Izzy, the patient

Today was Izzy's big day… surgery!  For as long as we remember, she has always had constant drainage from only one nostril.  We always thought it was from the whole daycare thing.  But, it was odd that it was only one nostril.  She also mouth breaths and is a restless sleeper.  So we finally had her seen by an ENT physician.  Yep… those adenoids were whopping.  The scope in the office said they were almost 100% occluding her nasal passageway.  Today, I was told they were so bid they couldn't use some of the tools typically in this type of surgery and they had to be 'creative'.  All went well and we were home 4.5 hours after arriving.  Thank you for everyone who prayed for a safe procedure.

Rowing

 One of the reasons why we live in JP is because it is close to JP Pond.  This is part of the Emerald Necklace up her in Boston designed by Olmstead (designer of Central Park in NYC).  We typically walk  or run around the pond.  This is also where we go sledding.  One thing we have not done though it rent a boat.  Because we had Izzy, we had to settle for a row boat.  She did pretty good enjoying skimming her hands in the water.  We'll have to do this again just to practice rowing… we were pretty rusty.

Home Improvements

 As previously mentioned, we asked Oma & Opa if they would help do some home improvements around here while they visited.  Oma stayed for some extra time which has allowed a lot of objects to get a good coat of paint.  One of the projects involved bringing their old bookshelf back to life.  This was a piece they bought after great-grandpa Beran died in 1974 while they lived in California.  Not only has it made the numerous moves for them, it has made all my moves as well.  It also was modified to fit a TV (big hole cut in the back).  To bring it back to life, Opa added some crown molding and uses wainscoting to cover the existing hole.  Oma then painted it black and gave it some new hardware.  This turned out much better than expected.

 The biggest project was transforming Izzy's room into a big girl room.  When we first moved here, there was not storage.  So we separated her room from all the boxes by a big drape (see above).  In the interim, we have acquired storage in the basement allowing her room to be transformed.  Oma & Opa brought up my childhood bed for Izzy.  Several painting jobs (the walls and my old childhood furniture turned a pretty blue), and Izzy is happy to be sleeping in her 'big girl' bed.  You wouldn't know if from this picture however.

The British Are Coming!

 Fourth of July is one of the more popular holiday's in Boston as this was where it all started.  The celebration usually is week long with the days leading up to the 4th packed with various activities to enjoy.  We decided to try the 'Red Coat Invasion Sail' this year.  Our journey started by loading up on the Liberty clipper.

 Izzy & I waiting our turn to board the ship.

 We sailed around Boston Harbor until we came to the place that we picked up the British troops… or should I say they confiscated the ship in 'the name of the King'.

 Getting ready to invade Boston.

 Music was played at the time of invasion which was close to where we sat.  Izzy especially enjoyed the tunes.

 Firing upon Boston.

 We had the chance to pose with some of the soldiers on board.

This picture was 'borrowed' from the internet.  However, since we were all on board we couldn't take it ourselves.  Once we picked up the troops, the engines were cut off and we set sail into the harbor to invade Boston.  What a pleasurable ride it turned out to be.  Sailing with just wind was so calming.

Fun with Mommy's sleeping bag

 As a little girl, my aunt Cathy (a talented seamstress) made my sister and I these bunny sleeping bags.  Mine was blue & Di's was pink.  Since mom & dad were going to come up for graduation, the trip turned into also helping do some home improvements.  One of them was converting Izzy's room into a 'big girl' room.  So they packed up most of my childhood items including my bed and drove them halfway across the country.  One of those items was my bunny sleeping bag.  Today was brought it out when I was trying to put away extra blankets.  It caught the eye of Izzy when she was watching TV.  I think this may be getting a second shot of life :-)  Thanks aunt Cathy!

Graduation…. FINALLY!

This past week was the Children's Hospital Boston Neurology Graduation.  I was fortunate to have mom & dad make the long drive to celebrate.  Since graduating from high school, this is the 3rd and final graduation which made it surreal for me.  I've been in training so long, picturing this day seemed like it would never happen.  But it did!

 Every year graduation takes place at the Harvard Faculty club.  We always try to get a faculty & resident picture for that year.

 We had a moment to capture a family picture during the celebration.  A good time was had by all.

Receiving my diploma from Dr. Pomeroy (talking, Chief of Neurology) & Dr. Urion (Program Director of the Residency program).

Baking with Izzy

Since Izzy obtained a tower that allows her to be at the counter height in the kitchen, cooking is much more easier and fun.  Today, we decided to try & make chocolate muffins for breakfast over the week.  I would scoop the cocoa in small quantities into the measuring cup and she would dump.  She progressively got excited until the point she tried to throw the cocoa into the bowl.  Unfortunately, this resulted in the cocoa landing everywhere except the bowl.  But we still had fun and enjoyed our creations at the end.