New Glasses

 Deiana got some new glasses before the new school year begins.  She wore glasses all last year, but has kind of taken a break from them this summer.  A new eye exam confirms that she needs to wear them all the time.  She would like to have contacts but maybe in another year.

She got two pair because we got a really great deal.  She is modeling them here.  They are similar, one pair are brown and the other black with polka dots on the sides.  I think they are very cute.

Heat Wave

We have been experiencing very hot weather for our area.  High 90's to low 100's.

Our air conditioner has to run constantly to make the house tolerable.

And we are just not use to the heat, but sunny weather is great and it will be gone before we know it.

 Deiana had her friend over,  one of the girls from her gymnastics team.  They had already done 500 back handsprings in the living room so we went to the park for some cooling off fun.

They actually cancelled gymnastics practice today due to the 100+ degree weather. And the fact the the gym is not air conditioned.  That's okay, got their exercise flipping around our house.

 Its nice to have a friend that is as wild and crazy as you are!  These girls are two peas in a pod.

 Two more weeks of summer and back to school!!  Gymnastics meets also start in September!  That will all be new and exciting, we both can't wait. 

Late Summer

Deiana's 6 week of activity and diet restriction post surgery were tough (kind of).  The time really went by quickly.  She was back at gymnastics (with some restrictions) after 2 weeks.  She was flipping off the furniture at home, so why not. 
She quite enjoyed herself gorging on mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, and has actually not wanted to go back on a regular diet. 
We have made it past the six week point with no complications, so all is back to normal.
We had a great time at our annual camping trip.  We had fun out on the water, Rosie really enjoyed the boat too.  Deiana couldn't do any wake boarding this year due to the risk of being hit in the face.  She did manage a slow tube ride.

Here is Deiana and my friend Bev taking a ride.

Jeremy is always the daredevil (since infancy)

Every year there is a theme night, this year we were pirates.  We really don't normally dress like a bunch of bikers.  Deiana loved her pirate girl costume and wants to wear it for Halloween!!  I love that idea. (By the way that is apple cider in her hand)

Just under one month of summer left for us.  There will be lots of gymnastics, playing with friends, shopping for new clothes (my personal favorite), and one final trip to the beach.  School starts on September 4, Deiana's birthday, so we'll end summer with a party.

Art Camp

Deiana just finished her summer art camp. I enrolled her to keep her busy and out of trouble after she had surgery. She loves art so it worked out well. Below are some pictures of her works of art. Painting, portraits, and drawing were her main activities. I believe they show some promise!

Good job Deiana!

Post-Op News

On June 26, Deiana had her alveolar ridge bone graft surgery.  Basically they took some bone from her hip and grafted it to her upper jaw in the area of the cleft.  She was prepared and not scared, as you can see from the pre-op picture below.  We received excellent care at Doernbecher Children's Hospital, as usual! 

 Her nice nurse gave her this bunny to keep her company, and Deiana took the picture.  It lasted several hours and she did just fine.  We stayed overnight in the hospital and were in our car driving home by 8:30am!  Deiana was so ready to leave she was dressed and snooping around the halls early.  After surgery we discovered she had a large mouth guard type device sutured in place to protect the site.  Going on top of her braces this made for an awkward mouthful!  This was to be left in place for two weeks.

 This picture was taken one day after surgery.  Not the best picture but you can see she had virtually no swelling or bruising. 

 Deiana and I went down to the beach house for a week after surgery for some rest and recovery time.  It was very nice to be away from all distractions and temptations.  She started out on a liquid diet and advanced to pureed foods for 4 weeks!  Her surgeon is very strict and we are following doctor's orders (mostly).  This diet is very difficult for an extremely picky child, but we have found enough nutritious things she will eat and I am letting her have as many of these items as she wants. 

 Our getaway lasted through the 4th of July, and Grandpa joined us for the holiday. 

There was a cute little parade in town that we took the dogs to.

 Two week down, and she got the plastic mouthpiece removed.  The area looks good, with visible sutures.  Her gums are swollen in front and her braces cut into them a little.  We have be very vigilant about oral care and use of the antimicrobial mouthwash.  She is surprisingly good about this.

After her doctor appointment she wanted to go swimming but that is on her no can do list!  Now just two weeks left of the pureed diet!  She has lost some weight if you can tell from the picture below.

She has bounced back amazingly quickly.  In true Deiana fashion she barely complained of pain or discomfort at all throughout the entire experience.  Just some minor whining about the diet!  She is back to flipping and cartwheeling everywhere she goes! (Don't tell her doctor)

End of School

 So what have we been up to lately?  Lots!  Here are a few highlights.  Jordan graduated from his college program in Mental Health and Human Services.  We went to a reception for the graduates. He was voted most likely to succeed (with a 3.8 GPA) without cracking a book.

 Congratulations Jordan!  We are proud of him and support his continuing education plans. Someday he will actually pose for pictures.

 Jeremy's girlfriend Sarah, graduated from Portland State University.  Sarah is very self motivated and will be starting graduate school in August.  I know she will be successful.

 Grandpa got his very special "Mimi" tattoo!  Jeremy started the trend and Grandpa continued to honor the special lady who is always in our hearts.  At 82, he was the oldest client they had ever had!

 I know my mom would have never let him get a tattoo, but I really think she would be pleased.

 Deiana's girl scout troop had an end of the year outing to Build a Bear.  They got to make a special 100 year girl scout bear, complete with brownie uniform.

We have done a major clean out around our house, the garage and storage area.  I was tired of our old farm style dining set so I refinished the table and got some new chairs.  Turned our pretty well if I do say so myself.  I used the money from some old patio furniture to buy the chairs so it was virtually free!  Gotta love Craigs List.

 Deiana had a rickety old twin bed that was quite uncomfortable, and we happened to have an extra queen set in storage, so we changed up her room.  Just a little uncluttering made enough room for a bed that is "fit for a queen". 

 Becky quickly claimed the area as her own too.  Plenty of room for a girl and a dog.

Next up is Deiana's surgery.  Next week to be exact.  We have had many appointments in preparation.  I am certainly not looking forward to it, but it will be nice to have it over.  A few days afterward Deiana and I will be heading to the beach house for some rest and relaxation. 
Lets hope for an uneventful procedure and a quick recovery.

Mother's Day

I had a nice mother's day with the family.  Got some beautiful hanging baskets, gift cards, and starbucks cup.  Deiana made me a card and wrote this poem.  Couldn't ask for more!

Gymnastics Meet

 Deiana just completed her first gymnastics meet.  She is just starting out on the team after working hard on the pre team.  We were so proud of her.  She was extremely focused and really did well.  Her form and skills have really come a long way.  (This is my blog so I can brag!)

 Gymnastics has been very good for her in many ways. Focus, concentration, release of endless energy and teamwork.  She has some good friends on her team, none of them go to her school.

 Warming up before the meet. 

 I suspected she might do very well in this meet.  She does practice constantly.  She ended up FIRST PLACE all around, including first on vault, bars,and floor, and third on beam (looked great but fell once) 

I couldn't help thinking about my mom today, Mimi would have loved the meet and been her biggest supporter for sure.  Congratulations Deiana, you did great.