Mallory's Upcoming Performance

Tomorrow Mallory will begin her intensive Nutcracker training (she has additional practices). I am really excited about her upcoming performance. I bought her some new ballet slippers to help her prepare. Grandma, I really wish you could come. Don't worry mom will video tape and I should be able to add some footage to this blog.

Lealane, I am only committing to the gate run. I ran outside again and it is getting easier. There is a HUGE difference between road running and treadmill running.

Here is a link to what Lee and me are striving toward.

http://www.gate-riverrun.com/

Becky, do you want to join us? Krystial has agreed to run too!

Good News

A big chunk of ear wax fell out of Mallory's ear yesterday morning!!! This is great. Now the doctor won't have to pull it out--unless there is some left.

Not much happened over the weekend. Mallory and I did our usual Jerry J's breakfast, trip to the library, and running boring errands. Today was church, family lunch, and a long run outside--I'm getting ready Lealane--are you?

Tomorrow is work=(

Christmas Shopping

Well Mallory is nearly completed. I have ordered everything via Internet-again-and it is on its way. I will buy her a few small items but nothing worth mentioning.

Now what to get our parents........

Speaking of presents. I have to go to a work Christmas party. We are supposed to be playing that dirty Christmas game. The gift is supposed to be worth $10. It seems that this is a big deal in my program so I want to bring something good. Any suggestions?????

Christmas Cards

Our cards should be going out this weekend--this is our projected release date. To be included: A Christmas pic of Mallory and her autograph. She signed most of the cards herself. She was so cute. She sat at her art desk and wrote her name in all of them.

Post-Op Update

Yesterday we returned to the surgeon's office for a post-op appointment. I was a little concerned because Mallory's ear seemed to be bleeding/discharging more than the last time. According to the doctor, everything looks good. She has a lot of wax/discharge buildup that has hardened

and it has molded itself to the skin. It could not be removed without hurting her so we are doing ear drops to soften it and will return in 2 weeks to try to get it out.

Looking forward to Mallory's dance recital. Dress up rehearsals will begin this weekend and tickets are no on sale. They are $10 for adults and $5 for children. I can easily buy them during rehearsals so if anyone wants me to purchase one on their behalf, let me know

Also, cookie is in. I will be able to pick it up today.

The Raulerson's at the Zoo

Recently, Kristy took her girls to the
Jacksonville Zoo. As you can see they enjoyed each other and the animals. I suspect that they were able to relate to many of the zoo's occupants!

Anna's Reading List

Here is a list of books that I would like to read:

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
Sizzle: A Novel by Julie Garwood
Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux (waiting for copy at my public library)
Curing the Blues with a New Pair of Shoes by Dixie Cash (waiting for a copy from library)
Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

Not the best of reads but something to keep me entertained.

BTW, Aunt Peggy, we got your books and have already distributed them to the Raulerson's. The Thigpen's know about them but we haven't managed to hook up yet. So far, they have been a huge hit. We often borrowed Corduroy from the public library so Mal was thrilled to get a copy to keep. Thanks so much. p.s. let me know if you try the recipes I sent.

Our Thanksgiving

We had a great time. Most importantly, Mallory seems to be back to normal. Today she has not complained of pain nor has she asked for any pain medication. In fact, she chased Tinkerbell all morning and requested to eat at Ryan's tonight.

To help Mallory feel better, we got down our Christmas decorations. Big mistake: She thinks its Christmas NOW. For the past 2 nights she has asked if Santa is coming. She also wants to make cookies--to leave for him.

As a get well soon surprise, I bought her a new 4ft pre-lit PINK tree. Mallory loved it--while it was in the box--but continues to call the "big" tree hers.

Jeez, when will I ever learn???

Mallory News

Last night I was unable to give Mallory some of her medicine. Apparently it tastes so terrible that it awakens her. However, this morning at around 5:45, she awoke asking for some. I gave it to her and she must have really wanted it because she gulped it down without complaint. She has asked for it several times during the day and I have obliged by mixing it with coke.

I am happy to report that with the pain medication she has been up, moving, playing some, and talking a lot. Most importantly, she is eating. Compared to the first ear, this time started worse but seems to be finishing a lot easier.

Since Mallory seems to be making a speedy recovery, we will go to Daniel's family's home to celebrate Thanksgiving. I have purchased 2 pies and a key lime cake (my fav) for the occasion. I also baked a cake and added my Grannie Thigpen's special chocolate frosting.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and remember: calories DO NOT count on big national holidays.

Update

Good News! Mallory has survived surgery. I am very happy--and relieved--to announce that she is doing very well. Although we got off to a rocky start, she has not complained of any pain since leaving the hospital. In fact, she has refused the pain medicine, saying ,"I don't need any." However, I plan on giving her a full dosage after she falls asleep. I am terrified that pain will sneak up on her, especially when the anesthesia wears off.

Thank you for your concern, prayers, and thoughts. Mallory (and Daniel and me) is very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.

Off to Savannah

Tomorrow we will be leaving to go to Savannah. Mallory is scheduled for pre op and a hearing exam. On Tuesday she will have her left ear drum repaired. It is an outpatient procedure so we should be home Tuesday night. Once we return, I will be sure to update everyone.

Mallory is fully aware of what is coming up. To encourage her, we are staying at the Hilton, which has a heated pool and we have promised a trip to Chuck E Cheese's. When we first announced the Chuck E Cheese adventure, she squealed and literally jumped up and down. Immediately following that, she said, "Is Grandma coming to?" (Until now, Chuck E Cheese has been Grandma's territory)

I'm signing off till Tuesday. See ya then!

That Dam* Dog

Tinkerbell has chewed my camera cord into almost seperate pieces. I can no longer upload photos from the camera. Not sure if I will have to buy a new camera or if I could just buy a new plug.

Last night, our niece, Harlie spent the night. Mallory enjoyed having her and I got to sleep late this morning. As usual, we went to Jerry J's but Mallory didn't eat ANYTHING. In fact, her sausage patties are still in the refrigerator. I think her new med is causing the loss of appetite. Today was the first day that I was with her during the med's most active phase. I must admit, I don't really like it. She was so calm and slow moving that if I hadn"t known better, I would have thought she was sick.

This afternoon we went to a birthday party and we stopped by Kristy's and dad's. Everyone is doing fine except Kirsten. Kirsten has a terrible cold, cough, sore throat, and leg pains. So far she hasn't been to the doctor but may go tomorrow.

A Sleepy Little Girl

The other day, Daniel gave Mallory a bath. He left her sitting on the bed, playing her Leapster. He went into her room to get some clean clothes. When he came back, which was less than a minute, she was asleep--naked!

Mallory has been on her new medication for three days now. We can tell that it is addressing the hyperactivity but I'm not sure about the attention deficit part. I guess we will wait a little longer before deciding.

Next week is her second ear surgery. This time they will repair the left ear. We go for post-op on Monday afternoon and return to the hospital on Tuesday morning. Mallory is dreading it--since she knows what to expect this time. I have told her that once her ear heals, she can have her ears pierced.

Does Anyone Remember???

Does anyone remember what today is? It is a special day and most of you were involved!

OMG!!!!!

Mallory's school called. She has nits!! Thankfully there were no live bugs in her hair so she was able to stay at school. But still.............

We spent the evening washing her hair and combing it. It took about an hour and she cried nearly the entire time. Hopefully we got everything out.

Home Sweet Home

As previously posted, Daniel and I left yesterday morning to go to the Bulldog game in Athens, GA. They played the Auburn Tigers and it was a really good game.

However, there were several incidents that made me home sick. They were:

1) We got lost! It started with our hotel, although we quickly found it. We got EXTREMELY lost on the UGA campus. It took us hours to find our car after the game. We also got lost leaving Athens to get back to our hotel (we stayed in Madison). We didn't get back to our room until 3:00 am. We were also starving because our last meal was at 4:30!

2) A fight nearly erupted near us. When I say near us, I mean the guys sitting directly in front of us and the girl sitting next to us. They both started cussing and yelling, physical threats were exchanged, and even small licks were passed.

3) There is no bed like the bed in my bedroom. Despite the late hour and the physical activity (we probably walked 6-8 miles), I couldn't sleep.

Anyway, I am glad to report that we survived the trip, safely returned home, and have already unpacked.

Tomorrow Mallory and I go to the doctor for her "attention medicine." If I could home school her, I would because I really don't want her to take this type of medication.

Shower Clean

Mallory is proud to have enough hair to
wrap into a towel. She actually asked to have her picture taken!

I'm signing off until Sunday night. Daniel and I are traveling to Athens, GA to watch the Bulldogs play Auburn.

Mallory will be visiting with her Nana and Pappy.

Favorite Photo # 12

This picture was taken a day before Mallory's second birthday. In a way, it seems like a long time ago.

Mom bought this dress and she wore it to our weekly Saturday morning breakfast. As usual, she got a lot of attention.

I think her hair was curlier back then--of course it was shorter.

Thank you Veterans!

This has been a very busy week. I have worked late both Monday and Tuesday and today I was off! Thanks so much to all of my relatives who have served. I know there are many of you. Here are some that I can quickly name: my parents, Grandpa Yeager, Papa Thigpen, Papa Don, and Uncle John, Great Uncle Ken Bates, and maybe great cousin Dan???

I hope everyone has an awesome Thursday! I will be meeting with Mallory's school tomorrow to discuss classroom accommodations. The result of her diagnostic testing revealed ADHD. Her scores were a little lower than average. We are hopeful that she will catch up with a good response to a medication. However, Mallory will probably always need some special ed involvement regarding her visual processing impairments.

The hard part is finding a good medication match for Mallory. From what I understand, it is trial and error. We go to the doctor on Monday to get our first script.

This is a very hard time for us. We really don't want Mallory on any type of medication but feel that it is truly needed to enhance academic performance. I'm going to be honest, I am really depressed and the only thing I I know that would make me feel better is if ALL of my BFF's go Tampa with me on 4/16-4/18

Mallory and the Bouncy Houses

I'm not sure if there are other toys that is as well liked as bouncy houses. Mallory loves these big slides.

In the second picture slid down with an old friend from her daycare years.

A Sneek Peek

Today Mallory had pictures at her gymnastics/dance gymnasium. Here she posing in her full Nutcracker costume. She is a snowflake.

Remember the recital is on December 12 at 2:00 and 5:00. I am encouraging everyone to attend the 2:00 show because I'm not sure Mallory will perform twice!

Mallory Dancing

Please remember I pay $55 per month for dance lessons.

Does anyone recognize the music???

Poor Tinker Bell

Really, do I need to say more????

Halloween Night

As I said in the previous post, Pappy and Nana came over with their golf cart and trailer. We had a blast trick or treating!

I wished you could have seen Mal. She worked hard to keep up with the older kids. She ran after them and jumped up whenever Pappy stopped. By the end of the night, she was too tired to visit some houses.

Some special places we visited: Aunt Jean's house (last photo) and Duchess's house. If you recall, Duchess was our former pet.

Halloween Night

We had a really good Halloween. Nana and Pappy came over and brought a trailer and their golf cart. Mallory's cousins Harlie and Braydden and her friends Caylee and Sabrina went trick or treating with us.

Mallory wore her pumpkin costume, Harlie and Sabrina were rockers, and Caylee was a witch. Our nephew-not pictured-was a GA football player.

Pappy drove us all around the neighborhood and each child got a lot of candy.

More pictures coming.