Princess Teeth

Today was another first for our family - first cavities for one of the kiddos. Last month when we all went to our routine check-up our family dentist told us that Gwen had a big cavity in her molar. It was big, too because even I could see it when she opened her mouth. She has a hard time at the dentist because of the loud noises so they didn't spend a lot of time checking the rest of her teeth. We tried to have them fill the cavity a week later and after 45 minutes it was apparent that Gwen was not going to be cooperative - she wouldn't even open her mouth. They recommended a pediatric dentist. Last week we went to one near our house and they were great. They did a full set of x-rays and found two more huge cavities in another molar on the other side. Since it had been such a trial to get her to even open up her mouth at the other dentist we decided that some sedation would be appropriate for her.

This morning we got to the dentist at 9:00. Gwen was whining about being hungry since she couldn't have breakfast, just in case the sedation made her vomit. They gave her demerol/phenergan/and choral hydrate to make her sleepy, which cost me $95 out of pocket. I had to hold her like a baby and force it into her mouth with a syringe. After that, she went into their play room and 20 minutes later, literally stumbled out and bumped into a wall giggling. I scooped her into my lap and had her play there. A few minutes later, she started singing "Old McDonald" at the top of her lungs. It was funny to see her whacked out on drugs. They had me carry her into the back and wrapped her in a big soft blanket and gave her some nitrous oxide which had her in dream land in a few minutes. She barely moved the entire time they fixed her cavities and it was super quick. After they where done, they took the gas off and she woke up and asked to go get a toy from the store like I had promised her.

She sat in the cart at the store and was still a bit loopy as she chose a little toy for herself and a Dora the Explorer book for Emily since she gets her cast put on tomorrow. She was super excited to show her daddy and Emily her new "silver princess teeth". She slept from the moment we got home at lunch time until I woke her up at 5:00 for dinner. The best part is that she thought the dentist was really fun and not scary at all. Guess the $95 was worth it.

Catching a Break

Well, Emily won the prestigious award of being the first grandchild on the Buckholts' side with a broken bone. Last night when I was getting ready for work she was busy going through all my drawers in my bedroom. Before I realized it, she had pulled out all the drawers in our 6 drawer high very heavy dresser and it began to tip over on top of her. I lunged for her and grabbed her arms to pull her out of the way but the whole weight of it landed on her right leg. It was terrifying to sit there and try to calm her as I realized that it could have been so much worse if I hadn't been there to pull her mostly out of the way.

She didn't get away unscathed though. As the rest of the night went on it became more and more apparent that her leg wasn't okay. I kept hoping that it was sprained or bruised. It wasn't too tender when I touched it or swollen or misshapen or anything like that. She even went to bed without a fuss. The only thing was that if she tried to put any weight on that right leg she would crumple and cry. Well, as I said, I had to run off to work and try to focus on my patients while every fiber of me wanted to be home holding Emily. I made it through the night and in the morning called to check on her with one last hope that Jonathan would report that she was happily skipping about her room with no pain. That was not the case as I listened to her sleepy voice on the other end of the phone cry out in pain as she tried to just kneel on that leg. I told my work I might not be there for my shift that night and took off home to comfort her and take her in to the doctor.

We went to the Granger Medical Clinic which felt so strange because I really wanted to take her to see the doctors that I worked with at the KidsCare. Unfortunately, my insurance does not feel the same way and will not pay for their superior care. Really, GMC was fine, it just didn't feel like home. Emily screamed through the entire exam, x-ray, and splinting but was fine in between when I got to just hold her and love her.

After the doctor's, Jonathan and I decided that it would probably be wise for me to go into work because we're going to have to pay our entire deductible for this accident (at least we're getting it out of the way early this year). I headed over to Grandma's to sleep for the afternoon. Grandma and Gwen spent the day cleaning her house and running errands, which she loved and wouldn't stop talking about - thank you Grandma! Emily got to spend the day scooting around the living room at home getting one-on-one care from her Daddy.

We're going to get through this first big family milestone without too many hitches I think. Thanks to everyone who has expressed love and concern and who has been thinking and praying for Emily. We'll post pics when she gets her cast on Monday.

Christmas Pics

Gwen got Princess and the Frog dolls for Christmas, Emily got Snow White and her Prince. Getting them similar gifts was a brilliant idea if I do say so myself.

Emily checking me out with her binoculars (not a present) but the stroller and baby Snow White were her gift from Santa this year. She LOVES Snow White.

Santa brought Gwen an easel for Christmas. Gwen spends hours painting, drawing, and writing on it with chalk and dry erase markers.

It's not made for real people, Emily. Luckily, it's fairly sturdy for a $5 toy. We took it over to Grandma's house later that night and all the 2-year-olds fought over it all night.

Jonathan found these cute metal slug bugs and asked Santa to bring them to the girls. He loves pointing them out when we're driving and now Gwen can spot them before us sometimes.

Cookie Grandma sent these cute matching outfits. I need to dress them alike more often because it's so cute.

Mason, my 8-year-old nephew who refuses to smile in pictures, got a wooden snake for Christmas. Emily was a bit creeped out by it.

Our first Christmas with Max. I was watching our videos of last year's Christmas and we were all excited about having Max in our family. It's so great to have him here.

Andrew taking a bite out of Grandpa's Yard of Beef.

Emily got a Sesame Street doctor kit from my sister Laura's family. We have a system for buying presents for one family so we don't all have to get gifts for everyone. With 4 sisters and a bunch of kids that can get expensive.

Gwen got a wooden magnet "paper doll" ballerina. It's just perfect to play with in church.

After opening presents the kids put on a Nativity for everyone. Gwen was the Inn Keeper and Emily was a Shepard. Gwen thought it was a beautiful dress for dancing in.

Kim and Mason were the stars of course - Mary and Joseph.

It was a little hard to keep them all focused, especially the little ones, but it was fun to watch them.

Sam and Jami were sparkly angels and Jonathan helped Sam read some scriptures.

Emily tried to steal the show by running around the tree shouting "Tank 'em" which is how she says thank you. It's the "Thank" from thank you and the "em" from you're welcome.

I love that our kids are all such good friends and have fun times with each other.