The last few days have been a flurry of activity, so rather than a long verbose news update, I’m going to “talk fast” and fill you in as quickly as I can before the next thing happens.

First: the couple who looked at the Monroe house is not interested in it; however, we’ve had a few other inquiries from an ad that Michael put in the paper at work, and our realtor sent another inquiry our way yesterday afternoon, so we’re following up on those. We are so hopeful that soon we’ll have a buyer for the house.

Second: Isaac’s doctor looked at photos of his thumb earlier this week and decided to have him come in for an appointment today. So Michael and Isaac got up early and were in Springfield by 9 a.m. The doctor decided to take out the pin sticking out of the thumb knuckle, so that will be quite a relief to Isaac. I asked Michael, “Did Isaac cry?”   Michael said that the pin was out so fast Isaac didn’t even have time to say “Ouch.” I’m so glad it wasn’t anything too traumatic.

Third: Michael’s mother, Nancy, has been settling in and has been a huge help with the children this week! She has been my extra hands and eyes in so many ways, helping little ones get dressed, holding the baby, listening to students read aloud, working on laundry, babysitting while I’m out, etc. On top of it all, she has been quite sick this week with a cold-type illness that has keep her from feeling her best. But she still has made her self indispensable already.

Fourth: I took Baby Lilly in for a routine doctor visit yesterday and found that much to my surprise she was only 8 lbs 9 oz, which is less than she weighed at birth! The doctor was very concerned, and to top it off, he detected a heart murmur. He ordered an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) and suggested that I supplement Lilly’s feedings with some formula. The hospital was able to fit Lilly in yesterday afternoon for the “echo” procedure, so we were very grateful for such quick service and we look forward to hearing the test results sometime today. Meanwhile, I’ve been pumping and adding formula to the milk so Lilly is getting “power shakes” for her meals. She seems happier already!

I think that’s about everything for now. Oh wait! Tonight we’re supposed to get a wonderful doozy of a snowstorm, perhaps up to 9 inches, so we’re looking forward to that and trying to make sure we’re ready to be inside while the storm blows over.

That’s all for your Thursday news update. Stay tuned for more news as it happens!