C is for cookie...

THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME! Brendan is the official candy hander-outer tonight. He's the perfect choice since he doesn't eat or like candy -- so no munching. If we were giving away cookies... now that's another matter entirely.

Laura Ingalls Redux

When going solo, each girl is Laura Ingalls this Halloween. When together, Ciara is Mary Ingalls and Áine is Laura.

Life on the prairie ain't all it's cracked up to be...

Thankfully Ma and Pa got one of these horseless carriages.

Life is good.

(Thank you for the costume, Nana!)

I Can't Help Myself!

Áine is so stinkin' cute today, I can't stand it! Of course, this is a completely unbiased opinion.

Picking her up after school where she lasted almost the entire day. Yay, Áine!

At home, wanting to sleep, but still rocking the cuteness factor.

Warming to the camera...

Posing!

Pre-Halloween Festivities

Laura Ingalls ventured off to school today... (courtesy of Nana)

No costumes allowed, so we opted for orange and black today... costume to follow on the 31st.

I just had to put this one in. Áine's school attendance of late has been hit or miss given her recent health issues. Here she is on Monday of this week right before leaving for school...

The boy in black wasn't up for a photo this morning as he headed out for a day of hosting a Halloween Carnival with his peeps for the younger set at school. No costumes allowed for him at school since he is working today. Had to be dressed all in black.

Health Update

For those who don't already know, here is the latest on the health front...

The results from cardiology are in. I have what's referred to as Wenckebach (wenky-bok). In a nutshell it's a type of cardiac arrhythmia. It's also called a second-degree atrioventricular block which refers to a conduction block between the atria and the ventricles leading to periods where the heart rate drops to 30 bpm. I also have periods where the heart rate is over 176 which would indicate the need for a beta-blocker, but this is counter intuitive when a patient also has Wenckebach. So the next step is to determine whether I have Type I or Type II or both and proceed from there.

I return to the clinic in 6 months unless there is a change in my health before then. If there is, then I will go back on the cardiac monitor and they will look at the possibility of a pacemaker. In the mean time, the cardiac team stressed the importance of sleep. That should be an interesting one. Per the cardiologist, I need to consult my rheumatologist to discuss a possible change in medication for the fibromyalgia as it causes dizziness. However, given the choice, I will choose dizziness over fibro pain.

On the Áine front, the past couple of days have been better for her in terms of alertness and more strength, but still severely lacking in actual sleep and her preference remains to be in bed. Still waiting to hear about scheduled date for at-home EEG. She wants to sleep, but can't. And when she does fall asleep, something wakes her. Seizures are the suspected culprit.

In the mean time, we are desperate for sleep so we try another sleep later this week.

John, Brendan, and Ciara are all fine on the health front.

Thank you to everyone for all your support.

Brendan's Menagerie

Brendan emptied his myriad buckets of animals last week and Ciara captured the moment.

A beard?

Ciara took this close-up of Brendan to convince me that Brendan is growing a beard and needs to shave soon. Apparently the alleged whiskers are on the lower jaw.

Various States of Áine Clare

Big sister, Ciara, captured a smiling Áine in the first and last shots.

This was taken after having to come home from school very early.

Taking a break from swinging in the hammock with Sissy.

Sisters

Mom/Nana has been staying with the Madigans for the month of October. A few weeks ago, we went to a 90th birthday party for a cousin on my Mom's side of the family. My Aunt Betty -- my Mom's younger sister -- was there. I took this photo of the two of them looking wonderful. (My Mom is on the right.)

Update on the 3rd Grader

Áine's 3rd Grade school picture. This is her first "big girl" school picture.

Áine has missed quite a bit of school of late because of her health issues. Her classmates made this for her. So beautiful! (Just click on photo to enlarge.)

Update on the 7th Grader

Ciara's 7th grade school picture.

This is Ciara's most awesome progress report. The girls rocks!