The rest of the story

So, let me tell you about the rest of the trip. (I'll post more pictures later) Wednesday night it rained -- they REALLY need it there so we didn't mind. However it was pretty severe thunderstorms to the south and east of us. I guess it blew out a main transformer just down the road. At 5:30AM Thursday, the fire alarm in the building went off. My dad thought that at first it was just our unit, but I went out the door and opened the stairwell door and all the alarms were going off. I decided to take Charli and head down stairs. My folks took an extra couple of minutes to get their bearings about them before doing the stairs. It took the truck 18 minutes to respond. Not good results in my mind. However, I think they knew in advance what it was since they'd been at the other transformer since 4:00AM. It was the transformer on the roof. It wasn't really on fire but you could smell that burnt plastic/electrical smell. After they went floor by floor we were given the all clear. I was afraid Charli would be up for the day, but I was pleasantly surprised. She went back to bed and slept until 9:00AM.

Friday saw me heading off to the Take Care Clinic at the now famous Walgreen's. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection and double ear infection. I told the nurse practitioner that I was flying home tomorrow. She said not to worry she'd get me some good medicine so I'd be okay on the plane. I am on a 14 day treatment of antibiotics and she sent me off with an ear drop to help with the flight.

We flew home Saturday with NO problems. Once again, Charli flew like a real trooper. My ears survived just fine. Other than our various forms of excitement, our vacation was good, too short of course but good. Actually, my folks and I have talked about it quite a bit and for my first trip to the ER and being on vacation, that staff was really great. And so too was the nurse practitioner I saw. That helps make these things go much smoother.

I will get some more vacation pictures posted. Maybe tonight.

More Florida fun

Charli and I saw this sand crab out on the beach yesterday while hunting for seashells. At the time she seemed to like the beach and the sand.

Having Papa come down to the beach seemed to help -- for a minute or two

And then it was over

But I at least got a picture of the two of us on the beach with our feet in the water.

Watching sunset, Charli saw I had my camera out. This is her saying, "Cheese" for the camera.

She then went over to Jama to 'chat'.

Here's Charli with the Twins dog from school at our favorite restaurant - The Frog Pond.

And here's Charli and I with Drew, the coffee boy from the Frog Pond. He's one of the reasons I enjoy the restaurant as much as I do. :-)

As for everything else, Charli is doing well. The antibiotics seem to be working. She can still play in the pool and she is thoroughly enjoying it. Because of all the fun she's having, she's been taking 2 hour naps and still going to bed at her normal time. We're having a wonderful time. It's too bad that it's already half gone.

First trip to the ER

Well, I have now made my first trip to the ER with Charli. Very early this morning, she was really restless in bed. I then noticed she was shivering. I felt her head and she was pretty warm, but when I touched her back she was on fire. I got up got her some tylenol and woke my dad so I could get the car keys. I swear to God the man levitated right out of bed into the standing position. He then ran to a 24 hour Walgreens to get a thermometer. Her temp (in the ear) was 104. I knew I had to get her some relief. Both of my folks decided to go with me. She wanted juice and I let her have some as I thought it may help cool her down. Not a great idea as she ended up puking it out all over me. We ended up at the SunCoast Hospital. We had the most wonderful staff helping us. Charli's vitals were taken and she was given some Motrin. They did a chest X-ray since her lungs were congested. She also had a nebulizer treatment. And was diagnosed with a double ear infection. After all of that we stopped at Walgreens to get her prescription. By the time we got back to the condo it was 4:30AM. Although she never really acted sick, you can see the marked improvement in her already.

All in all, for a first trip to the ER it was actually a good experience. I just didn't plan to make our first trip while on vacation. :-)

Waiting to board the plane.
Watching "Jack" on the plane. A big thanks to Juli and Dan for the loan of the DVD player. It truly was a life saver.

This is her very first time on the beach. She's not real sure of the sand. It's getting better but she only likes the waves if I'm holding her and she doesn't have to touch them. But again, I'll keep trying throughout the week.

She got a new 'kini' today and this was taken right after she put it on. I think she looks adorable.

She wore it down to the pool and she KEPT her hat on because it's like Papa's. Seriously if he told her to jump of the balcony, I think she would. When I told her to wear it she said NO. Little turd.

She is totally fascinated with the birds and here she is showing them to Papa. She giggles with pure joy at the sight of them.

Tonight as we sat on the deck watching the sun set, this was also our entertainment. This guy was out there for over a half hour. It was utterly amazing, especially when he caught air. Charli even watched him. I can't imagine doing this.

So far, Florida has been wonderful. Charli loves the pool. She's becoming quite a fish. And a brown one at that. Let's just say, I'm envious. I tan but obviously not quite like her. Tomorrow we are off to our favorite breakfast place, The Frog Pond. After that we're going to take Charli to see the pelicans at John's Pass. And then of course more swimming. I'll do my best to put some more pictures up before the trip is over.

Weekend re-cap

As promised, here are some recent pix of Charli. She absolutely LOVES the golf cart and even dad's lawn tractor. Papa let's her sit on his lap and "steer" and she really thinks she's all that. According to my dad, the bumpier the ride the more she giggles.







Well, besides the fact that my computer wasn't working so well, I now do not have one. Okay, it's been packed. I'm taking it to Florida with us so I can check some work stuff and of course do my best to post pictures. :-) Since my parents are driving to Florida, I packed 95% of our stuff to send along with them. This will free me up to only have the last minute essentials, diaper bag, stroller and Charli to handle. I am really looking forward to getting away for a few days. Whether or not she totally gets it, I keep telling Charli we're going to Florida to swim and play on the beach. She always smiles and laughs when I talk about it. I can't wait to see her on the sand.

My guess is I won't get anything posted until after I get to Florida. Have a good week.

seriously

I have been trying for most of the week to update this but have had internet issues at home. It appears to be working now. Of course, I don't have the time or the camera with me to get it all done but will do my best to get it done soon. I have some more recent pix of Charli to add. She is doing really well. She seems to like school and has even napped everyday for the last week and a half by herself there. This is huge!!! She is also doing very well in swimming lessons. She likes to jump in and of course her favorite is to play with the fish - diving toys that are put in the shallow water but still deep enough she has to put her head underwater to reach.

And most important of all is the fact that we are leaving next Saturday for a week in Florida!!! I am soooo excited to get out of town for a few days and just relax. I can't wait to see her play in the sand, or her reaction to it that is.

Like I said, I will do my best to get the pictures up but for now, know we are alive and well. :-)