Done with Ann Arbor

Claire had her last blood draw...


... and then went to Ann Arbor. She played while waiting for the doctor...


... and wanted to know why I was taking pictures.


She tried to eat the paper (or maybe it was just fun to rip off the examining table).


And then checked out Dr. Bhatt one last time after we got the good news that she's been released from her care.


Yay Claire! We're done! And your liver is perfectly fine!!!

The School Year Has Begun

Josh started 5th grade today and Meghan started 2nd. Lauren starts preschool a week from today. I'm always a sap when the kids go to school but they're so excited that it's a bit easier on me.

Here are a few pictures from this morning.

I take their picture in front of the school sign every year. Josh has informed me that I'm not allowed to when he starts middle school next year *sniff*.


Dakota (see note below about why he was over this morning), Josh, Meghan and Lauren


Emily and Meghan - best friends (who were also brave on the rides together at the fair this summer)


Emily and Meghan with their favorite baby, Claire


So this year should be interesting and busy at our house. Josh's friend Dakota will be at our house every morning, as Eastlawn's new breakfast timing/rules don't allow for his mom to drop him off at school before work anymore. Brian will take him to school with our kids. Josh's best friend, Dylan, and his brother Dominic will be at our house after school every day until their mom gets out of work (around 5:15, just like me). So Brian will be bringing them home with our kids every day. Brian is apparently officially running "Daddy Daycare". :) It's all good, though, as the kids will have extra motivation to get moving in the morning (play time with Dakota) and will have friends to play with in the afternoon to blow off steam after school. :)

Fun summer pictures

Enjoy!

Heading to Ann Arbor Today

We're off to Ann Arbor for another GI visit for Claire today. She had blood drawn earlier this week. Don't even get me started on that... "our phlebotomist" retired and getting a replacement who's just as skilled did NOT go well. But it's done and I got the results yesterday. Her enzyme numbers are down. From what I can find online, one is now in normal range and one is still slightly elevated. I'm hoping I can talk the doctor into letting this be her last visit.

I'll update when I can.

4th Generation Radio

So I was cleaning Claire's room this morning and I found an ancient (like, 10 year old) Blue's Clues radio. Battery-operated and all. It plays four fabulous kidlet songs (featuring the Blue's Clues theme song). And it was Josh's... 10 years ago. And then it was Meghan's. And then it was Lauren's. And now it's Claire's. They've all loved that radio and it makes me giggle that Claire loves it too.

And then I found those 4th generation Children's Place elastic-waist size 6-month carpenter jeans and we won't talk about the tears that came to my eyes when I realized Claire can wear them now too. My babies are growing up.

Which means I'm old. LOL

Happenings...

Our busy summer remains that... busy.

- The girls and I had a fun time in Chicago. I'm glad we found time to make the trip.
- This weekend is my dad's family reunion. It's technically on Saturday but lots of people camp the whole weekend. We're doing the weekend thing (and renting a cabin both nights). The kids are excited. Pray for no (or at least limited) rain please.
- Lauren turns four on Sunday. Princess Ballerina Baby is going to be in preschool this fall. Crazy how fast she's grown. :)
- Claire's next appointment in Ann Arbor is August 20. She has to get blood drawn in the next week or so. Keep her in your prayers. Hopefully this is the last A2 trip she needs.
- Josh's MEAP scores were finally mailed to us (after I complained and calling higher-ups on the Board of Ed). He scored as advanced in both math and reading, the only things they test in 4th grade. His math score is the same as last year but he improved in reading. I'm so proud of him.
- Josh had his adenoids out this week. He's fine and he recovered well. We already see a difference in his lack of runny nose and he says he feels and hears a difference when he drinks. Hopefully it helps him overall.

That's about it for now, I think. I hope all is well with all of you!

Deanna

Long time, no post

Things have been busy lately and I haven't posted in a while. Brian and I have known since April that July was going to be crazy. Well, July is here and it has lived up to our expectations.

- Meghan is now seven years old. I don't know where time has gone, but she is growing up. We she celebrated with a gymnastics party with her friends, a play date at the spray park, Pizza Hut lunch, fun at Grandma and Papa's with her friend and lots of fireworks.
- Claire is now crawling. And pulling herself up on stuff. And eating real food (yet has no teeth). She is growing up way too fast as well. She's no longer satisfied in her Exersaucer... she wants to explore the world (and grab and eat everything in it).
- Lauren is about to turn four. And start preschool in the fall. Oy... time flies.
- Josh is enjoying summer. And playing lots of video games. And having friends over. Life's been good for him.
- Brian and I went to Cleveland last weekend for my job. It was a whirlwind, quick trip. We went without the kids (and were without Claire overnight for the first time ever). We had a good time.
- We girls are headed to Chicago this coming weekend. It's a girls' trip with Mimi, Aunt Beth, Allison, Meghan, Lauren, Claire and me. It's going to be fun. Lunch at the American Girl store, birthday shopping and whatever other fun we can fit in. The boys are going to stay home, golf with Pipi and see what other trouble they can get into while fending for themselves. :)
- Josh is having his adenoids taken out next week. He's worried but I know he'll be fine. It should help him in a few ways and I'm looking forward to the positive changes he'll have.

That's about it for now. Brian has been getting to DC fast and I'm barely on the road. Life's been too busy. But I'm stubborn and therefore I won't let myself fail at this. For that, I'm grateful. I need to be healthier and lose weight!

We hope your summer is as fun but not as busy as ours has been... :)

Deanna and fam