As of Late...

KAITLYN:

A little over a week ago, Kaitlyn had an adenoidectomy and tubes put in her ears. The inflamed adenoids had blocked at least 90% of her nasal passage! 

All went well in regards to the simple surgery. I did unexpectedly tear up when the nurse carried Kaitlyn--screaming and crying--into the surgery room and I had to walk helplessly in the opposite direction.

Before surgery

In the car post-op. Talk about drugged up.

Her recovery has been quick. Besides the disgusting breath, which is a temporary effect, she's been great! It's amazing how my life's changed now that I don't have to wipe her nose every five minutes! I claim her speech has skyrocketed now that she's hearing well.

Snuggling in Skylie's bed tonight. I snipped the back of her hair last week to reduce the ridiculous mullet. I have mixed feelings. Good thing hair grows fast!

SKYLIE:

Exploring with Lillian

• Skylie is Skylie. She should be in bed now but is hiding next to me under a blanket.
• A few of her cousins came over to play yesterday. Skylie loved every minute hanging out with Meg, Jared, and Bethany. 
• On May 10 she and I went on a mommy-daughter date to the Indiana Museum of Art with the 8 to 11 year-old girls from our church and their moms. I love when I get me some one-on-one time with my children.

  

  Creating her own art at the IMA

  

  Playing with cousins yesterday. Someday Skylie will complain about all the pictures of her in her pajamas as a preschooler. That will be a good time to explain how determined she could be as a young child.

  
  

  

  Looks like Skylie has black eyes, but really she'd just gotten into my makeup!

ERIN:

• Sun and warm temperatures have finally hit Indiana, and I am soaking it up.
• I still teach two or three exercise classes a week at a nearby gym, Turbo Kick and cycling.
• I've been a counselor in the Primary for over a year now, and it just might be my favorite calling ever. I really, really love the kids at church.
• Monthly date nights are my new passion. And necessity. This past month Matt and I have ditched the kids twice! Once to attend the evening session of stake conference (a bi-annual church meeting). Another time to catch a movie and dinner with two of our favorite couples.
• With the exception of date nights, lately our family's been on a serious "no unnecessary spending streak" while we finish paying off our vehicles. The end is a few months away, and I cannot wait! In a 24 month period, we will have paid off about $20,000 of auto loan debt on an income that's been less than the median household.
• Our neighbors rock! One outfitted our front yard with perennials and mulch. Another neighbor gave me an all-inclusive kit for a vegetable and herb garden. I am so excited at their generosity and kindness.

MATT:

• This spring Matt was elected by the other residents in his program to be the Chief Resident this upcoming year. Beginning in July he will be assistant chief for six months, then in January he'll be chief for another six months. 
• He's loving psychiatry and says he's never regretted choosing this field. At one time he thought of specializing in child psychiatry. He's decided against that and is considering doing a fellowship in forensic psychiatry.
• At church he's a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency and he teaches the youth, as well.
• I'm often asked what Matt's work schedule is like. It's pretty much an 8-5 or 8-6 job. About once a week (either weeknights or weekends) he takes call, which means he stays at the hospital overnight and may or may not get sleep. He has an evening meeting once or twice a month. He's out of town at conferences a few times a year. For residency, I don't think his schedule could be much better.

Life is good.