First Trip to the ER

It was bound to happen sometime... at least we made it three years before Laine had to go to the ER.

Saturday afternoon we were taking a walk around the neighborhood. Laine recently started riding her tricycle on these walks, so she was ahead of us cycling away. She got going really fast, looked down at her pedals, and twisted the handlebars a little. Before I knew it, she hit the pavement and started wailing. Thankfully we were right near the house (the walk had just started), so we went in and got her calmed down a little. As soon as I could get a good look at it I knew we need some help fixing her chin. So we headed to the ER.

Laine did really well waiting; getting her temperature, blood pressure, etc. taken; and waiting some more. She did fine all the way up until the point she needed to be stitched. At that point she decided she didn't want to lie down. So they had to strap her onto a restraining board, which did not excite her. Amidst her screaming she got four stitches, and then it was done.

As soon as she sat up she said, "Mommy, can we read a book?" Unbelievable! I guess the worst part really was having to lie down. Maybe if they could have stitched her while she was sitting in my lap she would have been a happy camper. Oh well, I know her chin is better for the restraints. At least next time (if there is a next time) she'll know a little more about what to expect.

For those who need the gory details, here's an up close shot. Hopefully it will heal well and not leave too bad of a scar.

Exploring

'Nough said.

New swing set

I recently found a nice swing set for a great price on Craigslist, so Penny (and Michael) graciously disassembled it from one yard and reassembled it in our yard last weekend. It was a big job, but it is up and working well now. Thanks, guys, for all your hard work!

Mead loves her new swing, which I also found on Craigslist. It is actually big enough for either of the girls to use, though Mead takes priority!

Laine is learning how to "pump" her legs to keep herself swinging. It'll take some time I think.

Here it is! The tire swing has been a fun feature too.

Yep, the slide works both ways.

Eight months

Mead turned eight months old yesterday! She is growing so fast, and learning new things all the time. She crawls on her belly like a champ, getting across the room in a flash. She's also becoming more and more curious, exploring things within her reach, even if we repeatedly tell her not to touch them (like the carbon monoxide detector she keeps pulling out of the socket!)

Mead has one tooth, and I think another one is starting to break through. She has learned how to pull herself up to a stand but can't get back down again. This makes for a really cute shaking dance she does when she wants to get back to the floor! She says, "Mama mama," and "baba," all the time. She's still working on "Dada," but I'm sure she'll say it soon.

Mead is going through a mild stranger anxiety phase, which is about normal for this age. She looks just like her daddy, but she prefers her mom - I think because I frequently come to her rescue when she is being harassed by her big sister! She is such a sweetie and gives the best smiles all the time. We love you, Mead!

Surprise!

Laine doesn't know it yet, but we got her a big girl bike with training wheels. Mead and I ran a secret errand after we dropped Laine off at school. I'm waiting for the right time to give it to her... haven't decided yet when that's going to be. In the mean time, Mead enjoyed checking it out on her sister's behalf.

All stacked up

I took this picture on Penny's phone a few weeks ago when we were out walking in our neighborhood. It turned out great!

Laine to the rescue

Laine and her buddy Zach were playing the other day. Zach is all boy, and Laine is becoming more and more "all girl." So when Zach dramatically fell down dead, holding his sword (or kitchen spoon), Laine pulled out her doctor kit to listen to his heart and make sure he was okay! She's not so sure what to do when Zach wants to play Army - this was the best she came up with. Thanks for broadening our play time imagination, Zach!