What a Week!

The first week of summer vacation was filled with many fun activities and events, as well as our first trip to the emergency room with Lauren!


Mommy and Lauren on the city bus.

Last Sunday, June 14th we went down to an art fair in the city to spend some time with Aunt Steph and Uncle Jon. Lauren enjoyed her first bus ride that day.

Monday was a very busy day for us. We started with a trip to the Rec Center. Lauren went to Kid Fit and loved it, while I worked out. After her morning nap, we took a quick trip to the local pool and then it was time for Lauren's afternoon nap. When she woke up we went grocery shopping and then ended our day by meeting Daddy at the train.


Lauren with Mommy on her 29th birthday.

Tuesday was my 29th birthday, so Geoff took the day off to be with us. We rode our bikes to a fantastic breakfast spot in the morning and then went to the Kohl Children's Museum in the afternoon, as it was raining. Steph planned a wonderful birthday dinner (and arranged a babysitter for Lauren) for us and some friends at Hub 51 that evening. The food was delicious and I really enjoyed my time with friends.


Lauren enjoying the Dancin' Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

On Wednesday morning Lauren spent some time at Mariah's while I worked in my new classroom. It really felt good to get everything arranged and put away. After Lauren's afternoon nap, we went to the Botanic Garden to listen to music and dance in the grass. Lauren now claps her hands on her own and bounces up and down with music. It is super cute. (I took a video, but it's sideways and I can't figure out how to get it right side up.) When the music finished we met Geoff at the train and went to the local farmer's market again. This has become our Wednesday evening tradition.

Thursday was another busy day. Lauren and I went to our friend Jillian and London's house. London is one year older than Lauren and the girls enjoyed playing and eating lunch together.

At dinner Thursday night, Geoff and I decided to let Lauren try some watermelon and that's when the scariness started. As Lauren was finishing up the watermelon she threw-up all of her dinner and probably some of her lunch. That scared me, as Lauren has never thrown up before so I took her temperature only to find out it was 104.6. Geoff called the doctor's office, they didn't answer but were supposed to be open until 8, so we jumped in the car and drove over there. We didn't make it in time, but the hospital was on the way home, so we went to the emergency room. After many hours of tests and waiting with a sick baby, the doctors realized Lauren's white blood cell count was really high, but they couldn't figure out why. We were sent home around midnight with instructions to give Lauren Tylenol every 4 hours to keep the fever down.

We already had Lauren's 9 month check-up scheduled for Friday morning, so we used that appointment to take her back in to see the doctor. Her fever was still really high and so was her white blood cell count, but again the doctors couldn't figure anything out. So Lauren was given a shot of antibiotic and again we were told to monitor her temperature closely. Lauren spent all day Friday in her diaper and only her diaper to keep her temperature down and slept a lot. My parents came in to town Friday night for Father's Day weekend and it was so nice to have their help. Lauren loved the extra attention and spent lots of time on Grammie and Grandpa's laps.

On Saturday morning my mom and I took Lauren back to the doctor and this time she was diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The doctor found a big blister in the back of her mouth and that's how she knew what was going on. I was very relieved to know what the problem was. Lauren is now on an antibiotic and has been fever free since Sunday morning. We are going back on Saturday morning to try again for her 9 month check-up. I am so happy to have my healthy little girl back.


Reading a book about tractors with Grandpa.



A "father/daughter" photo on Father's Day.

Our weekend ended on a wonderful note with an afternoon BBQ in our backyard. Geoff and my dad went golfing Saturday afternoon, while my mom and I stayed with Lauren at home. Steph and Jon came up in the evening for a special Chicago-style hot dog dinner and bonfire. Sunday started with Dad bringing back donuts and coffee for everyone and then we headed to church. We relaxed for a little bit in the early afternoon while playing bean bag toss in the backyard and then enjoyed ribs, steak, pork chops, and many side dishes as part of our Father's Day BBQ. AFter a delicious meal, we opened many thoughtful gifts for Father's Day and my birthday. After Steph, Jon and Dad left my mom, Lauren, Geoff and I went on a wonderful walk around town as closure to a special weekend spent together as a family.