Doctor.

This morning an appointment opened up at the gastroenterologist! After paying our 28 day late health insurance (we were in the process of switching but Stella was denied, it is another long story) I took Stella in to see the doctor and find out what could possibly be wrong with her.

I have spent countless hours online looking into so many problems and worrying about what could possibly be making Stella's tummy so upset. I am happy to say that after visiting with the doctor (who listened a lot and was truly a wonderful doctor), we have a course of action and 3 steps to follow to figure this thing out.


First things first, Stella is going to stop the Prevacid--it was showing no real benefit and is probably limiting her digestion. Next, I am adding a pre-digested protein (called Eo28, sounds yummy huh?) to her diet and after a few days we should know if her tummy can tolerate this addition. If so the next step would be to add in meat proteins and go on from there.

If this doesn't work the doctor will put Stella on a prescription enzyme to aid in digestion, then lastly a scope and biopsies of her esophagus and stomach to diagnose what could possibly be some scary things. I am hoping it doesn't come to that.

I will keep everyone posted!

Pictures, again.

Today was the first cloudy day we have had since June--still warm but perfect for taking pictures. Stella rarely decides to look at the camera, so here is the best of what I shot.








We are still working on her food issues . . . back on Prevacid. We tried adding in milk with no luck--the end of August for the doctor can't come fast enough.

Climber.

Stella, practicing what she loves best--CLIMBING!




Stairs, chairs, boxes, rocks, the dishwasher--she does it all--soon she will be getting up onto the couch.

Summer.

We are all about the water activities this summer (every summer, really). This week it was a fountain at Trolley Square, the Gateway fountain, and 2 days at Seven Peaks--yes, I am crazy.






Poor Stella, no fountains for her and her teeth have just been killing her. All four one-year-molars coming in at once!

With everything going on I live for afternoon nap time, a quiet house, and a good book (I am currently reading The Friday Night Knitting Club).

Don't miss it!

Be sure to scroll down to see all the fun we had on our summer trip!

We had such a fun time visiting Krista and Matt in North Carolina--visiting new places and meeting new friends! With all our side trips and long drives we were happy to make use of Kim's country club pool (and tab at the snack bar, thanks!). The flights home were rough--Presley slept on my mom's lap and Stella cried (screamed actually).

We are happy to be home and to be getting back into our 'normal' life's routine. Thanks to everyone for all the help with the girls! And Krista you are hired to come on all of our family vacations to photograph and document everything--I will be happy to do the same for you . . . is it a deal??

Lazy 5 Ranch.

In Mooresville, NC, just 20 minutes from Krista's house is a 185 acre exotic animal reserve. Krista's sister-in-law Kristin set up a group tour on a guided wagon ride--complete with all the feed to hand feed the animals.

Two-legged animals: Ostrich, Emu, Rhea.

Four-legged animals: Zebra, Rhinos, Giraffes, Yaks, Water Buffalo, Bison, Llamas, lots of Asian Deer, Cows, and Goats, Pot Bellied Pigs, Wildebeests, and so many more I can't remember.










It was hot and dirty but both Presley and Stella couldn't get enough of the animals! Presley liked feeding the Llamas best--did you know they have a split upper lip that can move independently to help 'walk' food into their mouths? Stella wanted to crawl right off the wagon and join the animals.

Haircut.

In Krista's new town (Mooresville, NC) there is a specialty shop for kid's haircuts. Stella certainly doesn't need one yet, but it was about time for Presley's FIRST haircut.




Just a trim (about 3 inches) to even things up and lighten up the curls. You can hardly tell she had a haircut. Was it any surprise that Presley loved being the center of attention?

Beach.

Another side trip we took while in North Carolina was to the beach in Charleston, SC. Yes, it was anther drive and yes, it was somewhat of a disaster--here is why:

• It poured rain the first night at the beach.
• Presley is terrified/paralyzed of the sand (she thinks it has "disease" in it).
• I left my earrings at the hotel (but we drove back and got them).
• Mom didn't get to shop as long as she would have liked in the old shopping district.
• Did I mention my kids don't like to be in the car?

Presley did fine if she was on the towel and didn't have to touch the sand with her feet. She now wants her feet washed all the time--weird. Stella did better at the beach, despite these pictures. She actually came out to the water with me and of course ate the sand.

Mom liked the sound of the waves and Krista and I loved how warm the water was. Perhaps a trip to the beach without the kids should be in our future!

Georgia Aquarium.

After Delta axed the direct flight into Charlotte, we decided a layover in Atlanta would give us a chance to go to the aquarium--despite a 4 hour drive Krista and Kim had to make (in a minivan!) in order to pick us all up at the airport.

The night at the hotel was a disaster--Stella just had the hardest time adjusting and was up every hour. Needless to say we were happy to get to the aquarium and stare at a few fish!













It was worth it, we LOVED the aquarium! Thanks to Krista for supplementing my photos (can you tell who took which ones?). And thanks to my mom for coming along on the trip and helping out. And thanks to Kim for receiving so much of Presley's attention--she really took to you!

My favorite is still the Monterey Bay Aquarium--it will always be because of all the time I spent there one summer in school (right next door!). Maybe I can convince Chris to take a road trip with me and the girls this fall to make a visit . . .

Just for me.

I promise to catch up on all the vacation stories and photos . . . soon. In the mean time here are my 2 most recent finds (and new favorites!).

If you are looking for the PERFECT blush you have to get Benefit's Coralista. It is the best and is perfect for that warm summery-glow. It looks bright, but a little goes a long way.


DiorShow Mascara (I like Chestnut) is the best I have tried in a long time--and believe me I have nearly tried them all. After MaryKay changed their formulation (maybe 15 years ago) I have been on the hunt for a new, everyday mascara. I hate to admit but this one is worth the money, and don't be afraid of the big brush!


Happy summer! We are off to the pool again tomorrow.