Some updates

Let me go through our day with all of you. If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Wilson, you know that he loves to eat. His appointment today was scheduled for 10:30 am. He wasn't allowed to have any solids as a precaution if they had to sedate him. He was only allowed clear liquids up to 8:30 am. That means no milk (his favorite). We tried to trick him with Pop-Ice for breakfast, but I don't think he really fell for it.

We get to the waiting area at the hospital, and Wilson had fallen asleep in the car. He slept on Justin's shoulder/chest for about 30 mins. There were twin girls waiting in the same area (they were 3), and when Wilson woke up they wanted to play with him. We had to wait about an hour and 1/2. I finally went up to the nice lady at the reception area and very carefully explained that I was waiting with a very HUNGRY one year old. She assured me we would be next.

When we got back to the room for the CT scan I was relieved. I thought he was going to have to be in the "tube". This scan was done with a machine that looked like a donut. We were able to hold his hands while he was wedged into the head brace. They didn't have to sedate him. Wilson was so still. He didn't move at all!! I was so proud of him. The nurses said that they always try to get the scan without sedating the kid, but most of the time the kid will move. Wilson did get a little scared, but he was such a trooper. The scan itself didn't take but about 2 mins.

As soon as we finished we drove to Wendy's to pick up lunch. I can say (without ANY guilt) that I fed my sweet, starving little guy french fries the whole ride home.

Now we just wait for word on Monday. I don't know if it is hopeful thinking or just positive feelings from today, but I really feel confident that the scan will come back good. I want to thank everyone who gave us prayers and positive thoughts today. I love all of you!

Hello again, did you miss me?

I know, I know!! You can put me in time-out later for being such a bad blogger. I have news that you want to hear. I know you want it.

Wilson had a wonderful birthday. He had all of his friends (ie the coaches' kids) at his party. We even had a big blowup water slide. It was tons of fun. He loved, no I am sorry DEMOLISHED his chocolate cake. Grandpa came up for the big day, and it was really great to see Russell and Wilson having fun with him. He had the two big "hits" for presents. The first was a bubble gun that Russell adored.

The other was a chair that has a little table attached. It has three different setting (ABC's, music, and games). Wilson gets so excited every time he see that chair. Now (a couple of weeks later) he has figured out how to stand up in the chair.

All in all the kid had a fantastic birthday. We took him to his one year check up, and he is growing like a weed. He is 30 1/2 inches and 27 pounds. He is in 18-24 month clothes (quickly growing out of them). He wears a size 5 shoe and diaper.

The upsetting news is that they are concerned about his head growth. As you all know, my babies have BIG heads. I have always just thought that meant they would be geniuses. Unfortunately, the doctor doesn't share my opinion. He head spiked in growth between 6 months and 9 months. WAIT you say, this was his 12 month check up, right. YES--the doc didn't catch it last time. Anywho, let me get back to the explanation before I go on a doctor tirade. As I was saying, his head spiked in those 3 months, and the female doctor thinks it could be an indicator of something. She wouldn't say what it might indicate, but she tried to reassure me by saying that he is otherwise normal. She also pointed out that this is the reason we have check ups every 3 months. She ordered a CT scan to be done next Friday. Wilson will have to be sedated. I think that is the scariest part. I am hoping that since they scheduled it around his nap time (10:30) that they will only have to give a light dose of sedative.

Please keep us in your prayers. I know in my heart of hearts that it is a good thing that Dr. Johnson caught the mistake this time instead of letting go even longer. I just am so scared of what it all might mean.

We love and miss all of you.

I've been TAGGED!

Thanks, Mary Kate, for TAGGING me. I hope everyone learns something new about me through this blog.

10 years ago: I was in my first year at college (U of A). I was really not wanting to be there. I was having way too much fun, but I knew my heart didn't belong in Fayetteville. I was trying to figure out who I was and who I wanted to be. My major was still undecided.

Things on my to-do list:
1. Finish Laundry (always on the list)
2. Do a mini-pedi
3. Get ready for track practice tomorrow
4. Be sure to bring Russell's back pack to school
5. Pray for my students and the Benchmark

What I would do if I suddenly became a billionaire: I would pay off our debts and any debts that my family has. I would take my loved ones and close friends on a fantastic trip. I would buy a beach house (or maybe a whole island) so that I can see the beach whenever I please. I would set up the college funds for my children. I would give LOTS to my favorite charities. I guess I would invest some.

My bad habits:
1. Smoking
2. Not fully listening when someone is talking to me
3. Talking smack when someone does something silly driving
4. Not sticking up for myself as much as I should

5 jobs I have had:
1. baby sitter at a fitness club
2. Lifeguard
3. Bank Teller
4. Children's Librarian
5. Teacher

Things people might not know about me:
1. I always wanted to enter a beauty pageant just to see what it is like.
2. I have a burning desire to go to Australia.
3. I am an avid crossword puzzler and word searcher.
4. I want to go on a reality TV show (but NOT FEAR FACTOR)
5. I constantly worry that something is wrong with me (either health wise or other)

Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy a post about myself. I don't really use this to talk about me, but I thought this one would be fun. Thanks again, Mary Kate.

Our adventure in the safari (Arkansas style)

Many of you have already seen the pictures of our Safari Adventure over Spring Break. I thought I would tell a few fun facts that many of you don't already know.

#1 Russell is completely NOT afraid of animals (except for bugs). He kept asking to get out of the car to play with the animals. I think he might be the next Jeff Corwin. He was braver than all of the rest of us. It isn't hard to imagine him being braver than me, but he was even braver than Kaden and Jake. I think he impressed the older boys with his snake handling skills.





#2 Camels will eat anything and everything you put out there. We tried bread, animal crackers, grapes, bananas, and raisins. I really have to suggest the larger items of food. They pick up food like horses do (with their lips), and unless you want tons of dirty camel slobber on you (I experienced lots of it), then the larger items are the way to go.

#3 They have built suitable living quarters for the large cats. I previously heard that the cats were kept in tiny enclosures. I was not really happy about the idea of showing my kids animal abuse. I was really pleased when we saw the new cat area. They have room to run, jump, and climb. They seem to be happy.

#4 Go in the spring so you can see baby animals. I am not saying that the other times of the year are less fun, but we really enjoyed seeing the little ones. Not all of the animals had babies, but the ones that did were SOOOO cute.

#5 Drive thru twice. We found that the first time thru we were timid and scared. After our first drive thru we went to the petting area. That gave us a chance to see some of the animals up close. We decided to drive thru one more time, and the second round was a whole lot more productive. We fed more of the animals, and we (and really I mean me) were more comfortable with the idea of animals sticking their heads in the car.

all inn all I really enjoyed watching the boys with the animals. It was an adventure that I will not forget. I doubt that Russell will either. I can't wait for Wilson to be old enough to try and one-up his big brother!!

Spring Break

I know it has been forever since I last posted, but I have been really busy. Let me inform you of everything by each person.

Russell: He had his 3 year check up and is growing like a weed. He is 38 lbs and 38 1/2 inches tall. He is talking in complete sentences, although he will still mix up beginning and middle consonants. He is barrell of laughs, and I think he got the entertaining bug from his mom. He loves his little brother and is ready for him to start "playing".

Wilson: At his last checkup he was 21 lbs and 25 inches (I think). He is doing really well even though he just cut three teeth at once. We have been battling the wheezing for too long, but I think it is just allergies. He still has to recieve breathing treatments twice a day. I think that it is something that will continue into childhood, but maybe he will outgrow them later on. He is sitting up on his own and is content to sit for an hour or two if he has toys around him. He is beginning to try to pull his knees up, and I know this means that crawling is not far away.

Justin: He is coaching baseball and doing workouts for football. Thankfully, this year he will only have one game during Spring Break. It allowed us to take a wonderful family vaca to Tunica. Sounds like a funny place to take the kids, but we had a blast. Justin is not looking forward to the spring/summer chores, but I know he will be excited to be outside.

Myself: Well, I have been busy with school and two kids. Not a whole lot exciting has happened to me. I enjoyed out zoo trip, and I got in some good outlet mall shopping while in Tunica.I am contemplating transferring schools next year, but I am waiting to see what the options are. I have been trying to keep myself as low stress as possible, and it has worked for the most part. I have added some pics of our trip. I hope you enjoy.

Baby, its cold outside

I think Mr. Winter is finally upon us. It started snowing this afternoon just as we were getting out of school. I am hoping that it will continue through the evening and way into the night. It would be nice to have a 4 day weekend (even if it has to be a messy one). I thought I would re-show some pictures we took this summer because they are cute cold weather pics!

It's been too long.

Okay, so maybe I underestimated just how much time it takes to raise two kids. I really thought I would be able to keep up with this blogging better than I have. Oh well, no reason to beat myself up. It just means that I have been busy doing other things.

Let me tell you about those things that I have been busy doing. First, and foremost, Christmas was fantastic. Santa came and left the boys lots of toys. Russell received his plane, motorcycle, dragon (thanks Nana and Grandpa Ralph), and tons of other goodies. Poor Wilson didn't get a whole lot, but he didn't care. He really just wanted to eat the wrapping paper.

After Christmas we traveled to Grandmother and Grand-daddy-o's house. Russell was amazed to learn that he had more presents to open. They really did too much. Russell got a computer, his own digital camera, some clothes, and what-nots. Justin and I left the kids there for a couple of days (for the really good spoiling they deserve) and booked it down to Tunica. I didn't win any jackpots, but I had so much fun. It was just enough time. We stayed a few more days at Chateau Rosewood, and then came on back to undecorate the house.

January started with beautiful weather uncommon of winter. School started back, and baseball began with a vengeance. Then Wilson got sick. It wasn't anything big--snotty nose and a little cough. We took him to the doctor and they gave him some meds. By the next week, he was worse. Took him back to the doctor and he got different meds (including the asthma puffer and tube thingy). Turns out he also had two teeth coming in and a slight ear infection. A week later, still not better. Go back to the dr. office (they know my voice over the phone now). We get our third round of antibiotics and the instructions to give breathing treatments every two hours. Needless to say the last week has been difficult. It seems that Wilson is better. I just hope it stays that way.

We have so much to be thankful for in this new year. I want to tell everyone that we love you guys and miss you. This spring is going to be packed full of baseball games and playing outside.

OMG--how could I forget????? When we returned from Paragould we started "POTTY PARTY". Russell has whipped the whole potty training. He hasn't had an accident in forever, and doesn't even wet his diaper at night. I wasn't sure at first if he was ready, but he figured out pretty quickly that it was uncool to wet your pants. I felt like I had a personal victory, and I guess in a way it was. One kid out of diapers!! WWWWAAAAHHHHOOOO!