Is This Where God Lives?

These are wind-coaxed tears from being pulled in the sled. Ansel has been more than a satisfied passenger. I would even go as far as to proclaim them tears of joy.
This sled, now named "Husky" because we assign all of our vehicles names, has been our main mode of transportation this week...to the post office, to the store for an emergency jello restocking venture(see sno-cone post), and to the park for general wanderings. Although there have many envious looks from people driving by at glacial speeds(yes, I do think that we were moving faster than many of them), the only passengers in this S.U.S. (Sports Utility Sled) have been Ansel, his stuffed puppy, and a hitchhiking cat(seriously). Oh, and we did actually go recreational sledding on Monday night as a family. Ansel: "Is this where God lives?"

Me: "This really does look like a place that God would want to be!"

Ansel: "Shhh, mom, you have to be quiet"

It has been a very snowy week. I know that in a few days this sight of snow will lose its charm. It will become sooty, icy, rutted. and will most likely cease to leave me staring blissfully at the sudden capture of our little piece of the planet into a scene in a snow globe.

I think that the serenity of this week is due largely to its juxtaposition in my life. The entire month of December was a whirlwind of shopping, traveling, visiting, eating, wrapping, more traveling, etc(you know the drill). And the noise! And the noise, noise, noise, noise! So after I tucked all of the Christmas decorations away, unpacked our suitcases from our trip to Seattle, and ate the last of the chocolate truffles, I was ready for a holiday hiatus.

And then came the Snow.

On its way down, snow seems make the smallest whisper of a sound

The sound of a more profound silence.

The silence of the Snow

Snow Solace

Peace

A Beary Close Call

Name: Glitter

Species: Bear

Genus: Build-a

Pre-Surgical Procedure

Post-Op Recovery

Case Report (One of the Many Perks of living with a Doctor...A warped sense of humor)

Clinical Presentation: A one month old, baby blue teddy bear, Glitter, was sitting on the dining room table, observing its guardian fashioning a snowflake necklace (see picture #1) with modeling clay. Scented candles were lit and on the table to cover the smell of over-baked clay. The younger sister of the bear’s guardian suddenly exclaimed, “Savanna, your bear is on fire!” Following a short scuffle, which lasted approximately 5 seconds, the flames were extinguished. The patient was quickly taken to the guardian’s maternal parent where, following an appropriate tearful explanation, an assessment was made.

Physical Exam:
Baby blue teddy bear in no apparent distress. Afebrile, normal vitals.
Height: 39 cm
Weight: 0.5 kg
HEENT: full thickness burn in right occipital region with some inner “fluff” exposed. The area measures . The remainder of the fur is intact.
Heart: regular.
Lungs: clear.
Abdomen: soft, non tender.
MSK: normal strength, normal ROM
Neuro: intact.

Assessment: One month old teddy bear with severe burn to right occipital region with exposed fluff.

Plan: Craniotomy and reduction cerebroplasty.

Procedure: The teddy was taken to the sewing room and after induction of anesthesia, the right occipital region was prepped in the usual sterile fasion. Tailor-grade shears were used to debride the burned area, exposing normal, healthy and furry tissue. Care was taken to preserve any exposed fluff within the cranial defect and any spilled fluff was cauterized or placed carefully back into the cranial vault. The margins of the wound were then approximated using two layers of 3-0 vicryl sutures. The wound was then bandaged carefully and the patient was awakened. The patient was then taken to the recovery area in guardian’s bedroom in stable condition.

The patient is to follow up in approximately 2 weeks to ensure that the stitches remain intact and is to stay well away from any open flames.

***Dr. Corey Judd, MD was largely responsible for the vernacular of this case report

Singing "Auld Lang Syne" Seattle Style

On New Year's Eve, we spent the evening playing games with some Auld Acquaintances we didn't forget (friends from St. Louis). At 11:50 pm we bundled up the kids and ran four blocks to view of the Fireworks cascading down the Space Needle. It was well worth the run.
Ansel had his first private skiing lesson at Snoqualmie Pass. Unfortunately the amicable ski instructor named KUP couldn't get Ansel to stop eating the snow. I think Ansel just couldn't take a guy named KUP with a pierced tongue seriously. The best news is that Savanna took a lesson as well and actually liked it. There is still hope for our family to ski together.
The pass recieved over 15 feet of snow in the month of December. Fun to play in. Not fun to drive in. I am still experiencing some Post Traumatic Driving symptoms.
After our day of non-stop snow falling skiing, we couldn't get out of the parking lot. Corey whipped out the chains....again.
To have the most informative restroom experience of your life, you must visit the Restrooms in Building 4 of the Pacific Science Museum. For those of you who would like the more explicit bodily function photographs, I will be happy to email them separately. We had an enjoyable time in the bathroom and in the rest of the museum as well.
The Seattle R.E.I is a Recreational Experience for those shopping for recreational equipment. Ansel has somehow mastered the hubris needed for his future kayaking adventures. (did you have anything to do with this, Uncle Carson?) The monolithic climbing pinnacle, waterfall and giant tree house are also among the in-store landmarks. Savanna could have spent the entire week in the hotel swimming pool. She was the first one in and the last one out every day. She even asked me if I could wake her up at 6:30 am on New Years Day so that she could swim one final time before checking out. I told her that I would be happy to wake her....if I happened to be awake at that hour. Sorry Savanna.
A visit to Pike's Market makes our trip complete. Some people go there to buy fish, fruits and vegetables. We go there to look at the people wearing dead animals on their head and live animals around their neck.

Emmy once told me that her greatest wish is to live in a world where everything is soft and squishy. The Seattle Aquarium gave her a taste of this wish come true.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!