Today is My Birthday

And I have much to be thankful for. Lilah's surgical repair (2 weeks ago today) is a success! We did have a couple complications--her incision opened prematurely and, while in the hospital, her sleeping heartbeat dropped very low. So, after an urgent trip to the surgeon's office and stopping by cardiology for a portable monitor, which she wore for 24 hours, we are back on track. She had a pre-op appointment today and the surgeon is very happy with the repair and her healing and she should have no need for further intervention.

We are done with surgeries!! Every one has been an awesome success. That was the best birthday present I've ever received!

While my big girls were at the Y with Nana, Lilah and I baked one of my favorites--Blueberry Nectarine Crisp.

Flowers and books--this Mama is spoiled.

My cake. Beautiful and very girlie--I picked it out myself and really impressed my little princesses.

Dinner tonight: roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn. Yummy. And then a Game of Life. It's my favorite and I insisted on a family game of it tonight.

Where someone. . .

got married.

The 4th, Birthdays, Surgery, General Chaos

The 4th of July and smores.

At Sea World for Maddie's birthday.

As Ava and I wait for the Manta roller coaster.

A little attitude.

All aboard!

We celebrated Lilah's birthday on Maddie's birthday because two days later. . .

We checked in for surgery.

Two days post-op.

Hey, they keep this hospital pretty chilly.

I'll take spaghetti anywhere I can get it.

We're free! Checked out 3 days post-op.

And had a little celebration for Lilah's birthday because. . .

She was well enough to enjoy it.

What We've Been Doing This Week

We went to Urban Jungle.

Maddie and Ava were old enough to rock climb.

Ava loved it.

Maddie, too.

But Ava really loved it.

And would like to do it again sometime, for real.

Sea World. Ava wanted to ride by herself,

but Lilah had to ride with Mommy.

It rained on us,

but we were still smiling.

Today we went to the park--July 4th Eve.

They weren't happy about leaving, but still had a little love for Mommy.

Especially when she accidentally closed her bottom in the automatic door.

We also did a lot of swimming, packed a mini shopping spree into one day--Maddie's birthday present--that girl can shop. Glad I also taught her to save and give and hunt down a good deal. Tomorrow it's BBQ and Sunday, Maddie's birthday, we will fit in an outing and ribs.

Hookie

Today was one doctor visit too many--only one today, because my sweet babe has a sinus infection just 12 days before surgery--but 7 doctor visits in two weeks. . .

And my little girl has had enough. . .lots of questions about why does she have to take the gross-tasting medicine, why does she have to go to the doctor so much, why does she have to have surgery. . .she wanted, needed to get away from it all (don't we all sometimes?). . .and so we did.

And my girl found joy in the simple things, as children should. . .

. . .in seashells and sand between her toes. . .

And we didn't leave until she was smiling again, though I know those questions are still in there, my answers not good enough because right now no answer is.

Kindergarten Graduation!

Her face in the crowd.

The hand-off was quick.

Then onto the cookie social.

Lilah with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Shinsky (whom we love).

Sisters forever.

With Nana.

With Mommy.

Balloons and shoes:)

Home but still celebrating (after lunch at Soup Plantation at her request).