My First Hospital Stay

Well, I'm not sure how many know, but Patrick and I spent a weekend in the hospital a few weeks back. Poor little guy got pneumonia from the RSV upper respiratory virus going around. We got to the emergency room Thursday night around 7 and were admitted at about 3:30 AM.

I will be honest and say for a hospital experience it was great. Children's Scottish Rite does a fantastic job of making you comfortable in a tough situation. We had a few bumps in the road when we first started, and a few interruptions with maintenance, but I give kudos to the nursing and tech staff. One nurse even did a little cover over his IV hand and cut out a hole for his thumb so he could still get to it to suck. They were awesome. And the cafeteria food wasn't half bad!

I took a few pictures to capture the moment. They had just removed his oxygen nose tubes, so he still has the sticky patches on his cheeks.

He is almost completely recovered now and at our last check up came in at a whopping 13.9 pounds. Only 11 pounds lighter than Spencer! And speaking of big brother, a few days ago Spencer inherited Patrick's yuck and I was home with him Wednesday and Thursday. The doctors believe he has the early signs of asthma, but we are on regular breathing treatments and he is such a good sport about it. He sits in my lap for the full 20 minutes watching Goofy or Handy Manny or something else Disney to keep him occupied. And between you and me, I'm hoping he is just enjoying the mommy time! His vocabulary is growing every day. My friend the speech therapist works with him every Monday. She has an 8 year-old daughter who plays flash cards with him and he eats it up! He has a new favorite word... "NO!" and has learned to count to nine, which he practices all the time. Poor Kris' ears are very tired.

I am back to work and loving it. We are busy non-stop with technology and supporting teacher's doing research. As well, the school's website got a little backed up, so I am updating that as well. We are a little fearful that Cobb County is going to drop the second media specialist in high schools as several other counties have already done. which would leave me by myself, but I have a wonderful parapro who I knowwill help me survive. Kris is home from travels for a few weeks (heading back to Korea on April 2nd) and we are looking forward to a restful spring break. Hope all is well with everyone else!

The Great Return to Work!

I am now on my third day back and am doing great. The boys are happy in school and love the trip to the gym after I pick them up. We get home around 6, which seems late, but they aren't any the worse for wear and I am feeling better with the little break between work and family duties. We've been attending Johnson Ferry Baptist Church on Sunday's and every time we pick Spencer up, we hear, "I love church! I had fun at church." Patrick is growing like a weed and I am fearful he will be bigger than Spencer one day...look out big brother! Our winter storm lasted about a day and it was Spencer's first time playing in the snow. He wasn't much interested in helping me build the snow man, but loved the sledding. Adreneline junkie, just like Dad. Patrick, of course, snuggled inside in his swing, sleeping, while we played.

2010 Already?!?!

The end of 2009 was a whirlwind with Patrick arriving and then on to Christmas and New Year's. I am still enjoying my time home - I have until February 16th. Spencer is still going to "school" and has become obsessed with football! Kris will get back to world traveling at the end of January (YIKES). Patrick and I spend our days doing LOTS of laundry, playing Wii, going to the gym, and watching the occasional remodeling show. Georgia loves her new "baby brother" and often sneaks kisses when she thinks we aren't looking! I've included several pictures from both Christmas and the last few weeks. Spencer got a football helmet and a stationary bike for Christmas and both were big hits. He also got a tent that he loves playing in with Dada. Patrick is starting to giggle and smile, so that has been fun to see. He loves watching Spencer play.

We hope everyone had a great holiday season and 2010 is moving along as great for you as it is for us!

Thanksgiving 2009

Patrick James has arrived!

October 31, 2009 and we are loving every minute with him. Spencer is being a great big brother, patting Patrick's head, letting us know when he's crying, bringing mommy burp cloths, pillows and diapers and commiserating with an "ow" when mommy and Patrick are feeding. (He's so observant.) Kris and I are working through the sleepless nights, but surviving. We have had several friends brining meals and family members staying over, which has helped us make it through these last few weeks. Here's to many more happy ones and a great upcoming holiday season!

Fall School Pix

Spencer took fall school pictures last week. The first day the photographer was there, he wanted no parts of it at all. So much for a modeling career. The second day, I had Kris take him in hopes that they would be set up in time for Kris to humor him and get a good smile. Of course, the company wasn't ready, Kris had to go to work and Spencer "tolerated" the nonsense. Oh well, we got half a smile which is better than none.

Down on the Farm

We took Spencer to a little place south of Jasper on Saturday to get a pumpkin. He wasn't interested in the pumpkins, but LOVED the animal cut outs (so did dad)! Can you tell? Baby #2 is still holding out for Halloween and we are all excited for his arrival. Will keep you posted if anything changes.