Warning to all Parents!

So, with this nice fall weather we have had, when it isn't raining, we are outside! Friday evening we took a little walk after dinner with the Crawfords, just around our block, because Lizzie and Addie were riding the tricycle and scooter. As we approached our house, Justin and I began holding Elaine's hands and counting 1,2,3 and then swinging her between us. She thought it was a blast... that is until something popped! Elaine winced briefly and then just kind of whined until we got up to the door. Once we were inside, she was just a little fussy and refused to use her right arm to reach for her cup, play, etc. As I put on her pjs, I could tell she was uncomfortable, but I was unable to localize the pain, other than her right side. We decided to give her some Tylenol and see if we could get her comfortable. She went to sleep quickly, and we began researching. Thinking it was a shoulder issue, I posted our situation on Facebook and quickly began to get helpful responses from friends! I was able to talk to a friend who is a pediatric chiropractor and get some advice. Then a couple of friends with little ones who had been through a similar experience pointed to the possibility of the elbow rather than the shoulder. The more we read the more we leaned toward the elbow. Elaine woke up once and we gave her some motrin and applied Arnica to both her shoulder and elbow to reduce swelling. A chat with a friend who is a PT comforted me about letting her sleep rather than racing to the ER. I did however go in to check on her several times in the night to ensure that her hands were not clammy (a sign that blood flow is not inhibited). After waking Saturday morning, Elaine was only really fussy when she was frustrated by her inability to use her right arm, so off we headed to Pam's house (pedi chiro). Pam agreed that the elbow was the main issue and gently moved things back to their rightful location. While the relief wasn't immediate, it was clear that Elaine was able to use her right side- just not her first choice. After about an hour of being home, Elaine was using her right arm like nothing had ever happened! Oh how we LOVE Pam!!!!!

The moral of the story here is DON'T SWING your children by their hands! Little ones have weak elbows, and then once they get older their shoulders are at higher risk. Please learn from our mistake:)

Fall is So FUN!

How can anyone not love FALL!?! It is so much fun and a welcome break from the heat at just the right time! We Bassetts are huge fall fans, and we have enjoyed the fall weather greatly, especially these past few days. Saturday, we took a trip to Grammy and Pop's house where the girls had a BLAST!!! It was the first time I think they really noticed that there are animals larger than dogs that live there:) Elaine thought the goats were really funny, and a donkey even let her sit on its back! Elizabeth learned how to climb over the fence and enjoyed feeding the cows and shadowing Pop as he took care of the animals. It was an incredibly beautiful day, and we had soooo much fun!

Sunday, we came home from church, ate lunch and took naps. Then, off to the Pumpkin Patch we went!

(Side Note) I had charged my camera battery the night before and was ready to snap away... however, I failed to put the battery back into the camera before taking off! GRRRR! I had similar issues last year! Oh well, Justin's iphone takes pretty good pics, so at least we got a couple of good ones- just not as many as i had planned!

What a difference from last year- you would have thought Elizabeth owned the place, and Elaine, well, lets just say I did a lot of chasing! We actually stood in line and rode the train which was not built for adult passengers, but the girls thought it was great and I am sure we provided some good laughs for any onlookers. Lizzie conquered the big obstacle course and Elaine hugged a lot of Pumpkins. All in all, it was a blast! Can't beat a free night of fun with our girls!

When Monday rolled around, I just couldn't stop the fun of being outside, so we took Lizzie School to the park where we collected leaves and acorns- Science, right?:)

Then today, we just had to walk to Albertsons as Sonic happy hour was approaching and enjoy 50 cent juice slushes.

Fall Fever is real, and I have it! I just cannot help myself! I LOVE IT! Thank you God for being the God of seasons and showing yourself clearly in your creation- You are Beautiful!

16 Months

Oh, Elaine Karis is growing growing growing and her personality is blossoming! I cannot tell you how funny she is- the precious personality God has given her is sure to bring a lot of laughs throughout her life! Elaine's receptive language is insane, but because her expressive language hasn't quite caught up, she can go to some crazy extremes to get her point across. The tantrums are frequent, but she is learning that we don't respond and coming out of them more quickly. She is definitely not going to be a pushover, and some recent occurrences tell me that I am going to have keep an eye on my little bully. A couple of nights ago, Elizabeth had what she wanted; Elaine tackled her, pulled on her shirt and ripped the toy out of her hand. Elizabeth laid on the floor in shock! Yikes! We have an assertive little gal on our hands! I pray we are able to guide these persistent characteristics in a healthy way for the glory of God:)

Favorites these days:

-"VI"- Vitamins (good for the swine flu season)- anytime I open the medicine cabinet where they are stored, Elaine begins chanting "VI, VI, VI, VI!" After I open the bottle and get one out, she ceases her chanting for a simple "Eas" (please).

- "Nack"- Snack- Elaine is eating pretty much non stop these days! Especially the carbs... animal crackers, graham crackers, saltines, etc. Others faves include dried apricots, cheese "ees", yogurt "yo"

- "Bags"- Purses- She walked in the kitchen with a purse on her shoulder announced, "Bye Bye" and toddled her way into the playroom.

- "Bock"- Blocks- Elaine builds some pretty incredible towers "toss"!

- "Dawgs and Buzz" Dogs and birds. (still trying to distinguish 4 legged animals by their name rather than all as dogs:)

- Climbing, washing her hands, baby dolls, oatmeal, pasta, the wind in her face, puzzles, Daddy (anytime i reference "Justin or Daddy" during the day, she begins looking around and calling "DaDa? DaDa?")

-Being a little mommy. If someone else takes off their shoes or sets down their cup, Elaine is quick to return the items to their rightful owner. She will also "guide" her little friends and help them obey. This usually consists of Elaine pulling or pushing her girlfriend toward her mommy who is calling her. Oh funny, funny!

curls + bow = cute!

Contemplating what to do with this thing in my hair...

All Done!

Lizzie's Little Sister is now going to be the Middle Child... should be interesting!

A pic taken in the bathroom mirror. I actually think the angle and the way I am holding Elaine make my bump appear a little larger than it is. I did however cross over into maternity pants this week. Ahhhh, the comfort of elastic!

Dancin' In the Rain