Avery's Mom: Summer Fun!

Avery Update...

Avery has been to several appointments lately. It seems she isn't allergic to anything after all of this allergy testing. We had been worried she had some significant allergy due to a chronic cough and constant runny nose and sinus drainage. It appears that she actually has an IGA deficiency that causes her to have low immunity. We began by giving her a repeat immunization (a different form) to try to boost her IGA. Her blood will be checked in about 4 weeks, and if it didn't do the trick, we will then try daily antibiotics to treat it. Since Avery has already been on daily antibiotics to prevent infection in her kidneys since she was born (basically), I am guessing the dose will just be increased. Then, if that won't work, there is a possibility of a daily injection, but we are hoping one of the latter options works for her to avoid that. We will be seeing her allergist on a consistent basis, just as we do the other 5 physicians who manage her care. Avery went in for her second set of ear tubes a week ago, and her hearing has greatly improved! While she was upset about going into the hospital, she really did a good job. Grammy came along and Bryce stayed home with GG since Daddy was out of town. We went through spurts of crying, and I could tell her tummy was upset from nerves/anxiety, but she really did well. I had a flashback of her as a 1 1/2 year old as I entered recovery. She had that same dazed look on her face and was making the same moan she did coming off anesthesia the last time she had tubes! I waited on her to get sick, but she seemed to hold down apple juice. Well, she did until I began driving down the road to leave after being discharged! Avery got sick all in her car seat! I came prepared, so we stopped for a change of clothes, and we were on our way home! Avery had her cardio check-up with Dr. Ebeid on Wednesday. While the pulmonary valve continues to leak, she is still doing great! Her energy level is as high as ever, and her echo looks fine, so we will return in another 6 months. On Monday, we will have her post-op ENT appointment, and on Thursday, we will have a plastics consult about having her little ears pinned. Over time, her cartilage will harden, so her Dr. suggested having it done in the near future. We still haven't decided what we will do, so we will go in to get more information. The original plan was to do it during her tube surgery, but there was a concern about insurance covering it. Other than that, Avery has her next appointment with her Endocrinologist in July. Her recent blood work showed her thyroid levels are within the normal range, and she hasn't had any noticeable side effects from the hormone treatment, so we should be good there. Avery continues to have trouble sleeping. I think she could just about stay up all night! The Melatonin gets her to sleep, but it doesn't keep her asleep. That may be something we discuss with her doctors if she doesn't begin doing better.

Tubes...

Allergy...

Cardiology...

On Father's Day, we went to church and spent the day with Daddy (of course). Papaw was around too! Avery helped Mommy pick out some shorts, socks, and a shirt for Daddy, and we made Daddy's request, fish tacos and fresh salsa for lunch. We are so lucky to have Jake in our lives. He loves us more than he loves himself, and I don't know what I'd do without him!

Jener spent a couple of weeks with us this summer. Since his birthday is in August, I decided we needed to celebrate with him while he was in town. MeMe made him some chicken spaghetti and chocolate cake. I can't believe he'll be 14 soon! He is such a kind-hearted and loving young man, and I am so proud to be his aunt. His young cousins also adore him (as if you couldn't tell by the pictures).

We've been going to Catfish Row to play in the water, and Avery loves it! Bryce is beginning to get into it too, but he needed a few practice runs.

We are now officially living in Vicksburg. It's been an adjustment moving in with GG and Papaw, but all in all, I think it is working out well. The kids seems to brighten their grands' day, and Bryce's new favorite word is "Papaw." He's also been saying "GG" and "baseball" a lot. We went to VWSD to meet with the SPED office and get everything set up for Avery to receive speech services. We also dropped by to look at her new school which was right down the road (Agape Christian Montessori). Avery is excited about it! She's still trying to figure out all that is going on, but I think it is starting to sink in! I am nervous and excited about teaching the first grade at Dana Road! I am giving myself this month off, but will begin trying to get myself organized and ready for my new classroom in July. I am desperately trying to take it all one day at a time. We're giving ourselves this year to figure out if we will stay here, move back to Brandon, or???? You never know when you are a coach's wife, right? For now, this is good for my children, and ultimately, I think it is good for us and my parents. ;)

They both had a blast at the Jackson Zoo (which none of us had ever been to) with my sweet friends, Christy, Kristen, and Amanda. Jackson, Abby Grace, Avery, and Bryce had loads of fun. I was proud of Avery for walking through and looking at the animals because she REALLY didn't want to at first. Bryce loved them, and Avery ended up thinking it was pretty neat. I still think there favorite part was the splash pad there!

train ride...

splash pad...

visiting the animals...

I turned 30 something in June...I guess time flies when you are having fun, or when you have two kids, or something like that. Daddy let me order some Scentsy stuff I've been wanting, and Avery and I went shopping and to Sno-Biz that afternoon. It's much more fun celebrating my children's birthdays, but I am so thankful to be blessed with everything God has given me! Below is a picture of me about 31 years ago when I was Avery's current age. :)

We went to Ross's birthday party at Fannin Lanes, and they had a lot of fun. It was another first- Avery has never been bowling! She had loads of fun running around, bowling, and playing with some friends from school she's been missing.

Big Sis and Little Bro...just some more summer fun days

Since Daddy has been out of town a lot lately, we decided to go with him to Oxford (or "Hotty Toddy Land" as Avery calls it). He had lots of baseball to watch, but it was nice to get away, stay in a hotel, swim, and eat some good food. Hey, just getting a change of scenery was fabulous! We took the kids to the Square, and we walked around and ate lunch at Ajax's (divine). Avery was SO excited, and she said, "Mommy, Daddy, there's Hotty Toddy every where!" Who knew we had such a big Ole Miss fan? I know that makes her Papaw (and her K4 teacher, Mrs. Dena) proud! She had to have a Hotty Toddy shirt, so we let her pick one out. She's her own girl with her own style- that is FOR CERTAIN! We also went to the Caramel Factory in Batesville, and the kids got a baseball and princess cookie (and Mommy may or may not have gotten some delicious caramel cake that I would die to have another piece of). We had great family time!

Avery used her birthday gift card at Build-A-Bear, and she and Bryce had some fun around the mall. Avery picked a Princess Pet (Cinderella's to be exact), and she named it "Cinderella" although it's name was supposed to be "Pumpkin." Avery got a letter from Cinderella too, so she thought that was pretty neat. While she wanted to purchase everything princess in the store, we made it out of there with a princess t-shirt for her new puppy! I told her we'd go back soon and let Bryce-Man build one, and she could get something else for her Cinderella if she is good!

We finally took up my friends on their offer to keep the kids for a night, and Jake and I went on a much needed date to Amerigo's. It was delicious and relaxing! Avery and Bryce had a blast playing with Abby Grace and Jackson. Avery didn't want to leave! I really appreciate those girls. They have huge hearts, and I am blessed to call them friends! As far as my husband, it was nice to have a conversation without interruptions and kids crawling all over us. Who am I kidding though, as soon as I leave them, I am wishing they were with me again! We need that time together though, and I know the kids didn't miss us much with all the fun they were having at the Lewis's!

We went to the Splash Pad in Brandon with Ella, Parker, and Mrs. Anna. We love the Owens'- they're an extended part of our family. We all had some fun in the sun, and then we went to their house to eat pizza and play for a bit. We only had three of the four kids get injured that day, so I guess we didn't do too bad, lol.

After we left the Splash Pad, we were waiting for Anna to get home with pizza. Avery crawled up next to me, put her arm around my neck, and said, "Mommy, I love you. You my bestest friend, bestest Mommy ever!" Then, she looked into my eyes with a huge (and sly) grin, and gave me a big hug and a kiss. Of course, that completely melted my heart. She'd been acting pretty B-A-D lately, but was really good that day. I love my hot mess!

Hitting lessons with Daddy...and no, Daddy didn't teach Avery to hit lefty! I think she just does what he does when they play together, but she seems to hit it better that way! Who knows what Bryce will do, but I can't say Jake doesn't teach him to do things his way!

A little rock painting...

Cooling off with the sprinkler...

I just have to say that this little man is into EVERYTHING now! He has changed so much since the start of the summer. Unfortunately, he's learned "mine," "na-na," and gets pretty ticked when he doesn't get what he wants! He also loves to climb! Thankfully, he is still a Momma's boy, and he makes up for his orneriness with sweet smiles, hugs, and kisses! He's pretty comical too! Bryce LOVES to dance and sing, and he is really getting into animals. He gets so excited when he sees dogs. Snacks are a priority, so I make sure I go everywhere prepared! Our baby is turning into a big boy!

Happy 4th Y'all! We had a low key 4th, but we had some fun. It was such a gorgeous day, we spent most of it outside. Bryce and Avery made their shirts the week before, and they had fun painting fireworks on them. Avery couldn't wait to wear hers, and she was dressed before I could get out of bed! We made some fruit and Rice Krispie Treat sparklers, firework hot dogs, and flag mocktails. It was a great day, but we really missed Daddy and the rest of the Beauman crew!