Whew.....

So the last time I had any idea of what reality was it was Sunday morning at about 0630. That was when I arrived at work for what I thought was going to be just another day at the office. W R O N G! It's a quick post for now (merely because my exhaustion won't allow any more) to let everyone know that Graham has made it home and is nearly back to his old social smiling self. A few more days of snot and cough is what we expect, but his breathing is great. Henri has seemed to take all of this in stride and I sure have missed him and Josh while we were at the hospital. Looking forward to a family dinner and bathtime with Henri tonight! It's the mundane routine of life that I feel we miss the most when it's gone. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and help these past three days.

Mel

Aunt Andrea!

So last Thursday my friend of 14+ years came to visit with us. She stayed four days, and Henri sure had a blast while she was here. He had undivided attention for the first time in two months. I think she was equally as excited to get to meet and have snuggle time with Graham. While she was here I was able to get many "things" done around the house that had been neglected and we also took a trip to my favorite store...ARCHIVERS! Andrea and her sister had gotten me a gift card for my birthday and I was able to go spend it on Graham's new scrapbook. Thanks girls!, I can't wait to get started on that! We missed Aunt Andrea as soon as she left and hope to see her again soon. So here is her shout out......WOOOOOOT WOOT.




Auntie took Henri on his first carousel ride....he was not sure at first!

Great Grandparents

My great grandparents got the perfect gift for the boys this year. As many of you with children will already know.....toys multiply faster than you can keep track of them. My grandparents got the boys a new shelf that has bins to sort tows into. I love being organized, and the best part, Henri can now learn how to sort like toys and put them away on his own. We were sad we didn't get to go home at Christmas time, but we are trying to plan a trip in late February/early March. The post will be short since Aunt Andrea is still here visiting, but look for pics and a post with her very soon.

Mission Eustachian tubes: complete!

That there is a fancy smancy term for ear tubes! Henri showed a bit of his momma's colors this morning when he was awakened from a slumber early...he was not a fan. Anyway, off to the hospital we went an things went off without a glitch. Henri took the pre-op stuff great and I was able to carry him to the operating room and stay with him until he was asleep. That gave me quite a bit of peace of mind. Henri was awake and pointing to the door to leave when we arrived in the recovery area...that boy knows what's up I tell ya! He immediately signed for water...took a long sip...and we signed the discharge papers. Henri then had a record setting breakfast. We can only hope this showing is a preview of what is to come for him. He ate four, yes four, sausage links...some eggs, half a biscuit and some tater tots. Graham was a good boy throughout the procedure and spent a lot of time smiling at Dad while we waited. Henri should have immediate pain relief and we hope...a long long reprieve from any infections. Thank you to all who prayed and asked about Henri. Updates coming soon from our visit with Aunt Andrea.






A tuckered daddy with Graham after Henri's procedure.



Henri giving the "baby" kisses before he went back to the OR.



H man being his cute self!!



Getting checked out by the nurse...I'm pretty sure Henri made a few more girlfriends today and his PJ'S were a total hit.




'Choo Choo' Henri loved the trains on the way into the hospital today.

Surgery

I am getting ready to head upstairs and wake Henri for a change. Graham is loaded and the van is warming. We will be leaving in a minute. The nurse in me says...."this is really no big deal....they do it everyday...this is just another day at the office for his doctor." The mom in me is a nervous wreck and wouldn't admit it to most people. The mom in me is saying "Oh, goodness, oh goodness, oh, goodness" We will post an update once Henri is out of surgery. Thanks for the prayers.

Regression

Many many changes since our last update. Graham is continuing to have longer periods of alertness and interaction. Josh and I comment daily on how big he seems to us. He is constantly eating and is a phenomenal sleeper. Henri is also making strides...albeit some in th opposite direction. His ears still remain a problem, but we have great news. His procedure is at 0730 tomorrow morning!! Josh and I are so hopeful it will help him. He sleeps less now than when he was 8 months old. He also seems to have taken a large liking to all of the 'new baby toys" that we have gotten out for Graham...exhibit A is below. In other news...Josh will get the results of his big test around the end of the month which is when I plan on returning to work. We are having some difficulty getting Graham to take the bottle and that will be necessary before I can return. In BIG BIG news....we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Aunt Andrea this Thursday...she will be here for an extended visit and we are stoked. Hope everyone is well...we will update on Henri's status after his procedure tomorrow...please send prayers and positive thoughts his way.



Our sleeping prince..he was tuckered after tummy time here.



Here Graham is learning how handsome he looks in a mirror.


href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbJfrjUbB6TJ6pQm_ZpsjPN4kKYypa-DawwBWdXfKqd_G1prvyoeSg8A7aLTVaM9C-Kh_NF4Q9F7FCpylCmxDKuFPToArAe-EQeYQUnL-34HuKqFDy0jASW9uoJwWf682MpwdFUu4hBU/s1600/P1080305.JPG">

This is where we find Henri these days....lounging in baby brothers bouncy seat reading a book. I would like to take credit for having staged this pose or photo, but I"m just not that clever. Henri exhibits his jealousy by wanting to be in or on all the baby toys.....suppose it could be worse.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just like that it's the third day of the new year. I always have great intentions of getting things finished in a timely manner, and then life creeps up on me. My parents came into town to celebrate the new year with the four of us. It's their third year in a row being here on New Year's, and we love it. We didn't make it back to Cincinnati for Christmas, so Mom and Dad brought Christmas to us. We celebrated with gifts and stockings and an all around relaxing time. Henri is definitely beginning to understand the concept of gifts. On another Henri note, he has yet another ear infection and we are looking forward to the 12th. He needs these tubes in a bad way. We are hoping this will clear up much more than his ears! Graham is eating and growing like a weed. He is in three month clothes and we suspect not for long. Both Josh's Dad and mine need some prayer and positive thoughts. Josh's Dad recently had another PET scan and some of the tumors have spread to the upper lobes of his lungs and he is going to have to start yet another type of chemo so try and keep them at bay. My Dad fell at work two weeks ago and sees the orthopedic surgeon today. There is great reason to believe he has torn his MCL and fractured his tibia. Not good news at all. Henri and Graham are getting excited about next Thursday, Aunt Andrea and Jen and Uncle Scott are coming out for a visit. There will be head banging fun for all involved!!!



Mom and Dad with Henri and the loot they brought him....and we wonder why he is spoiled?



Dad helping Henri with his stocking.







GG with both of her boys.