Anna Gets Surgery for Christmas

Before we discuss the big "s" word, let's talk about another one: survive. The mister and I survived the Christmas week, which was filled with a plague-like virus. If you follow me on Facebook, you've read my post after whiny post about the HORROR of this virus that leached on to Anna, Louisa, and myself. By the day after Christmas, the Yourees had experienced excessive amounts of snot, two rounds of antibiotics, more diarrhea than I even care to mention, and vomit. Please come quickly, new year.

Yet, we've got a different sort of medical issue to tackle on Monday. That spunky gal of mine, Anna Zane, is all set for surgery on Monday morning. Her tonsils and adenoids have got to go. Although, I will miss that look of shock each time a doctor looks down her throat -- almost jumping back in amazement. "Her tonsils are huge!"

Yes, we know. Now is the time to have them removed. To be honest, we are not totally sure what we are in for. We've heard from the doctor that the recovery can be intense and long. Bryan stocked the fridge and freezer with all sorts of hot and cold liquids. We've got new movies and crafts and books. Here's to hoping she handles it well! Here's to hoping I handle it well -- hahaha.

The surgery has already been bumped from 7:00 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. AGH! Tomorrow we will make it, but we'd love for you to pray for Anna in the afternoon and the following days. Adios, tonsils!

If Lou Had Been a Boy . . .

In a previous post, I discussed the baby names that did not make the cut. We also had a third girl's name. Louisa Bryn Caroline was almost Zella Ruth Caroline. Zella was my paternal grandmother; Ruth was Bryan's paternal grandmother's middle name. Ruth too was my maternal grandmother's middle name. It was a grandmotherly fit. But in the end, that sweet girl looked like a Louisa. We knew that was her name the moment we knew she was ours.

When we announced our pursuit of a second child, we fielded a few questions here and there about the gender. Would we go for a boy because we already had a girl? For whatever reason, most who asked were surprised when we said no. In fact, while we were open to welcoming a boy into our family, we really wanted a girl . . . for no explainable, logical reasons other than we just felt like girls were meant to be our kiddos.

A friend of mine and former Fort Worth Moms Blog contributor wrote an excellent piece about our culture's obsession with having balanced genders in a family, "one of each," and still a belief that a "father needs a son." Certainly, in the adoption world that sentiment is less true because the root issue of genetics is taken out of the equation. You should give the article a read; it's interesting and makes a good point.

But I digress.

If God had given the Yourees a boy, this would have been his name: Silas Baker Joseph Youree.

Silas: When we were dating, Bryan cited his paternal grandfather (Forest Eugene) and his maternal grandmother (Betty Zane) as the two greatest influences in his life. As you likely know, our eldest daughter is named Anna Zane. So, for a boy's name we chose Silas. You know how Matthew and Levi are the same name? Well, Forest and Silas are the same name. Silas would be in honor of Papa Youree as we like to call him.

Baker: Baker was my mother's maiden name, the surname of her father Paul Albert Baker. Because he passed before I was born, he's always been mysterious to me. I've noted that no one in my family really ever had anything negative of consequence to say about him. Actually, quite the opposite; apparently to know him was to love him. And I'm sorry I never did. So, for me, the name means being a man of integrity, of empathy, of strength. It means all the qualities I imagine Papaw Baker possessing, all the qualities I hope he possessed.

Joseph: This is a family name from Bryan's side. Rumor has it Bryan was almost named Joseph. Thus, adding Joseph to the mix honors his father's dreams and family heritage. Joseph is also a nod to my dad, who's middle name was Joe. His initials were B. J. This little boy's initials would have been S. B. J. The name Joseph was for our dads.

But it doesn't look like Silas Baker Joseph will join our family . . . yet. (Hahahaha. Just kidding there, Bryan. Please don't faint.) I suppose, though, never say never.

Lots About Louisa #2

I couldn't wait to write this post.

Louisa's procedure went well last week. (Although she was not a fan of recovery.) Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the well wishes, prayers, and concern. Today the follow up visit with the urologist confirmed her bladder functions perfectly. This news makes us more and more hopeful that a tethered spinal cord --and the subsequent surgery -- is not a reality for Lou. The appointment with the neurosurgeon is next week. While we anticipate him wanting to follow Louisa for a few more months or years -- and even the possibility of another MRI -- we are optimistic he agree these positive test results point to a healthy spinal cord.

Now enough of this medical jargon. Let's talk about that cutie Lou Lou.

This big girl is ONE YEARS OLD! How in the world that is true I have zero idea. I so remember in the first days of her little life, when the feedings were 'round the clock, wondering how quickly November 17 would come, how quickly she would change and grow because even then in the midst of the exhausting newborn days I knew it was but a wisp of time. As all mothers know, my heart rejoices in healthy growth and the fun of discovering more about her, but it aches knowing this leads to independence . . . . more and more away from mom. (Sniff. Boo hoo. Wawawawah.)

We celebrated Louisa's first birthday in a feast-ly fashion. Because Bryan worked Thanksgiving, we combined the two festivities into a Thankful for Louisa party. Thirty family and friends squeezed into our house to dine on turkey, ham, and fixin's (mostly prepared by my husband; be jealous) and to love on our little lady. We thought she'd be a little timid or overwhelmed because strangers and crowds are not her thing, but Louisa did so well! I mean she totally knew it was her party, right? 

When it was time for the ceremonial first birthday cupcake, Louisa was such a delicate gal. (Shout out to big sis helping blow out the candle.) I had to help her at first with a nibble of icing -- and it was a hit. Instead of making a mess, she very gently grabbed a bite between her thumb and index finger until she ate the entire cupcake.

Big sister also helped with the presents. Louisa's favorites ended up being a shape sorting lunchbox, a ride-on choo-choo train, and singing bear night light toy. 

Growth

At Lou's 12-month appointment, she weighed 19 pounds and 4 ounces. Y'all that means she is in the 40th percentile! We've gone from not even on the charts to the 40th! Someone please celebrate! She's hitting those milestones like a champ (even a little early, but who's bragging?). She's walking -- the side step sometimes, which is really funny. 

She says dada all the time. She says nana when she's mad at Anna. She says mama when she's really desperate. I see where I stand.

Louisa loves black beans. Loves. She's also a fan of green beans, carrots, and meat. Any meat. All day. Just meat, please. At such a young age, she is clearly more of an opinionated eater than Anna. I can only imagine what the full-on toddler years will be like.

Speaking of eating, Louisa refuses avocados and sweet potatoes, but she enjoys nibbling on a bar of avocado SOAP . . . and sneaking tastes of sister's CeraVe lotion. Things I never thought I'd say: Louisa, do not eat the toiletries.

Her other trouble spots include a constant fascination with electrical outlets, cords, and the carbon monoxide monitor in the kitchen. Perhaps she will be an electrical engineer.

Her interests are really starting to show. She continues to favor cars, balls, toys that make music, and Elmo. She also enjoys pulling out tissues from the Kleenex box, pilfering through my purse, taking lids on and off and on and off and on and off, playing the piano (now tall enough to reach the keys), and "kitchen" (a box of plastic lids who no longer have a container mate along with a small kitchen set equals tons of fun).

Louisa also pursued her modeling career as I continue to paste my kids' pictures on the Fort Worth Moms Blog. You can see her 7-month self on this post I wrote, "Infant Photography Made Easy." For a complete look at her oh-so-adorable professional pics to document her six months of life that actually ended up being her seven month photos because she is the second child and nothing happens on time, simply click here.

This Time Last Year

It all started last August. The self-appointed deadline of ending our wait to adopt came near. Yet, we had no second child to welcome home. In a rare move, I detracted my previous commitment to this deadline thanks to a sense of desperation I never ever wish to feel again. Graciously, my kind husband agreed. In retrospect, I have a sneaky suspicion these desperate feelings were an unexplainable maternal, Divine intervention. You see, my second baby was on her way.

October came and went with an updated home study and the comfort of "doing something," but the weight of waiting never left. November I wore the waiting like a heavy coat.

Then, on November 14, we learned about a baby girl yet to be born. We chose to show our profile book to the birthmother that next Monday.

Monday came and went and no news from the adoption agency.

Tuesday came and nearly went. I sent an email only to receive the reply: "There isn't any updates to send along to you at this time."

I was totally suspicious and over-analytical of every word, the order of the sentence, and so forth. How much longer until there was a concrete update?

On Wednesday, while waiting in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-A, I get the call: Not only did the birthmother choose us, but the baby was also born that Monday, November 17. This was why we weren't informed. A lot had been developing faster than expected!

But there was a catch or two, and the adoption agency wasn't comfortable placing with us until the week after Thanksgiving.

So I lived with the possibility, a likelihood of a baby girl. Maybe mine. Maybe not mine. Willing December to make its appearance as quickly as possible. That is also a heaviness.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we met the birthmother -- a delightful, smart, loving young women. The meeting went so well, and we felt hope.

So this time last year, I was in the middle of a muddle: I went from not knowing if a second child was in the cards for us to waiting for a response to cautiously rejoicing for a girl all to wait for several more days not knowing so much until finally . . . .

On this day last year, I met her -- my baby daughter, Louisa Bryn Caroline. I loved her at first sight. My waiting was over; my heart burst with joy and thankfulness -- two sentiments I continue to embrace one year later. A family of three became four.

So if you are waiting for something or someone, don't despair. Who knows what will be this time next year.

Happy family day, my loves!

Our first photo as the Youree Four!

Another Medical Test for Louisa

You may remember Louisa had a MRI earlier this year. Since then, we've visited neurosurgeons, urologist, a genetics specialist . . . had ultrasounds and other tests all to determine whether or not this little lady has a tethered spinal cord. While one radiologist believes her images are normal, her neurosurgeon and a second radiologist felt something is abnormal.

So, here we are in December. Louisa has reached the 1-year mark, and the doctors are hoping her anatomy has grown enough to undergo the next procedure -- which will hopefully be the ONE that gives some direction to the doctors.

On Thursday, December 3, Lou will have light sedation to complete this test. Prayers for a smooth-sailing procedure and for her to recover from it all well. My mama's heart is also fretting because her appointment will not be until 1:00 p.m., meaning she will go without any solid food from 7:00 a.m. and her last clear liquids at 9:00. Prayers for an understanding heart and tummy!

Remember the Thanksgiving I Shoplifted?

This Thanksgiving holiday was certainly one for the record books:

1. We celebrated Thanksgiving a few days early on Saturday, November 21, in a full-on feast that also doubled as Louisa's first birthday party. Welcomed and fed 30 in our home? Check. Celebrated our sweet girl? Check. Louisa loved the cupcake but chose a dainty approach? Check.

2. Bryan was on call for five days during Thanksgiving. While that makes for a less-than-traditional holiday, I'd so much rather he work Turkey Day than Christmas. Amen?

3. Thanksgiving was redeemed thanks to a visit from our niece. She always adds a lot of joy to our home. (And it was nice to have some help. LOL. Solo parenting is not for me.)

4. I dragged Baylee in a torrential rainstorm on Thanksgiving night around 8:30 to engage in primal shopping. Much to my disappointment, the mobs were absent. No waiting in lines. Got a few good deals. And home by 11:30. Weird.

5. Day number two of ninja shopping. This time I dragged Baylee, Anna, and Louisa is equally heavy rain to exercise our shopping prowess. Of course, we didn't get out the door until 11:00 a.m., but was again so disappointed by the lack of lines! Easiest Black Friday shopping I've ever done and that's with two small children and flooding rains. I mean. Really.

6. Dragged Baylee back out shopping after Bryan got home to score kids' clothes at Gap. After a power sweep through the girls' sections, I checked out. Drove home. Walked in. Started to take off my jacket, and then realized I had a pair of girl's, size five leggings thrown over my shoulder. I WALKED OUT THE DOOR OF GAP WITH THESE PANTS. I DID NOT PURCHASE THESE PANTS. Agh, I shoplifted . . . accidentally.

7. Took pants back to Gap the next day and profusely apologized. The "workers," and Anna would say, got quite the giggle.

8. And out came the Christmas decor. We sufficiently taught Baylee the Youree philosophy of ornament placement: No branch left behind.

9. To celebrate Baylee's last night with us, Bryan surviving Thanksgiving call, and giving me a break from slaving over the stove (ahem), we went out to eat. Except. On the drive to the restaurant, we totally owned a pothole, which in turn owned our back right tire in a blowout fashion. Bryan then dropped us at the restaurant while he drove to the tire shop. Of course, he then discovered the other three tires were so worn that placement of the new tire would jack up the alignment so we had to buy four new tires. By the time he picked us up, we were done eating. He ate leftover turkey and pretzels when we got home.

Now that's a holiday to remember. Hope your Thanksgiving was just as happy.

Anna-isms #10

Anna Zane had the honor of being a flower girl in her cousin's wedding. 

The lovely Anna Zane is four but nearing five at a fast pace. (Be still, my heart.) Just this week I submitted an application for kindergarten. GASP! At present, we are considering two schooling options for her: an applied learning center near our house (two blocks!) and our neighborhood public school, which happens to be one of the best in the state! Either way, we feel it's a win. We will make the final decision in spring.

As for turning five, Anna has a lot of dreams about what that means. She is sure five means:

• Getting her ears pierced.
• Growing very tall.
• Staying up later.
• Drinking Coca-loca (Coca-cola) and Dr. drink (Dr. Pepper).
• Walking to the neighbor's by herself.
• And pretty much anything that's currently forbidden will certainly be permissible to a five year old.

I have some hard, sad news for her.

Another item on her list is bringing home a pet. You see, our neighbor's cat, Lefty, who adored Anna . .  and Anna adored, went to cat heaven earlier this year. (It was gruesome. I literally found 1/4 of a cat in my front yard! We are still perplexed about what happened to this feline.) Since that time, she has repeatedly asked for a koala. Only she doesn't actually mean a koala; she means a Chihuahua. Aunt Tina has a Chihuahua, so Anna wants one too. (Thanks a lot, Tina.) Anna has assured us she will be so "sponsible" when she turns five, and thus, could care wonderfully for a koala.

In the mix of the five-year-old discussion is talk about kindergarten. I have used this to my advantage with little gems such as: "You know, kindergartners do not throw tantrums in the floor." To which she quickly reminds me she is only four.

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Differences are a hot topic around here. Anna fully believes she and Louisa are twins because they both have brown skin, brown eyes, etc. We were talking about differences and similarities, when I chimed in that I also have brown hair. She looked at me, rather sympathetic, and said, "Well, yours is kinda grey brown."

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Anna just knew everyone would think she and Louisa were the real Elsa and Anna on Halloween. They were certainly more beautiful than any princesses I've ever seen!

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It is the job -- and compulsion -- of every parent to brag about, rave on and on about the talents of his or her children. I must be faithful to that job. Teehee. Okay, okay, seriously: Anna is a very talented artist. She is creating things I couldn't dream up even now. She problem solves to create exactly what she wants how she envisions it. When I say I'm impressed, I mean it.