ear tubes

Yesterday morning bright and early (we had to be there at 6:15), we had ear tubes put in Madison's ears. She has had an ear infection on and off for the last 2 or 3 months. She was on antibiotic number 6. The antibiotic was clearing up the infection, but the fluid wasn't draining and so as soon as she got off the antibiotic the infection would come back.
Its a very standard procedure, but we were nervous, of course. We finally went back to the pre-op area about 7:30. They tried to take Madison's vitals with a band-aid type thing on her big toe, but she was not interested and screamed and struggled. Even tried to rip it off. So they gave her a sedative to calm her down. She fought the sleepiness with all her might. She did get happier and would sway like she was drunk. It was actually kind of funny. She finally agreed to let us put the gown on her and cover her up with the blanket. I thought she might fall asleep, but didn't. Then they tried to take the vitals again, but she fought even though she was sedated. They finally got it though. Then they took her back for the surgery.
It only took about 30 minutes and then the doc came out. They said she did great and that he drained a lot of mucus from behind her ears. He said things might seem loud to her for a while because it was like she had cotton balls in her ears. But she did really good.
The nurse came to get us when she woke up and took us back to the recovery room. They said she wasn't any happier than before surgery and sure enough she was screaming until she saw us. Then she slept on me for about 20 minutes. They took her vitals again (which she hated again). Then she ate some crackers and we left.
She was a little tired yesterday and we mostly watched movies. But she ate like normal and by last night was herself.
This morning we went shopping and had lunch and she was in a much better mood than I have see for months. So hopefully this will keep her well and happy ;) We are so thankful everything went well and she seems to be feeling better.

fixing breakfast

Sunday morning before grandma and grandpa left, Madison fixed them breakfast. She had a great time seeing them and misses them.

shopping

Saturday it got cold and Madison and I weren't feeling very good, so we mostly hung out around the house. Madison went shopping for some food with her shopping cart (christmas presents from Aunt Ashley). And she shared her food with us.

night night

That night Madison practiced putting her baby to bed again. And then grandpa took some pictures of Mom and Madison reading before bed.

visit from grandma and grandpa

Last weekend my parents came down for a visit. They came Thursday in time for dinner. Friday it was 83 here, so we went to a couple of different parks and enjoyed the wonderful weather.

Grandpa decided to go down the slide after Madison. Silly Grandpa.

surrounded by her friends

Last night I went to check on Madison right before I went bed like usual. When I went in she had one doll next to her, Curious George on the other side, and her other doll laying on top of her. It was so cute.

dollies on a trike

Madison found her trike in the utility room this Sunday and decided she needed to take Ariel and her dress-up doll for a ride. She also gave Ariel kisses.

night night

This weekend Madison was playing with her doll, taking her clothes off and on like usual. So I got out her sheet and blanket from daycare and suggested she put her baby night night. She was all over it and for an hour or so, she laid her baby down, covered her up, and then picked her up and started all over again. I took a video, but of course its too big to put up. So I'll work on it.

fall leaves in the winter

Two weekends ago we finally decided to clean up the leaves in the yard. Since we've not had a lick of snow or ice, it hasn't been a problem yet. Anyway, I think the top picture might be one of my new favorites.

back in ta-town

Tuesday afternoon we headed back to Wichita and stayed through Saturday. Madison enjoyed seeing her new toys again. And trying to find the cat. Here we went on a walk with the stroller and 3 dogs. Quite a sight.
Madison showing off her mittens.



Ashley attempting to wrangle all 3 dogs.

a retriever that doesn't retrieve

Back in wichita, Sadie watching Ellie and Laika retrieve the ball. For some reason, Sadie prefers to watch the other dogs play instead of fetching also. Maybe she is really the smart one.

our last morning in KC

Tuesday morning was our last time to play with Luke. Madison tried to give him one last hug, but he wasn't up for it.

Morning snack.

visiting the Handzels

Monday mid morning we went over to the Handzels for a visit. Madison and Emaline and quite a time playing together, as you can tell. They managed to find the dog poop in the backyard, so Madison had to borrow some pants from Emaline. Then at lunch Madison managed to steal a drink of my Pepsi as she was sitting on my lap. Once she realized she didn't like it, she simply opened her mouth and let it fall all over her clothes and my pants. Needless to say we had to do some laundry when we got back to Rick's parents house.
It was great to see Carissa, Chris and Eme (as Madison calls her). We miss them!

Emaline teaching Madison bad tricks.

Emaline's crazy smile

Madison really liked talking to Maya out the french door.

Playing outside before the "poop" incident.

coloring

Monday morning in KC Madison wanted to color after breakfast.

RIck's Photo Blog

Rick has decided that he needs his own blog so he can post some more artistic pictures. And some that aren't of Madison. So check out Rick's blog on the right.

sunday in KC

Sunday morning we had an early lunch at the Mixx (one of the stops Rick and I wanted to make) with Luke, Renny and Brian. Then a little shopping on the plaza before nap.
After nap Rick got out the "Buzzsaw" the remote control truck that Rick's parents have. Madison wanted to push it at first, then she tried to figure out the remote control. Not quite there yet.

cousins in the bath

Luke and Maddie got along pretty well in the bath. When they weren't taking toys from each other. Here are some funny faces.


And Maddie wanted to brush her teeth after bath like Luke.

Crown center

Saturday morning we headed to crown center with Luke and Renny. We checked out the fun crayola store, saw the gingerbread village, played in the crayola playground and had lunch at Fitz's where the train delivers your food. We had never eaten there and Madison thought it was great fun once we got our food. We also made a stop at Zoom on our way out. A great toy store. We had to buy a few things even though the kids have way more toys than they need. I know, we are suckers.

Christmas again

The day after Christmas we usually do Christmas with Rick's family. We ended up doing presents about 11, then naps, then an early Christmas dinner (cheese grits and herb bread, yum!). Madison got a rocking horse, an art easel with paint and spill-proof containers, a raggedy ann doll, a stuffed kitten, a sigg bottle and some finger puppets.
Madison and Luke watched Incredibles and colored while they waited to open presents.


Luke was delivering presents to everyone and Madison decided she needed to help. She was a little rough with some of then and actually threw a couple. Luckily nothing broke.


Maddie needed a snack break in the middle of opening gifts. You can see her stocking gifts in the background.

Maddie and Luke help Rick open his present.

Madison's rocking horse from Grandame and Grandad.

christmas day

We hung out in Wichita Christmas Day until after nap and then headed to KC for more presents.

Christmas morning take 2

Christmas morning we were in Wichita. And like we do every year, we had to wait at the top of the stairs before we came down to see what Santa brought us. We opened presents and had Christmas casserole. Madison got an Elmo kitchen, a shopping cart with food, baby Elmo that talks, Tinkerbell movie, a doll and more goodies. She loved it.