Making Memories: Recapping November

Wow! Didn't realize it's been so long since I blogged. Where the heck did November and December go? In an attempt to remember what we've been doing the past 2 months, I'm gonna do a really long rambling post with mostly Iphone pictures since that's what I use the most to capture memories these days. Bad habit I know, but it's handy. My Nikon is too heavy to lug around on a daily basis. So here we go-

The girls had a lot of fun dressing up and trick or treating. Natalee was a Lalaloopsy girl and got so many comments about her costume, specifically her wig. Some adults thought she was Raggedy Ann or Pippi Longstocking, but the kids news right away who she was. Haylee was a cute zebra. We went around our neighborhood like usual but the girls were ready to go home within 30 minutes. I was like "are you kidding? Don't you want candy?" But Haylee actually wanted to go home to pass out candy.

That night Haylee got her last dose of antibiotic she was on to get rid of her PANDAS symptoms.

Nov 4th I met with Haylee's pediatrician Dr. A to go over everything that happened and fill her in on what the Psychologist said and what we do now. She was very nice about everything, basically admitted she herself doesn't know much about PANDAS since that's something a Neurologist has to diagnose but said she gets info about it from a Neurologist at Phx Children's next door. She said she wanted to check Haylee's Aso Titer again in a few weeks to make sure her levels dropped. If Haylee starts behaving with the same sudden OCD behavior again she will put her on antibiotics right away and we'll need to make an appointment to see a Neurologists. I have been researching Neurologist in Arizona and found a Dr. Alarcio who seems to be a PANDAS expert and she's right here in Mesa. She's currently on medical leave but I'm trying to make an appointment to see her even though she has a 2-3 month wait for new patients. More on that later...

Haylee has been going to Girl Scouts twice a month and loves it. She marched in the Veteran's Day Parade which was an awesome experience for her.

They also toured the fire station and got pink fireman hats.

I have never been to fire station myself so I thought it was cool to see their living quarters inside. I didn't realize they work 48 hours straight so they all have living quarters and a full kitchen etc. Cookie sales start the end of this month and we're working on reserving booths and selling selling selling!

Josh has been golfing most Saturday mornings. He is truly addicted. Its rare when I get the mail and there isn't a package inside with a new golf gadget. Josh takes his hobbies very seriously :)

My Mom and I went to see Menopause at The Palms, which use to be Broadway Palms. The food was delicious and the show was hilarious. There were a few parts I just laughed out loud! I love going there and seeing shows. While we were there, the girls were at my neighbors house getting the groove on. She teaches zumba classes and the girls loved it. They can't wait to go back!

Natalee went to the dentist

and to the ENT specialist to follow up on the fluid in her ear. Thank God the antihistamine worked and there was no fluid whatsoever and her ear looked perfect. Oh and her throat looked great too! Yeah for a break from constant strep and ear infections for Natalee!

Natalee was invited to 2 parties in November for little girls in her preschool class. I was a little hesitant at first since she's only 3 1/2 but she had a blast. She went to Lily's Monsters University party and Azrielle's Princess party. I'm glad she has little school friends!

The day before Thanksgiving Haylee had her blood taken to test her Aso Titer. Once again she did amazing, didn't even flinch. She said her flu shot hurt worse. Sadly the results are showing her numbers are 290 which are almost double the 150 normal number. I'm not entirely sure what that means but since she's not having any radical behavior I'm trying not to worry. This is why I'm making her an appointment with Dr. Alarcio but it'll be a few months before we get in. Better to be safe than sorry. I honestly think that by Gods grace Haylee was one of the very few lucky ones who was put on an antibiotic fast enough and it hopefully cured the problem so she won't exhibit the crazy OCD when she comes in contact with strep again. We were very fortunate to be referred to a psychologist who was aware of PANDAS and said to have her tested right away. Most kids go months and even years before they hear about PANDAS and by then it's almost to late. I am eternally thankful for the blessing of a complete recovery and for all the prayers on Haylee's behalf.

Thanksgiving Day we went out to eat with my Mom and Dustin and then my Mom kept the girls so Josh and I could get our Black Friday shopping on!!! We started at Walmart where we lined up about an hour before the sale started. Josh and I were at separate areas in the store and it was a little intense when 6pm hit. We got everything we went after and more! Sam came and joined in on the fun too. After Walmart we went to Kohl's and Target getting what we went after at both of those stores too. I think we got home around 11pm and crashed so I could get up and go with my Mom the next morning for round 2! I am so glad Josh loves the thrill of Black Friday shopping. He was bummed he didn't get anything fun but we sure got some great deals on stuff for the girls.

On Sunday my Mom hosted our Thanksgiving dinner.