Random catch-up stuff and prepping for upcoming surgery

Where do the days go?? I can't believe it is December 29th! I will be returning to work on January 4th. I love my job and the work that I do, but I have really enjoyed being a stay at home mom these past 2 months! I will miss my little girl, but I know that she will be in good hands with Mark.

We have a ton of pictures to sort through and post, but since we haven't posted since Halloween, I thought I would provide some updates for anyone who still may be following along :)

April's English has just exploded. She is speaking in complete sentences and understands everything we say!

She got glasses in the beginning of December and I'm sure that really opened up her world. First thing every morning she says "April glasses peas". She also tells us that she can see out of her left eye, but not her right. We have been going to a pediatric ophthalmologist who has done several exams including one under anesthesia. It appears that April had surgery as an infant (unknown to us and not in any of her records) to remove cataracts. As a result of the surgery, scarring formed over both pupils which is causing her vision issues. This surgery and result is quite common and in the US, a followup visit would have detected the scarring and additional surgery to remove the scarring would be performed.

We were referred to a specialist at Duke. We spent the day at Duke yesterday for a consult with the specialist (who concurred with our doctor) and we will be back on Jan. 8th for surgery. Since she has vision in her left eye, the doctor will be removing the scarring on the right eye only at this time.

We were thankful that we were able to get in to see this dr. so quickly and that the surgery is scheduled soon.

The one downside is that April will not start pre-school as planned on 1/4. She was really looking forward to it and asks each day "April school today?". We took her last week to meet her teachers and show her the classroom. She was there for 2 1/2 hours and LOVED IT! It is all she has talked about.

Bennett is still adjusting to sharing Mommy and Daddy. He continues to do great with April. The two of them can play for hours and hours! They love each other and it really shows. Bennett will take April's hand and walk her around if she is unfamiliar with a location or the people around. It is really sweet! They are also very competitive and they both yell "me first" no matter what the activity; washing hands, brushing teeth, getting buckled in the car, you name it!

The buzzer on the dryer just went off and my little helper came in to ask to help me fold.. So I'm off! Check back soon for pictures!