Birthdays, Blindsides, and Goodbye Kisses

We couldn't believe how quickly September had come and gone.  We were in full-scale planning for all things Fall & Winter.  October is a jam packed Birthday month.  Josiah was about to turn 4.  My birthday is at the end of the month.  We had a birthday celebration planned.  Our annual trip to the pumpkin patch was approaching.  We decided, this year, to bypass the mall trick-or-treating and take the boys "real" trick-or-treating - we were going with Josiah's best friend & her family!  Things familiar and new - we couldn't wait.

The boys had their flu shots.  Carl had a few MD appointments.  By Columbus Day weekend, we all had colds.  New England living makes this a common occurrence - cold one day, hot the next.  This wasn't unusual, nor did it concern us.

On Sunday, October 11th, family gathered to celebrate the 4 October birthdays.  It was a beautiful day.  Carl spent a lot of time outside with the boys.  We enjoyed good food, exchanged gifts, had cake, and celebrated a day of making memories.  The boys were happy.  I was happy.  Carl was happy.

On Monday, Josiah turned 4.   Carl had an MD appt.  I took the boys to a dentist appointment.  After, we met up with Carl at the YMCA.  We had registered the big boys for their first-ever mud run!  We spent a beautiful afternoon together.  It was a gorgeous day.  The boys had a blast and each won a medal.  Carl got a call, from his doctor, in the afternoon.  Carl had pneumonia.

Carl had gone through bouts of pneumonia countless times in his life.  This was not new to him.  It was not concerning.  A prescription was called in and we headed home.  The boys had school on Tuesday.

Tuesday & Wednesday were normal school days.  They were routine, at home, for Carl & I.  Thursday morning, we put the kids on their buses, for school.  Carl waved goodbye as the buses drove away - just as he does every morning.

Carl didn't seem to be getting better.  If anything, he seemed worse.  After some pleading, and a call to the MD, Carl agreed to let me drive him to the e.r.  We were sure he simply needed a more powerful antibiotic.  We weren't concerned.  Josiah and I brought Carl to the e.r. and said we'd see him later.

Carl was admitted to the hospital, for pneumonia.  He was being pumped full of antibiotics.  Friday, the boys and I went about our normal routine.  We talked to Daddy on the phone, Friday night.

By Saturday morning, I was concerned about Josiah's cough.  So, I bypassed the pediatrician and headed straight to the Children's Hospital.  I missed Carl & wished he were with us.  I thought about the last 10 years of Carl's health issues - chronic ulcers, several near death experiences, and several major surgeries.  He came through all of it.  He was a fighter.  This was just pneumonia.  This was nothing, comparatively speaking.

At 11am, we were still in the e.r.  Josiah had been seen but we were waiting for scripts, etc.  Josiah had bronchitis and an ear infection.  I realized that I had missed a call from the local hospital.  The message - Carl was in critical condition.  I called & spoke with the ICU MD.  Carl had strep pneumonia which had seeped into his blood stream; he was in septic shock.  I looked at the 3 boys through the window of that little room.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

We were able to leave a short time later.  Carl's brother was cutting a trip short; he was headed home to be with Carl. 

Carl's condition continued to spiral.  Strep pneumonia.  Septic shock.  Kidney failure.  Catastrophic medical phenomena continued.  I made two trips to the hospital to see him.  I kissed him, held his hand, thanked him for being my husband, thanked him for being an awesome father to our children.  I begged him to fight & told him how much we loved him.  His brother spent hours at his bedside.

On Monday, October 19th, at 8:13am - Carl took his last breath.

How had we gotten here?  How could I be saying goodbye to my Love?  How could this be happening?  One week before, we cheered our boys on during their mud run.  Now I prepared for the bus to arrive home.  Now I had to tell the boys that Daddy was gone.

A week before, it was picture perfect.  It was perfect until it was no longer.....

Fall into Winter

As the summer days passed by, we spent our time making memories.  Our oldest attended summer camp, the middle boy attended preschool, and Josiah had his usual fill of early intervention and outside therapies.  With each passing day, we could feel Fall approaching.  Each day, we were one day closer to the change that each Fall brings.  By the third week of August, we frantically tried to slow time down.  We added family activities to the schedule...knowing we would soon be limited by school-year scheduling.  By the last week of August, it had all come to pass.  Summer had ended.  The oldest began 2nd grade.  The 4 year old embraced a new school year, at his preschool.  Labor Day was right around the corner.

As September began, we counted the weeks until Josiah turned three.  The big boys were in school, full time.  Around the corner, big changes were in the air. Josiah was about to start preschool, in the local public school.  Our first IEP was in our immediate future.  Early Intervention was going to come to a grinding halt.  Our way of life, for 3 years, was about to change.  Though exciting, we were feeling the nervous energy that often accompanies anticipation.

By mid-Sept, we had received notice of the scheduled IEP meeting.  I didn't know if I should be excited or dread it's very existence.  I had heard nightmares about IEP meetings, attitudes, different perspectives where no one is willing to work together, etc.  The morning of the IEP meeting finally arrived.  Carl & I arrived to the school with Josiah's EI worker & an advocate from the local DDS office.  We were, truthfully, prepared to be unimpressed.  

I was never so pleased to be proven wrong!!!!  The IEP meeting was amazing!  They had considered everything & then some!  Josiah's needs had already been considered.  Special accommodations had already been thoughtfully planned out.  They were offering him 7 therapies per week, in addition to his classroom work.  They offered him an extended school year so that he can attend in the summer.  They had already included sign language as a method of communication (as Josiah has few spoken words). 

I asked only for two things: 1.  Potty training - it was included before I could finish speaking.  2.  A communication log - which was implemented on day one & has been a constant!  We walked away impressed.  We walked away knowing that we were blessed!  This was the right place for Josiah.  We didn't need to fear the unknown any longer.

As we prepared for Josiah's first day of school, we said our goodbye's to Early Intervention.  We said goodbye to the Early Intervention Child Coordinator who had been with us from the very beginning.  It was a strange sensation....to be actively involved with a team of people, then they simply stop coming.  Strange, strange, indeed.

Before we had time to mourn the loss of our friends, we quickly met new friends as Josiah's Physical therapy was moved to an outside agency (where he was already receiving OT and Speech).  Josiah transitioned nicely to all the changes.  Before we knew what was happening, it was the first day of preschool.  He was up, fed, dressed, and outside waiting for his bus.  We could hardly believe our eyes.

 

And so it began, mid-October.  Josiah attended his first day of preschool.  There were a few tears, the first two days of school, then he was off and running.  He attends school 4 days per week, 2.5 hours per day.  During those four days, he received OT 2x/week, PT 2x/week, and Speech 3x/week.  Two afternoons per week, he attends therapy at an outside agency....OT, PT, and Speech, each day.  That's 13 therapies per week!!!  Unbelievable!!!

So, four days per week, this Mama finds herself with 2.5 hours to get errands done, clean the house, do laundry, change beds, etc....without interruption.  By lunch time, each day, Josiah happily arrives home.

This has been our life for the past 10 weeks.  Meanwhile, we've celebrated family birthdays, enjoyed Thanksgiving, survived a stomach bug, and now excitedly prepare for Christmas.

This Mama finds herself tired....blessed, but tired.

 

Enjoy every single moment, as they cannot be repeated

Change is in the Air

Kids grow so fast.  Josiah will be three in October.  That means he ages out of Early Intervention (EI).  His services (physical therapy) will be switched to the rehabilitation center where he received OT (occupational therapy) and Speech.  EI will also prepare Josiah for transition to the public preschool in town. 

We were determined to send Josiah to the same preschool that his brothers attended.  EI (early intervention) assumed the path of the public preschool.  After all, Josiah has Down syndrome and is granted an automatic spot in their program.  We didn't know a lot about the program but we initially railed against it.  It wasn't personal.  I guess we didn't like the idea of something being presumed for our son.  We didn't like the idea that he would be 'singled out' because he has an extra chromosome.  His big brothers didn't go there; why should he?

Acting on intelligence, and not simply emotion, C & I decided to take a tour of the public preschool classroom.  We were so glad we did that!!!  We brought an entourage with us that day.  C & I had Josiah as well as my best friend (who is a preschool teacher at another location).  The EI worker met us there, as well.  The assistant principle was taken aback by the amount of people with us.  The fact that we brought Josiah (something they encouraged me not to do) also may have thrown her.  However, if he was to attend there - we needed to see how he would react to the environment.

We were accompanied to the preschool classroom and asked to sit against the wall to 'observe.'  After about ten minutes, Josiah couldn't contain himself any longer.  He wanted down.  He wanted to play.  The lead teacher graciously allowed him to join a small group of children who were playing with blocks.  He sat in the group, like a pro.  He stacked blocks, was mindful of other children, and even used a few signs to communicate his wants and needs.  He fit in just fine.

We watched small groups of children move from 'station' to 'station,' always with a teacher.  The classroom was organized; Teachers were amazing.  We sat stunned.  Suddenly, our feelings about preschool changed.  There are only 10-12 children per classroom in this public, integrated, preschool.  We couldn't tell the 'peer children' from their counterparts.  

We walked out of the school with the realization that what we 'plan' isn't always the best plan.  This preschool program quickly proved to be the best option for Josiah.  When you are able, and willing, to be open to possibility - God shows you the best path to take.  He certainly had His hand in this one!

The teachers have since been to the house, to observe Josiah in his natural environment.  We learned that the teacher has two deaf children, of her own.  She is fluent in sign language and knew every sign Josiah used to communicate with her, even his approximations.  We were thrilled!!  Josiah took a liking to his new friends.

When the school year resumes in September, the IEP meeting will be scheduled.  Josiah will attend preschool Monday-Thursday, two-and-a-half hours per day.  A bus will pick him up at home, and return him after school.  He will receive some services at school, in addition to those he receives at rehab.  

I am nervous about sending him 'out' in the big world but have faith that he will grow and learn.  I know it will be good for him.

C & I will suddenly find ourselves with 3 hours per day where we are kid-free.  That will be a new experience for us.

In the meanwhile, we will spend our summer experiencing life with our children.  We will excitedly prepare for what's to come.  We will continue to be grateful for the many blessings in our life.

31 for 21 Challenge: Day Twelve. Josiah is TWO!!!

Josiah turned two on Saturday.  I can't believe my eyes!  He has become such an incredible little boy.  I read my blog from his first birthday.  I wrote the following:

"It's official!  Josiah is ONE!!!!!

It's hard to believe what a difference a year can make.

Last year, at this time, I think I was running on pure adrenaline (and strength from above).  My oldest brother had just died (in September) and we had put him to rest.  Carl had had a medical emergency and was hospitalized for about two weeks.  One week later, Josiah was born.

The following several months were typical of a family embracing a new baby.  We were no different, just running on exhaustion having survived the chaos of the previous weeks.

In December, the older boys got colds.  Josiah got one - it proved to be the best thing that could have happened.  The 'cold' developed into bronchiolitis (and possible RSV).  He was hospitalized at Children's for one night.  We (he and I) were released New Years Eve day.  Two weeks later, during a follow up echo cardiogram, we would learn that Josiah had numerous holes in his heart resulting in pulmonary hypertension...not good news!  Two weeks later, we were at Children's where Josiah would undergo open heart surgery.

Josiah was released from Children's 4 days after surgery.  Six weeks later, he was fully recovered.  The weight continued to be a battle for several more months.  Now, he is a thriving little boy.

To say we treasure every moment, is a gross understatement.  To say we are thankful doesn't even come close to the gratitude we feel.  We have an amazing family.  We have an amazing life.  We have been blessed a hundred fold.  We know this much is true!"

And so it continues.  We have three beautiful boys.  They are happy and healthy.  Our lives would not be the same without them.

We are truly blessed!!!

"For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude"

- author unknown

The One-Year Check Up

October was a busy month full of birthdays (including Josiah's), Halloween parties, and outings.  This was in addition to school (K and preschool) and Early Intervention.  As is the norm, Josiah's 'one year old' distinction earned him his one-year check up at the pediatrician's office.

A few days after his birthday, we headed out in the a.m. to take him to the MD.  We arrived a few minutes early.  I felt confident that he had continued to gain weight.  I was hoping that it would be 'enough.'  Luckily for me, it's the first thing they do - weigh the child.  It was 'just what I needed.'  He weighed in at 18lbs 9oz.  He measured a long 29.5 inches.  To make matters more exciting, he plotted on the chart - the 'typical' chart.  They, apparently, don't like to use the Down Syndrome growth chart any longer, so the 'typical' chart it is.  He plotted on the chart, for weight, for the very first time ever!!!  He's in the 3rd percentile for weight; He's in the 36th percentile for height.  Our boy made the charts!!!  :) 

Of course, all the measurements were obtained by the nurse.  When the doctor came in, I was quick to share the numbers.  His smile told it all!  He said, "Josiah's just the size of a small one year old."  "My boys weren't much bigger than he his; they weren't 20 lbs at their first birthday."  Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief.  I can finally stop being so worried about this nonsense :)

Josiah received his flu booster shot (two are always required the first year).  He received his other vaccinations and handled them like a trooper.  Before we knew it, it was time to leave.  Next visit: 15 months.

So, here we are.  One year old and all is well :)  Now, it's just time to follow up on hearing tests, etc...

31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY FOURTEEN: Birthday Celebration

Sunday, we were up early.  It seems like we never allow enough time to get ready....though it is rather unbelievable.  We were up at 8am - 2 kids bathed the night before.  We didn't need to leave until 11:45 - no problem, right?  Well, a few minutes after 12 noon, we were departing.  After a few pre-planned errands, we were off to a family member's house.  Close to 1:30, we arrived; we were only about 1/2 hour late.

The day was spent with family.  It was such a nice and relaxing day.  Four birthdays were to be celebrated.  Josiah just turned one - ready to embark on a lifetime of adventures.  My aunt just turned 84 - the celebration of a long, healthy, life - closer to the end, than the beginning.  My nephew turned 20 - he is no longer that little boy or teenager but rather a handsome, young man destined to a life of accomplishments.  My birthday falls at the end of the month....I couldn't ask for a better life. 

We opted to allow Josiah to do a face plant in a piece of cake (with ice cream, of course).  Somehow, I think he was as leery as we were.  Although he grabbed the plate with great gusto, he was cautious with every movement.  He ultimately decided not to plant his face in his food.  He did allow his daddy to feed him a few small pieces of cake, as well as a few tiny spoonfuls of ice cream.  Honestly, I don't think he was impressed.

I was impressed, later at home, to see the possible effect the cake/ice cream had on him.  Luckily, we didn't have exploding diapers or a sick little boy.  What we did have was a maniac.  Instead of nursing and falling asleep in my arms at 8pm, he was full of himself.  He was energetic, giggly, full of smiles and laughter.  He was a crazy little man.  Just before midnight, the sugar had worn off; he fell asleep. 

Carl and I finally retired at midnight only to be awakened by the 2 yr old at 2:18am; He thought it was a good time to get up and play.  He was disappointed to learn that we did not agree with him.  Thankfully, he agreed (begrudgingly) to go back to sleep.  We tried, and we dozed, but I don't think we got restful sleep after that.  The alarm went off at 6:15.  It was Monday morning; it had come much too quickly....

31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY THIRTEEN: Birthday Weekend

I spent the first few hours Saturday teaching at the school of performing arts.  It was the first day of the new program - a musical theater program for children with Down Syndrome.  There are only a few students right now, but I know this will grow in time.  Class was fun.  The kids were great!!!!  This is going to be a blast.

I was home by early afternoon, and we spend a Saturday at home.  I keep marveling at Josiah - I am in awe of him; I am in awe of my three little guys :)

Tomorrow (Sunday), we are having a big family get-together for the "October birthdays."  In our family, there are four.  Josiah, my nephew, my aunt (who shares Josiah's birthday, 83 yrs apart), and me. 

Here's tonight's question....should I let Josiah do a face plant in a cupcake?

We allowed both our older boys to have their first taste of cake/frosting on their first birthday.  However, they had both had table food (even if minimal) by the time their first birthday arrived.  Josiah has not had the same experience.  He does very well with food, but it's been (primarily) baby food.  AND, he is still breastfeeding.  The older boys were walking at 11 months; Josiah is still working on being able to sit.  So.....what to do???

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the get together.  We're having another party later in the month.  For both, Josiah will wear his "birthday boy" outfit (a very cute one-piece outfit that James wore on his 1st birthday).

Looking forward, we have C visiting this week (occupational therapy) - she just asked for permission to complete a four-visit infant massage therapy with Josiah - I said yes, of course.  That will begin soon.

Beyond that....it's school for the big boys, EI (early intervention) for the younger ones, first teacher conference, fundraiser, and a trip to a Pumpkin patch with all three kids.  It'll be a fun week :)

It is late and I have a lot to do before the party.  I'm off to bed.  Sleep well my friends.

"Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world"

- unknown author

31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY TWELVE: 1st Birthday

It's official!  Josiah is ONE!!!!!

It's hard to believe what a difference a year can make.

Last year, at this time, I think I was running on pure adrenaline (and strength from above).  My oldest brother had just died (in September) and we had put him to rest.  Carl had had a medical emergency and was hospitalized for about two weeks.  One week later, Josiah was born.

The following several months were typical of a family embracing a new baby.  We were no different, just running on exhaustion having survived the chaos of the previous weeks.

In December, the older boys got colds.  Josiah got one - it proved to be the best thing that could have happened.  The 'cold' developed into bronchiolitis (and possible RSV).  He was hospitalized at Children's for one night.  We (he and I) were released New Years Eve day.  Two weeks later, during a follow up echo cardiogram, we would learn that Josiah had numerous holes in his heart resulting in pulmonary hypertension...not good news!  Two weeks later, we were at Children's where Josiah would undergo open heart surgery.

Josiah was released from Children's 4 days after surgery.  Six weeks later, he was fully recovered.  The weight continued to be a battle for several more months.  Now, he is a thriving little boy.

To say we treasure every moment, is a gross understatement.  To say we are thankful doesn't even come close to the gratitude we feel.  We have an amazing family.  We have an amazing life.  We have been blessed a hundred fold.  We know this much is true!

"For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude"

- author unknown

31 for 21 Blog Challenge: DAY THREE: When Will He Walk?

Josiah will be celebrating his first birthday this month.  The first birthday is always a fun one.  With our other two boys, we reminisced over the many milestones each had accomplished over the first year. 

Jesse had stopped nursing at 10 days and was primarily bottle fed.  I had returned to work when he was three months old.  He had started sprouting teeth at 3 months, was sitting at 6 months, and walking at 11 months.  At his first year check up: he weighed 22 lbs, was 31 inches in height, and had all the teeth of a 2 year old.

James had stopped nursing (via self-weaning) at 10 months.  I never returned to work.  He cut his first tooth at 5 months, was sitting at 7 months, and was walking at 11 months.  At his first year check up: he weighed 19 lbs, was 29 inches tall, and had all the teeth of a 1 year old.

Josiah is 11 months old.  He had his first hospitalization at 2 months.  He became a heart hero at 3 months (surviving open heart surgery).  He cut his first tooth at 8 months.  He has mastered head control.  The skills to master sitting are progressing by leaps and bounds.  He rolls around but cannot yet crawl.  He just reached 17 lbs and is approximately 28 inches tall.  He has a total of 4 teeth. 

Carl and I don't see Josiah as being 'delayed.'  We know he has yet to reach the developmental milestones of his peers.  We also see beyond what he has yet to accomplish.  Josiah is an amazing little boy.  He is the most social, engaging, little guy.  He loves to smile, laugh, and be included.  He loves attention.  He loves being a part of the family.

This morning, I remarked that he would be celebrating his first birthday soon.  I also remarked that his big brothers were walking by 11 months.  That thought made me a little sad - a feeling I don't usually have when it comes to Josiah.  I know he will be able to accomplish anything and everything.  Sometimes, I just need to remind myself that it might take him a little longer.

Recently, we had the boys on an outing.  Two women kept remarking about how cute Josiah was (the older boys were playing nearby).  The thought went through my mind, "Can they tell that he has Down Syndrome? or Do they just think that he's cute?"  Either way is fine.  I guess I'm trying to prepare for the day (and there will be one) when the topic is raised.

Like we've said from the beginning, Josiah is not a regret but a gift.  We don't pity him or our family.  We are humbled by the joy our boys bring to us on a daily basis.  I know someday, Josiah will be judged by someone.  Perhaps we'll be judged (again) for keeping him.  Perhaps he'll be made fun of.  I don't look forward to those moments but hope I can use them to teach others about the blessing that is Josiah.

Yes, I have the moments where I ask myself "When will he walk?"  "When will he...."  In the end, it doesn't matter.  He'll do all those things.  Our older boys will meet all of their next milestones.  They are only young once.  We will enjoy every minute of this time.  Once they meet a milestone, we can never go back.

"Slow down and enjoy life.  It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast -

you also miss the sense of where you are going and why"

- Eddie Cantor

A Great EI PT Visit & Synagis Shot

Josiah had his monthly EI PT visit on Thursday morning.  He had been changed, fed, and was ready for action.  D arrived as scheduled and Josiah seemed pleased to see her.  He was very content to be placed on his activity mat.  D received lots of smiles.  Josiah was happy to show off his new tricks.  Almost as if on cue, Josiah raised his hands in the air, grasped rings with his hands (and held on tight).  He was content to be rocked from side to side.  He demonstrated how easily he can raise both legs in the air and bring his knees to his tummy.  Then came belly time.  For a short time, he seemed amused.  He watched a toy, even reaching for it numerous times.  With assistance, he grasped the toy and held it tightly between two fingers.  He still has very low muscle tone in his neck, which seems to frustrate him.  After about 10 minutes on his belly, he decided to had had enough.  It took Mom (me) to console him, then he nursed and fell sound asleep (snoring lol).

D seemed pleased with his progress since her last visit.  We are too.

Friday morning, Josiah had his next scheduled Synagis shot.  He weighed in at 9lbs 3oz.  I was a little disappointed as he only gained 3oz in 10 days.  However, the cardiologist warned that the weight gain would not be instantaneous.  He assured us it will happen.  The pediatrician wants us to supplement with bottles.  We do try from time to time but Josiah hates bottles.  We'll keep up the effort.  Here's hoping to a better weight gain next time.

This morning (Saturday), James woke with a fever (101.5) and an unmistakable cold.  Jesse has had 'sniffles' for about two weeks.  Jesse, too, woke with a slight fever (100).  They both responded well to Tylenol.  James took his usual nap but unfortunately woke with a higher fever (102.5).  Jesse's was still 100.  Two more doses of Tylenol seems to have cured Jesse.  James went to bed with a fever of 101.  I'm suspicious that James could have an ear infection.  I'm just wondering if the trip to the pediatrician will be on Sunday morning, or if it will wait until Monday.  I'll see how James is in the morning.  Family is coming over tomorrow (Sunday) so I'm hoping they will sleep well tonight and awake without fever.

Beyond that, we celebrated my brother's birthday and Carl's birthday this week.  And, my friend has been visiting from Ireland.  Her little boy is suspected to have autism.  My heart truly goes out to her.

February Vacation

It's been a very relaxing few days.  Jesse has the week off from preschool.  I think we are enjoying February vacation as much as he is.  The two trips back/forth to his school are eliminated for the week - it's been a nice change.  James's playgroup is cancelled for the same; one less commitment we need to worry about this week.  Admittedly, I really missed the EI worker (whom I'll call K) coming to the house this week.  James and Josiah both enjoy their time with her each week.  I think we all miss her, when she doesn't come out. 

Tomorrow is another lazy day at home.  I'm looking forward to it.  On Thursday, EI PT (whom I'll call D) is coming to work with Josiah.  I'm can't wait for her to come out this week.  I think she'll be surprised with the change in him.  I know we are.  Prior to surgery, Josiah slept a lot.  He ate every 4 hours; at night, I would have to wake him after 7 hrs to eat.  He would primarily lay on his back with arms outstretched beside him.  Since surgery, he is awake and alert most of the day.  He eats every 1.5-3 hrs.  Fortunately at night, he generally sleeps for one 5-6 hr stretch, allowing me to catch up a little bit on sleep.  For me, it's like having a newborn all over again (in terms of eating).  I swear he's grown in length in the past two weeks.  He is constantly moving his arms and legs now.  It's exciting to watch the strides he's made in the past few weeks.  His muscle tone is still very low in his neck and trunk.  He cannot hold his head up yet but I know that will come with time.  Tomorrow will be four weeks since his open-heart surgery.  I remain in awe of my little heart hero.

On Friday, we return to the pediatrician for Josiah's synagis shot.  He'll have a weight check that day.  I am nervous that he hasn't gained much weight in the past two weeks despite his constant eating.  I have to keep reminding myself that he only had open-heart surgery four weeks ago; the weight gain may not be instant.  Also, he gained 11 ounces in the first two weeks after surgery.  I believe he's grown in inches and he's constantly moving.  This may explain where some of the calories are going.  I guess it's just a wait-and-see thing now.

Friday is also Carl's birthday.  We celebrated with my family last weekend.  We will celebrate with Carl's family this weekend.  Then, Monday, we'll be back to our normal routine. 

In the meanwhile, I will continue to enjoy the week - mostly commitment free.  There's nothing more I enjoy than spending time with my husband and three beautiful boys.