Annie's Big Day

Annie finally had her surgery to insert ear tubes on Monday, February 25th. She was a  bit anxious this time because she knew exactly what was happening since she had already had surgery once before. Luckily Papa and Grammy were there for a distraction and Auntie Ann prepared Annie for surgery with puzzle books, pajamas,crayons and a clapper to call for us if she needed us.

Annie wore one of Molly's shirts to the hospital, wore her clapper necklance and brought her blankie with her.

My girl was ready to go and just waiting for Grammy and Papa to pick us up for surgery day. As aprehensive as Annie was the only thing that really bothered her was not being able to eat breakfast - she was one hungry girl.

Checked in and ready to go but Mommy had to fill out lots of paperwork.

Grammy and Annie had fun playing the waiting room.

Our girl is ready to go - how cute is she?

Annie brought her blankie and her doggie from Grandma Betty to the operating room with her.

We love Children's Medical Center - they let the kids wear their own clothes, ride cool cars to the operating room and just take good care of them without scaring tham.

Annie loved her yellow hospital socks.

Silly Girl

Thank goodness Auntie Ann sent lots of stuff for Annie to do becuase we waited for a long time for Dr. Grindle to come for the surgery.

After a few hours we were really getting stuck for things to keep Annie's mind off of her hungry tummy.

We are finally ready to head off to the operating room.

A half hour after she left for her surgery Annie was back and starting to wake up.

Once she woke up Annie ate a slushy and we were headed home to hang out on the couch and watch movies!

Auntie Ann gave Annie her kitty hat and thanks to her new and improved hearing she had to wear it almost constantly or her ears hurt from the noise.

Having a few saltines with Papa.

Silly girl and her Papa.

This was just an hour and a half after surgery and Annie was already feeling great and eating solid foods. Shortly after this she was running around the house with her sisters and loving life.

Another outfit change - courtesy of Auntie Ann.

Oh Wait - another change of outfit - Auntie Ann knows this girl.

Grammy took requests from Annie and brought her a big fruit platter later that night - what a lucky girl!

Having some fruit with Grammy and Papa.

Annie had lots of visitors all night - Auntie Karla, AuntieMeg, Kk, Katie! People called all night to see how she was doing and sent messages of love! She is such a lucky little girl. When we were at the hospital it was so easy to feel grateful for the fact that we were only there for tubes in her ears - there were some pretty sick kids there and I feel blessed that Annie's ears are now open and her hearing is restored to 100%. She was a trooper thorugh everything and I have never been as happy as when she said - "Mommy - your voice sounds so pretty now and you are even saying a lot of words when you move your mouth." Thank you to everyone who prayed for Annie and helped us out this week. GNM - ILY!

Catching up!

Wow - it has certainly been a while since I updated this blog but life has been hectic and the kids have been keeping us very busy. I'm going to have to do some catching up.

I had a problem with my camera toward the end of the blizzard last month but I still couldn't resist a few photos of the kids. Starting on Sunday of the storm the Harding - Wheeler family dropped one by one and succumb to the stomach flu. It was not a pretty sight.

After missing three full days of school we agreed that if school was canceled for the fourth day the kids could die their hair blue!

I love anything that makes the kids work together. They were bored, restless and having fun together.

The night before Valentine's Day I was sick in bed with the stomach flu so Daddy was in charge of making the morning special the kids. He did a great job providing chocolates and love.

Lizzie Bug loved her Valentine's surprises!

Ellie Bean loving her special treats.

Bob got me beautiful flowers for Valentine's Day - they made my day!

I couldn't wait for the kids to get home from school so we could open all their Valentine's together. Someof the kids made homemade cards and lots of them gave out candy - it was a really fun night!

Sugar overload!

Molly and I on our way to the Ceili last weekend. We had so much fun meeting up with our friends, singing, dancing and hanging out. I got a little glimpse of what my girl is going to be like as a teenager as she danced the night away with her friends all night. She was just stunning!

Molly just takes my breath away and we had the best time!

Love this picture of Abaigeal and Ellie - my goddaughter is such a loving kid!!!

Lizzie Bug doing her homework!

Annie doing her homework with Daddy.

I took it upon myself to teach myself how to do Ellie's hair - it wasn't perfect but I did it myself!

Guess who got he ears pierced???

Auntie Meg took Lizzie to get her pretty blue earrings and she loves them - shows them to everyone who will look and cleans them religiously.

I think we're all caught up now so in the next update I'll post all the pictures from Annie's big day at the hospital.