Our little Anna had a minor surgery a week ago. She had a small cyst removed from her left eyebrow. It wasn’t very noticeable and wasn’t a threat to her health, but it would likely get bigger as she got older and would need to be removed eventually (and it might be harder to remove once it got bigger), so we decided it was best to do it while she’s too little to know what’s going on.

We first took her to an ophthalmologist here in Conway, but we just weren’t happy with the consultation. The doctor came across as a bit cold, uncaring, and totally out of touch with kids (and their parents). Although he probably would have done a fine job, there’s no reason to put up with that, in my opinion.

We ended up seeing Dr. Wade Brock at the Baptist Eye Center. I went in thinking, “ok, he’s a surgeon, so he’s probably going to have that surgeon’s personality (or lack thereof), so don’t expect too much.” But I was wrong—he was SO good with Anna and knew how to interact with her, was very personable and easy to talk to, and was on the same page with us about our concerns.

When we got to the surgery center, I was very impressed with the nurses and the anesthesiologist as well. Everyone knew how to deal with a small child and make it as low-stress as possible. They went very slowly, gave her toys and stickers, let her play with stuff like the stethoscope before they used it, and did everything they could to make her smile. They gave her a sedative so she didn’t care in the least about being taken from us (the part I was most worried about); the anesthesiologist held her close to him while she fell alseep (isn’t that sweet?); they even put the IV in after she was asleep.

Aside from a black eye that is still healing, she’s been fine. She really hasn’t seemed bothered by the swelling or the stitches too much. The first couple of days her eye was swollen almost shut, but she just kept on playing and going about her business as usual. The swelling is almost gone, but there’s still a bit of bruising. But no one has called Department of Human Services on us yet, so we’re good. :)

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What could be under that big red bag?

A kitchen!

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Anna was so excited Christmas morning to see her present from Nana and Granddad…

A table and chair set just for her! Isn’t it the cutest thing?

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Anna and I went to “open house” at the library this evening. They had crafts, cookies, and pictures with the Clauses. There was no way Anna was going to let some strange person hold her, so I got to be in it too. :)

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Anna discovers the decorated Christmas tree after her nap:

Anna and Daddy playing piano:

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This is my mom with her two precious granddaughters, having a good time!

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I’ve been taking Anna to the toddler story time at the library for several months now. She knows the rhymes and songs and motions very well now. We do them some at home, too. Last night, we were doing a few in her room, and she decided to get her little baby doll and make the doll do everything she would usually do! She was flying her in the air during the Mother Goose rhyme, just like I would fly Anna in the air. She was pointing to her eyes, ears, nose and mouth during the body rhymes, just like I would do with Anna. She even made the doll clap after each little song, just like she does. Everything I do with Anna, Anna was doing with the doll. It was so cool! She’s been doing things like feeding the baby with a bottle or sippy cup for a while, but this is the first time I’ve seen her make the doll represent herself this strongly. Pretty neat!

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David’s parents were so excited to have Anna out at their house in Boulder! They secured a crib, high chair, and some other necessities (and a few not-so-necessities) and had a little room set up for Anna.

Granddad and Anna enjoying the view from the deck:

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At the Children’s Museum:

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We just took a trip! With a 19-month-old! I know people do it all the time, but we were pretty hesitant to undergo either a car trip or a plane ride with a toddler. But David had a conference in Denver last Thursday-Friday, and since his parents live in Boulder, we thought it would be a good opportunity (while his plane ticket was paid for) for me and Anna to tag along and extend the trip through the weekend so Anna could finally see her Nana and Granddad’s home.

I fully intended to get a picture of Anna on her first plane ride, but it just didn’t happen. She was quite a handful on the ride out, but we managed to keep her entertained and avoid a complete meltdown. All of us were glad to be off that plane. Fortunately, we had sprung for the direct flight. After that flight, we marveled at how we had originally debated whether or not it was worth the extra cost. It was.

So while David was cooped up in a hotel conference room, Anna and I were out enjoying Denver during what was probably some of the best weather they’ve ever had this time of year. (more…)

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