All is well...

Me, post op, fancy monitor earring courtesy of Nurselady.

Me and BOTH of my ovaries are home. Yeah! Exclamation point! Also, I'm on pain killers! Double exclamation point!

Surgery went very, very well today. They even got me in an hour earlier than I was initially scheduled for. We listened to some Katy Perry in the OR before I went under so basically it was a party- sorry all of you weren't able to join us. Surgery lasted about an hour and a half, cyst was sucked out, stuff cleaned up, and I was glued back together. We were out and home by 1:30 wherein I commenced the Tivo watching/nap taking portion of my day.

Things I said post op, mostly under the influence:

"WHERE IS MY OVARY."

'Well he is just a magician doctor!"

"I feel like I ate chalk."

"You gave me Versed? Is that the stuff that killed Michael Jackson?"

"My eyelids are incredibly heavy."

"How did my makeup do?"

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and texts sent my way- it really made my day. (The milkshake from mom and dad didn't hurt either.) Tomorrow, Jazz returns to work and Isabelle and I are headed to my mom's for a sick day on her couch. She has all the good movies and makes the best toast ever. Though I have to give it to Jazz, he was the perfect nurse (murse?) today, waiting on me hand and foot. Plus, only the best nurses give out kisses.

update

So.

Turns out, I'm having a little surgery tomorrow.

A few months ago, my OB detected a good sized cyst growing on my ovary. Oh, if you don't want to read about ladyparts then just skip this post. For real, skip it. Did you leave yet? Okay, anyway, so I had this cyst on my ovary. We decided to watch it for three months to see if it was a growy cyst or a non-growy cyst. A recent appointment determined it was a super growy kind so he recommended it come out on the fly.

When he told me I would need this kind of surgery, I kind of laughed and said, "well, I'm not doin THAT." He replied that I was, in fact, doing that unless I wanted it to grow and take over my entire torso, risking all of my reproductive organs.  Not my idea of a party. After meeting with another doctor and discussing my options, I went ahead and booked the surgery. It's technically a laparoscopic cystectomy and hopefully they won't have to take my whole ovary because you see I need that ovary. I need all of my ladyparts for all the future babies that will be sent down my way. Surgery should last a couple hours and I should be home in time for the Bachelor. (Hopefully.)

I've been dreading this for awhile because 1) I'm just not that person that needs surgery. Ever. This will be my first time admitted to a hospital other than the birth of Isabelle. 2) I will leave with three shiny new scars. 3) I'll have to give the child rearing reigns to Jazz and my mother for a few days until I can lift/feed/change Izzie. I hate feeling weak and helpless and needy. At least ten times a day I say, "I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE TO DO THIS." (PS Have you ever had to do a bowel preparation? Not fun.) (PSS, Mom sorry if this post is mortifying.)

I would post a picture of this lovely cyst to show you what it looks like, but in reality it looks a lot like an ultrasound with a big black blob in it, not unlike a pregnancy. As soon as people see that photo their brains will immediately go OH LOOK A FETUS. And it's not. The main difference is that this cyst could explode at anytime causing acute pain and vomiting, and I'd rather not incubate it for nine months only to have to deliver it and take care of it. Fun Scale- about a -2.

I just painted my toenails a fresh coat of gloss because we all know I can't be layin on some table all unconscious with gross toes. It's just wrong. The good news is that I will have some time to read a new book (The Uglies). Oh, and the percocet! Bonus.

Would a dog solve my global warming problem?

Sooo turns out I'm a little bit envious of the Easterners and all of their dang snow storms. Did you know that it hit 77 degrees Fahrenheit in Redding this week? Seventy seven! Some of you may swoon with jealousy- you know, all this sunshine we have running around here, but I will admit. I miss the snow. I would love to put on my boots and go for a walk in some fresh crunchy powder, or have a use for my scarf other than to keep my purses company in my closet.

While it is so warm, Isabelle and I have been spending a lot of time outside. Usually midway through the morning, she gets the itch and beelines straight for the door. Sometimes when we are feeling crazy, we go to Grandma's house to swing. Oh my hellbaskets, Isabelle loves to swing. She giggles and giggles and when she is finished she signs "all done!" and gets out. I was thinking of maybe putting a swing in our backyard somewhere? Possibly? I've been looking at different swing sets for kids. But since G-ma lives so close- is it worth it? It sure is a nice excuse to pop over for some lovin'.

Also- I need help convincing Beardy Jazz that we absolutely neeeeeed a dog. I grew up with loving small dogs, and they were my favorite furry companions. Fluffs slept in my knee nook for years and years before I moved to college and he died of a broken heart. It has recently come to my attention that Isabelle loves the things. Big dogs, small dogs, fluffy ones, whatever, she loves them. And I love them too. Jazz  told me it would be twelve years before we get a pet. Twelve years equals 2023, wherein I shall be old. I'm not waiting that long- no way, jose. Now, I know there are pros and cons to this whole decision. Let's be honest- mostly pros! Hey maybe don't tell my husband that I am soliciting advice, he might be upset that I am "ganging up on him."

I mean, cmon, how cute is this? Look how young I am! And all the freckles! Maybe that sun isn't so bad after all...

Listen... you can KEEP your beautiful white trees and quiet dampened cities and your frosty fresh air and thick delicious soups. Me and my house, we will happily sport t-shirts and flip flops and walk our (future) dogs outside with pride.

Easy Peasy Valentine Wreath.

I am a lover of wreaths. Also yarn, and we all know that I practically have an affair with felt. I will proclaim it again, I LOVE FELT.  I came across this easy tutorial for wreath and I thought to myself, "Miccolene, you could make that."

So I did! And it is one of my favorites projects because it is easy and cheap. How easy? How cheap you ask? I'll show you.

I was supposed to write this blog a few days ago. You know, before the Crash of '11. My intent was to take a picture of this adorable wreath hanging on my mirror on my mantle. But we all know what happened. Mirror crashed and burned, took the wreath with it. The good news is that yarn is very resilient! Almost as much as felt! So use your imagination and pretend that glorious white mirror is still hanging and this cute wreath hangs amidst it. It looks way better in my mind and memory.

You will need: Your choice of yarn, a straw wreath, felt, hot glue. Grab some yarn, wrap it a zillion times around a wreath. Make some flowers, glue them on. BAM. done. Okay for real directions, go here: Wreath Tutorial.

18' Straw Wreath: $3.88

Two packs of yarn: $5.50

Hot glue: cupboard

Felt: craft bucket.

Do you see how cheap this is. Something else exciting, I figured I could re-use Isabelle's pink birthday crap for Valentine's Day. Perfect! Felt pom balls on the mantle are leftovers. Pink checkered vase was free with some flowers a few years ago- the little flowers currently in the vase are from the dollar store. Wooden heart garland from Mother Sumsion, circa 2007. I'd love to put some cute glass jars filled with pink and red candy on the mantle too- but beardy Jazz and I aren't eating candy right now- more on that later.

Anyway, the best part is- you can use any color yarn, any kind of embellishments! Exclamation point! I kind of want to make some teeny tiny ones and put them basically everywhere, they are so cute. Only a few more weeks until Valentine's Day, so if you don't get it done in time, just make an Easter colored one. See how versatile?

A single (un)fortunate event.

This morning at precisely 7:48 AM, Beardy Jazz and I were sound asleep in our beds. Which is unusual, because of the toddler who wakes before 7, but that's okay. Anyway, we were angelically sleeping when suddenly.

CRASH. HUGE CRASH. SOUND OF GLASS SHATTERING. MORE CRASH. SILENCE.

We lept out of bed faster than lightning, both of our thoughts turned immediately to our medium sized baby in her crib. "Isabelle!" we yelled. "Izzie! We are coming!" Half asleep and confused, we ran like we have never run before.  I ran so lick-ity-split, I forgot to slow down a bit to round a corner, and consequently, fell to my bottom. Like a professional tag team, Jazz sprinted ahead into our nursery, skidding to a stop in front of the crib, eyes searching for her. Isabelle was there- fast asleep, curled in a ball with Olivia squished underneath her.

I yell (from the floor) "WHERE IS SHE? IS SHE OK?"

Jazz relays to me that she is fine. She is more than fine, she is excellent and asleep.

Which is weird, on account of all the ruckus that we heard seven seconds prior. We return to the living room, examine the TV- still standing. Bookshelves- still standing. Windows and doors- closed firmly and intact.

And then I see it. My beautiful fireplace mantle mirror. Smashed into a zillion pieces on the floor. Glass and mirror shards everywhere. Votive candle chunks strewn about the carpet. I am high on adrenaline so it takes me a minute to realize what has happened.

I crawl from my spot on the floor over to the couch, where I lay horizontally to fully wake up and process the events of our morning. Jazz is rolling on the floor, whining about his ankle which he has re injured in the Fight to Baby.

Suddenly, a vision comes to me. Isabelle wakes up at her normal 6:45. She has her juice. I sit on the floor with her blocks. She plays skip to maloo. On her stage. On the fireplace. 7:48 arrives. The mirror crashes to the tile. Disaster. Trauma.

I bring my shaky hands together and very much out loud thank my Heavenly Father for the series of morning events that were loud and disruptive and messy and totally injury-free. I thank Him for my sweet hazel baby asleep in her crib with her doll that smells like vomit. Amen.

Later, I wash Olivia.

Lamby was almost a casualty. I like to think she pushed Stella out of the way and saved both of them.

I am also crushed, because this mirror was so perfect for our mantle. It was the first item of anything that we bought specifically for our first official home. Maybe because it was from craigslist, or because me and mom lovingly spray painted it into oblivion- (mostly mom) it felt so much like mine. I just knew it would survive forever and I'd move it around and use it for all different kind of occasions. We hung it so carefully with 50 pound wire and safety screws, and I was pleased as punch with how it looked all finished. A little sad now. Mostly not though. So much for 50 pound wire- snapped clean in half.

I figure since the mirror broke in approximately 95 pieces, I'll have something like 665 years of bad luck to follow. Though after this morning, it's hard to feel superstitious at all.

hey there

I was telling Morgan this morning that something is missing from my blog. My posts are fewish and far between and usually revolve around the one named Isabelle. Which is fine- it's actually great! Because I love her. And she is The Cutest Ever. But did I ever tell you about the tiny dress I sewed from scratch? Or that one time I saw a woman smoking whilst her baby was strapped to her via bjorn and I had to say something? Did I relate to you the story about my primary class that is ELEVEN children strong?

See? There are so many things that are missing. When I started blogging, I blogged about everything- dates and red carpet horrors and recipes and funny things my husband says. I think I've been slacking in the focus department because my blog has suffered the poor fate of Baby Syndrome. I love mother blogs! (I refuse to use the word mommy.) I love hearing about your children! I like seeing four hundred pictures of Halloween costumes! But that isn't why I started this blog. So- I gues what I'm saying is.

I'm back. Back to blogging. Back to weird posts about snuggies and shark suits and did you see that show on tv? And while Isabelle will be, let's face it, prominently featured throughout- there will be other things covered such as the reason why my fingers are currently covered in white spray paint. Just for example.

Izzie-bon-belle

I bet you are dying for an update on Isabelle. You are? I knew it.

Isabelle is 15 months and some change old. Actually, closer to 16 months but who is keeping track. (Except that I am.)

Her favorite words are Yes. And wow, and baby. Sometimes she says dada, mama if she is hurt or crying. We think she said Grandpa the other day- which would fit since she likes him the most. She gives the most delicious open mouthed slobbery kisses in the whole world. Her voice is so sweet and jibberishy- sometimes we just lay in bed in the morning and listen to her talk to herself for a few minutes. She has a lot to say!

And seriously you guys, she is so smart. She understands basically everything we say- she can pick out objects in books, she knows the remote turns the tv on. She knows where we keep the snacks and the juice and the milk. She also knows shes not allowed to put things in the toilet. All of her babies have names and she loves them equally. Except Olivia, who is her eternal companion at this point.

She would rather be outside than anywhere in the world- we walk around the corner everyday and as soon as she is out the door she just BOLTS. She picks up rocks and tastes them and throws them. She likes to use her little hands to swipe the grass to see how it feels. She looks for birds and airplanes and neighbors walking dogs. She can correctly identify eyes, nose, and ears on her face and mine. Occasionally she tries to take the mole off of my face. It doesn't work.

Her greatest love in the world is Sesame Street. I never thought I would be on board with 50 minutes of TV almost everyday but let's face it, a woman needs a break and SS does a great job making me feel less guilty. She whines all morning- stepping on my feet or tugging at my pants until I cave and turn it on. She knows all the characters and pays most attention during Elmo's World and Abby's Flying Fairy School. I can't believe Elmo just made my blog. She also loves grapes a great deal. And napping! She sleeps about two hours give or take. And now that I have written that down, I'm sure I have cursed myself and she will never sleep again.

The other day Jazz gave a big sigh and said, "I wish she could stay at this stage forever." I kind of feel the same way- she is so perfect to us. I love that she grabs on to me when a stranger is invading her personal space. Or that she nods her head hard when we ask her questions. I love that her hair is too short for a ponytail but long enough to fluff right away from her head. I love that she hears music and dances with one arm flung way out to her side. I love her legs when she runs, and her little motion she makes when she skips. I love that she loves to explore with her hands and feel things, run them through her fingers and figure them out. I love that small objects entertain her, and weird noises make her explode in laughter. I love that she is so ticklish on her thighs and behind her arms and under her chin. I love that she looks like the man I love. I love that she looks a little bit like me too.

For your enjoyment: A probably too-long video of Isabelle skipping on her "stage." Also featured- me singing a certain children's song. You're welcome.

Disneyland: Part Deux

Surprise! More pictures! Really, all of these photos are for our long distance family members who we don't see very often. Also- secretly a lot of them are because Isabelle is just so. dang. cute.

This was definitely Isabelle's favorite ride. We did it a bunch of times.

Isn't this one so adorable? Jake is like this hunk of kissable skin and fluff. So much fun.

These girls are the best of friends. I can't wait until Isabelle can talk so they can have tiny conversations.

This is a terrible picture but if you could just SEE how happy this balloon made her- for twelve dollars, you too can have a light up Mickey Mouse balloon. Actually, it has been worth every penny. It is still floating and lighting up right here in our living room. (There is an on off button. And also we did not take it on the plane. fyi.)

One of my favorites from the trip. Have I mentioned that Small World was her favorite? Cuz it was.

It's really hard not living by my sisters. We text and talk and stuff but it just isn't the same as sharing an apartment. I hate/love that Sabrina is so pretty. Even though we call her Zeus sometimes.

Look at us! We are soaking wet! We rode Splash Mountain twice in a row at eleven pm in freezing weather. Okay it wasn't freezing because it we were in Southern California but it was coooooold. The tram ride is always extra special when you are soggy-it's tradition though. Plus it was a good way to initiate some of these boys into our family. Guess who sat front?

Isabelle ate directly from an ice cream cone. And loved it.

We spent a good portion of the trip standing by strollers and saying, "Hey, where is everyone?" or "What are we doing now?" or "Whose turn is it to buy a round of churros?"

We waited in line to see Mickey Mouse- which incidentally was MUCH longer then ten minutes. The house just kept winding around and around and around. Isabelle did pretty well- after like three seconds she was like "Thanks but I'm done. Next."

Is this not the cutest thing ever? JaNae made Madilyn's Belle dress for Christmas- and by made I mean totally from scratch. Impressive.

We are always so extremely sad to leave the park-usually it's mom who runs around until midnight closing everything down. I really do wish we live closer- I'm so envious of my brother and his family who just pop over once in awhile to see what's new or to get a corn dog. Could you imagine? Just like get in the car, let's jaunt over to Disney. No big thang.



Best part of the trip: Showing Isabelle everything, seeing my family.

Worst part of the trip: Not sharing it with Jazz. That was a major bummer Also, believing my wedding band was lost. That was a rough morning.

Churros consumed: Five. Corndog count: Three. Pictures taken: 411. Done and done.

Now when can we go back?



Disneyland, Part One. Yes, there are two parts.

Now that my house is clean, our fridge is full of groceries, laundry is semi-done and Isabelle is napping, I'm making good on my promise to post about Disneyland.

We had five days in the park- we flew early Thursday morning and got to the park by about eleven. I woke up in my bed that morning, and a few hours later, was eating a Churro in Anaheim. I love technology. One by one the other family members arrived and joined us at Disneyland- until we were a big group of eleven adults and four babies. Big group!

One of my favorite pictures of the whole trip. "Hey Isabelle do you wanna ride this ride? Hmm."

This is Jared. And Sabrina. And hopefully they will eventually become Sab-red. If you know what I'm sayin.

It actually got pretty chilly at night, I'm really glad I grabbed these on clearance at Target. Isabelle had no idea what to do with them. Mostly she just waved.

Though she looks uninterested, she really liked the rides she could go on. Especially like Small World- she just sat and looked at everything. This is me fulfilling my role as Scott's pseudo polygamist wife.

This is how we rolled. Madilyn brought her double stroller so she could sit by Isabelle, and then baby Kira (or Jake, in this case) could ride in the single stroller. Worked great, except when Isabelle wanted to take a nap- this girl likes her space. She kept pawing at Madilyn like "Hey, leave me alone, I'm gonna sleep now."

We are missing a sibling. Mo wasn't quite there yet. This is at California Adventure- and I'm so bummed that they are taking out the golden gate. They are re-doing a large portion of the park and this is one of the things to go.

Most of the group- Jared was kind enough to swap places with me so I could jump in. Look at all the babies! New baby Kira is in the bjorn that my dad is carrying. Mo and Chris didn't get in until that night. Having the three strollers was fun though- especially when we played my favorite game called I Don't Move For Anyone. Look pedestrians, if you are going to try to walk through three giant strollers, you will likely lose.


When you go to California Adventure, make sure you have lunch at Boudin's. It is really, really good and a nice change from the greasy chicken and fries park food. This is me and Isabelle, super full after a giant clam chowder bread bowl.

 Isabelle loved Rachel's racoon hat. We did too. Rachel is awesome.

We were rejected from the bumper car ride because Izzie was seven inches too short. So close! Maybe next time.

While everyone was riding the bumper cars (Max speed, about a quarter mph.) she found all the leaves that had mysteriously appeared on the path and placed them lovingly back in the garden. Is OCD genetic? Her pants are actually overalls, they kill me- they are so cute.

Those that met the height requirement. Sean, Madilyn, JaNae, Jrod and Sabs.

We did the carousel too-

Isabelle was tall enough for this one- of course she rode a whale. Good girl, Iz. Pretty sure I think I have enough enthusiasm for the both of us.

We experimented with the Ergo carrier- Isabelle hasn't been in it for about six months. She liked it...

.. for about three seconds.

Whitney Kelly, if you are reading this- the hat you gave Isabelle finally fits and she loves it.

To be continued...

Hello again.

What a neglectful blogger I am- only one post so far this year. Pathetic. In my defense, I have hardly even been home! And even more defense, our 15-month old is really, really active. Really.

Monday night Isabelle and I got home from our five-day Disneyland adventure. Telling you that we had fun is a huge understatement. We had so, so, so, so much fun! I have so many fun pictures to share, I just can't find the time/energy to get organized enough to post them. But I will! Promise.

It's only the 12th and I already feel behind this year. Our fridge has soda, cheese, and sour cream in it- if I don't go to the grocery store tomorrow we will have to eat some of our food storage. Our cupboards are that empty.

Okay, so. To do:

1. Get Groceries, immediately, if not sooner.
2. Upload and organize photos for a two-part Disneyland blog.
3. Get photos from Scott's and Sabrina's cameras too.
4. Print recent photos to update our picture frames.
5. Get out and put up Valentine Decorations.
6. Start thinking of Valentine's Day plans. Likely, burrito and a movie.
7. Finish the 7,000 loads of laundry that have accumulated.
8. Clean house.

I feel better already. And just because she is the cutest, most adorable, chatty child on the planet- some pictures of Isabelle.

New year, new post.

Phew!

Last night was our first evening home as a family since last year. (Ha!) Okay since December 23rd. And we didn't even go out of town!  I sort of lost track of how many evenings were spent at my parent's house since we had family visiting from out of town. Morgan and Sabrina were here for Christmas, then we did a swap at the airport in Sacramento and picked up Sean, Rachel, and 10-month old Jakob. It was like we had to maximize our time with them everyday- Me and Iz headed over after her nap, and Jazz joined us when he returned home from work. Rinse and repeat every day.

Right now my memory card is uploading like 300 billion pictures from our adventures- a lot of all the babies together playing. I took 900 photos this month. Ridiculous. Usually I take about 20 of a shot and ONE turns out with everyone looking/not totally fuzzy. Plus, we all know that if you don't take a picture and blog about it, basically it never happened.

I think I ate approximately half my body weight in food. How does that always happen during the holidays? Mom sure does know how to feed a giant group of people. Meat! And potatoes! And treats! Delicious. Now I have to trick my stomach into shrinking back to normal size.

Also, Happy New Year! I will not be making any resolutions.

It snowed in Redding! First time in like 6 or 7 years. Maybe longer? Just a light fluffy dusting. Perfect for our first day of the new year.

We learned a new game called Bang! (Exclamation point is part of game title. In case.) Makes for hilarious game commentary. I mean, high-lare-e-us. Jazz's face was bright red and he was too far gone with his wheezy laugh for us to understand anything he was saying. Scott went straight to his little girl voice, he was laughing so hard. Probably the funniest night in recent memory-definitely the latest I have stayed up in awhile. Was totally worth it to get a midnight kiss from my sweetheart.

We leave for Disneyland in two days. And when I say we, I sadly mean just me and Isabelle. Jazz is on call and can't get the weekend off. I feel terrible that this is the second time we have gone without him. Does that make me a horrible wife? 60/40? The rest of our Sumsion family will be there for a weekend at the Happiest Place on Earth. It will be significantly less happy for me without Jazz.

Morgan is engaged!

I realllly need to do an Isabelle update. She has done so many new things lately, I can hardly keep up. She deserves her own post though- maybe in the next few days. She just gets cuter and cuter and cuter. And then cuter.

Should I add pictures to this post? Ehhh. Okay, I will.

Bath time!

 Here, let me wash your tummy.

 Boys laughing so hard, I thought they might explode.

Dancing!

And bow. All finished.

 The maiden voyage of The Wagon.

Ok Utah friends, don't laugh, this was a huge deal for us.