More Bumps in the Road

We've hit a few bumps in Laura's road. She seems to have developed pretty severe reflux. We're not sure the exact cause except that NG tubes and the switch to formula vs. breastmilk are probably factors. At this point we can only give her increments of 2 ounces at a time and pray that she'll keep it down. It's been very hard to get her to keep enough down to stay hydrated. It's been a kind of marathon day, just to meet the hydration goals, let alone the growing goals.

Two nights ago Laura started on some anti-reflux medicine and we are hoping that takes effect soon!!! In the mean time it's pretty hard to watch her in so much discomfort (our happy girl is not very happy).

We would appreciate your prayers for Laura to be able to keep her food down so that we don't have to take more drastic measures.

The Old World and The New

Five years ago today we left Scotland to move back to the USA. It's hard to believe it's been that long already. I don't think Michael or I ever wanted to admit back then that we would go five years without seeing so many of our dear friends. However, we are happy and content where God has settled us. Of course we do enjoy reminiscing.....

Everytime I drive to our Pediatrician I pass this electrical box which has been recently painted to look like a British telephone booth!!! I love it. Just a little reminder, in the middle of flat, midwest America, of our British connection.

A Benefit of Homeschooling

One of the benefits of homeschooling is enjoying waffles for lunch while studying the state of New York. We can thank the Dutch settlers for bringing waffles to the US, as well as many other baked goods. And, since apples are also a New York state food, it seemed right to serve stewed apples on the side (especially since there were a bunch of half rotten ones going to waste on the counter).

Here Comes Susie Snowflake

The kids have been singing "Here Comes Susie Snowflake" and now I have it stuck in my head! We had more snow over the weekend. The perfect backdrop to holiday festivities such as a friend's bridal shower and 50% off day at Goodwill (!!!). When I arrived home, this is what greeted me:

Earlier in the morning Rachel made a girl version:

I'm working on decorating, but haven't quite finished. I'm not overly inspired, but am very content just to decorate a little.

Laura is not doing well with her feedings. She HATES this nasty special formula she is on and doesn't want the bottle. The NG seems to make her gag and throw up. We're hoping for some help from the doctor and also praying for patience and perseverance.

Felt Goodness

While in the hospital with Laura, I took a walk one day to a local Barnes and Noble and found Fa La La La Felt. I normally NEVER buy books brand new at these kinds of places, but a second look and I decided the book had to come home with me.

Fa La La La Felt is filled with 45 terrific ornaments and decorations for Christmas, all using felt or felted wool. I'm in love with just about every one of the designs (it's unusual to come by a book where you love almost everything). I've been thumbing through trying to decide which one to try first. I don't have a lot of crafting time this year, but we are planning one day devoted entirely to making ornaments. I think we'll all be picking something from this book.

First of December

The kids and I sat down last week to sketch out a rough idea of what our December should look like. All important events were noted, including decorating the house, making ornaments, making presents, making candy cane cookies, decorating sugar cookies, birthday celebrations, and the annual "Hogmanay" house cleaning. There's lots to look forward to.

We woke up December 1 to a white start for the month. It seemed the perfect thing for December 1st. Of course our snowfall looks extremely pitiful compared with the snowfall in the UK right now!

The advent calendars are all being opened each morning. Such a long tradition beginning with my grandmother. This year my mom helped the kids each make a new one to add to the collection. This one has always been my favorite:

Plaid is everywhere in the magazines and Christina and I are totally in the spirit. New tea cozies were a must. Michael is glad for something more masculine than the usual floral cozy. It pairs well with the plaid shirt I recently came upon for him.

Our table looked festive tonight, despite the house being a wreck from the decorations everywhere. I liked the red wool sweater draped over the brown chair. Red, green, silver and brown are the colors I'm aiming for this year.

I hope your Decembers are off to a good start!

Cath Kidston Love

I was totally surprised to find this waiting for us when we got back from the hospital with Laura (nearly two weeks ago!). Cath Kidston is one of my very favorite stores/catalogs. I've never actually been in one of her stores, but have always seen her stuff in my favorite magazines and love looking online or in the catalogs.

Those of you who know me well, or have read this blog long enough, will take one look at her catalog and know why I love it. :)

Now I actually own something from Cath Kidston! It's so exciting. :) And, note how the Twinings tea actually color coordinates with the contents of the box!! I finally had to give up looking at everything and start using it. Poor cousin John had to drink from the Cath cup when he was here on his last visit -- I think we'll have to find something more manly for the future.