Well..... I truly have nothing to blog about right now. I just thought I would update since I haven't in awhile. I had an awesome 25th b-day on August 19th. I know how excited you all are to hear what I received. I got an awesome sports bra from my Madre for doing my cardio, kick-boxing, and hopefully someday running. Those of you who truly know me will know why I am so excited about that. I got some dinero from various family members which I used to have an at home spa night (avocado mask, painted toes, and bubble bath) which was much needed. I also purchased a few pairs of really awesome earrings, since I can never find matching ones. I got a beautiful porcelain doll from my Granny, to add to the already awesome collection she has given me over the years. The significance to this one is it is the Native American Halona Doll. Which means "Happy treasure" or "Happy fortune". Halona also happens to be my middle name. Receiving this doll really reminded me of a lot of things that I "treasure" and that I am "fortunate" to have! My family (my awesome Granny and Poppy for sure!) My children, my husband, my brothers, and my parents ! Also all my wonderful aunts, uncles, grandmas, and grandpas, cousins, and friends, who all wished me a happy birthday!
Other than that it's been pretty quiet around here. (which we are very thankful for) Anthony has caught some super big Chinook that any skilled fisherman would be proud (or jealous) of. He starts school this year (big 8th grader) on his birthday September 7th, at which time he will officially become a teenager!!!!! Dun Dun Dun.
Tyler has been a little Tasmanian devil lately, whose primary goal in a day is to run around like a tornado and destroy everything in his path. I am hoping since the last surgery to really spend some QUALITY time with the little guy, who has had a very chaotic year so far. He is a very good helper though, and when made to adhere to a routine, and take adequate naps, is quite a charmer.
Christopher continues to grow, and is the happiest, smiliest (I don't think that's a word) baby that I have ever come across. I know I have always been told that somethings wrong if your baby doesn't cry. But I have to tell you, he is not a cryer and is doing very very well. He is slowly but surely putting on weight, but we are told he will never be big. That is fine. I have heard that great things come in small packages! His little face lights up when he sees Tyler or Anthony! He really loves his big brothers. I bet he can't wait to go fishing or play trucks or go to the park with them!
Robert has been busy planning our Crab Feed event in the fall. It's been a big deal every year for a long time. But for some reason it feels like a bigger deal this year. Other than that he's working and trying to divide his time up equally (easier said than done). He is a trooper and we are all grateful for him.
I have taken some pictures and video that I need to download and put on here, but for lack of a better excuse, I am already out of time for now. I will do my best to get something fun on here soon! We love you all and are thankful for each of you. You are a blessing in our lives and we are honored to call you friends.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Blogtastic
I forgot to tell everyone about the hamster! I was tiring of the tree frog, and so I found this awesome little hamster. He doesn't even poop or stink!!!! Anyway, I try to put something fun on here for my little cousins and whatnot. So if you hover the mouse right on him and click on him he'll take the food right from you. Or you can just drop it and he'll pick it up. Click on the yellow wheel center to make him get back on the wheel!!! Have fun. I also changed the blog up a little. It's been about 90 degrees here for the last few days and finally feels like summer, so I decided to brighten up the blog for a bit! Luv to all XOXO
Friday, August 13, 2010
It's a wonderful life...and photo factory
So the most recent update I have for you all is about Chris' cardiology appointment on Wednesday. It went extremely well and Dr. Chang (cardiologist) was very pleased with everything. He was very surprised to see that the once moderate leak across the tricuspud valve is now only leaking very minimally. The heart function looks great and the repairs done during the Glenn Procedure look nice and open, meaning that there is great blood flow right where there is supposed to be great blood flow.
Dr. Chang was also pleased with Chris' weight and told us, we no longer need to measure every little thing we feed him and take him in for weekly weight checks. He said to let him eat when he wants to, and that monthly weights would be adequate. He was very happy with Chris' activity level (very active) and let us know that it's OK to let him do as much as he wants to do.
We are told that it is common to see a narrowing of the aorta within 2-6 months post-op so we will keep a look out for that. It is an easy fix compared to what's been done so far, and Dr. Chang sounded positive that he won't be needing any more operations for some time. We don't have to see anyone but the pediatrician for another 3 months!!!!! That seems like forever, since it has never been more than a couple of weeks between hospital stays or doctor appointments for the last 6 months. We have been so blessed with his recovery!!! He is such a smiley happy little guy. He may not be very big, but he has a larger than life personality.
Thanks to all who have kept us in constant fervent prayer. We have felt such an outpouring of faith and love during these last 6 months. We feel so much gratitude and humility for all the blessings in our lives.
Here are some cute new pictures in honor of Christopher's(his great-granny calls him Kit....like Kit Carson...who's real name was Christopher) great appointment. I hope you enjoy them.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Ups and Downs
Sorry for being so emotional but this is where I come when I am feeling this way. Today I realized that three weeks ago Christopher was undergoing his fourth surgery in his short little life, his second open heart surgery. I wanted to share something with you all. It is my journal entry the day of Chris' last surgery. Written a few hours after surgery.
July 13th, 2010
My dear, precious, baby boy,
I think today is the hardest day of my life. I woke up at 5 am (although I didn't sleep much) and got ready to take you over to the hospital for your surgery. This is your fourth surgery in your short life and your second open-heart surgery. Daddy and I got you ready to go and headed over at 5:45 am. We checked in and they made sure your tests and paperwork were in order. We were shown to a room where we got you dressed in your little green gown. The nurse gave us a special scrub to scrub your chest with. We then went down to the surgery floor and spoke with your surgeon, Dr. Iguidbashian and your anesthesiologist, Dr. Axel. They explained the surgery and how long it normally takes. They were in good spirits and knew just what to say to reassure us. I have great confidence in the team here at Emmanuel. They have taken care of you since you were 1 day old. The hardest thing I ever had to do, though, was to let you go. The doctors left and the surgery RN stayed behind to take you to the OR. I cried and cried when I handed you to her, I said, "take care of my baby". Then I kissed your little head and whispered in your ear "I love you very much and when you are done with this scary surgery, I'll be waiting right here for you. I love you Chris." She took you to the OR and we went to the waiting room. I was overjoyed when our case manager came to update us. Each time she came she was so happy with how he was doing. The surgery went quickly and you went through it all like a champ. Before long we went upstairs to the PICU. They wheeled you by and I thought "Thank you, Thank you God, for letting me keep my baby boy a little longer!" I thought you looked so good compared to the previous surgeries you've had. Robert joked with the team and said "That's not our child.....just kidding" They didn't look too amused but they know us by now, they know that is Robert's way of saying "thank god that's over."......
You are the strongest person I know and you are only almost 5 months old. You are so brave, I wish I were as strong and brave as you. I thank God every day for giving me the blessing of being your mother. I love you with all my heart and will be over to PICU to see you soon. Rest and heal my beautiful little son.
Love and kisses,
Mommy
Anyway, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that moved me to tears today, when I realized that in a week it'll have been one month since surgery, and Chris is doing sssooo well. He has the brightest eyes and smile, that say to me "I love you, and I'm so happy to be home, with my crazy family." Three weeks ago I didn't know if I'd see that happy smile again. I am so greatful when God hears and answers our prayers. This has been a huge test of faith for me, I'm sure I have a few more in store. Please don't forget to pray and don't take your children, friendships, relationships, or parents for granted. We are all each other has!!!! I love you all.
July 13th, 2010
My dear, precious, baby boy,
I think today is the hardest day of my life. I woke up at 5 am (although I didn't sleep much) and got ready to take you over to the hospital for your surgery. This is your fourth surgery in your short life and your second open-heart surgery. Daddy and I got you ready to go and headed over at 5:45 am. We checked in and they made sure your tests and paperwork were in order. We were shown to a room where we got you dressed in your little green gown. The nurse gave us a special scrub to scrub your chest with. We then went down to the surgery floor and spoke with your surgeon, Dr. Iguidbashian and your anesthesiologist, Dr. Axel. They explained the surgery and how long it normally takes. They were in good spirits and knew just what to say to reassure us. I have great confidence in the team here at Emmanuel. They have taken care of you since you were 1 day old. The hardest thing I ever had to do, though, was to let you go. The doctors left and the surgery RN stayed behind to take you to the OR. I cried and cried when I handed you to her, I said, "take care of my baby". Then I kissed your little head and whispered in your ear "I love you very much and when you are done with this scary surgery, I'll be waiting right here for you. I love you Chris." She took you to the OR and we went to the waiting room. I was overjoyed when our case manager came to update us. Each time she came she was so happy with how he was doing. The surgery went quickly and you went through it all like a champ. Before long we went upstairs to the PICU. They wheeled you by and I thought "Thank you, Thank you God, for letting me keep my baby boy a little longer!" I thought you looked so good compared to the previous surgeries you've had. Robert joked with the team and said "That's not our child.....just kidding" They didn't look too amused but they know us by now, they know that is Robert's way of saying "thank god that's over."......
You are the strongest person I know and you are only almost 5 months old. You are so brave, I wish I were as strong and brave as you. I thank God every day for giving me the blessing of being your mother. I love you with all my heart and will be over to PICU to see you soon. Rest and heal my beautiful little son.
Love and kisses,
Mommy
Anyway, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that moved me to tears today, when I realized that in a week it'll have been one month since surgery, and Chris is doing sssooo well. He has the brightest eyes and smile, that say to me "I love you, and I'm so happy to be home, with my crazy family." Three weeks ago I didn't know if I'd see that happy smile again. I am so greatful when God hears and answers our prayers. This has been a huge test of faith for me, I'm sure I have a few more in store. Please don't forget to pray and don't take your children, friendships, relationships, or parents for granted. We are all each other has!!!! I love you all.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Catching up...
Hi all. Just wanted to do a generic update for everyone. First things first. I would like to request that if you are a follower of the blog and you do not know me or a family member directly, that you discontinue following the blog. I'm sure there are people who have read the blog that I didn't want to, but since it is a public blog I can't do anything about it. I do want family and friends to have easy access to the blog, as some friends have told me how hard it makes it to access the blog once it is set to private. But I can at least ask that if you do not know me that you leave my blog contents to my family and friends.
Now onto the fun stuff. Well it's kinda just normal stuff. But compared to the not fun stuff, I think normal stuff is fun. So we are all one happy family again. All of us are here together at last. Robert's been out fishing a handful of times with no luck, and he's back to work today. I'll sure miss all the help in the kitchen. I got spoiled having him here to help with the boys and the cooking. ( and a whole lot more stuff too). It was his 37th birthday on the 13th. So be sure to give him a hard time about that.
Tyler grows ever more lippy and full of attitude, that I'm trying my best to real in before it gets too out of hand. I don't know where he gets it. Most of the time he's a good big brother and a great helper.
Anthony is enjoying his summer, fishing, skateboarding, riding bikes, and all manor of good stuff. He is getting very tall and has almost passed me in height.
Chris is a very cheerful chap, and continues to grow. Not as quickly as we would like, but slow and steady. He is always kicking his legs very vigorously. I think he will be a great runner, dancer or soccer player. I always wonder how he has so much energy. He always has a big smile on his face. I think he must not have a clue what he has gone through. I'm sure I wouldn't be smiling. He is a great blessing to our family, and we wouldn't be the same without him.
I'm just doing my best to de-stress, and trying to keep up with all the messes a household with three boys creates (four including Robert). I try to take a little time for myself now and then, which I'm sure any of you with kids will tell me is very important. It grows ever more difficult.
Other than that, we have big BBQ's every week, which keeps us on our toes. We love you all and are very grateful for all your love, support, and prayers. I will do my best to keep you all update.
Now onto the fun stuff. Well it's kinda just normal stuff. But compared to the not fun stuff, I think normal stuff is fun. So we are all one happy family again. All of us are here together at last. Robert's been out fishing a handful of times with no luck, and he's back to work today. I'll sure miss all the help in the kitchen. I got spoiled having him here to help with the boys and the cooking. ( and a whole lot more stuff too). It was his 37th birthday on the 13th. So be sure to give him a hard time about that.
Tyler grows ever more lippy and full of attitude, that I'm trying my best to real in before it gets too out of hand. I don't know where he gets it. Most of the time he's a good big brother and a great helper.
Anthony is enjoying his summer, fishing, skateboarding, riding bikes, and all manor of good stuff. He is getting very tall and has almost passed me in height.
Chris is a very cheerful chap, and continues to grow. Not as quickly as we would like, but slow and steady. He is always kicking his legs very vigorously. I think he will be a great runner, dancer or soccer player. I always wonder how he has so much energy. He always has a big smile on his face. I think he must not have a clue what he has gone through. I'm sure I wouldn't be smiling. He is a great blessing to our family, and we wouldn't be the same without him.
I'm just doing my best to de-stress, and trying to keep up with all the messes a household with three boys creates (four including Robert). I try to take a little time for myself now and then, which I'm sure any of you with kids will tell me is very important. It grows ever more difficult.
Other than that, we have big BBQ's every week, which keeps us on our toes. We love you all and are very grateful for all your love, support, and prayers. I will do my best to keep you all update.
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