The Surgical Stouder-Studenmund Family

Well as the title says we had surgeries this month. Tre went in to have his adenoids removed. He has had sinus infections all throughout the year and they have been swelling enough to interfere with his breathing sometimes at night. Nothing like having small heart attacks as you hear your child stop breathing at night. In addition, it gives him gnarly breath sometimes - like a single exhalation can drop small animals at 30 yards. I was concerned about Tre going back to Children's Hospital since that was the place he received treatment for his injuries from the abuse inflicted by his paternal aunt. For the most part he was fine with it except for the IV. He had one almost his entire stay the first time and the one they had put in for his procedure was a focal point of anxiety for him. He didn't really calm back down until they removed it.

Siddha has had back to back ear infections for the last month or so which has lead to a steady diet of antibiotics (not so great for a tiny tummy) which lead to a raging case of dastardly diaper rash. Her bottom was angry and red - took no prisoners as they say. So they put some teeny tiny ear tubes in her ears that will allow them to drain now when she gets an ear infection. Instead of taking a course of antibiotics - she now just needs a few ear drops when we see drainage from her ears. I was a worried about her going under for the first time and whether she would tolerate it well. It appears I had nothing to be concerned about. She was her happy self about 15 minutes after waking up from the procedure. The worst part was watching her get carried off while screaming for us as she made her way to the OR with the nurse. Insert hook just below chest bone and tug sharply.

Right after we had a huge lunch at McDonald's (the nearest eatery to the hospital) since they hadn't been allowed to eat anything since the night before. They were understandable famished and proceeded to eat copious amounts of Mc-food products. We had salads, chicken nuggets, fries, apple slices, burgers, cheese burgers, and yogurt. We ended up going back to the counter to order a second round of food for them. After they ate we headed home for some napping to sleep the rest of the general off (at least for Tre) and then the Aunties with Nani in tow with dinner from a local noodle shop we love. It was awesome to end the day with family and comfort food.

Valentine's Day was very romantic here at the Zoo. All the dads got flowers, cards, sweet kisses and a lovely dinner out. Tre got a box of cards, candy, and home baked goodies. Siddha got to decorate a card for her teachers at the SDSU Children's Center and the opportunity to paw through her siblings collections of cards. We took the kids to the zoo and the older kids loved as usual. It was a treat to see Siddha reallly get into the zoo more this time now that she's a little older. Before we had gone with her but it was mostly her along for the ride - this time it was pointing, screeching and staring at animals with the occasional look back to make sure parents were still around.

We have wrapped up the bids from contractors and are now trying to decide between them all. Both dreading and excited about the remodel. The idea of living in a half deconstructed house sounds stressful but the idea of more than one bathroom is intoxicating. Either way we need the changes to make the house more comfortable for the growing family. Those of you who know her - Monica - will be moving in at the end of the remodel. Which is awesome!! An old chum from high school who I have the chance to reconnect with and has fit in quite nicely with our full moon madness here. She is a regular at family lunch and is also it turn out an incredible sitter who likes kids!! All praise the little gods and goddesses as they smile down on us.

That's all from us for now but next month should be filled with more happenings including Nani's 5th birthday!!! We're going to Chuck E. Cheese's to celebrate and looking forward to seeing all the other families there.

Much love to all.