I know I haven't mentioned it much here, Baby Bugg was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome. She is pretty lucky, in that she's only missing the fingers on her left hand. Because of this, she is a patient at the Shrine Hospital in Salt Lake. Her first visit was in January of '09 - which you can read about in my old blog - here!

This year, we waited and went in August. (Now, 2 months later I'm finally getting all my pictures together to tell about our adventure! No one can call me a procrastinator. *giggle* )

I loaded up my little Buggmobile and packed down for a 12 hour drive, just Baby Bugg and me! At least it was an absolutely beautiful drive through the Rockies!! And once we finally got to Utah, we went exploring! I've been to Salt Lake dozens of times, but I always saw it from a truck. So I was excited to have the Buggmobile and be able to explore more of the city. Our first stop was Temple Square, downtown! It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

This morning, we were up by 7 and out the door by 8:30 to go grab breakfast (at Denny's) and be to the Shrine Hospital by 10:30.

It took about 20 minutes to check in, since we hadn't been in 18 months! We had to answer your basic "New Patient" questions. Including a health history.

Then they quickly came to get us to take Baby Bugg for an Xray.

They gave her a Baby-Doll dressed in a hospital gown, and told her that she would do everything to the Doll they were going to do to her. (Genius!! They do this with kids before surgery too, how cool is that? Those kids get to pick the material for the hospital gown and everything!)

So in the X-Ray room, they had Baby Bugg take a picture of the Baby first. Then it was her turn, they took several photos of her left hand, and then the tech was leaving to do whatever X-Ray techs do in the "other room" Baby Bugg yelled "HEY!" really loud, and waved her right hand at the lady before putting her hand on the X-Ray table. LOL!!!

After the X-Ray we went to an exam room, where we waited for the doctor. (And Bugg continued to play with her baby! The hospital is great about letting kids explore and play. A nurse was showing her how to lay her baby on the table, etc.)

After about ten minutes, the Doctor (Doctor W) came in! She is such a fun lady, in another life she must have done something with children, because she is so great with them.

She had Baby Bugg wiggle her hand for her, and show her how she plays with toys. How she eats with a fork, etc. To get some idea of how she uses her hands.

 

Above is a photo of Baby Bugg's Xray, and below that is a normal x-ray of a Toddlers hand. (So you can compare)

Basically, she has a regular palm of her hand, but the finger joints never formed. Her thumb is "empty" as far as any bones/joints/etc goes. She does have feeling in it, and may even have a muscle so as she gets older she *may* be able to wiggle it a little bit. But, it will never be functional.

Doctor W. did say that we could at somepoint chose to remove the little thumb nubbin, if it causes pain or if Bugg prefers for some reason. But for now, she recommends leaving it as it is. Especially since she uses it as a comfort mechanism by sucking/chewing on it sometimes.

We left, with plenty of information and a reminder that we should come back in about 18 months for a follow up visit. That they would like to see her every 18 months or so until Puberty.

After our visit, Baby Bugg spent another half hour playing with the toys and statues in the hospital, before we headed home!

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Baby Bugg loves the Rodeo!

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Sometimes I just need to take a few minutes, to take in my surroundings, to remember that in the end everything will work out.

My life is a bit stressful lately, and some days being the Mom to a 2 year old, while my husband is away can just break me down. 

Luckily, serene moments like a sunset on the lake help me to remember what it's all about. 

I am constantly taking pictures. And the only way I'm EVER in any, is if I set the camera up somewhere and take it myself. A few  years ago, I even did Project 365 - a year of Self Portraits. (HERE is my entire year in self-portraits!)

This weekend while we were taking our walk, Baby Bugg showed just how closely she pays attention to everything I'm doing!


First, she found a 'Camera' (this pinecone worked well!)

 

Next, she found the perfect location to set her camera.

Then she quickly ran and posed. (This is a maneuver that I have perfected over the years and I'm pretty proud of her ability!) 

Finally, she ran back to her camera to check the photo and be sure that the photo turned out!

I just couldn't quit giggling at this! (And I'm so glad I had my camera to capture it!)

September 19th – 25th
Some of these shots taken with a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi

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Aside from being Mama Bugg to an adorable Baby Bugg, I am also Aunt Bugg to 4 crazy little boys, and 1 super cute little girl. And last weekend, I got to experience all of them together for the first time EVER! On such an occasion, there was one item that MUST be completed. A photo. Of all the kids. All six.

So I was given this wonderful task. (Note: sarcasm.)

Don't get me wrong... I love these kids. I love rolling on the grass with them. I love playing baseball with them. I love running around the zoo with them. But making them sit still and smile for a photo? All of them??

Perhaps I should show you what I had to work with?

These two certainly don't look ready to sit still!

What about this little guy? Think he'll put he bat down long enough?

And this cute little girl? I don't think I can pry her from the dog...

But, I'll give it a try... I promise.

Everybody ready? OK, say "Batman Boogers!"

You gotta be creative... LOL! "Sat Cheese" doesn't work anymore. It just makes them hungry.

3... 2... 1...

No, no. It's all wrong. Let's try again!

This time? Say "Grandpa Smells!"

That's much, MUCH better. Not quite perfect, but no on is  screaming. No one is crying. No one is making faces.

Still? I think I'll frame the first one.



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After a long blogging vacation, I've decided it's time to jump right back in! However, I also decided I need to start fresh. (And remain a bit more anonymous, for my own sanity!)

Baby Bugg has been having a nasty bout of the Terrible Two's! It sneaks up on me, slowly. But when it hits, it hits hard. And there is no saving me. 

She's the worst the day or two after her Dad takes off, and yesterday was one of those days. He left for another 3 weeks out on the road, and she definitely decided to share her feelings about that with everyone around.

In a desperate attempt to salvage everyone's sanity, I took her for a nice long walk. It was a beautiful afternoon, and the next few days predict thunderstorms so I thought it was perfect! And it worked, for awhile. 

But then, all hell broke loose. 

The neighbors have a little girl too. And today, they forgot to pick up some of her toys when they left the house. So there were a few toys out in the yard. Baby Bugg immediately abandoned her stroller (but not without grabbing her baby) and ran towards the wayward toys. Stopping only to yell "I want it!" 

From there on? It was all downhill...