Nothing More Than a Simple Bribe....

This morning, Kate had a doctor's appointment in Wichita. It was with a specialist we have routinely seen since she was around 3 months old. I won't go into detail on this blog about what the specialist is for, BUT if you ask me in person or e-mail me, I will answer the question. But, don't worry. It's nothing serious or life-threatening -- just something she will live with all of her life. The appointment was actually 2 days ago. Kate was to have a sonogram first thing, and then, we were to go to her doctor's appointment. Marc was able to work it out so that he could work from home and stay with Luke in the morning while I took Kate to the sonogram and subsequent appointment. Without boring you with the details, there was a little glitch in the scheduling....the sonogram was done. Then, we had to go back to today for the appointment. SO, Luke was with Kate and me. I knew he'd probably get a bit bored; therefore, his behavior would probably go downhill rather quickly. SO, I bribed him with a visit to a park close to the hospital (and specialist's office)....he's been to this park before, both with Marc as well as my mom. He thinks it's the greatest. I really believe he likes it because it's not his "normal" parks here in town. Well, Luke did awesome with Kate and me, and he earned his trip to the park. So, despite Kate being REALLY exhausted after her appointment, we walked to the park. (And, before I go any further, I'll offer up a warning...I have a really awesome talent of getting my finger in the pics....AND, for some reason, I really exuded that talent today)....First, this park has a Merry-Go-Round -- you know, something that's hard to come by anymore. Despite Luke's non-risky personality, he likes the Merry-Go-Round, as long as it doesn't go too fast. Then, there are some fun things to climb on and pretend...Luke pretends he's driving a boat. (And, there's my finger)....Yay! And, despite Luke's non-risky personality, he does like slides of ALL kinds....You might notice Luke doesn't have shoes on. Unfortunately, it was a "sand" park (not a favorite of mine). Usually, Luke whines and complains about the "feeling" of sand in his shoes or on his bare feet. But today, he actually took his shoes off and ran around in the sand bare-footed -- a HUGE and monumental occasion for our boy! Luke was having a great time, but poor Kate was SO tired. She was WELL past her morning nap time. PLUS, she had been poked and prodded, weighed and measured, and even had her blood pressure taken. I put her in a baby swing (which the park did have -- YAY)! She, of course, was happy there. I soon looked over, and she had fallen fast asleep in the swing....I sent this pic to my friend, Robin, and she noticed that Kate didn't even have the energy to put her fingers into her mouth. Nope....Kate didn't....SO very sad. I gently pushed her, and she kept sleeping. At this point, Luke was swinging as well, obviously awake! It was soon time to go. I gently pulled Kate out of the swing, and I put her gently into her stroller and fastened her seat belt. She IMMEDIATELY went right back to sleep. Luke and I, with Kate in the stroller, walked the several blocks back to the hospital parking garage where our car was parked. Then, Luke hit the JACKPOT! In the garage was a SKID STEER -- Luke's dream. So, of course, we stood there and looked at it for awhile, and Kate kept sleeping in the stroller. Many cars drove by during this time. I'm certain if any of the drivers were parents of boys, they completely understood why we were seemingly just standing there. We got to the car, and Kate woke up -- happy as can be for the drive home. This afternoon, she took a semi-decent nap. This evening, I went out walking with just Kate. She was asleep before completing the first mile (it usually takes her a bit more than a mile to fall asleep)....I know -- it's SO very lady-like to have your belly showing. She did wake up half way through my walk -- happy! SO, I was privileged enough to once again catch a pic of her with her fingers in her mouth -- held on by her opposite hand! (Sorry if you are tired of me posting pics of this -- I, as her mother, find it quite cute....again, I want to remember it as long as I'm on this earth).... And now -- I'm tired! Thanks for reading!