I never want to forget...

...that instead of "kiss", Riley says "piss". Like, "Mommy, I wanna gi you a piss."

...that today at the zoo, Riley announced to every one that the bird in the cage was a Macaw. "Look!!!! A MACAW!!" (I certainly didn't teach her that...I give all credit to Go Diego Go).

Last but not least, I never want to forget this sweet face:

 

Bree is starting to give up her pacifiers, and only uses them at bedtime, naptime, or right after she gets up. She has also started to become fond of blankies, especially fleece ones.  She seems to be growing up so fast...she is pulling to a stand on tables, can crawl super fast, and is very curious...and very stubborn. Her cry has changed recently in the way it sounds...she is growing into being a toddler and is no longer a baby. Sigh.

13 hours

7:30 this morning:

 

8:30 tonight:

I think her first day of preschool was a success.

Here we go!

So, we've had an eventful week so far...and we've still got two days left in it! Monday night we went into the ER with Bree because she was crying uncontrollably and was unable to be consoled. She had bright red cheeks, nose and chin and was not a happy kid. I was worried that her UTI had spread to her kidneys so into the ER we went. The ER staff were not very knowledgable with children, and 4 hours later we were discharged with a diagnosis of "fever of unknown origin" and "fussiness". Hello, that's why I brought her in!!! They did test her urine and were able to tell me that it was clear of infection.

So, the next morning we were off to the pediatrician where Bree was diagnosed with Fifths disease. It is a viral infection that causes a red face, a rash on the face, arms and chest, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. So poor Bree has yet again more to deal with. However, she remains strong and is fighting it off. She does seem to want to be snuggled most of the time, and she cannot be left alone in a room without panicking and crying.

Our other big news is that tomorrow is Riley's first day of "preschool". We just aren't cutting it for her. She needs some kid interaction, and an environment that can stimulate her. We have enrolled her in Radiant Kidz Zone, which is a part of the church I used to work at. You can check it out by clicking here. She will be enrolled for two full days a week: on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We can check in on her at any time online through a web cam that is set up in all the rooms at the preschool.

The other good thing about this is that I can now step up and do the school observations that I need to in order to get my schooling finished up. I am only 3 classes away (and 12 weeks of student teaching) away from getting my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. This will be a huge accomplishment for me. Also, while Adam is in Korea it will be helpful as Bree has OT on Tuesdays at ten in downtown phoenix, and PT on Thursdays at ten at 59th and Thunderbird. Both are about 30 to 45 minutes away from our house. It is really difficult to take Riley to these appointments so while she is having fun in "school", Bree will have some learning of her own.

Whew! That was a looong post. Hope I didn't miss anything and this finds you all well.