Sydney's Social Life :)

Sydney has had a busy couple of weeks.  In addition to her several doctor's appointments, she has also been very social.  She has had a playdate (maybe just date??) with Griffin, celebrated "Uncle" Andrew's birthday, attended her first birthday party (for her future best friend, Lilyanne), visited her first museum, and watched A LOT of football!  Needless to say, she has been a busy little girl!

Holding hands (don't tell Blake!)

Staring into each other's eyes...

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Look at that smile!

Dianne and Lilyanne

Future best friends!

Football day

Just hanging out

Blackbeard Sydney

The ENTIRE highly advertised Blackbeard "exhibit"- LITERALLY

Uncle Brent is good at making me laugh!



HUGE grin!



That dinosaur head kinda scares me!



Butterfly conservatory

Hand Doctor Visit: Part III

~I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.~ John 16:33

This past week was all about doctor visits.  On Tuesday we took Sydney back to UNC to meet with the hand surgeon there.  Our main goal: make a decision about which doctor to use, either UNC or Duke.  When we arrived our friends Dianne and Pete, who both work there, met us in the waiting room.  I figured it would be a great way to pass the time as we waited for our appointment.  I think we probably got to talk with them for about a total of three minutes before we were called back to X-rays. 

X-rays this time were much faster yet much more difficult.  Sydney cried basically the whole time.  She had three X-rays taken of each hand.  The lady that took them was very fast but patient with Sydney as she screamed her little head off.  Luckily, we didn't have to redo any. 

After the X-rays, we were taken to a waiting room where we waited probably a whole of five minutes before we were taken to an exam room.  There we waited a whole of maybe ten minutes to see the doctor.  The entire waiting time was well over half the length of Duke.  With an infant that makes all the difference in the world.

When meeting with the surgeon, we were able to bring up all of our concerns and questions.  She answered them thoroughly and did not seem rushed in the least.  While she initially recommended doing one hand at a time, she was open to doing both at the same time as well.  She explained her reasoning for taking skin grafts from areas other than the groin.  She even explained how she wants to put a temporary pin in one of Sydney's right fingers to hopefully correct any rotation.  We spent probably about 45 minutes meeting with her, discussing the details of surgery, and reviewing Sydney's X-rays.  I feel as though I can give specific details about her approach to Sydney's surgery.  After she left the exam room, Blake and I both basically looked at each other and agreed that she is the one to do the surgery.  I felt immediate relief wash over me because I feel 100% confident in our decision.  Ultimately, I know she will take such good care of our daughter, keeping her safety in the forefront of her mind. 

After meeting at UNC on Tuesday, Sydney had her well-baby check on Thursday at the pediatrician.  She is a whopping 13 pounds, 9 ounces!!  She has gained 8 pounds since her birth!!  I am happy to report she is also meeting all of her milestones, one of which is rolling over.  She has rolled over from her back to her tummy and is soooo close to rolling from her tummy to her back.  During our appointment we also discussed the hand surgery with our pediatrician.  We wanted to run everything by her to make sure she didn't have any medical insight we were missing.  She reassured us that we have made a fine decision.

We are now looking at a surgery date of April 20.  I know that day will come very quickly.  I have very mixed emotions about it.  I feel relieved to have made a decision.  I feel confident in our decision.  I feel trepidation about the day of surgery and days of healing following.  I feel pure terror about having to watch Sydney being taken away for the surgery.  However, I know that God will watch over her and I know that she will have so many people praying for her.  Now it is all very real.

In the exam room at UNC- man is it becoming too familiar

Ummm, guys, why am I on my tummy?

Planes, Trains, Automobiles...and a WEDDING!

This weekend, Sydney went on her first vacation...to Colorado!  We flew into Denver and drove to Colorado Springs for Sydney's Uncle Matthew's wedding.  We left early Thursday morning and arrived early afternoon to Denver.  Sydney was awesome on the plane.  The anticipation of flying with a newborn was way worse than actually doing it.  She slept some, smiled for other passengers, and was overall content. 

Sydney and Mom...6:30 am and ready to fly!

Sydney and Dad on the plane



Sydney and Dad on the tram at the Denver airport...thank goodness for the Bjorn!



View from our hotel room

Once we got settled at the hotel, the wedding festivities began.  Sydney was very excited to meet her cousin PJ...we were excited to see him too!  He is no longer a tiny baby, he is a little kid.  It was great seeing him crawling around, eating 'real' food, and just being a boy.  His smile is such a treat to see.

Loves a binky!

Doing some work on his mom's phone

Aunt Jenn and Sydney

Such a sweet face

The wedding was a wonderful time.  We enjoyed the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception.  Katie made a beautiful bride and it was amazing watching Matthew's face as she walked down the aisle.  They make a great couple, and I know they will be very happy.  We wish them all the best as they begin their journey of married life.  I am so glad to have another sister!

The wedding ceremony was beautiful and the reception was a good time.  It was fun seeing Matthew dance...more than I ever have before!

Sydney's rehearsal dinner dress

Ready for the wedding!

Our family

The flight home was uneventful...once we took off.  Getting to the airport, on the other hand, was terrible.  It snowed hard and we worried the whole time that our flight would be cancelled.  It took over two hours for my dad to drive us to the airport, but luckily Sydney slept pretty much the whole time.  Once at the airport, we watched the snow continue to fall and kept our fingers crossed that our plane would be able to takeoff.  We did get to fly home, over an hour after the scheduled time and after the plane had been deiced. 

All our luggage for four days...

Snow falling on the way to the airport

Sound asleep

Snow at the airport

One of the things that Blake and I have always loved is traveling.  Traveling with a four month old, though, takes things to a new level.  We are both thankful that she is an easy-going baby...she made the trip very enjoyable!