Happy New Year

Quick update for New Year's! My mom is coming down in the morning, and Rob is taking me into Mercy to have my gall bladder removed tomorrow morning.

It's been rush of doctor's appointments the last couple of weeks! I was in to a doctor in Elk River for my gall bladder attacks and I was sent for an ultrasound. I was the grandprize winner of my very own gallstones! The Elk River doctor then requested I come back for updated lab work after a couple of weeks based on those results. I scheduled that appointment a couple of weeks out. In the mean time, I went in for my postpartum check and when I told this information to my OB, she said "Let's get you in to a general surgeon, so they can just take it out. We don't want to start having attacks" HA! I showed her! I already have had attacks! So I canceled the appointment in Elk River for the new lab work and sat down with the scheduler at Maple Grove (LOVE her!) who said, 'you're going to need surgery after your consultation - do you want it done by the end of the year since you've already met your deductible?'

'Yes, thank you!' I responded.

So, she picked up her phone and worked her magic. She even pulled the "one of our Allina co-workers" card to who ever she talked to on the phone so they would get me in. I guess working in health care had to work to my advantage sometime!

I went in for my postpartum glucose check at Maple Grove on Thursday morning (everything is fine) and then I had my surgery consultation on Thursday afternoon - Yeah Micki at Allina Medical Clinic Maple Grove! Funny thing - while I was at my consultation, the hospital called to get me registered for surgery...so the consultation really was just formality in the form of a $20 copay.

At that consultation, I was informed that I needed a pre-op physical prior to Monday or they could not go forward with the surgery. Pam at Maple Grove then worked her magic and got me in on Friday for a physical (just have to mention that this "exam" is a joke...but whatever...another $20 formality)

Long story short - I'm really liking the wonderful employees at AMC Maple Grove and I'm having surgery in the morning!

One more thing great about Maple Grove - Elk River said we couldn't get Chloe in for her two month check up until Jan. 7th. When I tried to move it up they said they could get her in on Jan. 9th (I'm not great with dates, but I did let them know that would not actually be moving up the appointment). When I asked to be transfered to nurse triage to see if they could get me in because it would mess up her vacination schedule, they transferred me to a busy line. I hung up with them and called Maple Grove. They got Chloe in on Wednesday without issue! Way to go Pat! :D

Merry Christmas

Christmas pictures by Chloe

Before we left

I couldn't hold still for this picture!

Are we ready to go yet?!

Do you like my shoes? How about my tights?! My skinny little legs didn't fill out the size 0 to 12 month tights my mom and dad found me...

My cousin Hailey is very good at holding me and gives me nice kisses on my head.

At Hope and Chad's house on Christmas everyone saw a guy walking in the back yard with this cool red tailed hawk on his arm. I hid in the living room while she came to the back door to give us a close up. I didn't want him to think I was a snack! Luckily we had ham for Christmas, or he would have seen we were eating his cousin for dinner.

Smilin' and Stylin'

As expected, Chloe has started giving us some "real" smiles. The closest we've come to capturing a photo of the event is when Grandma Jan stopped by to visit us - as you can see below. She is really good at giving smiles as she drifts off to sleep - but those don't count! :-) I wish they did! Also, 3 or 4 times now she has giggled very clearly in her sleep. It's so darn cute! They must be good dreams.

We went to Underwater Adventures at the Mall of America this week. Rob was there with the Bollas last week, said that it was pretty cool. I realized that I have never been there so we took the leap and took a family trip down to Bloomington. (Really, it's a trip from Elk River, don't you think?) This is Chloe evaluating the situation. She was very alert the whole time and really liked looking at the water (probably the lights and the water).

And now we find Miss Chloe sporting the newest in newborn fashion - a beautiful long sleeved onsie homemade by Sharon. I can't believe that it fits - it looked so long in the drawer! See how much Chloe likes it? She smiling and everything! Thanks Sharon!

Showing how advanced and ahead of the times she already is, Chloe is being sought out by college recruiters. The admissions office at the University of Minnesota, Morris is sending her gear, though it may be a bit early for her to commit to their campus she certainly appreciates the gift! (I'm sure the gift has nothing to do with my friend Andy working in the admissions office. Go UMM!)

Seeing her in this hat, it really struck me about how things have changed. I met Andy early in college (freshman year I think) and really got to know Shannon a lot junior year when Emily and I would load up our blender in a backpack to go to Shannon's house (to study, of course). Now our kids will only be about 3 months apart in age! Crazy!

Busy week

Chloe had a weight check on Wednesday, she was 8 pounds 6.4 ounces. We didn't talk to the doctor so I'm not sure if it's what he was expecting, but I'm feeling pretty good about the gain.


The Bollas were able to come out to visit the newest member of the family. They stayed from Monday to Friday. We visited Cabellas and the Mall of America and they were able to get a little time in at the water park of the hotel where they stayed. I think the Chloe was still the biggest hit! :-) They were able to leave before the storm hit - I'm glad they had good weather for the ride home.

Chloe and her cousin Tyler




Chloe and Grandma Bolla


And for fun - What you lookin' at?! :-)

I also was into the doctor. I have had a few attacks of pain in my abdomen and back (with a side of vomiting) which couldn't be ignored. All signs are pointing to gall bladder issues. I had blood work done and the doctor sent me for an ultrasound of my gall bladder and liver on Thursday. It was odd to have an ultrasound and not see something really cool - like a baby! I was in the same room with the same ultrasound tech that I had for two of my ultrasounds for Chloe. It was a little odd.


The ultrasound showed that I have gallstones and I got a message from the doctor that a couple of my liver enzyme levels were elevated, so he was going to request a couple more tests. We should hear more early next week.

Chloe had decided she can sleep now - so I'm off to bed too!