Latest on Pops

We took the kids to see Pops today. He looks and sounds so much better. Once we fed the Tyrant, and got her in a better mood, she and Pops had some nice time together. She brought her copy of The Little Engine That Could to the hospital - if only she knew how appropriate that choice was - and "read" it to him, and also went on a walk around the floor with Mitz and Pops. We had to laugh when Pops told us that one doctor asked him if he had any pain, and his answer was "Yes, hunger pains". Unfortunately on the CardioPulmonary floor, he has no choice of menu, and everything is "perfectly" portioned.

Despite how good he looks and sounds, his condition is still serious. He was told today that he still has massive clots in his lungs, and we still don't know where they are coming from and why they aren't going away. I know many people are keeping him in their thoughts and prayers, so please continue to do so. He needs them, and we need him!

Love you Pops.

Oliver's first taste of cereal

We've been suspecting Skeezix has been interested in some real food for a couple of weeks now. Normally at dinnertime he's quite content to sit in his swing by the table while we eat. Lately, even if he's just been fed a bottle, he's fine at dinner until we actually start eating. Then he gets angry. Today at lunch, Jon had him in his lap, and Oliver kept grabbing at his fork, and eyeballing the fork as it went from plate to Jon's mouth. So on the way home, I did some grocery shopping and picked up some rice cereal.

I gave Oliver his first taste after we had dinner. I think he's ready - he swallowed it without a problem, and wasn't pushing it out with his tongue. He wasn't thrilled with the spoon though. He made the funniest "WTF" faces after the first spoonful - but once the food was in his mouth and the spoon removed, he was fine. So I think he just needs to get used to the spoon. I seem to recall Natalie being the same way. I'll probably keep him on just the cereal for a month or so - with Natalie's food allergies, I'm not in a rush to start introducing other foods just in case.

Here are some pictures!



"Hmmmm. What's this?"


"Ok, seriously, what the hell is this?"


"Come on, what is wrong with you people?!"

Pops update

Jim is still in the hospital, on bed rest. He sounded and looked better today, but he still has a ways to go. They are running lots of tests still, no diagnosis, and they still haven't found out what is causing the clots. There is another one in his leg that they are treating. He's on a ton of medications, and is good hands, so hopefully he'll heal and be home soon.

Pops

Jim was admitted to the heart hospital in town today. He has blood clots in his lungs, and we're very lucky he's still here! He'll be in the hospital for 5-7 days, while they treat the clots and try to find out what caused them. I'll update when I can, as I'll be at the hospital as much as possible.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!

We love you!

Jenn, Natalie and Oliver
xoxoxoxox

(more later)

Second day of pre-school

Natalie's teacher told me she had a GREAT day! She listened well, participated in the songs and games, was laughing, playing in the "kitchen" with the other kids, and even told her teacher she loves her! She told us she was the Calender Helper today. I think all of the changes we've been through this year are just crashing down on her now - she's been asking about her old house and old pink room. Her teachers are aware of everything she's been through, and they are looking out for her. I'm so glad I found that school (she's at First United Methodist Pre-school)! All of the teachers, aides and the director are so loving towards the kids, and always have time to speak with the parents.

And rather than make a separate post... At about 4:30 this morning, a clap of thunder went off over our house - so loud - I've only ever heard thunder like that one other time - it seriously sounded like the house was falling down around us. Jolted us both out of bed. Jon went to check on Natalie, and she was hiding under her covers. We brought her into bed with us, and while it took her a little while to settle down, she finally did. One thing she said was pretty cute - "Teddy's going to roar at the angels to make them stop bowling".

All I have to say is, someone up there bowled one hell of a strike at 4:30!

Craft night

Natalie received an issue of a magazine geared towards pre-schoolers. I *think* it was just a free sample, trying to get us to subscribe, but if someone sent her a subscription - you need to 'fess up as we'll owe a thank you! Anyway, I was reading her some of the little stories in it, and she told me that she wanted to hear the Curious George one. The CG page was actually an activity, so we decided to make it. It was about CG in space, so we glued the picture of CG to some cardboard and cut it out, Jon followed the directions and made the rocket (and did a damned good job!), and Natalie and I worked on the space picture, using black construction paper, glitter glue, and all sorts of shapes and sparkly things that I keep around for her to use for crafts. It was a fun way to kill the time between dinner and bedtime! Here's the finished result:



Daddy's rocket - that's a toilet paper roll, wrapping paper, construction paper for the flames, and I wasn't paying attention to how he made the top of the rocket. I think it's a circle of cardboard, glued together, with construction paper attached.