As I mentioned in the earlier post, Kate had a very busy month of February.
Her speech continued to worsen, which greatly concerned us. She only had 2 sessions left with the Infant/Toddler program before she turned 3. Molly, our speech therapist, did an evaluation on Tuesday the 16th with a student that lasted over an hour. Really, I wanted more than anything to tell her to just stop talking. (That is the last thing that you should do in that situation.)
Kate turned 3 years old this month! I remember her when she was born. She weighed in at 8 Lbs. 2 oz. and was my biggest baby. She was so very sweet and loved before she was born!
Now turning 3 I can't believe how big, yet small, she is. She had a family birthday party and really enjoyed opening presents and blowing out the candles. She was truly spoiled this year by cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and Grandmas and Grandpas.
Her birthday cake was made by mom with Valentine M&Ms. It was very simple, yet fun for her.
On Monday the 22nd, we had a meeting at Lincoln Early Childhood Center. They take children who qualify in several areas or are severe in one area. Molly's evaluation stated that Kate was considered 'severe' in the State of Idaho and would qualify for preschool and individual speech lab. This meant that preschool would be paid for and they would transport her as well on a bus. Such a blessing because she really needed the speech and social environment that they would provide.
Tuesday, the 23rd, we headed down to Utah for Kate's check with Dr. Finlayson. He has been the best doctor for us! Her problems had continued and persisted through all of the treatments we did. He wanted to replace the tubes and do a touch up on the sinus surgery that we did in May last year. I asked about taking out her tonsils. It was quite a unique conversation where I was able to remind that this would be surgery #5, she had just turned 3, and we were still having the same chronic infection. He listened and agreed that since she was 3, we should do it! Usually when we schedule surgery, we get to pick anytime available in the next 2 weeks or so. Because she had an infection, he wanted to do it that week, or we would have to put her on antibotics.
Wednesday, Kate started school. Here are pictures by the door getting ready to go to an early day of school. Kids that attend there have to have a full sized backpack. You'll notice that it is as big as she is. (Try finding a backpack at the end of February.)
I dropped her off and she seemed very hesitant. I know that she cried a little, but overall did very well. Her teachers this year were Miss Sally, Miss Lori, and Miss Tracy.
So Thursday night, we headed down with the whole family for Kate's surgery. We needed to be there at 6:15 am. The kids did not have school on Friday, so we decided to make a family trip out of it and leave the kids with Amy and Justin.
Unfortunately, the Utah Jolleys had strep throat and we knew that no one in the family could be exposed, so we went to our favorite hotel - the Crystal Inn.
We watched the Olympics (women's figure skating that night) and relaxed. On a side note, Olympics are my favorite and something that I truly enjoy. Kim Yu-na was amazing that night.
That morning, I got lost, but arrived in enough time to still do surgery. Brandon stayed at the hotel. He told me that surgery would be 45 minutes. The surgery center told me 1 hour. It took almost an hour and a half. Time passed so slowly and it really got to me that time. It was also hard because I was waiting by myself.
Dr. Finlayson told us that she did great and that her tonsils were so infected, pitted, and that they really needed to come out. It was great that we were able to have a doctor who listened to a mother's intuition. Road to recovery was filled with popsicles!
Pictures after surgery:, still recovering a week later:
Video of Kate showing where it hurts. You'll also notice how extremely skinny she is. We attribute that to all of the sickness, antibotics, and surgeries that she has gone through in such a short time. She has been gaining steadily since this surgery.
(He really enjoys church.)
Then they played service bingo. We are so lucky that our kids get to give service to the community on a monthly basis.
I also helped put together the baptism preview fireside for our stake. Each year we learn something and add or take away. This year we had an activity days leader set up a table and a scout leader set up a table full of things that they have done. It was really fun to be able to visit with the children in our stake that will turn 8 this year. The baptisms each month are definitely a highlight of my calling and something that I enjoy going to each month.
Brandon worked throughout the month. He went to Animal Farm, a funny name for training where he learned how to splice fiber optics.
I worked and did a few basketball games. Visiting teaching was a huge highlight for me. It was all about Self Reliance. I printed off a planner for the year. (I am still using it.) The planner had space for to write goals for each area: knowledge, education, and literacy; manage money and resources wisely; spiritual strength; prepare for emergencies and eventualities; physical health; social well-being goals; and emotional well-being goals. Since I was so focused on debt, I had a lot to talk about.
Dawson brought Grandma Kathy to Grandparents Night. Their night was based on a book "Harold and the Purple Crayon." The kids colored pictures with a purple crayon. (Dawson now informs me that he hates everything about this book, BTW.)
They concluded their night with juice and a crunch chocolate bar. (Dawson always remembers the most important stuff.)
Finishing up:
