JAGster's Thoughts...: 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

A.J.

Just thought I'd post a few pictures of A.J., formerly know as Joseph Michael. He's doing great. A.J. celebrated his first birthday last month. He's a speed demon on his knees but has only taken a few steps. I'm sure he'll be running before we know it. He loves splashing in the water. Archie, A.J.'s birth father, takes him to the pool often. And, of course, he's the typical little brother, he wants the toy Eric has, but Eric doesn't want him to have. Giving him another toy doesn't always work... hardly ever. "Blondie" has become my nickname for him, as you can tell from the pictures. I think he has lighter hair than Paul! Go figure! Well, his birth mom does have curly light hair, not blond though. A.J. has her eyes too. Funny how I know more about the family of the child who's not ours than Eric's birth parents. Especially now that Eric is starting to ask questions, I wish I could tell him more. Someday...

Friday, July 22, 2011

Surgery

Many of you know that Eric had, yet another, surgery July 13. He has what was described to me as a short palate, common with cleft palates. The procedure he had was a "pharyngeal flap." This took care of his hypernasal speech. He still like he has a lot saliva and sounds a bit congested, may have a slight cold. But, he's almost back to his normal eating, still keeping food on the soft side. Talking, well, we knew he feeling better on Saturday when he was back to being 'motor mouth.'

Wednesday, July 13

There wasn't an induction room available so we had to kiss him and then watch him being carried off, crying and screaming for us. We were all upset. Not good... but we were told once we were out of sight he did calm down. But still...

Waiting and reading a new book.

Poor baby!
Snuggling/sleeping with daddy

They put a suture through his tongue in case he got swollen to keep his airway open. It was removed the next morning. He could have been the coolest kid in pre-school... just add a stud to his tongue and he could have had one in his ear after the fish hook incident. Free piercings!

Thursday, July 14

Suture out, getting much needed rest. Still no interest in food or drink. He did have a little bit ice cream that evening.

Friday, July 15

Watching a DVD.

He had the shakes and felt warm when I came in. (Paul and I spent the first night with him. Then I went home Thursday and Saturday night. Paul took Saturday night off. Just we could get some sleep. Fold out bed in room, not very comfortable!) Eric seemed pretty out of it when we took him to the activity room. He was running a 102 fever. Had a chest x-ray to make sure nothing was in his lungs... came back fine. Motrin brought the fever down.

Saturday, July 16

Watching a puppet show.

He ate half of his French toast for breakfast and did good on the peanut butter sandwich for lunch. Getting him drink was still a challenge. But, he was very talkative.

Sunday, July 17

Back home, driving his Hummer!

Eric had to show that he was taking in a good amount of fluids before being released. I was so happy when my baby came walking through the door! It was a long 4 days! I know others in my family have been through a lot more with their little guy... Eric has had 10 doctor's appointments (another one next week), 3 surgeries and one trip to the ER in the past year.

Grandma and grandpa's

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Charlottesville, VA

Monday, May 9, 2011... We spent the day enjoying the weather. Took Eric to the pool, we went fishing and used the big grill to cook up some steaks and zucchini. After, we headed to the playground and then back to Tastee Freez for dessert.

Eric, our little fisherman, during his short attention span...

Throwing sticks was more fun...

Finally, something fun...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011... The only thing I wanted to do was go to James Madison's home, Montpelier. We spent 3-4 hours there before going to a vineyard to pick up a "thank you" bottle of wine for mom and dad. They were taking care of the cats.

View of the Blueridge Mountains from top of the house...

Peonies...

After the DuPonts bought the house in 1900, they expanded the house from 22 rooms to 55 rooms and 12 bathrooms. In 2003, the Montpelier Foundation began restoring the mansion to the home of the Madison's. The physical structure was completed in 2008.

Eric with life size statues of James and Dolley Madison. He called them "the mommy and daddy."

Entrance to the formal garden...

Dame's Rocket... a pretty, sweet smelling wild flower that I have only seen on the road sides of VA. Well, except that it made it into the Montpelier garden. It is similar to phlox. I've learned that it has been banned in at least 3 states because it can be invasive. I love it! I wish OH's roadsides were covered with it in the spring. And the scent is heavenly!

Kid size archeology dig...

Mr. Madison's Temple... there's an ice well, 2 stories deep, underneath.

Nice looking family...

A secret hide-a-way...

Wednesday, May 11, 2011... back to fishing...

A little play time with daddy...

Sunset over the lake...

Fishing... well, it sucked! Paul did catch a turtle though...

Eric loved the pool! Even after repeated warning of not to run, he came running up to me, slipped and hit his head on the floor. He ended up with a big bump on the back of his head. What a way to end a vacation!