Pumpkin Patch

This past Sunday we took our annual trip to Treinen Pumpkin Patch. It is one of my favorite things we do as a family. This year our friend Blythe was in town from Kansas. Her daughter Marlow and her mom were able to join us for a trip through the corn maze and pumpkin picking. It was a beautiful fall day. Emily did a great job picking out pumpkins for everyone. We are planning on painting them before Halloween. I am already looking forward to next year!

Marlow and Em leading the corn maze

At the top of the big tower

Eliza's surgery

On Wednesday September 11th we took Eliza to American Family Children's Hospital to have ear tubes put in and her adenoids taken out. After several months and routine ENT check ups it was decided that there had been too many ear and sinus infections and surgery was the answer to helping Eliza. Kevin and I thought about it for awhile. I talked with many of my friends whose children had had the procedure done. Every single one of them said they would do it again. So we decided to move forward.

In the days leading up many people asked how I was doing with everything. And the truth of the matter is I was relieved that we were hopefully at the end of all of the infections and antibiotics. I wanted Eliza to feel better and not have to take all of the medication. I think that Kevin and I were both very at peace with our decision.

Eliza did go under general anesthesia for the procedure. Children's Hospital was phenomenal in their preparation of us. They fully explained everything to us several different times. I was able to carry Liza back into the OR and hold her while the anesthesiologist administered a grape flavored mask. After I helped lay her on the table I was escorted out of the OR. There was never a doubt in my mind that I was leaving her in the best capable hands. There was also never a doubt that the surgery would be anything but positive.

Coming out of the anesthesia was a little tough for Liza. But after some pain meds and liquids she opened her eyes. The procedure itself took about 45 minutes or so. We were probably at the hospital for about 4 hours total. Liza slept most of the day Wednesday. She required a lot of snuggling and rocking Thursday morning but by Thursday afternoon she was back to playing and eating crackers.

Now that we are a week later she is back to being her sassy little self. I am hopeful that having the surgery will bring positive results so we can stop seeing the pediatrician and pharmacist so much. Only time will tell.

Resting post surgery with Daddy

Her IV was placed in her foot for comfort

On the way home

Thursday afternoon 

What throat pain? Eating crackers Thursday afternoon

Labor Day On the Pontoon

Pontoon by Little Big Town has long been one of Emily's favorite songs. It is a catchy song that she has been singing every since it came out. She actually used to refer to it as the Motor boating song but has since started calling it Pontoon. Anyways our neighbors, the Rahn's, invited us and a bunch of other neighbors to go pontooning on Labor Day. To say that Emily was excited is an understatement. She was so excited she talked about it for days. When out on the water all young ones have to wear a life vest at all times. At first I was concerned how Eliza would do with this. When we went to purchase a life vest for her she got very upset when we took it off and became very attached to it.

The morning of Labor Day started out chilly and Angie even considered calling it off. Emily would have been crushed if we called it off. Thankfully we didn't and it ended up being a beautiful day. Many even got into the water. Both girls had a great time (despite some of the faces Liza is making in the pictures). Emily still talks about being on the pontoon. It was by far one of the best Labor Days for us in a while.

Stopped at Chisty's Landing for a potty break and a snack

Played in the sand at Christy's

Eliza wasn't so sure about the water

Emily was so brave walking on the sandbar

Warming up after fun in the water

Turned out to be a gorgeous day on the lake

One tuckered out baby 

August

August has been a busy month for us. We have been able to catch up with old friends, attend a couple of Brewers games, go to a couple of concerts, enjoy the Wille Family reunion, and soak up as many trips to the park as we can. The girls are doing great. Emily loves dancing and jumping around. She is contently saying Mommy Look At Me! She loves showing off her new tricks. Emily is also learning so much at daycare. She loves to share all of the new things she knows about with is. She has become a pretty smart cookie and I am so grateful to our daycare for their love, patience, and teachings. Eliza is all over the place. Her favorite thing to do is to climb up on anything and everything. She has started to play with toys more and is a pretty happy kiddo. Liza loves playing peek a boo and has started blowing kisses. She knows that once you put your shoes on it is time to go to the door and leave. I love the age that she is at right now. As hectic as things can be, we are very very blessed.

Scooter Time

New favorite toy 

Hot Brewer Fun 

We found Mickey at the Brewer game! 

Playing with Papa

Eliza's new favorite spot. 

Liza Lou at the Wille Reunion

Relaxing after a game of Bingo at the reunion 

Mommy Look at me!! 

Busy with my phone

Summer Fun

We have been enjoying the spectacular weather this summer. It is so refreshing to have the temps be a little cooler then last summer so we can enjoy the outdoors. In the last several weeks we have spent time taking walks, going to the park, playing in the pool, enjoying neighborhood parties, celebrating birthdays with friends and family, and watching the girls grow.

Emily is definitely a three year old. She is learning a lot. Every week in the summer at daycare they learn about a new animal. She comes home full of information about lions, toucans, elephants, and zebras. She has been taking swimming lessons this summer through Tanya's. At first she was very hesitant but now she is the first one to volunteer to jump in. She is going to be a little water bug in no time. Emily has also become very particular about her preferences. When she doesn't like something we hear about it. She is all about finding what the boundaries are and figuring out just how much freedom she has. Some of her favorite things to do include riding her new scooter (sort of), climbing the monkey bars at the park, singing songs, and pretending.

Eliza is growing up fast. She loves to run around and be anywhere her sister is. She carries around a baby doll a lot of time which is pretty cute. Liza has started becoming a little more selective with her food choices. Which isn't a bad thing as she used to eat anything in sight. She make a lot of noises but no real words yet. She does say mama and dada. She has started using the sign for more and all done which make things a little easier.She has become a pretty good listener and can bring you certain things that you ask for. Eliza can be a little accident prone. Often when we pick her up from daycare she has a bump or  bruise of some sort. All part of getting bigger. She has started sleeping on a sleeping bag at daycare and is doing really well with it. She is still fairly little for her age so it sometimes feel like she is ahead of the game but she is right where she is supposed to be.

Outdoor snack time

Scootin on my Scooter

Relaxing at the pool 

Sisterly love