Mother musings.....

So, summer is winding down. We are going to North Carolina next week. Our last trip of the summer. At least summer will last a little longer for us. Carmen starts preschool when we return. I really am such a child with my daughter. I get so caught up in each stage that she moves into. I know that this is just pre-school and that she isn't really "in school" but, who cares. I still feel like her first day of school is coming and I am so excited. She is too. We have been looking at lunch bags and I am excited to get her some "school clothes". Really, any excuse to shop and live vicariously through my daughter is a good one.
School is going to be so fun for her. She is such a social little thing. She is so eager to learn everything she can. She is so smart and full of a wonderful zest for life. I know school will give her an outlet that she can grow and evolve in a way that is different than home, ya know.
Joel keeps shaking his head and laughing at all the things he can imagine she is going to be teaching other kids and learning form other kids. He says he can't wait to see what she will bring home.
I was just saying to a friend of mine that I still don't feel like a mom yet. I mean when does that come? I feel like a person along for the most exciting, thrilling, maddening, horrifying, amazing, hilarious, exhausting, beautiful, satisfying, and blessed journey of my life. I feel extremely privileged (and confused) that God allowed me to take part in such an amazing life.
What was He thinking!? I mean ME?! C'mon, He must really have a weird sense of humor right?! Oh well,I think I will just buckle up, hold on tight , not to tight I don't want to strangle her(not today anyway) and enjoy the ride!
Thanks for letting me ramble on.....

Carmen's surgery

So, things went really well for her surgery. In case you have missed it Carmen was diagnosed with VUR or Kidney reflux in the right kidney last year. She has been on a low grade antibiotic since last summer. We went in July for her follow-up and found it hadn't gotten better and it was now in both kidneys. So, we opted for a Minimal Invasive Surgery(MIS) I have attached a video link at the bottom that explains it all. Anyway, Children's in Seattle had a last minute cancellation so we were able to get in right away instead of waiting 2 months. Carmen is such a trooper. I was more nervous than her. She loves Children's because she gets so much specialized attention. And, we all know how modest she is.
I didn't cry until they brought her out of recovery. I thought I was holding up well but, when I saw her I realized just how stressed I was. She was just excited to get the orange Popsicle. Children's was so great. They gave Gillian a Popsicle too just for coming and supporting Carmen. They gave us her gas mask to take home. Last time she got a Dora match game to take home too. Amazing!
The one thing I came away with is just how wonderfully blessed we are that we have something that is fixable. Being at Children's really makes me thank God daily for the beautiful, healthy family I have been given.
http://www.empowereddoctor.com/media_143.html

It's a little hairy

So, I have a new obsession. Hair Blogs! I love them. Some people are so creative it is amazing. Since I haven't found any copyright laws written I assume that they are free for us all to enjoy. So, I have been testing them out. Now this is pretty new for me since i haven't ever done anything creative in the ways of hair. I have thick curly hair and I hate it so, I have never learned how to deal with hair. This comes as a really big disadvantage when my precious daughter has thin, straight as a board hair. So, I went searching and what to my wandering eyes should appear? Hair Blogs! Tada! Hallelujah, praise the Lord!!! So, I love doing her hair now. I have always "done" her hair so she is used to having it messed with but, she fights it sometimes. I bribe her with morning cartoons. Here is one of my first attempts at braiding. I love knots and do them often. But, this day I decided to to braid the end ponies. Not very smooth but, still cute.

Swmin Lessons

Carmen started swim lessons today. She enjoyed it when it was just the kids together. Then it was time to go out on her own.

Ok I can do this...

Or not...(noticed the grip on the shoulder)

Not the back! Seriously! Not the backkkkk......

Are we having fun yet?As Ncole said this is to learn not have fun. Right?

We still have 9 more days to go!

Funny, she always seemed to enjoy the water before.

Family reunion

So, for the 4th this year we had a family reunion. It was so nice to get to meet alot of Joel's family that I haven't met yet. It was in Eastern Washington and so fun. I really enjoyed the heat and visiting. They were going to float the river but it was too high and fast. So, instead we swam in the park that is right on the river and Joel's cousin Chad brought his boat. Everyone took turns going tubing. Sand, Sun, and Family, what could be better. The girls got to ride Aunt Diane's horse and I am still hearing about that one. Carmen had her first experience on a Slip-n-Slide. Too funny! Lots of games and food and S'mores. We had such a good time!