Gage Gets Teeth Pulled

About two weeks ago, Mike took Gage and Landen to the dentist to get their six month checkups. Landen being 4 1/2 years old was finally good. Mike thinks it was only because he thought the hygienist was cute. No cavities for either of them, but the dentist said it would probably be a good idea if we let him pull two of Gage's teeth because the middle bottom ones were coming in pretty crooked. The dentist explained to Gage that it doesn't hurt and it would be really fast. Gage didn't seem nervous at all until he overheard me talking to other people about what would have to be done and possibly getting a shot to numb his mouth. Gage said he wasn't going back to the dentist and no one was going to touch his teeth. I dropped the subject until today because I obviously had to tell him today was the day. The dollar store by our house seriously saves me. I told Gage he could pick two things out at the dollar store for the two teeth that were being pulled. He seemed happy after that.

This is a before picture of Gage's bottom teeth.

Things sure have changed since I was a kid. Gage sat down and they immediately put on movie glasses and earphones. Gage was in heaven! Then, they let him start smelling the gas to relax him a little bit. The doctor put on some numbing gel and then gave Gage some numbing shots. I was watching in amazement. Gage didn't even flinch at the shots. I get the numbing gel before the numbing shots and they still hurt me. Maybe I need a whiff of that gas. After the dentist left to let the medicine do its thing, the nurse in me kicked in. I felt the need to explain to Gage what was going on in his mouth. I told him to relax and his mouth was going to start feeling a little funny. Gage started talking really loud because he had his movie headphones on, "Did he just give me a shot cause I didn't even feel it!" The dentist came back and in 2 seconds had both the teeth yanked out. Again, Gage didn't even act like he felt a thing! They stuffed gauze in his mouth and off we went. Gage said it didn't even hurt.

Here's Gage with a fresh piece of gauze in his mouth. I had to change the gauze 3 times! I was starting to get a little queasy. Sad to say but not a lot of things bother me at work, but it's a different story when it comes to my kids! Gage insisted we go directly to the dollar store like this.

Finally, the bleeding did stop and Gage had to check out his mouth in the mirror. He kept saying how great his mouth felt. The dentist told him he had to stick to soft foods for the rest of the day so Gage kept going over all the foods he could eat like pudding and macaroni and cheese.

Still Feeling Sick

Last Friday, I went from not knowing Tanner had an ear infection to definitely knowing he had an ear infection. I made Mike take him to the doctor again Friday night because he had been on antibiotics for 4 days and things were getting worse. They switched antibiotics, but yesterday he was still feeling crappy. This picture is of Tanner just laying on my bedroom floor watching Elmo. He insisted on carrying the ibuprofen bottle around with him all day. Thank goodness for child proof lids. He doesn't normally sit and watch tv so I knew he wasn't feeling well. Last night, we were up watching Elmo until 1:30 am. Not fun since I have been feeling crappy myself. I will see how tonight goes before we head off to the doctor again.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I spent my Valentine's night on a hot date with my hubby. Oh, that was in my dreams! I actually worked Valentine's night and had fun passing out gum to my coworkers and my cute patients! Thanks Dad! The night before, we got Applebee's take out and rented movies with the kids.

I made Gage address all of his Valentine cards earlier this week for his Valentine Party.

We made Gage's first ever Valentine's box. He was sooo excited. He put stickers all over it and was quite proud of himself. After his Valentine party, Gage informed me that you don't have to simply do a box. You can make anything! A kid in his class made a volcano! Great! Now Mr. Artsy Gage will make me get all creative next year which I'm not!

Here's Landen showing off the suckers we bought the kids in his class. I'm not sure where his shirt his. My kids are going through a weird shirtless stage right now.

Tanner wanted to "help" address Valentine cards. He wasn't being too much help so I had to put him in his high chair. He wasn't too happy about it.

Here's Gage and Landen inspecting their Valentine loot. I was actually checking it out myself.

Tanner loved the new truck Nana bought him for Valentine's Day.

Trouble at Tumbling

This week in tumbling was probably my most trying. Gage and Landen have been taking tumbling since September and seem to really be enjoying it. They have had the cutest teacher, but she is way too nice. Sometimes the class gets a little out of control and she doesn't discipline the kids. I have had to step in a few times and yell at Landen for various reasons such as not listening or being too rowdy. I know I really need to be tougher on Landen and after tumbling this week I have renewed motivation.

Their cute teacher had knee surgery so a male teacher has taken over. He is great. He keeps the class under control and isn't afraid to send the kids to timeout if needed. I would know this because he has subbed previously and Landen has had to do just that. Anyway, I was talking with a friend of mine when all of sudden the teacher backs away from the group and puts his hands to face and starts mumbling like he's in pain. He says, "Landen, go to your mom!" I find out that Landen has just poked the teacher in the eye for no reason! What? I was so embarrassed. It was only like 15 minutes into class. Landen was devastated and started whining. I made him sit in a chair away from me because he always starts acting like a baby and wants to be held. Hello Landen! You are in trouble! Do you think I am going to hold you? Well, Landen is just so stubborn. If he would just stop whining, maybe he could apologize and rejoin the class. It was like he didn't even know what he did. The teacher said he could rejoin the class a little while later, but Landen was still crying/whining. I talked to him about apologizing to the teacher after class. His reply was asking me if he still got a treat at the end. I told him no way! Luckily he did apologize which is something that is hard for Landen to do.

Landen has had his DS privileges taken away for two days which has been a good punishment for him. I'm making Mike go to the next couple of tumbling classes because I hear he is much better for Mike.

Tanner Turns 18 Months

My baby is 18 months! I can't believe it. He is finally in nursery which is something I have been looking forward to. I have spent many a church Sundays sitting in nursery with my boys and refuse to do it with Tanner. The first Sunday he was able to go, Mike dropped him off and he immediately started crying. Our nursery has windows that you can peek into and I anxiously watched as Tanner cried. Finally a guy nursery worker picked him up and Tanner made him hold him practically the entire time. If anyone knows Tanner, then they know the way to Tanner's heart is by giving him treats. I thought that Tanner would loosen up once the snacks were brought out. I watched as food was placed in front of Tanner and he just sat on the guy's lap refusing to even look at the food. I will never forget the look on his face. It was like "I will show you guys. I'm not going to eat my snack." Eventually, Tanner looked around and slowly put one hand forward to take a cracker. I knew he would be ok after that.

Tanner has become a picky eater. I hate this stage because they don't really eat a whole lot. I keep trying to remember that they will eat when they get hungry. I have found that Tanner eats a lot better when he is able to feed himself. It is definitely a lot messier this way.

Tanner absolutely loves Beau. Although I don't think the feeling is mutual. Tanner loves to give Beau treats. All we have to say is, "Tanner, do you want to give Beau a treat?" and Tanner comes running. Unfortunately, Tanner likes to tease Beau a little by running around the house with the treat making Beau chase him before he gives him the treat. It's hard to tell in the picture, but Tanner is off and running with a smile on his face.

Tanner loves to hop in the laundry basket and hang out. He also loves any container with a lid. He's holding a mini lotion bottle in this picture that he clung to all day long.


Following in his brothers' footsteps, Tanner has started wearing big shoes. Unlike his older brothers, Tanner isn't particular. They don't have to be my shoes.

Tanner still is quite the climber. I am so glad Gage and Landen weren't. I cannot believe I haven't ended up in the ER with this kid yet. My bar stools are permanently kept on the counter and are only taken down when we eat. I can't put up the chairs to the table because they scratch too easily. So, Tanner ends up on the table a few times a day.

You can see the bar stools on my counter in the background. I know. Not smart taking pictures of this. What does this show Tanner? But I scolded him afterwards. No wonder he keeps doing it.

We went to his 18 month checkup and the following are his stats:

Head 18.3 inches 15th percentile (we usually are 5th percentile. It's growing!)

Length 32.7 inches 60th percentile

Weight 22.8 lbs 15th percentile - not sure why we call him chunks if he is only in the 15th percentile. He's chunky compared to our other kids I guess.

Tanner says a few words such as hot, Beau, no, no, milk, more, and my personal favorite hi. Lately, he says "hi" all day long and will come running up to me giving me a big hug. He's definitely behind in the language department, but since Tanner understands what I am saying by following commands the doc says the expressive language will come. I have taught him a few signs including "more" "all done" and my personal fav "milk." It is so cute to see is chubby little hands squeezing together like he is milking a cow.

So, Tanner has another ear infection and I didn't even know it. I feel so bad. Now we are off to see the ENT doc to discuss the possibility of tubes. Gage had tubes so I am really all for it. Tanner hasn't had a ton, so we will see what the doc says.

Gage Goes Back To School

Gage has been off track for the past couple of weeks and has just returned back today. I don't know how I feel about year round school, but it was nice to have Gage home for a couple of weeks. On Gage's report card, he did great. His lowest mark was in Social Behavior. In the comments section the teacher said Gage sometimes gets distracted talking to his neighbors. I have to say that I was quite happy with this comment. I have worried about Gage making friends and talking to new kids. Apparently, I don't need to worry anymore! Mike and I did have a talk with Gage about listening to his teacher better and only talking when it is his turn to talk.

Gage is in Speech Therapy for his articulation. It was a very long process getting him actually started in speech and I am sure I will have to repeat it with Landen. Long story short, I asked Gage to be tested last August when school started and speech services didn't start until November. The process one has to go through for things like this with the school system is seriously ridiculous, but I'm glad things are finally moving. I have noticed so much improvement with Gage's speech. I am so proud of how hard he works at making things sound correct.

Gage loves school. My favorite part of the day is when Gage or Landen show me the papers they have completed. They are so proud of the things they have been working on. Gage is moving right along with his reading and writing. Gage does get easily frustrated and needs lots of positive encouragement. However, I think Mike sometimes gets more frustrated than Gage.

I am so proud of Gage and can't wait to see what he learns and how much he grows the rest of the year!

Gage Goes Skiing Again

Mike took Gage skiing again last Friday and Landen and I tagged along to watch. The day was beautiful and I was able to see Gage in action. He was so cute and seemed to really enjoy himself. After one run, I asked Gage if he was having fun. He replied, "Ya, thanks for inviting me!"


There's no two better buds then these. Landen was so supportive of Gage and instantly said he wanted to try skiing too. He quickly changed his mind after he saw what it entailed.

Mike goes snowboarding all the time and I have never seen him in action. I haven't even seen his snowboarding gear. Mike borrowed some short skis from a neighbor to be able to teach Gage better than he could riding a snowboard.

Gage is instructing Landen on the basics of skiing by using the pizza pose.

Wolf Mountain has what is called the "Magic Carpet" where you ride up a flat escalator and then ski down a really easy hill. Gage didn't need to start here, but I wanted to see what it was all about.

Landen got bored waiting for Gage to come down the hill. I should have made him wear his snowsuit. We spent most of the day sitting in the car while he played his DS. Luckily, I brought a book to read.

Here's Gage breaking for lunch. He was having so much fun!

Mike and Gage stayed on the easy lift the first time they went skiing. They quickly got bored of it the second time around. This pic is them heading over to the big lift. At the end of the day, they should have turned left off the lift onto the easy course. Instead, they turned right onto the intermediate path. Gage was exhausted and it was really hard to make it down for that last run.

Sorry for the bad footage. I couldn't figure out how to download video from my video camera so this is from my picture camera.

Knee Update

I can't believe it has been 2 years since I have hurt my knee and I am still struggling with it. I went and saw the knee doc on Wednesday and left slightly frustrated. Our conversation went something like this:

Me, "I'm still having some pain underneath and above my knee cap."
Doc, "Well, you have a huge chunk of cartilage missing. I could only smooth it out. I can't replace it. "
Now the doc is looking at my knee.
Doc, "Wow. You still have some swelling."
Me, "It hasn't been swollen. I ran on it yesterday because I wanted to see how it felt before I came in and now it is swollen."
Doc, "You ran on it when it has been hurting?"
Me hesitantly, "Yah. What do people do in my situation?"
Doc, "They pick up new sports such as biking and swimming. It is just too bad this happened to you so young."
Me whining now thinking it might make him pull out some magical cure, "But I have big plans."
Doc laughing now, "I'm sure you do, but I'm never going to tell you that I love you running on your knee."
I should have asked if he could "like" me running on it. Anyway, I really like my new doctor and he was still really positive maintaining that playing soccer is within my reach. He noticed a big strength difference in my legs and I am signed up for physical therapy again. My favorite! I have an appointment to see him again in 6 weeks so we will see.



After my first surgery, I begged Mike to get me a stationary bike. He borrowed a really old one that I could never really use. Now, 2 years later I went and bought one and I love it so far! Hopefully it helps! I am trying to stay positive and feel really motivated. I signed up for a fun Mud Run in California with my family the end of March. It is a 6 mile obstacle course with mud pits involved. I better be ready by then. Wish me luck!

Way To Go Steelers Way To Go!

I'm so excited the Steelers pulled through. They had me a little nervous, but I knew they could do it. I was able to watch the first half of the Superbowl and then I had to make the trip to work. I arrived at work knowing they were ahead and I only hoped one of my patients that night was watching the game. I got into a room around 8pm and sure enough the game was on and the Steelers were losing with like 2 minutes left. Unfortunately the family was rooting for the Cardinals and I had to contain myself as the Steelers marched down the field and made the game winning touchdown. Needless to say, I had a great night. I just hope the family didn't hold it against me.

The Merrill Family Goes To The Circus

The Circus isn't something I would shell money out for. I think my kids would certainly enjoy it, but I just have always thought it's way over rated and overpriced. I was really excited when my awesome sister Cami was able to get us free tickets because the Circus was coming to the Golden Spike Arena in Weber County which is who she works for. When Gage and Mike got home from skiing, I announced that we would all be going to the Circus that night. Gage and Landen immediately started whining both of them saying, "I don't want to go to the circus. I don't want to see the scary clowns." I had to literally drag the entire family. Even Mike didn't want to make the effort to go. Well, I wasn't going to let free tickets go to waste. We were going to go and like it!

We had to park really far away when we arrived. There was a huge line waiting outside to get in. Gage and Landen both saw the same thing and started whining about how cold it was and that the line was way too long. I started off with Gage and Landen telling Mike to grab Tanner, the tickets, and the bag and we would hurry and start waiting in line. Once in line, I realized that we already had tickets and I was sure this was the line to purchase them. Once Mike caught up with me I told him to go up to the door and show them our tickets and see if we could just go in. Mike reached for his back pocket and brought his hand forward empty. I asked him where the tickets were. He said they were in his back pocket and must have fallen out. Are you kidding me? Who knows where the tickets had fallen and there were tons of people. Anyone could have easily picked them up off the ground. By this time, Gage and Landen were freaking out about how cold it was. I started having visions of how Mike lost $500 worth of Disneyland tickets about 2 years ago and how in the world does he keep doing this?

Mike followed his steps back to the Durango and finds 3 of the 4 tickets. How he only found 3 I don't know. I guess I should be grateful he found 3. So I took the kids and went inside while Mike stood in line to pay $16 for a ticket. So much for our "free" evening out.


It was general admission seating and we got great seats. You can see the looks of pure excitement on my kids' faces. They just couldn't wait for the circus to begin!

Tanner thought he was so cool sitting in a big boy seat. He sat like this the entire circus! Who am I kidding? It was maybe 15 minutes of Tanner being totally memorized by the lights and sounds and just as I was thinking, "Wow, I can start taking my entire family places again. No more leaving Tanner at home with a babysitter," Tanner came to life. He kept walking the aisles and climbing up and down on his chair. He even whacked the guy in front of us in the head. That was embarrassing.

Once the circus started, Gage and Landen were hooked. They had a lot of fun. They couldn't believe there were no clowns involved at all. We all enjoyed the finale where 3 motorcycles drove around in the death ball. Sorry about lack of good pics of the actual circus. A camera is definitely on my Christmas list next year.