles. He really did complete this family perfectly with his big belly and lots of big love.

Fall into Fall

Stooges

Our little stooges are the source of many chuckles around here... Michael just loves his big sister and her hilarious antics.












A quick update - Michael is eating rice cereal as of November 1 (and had ZERO learning curve. The kids opens his mouth right when the spoon is near. Big shocker. :)) and is getting closer to sitting up. Elena has moved up in her gymnastics class and is eagerly awaiting our trip to Disneyland in a few weeks. Our house is all a buzz with anticipation and giggles these days.

And one last sweet moment, courtesy of Elena. I took her to the opening of the Make A Wish Wishing Place (where I volunteer some time) and she said this about kids who are sick... Get ready. It's an 'awww...'

"Those kids must've eaten too much ice cream. Thanks goodness I eat broccoli."

Thank goodness indeed, sweet La.

Doc Lloren

Friday was a tough day with a four-month appointment for Michael and a four-year appointment for Elena. I went in with my list of questions for both and was reassured that they are both growing well and are healthy kids. Michael weighs in at 17 lbs., 1 oz., and is 27 1/4 inches long (90% in weight and more than 100% in height) and Elena is about 39 lbs. and 41 1/2 inches tall (76% in weight and 80% in height). I asked Dr. Lloren about a suggestion someone gave us about Michael seeing a pediatric neurosurgeon to gain a second opinion about his tush thing. He agreed and Michael has an appointment near the end of the month - let's hope that ends it once and for all.

The appointment was a long one and ended with four shots for Elena (two in each arm) and three for Michael (two in one leg and one in the other) and these didn't include the flu shot or the H1N1 (that the kids may or may not get). I'm not sure that doctor's office has ever heard such screams as they heard from Elena that day. She was simply appalled with the pain of the shots, then cried in sympathy for her brother and continued crying for the better part of an hour, shrieking that "she couldn't move her arms." The Jamba Juice alleviated this a bit, but not much. Our sweet drama queen. We also took our Christmas photos this last weekend and though they have nothing to do with this entry, I am adding a sampling of them because they're fun and I didn't take pictures at Good ol' Doc Lloren's office. Can you imagine why?

.