Daddy Daughter Dance

Last weekend, Derek escorted Amelia to the annual Daddy Daughter Dance. Amelia had to work all week to earn being able to paint her nails red (a color never before allowed). I also curled her hair for the first time, and she absolutely LOVED getting all dolled up. She didn't know where she was going, but she new that Derek was taking her somewhere.

As she was getting dressed, she decided that she probably shouldn't go to Ready, Set, Play (a place with inflatables) in her fancy clothes. Then Derek came downstairs in his suit and tie and Amelia was absolutely beside herself.

At the Dance, Amelia met up with a few of her friends from school. Derek said that the girls danced together and the dads looked at each other as if to say, "What now?" Some of the pictures he took were reminicent of middle school dances, but they were precious.

Boy Time

Last week, Derek told me that he wanted to devote some time during the weekend for just Luke and him. Unfortunately, Luke caught a bug and stayed home from school on Friday. I didn't think that it was the kind of bonding time Derek was looking for, though, as he was the one to stay with him.

By Saturday, Luke was feeling a little better and his fever was down. Derek was adamant about taking Luke out that night. I was a little worried, but Derek assured me he would be warm and bundled. I figured I was being a bit overprotective, and it was obviously important to Derek, so I let it go. As they were getting ready to go, Derek began to get itchy to leave and I began to get suspicious. When I asked where they were going or what they would be doing, the answer was that they were having boy time. No details beyond that were disclosed.

The girls and I hung out at the house. After I got them settled down and in bed, the boys still had not returned. Finally, at 9:45, I called to find out what was up. Derek answered his cell, and I had a hard time hearing him with the background noise. Luke got on the phone and said, "There is a red and white truck and it flipped over and the little people got out." I blinked, and then asked him to repeat himself. He did, with a slightly more exasperated tone. Then Derek got back on the phone. This time, when I asked where they were, I had a good guess. Derek confirmed that yes, they were at a monster truck show.

When they returned home, Luke's eyes were absolutely glazed over with excitement. He crashed in bed, not even wanting to take out the ear protectors that Derek had him wear. Several days later, he was still jabbering animatedly about it. Amelia was slightly affronted that she didn't get to go, but was assured that she would get some special Dad time the following weekend.

Evelyn's Birthday

Evelyn's birthday was wonderful; fun was had by all. Turning one for her marked the one-year follow up on her abdominal surgeries. The surgeon cleared her of all checkpoints. She has no hernias, her tissues seem to be reconstructing well, and she will not require any more surgeries. He also noted that often gastroschesis repair interferes with the lymphatic system, which explains the bouts of drainage and ear infections! Even with tubes now, she is still having issues, but somehow it feels better with an explanation. Overall, we had lots of cause for celebration.