Tubes

After almost 9 weeks of sickness in our house, we decided that PE Tubes for Little Man were just unavoidable. We have had 5 rounds of oral antibiotics and 2 IM injections of a potent antibiotic without any relief. My heart has just been so heavy for my precious little boy but I wanted to make sure I didn't put him under anesthesia or do any type of procedure that wasn't absolutely necessary.

After another trip to the Minor Med last Tuesday night, and another bad ear infection, I was done. I called the ENT back the following morning and we set up our surgery date. To say I was a little hesitant would be putting it mildly. It took me forever to decide on an ENT and once I did and made an appointment, I actually changed my mind and called to change my appointment. I absolutely love the MD we chose and I think he is the best around and the best for my family. (I find that I am quite a bit needy when it comes to people treating my children) After deciding on surgery, I called the surgery center to request my anesthesiologist and CRNA, and that also helped put my mind at ease. Knowing who's hands are going to be on your baby and having that knowledge of who to choose and ability to do so does have it's perks.

Anyways, on Thursday night we took Little Love out to Gigi's so that she could spend the night since we had to be up super early to get LIttle Man to the surgery center. Thankfully, Clay got off work early Thursday night so he was able to get a bit of sleep before getting up and getting him ready. We had to be there at 6:30 for check in and pre-op stuff and then surgery was set for 7:30. I was so glad we were Dr. N's first case because I knew LIttle Man would not be a big fan of the strange environment at the surgery center. Nana met us there and brought us a little breakfast to enjoy while LIttle Man was in surgery.





The Pre-op nurse took us back promptly after arriving and getting paperwork filled out and I dressed him in his little yellow gown and slipper socks. Then we did pre-op vitals and weight and had a little chat with Dr. A, the anesthesiologist and shortly after Dr. N, the ENT. It felt like the hour flew by, because before I knew it, the nurse was there to take us through the bunny tunnel and take him into surgery. The hand-off actually went really smoothly and he amazingly didn't even cry after picking out his toy and the nurse taking him.









Nana, Clay and I went back to the pre-op room and wait and not more than 15 minutes later, Dr. N came in to tell us that everything went great. He did mention that my poor Little Man STILL had an ear infection and that his little ears just looked awful. He told us that he had suctioned out a lot of mucous from his ears and put in antibiotic ear drops while in the OR that I am to continue at home for the next week.

Then it was time to go to the Post-op room to hold Little Man, I was told by many people to expect him to be extremely upset and irritable waking from anesthesia but he did fairly well, He was a little irritable when I initially got back in there but he settled down fairly quickly. I think we only waited about 45 minutes afterward and then were on our way home.



We all took a long morning nap upon arriving home and then enjoyed a PJ day at home. I am so glad all of this is behind us and I just pray this is all it will take to help get my LIttle Man well. I am so ready for my precious baby to feel better and start gaining some weight!! Bless his little heart, he has felt bad for so long, he hasn't been eating well and I don't think he has gained an ounce in 3 months!

Enjoying this beautiful weather

We have had some unusually warm and gorgeous weather this week. The kids got some great ride on toys for Christmas so we decided to take advantage of the sunshine and enjoy some time outside playing while it lasts.

Christmas Morning

After arriving home last night from dinner at Poppy and Gigi's, we decided on a whim to get our pre-purchased tickets to Starry Nights and enjoy the beautiful lights at Shelby Farms.

It was super late when we got home, almost 10:00, so the kids went straight to bed and Mommy and Daddy, AKA Santa and Mrs. Clause went to work. We had purchased a train table for the kids so that was really the only toy that needed to be assembled. We had purchased Little Love a TAG pen and book reading system so I decided to go ahead and download the book swe had bought and make sure all the new toys had working batteries in them. We put on one of our all time favorite Christmas movies, "Elf" and just enjoyed our time together.









We decided last year that we were going to always try and have CHristmas morning at our house with the kids. We just want them to be able to enjoy all their new stuff and not have to rush out to get to someone's house. Last year my mom spent the night and was able to be there to see their faces on Christmas morning but since she'd stayed the night the evening before, and not gotten much sleep, she decided to forgo that this year.

After getting up and watching the kids enjoy their gifts for a bit, I put a Sausage, egg, and cheese casserole in the oven, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls and then Clay's parents came over with his brother to see the kids and all their loot from Santa.

We were going to attempt to go to the Christmas service that morning at church but again, Little Man wasn't feeling well and actually Little Love had started complaining that her ears were bothering her and they were both running fever so we just stayed in our jammies and lounged and napped all day.

I hate that both kids were sick this year over Christmas but I think they still had a wonderful day.

We ended the evening by baking a cake for Jesus' birthday and singing Happy Birthday to Him. I want to make sure that my kids realize that He is the real reason for the season and it's not about all the hype of Santa and so forth. Obviously, we do celebrate Santa at our house but we just make sure not to focus on that.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we headed over to Poppy and Gigi's for dinner and presents. We were so excited to see all the wonderful gifts and spend quality time with our family. I love this little tradition we have started of enjoying Christmas Eve with Clay's side of the family. My mom always joins us after the Christmas Eve service at church and we just enjoy a nice quiet, low-key evening at home.

Clay and I had both worked the evening before so my mom had come over to stay with the kids. Little Man was still struggling with his ears so he had given Nana a run for her money the night before with his multiple wakenings.

I felt so guilty that she wasn't able to get a good nights sleep but so thankful that I had such a wonderful Momma and Mother-in-law that are more than willing to lend a hand when needed.

















The kids and us were certainly spoiled this year!! We had a fabulous evening us celebrating!

Our home away from home

This scene appears to be our second home lately. Little Man has had a horrible time with his little ears lately and we just can't get him well. I'm putting in another call to the ENT tomorrow but I do believe our next step is going to be tubes!!








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Family Birthday Celebrations!

On Monday night, December 12, we had Little Love's family birthday party. We did this last year and decided we would continue the tradition since she had just friends at her other party. We had chilck-fil-a nuggets, chips and dip, fruit, and cupcakes. Little Love had a great time celebrating with family and enjoyed being able to eat more cake! I still can't believe my precious Little Love is already 4 years old, the years are just going by more and more quickly!!

A trip to see Dr. N

We were finally able to get in with the ENT because of Little Man's ears. We decided to give another month adn follow-up after that. If we have any other infections between now and then, I will call him back and we will be scheduled for tubes. Here's hoping we can stay out of the doctor offices for a bit!



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Zoo Lights 2011

We enjoyed the member's only Zoo Light's tonight and had a great time. Gigi came with me to help with Little Man and although it was freezing outside, we made the most of it. Our favorite thing was the new ice skating rink they put up. Little Love and I had so much fun skating together. :)





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It's Christmas Tree time

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Thanksgiving 2011

We headed out to Poppy and Gigi's to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Nana came over to enjoy lunch with us.

All of the food was so yummy and we enjoyed spending tine with the family.








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Such a fun evening!

I just got back from such a fun evening with my sweet kids and Mother-in-law. My precious friend Andrea sent me a text earlier this afternoon to let me know that she had 3 free tickets available for St. Jude's Zoo Light's Preview Party. Well, I jumped at the chance and decided to get a little extra help from my MIL and head out this evening. Although the weather was a bit frigid, we all bundled up and had the greatest time.

I have some great pics on my big camera but wanted to add a couple I took with my phone.

We loved looking at all the lights, coloring at the many stations they had available, decorating sugar cookies and yummy cupcakes, and even ice skating. I have a great video I will try to upload soon. Such a fun night!!










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Now we just wait ....

Today was the last school tour / open house that I plan to attend. Today I took Little Love with me and they allowed her to go into one of the Jr. K classes and observe and participate. It was so precious to see her interacting with new friends and just going along with all the other Jr. Kindergartner's. The teacher actually said that she fit in just fine this year and was so smart. Made my Momma heart so happy to hear that.

When Little Love walked into the classroom I wasn't sure whether she would participate or not but sure enough, she walked right over to the carpet with all the other boys and girls and joined them for bible time on the carpet. She even participated when the boys and girls were saying their bible verses as she recognized one of them, "Children obey your parents as in the Lord." I think I may have said it to her just a time or two. It was just precious though to see her raise her little hand and want to join in on the fun. She had fun playing on the smart board, and made a necklace out of fruit loops. Actually, it was all I could do to get her to leave with me. She was ready to stay at school and kept wanting to go back into "her classroom".

I am so glad she had such a positive experience and like I said before Clay and I want to try and involve Little Love as much as possible during our decision making and I was glad she had such a great time today!!










Now that all the applications are in and fees have been paid, we just wait. Hopefully we will hear something by January for assessments and testing at that time. When I mentioned to Little Love that she would have to do some testing she said, "don't worry Mother, I will listen with my ears to what they tell me to do and be obedient". Hopefully she realizes how important this is come time :)

How can it be???

I have no idea how it has already been almost 4 years since I brought this little bundle of joy home from the hospital!! She is the best big sister and makes me so proud for the sweet young lady she is becoming. She has the most precious heart, and so much love for others. I look forward to watching her grow up and can't wait to see what all God has in store for her precious little life. As my mom has always told me, "great things come in small packages!"




Of course, we are in full swing with birthday planning. We are throwing a home party this year and the above picture should give you a hint as to what we have up our sleeve. :)

A few more family pictures ...

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our most recent photo session with the fabulous Elizabeth Wiggs. I was so pleased with them and I have greatly enjoyed using Elizabeth for our family pictures over the last 3 years. She is by far the best, and I can't wait to watch her family continue to expand. Thanks again girl, we just absolutely LOVE them!!