Update...and a trip to the Big City

We found the missing glasses! Matty found them herself, which leads me to believe that she knew where they were all along. Last week early in the morning I sat down on the couch with Matty to read her a book. She reached her hand down between the couch cushions (probably the only place we forgot to look), pulled them out, and handed them to me with a grin on her face. They were a little bent, but we were so happy to have them back!! Hallelujah!

Thursday Matty had two doctor appointments in Billings. I enlisted the help of both my parents. If you know anything about my children, you will understand why I would beg for help. :) Actually, I didn't even have to ask. My mom and dad are always so willing to make my life easier and I am so grateful to them. As it turns out, even with two extra adults along, our day in Billings still left us all exhausted...

We had to get up early to make it to her first appointment. I was freaking out because I had it in my mind that her appointment was at 9:00 and we were running late. There was no way we would make it there in time to get the car parked and get registered before 9. I was getting a little grouchy and anxious and was driving faster than I should have been when my dad kindly reminded me that the appt. wasn't until 9:30. Already my dad was my hero. I stopped speeding and was able to enjoy the rest of the drive.

The eye doctor appointment went great. Matty was such a good sport. She let the doctor put drops in her eyes without a fight. We had to wait 20 minutes for the drops to dilate her eyes. I always feel sorry for her when we have to do this. It is so uncomfortable all day long. It makes her eyes extremely sensitive to light and makes her vision blurry. But the good news is that her prescription hasn't changed! Yay! That means we don't have to buy new glasses...until the next time they are lost that is. :)

We did some shopping at my favorite, Target, and ate at the girls' favorite, McDonalds, and then we were off to the next appointment - Ear, Nose and Throat - to check on Matty's tubes. This appointment also went pretty well, except for the long wait we had to endure. Matty was so brave. She let the doctor stick instruments in her ear to clean out the wax so he could see her tube. She didn't fight or cry. I was so proud of her. Unfortunately, the tube came out with the wax so she doesn't have a tube in her left ear any more. However, the doctor said her ears looked great - no fluid or infection. And he said we didn't need to worry about replacing the tube unless she starts having problems. I was so relieved that we don't have to schedule a surgery right now. I get so nervous when they put her under.

Meanwhile, my dad had a genius idea - he and my mom would stay with Anastyn in the car and let her watch a movie instead of spending an hour and a half in the waiting room with a curious, restless two year old that has more energy than both of them put together. Me, being not so genius, failed to mention that you have to leave the car running to do this. Because when you have a dvd going, Sean Hannity (one of my dad's idols) blaring on the radio, and automatic headlights that stay on, the car battery tends to DRAIN QUICKLY.

So, when we were finished with Dr. Price, I called my dad's cell phone so he could come pick us up at the door. That's when he informed me that we were stranded! Aaaahhhhh! Luckily, the hospital parking lot is the perfect place to be if you are going to have a dead battery. The hospital security van is conveniently equipped with a battery charger! We ended up being stranded for all of 6 minutes!!

My sweet father stayed in the car with it running to make sure the battery would be charged back up while mom and I went into several stores. Then it was off to the mall. Have you ever rented one of those fire truck strollers for your kids? All I have to say is BRILLIANT! Highway robbery, yes, but brilliant all the same. I own a double stroller for my girls. But it is bulky and heavy and takes up so much room in the car. Not only that, but the seats are so close together that my girls just can't resist kicking eachother in the head and pulling eachother's hair. These firetrucks are geniously engineered. One seat is up high and the other is down low. There is heavy plastic surrounding their feet. And there is no way the kids can even touch eachother. They have a blast in the stroller because it has steering wheels and they feel like they are driving around the mall. So worth the 6 bucks, I think. Another shout out to my parents - they pushed the girls around more than their share and they took the girls to the play area while I shopped. Oh - the play area! My girls love it! Usually I don't like those things because I figure they are loaded with nasty germs. But when the kiddos are spending 15-16 hours in car seats, strollers, waiting rooms and booster chairs they just need a chance to RUN!!

**Note to self: next time, after trying on clothes and before leaving the dressing room, remember to zip up your freaking fly!!! :) Sheesh...save yourself some embarassment!


What a day! There was still Costco, dinner at Olive Garden (my fav!), and of course Wal-Mart. Then the long drive home. Needless to say, we were zombies on Friday. But I was happy with how well my girls did on the trip. There were only a few minor meltdowns, Matty only tried to escape once, and she was a trooper at her doctor appointments! Have I mentioned that I love my mom and dad??