Here it is, already Thursday morning, and we are having a pretty quiet morning, getting ready to head to the airport to fly back home from Cincinnati- Emma Kate got scoped Tuesday morning and Dr. Rutter felt like things looked good- still somewhat strange looking in there, but nice and open and fully functional. Her left vocal cord is still assumed to be paralyzed, but he was surprised to find that it is still identical to the right side- apparently the paralyzed cord usually shrinks and thins out pretty noticeably. Don't know quite what to make of this, but I guess it's just incidental. The pig bronchus is still closed off to a small slit, and we're probably going to involve a pulmonologist at her next appointment so that they can go into it and see what all it supplies- he expects it's not leading to anything terribly significant but feels it's important to check out, since it hasn't really opened up over time. He wants to see her back in 6-9 months, and we will likely plan to come back in December.

We have had a good time here, despite the 3 of us girls having head colds and coughs... We got to go to the zoo after Emma Kate recovered from her scoping- last time we went it was winter and most of the exhibits were closed down. We got to see lots of cool animals, and the coolest thing of all was the cheetah run- there were two cheetahs that they let chase a lure zig-zagged across a field- it was SPECTACULAR! What amazing animals they are. We had a great time, and ended the visit with a ride on the train, where Gretta passed out asleep and Emma Kate started to really get drowsy... she had a great nap, not even waking up when we moved her from the car to the bed.

Wednesday we met up with some friends to go to Totter's Otterville, a children's play area, and spent a few hours playing- Emma Kate had a blast, playing in the ball pit, playground, kitchen area, water tables, building blocks, trains, and so much more! They even had a padded area for little tots and Gretta loved it.

We're packing up right now to head to the airport in a couple hours and will be home by dinner time. Hopefully Emma Kate will pick back up on her eating again- I don't know if it's just being away from home or this cold, but she's been very quick to say "all done" at meals and snack time. Usually after even just one bite. I'm not quite sure what she's running on any more... It will be good to get back on a regular routine again soon, and hopefully that will help.

Here's Miss Gretta Garoo after eating some watermelon- she's been enjoying a lot of fruits in her mesh feeder, and is trying to work on a little bit of banana too. She does enjoy getting all wet and sticky, and I'm pretty sure she's figured out the game of "I toss it on the ground and you pick it up"

Here is Emma Kate in the children's zoo area, petting the goats- they were so friendly and gentle.

Riding the carousel

And riding the train- Emma Kate started out bright and alert...

... then quickly became quiet and started to "zone"

And here is the final result-

Playing at the water tables with Manning

One of her favorite things- pushing the baby around in the stroller!

Trying on tutus in the balet area

Showing off her dance skills

Gretta was excited to find a pair of shoes to match her outfit

Gretta attending the baby conference in the corner

Balancing on the rolls in the tots section

And Gretta having fun on the mats!

Happy baby!! :)

Gretta doing her best lizard impression

And just before leaving, Emma Kate and Daddy did a smashing job painting her face!