Dance Dance Revolution!

One of the funnest parts about dancing is the hair and makeup. It's kind of crazy to see what the studio wants each year. This year we have blue and pink eyeshadow and for the hair we have the Jo-Hawk. We had to practice before her first comp and it came out pretty well. Maddie of course, had to be included.

Close up of that great blue eyeshadow.

My two cuties - sure is fun to play with hair and makeup with my girls.

The Hospital Stay

I have just avoided blogging this, but here I am with a slow day and so here goes.

As mentioned in the previous post, Jacee knelt on a toothpick. We went the week with the knee swelling and not looking much better so I called my brother Brian on President's Day to ask him about it. After describing it and answering a few questions about it, he was quiet and said, "It's either nothing or something pretty bad, I need to see it." We agreed to meet in Park City. He didn't have to look at it very long before he said, "I need to stick a big needle in it." Yep, Jacee was officially freaked out! (As was I...)

We discussed the options of going to Primary Children's or to his office in Evanston, WY. The problem with going to Evanston was that he was pretty sure she would be admitted to the hospital with possible surgery and John and our family were in Utah. We decided on Primary's so John could come sooner and someone could help with the kids.

While driving from Park City to SLC, I talked with my brother David who graciously agreed to come get Jack and Maddie and keep them for the day (I think this was around 1:30pm and they had them until about 9:30pm - thanks David and Julie!)

On the drive Jacee and I took turns crying. I would start so she would start. We would get composed and then she would start so i would start...not a fun drive.

Brian was following us to Utah and had called the hospital to tell them we were coming. It was so reassuring to have him there and to help us. I made sure each dr. that came in knew "we had brought our own surgeon!" He stayed with the us until the last test results came in after 7:30pm that night. Thanks Brian for being with us and thank Michelle for letting us have your husband that day.

Well, the initial reaction from all the doctors was that she would most likely need surgery. Her knee was swollen in such a way that it indicated that the joint had gotten infected and they would probably need to go in to clean it out.

One thing was weird, she was not in much pain. The doctors would poke and prod and twist her knee and she just sat there. They said with this kind of infection that she should be in great pain. They finally settled on aspirating her knee (the big needle) and running some tests.

Here is her I.V. I think this was the worst part for her. It hurt and she was sure she wanted it in her arm not her hand, but the tech talked her into the hand. And while doing this they had to get some blood for tests and that wasn't super fun. Luckily the tech won her over when he brought her a warm fuzzy blanket and a big stuffed dog - he was ok in her book after that.

When they decided they had to aspirate her knee, they put her under. There was quite a few syringes of medicine they put in her I.V. At the time I knew what they were because I asked Brian about each of them and he assured me that is what he would use if he were doing it. (I was glad that even though he couldn't do the procedure, he was there telling me that was they were doing was the right thing, and explaining everything to me.)

This was my least favorite part...her going under. They told her her nose would itch and as she was getting sleeping, she kept trying to rub her nose. Then she tried to curl up in the fetal position and then she was OUT. It happened so fast and her eyes were partly open and her mouth was open. She was so still, it was creepy. I tried to shut her eyelids but they wouldn't close. I just held her hand and did not watch when the big needle was brought out.

Here's the needle going in. I was glad to hear my brother giving a few words of encouragement to the ortho resident but not so encouraged when they pulled it out and I heard him say, "Yep, it's cloudy." All the early test results came back looking like we would be going into surgery. John's parents also came for a while and sat with us in the ER. David brought some oil and Brian, John, and Brent gave Jacee a blessing. I also found out my parents talked to some good friends and asked them to pray for Jacee and my mom put her name in the temple. Many of our neighborhood friends helped out and made sure the sheets got into the dryer and prayed for her as well. It's good to have supportive friends and family.

We waited and waited for all the results, and when they all came back, it was determined she would just stay in the hospital that night with some I.V. antibiotics and see how things went the next day. Brian got to go home, John went to pick up Jack and Maddie and went home and Jacee and I slept in the hospital that night. I am convince our friends and family prayed the worst of the infection away so she wouldn't have to have surgery.

We only had the clothes on our back, so before John went home he ran and got us some treats, books, magazines, and some fake fingernails for Jacee. The hospital provided Jammies for Jacee and a pair of sweats for me along with tooth brushes and toothpaste. We started out in a private room but had to move to a shared room about midnight. Jacee was out - they just moved her bed into the other room and banged into a door and a wall and she didn't stir at all. The other family came in about 12:30am with a sick toddler (and watched t.v. until around 2:30am).

They pushed the i.v. antibiotics all night. The attending surgeon came in the next day and told us Jacee she was the conundrum of the dept because they couldn't figure out why she wasn't in pain. The were waiting on results of one more test that finally came at noon - and then they released her. They gave me antibiotics in pill form (which I told them she couldn't swallow and they suggested I open the pills and mix them with soft foods...) and said to have a follow up in a week. My parents came to the hospital right when we were being released. They brought a bag full of fun stuff and it was good to see them.

It ended up being such a blessing my parents came. John was in charge of the Blue and Gold Banquet that night and I also had New Beginnings that night. Once we got home, the frantic preparations began, with my parents being key in running MANY errands for us. We pulled off both events with MUCH help from many people.

In the mean time - I was trying to force Jacee to take her anti-biotics. She was a bit warm and I was worried this was a bad sign. I tried the pills in ice cream and chocolate milk. She just threw them up and cried. I finally had to leave her with my parents and they tried to mix it with mac and cheese. Finally, both my brother Steve and my dad tried it and said it was so horrible they wouldn't even take it! They Brian and got a liquid prescription that seems to be doing the trick.

Boy, when they say it takes a village to raise a child - they were talking about my children. Thanks to everyone for pitching in and helping us. Jacee is doing so much better. She has gone back to school and dance class and seems to be doing fine. Her knee is still a little swollen but she is no longer walking with a limp. We are so grateful she is doing better.

We sure love this little gal.

Yikes!

So, I can hardly look at the above pictures. I know it's not gory and bloody, but it's the thought that an entire toothpick is jammed into my little girl's knee...

On Valentine's Day I got a call from the school saying Jacee was sick - she had complained of a sore throat on Sunday so I wasn't entirely surprised. I got to the school and she came out of the nurses room, limping...what? Why would a sore throat make her limp? And she was as white as a sheet. After a few steps, I picked her up and carried her because she could hardly walk. As soon as we got outside she started crying and told me she had a toothpick stuck in her knee...what? I set her in the car and sure enough, there was a little thing poking out through her pants. I tried to pull it out but it was stuck fast.

She said it was time to start cleaning up for her Valentine's Day Party and she dropped to the ground under her desk to pick up trash and landed right on the toothpick. She tried to pull it out but couldn't. She just went up to her teacher and said she was sick - she was pure white (now we know she was in shock) so the teacher sent her to the office. She said she tried to sit so no one would notice the toothpick sticking out of her pants - she didn't want anyone to touch it.

Anyway...

We raced to the Dr. office and he pushed around a little bit and said he was not going to try to pull it out because it was in so deep and could be in a joint so off we went to the ER...and out came the pliers. The ER dr. gave Jacee the option of deadening it or just going for it - she just went for it! The dr. told John to distract her and not let her look and then he just yanked it out with pliers. We got an X-ray but it's hard to detect any wood on X-rays so we are just suppose to watch it for infection.

Her knee is very puffy and swollen but no redness. Today (Friday) is her first day back at school. (In addition to not being able to walk very well, she has thrown up everyday.) She has been a trooper. She was not very brave at the Dr. office but as soon as it was decided she needed to go to the ER she got all brave and tough about it. Of course we went to Cafe Rio afterwards to celebrate her bravery.

I'm still a little nervous about all the swelling - she is on anti-biotics and we went for a follow-up appt yesterday and the Dr. didn't seem concerned. Glad she went to school today, we'll see how long she lasts. Love you Jacee!

Jacee's Baptism Slide Show

Jacee's Photo Shoots

Jacee was able to have two photo shoots for her baptism (pure heaven for her!)

The outdoor photos were taken by one of my YW - Kelti. It was very cold but both the photographer and model were patient and the results were fabulous! Thanks Kelti - you are awesome!

The indoor photos were taken by one of my best friends - Jessica. She has taken many pictures of my children over the years and I am always amazed how she captures their personalities. I appreciate your time and we LOVE the pics - you're the best Jessica.

Yep - the Peterson girls go-to pose...even in a baptism dress!

Wow - in Jacee's own words, "I can't believe I am actually baptized!"

Jacee's Baptism

Jacee had a great baptism day Saturday. She has been very excited for a long time. After she was baptized and we were walking back to the chapel she said, "I can't believe I'm actually baptized!"

Her best friend Chloe was able to come. These girls are two peas in a pod!

She was lucky to have both sets of Grandparents there. She sure loves them.

Here is John's side.

Here is my side. I'm thankful that we both have family close and that we get so much support from them. We are lucky.

Hmmm, What's the Difference?

So, it is the last week of school and my little first grader is just not too happy about it. She is excited to be a second grader but just loves school so much she doesn't want it to end. Now I, on the other hand, can't wait for it to be over. I love having her around. She is a great big sister and a fun daughter. She makes me laugh and is very helpful. I'm also excited not to have to have anyone be anywhere by 9am in the morning! Wow - another year has come and gone. It's crazy to look back at the last seven years and all the changes we have been through. John and I talk about our selfish days, when it was just us two and we could do what ever we wanted with our time and money. I wouldn't change a thing but boy how life changes. Yeah - two more days and Jacee gets to stay home!!!!

When I Grow Up...

Things were a little slow after conference and all the Easter festivities. I was in the kitchen when I noticed this sign taped to the stairs.

This was the next sign.

Here is the sign on her bedroom door.

Here is the sign in sheet she made on the computer by herself - I didn't even know she was making it.

Here are her willing clients.

Maddie is trying to show off her painted nails.

Jacee has always wanted to work in a beauty salon. We have had many talks about being the owner vs just working there. Here she is getting a great head start. I also got my hair done and nails painted. She did a great job!

A Girl's First Ballgown

I will never forget the day my parents bought me my first ballgown. I put it on and just did twirls in front of the mirror. I think I even did some homework in it because I could not bear to take it off.

And when I watched my daughter put on this ballgown, I saw all the emotions I felt that first time reflected in her eyes.

What is it about a beautiful dress, with lots of feathers and rhinestones, and with a huge skirt that will endlessly twirl?

We are pretty lucky to get ballgowns from my sister to use for my daughters very first ballroom dance team routine. I can't believe she is actually old enough to be on a ballroom team!

I am excited for many more years of feathers and rhinestones to come. And may she never get sick of twirling - just like I never did when I tried on my second ballgown...and my third...and well you get the idea!

The Dreams of the Young

Here is my sweetie pie posing on the "bride's pedestal" at Temple Square. I just love to talk with her and hear about all her hopes and dreams. Right now she is enthralled with all things white and wedding and her future husband. I'm glad we had the opportunity to go to Temple Square a couple of times this winter so the temple is included in those dreams. She loves to muse about her future - what it will be like, what kind of mother she will be, and of course what role her husband will play in all of this. We had an interesting conversation about dad's who don't go to church with their families. She has decided if her husband ever decided he did not want to go to church she will just push him out the door and into the car and say, "You're going Mister!" Not sure why she was thinking about that or how she came to that solution, but at least she has a plan if she ever needs it.

Of course the number one reason she wants to get married at the temple in December is so she can have a beautiful white cape with a fur-lined hood to wear around the temple grounds, so one day she might inspire other little girls to dream of a December wedding at the temple.

The Best Birthday Ever!

We parked at the Joseph Smith building, so of course we had to get a shot with the prophet!


A couple of weeks ago our family went to temple square to watch my niece perform with her with her choir. While we were there we decided to stop by the Beehive House. Jacee fell in love with it! She decided right then and there she wanted to go there for her birthday. (Wahoo! Up until then it was going to be a glamour party - 3rd one - with her entire 1st grade class.) So, I told her she could pick three friends and we would go! (A cousin serendipitously showed up so she got to come too.)

This was one of my favorite shots. All the girls walked into the Beehive house and sat down and were all acting very "ladyish". The Sr. Couple and sister missionaries just oohed and awed over what a darling group of girls. One asked if they were all sisters - give me strength!! We were the only ones there so we got to go on the tour all by ourselves.

Here they are with the Sr. Couple and the Sisters that gave them the tour. One sister was from Mexico and one was from Mongolia. Some of the girls had a hard time understanding them, it was fun watching them try to tailor the tour into "Little Girl - English".

There is an old fashioned wall clock and calendar so I had to snap a quick picture showing Jacee by the Tuesday, December 22.

After the tour, we got to go have dessert at the Lion House.

It was fun to see which dessert each girl picked. They also got a truffle bar - Jacee's favorite. Here we sang Happy Birthday and opened presents. Jacee was in 7th Heaven!

First stop on Temple Square - the reflecting pool. It was snowing, but wasn't too cold. I thought we wouldn't be long - but the girls LOOOVED everything - so we just kept going and going.

I forgot how much energy young girls can have. Here they are twirling under the HUGE red pine tree at the entrance to temple square. People kept smiling at our group and at me. Not sure if it was because they were pretty cute or they had sympathy for me trying to control five energetic little girls all hopped up on sugar from yummy Lion House cake!

This was a pretty tender moment. I asked the girls if they wanted to touch the temple. What? Can we do that? were the responses. Funny, how teaching moments come when you don't expect them...so we talked about going inside to be sealed there someday.

Growing up, we attended conference every six months, so it was weird for me that this was the first time my daughter had ever been in the tabernacle.

The did think the statue of Christ was neat, but like the mural of the stars on the wall and the escalator the best!

And the crowning moment. The all got to stand on the bride podium and get their picture with the temple in the background. I took a picture of each of them individually and told them when they come back to get married they will get a picture there in their wedding dresses so they should practice now.

I'm so glad Jacee wanted to do this. Just a warning - I'm going to sound pretty cheezy right now. It was special to watch these girls roam around temple square, learn about Brigham Young, ooh and ahh at the temple and talk about getting married there, and just enjoy being on sacred ground. I can't believe how my daughter has grown and how far we have come as a family from the time she was born. I sure love that girl!