At home recovering

Madison had her surgery this morning to remove the plate and screws from her arm. We arrived at the Surgery Center about 6:15am and she left for surgery about 7:25am. She walked all by herself into the OR and even wore one of their hair nets. (Too cute!) Dr. Luewellen came and told me about 8:45am that the procedure went well and that she was in recovery. About ten minutes later, they called me back. Like the sweet, excited girl she is, the minute she saw me, she said, "Mommy!!" and leapt into my arms. She ate a popsicle and drank some water and apple juice. I sang her some songs and tickled her while she woke up and about 20 minutes later she said, "I want to go home." That was it. They released us and we arrived home by 10am where Derrick was holding down the fort with Aliya and Breanne.

She seems to be doing remarkably well, relaxing with her arm propped, playing some board games, reading Clubhouse Jr, playing Lite Brite and Kid K'Nex. Right now she's resting. Thank you all for praying for this procedure and for this to be the last surgery she ever has to have on her arm...or ever for that matter!

Let the games begin...

Christmas has begun! We were able to celebrate this past weekend with my grandparents on the Veldkamp side and also with my parents and siblings. Above, you can see the photo of my parents and all 11 grandkids. Yikes, like we'd ever get them to all sit still and pose, let alone look at the camera. This is the best picture I could get. The big girls had a blast playing with their cousins and got to have a slumber party. After the festivities of food and presents, Grandma and Grandpa kicked out all the parents and the grandkids were allowed to "be in charge" as Grandma put it. I think they played with Holly's Wii, played toys, and watched a movie until 11:30 pm!! The next morning they had french toast, played, frosted Christmas cookies, played more Wii and I think the party ended when they all got McDonald's Chicken nuggets, fries and chocolate milk for lunch. They're napping now!
Aliya didn't stay for the slumber party, but she did get some good quality cuddle time in with Grandpa and Grandma.

Christmas with the Veldkamps was at Uncle Rob's. To the left, you can see Aliya (almost 3 months) with the other new babies this year. Abigail TenNapel is in the middle (6 months) and Samantha Veldkamp is not quite 2 months on the right. Madison and Breanne loved playing with Rob & Tricia's girls!! When the Kracht cousins arrived, Madison was quick to inform them. "Don't worry, there's lots of toys...down there," as she pointed to their basement. It was so fun to watch them play. We didn't see them hardly at all; they were so busy playing. Here they pose with Grandma and Grandpa Great Veldkamp and Rob and Tricia's girls: Madison, Hope, Ana, Ella, Breanne and Olivia.

Santa & his reindeer

Just 1 more day and we get to leave for Grandpa & Grandma's! We are all really excited. Derrick & I are probably a little anxious about the long drive. Aliya's never been in the car longer than just running around town. It could be interesting.

Yesterday, Madison brought snack to Preschool. Breanne and Madison set to work on Tuesday night to make Santa's reindeer for snack. Sorry the picture is blurry, I had auto focus turned off by accident. It's a nutter butter with pretzel antlers, chocolate chip eyes and a red m&m nose. Aliya posed as Santa...

In our hearts

Every morning, the girls and I pray on our way to work/preschool in the van. After Madison finished praying this morning, she said, "God can just hear us when we pray." I affirmed that and took the opportunity to explain that it doesn't matter when or where we are, God can always see and hear us. Madison quickly replied, "Yes, because He's just always in our hearts." I am amazed at how God is revealing Himself to a four-year old!

Christmas shopping

Last night, Derrick and I braved the Montana cold ( I think the projected high for today is -10 degrees) and went Christmas shopping for our girls. It is so much fun to walk through ToysRUs and pick out something fun for them. We got a babysitter for all three girls and we went out for dinner, so it was truly a date. We started this last year (shopping together for the girls) and I think it's a tradition that we'll keep for years to come. When we got home, we put in a movie (I wouldn't recommend Monster-in-Law) and I wrapped presents while Derrick worked on his 1000 piece jig-saw puzzle. It's a great feeling to know that all our presents are bought AND wrapped under the tree. Now we just have to be patient and wait until Christmas!!!

Gingerbread House

Today Madison's preschool class decorated gingerbread houses. She told her dad she didn't want him to come, she just wanted some "girl time." It was fun to help her decorate. Of course she needed ALL pink frosting. As you can see from the picture, she did her own hair too (there's nothing wrong with teaching her independence.) After we were finished with the gingerbread house, we checked out the preschool fish and sat in the reading corner and read some books. Then I helped her finish up a craft. I enjoyed seeing her in her own environment and interact with the other children.

On the way to preschool or church every day we pray in the van. Today, when Madison prayed, she said, "God, and even though I can't see you, I just love you..." What a lesson in faith we can learn from our kids. The girls' memory verse this past Sunday was, "Faith proves what we can not see."

Breanne continues to try her best to keep up with her big sister Madison. Last week, a friend from church gave us her "fish." It's basically a baby rocking horse, but in the shape of a fish. Madison and Breanne thought Aliya's new toy was pretty fun. Here you can see Breanne, just hanging out on the fish and making a few calls on her cell phone. What in the world would I blog about if it weren't for my girls?

17 Days 'til Christmas

Just 17 days 'til Christmas and we can't hardly wait! Madison and Breanne are counting the days until Santa comes. We've heard an assortment of stories about Santa this year and yet Derrick and I have never even mentioned Santa. Breanne started it shortly before Thanksgiving, "Santa's going to bring me presents." Some of Madison's friends saw Santa at Walmart over Thanksgiving weekend. I asked Madison what Santa was doing there, "He's probably just buying presents for some kids." When Breanne found the stocking in the Christmas boxes, she said, "Mom! Look! Santa's boots!" A bit later, Madison tried on "Santa's boots." Breanne says "Santa's going to put candy in my stocking."

The girls were so very excited to wear their Christmas dresses, I had to let them wear them early. They are quite cute and it gave us a chance to take some Christmas pictures.

Right before Thanksgiving, Breanne got her hair cut again. She likes going with me to get her hair cut and she gets a sucker when she's finished...who wouldn't be happy about that. She and Madison helped Derrick bake crescent rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner.
Last week was busy with doctor's appointments for both Madison and Aliya. Madison had a check up with her orthopedic specialist in regards to her arm. Dr. Lewallen had her arm x-rayed said her arm is totally healed and the plate is now ready to be removed. Surgery is scheduled for December 31st. Madison is a brave little girl and isn't concerned at all about the surgery. They will remove the screws and plate from the bone and then she will have to wear a brace and take it easy.

Aliya's two-month appointment was uneventful. Her pediatrician was pleased with her weight gain and development. She weighs 12 pounds and is 23 1/2 inches long. This puts her in the 75th percentile for weight and 90th percentile for length. She continues to be a pleasant, sweet little baby. Very kissable and huggable! She can't wait to meet her grandpas for the first time in just a week and a half! Until then....enjoy her picture!

November's Fusion

Here are some pictures from Fusion...finally. We had a professional take the pictures and she got some of our girls and Derrick as Gordo on stage. Above, Breanne is dancing with their friend Faith. To the right, Madison was an M&M sorter on stage. She and Breanne got to sit by Madison's friend from preschool, Shelby (you can see her and Madison in the picture above). The girls both got to dance at the front of the crowd. I know they had fun. I really want to post the picture of Derrick in the moomoo costume he had to wear, but I don't think he'd appreciate me sharing that out of context. Enjoy and if you're ever able to come see our Fusion...do! It's great fun!