Update

So, the doctor confirmend it is in fact a reaction to the immunization, and cellulitis. So, we started her on benadryl and will start antibiotics tomorrow if it doesn't get any better. At least now we have it documented so she will no longer need to get this immunization anymore.

Obvious Immunization Reaction

Look at how swollen her arm is!

We are taking Madilyn to the doctor in a few minutes to have her arm evaluated. I'll update later, but this is from the DTaP immunization she got yesterday. Scary!

So Sad

That is how Madilyn is today. She had 3 shots at her 18-month checkup and she is so dramatic about it. Although, I have never had her or Evan act like this after shots, so I am a little worried. I'll just keep an eye on her. There is nothing worse than holding down your screaming child while someone hurts them with your consent. I feel evil, but I wouldn't have it any other way--I am all for immunizations.

Madilyn is still big. At 18 months:

Madilyn:

35 inches (99%tile)
29lbs 6 oz (93%tile)
head 19 1/4 in

Evan at 20 months:

33.25 inches (81%tile)
33 lbs (99%tile)
head 19 3/4 in

Madilyn is so tall!

Evan:

Oh so rare

A moment of toleration. I sure hope these come more frequently!

Hooray, it's Fall

...now I wish it would start FEELING like fall.

I haven't blogged for awhile. I just didn't want to.

The past month has been busy and frustrating. I have had a lot of difficult days at work with special patient situations. We have also been stressed about finding a job for Todd still. Although, we are FINALLY getting unemployment, and that is a HUGE blessing.

Madilyn has had 5 or 6, maybe more, ear infections since January. Consequently, we took her to a specialist today, and she will be getting tubes in her ears sometime in the near future. She has been horrible since she had her first infection--just grouchy most of the time. Plus, she has the worste balance in the world and is not talking much yet. I really hope the tubes help her.

Other that the kids keeping us busy, we haven't been doing much. Both of us have been reading books and I have started making baby boots and slippers again--I'll post some pictures of them later. I enjoy making them, so I will probably start trying to sell them for a little extra money, but mostly for fun.

We are so excteid for all the fun that is wrapped up in the next few months... and especially excited to be able to go for long walks again as a family without dying in the heat.

Ah, Siblings

Todd brought the kids to visit me at work today. Evan was so excited that there was a baby at the nurse's station. I asked him if he wanted me to bring the baby home with me, and he said "Okay, but Madilyn has to stay here." For all of you that think I am lying when I say my kids hate each other, now you know I wasn't lying!

School Time Again!

I love this time of year. I remember being so excited on the first day of school to get to see all my friends again and show off all my new clothes. Living next to the college, I also am reminded of how fun each semester of college was.

Evan started preschool again this year and I am hoping it helps him a lot. Evan is still having a really hard time with his speech. We had him evaluated three times to go to the free pre-school here to get help, but each time he was just above the cut-off and is barely normal for his age. It makes me sick because he really does need help. I am sure praying that this preschool will help him.

Here he is on the first day of school:

Every time I sit down to play the piano, I am attacked by the kids. I thought I would get a few pictures of them having fun:

A friend of mine lost her husband yesterday to lupus. I have been deep in thought and so saddened for her. How greatful I am for eternal marriages and the gift of a comforter. I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain she is going through right now. He was so young! It makes me hold my family a little thighter at night and not want to comlain about my trials.