Another Mari update

Last weekend we went down to Utah for another doctor's visit for Mari. This time I went down with no expectations, because whenever I do the doctor tells us we need to do more. That is exactly what happened at this appointment.

She has grown, but again not enough to take away the worry. She is 16.3 pounds and 27 in. Again, remember she is 2. She is about the size of a 1 year old. She had put on about 1 1/2 inches since her last visit back in March, but the doctor told us that it really should be double that.

So, we are back to the running more tests phase to try to rule things out. We have to do the dreaded 4-hour test to check her growth hormone and then get her checked for cystic fibrosis (I'm sure that is not spelled right). We also have to take her to a pediatric GI doctor to make sure we aren't missing anything in that area.

The doctor really put the fear in us telling us that we need to be getting her to eat more. He told us that if we don't we are going to have look into doing a feeding tube. The way he put it was that we are giving Mari the chance to eat on her own and put on the pounds herself, and if she doesn't she fired and WE will put them in her. Needless to say, I would much rather not have to go that route. I hate the thought of my baby going through something like that. We have been buttering everything and eating a lot of french fries and everything else that is not good for you (doctor's orders!).

That is the update as of now. Hopefully in a few weeks we will have some more answers once tests are done and more doctors are seen. Until then send the cookies and anything else that is full of fat our way!!!

Our Crazy Summer

I realize it has been a long time since I have posted anything. This summer got crazy. It has been fun, but crazy. Starting in July we had family here all the way through August. I love it when Alan's family comes to visit. The kids probably love it more because they really have been blessed with great Aunts and Uncles. I thought I would just give a quick run down of our craziness, and then that way I won't be judged too much for not posting anything for awhile.

I already posted about our little Mari turning 2. That was a pretty big event. At that same time Alan's brother David was in town for a few weeks. We had a lot of fun with him being here. He helped a lot with the kids and we played some mean games of Scum. We also made a day trip up to the Tetons while he was here. I am not a huge fan of the outdoors, but it really has been fun seeing my kids get so excited about seeing the animals and throwing rocks in the water. This trip we went to String Lake and Alan and the kids went swimming. Ryan was in Heaven to say the least.

I also finally painted my basement this summer. I have been wanting to get rid of the boring while walls we had down there. My dad came up and we took a Saturday and painted them blue. It ended up taking us a lot longer then we thought it would, like twice as long, but I totally love the outcome. I still need to decorate, so once that is done I will post some pictures.

A few weeks after David left Alan's sister came out to visit for about 3 weeks. It was also a lot of fun. I have to say I love Melissa. I am very lucky to have great in-laws on both sides of the family, but I have a great respect for Melissa. She is honestly so giving and has always made me feel so welcome in the family.

She did us a huge favor as well while she was here. I was offered the opportunity to work at Alan's office for the month of August since one of their secretaries was going to be in Europe for the month. I was really worried about what I was going to do with my kids, but Melissa was so willing to take them those 3 weeks she was here. I honestly was so grateful to her for that. I had a lot of friends who took them too the days she couldn't (Shout out to Kirsten, she had them the most), but it was nice those 3 weeks to not have to worry where they would be.

I had a lot of fun working with Alan. I will continue to be there go to girl if one of the secretaries needs time off. I loved being in the office with Alan and being able to see him whenever I wanted. I will say though, that my respect for mothers that work went up through the roof. I am so thankful that I don't have to do it full time. It was great to do it for a few weeks, but I really missed my kids. I am blessed that the office is so great, and once school started I was able to bring them with me for half the day. Ryan and Mari loved it and everyone in the office seemed to enjoy having them there too.

That is the gist of our summer. We had family around and did some great playing with friends. I was a working woman for a few weeks. It has been a fun summer, but I think I am ready for things to get back on schedule and calm down a little.

Ryan and his buddy Charlie playing in the swimming pool. These 2 seriously crack me up.

Mari with Uncle David up at String Lake. I love her Cheesy smile.

The muscle men swimming in String Lake.