So the family packed up and headed to El Toro for a yummy feast, and as you will be able to tell from the first couple of pictures, he liked it! :-)
13 years ago
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Birthday dinner
It's a tradition in my family that when it's your birthday, you get to choose where you want to go out to eat (or what you want to eat at home). Although Nathan is somewhat of a picky eater, there are a few places that he just LOVES, and is guaranteed to chow down. El Toro is one of them... (I attribute that to the massive craving for Mexican food I had during his pregnancy.)
So the family packed up and headed to El Toro for a yummy feast, and as you will be able to tell from the first couple of pictures, he liked it! :-)
So the family packed up and headed to El Toro for a yummy feast, and as you will be able to tell from the first couple of pictures, he liked it! :-)
Good morning birthday boy!
Had to snap a few pictures of my OFFICIAL TWO YEAR OLD the morning of his birthday. I swear he gets cuter every day!!!
Big brother playing with one of Nathan's new toys from Aunt Elaine
Big brother playing with one of Nathan's new toys from Aunt Elaine
ABC Birthday party
Since Nathan's birthday was on a Sunday, I took cupcakes in for his class the Friday before. I got there a little early and some of the kids were still sleeping. Okay, well my kid was still sleeping. Apparently getting ready to turn two wears you out!
Love the drool on this one. Takes after his Mommy. :-)
Since we had to wake him up, it took him a minute to get into the celebration. You'll be able to tell that from the look on his face in the first few pictures.
Love the drool on this one. Takes after his Mommy. :-)
Since we had to wake him up, it took him a minute to get into the celebration. You'll be able to tell that from the look on his face in the first few pictures.
Easter 2011
I know, I know... I'm very behind in posting! But, I'm trying to get caught up! Easter came and went so quickly! I was still trying to recover from the medical issus I had in April, so Easter was pretty low-key. Fortunately, I did have the kids Easter baskets prior to my surgery... I mean, the Easter bunny still visited out house! :-) Sean was SO surprised, it was too funny! Nathan wasn't very interested in the basket, except for the food. Very typical for him! :-) Since I was on the mend, our Easter lunch consisted of McDonald's, but we did get over to my parents for Easter Dinner/Mom's Birthday celebration (which was the next day).
Here are a few pictures from the day... hope you all had a wonderful Easter too!
The very fancy Easter lunch! ;-)
All I can say to this is monkey see, monkey do.
Here are a few pictures from the day... hope you all had a wonderful Easter too!
The very fancy Easter lunch! ;-)
All I can say to this is monkey see, monkey do.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2-year well baby check-up
Okay, so I know at this point it's just called a "2 year old check-up", but it makes me feel better to say well-baby check-up, so go with it. :-)
Monday I took Nathan in for his well-baby and we got a great report. He's growing and healthy as can be! He did have to get one shot (which was major drama for about four minutes), but he was a trooper none the less. The good news... no more shots until he's 4!
Here are the stats:
Height: 32 5/8 inches (10.32%)
Weight: 22.4 pounds (2%)
I always think it's interesting to see where Sean was at the same age. At two, Sean was 30 5/8 inches (exactly two inches shorter) and 19 pounds. Quite a difference!
He's really starting to talk more, which is fun! He still babbles a lot, but he's starting to babble in sentences. When you ask him to repeat what he said, he'll babble the exact same thing - so I know he's trying to tell us something! He loves making animal sounds, Mama, bye-bye, hi, more, uh-oh, baby, circle, square and yucky. Those are the words we hear most, but it seems like he adds a new word to his vocabulary every day. But what really impresses me is his comprehension. He understands so much and can follow directions so well. It's really apparent when we read (which he LOVES to do... just like his big brother)!
I promise to post pictures from the big party soon!
Monday I took Nathan in for his well-baby and we got a great report. He's growing and healthy as can be! He did have to get one shot (which was major drama for about four minutes), but he was a trooper none the less. The good news... no more shots until he's 4!
Here are the stats:
Height: 32 5/8 inches (10.32%)
Weight: 22.4 pounds (2%)
I always think it's interesting to see where Sean was at the same age. At two, Sean was 30 5/8 inches (exactly two inches shorter) and 19 pounds. Quite a difference!
He's really starting to talk more, which is fun! He still babbles a lot, but he's starting to babble in sentences. When you ask him to repeat what he said, he'll babble the exact same thing - so I know he's trying to tell us something! He loves making animal sounds, Mama, bye-bye, hi, more, uh-oh, baby, circle, square and yucky. Those are the words we hear most, but it seems like he adds a new word to his vocabulary every day. But what really impresses me is his comprehension. He understands so much and can follow directions so well. It's really apparent when we read (which he LOVES to do... just like his big brother)!
I promise to post pictures from the big party soon!
Monday, May 2, 2011
What a month
Wow... it's been awhile since I've posted, and man is there a lot to catch up on! I think most of you who read my blog know everything that has happened in the last few weeks, but just in case, here we go!
On April 13th, I was scheduled for an outpatient procedure called an Endometrial Ablation. This was to help with some issues I've been having since Nathan's birth. Once I got to the hospital, I also found out I was going to have a D&C (guess that's why you should actually read the releases you sign... I might have noticed that! Ha!) Regardless, I was already going to be under, so it was no biggie. Everything went great with the procedures and I was home that evening. Thursday morning I woke up feeling a little crampy, but doing well. Thursday evening, however, something changed. The only way I can describe it is it felt like I was in labor. MAJOR contraction pain... and let me tell you, it's not fun when you are not going to get a sweet little baby out of it! :-)
I woke up Friday feeling much better, but very sore (like when you do too many sit-ups the day before - so I've heard :-) ). Friday afternoon came, and again, something changed. The contraction-like feelings were back and so was the pain. My dear friend Ashley was kind enough to take me to the ER as Jamie was working in a muddy ditch and couldn't get away at that moment. Once Jamie was able to get to the hospital, Ashley generously took the kids home (and took AMAZING care of them) so that Jamie could stay with me. After running some tests, they determined that I had an infection in my uterus. Once they got the pain under control, they sent me home with what seemed like an entire pharmacy full of prescriptions!
Saturday, well, I just don't remember. Not at all, which is really bizarre. Kind of the same with Sunday, but I do remember the pain increasing and moving further up into my abdomen. Back to the ER we went... they were so busy that day that I was in the hallway of the ER on a bed for two hours before finally getting into a room. Several more tests later, they determined that the infection had spread into my ovaries (and even found a touch of pneumonia in my lungs). If they couldn't get it under control, they were going to have to do a hysterectomy.
I was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, and the rest is kind of a blur. I remember bits and pieces, but Jamie will tell me a story or something that happened during that time, and I just don't remember! The good news here is thanks to IV antibiotics, I was improving. Fast forward to Wednesday when I was released... when the doctor came in, I really thought that she would tell me to take the rest of the week off, but that I should be good to return to work on that Monday. WRONG! She said that it was going to take awhile for me to recover and she wasn't releasing me until May 2. MAY 2???? I was floored. Two weeks?
I really do understand why she said that though - it WAS a long recovery and I didn't start to feel like myself until about last Wednesday. I am now back to work, feeling SO much better (just get tired easily) and happy to be back into a routine. Today is my last day of ALL medicines too! I'm thrilled about that!!!
Jamie has been a saint through this whole thing. I mean, truly AMAZING. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive husband, but I'm so thankful that I do! He really had to take care of everything the last few weeks - me, the kids, the house, and work full time! We also had a lot of help and support from our family (real family and church family) and friends - especially my parents, my sister and Ashley. I was truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support!
So that's about it in a very long nutshell! Enough about me though... it's time to talk about my TWO YEAR OLD!!! Stay tuned...
On April 13th, I was scheduled for an outpatient procedure called an Endometrial Ablation. This was to help with some issues I've been having since Nathan's birth. Once I got to the hospital, I also found out I was going to have a D&C (guess that's why you should actually read the releases you sign... I might have noticed that! Ha!) Regardless, I was already going to be under, so it was no biggie. Everything went great with the procedures and I was home that evening. Thursday morning I woke up feeling a little crampy, but doing well. Thursday evening, however, something changed. The only way I can describe it is it felt like I was in labor. MAJOR contraction pain... and let me tell you, it's not fun when you are not going to get a sweet little baby out of it! :-)
I woke up Friday feeling much better, but very sore (like when you do too many sit-ups the day before - so I've heard :-) ). Friday afternoon came, and again, something changed. The contraction-like feelings were back and so was the pain. My dear friend Ashley was kind enough to take me to the ER as Jamie was working in a muddy ditch and couldn't get away at that moment. Once Jamie was able to get to the hospital, Ashley generously took the kids home (and took AMAZING care of them) so that Jamie could stay with me. After running some tests, they determined that I had an infection in my uterus. Once they got the pain under control, they sent me home with what seemed like an entire pharmacy full of prescriptions!
Saturday, well, I just don't remember. Not at all, which is really bizarre. Kind of the same with Sunday, but I do remember the pain increasing and moving further up into my abdomen. Back to the ER we went... they were so busy that day that I was in the hallway of the ER on a bed for two hours before finally getting into a room. Several more tests later, they determined that the infection had spread into my ovaries (and even found a touch of pneumonia in my lungs). If they couldn't get it under control, they were going to have to do a hysterectomy.
I was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, and the rest is kind of a blur. I remember bits and pieces, but Jamie will tell me a story or something that happened during that time, and I just don't remember! The good news here is thanks to IV antibiotics, I was improving. Fast forward to Wednesday when I was released... when the doctor came in, I really thought that she would tell me to take the rest of the week off, but that I should be good to return to work on that Monday. WRONG! She said that it was going to take awhile for me to recover and she wasn't releasing me until May 2. MAY 2???? I was floored. Two weeks?
I really do understand why she said that though - it WAS a long recovery and I didn't start to feel like myself until about last Wednesday. I am now back to work, feeling SO much better (just get tired easily) and happy to be back into a routine. Today is my last day of ALL medicines too! I'm thrilled about that!!!
Jamie has been a saint through this whole thing. I mean, truly AMAZING. I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive husband, but I'm so thankful that I do! He really had to take care of everything the last few weeks - me, the kids, the house, and work full time! We also had a lot of help and support from our family (real family and church family) and friends - especially my parents, my sister and Ashley. I was truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support!
So that's about it in a very long nutshell! Enough about me though... it's time to talk about my TWO YEAR OLD!!! Stay tuned...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Step 1
After several hours of research, talking with Sean's pediatrician, and some prayer, Jamie and I decided to proceed with testing to see if Sean does, in fact, have Celiac Disease. There were some things from his appointment Monday that just weren't sitting well with us. Malnourished, vitamin deficient, decreasing iron, concern with his constant complaining of a tummy ache (of which I'm still not 100% convinced isn't partially an excuse to not have to do something... eat, go potty, go to sleep!) etc. I think at first we were so happy to hear the news that Sean's growth made great progress, that it didn't really set in on what else the doctor was saying.
Once I thought more about it, I kind of felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. All this time, we have been SO focused on Sean's height - GROW BABY GROW! - that we may have failed to notice other things. I felt terrible. What kind of Mom am I that I may not have seen these signs and symptoms? Enter good solid cry.
After the cry, my Mommy-mode set in. I knew we had to find answers and that's what we are going to do. I contacted Sean's local pediatrician and set up an appointment to have the lab work done. We are going to test his vitamin levels, iron, other important levels, but most importantly, for Celiac Disease. Is it life threatening? No. Will he be able to enjoy a great life? Yes. Does the thought of it scare the hell out of me? MOST DEFINITELY. If you know me well at all, you will know patience is not a virtue I posses. But strangely enough I feel very calm right now. It is out of my hands. My daily devotion the other day was about how when we feel the most out of control, unsure of what path is coming, stop. Remember that God has already chosen the path for us, and we're just waiting to find out which one it is. That has brought me an insane amount of comfort! Why it's taken me almost 35 years to figure that out... ;-)
So today I took Sean in to have the blood work done. He was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Sadly, I think he's used to being poked and prodded, and he loves going to the doctor. Hmm, maybe it's because there is usually suckers and a trip to Sonic afterwards??? Regardless, he didn't even flinch, cry, nothing. Love that boy. On Friday, April 22nd, we will go back to meet with his doctor for the results. Until then, we wait and pray!
Since my Father was recently diagnosed with diabetes, I'm beginning to wonder if Sean is just trying to be like his Grandpa (changed diet)!!?? What a booger.
Once I thought more about it, I kind of felt like I had been kicked in the stomach. All this time, we have been SO focused on Sean's height - GROW BABY GROW! - that we may have failed to notice other things. I felt terrible. What kind of Mom am I that I may not have seen these signs and symptoms? Enter good solid cry.
After the cry, my Mommy-mode set in. I knew we had to find answers and that's what we are going to do. I contacted Sean's local pediatrician and set up an appointment to have the lab work done. We are going to test his vitamin levels, iron, other important levels, but most importantly, for Celiac Disease. Is it life threatening? No. Will he be able to enjoy a great life? Yes. Does the thought of it scare the hell out of me? MOST DEFINITELY. If you know me well at all, you will know patience is not a virtue I posses. But strangely enough I feel very calm right now. It is out of my hands. My daily devotion the other day was about how when we feel the most out of control, unsure of what path is coming, stop. Remember that God has already chosen the path for us, and we're just waiting to find out which one it is. That has brought me an insane amount of comfort! Why it's taken me almost 35 years to figure that out... ;-)
So today I took Sean in to have the blood work done. He was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Sadly, I think he's used to being poked and prodded, and he loves going to the doctor. Hmm, maybe it's because there is usually suckers and a trip to Sonic afterwards??? Regardless, he didn't even flinch, cry, nothing. Love that boy. On Friday, April 22nd, we will go back to meet with his doctor for the results. Until then, we wait and pray!
Since my Father was recently diagnosed with diabetes, I'm beginning to wonder if Sean is just trying to be like his Grandpa (changed diet)!!?? What a booger.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
"Small Body, Big Spirit"
After feeling very overwhelmed from Sean's doctor's appointment yesterday, and dealing with an almost two year old (who is definitely in the terrible two's!... God love him...), I received the following. It is a daily parenting email that I subscribe to, and let me tell you, it's JUST what I needed to read today!!!
THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove
Mother Nature doesn't aim for mediocre. She imbues
every child with HUGE creative potential.
Children are born *knowing* they're supposed to be
BIG -- innately powerful, free, and continuously
expanding to new horizons.
Today, no matter how physically small your child
may be, notice and appreciate his or her BIGness in
spirit. That spirit is easy to see when your child
is expressing pure Love and Joy. But it's no less
present when s/he's "misbehaving." In those trying
times, remember...
Our children are always doing the best they
can to stay connected to their BIGness --
in a world that expects them to be small.
THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove
Mother Nature doesn't aim for mediocre. She imbues
every child with HUGE creative potential.
Children are born *knowing* they're supposed to be
BIG -- innately powerful, free, and continuously
expanding to new horizons.
Today, no matter how physically small your child
may be, notice and appreciate his or her BIGness in
spirit. That spirit is easy to see when your child
is expressing pure Love and Joy. But it's no less
present when s/he's "misbehaving." In those trying
times, remember...
Our children are always doing the best they
can to stay connected to their BIGness --
in a world that expects them to be small.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sean - St. Louis update
Today we took Sean to see the endocrinologist to see how he has progressed in the past year. We got some GREAT news! At this time, NO GROWTH HORMONES!!! On average, doctors like to see a child Sean's age grow no less than 4 cm in a year. Since our last visit, Sean grew 6.8 cm! That's about 2 1/2 inches, which for him, is great! He's still not on the chart, but showed a great incline closer to the line.
But with that, comes the "bad" news (if you can call it that). Last year he weighed in at 26 1/4 pounds. This year, he weighs 27 1/2. Unfortunately, that is not good as he is beginning to grow, but level in weight. They really need him to gain more weight. She mentioned a disease (that begins with an "S" that neither Jamie nor I can remember), but looked up his lab work and he has been tested for it. It's basically when your body doesn't process wheat. Since he complains all the time of his tummy hurting, she wants to monitor this closely. So every six months, we'll go in for a weight check and blood work here locally. We'll go back to see her in one year to see what's happening with his weight. But the good news here, is that her office is moving to Springfield, IL in June of this year! If it has continued to level off, then we will have to run further tests to see what seems to be the problem. In the meantime, we are going to try to pump him full of healthy, but fatty, non-empty caloric foods, which with him being a picky eater is going to be a task! (Seriously, I'm bummed that he isn't gaining weight, but how unfair... I wish I could transfer some of my body fat! LOL!)
I realize that the good news should outweigh the bad, and it does, but part of me is still frustrated that we can't just officially move on. BUT, this is God's plan and we can handle this. Sean was a trooper all day (7 hours in the car for a less than one hour appointment) - I'm just so proud of him! I am thrilled with the news about his growth though and just know it's thanks to the prayers of our friends and family. Thank you all for your continued support and know that it means the world to us!!!
But with that, comes the "bad" news (if you can call it that). Last year he weighed in at 26 1/4 pounds. This year, he weighs 27 1/2. Unfortunately, that is not good as he is beginning to grow, but level in weight. They really need him to gain more weight. She mentioned a disease (that begins with an "S" that neither Jamie nor I can remember), but looked up his lab work and he has been tested for it. It's basically when your body doesn't process wheat. Since he complains all the time of his tummy hurting, she wants to monitor this closely. So every six months, we'll go in for a weight check and blood work here locally. We'll go back to see her in one year to see what's happening with his weight. But the good news here, is that her office is moving to Springfield, IL in June of this year! If it has continued to level off, then we will have to run further tests to see what seems to be the problem. In the meantime, we are going to try to pump him full of healthy, but fatty, non-empty caloric foods, which with him being a picky eater is going to be a task! (Seriously, I'm bummed that he isn't gaining weight, but how unfair... I wish I could transfer some of my body fat! LOL!)
I realize that the good news should outweigh the bad, and it does, but part of me is still frustrated that we can't just officially move on. BUT, this is God's plan and we can handle this. Sean was a trooper all day (7 hours in the car for a less than one hour appointment) - I'm just so proud of him! I am thrilled with the news about his growth though and just know it's thanks to the prayers of our friends and family. Thank you all for your continued support and know that it means the world to us!!!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Fun at the park
The weather was SO nice this weekend (at little windy)... sunny and perfect to finally be outside! We took advantage of the gorgeous day (and the fact that we had nothing going on in the morning) and went to the park. Watching Nathan was the funniest thing ever... he is definitely his happiest when he is outdoors. Be prepared for picture overload!
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