Dental Surgery

Last Thursday morning was Kaitlynn's dental surgery / procedure. She had 5 cavities filled and had to be sedated because of the location of the cavities and because it would be too traumatic to do under general anesthesia.

Kaitlynn couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight on Wednesday. She was still asleep when it was time for us to leave and since we were told to bring her in her pajamas, we just scooped her up and put her in her car seat. She slept in the car the whole way there. She woke up when we arrived. While waiting in the waiting area, Kaitlynn played with the camera on Dave's cell phone. She didn't ask for anything to drink or eat, which we were worried about. We were taken back to a room a little while later. Kaitlynn was excited about the surgery center bed and got right in it. She said "my bed!" The nurse brought her a warm blanket and she was set. Kaitlynn and the nurse put stickers on (heart monitor). The anesthesiologist came in to talk to us. He told us about the procedure and why sedation was the best route and that it was a common procedure. He also had to inform us that the procedure comes with some risks. He said that she would be out of it, asleep during the whole procedure. They would give her oxygen through her nose and she would have a breathing tube inserted down her throat. He said her nose may be bloody after the procedure due to the oxygen given to her through her nose. He said that her throat may be sore because of the breathing tube. He said that there was a small risk that she could stop breathing during the surgery, but they would be monitoring her very well and take all precautions necessary. At this point, I was trying not to loose it. I was already nervous about the procedure, but then to hear those words (aloud). To hear that she was going to be totally out, with a breathing tube and that there was a small risk that she could stop breathing was almost too much for me. I just started praying silently for God to give me strength while in front of Kaitlynn. I just kept praying over and over. The anesthesiologist said that she would wake up crying and cranky because she wouldn't have anything to compare this experience too. She has never felt this way before (to be coming out of sedation) and it would cause her to cry and be cranky out of confusion. He said that Kaitlynn should do fine since she is a healthy child.

Another nurse brought some liquid medication for Kaitlynn to take. It was to help relax her and also contained Tylenol. We changed Kaitlynn into a Looney Tunes children's gown. The nurses gave Kaitlynn a pink teddy bear. Kaitlynn also brought a Barney stuffed toy that Brandon gave her a few nights before. Once the leads were put on the heart monitors, I got in bed with Kaitlynn and just held her. We watched Sesame Street. The pediatric dentist came in to see how Kaitlynn was doing and to see if we had any questions before the procedure. Another nurse and the anesthesiologist nurse came in the room to bring Kaitlynn a mask. It smelled like cherries. They asked Kaitlynn what she named her new teddy bear. Kaitlynn told them "Teddy, Teddy Bear." (Duh?!) They asked Kaitlynn if she wanted to help them blow up a big green balloon. She said she did. So they wheeled her bed down the hall. We followed the bed. Kaitlynn did awesome. She didn't cry for us. In fact, one of the nurses had to pick her up from the bed to carry her into the OR and she didn't look back for us or cry. She was comfortable. Thank You God for that sweet blessing. If she would have been crying and clinging to us, I don't know what I would have done.

The other nurses kept telling me she would be OK and that they would take care of her, as we went out to the waiting room. The waiting (while the surgery was going on) made me more sick than the waiting before surgery. A nurse came out to tell us that they just started the procedure and it would take about an hour. She said Kaitlynn was asleep and went down well. At that point, I had to excuse myself to go to the bathroom and cry and have a talk with Jesus. I prayed that Kaitlynn would make it through the procedure and that everyone of the staff that came in contact with her would have the knowledge and skill to keep her safe. I prayed for strength to get through the waiting. I prayed and prayed. God gave me the strength to be able to calm down. I felt an almost easiness come over me and I was able to watch the news and read some of the book I brought. Dave commented that he was proud of me. I asked for what. He said for being strong and not falling apart. I appreciated his kindness. I also appreciated my friend Nikki's kindness and support. She texted me throughout the procedure to see how we were doing and for news about Kaitlynn. She reminded me of how strong I am and that I have been through a lot recently, but I would remain strong because that is what Kaitlynn needed me to do. Her words were very helpful.

About an hour later, the pediatric dentist came out and told us that they were done and everything went fine. He said that she was awake but pretty cranky. I basically ran down the hall to her room, especially after hearing her cries. The nurses were attending to her. Kaitlynn was crying and trying to move while half asleep. They had padding over the bed rails to ensure she didn't hurt herself. She was kind of flailing about. They took her blood pressure and took the pads off one side of the rails so I could lay with her. I got in bed and held her and much as I could (with the monitor leads and IV). She kept crying on and off and saying "mama". It broke my heart to see her this way, but I was so thankful that she was OK. They monitored her for a bit longer and then took her off the monitors so I could hold her in the chair. Her nose was a little bloody. She kept pressing her right wrist up against my body and making the IV bleed. The nurse said she could take the IV out if Kaitlynn could take a sip of juice and keep it down. Kaitlynn took a sip, so the nurse was able to take the IV out. Kaitlynn fought her while she was taking it out. She was bleeding pretty badly, so the nurse and I were trying to get Kaitlynn to let us put some pressure on it. I was finally able to calm Kaitlynn down. She was just crying on and off, groggy, cranky, a little agitated and confused. The nurse put some gauze and tape on it and said that there would probably be a bruise there, but not to worry about it. The nurse said Kaitlynn was mad at her because she was the one that had to give Kaitlynn the yucky medicine. (The IV was put in after she was asleep - thankfully.) We watched Barney while the nurses kept checking in on us and monitoring her from outside the room. The anesthesiologist nurse kept talking about how cute Kaitlynn is. The anesthesiologist came by to make sure she was doing well. The nurse gave Kaitlynn a Winnie the Pooh puzzle and told her when she was feeling better she could put it together. We stayed in recovery for about 45 minutes. The nurse said Kaitlynn would probably feel better once she was at home. Kaitlynn had started waking up a bit and watching Barney while laying in my lap. Barney was at the beach and Kaitlynn started crying, saying that she wanted to go to the beach. I was ready to book a trip for later that day for us!! Kaitlynn said she was ready to go home, so we left (since everyone was comfortable with that decision). While in the recovery room, Dave called MawMaw to let her know Kaitlynn was OK.

In the car, Kaitlynn asked "What did the doctor do to me?" We told her that he took care of her teeth and that she didn't have to think about it anymore, just to relax. Then once we got close to home, she said "Hey, I thought we were watching Sesame Street? Where's my bracelet?" She wanted her surgery center bracelet back on. It was a little big on her and fell off. I put it back on her. We got home and I put her in our bed to rest and snuggle with. The dentist and nurses said she would probably sleep for about 2 hours when she came home and just to keep her calm and watch her if she wanted to get up and play. She was ready to start playing immediately! We put her new Winnie the Pooh puzzle together and she ate a popsicle while waiting for Dave to bring her a Diego DVD home. Once Dave got home with the DVD, she ate noodles and chili mac and was still ready to play. A few hours later, Dave took her to get milkshakes from Steak n Shake (we were hoping she would fall asleep in the car). The nurse said it was best to give her popsicles, ice cream and milk shakes unless she wanted other things. While in the drive thru, she told Dave she wanted a toy, so he got the milkshakes and then went by McDonald's to get her a Happy Meal. She ate a few bites of the hamburger and a few fries. Later they went for a walk and she fell asleep in her stroller (for 2 hours). She seemed to feel fine the rest of the day and didn't need any pain medication. Her voice was a little raspy or low (from the breathing tube). Her little voice sounded like she didn't feel well and she didn't look to well through her eyes. She looked a little puffy, too. Most of that went away by the next day.

Kaitlynn has such a wise soul! We are so proud of our big, brave girl (as we always are)! Another sort of "accomplishment" during the procedure / surgery is that she stayed dried. They said many kids urinate during the procedure.

Thank You God for our answered prayers, for Kaitlynn coming through the procedure well and not having any complications!

Playdate and Birthday Party

Friday, we attended a playdate at Eileen, Gabe and Merci's house. Emily, Ella and Beatrice were also there. It's always interesting getting the kids together because you never know how they are going to interact with one another. Gabe and Merci gave Kaitlynn her birthday gift, since they were unable to attend her birthday party. The kids wanted to open it up and play with it, but since the playset had small pieces, I decided it would be best to wait until we got home to get all the pieces out.

Saturday morning we attended Kylie's 3rd birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese (and got to meet her new baby sister, Ava). After all the kids arrived, Trisha gave the kids their tokens to play games. Kaitlynn had so much fun playing the games and riding a few rides.
Pictures of Kaitlynn from the games / rides.

The kids were called back to the table to eat lunch, Chuck E. Cheese came out and we sang "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl. Kylie opened her gifts and the kids went back to playing games. Kaitlynn had a good time at the party.

Kaitlynn made this bracelet for Kylie. She likes making bracelets for her friends.

Dave and I still needed to eat lunch, so we went to McDonald's. Kaitlynn played in the playland while we ate lunch. It was perfect. She had a great time playing with the other kids. There were A LOT of kids there, too.

We went home and got cleaned up and attended church service. Kaitlynn went to her class and learned about being kind.

3rd Birthday Party

Sunday the 21st was Kaitlynn's 3rd birthday party. We had it at a local McDonald's. It was great having the party somewhere besides our house - so much less prep. The party wasn't as structured as it was supposed to be, but the kids all had fun. The hardest part for Kaitlynn was having to keep coming out of the play land to go into the party room for different things. She wanted to just stay in the play land and play with her friends and cousins - can you blame her? She wanted no part of the party room - eating lunch, playing games or blowing out the candles.

We had about 30-35 people attend the party. The kids played in the play land while waiting for lunch. We rounded the kids up and brought them to the party room to eat. Then the kids went back out to the play land. The kids were rounded up again and brought to the party room for games. The kids played Pin the Tale on the Donkey, then ran back out to the play land after finishing the game. We had to round the kids back up and bring them to the party room for cake. We sang "Happy Birthday" to Kaitlynn and she refused to blow out her candles (because she wanted to go back out to the play land) - so mommy blew out the candles. Of course all / most of the kids ran back to the play land. Kaitlynn did wait to eat some ice cream before going to the play land.

Her party would not have been a party without a crasher. Yes, there was a party crasher at a 3 year old's birthday! This little boy kept coming up to us and saying that his mommy said he could join the party. And well, we told him that this mommy said he couldn't!

We were at McDonald's for about 6 hours that day! Dave, Kaitlynn and I arrived about 45 minutes before the party so that Dave and I could eat lunch and see what the party room looked like (decorations, etc). The party was supposed to last 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the girl said we could have access to the party room for 3 hours (since there were no parties after us). And we used it! After most of the kids left, Kaitlynn opened gifts. Kaitlynn and her cousin Annabelle had so much fun playing in the play land until the adults couldn't take being at McDonald's for another second!

Birthday Invitation

Here's Kaitlynn's birthday party invitations. She is having her party at McDonald's. She chose Ice Age 3 as the theme. It's going to be a small party. McDonald's offers an hour and 15 minute party with games, etc for the kids in their party room at an extremely reasonable price.

Kaitlynn's Best Friend

On our way to church yesterday, Kaitlynn told us that Jesus is her best friend in the whole wide world. I told her that I hoped so. Isn't that amazing! I hope she continues to keep her relationship with Jesus and that it just continues to grow and grow. I hope she is always eager to tell others that Jesus is her best friend and lead others to Him. I hope that she always remembers He is her best friend.

As we entered church, Kaitlynn got to greet her favorite friend, Libby. Libby is a helper dog for Elaine (the lady we met last week). Kaitlynn was excited that she got to pet Libby as she was "off duty". Kaitlynn attended KidzMinistry. She played with play-doh, made a wind sock and said they learned about food. We were happy that she made us look good! On her wind sock, she put stickers of her favorite food - broccoli and apples. She actually stayed in her class until the last 5-10 minutes. I think her wanting to leave early, was due to her being hungry, though, because after we left her class she ate 2 bags of fruit snacks and a box of raisins. We told her if she would have stayed a little longer, they would have given her a snack.

We are so proud of her for staying in her class. She has never been left with anyone she doesn't know before. Unfortunately, she had not met the teachers in her class before, but she was excited to stay and play with the other kids and learn about Jesus. All morning, she was talking about going to class. I think she was mentally preparing herself - that she was going to go to her class and mommy and daddy were going to attend church service. She is such an independent, big girl. She makes my heart happy with how confident she is. After class, when I asked her if she wanted to go back to her class next week, she said she didn't know. After she finished her snacks, she said "sometimes" she wants to go back to class.

One thing I noticed is that she has a female and a male teacher. For some reason, she is a little leery of men. Dave and I were talking about this after church. I wondered if it was a bad thing or if it was due to a lack of bonding with important male figures. I really wondered or worried that it had to do with my dad (PawPaw Dado). He used to visit Kaitlynn every day and then one day (in late April 2008) those visits stopped. She spent the next few weeks in hospital waiting rooms and was around lots of sadness. The next time she saw PawPaw Dado, she was saying good bye to him in a hospital bed on May 5, 2008. Then she saw him before he was buried to say one final good bye. She asks about him from time to time, but I know she doesn't fully understand it. I don't even fully understand it! Dave reassured me that he thinks it is a healthy thing for her to be a little leery of men. In this day and age, it probably is.

We went to McDonald's for lunch. While Kaitlynn was playing in the play area, this little girl started telling her she couldn't do something. Kaitlynn looked her right in the face and said "my mommy said I can." She went on to give her more of a piece of her mind, but I can't remember what all she said to her. I was very happy that she stuck up for herself! She did it without being mean to the little girl, too. It was all very appropriate. She had fun playing until she missed a step, fell on her head and down the steps. She recovered from that really well and really fast. She thankfully was not hurt because the play area was very padded.

Santa at the Caboose

Sunday, December 13th, we took Kaitlynn to get her picture taken with Santa. Santa was so nice! He took his white gloves off to show Kaitlynn that he had hands like her. He talked to her and reassured her. She decided she would stand by him, but only with me next to her. Santa gave her a candy cane and she got a coloring book, too.

Afterwards, we took her to McDonald's to treat her to an ice cream cone.

Princess Car & McDonald's Playland

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Monday, MawMaw, Kaitlynn and I went to the Mall. Kaitlynn loved riding in the Princess car / cart. Tuesday after Jimmy's visitation, Dave and I took Kaitlynn to McDonald's to play in the playland. Mommy and Daddy had fun playing, too.

End of July Photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here are some pictures from the end of July. On July 27th, Kaitlynn and I met the Mommy and Toddler Playgroup at Suson Park. Later that evening we went to dinner with MawMaw. July 28th we met Eileen, Merci, Gabe, Emily and Ella at Kangaroo Kids then went to McDonald's for lunch. Wednesday the 29th, Kaitlynn, Dave, Olivia and I went to Grant's Farm. That evening Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I went to visit Great Grandma. Kaitlynn attended a dental visit on the 30th.

To view more photos or read more about what we've been up to, check out my other blog. Don't have the link, email me at everydaymamadrama@yahoo.com.

The Zoo Again

Saturday, we had several things planned, but had to cancel all of them. I didn't sleep well Friday night and was sick on Saturday. For those that know me IRL, you know the real deal. Dave took Kaitlynn out, so I could get some rest. They went to lunch and then to the Zoo. That's where Kaitlynn wanted to go (again).
Dave took Kaitlynn to pose under the Cardinals' All-Star arch in Forest Park.
At the Zoo, Kaitlynn rode the carousel three times. She rode the puffin the first round. She rode on the baby gorilla the second time around. Third time around, Kaitlynn got on the tiger, then decided she wanted to ride the caterpillar.
They walked through the Jungle of the Apes. Then watched the sun bears.
They went to Big Cat Country and saw the lion.
Kaitlynn fell asleep for the last half hour they were at the Zoo.
Dave and Kaitlynn said they had a great time. I love when they spend time together.

Meeting Merci and Mocha Monday

Monday, July 13th, Kaitlynn and I went to Eileen and Gabe's to meet their newest addition - Merci. Merci is such a doll! It is hard to believe that Kaitlynn and Gabe were ever that little. Eileen makes having a second child look so easy and she looks great. I can't believe she just had a baby!
Kaitlynn and Gabe were so happy to see each other and have a friend to play with.

Yes, Kaitlynn has a Cubs hat on. No we are not Cubs fans, but it made for super cute pictures.

One of the best things about Monday is that McDonald's is having their free mocha Mondays promotion. It's only 7 oz (for an iced mocha), but I like the caffeine boost.

Tuesday, when I told Kaitlynn that Olivia was coming over she said "Oh, thank you mommy" like it was such a treat for her. She does enjoy Olivia coming over and helping babysit her.

Not sure if I mentioned this, but a few weeks ago we had to ban Happy Feet because Kaitlynn had an all out tantrum when she was told she couldn't watch the movie again. She begged and pleaded, so we thought it best to ban the movie for awhile since it was becoming an obsession. We replaced it with Ice Age, since she enjoyed the Ice Age 2 McDonald's Happy Meal toys. She calls it Age-o. Her favorite character is the baby.

New Tricycle, New Baby, Grant's Farm Oh My

Sunday we had a busy day planned. But you know how that goes...

Kaitlynn, MawMaw and I met MawMaw Tommie for dinner.
MawMaw Tommie bought Kaitlynn a Radio Flyer tricycle. We couldn't believe it, but Kaitlynn was pedaling it as soon as she sat on it. As soon as I got the camera out, she stopped pedaling and put her feet on the ground. I think this is the best gift she has ever received. She held onto it while driving home. She even wanted to sleep with it, but we talked her out of it.

Monday we went to MawMaw's house. Kaitlynn loves her new baby that MawMaw bought her on Saturday.

Kaitlynn slept through dinner, so we took her to McDonald's to eat dinner and play since we were out and about. Plus she loves the Ice Age toys in the Happy Meals.

Tomato from our garden!

Tuesday Kaitlynn, Olivia and I met some friends at Grant's Farm.

Kaitlynn, Bailey, McKenzie and Addison had a good time together.

Kaitlynn, Olivia and I rode the carousel. I couldn't wait for the ride to be over. I just can't take spinning around like that. It didn't bother Kaitlynn or Olivia, though. In fact, Kaitlynn wanted to go again.

Gabe's 2nd Birthday Party

Saturday, we attended Gabe's 2nd birthday party. It was held at his house. There were a lot of toddlers / kids at the party.
Eileen had a table set up for coloring airplane and hot air balloon pictures.

They had a tunnel for the kids to crawl through that led to a tepee for them to play in.

Kaitlynn and Bailey with their juice boxes.

Not so sure about this birthday hat

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Eileen made Gabe's birthday cake. She did an awesome job and the cake tasted great too!

The birthday boy was picking the jellies off the wings of the cake.

She loved this pony.

First they were fighting over the baby doll. I made Kaitlynn give it back to Gabe. He gave it right back to her.

Wrestling buddies

I hope these 3 stay friends forever!

Gabe wouldn't let Kaitlynn go.

So they started a Conga line!

After the party, we went to Walmart to pick up a few groceries and then to McDonald's. Kaitlynn was so wound up, we were hoping she would expel some energy in the play area.

Music Makers

Thursday morning Kaitlynn and I attended Music Makers class at the Early Childhood Center. There were so many people there. The kids had free play, circle time to sing songs, and made instruments (shaker, tambourine, drum, bean bag, and wind bracelet). They also made ladybug puppets. After making the crafts, they had circle time again to use their instruments to songs and then free play before it was time to leave. Kaitlynn's P.A.T. Educator, Amy was there also. Even though crowded, this class was well worth it. Kaitlynn loves music.

After class, we went to my mom's for a playdate with Elliott. We took them to McDonald's for lunch and to play in the play area. Kaitlynn was climbing up in the play area with the big kids. I have learned to kind of let go and let her play. Even though I am so nervous that she will get hurt. I want her to explore and not be afraid to do things. I just keep my nervousness to myself. Of course, it comes out at times. Like when I hear a kid being mean or a little one crying, I rush to make sure it's not Kaitlynn being picked on or crying. Yes, I know I can't always come to the rescue. But you know what, she is only 2. I kept trying to get her to play in the Toddler Area, but she wanted to play with the big kids.
She followed Elliott around like a little puppy dog. That was the only time I could get her to play in the toddler area - if Elliott went over there. She loves to boss him around too. He could be my future son-in-law! Just joking!!

We took Elliott home. My mom, Kaitlynn and I went to Babies R Us where my mom bought her a pair of sandals. We went to Target and Kmart. Then picked Elliott up because my mom had to watch him that evening. Kaitlynn got to see Auggie. I don't know who she has a bigger "crush" on - Elliott or Auggie. Auggie came down to the car to say hi to Kaitlynn and she started acting all shy and wouldn't talk to him. Then as soon as he left, she started calling for him. He came back to the car and she just smiled. Typical girl and she's only 2!! I think I am going to have my hands full. She already knows had to work the boys!

My mom took us to dinner at Casa. Kaitlynn loved hanging out with Elliott and he was really good with her. After dinner, we went back to my mom's, where Kaitlynn and Elliott played together.

Play Land

Monday this lady was supposed to come over to meet me and talk to me about watching her son on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She left a message saying that she couldn't come over, but would call me later that day. Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's. I promised Auggie that the next time he was at my mom's, we would go play at McDonald's play land. Kaitlynn and I went to my mom's since she was watching both Auggie and Elliott. Auggie wasn't feeling good so his parents came to pick him up. My mom and I took Kaitlynn and Elliott to play at the play land. While we were there, the lady called me about babysitting. We talked about the hours, rates etc. She said she would come over Tuesday to meet me and then leave her son with me since she starts school and needs someone to watch him Tuesday. She also said she was interested in signing up to sell Avon. Yeah, my first recruit!!

Toddler Fun and McDonald's

Thursday the 15th, Kaitlynn and I attended the first Toddler Fun class at the Early Childhood Center. It was a really neat class. The theme was Wheels on the Bus. This kids first have free time, then circle time where welcome songs are sang. Then the kids go to the tables to do art type activities, like putting cars / trucks in blue pant and driving them on paper. They also had this flat surface that you put a piece of paper on and then spin it while holding a crayon or marker. After that the kids enjoyed playing on cozy coupe cars, climbing, sliding and rolling cars down a pipe. Then it was snack time. They had graham crackers and water. During snack time the teacher read a story, Wheels on the Bus. Then it was circle time again. We sang ring around the rosie while holding onto this expandable rope, shook scarves to a song, and then sang good-bye songs. Kaitlynn's friend Bailey is also in the class. I think Kaitlynn enjoyed it. I know I did.

After class we went to my mom's. My mom, Elliott, Kaitlynn and I went to McDonald's for lunch and to play. After eating and playing, we did some shopping. While at McDonald's I heard these 2 ladies talking about jobs. I totally tried to recruit them to sell Avon. I gave them my business card and expected to hear back from them. They probably thought I was crazy.

Great Grandma's and Sliding

Yesterday Kaitlynn and I went to my grandma's house to visit. My parents, Elliott, and niece Hanna met us there. Kaitlynn and I haven't seen my grandma since Kaitlynn's birthday party.
Kaitlynn had fun pulling Hanna's hair.
Kaitlynn and I were going to leave my grandma's at 1PM to go to the Older Babies Playgroup, but we ended up staying at my grandma's until about 2PM. After we left, we went to McDonald's. The food may not be the healthiest, but the playland is great for kids.





Kaitlynn really enjoyed the toddler play area. She climbed up the steps to the slide by herself and slid down all by herself. It was so cool to see her do that on her own.