The kids are busy selecting things for the Christmas lists. Usually they find several items the store has strategically placed for optimal visualization and beg and beg for me to buy it. My response has become, "We can put it on your Christmas list" and then take a picture of them with the item. It works really well to quell the inevitable tears when I tell them "no". It's on the list, there's a chance, so they're good with that.
The big thing this year is LOL dolls. They are SUPER expensive for what you get--typically a small doll with some accessories--but it's the unwrapping part that's the pull. Every accessory is in it's own tiny blind bag and you have to find them in various compartments throughout the nifty packaging. I can admit it's pretty cool, but they end up causing so much contention and tears, I really wish my girls didn't like them.
These shopkins are pretty popular, too.
Such a happy baby! 6 months old!
For the last several months, George has had an almost constant whooshing sound behind his ear and elevated blood pressure. After finally reaching a breaking point, he went to see a specialist and they diagnosed him with an AVM--Arterial Venous Malformation. His particular one isn't necessarily dangerous or about to explode, but because it was so prevalent and intrusive into his everyday life, they decided to embolize it. George's Dad came down for the preliminary CT scan with contrast. I had all the kiddos and couldn't come, so they facetimed me from the recovery room.
The CT went well and confirmed the diagnosis, so we will schedule surgery in a few months to take care of it. Even though it's scary he has a AVM, it's been a relief knowing and getting reassured that he can continue to weight lift and live life without fear that he's going to bleed out in his brain.
Getting lunch with Pop Pop and Daddy after the CT scan.
This sweet girl is doing... better. Still struggling to sleep, still having meltdowns, but I see improvements. I'm hopeful we are on our way out of this interesting stage.
Pizza anyone? George bought the most enormous pizza the other day. The kids all thought it was hysterical the slices didn't even fit on a plate.
Is it Christmas yet?
