Recoveries and Surprises...Much To Be Thankful For

Mali ~

So, November had a rather rocky start. While spending the night with your cousins a week or so prior, your little toe on your left foot began hurting. It wasn't getting better and eventually we took you to Dr. Dan to see what he could do for you. While there, he determined it was an infection in your skin and so he (very slyly and quickly) popped the blister and squeezed out the infected pus. Not a fun thing to have sprung on you, that's for sure. But we love Dr. Dan so he was eventually forgiven. He then gave you some antibiotics and sent you on your way.

After a few more days, it still wasn't getting any better and at 11:30pm one night, we noticed a red line going up your foot so I rushed you to the emergency room and Daddy met us there. Our fears were confirmed, an infection was spreading and so, after 6 hours in the ER, they admitted you into the hospital for a couple days. Fortunately, you responded to the new medication and they discharged you. After another ten days of medication and recovering at home, you were well on your way to being on the mend. Man! What a beginning to your November, huh?

On a follow up trip to Dr. Dan, once home from the hospital, he wanted to see your foot again. Before you would let him see it, you wanted to make sure he knew the depth of your disappointment in him for having tricked you into debriding your wound at your last visit. As you sat on the edge of the table, you bowed your head and shook it back and forth slowly when he came in, then said, "Not cool, man. Not cool." I think Dr. Dan chuckled for a solid minute. He felt so awful for not having given the correct treatment right off the bat that he even messaged Daddy several times as we dealt with our time in the hospital. I think he was also glad that you had such a good sense of humor about your ordeal as well. You are a special kid, Mali. Very special.

just after getting your IV...you were such a trooper,
you even watched them stick the needle in while I
held you down. it was rough but I was so impressed
with how well you dealt with it all.

practicing writing with your left hand since
you have that big old IV in your right arm

This month also had a rare moment where one of the bunnies actually let you hold him. Not sure if he was feeling ok or not, but you were definitely happy with these rare, free snuggles.

And speaking of rare, you were excited to go back to the eye doctor as well. Even though we got your glasses not so long ago, you are now having trouble seeing the board in class and needed new ones again. Evidently, it's not uncommon to have your eyes change this rapidly as you are growing up so fast. You were even more excited about these glasses because you got transition lenses this time. I've never seen a kid so stoked about glasses but, like I said before, you are special.

Now, I know this next picture isn't about one of your adventures, but I just have to include it as we are all big fans of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, and now Trevor Noah at our house. Well, Trevor just so happened to be coming through Columbus and so I got Lao Lao tickets because his show fell smack dab on her birthday.  How could I not? You were a bit bummed not to be able to go with us so I promised you that next time, you would definitely be coming along as well.

The next two pictures are just showing off the cuteness of our silly cats. We have been spraying Pipsqueak's toy with catnip and she lovingly cuddles with it every time we do that. It cracks us up.

And GG really finds any excuse to cuddle with you when you are laying still and covered in blankets. His favorite (just like you) are your soft, fuzzy, fleece blankets, but it looks like your Star Wars sleeping bag will do just fine too.

and if you look closely, you can get a sneak
peek of your new glasses

One night you helped me make spinach and cheese crescent rolls and liked the filling so much that you ate the leftovers right out of the bowl. Crazy kid! How can I argue with my kiddo eating spinach though, right?! So good for you.

Around the middle of November they lit the huge Christmas tree at Easton. It was chilly but not freezing and we got front row seats for the parade. It was beautiful (as always) and this was the first time that Daddy could join you, me, and Lao Lao to watch the tree lighting. One more perk from his new job. Yay!

On Thanksgiving morning, you insisted on making us white chocolate macadamia But pancakes for breakfast. They were amazing and the heart shape was a super sweet touch. Daddy and I loved them. So much to be thankful for this year!

yum!

I didn't even mind cleaning up this disaster zone of a griddle...hahaha!

And I already mentioned how GG likes to snuggle with you...well, Suzy loves it too. And there's that soft, fuzzy, fleece blanket I was mentioning earlier. A family favorite for sure.

One weekend in late November, we drove to Rittman to help celebrate Daddy's aunt Carol's 75th birthday. It was nice to see all of those extended family members again and on the way home when we stopped for gas, you asked if you could get a new container for your water at school.

"Mom! This would be perfect for my water!"
"Ummmm..."

The following day we met Memaw and Papaw at a local tree farm and attempted to get family pictures for our Christmas cards. It was cold and you were tired so it was somewhat of a feat, but we got some good shots eventually. I love you both so much.

not a fan of the double cheek kiss

you perked right up when you put on your new

penguin hat - and look! your new glasses with

transition lenses...super cool, yeah?!

under the mistletoe

being silly

ewww...Mom and Dad are kissing

my tribe...my favorite people in the universe

Then, as a finale for the month...you and Daddy surprised me one night. I had asked Daddy that morning if he could get the Christmas decorations down from the attic so that we could start decorating that evening. He half-heartedly said, "Yeah, I'll try". What I didn't realize is that he had planned to surprise me all along and, with your help, he had put up the tree and decorated the entire house with lights so that when I walked in the door, the house was filled with holiday music, smiling faces, and Christmas cheer. It was just the surprise I needed after a long day. You two are the best!

my two Christmas elves

I'm so excited to have found the cat's antlers...
GG was not as excited. LOL

Between the tree lighting at Easton and all of our decorations freshly hung at home, I think we are in the perfect mood for Christmas. Bring it on, December!

Love,
Mama

All Things Autumn

Mali ~

It's October now so, of course, we had to go apple-picking! Unfortunately, it started raining almost immediately when we got out of the car, therefore it turned out to be the quickest apple-picking trip ever. But, we still had fun!

While it dampened our apple-picking, the chillier and rainier days brought more snuggles from GG. Both of you love your snuggly blanket.

About halfway through the month, I went to Las Vegas for a friend's birthday. Since I was going to be gone for a few days, you decided to make me this sweet bracelet to remind me of you while I was away from home. It says "MOMS IS AWESOME" because, as you explained, you couldn't decide between "moms are awesome" and "Mom is awesome". I loved my new bling and believe it or not, it was the only piece of jewelry I wore the entire time I was in Vegas. You are the best kid ever.

While I was out of town, you enjoyed a fun sleepover with your cousins.

You also spent some time riding your bike with Lao Lao, even making it to Easton and Starbuck's for a refreshing drink before heading home. I think Lao Lao said you made it 10 whole miles that day! Wow!

Did I mention how much you love your bed and snuggly blanket lately?

I also finally caved and let you get your sides shaved and a lightening bolt shaved into your hair this month. We added some color once we got home to make it all POP! I was surprised by how much I liked it too and your smiles made it all worth it. My unique, "march to the beat of your own drum", kiddo!

One evening you arrived home after me with Daddy and I surprised you by running out to the car in my new cow onesie (that you hadn't seen yet). You squealed and laughed so hard. It was hilarious. Then you just had to try on your new bat costume for Halloween too! We look cute, don't we?!

taking a drink from Mom's udders ~ LOL

And then I found some great costumes for Suzy and GG...they will be pirates this year! Arrgh!

Abby already had a football jersey from Notre Dame in the closet...an oldie but a goodie.

And then...talk about terrifying! You found this Donald Trump mask at $5 Below...yikes!!

Along with all of the fun fall activities, October also brought parent teacher conferences (by the way, they went fabulously ~ Mrs. Callow adores you!)...which means extra days off from school. Since Daddy works from home now, he is fortunate enough to be able to hang out and take you on adventures on these free days. On one particularly beautiful fall day, you went to Dill's Greenhouse where Papaw got to spend some time showing you around on their tractor, hayride, pumpkin patch, and playground. According to Dad, it was a perfect day and from the smiles on your faces when you got home, I think you and Ana had an amazing time too. 

since Daddy used to work at Dill's during the Fall Fest many years
ago, he was able to use his "street cred" to finagle driving
you around on the barrel train ~ nice perk, huh?

I love those cute nose crinkles!

Another evening, you went fishing with Daddy. Again. Shocking, right?

look at that smile! pulled this little fish
out all on your own ~ yay, yay, yay!!

The weekend before Halloween we finally made it to the pumpkin patch. You cleaned and carved this jack-o-lantern all on your own. Look at that! Fantastic job, right?!

tah dah!

looks great all lit up too!

Finally it was Halloween day and Daddy and I were lucky enough to be able to attend and help out at your classroom party. We handled the "pass the pumpkin" game and it was a big hit. Before the big celebration, the entire school had a costume parade to show off their amazing costumes. This was the first year that Daddy has been able to help out and while I helped the other moms decorate your classroom, he was outside giving almost the entire school high 5's. Ha ha! He is pretty much a big kid himself. I was glad that I got to come outside just in time to see you, Jalysa (Pikachu), and Jude (cheerleader) go by. You all looked adorable.

believe it or not, this mummy is you wrapped in
toilet paper (one of the games)

That night, Lao Lao came over to go trick or treating with us. You decided you wanted to do face paint for your bat costume and did it all by yourself alongside Lao Lao.

Here we are...ready to go!

you (bat), me (Holstein cow), Suzy (pirate), Lao Lao (vampire),
Abby (Notre Dame football player)

you, Ana, and Evie waiting for your treats

Unfortunately, your toe was sore (a mysterious injury from the weekend you slept over at your cousins') and it was pretty cold so we really only lasted about an hour outside. But, you still got a sizeable haul in that short period of time, so yay for Halloween!

And of course, it wouldn't be a usual blog entry if I didn't include some of your recent antics as only pictures or screenshots can do justice.

I love messaging with you

this is a random list I found...I guess
Pipsqueak is the only innocent. haha

Love,
Mama