All I want for Christmas is my front tooth...

Another Christmas traveling adventure! As if Addie's exctiement wasn'tenough, Niki's front tooth began hurting on the drive to Arizona from California. Given all that was going on with Addie, and because this tooth has been a problem since childhood, I ignored it. After several days of pain, I began to entertain the idea that maybe I should see a dentist. I wanted to put that off because this tooth had a root canal when I was about 10, so I knew that if it was hurting, something was really wrong and this wouldn't be a simple dentist visit. But when I got one of the worst headaches of my life up the middle of m face, I gave in and was taken to the dentist.

So my wonderful mother-inlaw took me to see her dentist and I begged him for some good news (but knew he wouldn't have any for me). He did have some good news- that there was something to do now for the pain to get me through until I can see my dentist back home. I got some antibiotics (like mother like daughter) for what appears to be an infection that is aggravating a bit of nerve that never was removed. Meaning, I have a failed root canal and will either have to get a new one, or get the tooth extracted and have an implant screwed into my jaw! Now there's something to look forward to!

We are hoing that this trip can be adventure free until we return to California! We have hit some unexpected challenges, but at least we will never forget this trip!

Checking in from Phoenix

Well, we're still in Phoenix, but thought we'd post an update or two. Sorry, no pictures with this blog, but I'll add some later.

Some of you know that evertime we have taken Addie to Phx, she has been miserable, mean & sick. Greg assured me that this trip would be different....

We arrived on the 22nd and the night of the 23rd knew something wasn't going right. She was a histerical mess and wouldn't calm down. That night her temperature went up to 102.7, so first thing on the morning of th 24th, we took a trip to Urgent Care! Now, if you haven't spent your Christmas Eve morning out-of-town at an urgent care with a very sick baby, you just haven't lived!!! We had good company- two other couples from out of town with kids almost the same age as Addie- misery loves company.

Would anyone like to guess what the doctor told us was going on with Addie? That's right! A double ear infection (with some sort of throat and sinus stuff too)!

The good news is that we could put her on antibiotics right away and she is feeling much better already. Not to mention that antibiotics make Addie sleep better than she usually does AND we have a great memory of Christmas 2006!!!!

Free Walking

Today, Addie FINALLY realized that she can walk without holding on to anything and found her freedom!!!
Nonchalantly, as if she had done it a million times, she just began taking a few steps to move between things, then a few more, and by the end of the night she was crossing the living room.
It's a whole new world for us now! 

Christmas #1

Well, the first round of Christmas is already over for us! We exchanged gifts with Niki's parents while they were here for Addie's birthday.

Here my mom shows Addie how soft her new scarf is.
My dad was very happy with his new "Proud to be Addie's Poppi" T-Shirt.
Addie thought the pot holders I received were very fun.
She was delighted with her new book too! 

Book Worms

Greg and Addie enjoyed receiving books as Christmas presents!

Greg was thrilled to get Warren Wiersbe's commentary set.
Also he delighted in the "Handyman in Your Pocket" book.

Sorry ladies, he's all mine.
Addie received a great book from her Auntie Kim all about the Pike Place Market in Seattle.
She loved it and looked at it for a long time. She loved the bright pictures!!! 

Baby It's Cold Outside

Seriously, it is COLD outside. I know you people out-of-state are mocking me right now, but it is FRIGID outside. The weather during the day is in the 50's.

Stop laughing.

That is very cold for us.
Addie had some play time outside, but we didn't want her hands and ears to get cold.

As you can see, she is really enjoying the Tigger toy. We aren't so sure it was a good idea now that we've realized there is NO OFF SWITCH for the sounds. Soon I think the batteries are going to disappear. 

Pushy Girl

Let's hope that Addie doesn't grow up to be a pushy girl!

She and Grant had some play time outside. Grant liked riding best, and Addie liked to do the pushing.
We tried getting Addie to ride, but it didn't last long.
OK, how about a bike for each of you? 

Thank You Amy

Amy- Greg received the pakage from Hillshire Farms. He approves! 

Addie's Birthday Party

Here are some shots from Addie's birthday party, which was held on Saturday.


We were joined by the Lim family, Lori Wellons, The Kropfs, Niki's parents, and of course we were there!
We had tons of food- cakes, a chocolate fountain, little smokies, cookies, shrimp, & cheese ball.


If anyone wants some left overs, we have lots! Come on over! 

Sing To Me!

The highlight of her birthday party, according to Addie, was having the "Happy Birthday" song sung to her.
She clapped,
She squealed,


She loved it!!!
Blow out the candle! 

Birthday Cake

Here is Addie's Birthday Cake!
It was chocolate peppermint! Yummy!
Her second birthday cake was a spice cake- for those who didn't like chocolate.
Addie tries out the cake. She didn't really dig in and make a mess! She just ate a few bites daintily.

Now if the cake was made of cheese, it might have been a different story...
In case you're not sure, Addie is making sure you know she is ONE now! 

Birthday Gifts

Addie received a "Mr. Bump" gel pack from her Auntie Kim. It is soooo cute! It can be hot or cold to soothe whatever ails you.
Grant Kropf gave Addie a "Peas and Thank You" book. He has such good manners, he is now Addie's tutor. 

Birthday Present from the Parents

For her birthday, we bought Addie a Tigger Airplane Ride-On toy with spinning propeller, lights, and sounds. Greg's parents have one, and while she was in Phoenix last time, she just loved it! So now she can enjoy it all the time at our house.
She was pretty excited about it- as you can see.
She can rest her feet on the airplane wings so that when she's being pushed, her feet don't get in the way.
Poppi took her for a spin outside. You can tell that she hates it.