Yellow Jackets :(

Well, we thought it was shaping up to be a very boring, uneventful weekend, which is just how we like to spend our weekends these days. Yesterday afternoon we were outside talking with our neighbor and Meredith went over to her front porch and climbed up onto this old fashioned desk that she keeps on her front porch as a decoration. Well, Meredith managed to shake up a yellow jacket nest that was inside the desk and out came the swarm all over her. Chris was right there and managed to pick her up quickly and get all of them off of her and I suppose she was lucky to only get stung four times, two on her neck, one on her shoulder and one under her eye. Poor baby was screaming her head off and I was scared to death. We actually called poison control because the sting is literally a poison and they were actually very helpful ( SO happy that we were smart awhile back and programmed the number into our cell phones, although I don't want to call ever again if possible!) and advised to give her benadryl, but the pediatrician would have to tell us the dosage. Of course, we didn't have any benadryl in the house because we haven't needed it yet. Meredith had actually calmed down quite a bit and was being such an incredible little trooper, so we loaded her in the car so we could get the medicine to her as soon as we got it. The pediatrician called us right back while we were in the car and told us the dosage amount. That was a very nerve wracking 30 minutes to watch my little girl swell up and pray that she wouldn't have an allergic reaction. Thank goodness she was ok, but it was really scary. I actually left work early today to take her to the doctor because the swelling around her eye just hasn't gone down like I thought it would. They were also very helpful and advised that the only option would be a shot of steroids, which I really didn't want if not necessary and neither did the doctor. She wasn't too concerned about the swelling in her eye since the other stings had no swelling, so we'll just watch it for another 24 hours. It is probably just because it is such a sensitive part of the skin. Poor baby looks like she got punched in the eye!

We had just been to the pediatrician on Friday for her 18 month well check (she's 19 1/2 months old, so we're behind again!) She weighs 27 lbs 13 oz (85th percentile) and is 33 inches tall (75th percentile). She got her Hep A shot and got an overall A+ from the doctor. Chris took her and said he was very impressed with the doctor who is a Nurse Practioner. I'm getting increasingly more confident in non-MD healthcare providers. I go to a Physicians Assistant for my primary care and I totally love her and this NP was great with Meredith and did a great job talking with Chris too. Yes, Med school is very important, but bed side manner and personality make such a difference! So, hopefully we won't be back to the pediatrician again so soon!

My little dancing queen!

Well, out of state wedding #2 has come and gone. We left early Friday morning only to be delayed out of RDU and then we spent a lovely 6 hours in Chicago-O'hare airport because of bad weather. Our flight to Grand Rapids was completely cancelled and then we couldn't get on another American flight, so we ended up on a United flight instead. After spending that much time in a crowded aiport with an 19 month old, I was thankful to be on any flight at all. So, our plans of having a relaxing afternoon to hang out at the hotel pool were totally shot. We got to the hotel around 9:00pm, ate dinner nearby and went to bed. Meredith did get to see her cousins briefly that night, but after such a long day, we all needed to sleep.

We got up on Saturday and did a little pool time for the kiddos, coffee for the adults and then before we knew it, we had to get ready to leave for my cousin Becky's wedding. The wedding was outside on this huge deck overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a warm, but beautiful day and the wedding was very nice. Once again, short and sweet, which was good since my little one was heading downhill already. They had a nice reception and provided a babysitter on-site as well. I was very happy to deposit my wiggly, grumpy, tired little girl with the babysitter for awhile so that I could actually have a full conversation without being cut off by chasing a child! Then after awhile, we went and got her and brought her upstairs thinking we'd probably be leaving shortly. Well, the dj was playing by this point and she ran out to the dance floor and just starting dancing like crazy! She was totally the life of the party. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen! She just kept going and going like the energizer bunny! She'd stop to take a drink of water or take a brief intermission to go run back out to the deck area, but then she'd head right back in to beebop some more. I think someone actually took a video of her, so I may post it if I end up getting it. Anyway, she stole the show from her dad , who usually does some pretty silly stuff on the dance floor. I almost had to drag her off the dance floor to head back to the hotel, but she fell asleep within 2 minutes in the car. Fun stuff :)

Then Sunday the whole noisy family had breakfast at the hotel and then we had to get packed up and head to the airport again. Thankfully, everything was totally smooth for the trip home. I don't think I could have handled any more delays. Overall, Meredith did very well on the plane. She only slept for one short leg, but all in all, she did well. We only got a few dirty looks from other passengers (by the way, please take mercy on parents travelling with young children- they are doing the best they can in very close quarters!!). I'm not saying that I will fly with her again any time soon, but it worked this time. I was also thankful that my mom and dad were there to help entertain and chase her! I'm relly tired today and already looking forward to a nice quiet weekend at home....no more travelling for me for awhile!

Arizona!

Well, after spending 4 days in 110+ temperatures in Arizona, I am happy to be home to my happy little 96 degrees! We went to Phoenix for Chris' best friend Randy's wedding. We flew out early Thursday morning and got to Arizona about 10am (the time change going out there is great, but not so fun coming home!). The flight there and back was flawless, I have to give lots of kudos to Southwest for a great experience!

Chris and I just spent most of Thursday driving around Scottsdale. We had lunch at one of our favorite places, Oreganos, the best bbq chicken pizza ever and just did some shopping and nothing of major importance, but it was great to just not have anywhere to be! We checked into the hotel late that afternoon and it was a pretty cool place. It's called the Wigwam and it is a sprawling resort that is completely done in the old adobe style. I spent the majority of my time baking in the Arizona sun at the pool and yes, I am a nice golden brown! Well, maybe a little crispy, but I quite enjoyed being at the pool with the girls while the boys braved the heat and golfed.
Thursday night we went to Katy's parents house for dinner and drinks, which was nice and her parents are really sweet. Then Friday after golf and pool, was the rehearsal and dinner. Then Saturday after golf and pool (see the theme here?) was the wedding. It was short and sweet, which we were all thankful for since it was outside, yes, I said outside in Arizona. I think it was 112 on Saturday....need I say more? Chris was in the wedding, so he was sweating buckets in his tux. The reception was tons of fun, great food, great music, great friends! Then Sunday morning they had a brunch for everyone before we headed back to the pool. It really felt like a 4 day party with all of the different dinners, cocktail parties, pool parties and since no one had their kids, we could all just relax and enjoy eachothers company.

We flew out at the crack of dawn on Monday and got home around 4:00, which totally stunk since we had just gotten used to the AZ time change. Meredith did well with her grandparents and they seemed to totally enjoy the time they spent with her. She does seem to be a bit spoiled, but what do you expect?

Now, we are back for a few days before we fly out on Friday morning for Michigan. Whew, I'm already tired.