Instant gratification

Apparently that's how I like it. I want a haircut..I want it rightnow. I want ice cream...I want it now. I want to know what's going on with Mike's medical stuff...I want to know now.

Only- oops. That's not how it works. It sure is slow going getting things figured out. What I do know: Monday he goes to the hospital for an angiogram and another Echo. As long as nothing emergent comes of that, we meet with a surgeon in Spokane at the end of August to go over things. We are also sending his tests and records to a doctor in Dallas. He specializes in a specific procedure that we want to see if Mike would qualify for, and if he does, at least it's in a place where we know quite a few people. Hopefully he will have surgery, of some kind, in some place, sometime in September.

Ok. Enough of that.

Matthew! Crazy wild man Matthew. Let me tell you- he is ALL boy. He likes to rough play, screech, throw things and generally drive his mama crazy. This week two things were discovered: he can reach a pitch when screaming I never thought possible. When he doesn't get his way, he will bust out this ear piercing scream and pretend he's crying, only he's not really crying, he just wants attention. Then if you ignore him, he will eventually get so angry that the real tears come. But sorry--no, you're not allowed to bite mommy on the leg because you're mad.

Ok, so the second thing I learned. Unless the child is literally strapped to you, he's going to get into something. It is virtually impossible to keep my eyeballs glued to him--trying to give him a little independence at least. But multitasking, does not work so well for me. As I was talking on the home phone to my mom this week, while emptying the dishwasher, Matthew had my cell phone and thought it would be fun to put it in the dogs water bowl. Fun? Nope. Screech? Yup.

This (nap time) is the only quiet part of my day. It is blissful and quiet and, well, perfect. I love nap time.

My husband has a big heart

("full of love for you!" is what HE says.)

This is what happens when I go to doctors appointments with my husband-

doc- "it's time"
mike- (no words, just grins at the doctor)
doc- "you need this surgery within the month"
mike- "what?"
me- "and by month, you mean MONTH?"

I can't say we didn't know this day would come sometime, I just don't think either one of us realized it would be so soon. Mike has a congenital heart defect in the form of a bicuspid aortic valve. Basically his valve doesn't close as much as it's supposed to, causing back flow, causing him to have an enlarged left ventricle. (I'm sure there's more to it than that, but that's all I really got from it). He is followed every 3-6 months to re-measure everything and in the last 3 months the growth rate was a lot higher than in the past. There is a point of no return, where if it gets to be that size, it causes permanent damage- he is simply getting too close to that point. We are currently in a whirlwind of decision making. We were told "go somewhere you have support"- only problem, there's no where even on this side of the country that has that. Lucky we have friends and family that are always willing to offer support from afar! Past that, it's really a crap shoot, isn't it? We simply have to choose a doctor and hospital and get a consult. The doctor has to determine what surgery is best for him. There was talk of a fancy robot, which makes it less invasive with less recovery. We're pretty sure that one is not going to ideal for Mike, but we won't know for sure until talking with a surgeon. More than likely he will need open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve with something else (with what is another to be determined piece). Within a month or so.

My head is spinning a bit.

No pictures!

I know, I know- it's way more fun when you get to see cute pics of the kid, but he's far too busy these days to catch it all on camera. I'm currently sitting in the living room afraid to move a muscle, lest said muscle (or arm jiggle...whichever) wake up the child. I love it when he sleeps in, but I have to tiptoe around the joint to keep it that way.

Not too much going on. Matthew is such a busy, clingy little guy. I am struggling with keeping him busy these days. It's HOT outside and can only be tolerated in small doses. We take full advantage of the spray park some days, but I'm sure he doesn't want that every day. My game plan of the week is finding him/us something to do in the morning- preferably out of the house. It's seems to help with naps, and I can usually get about 2 hours out of him in the afternoon (a big step for my previous catnapper!) This morning will be "baby boogie" at the library. He usually enjoys himself there.

Afternoons have been different every day- I am still going to physical therapy 3 times a week for my darn foot problem. Some days I think it's helping, other days I'm not so sure. Today is one of the not so sure days. Last week I thought it was helping so I took a long walk with Matthew on Monday morning, and been paying for it since. I don't even want to think about how much money has gone towards this annoyance (new shoes, orthotics, night splint, therapy, anti-inflammatory meds). I am ready to be done. Anyway, the girl across the street watches Matthew while I'm at my appointments, and he seems to love playing with her! She's really quiet with me, but she must be playful with him because he is always playing happily when I get home. Is it sad that I actually ENJOY going to physical therapy, if only for the break from being mommy that it gives me??

Tomorrow I'm going to accompany my dear sweet husband to HIS doctors appointment. (insert obvious requests for good thoughts and prayers here). He is followed closely by a cardiologist for a heart issue he was born with. We always knew at some point he'd need a valve replaced, and at the last appointment they said that time was soon (he reported "this year sometime"). I expect I will learn more by hearing first hand what the doctor says and not the watered down version that he gives me. Hopefully not much, or anything, has changed from 4 months ago.

Back to Matthew- silly boy! Last night I went out in the backyard to hang some laundry on the clothesline. He follows me outside and starts splashing in his pool. Next thing I know, he's just crawling right into the kiddie pool, throwing a ball and dumping water in his container. Another reason to watch him like a hawk--he is drawn to all things water! I figure he's going to be an Olympic swimmer, a scuba diver, or a lifeguard one day.

All in all- Mommy's tired and Matthew's wired. Such is our life.

Reason #24,675 not to leave the bathroom door open...

Because you never quite know when your child will decide it would be a good idea to play with a cup in the toilet water. (yes, I know...YUCK!)

And because toilet paper can make quite the mess.

Hidden gem

A new spray/sprinkler/water park opened up in town, apparently the beginning of July (who knew?) A few of us took our kids there to play today and I feel like I could take Matthew there every day! He had a BLAST playing in the water! No trepidation, he just walked right into the place and started walking through the water. It was so much fun to watch!

New Video

I cannot watch this video and not laugh. I understand, it may have been one of those "you had to be there" moments, but Matthew can get so entertained by the silliest of things. And I, in turn, can get so entertained by him. I love the sound of his little giggles!

Picture post!

WEE!!!!!

In honor of getting our camera back from being fixed, I have some new pictures for all to enjoy! (and by the way, props to Panasonic customer service- the camera was back to us in about a weeks time).

My cutie:

My very active boy pretty much denies cuddles on most occasions. Oh boy was Babci happy when he actually fell asleep on her lap while she was visiting!

Boys will be boys. Daddy and Matthew have fun playing after Daddy gets home from work.

Another shot of Matthew and his toys in the playroom, er, I mean living room.

Planning for world domination. Or at least planning how he'll get the fixed camera from my hands and break it again.

Having fun at the park.

My friend Kathy had her sweet baby girl while I was in Florida. Lizzy is an absolute doll and we are quite sure will grow up to be tough surrounded by all these boys. Here Matthew and Keegan check her out- she was all the rage at the playground.

His cheesy grin.

Just looking cute, enjoying naked baby time and letting me take a picture of him in one of his new dipes.

Matthew keeps me so busy! Most days I feel like I'm chasing a tornado- he's all over the place and leaves a path of destruction wherever he goes.

He's had some horrific changes in napping patterns (well, ok, there was never a pattern, but there were at least naps). He napped yesterday, and he's napping right now, so I'm hoping we're getting our nap groove back.

We have switched almost all over to using the cloth diapers. I say almost because Mike hasn't quite gotten the hang of them, so if he does bedtime while I'm at water aerobics, he uses disposable. There is a definite learning curve, but overall, I am so happy with the switch! It's all part of my thrifty (read: cheap) self and I know we will save money. The key is buying what you need and not getting too caught up in buying too many because they're cute. We started with a trial program from here. You pay x amount of $ for a bunch of new diapers, you have 21 days to try them out and find what you like, then you either return them or keep them, or some combo of the two. If you return them all, you are reimbursed all but $10 (rental fee), or you return what you want and only get reimbursed for the ones you keep. I have been able to figure out what I like and don't like this way. After ordering what I like and I'm pretty sure having a good enough stash to only do laundry every 2-3 days, they will be paid for in about 4 months. Meaning, in 4 months we won't be paying to diaper him (expensive when you factor in diapers, wipes, and diaper genie refills). Obviously when/if we add another baby to the mix the savings will go up. And obviously I'm kicking myself for not switching sooner.

And just like that....

....my boy has 8 teeth.

I'm hoping all the activity going on inside his mouth explains the pretty-much-nonexistence of all things nap--for the past 5 days.

"Hello, Matthew? It's me, Mommy. PLEASE take a nap. Please, please, please."

12-month stats!

Phew. Sure his 1-year appointment was Monday, but geesh have I been busy since then! Anyway, for those on the edge of your seats in anticipation:

Weight: 19 lbs, 12 oz

Height: 29"

He remains consistent in every way on his growth chart. That's good news.

He also transitioned very well to drinking milk/formula from a sippy cup. No more bottles for him. This, coming only a month after no more breast feeding, and I feel pretty good about how easily he gave those things up. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss that cuddly baby time. We just have to find it in other ways now! (side note, I am FINALLY out of frozen breast milk too! Didn't have to throw away any spoiled milk at all!)

The pediatrician has referred Matthew to a pediatric urologist at the children's hospital in Portland. We should hear from the end of the week when that will be. (to recap, he was born with one undescended testicle). Since it still seems to be 'stuck' a way up high, they will simply check him out and decide (a) watch it longer (b) surgically bring it down. From what I've read, they generally come down within the first 6-9 months, and if not surgical repair helps with the future risks (fertility problems as an adult, increased testicular cancer risks). Although it's 3 hours away, I'd rather leave this to the pediatric specialists, which we have none of here near us.

Other than that, Matthew is amazing (again, my words, not hers). She was impressed with his motor skills being a bit advanced and continues to monitor his speech. So far no words, but lots of babbling and fully understanding when we speak to him. (and by understanding, I mean when I tell him No or please don't touch, he turns and flashes me the hugest grin....oh, he understands me. He just thinks this is all one big game.) Anyway, he seems to be fitting that old mold of "boys are walkers, girls are talkers."

So that's all. My little-big boy. He's ONE. Wow.

1st Birthday!

Just a "few" pictures of Matthew's big day!

What a year looks like...

Matthew turns ONE!!

Huh? What?

We have a ONE year old?!? This is just crazy. I really can't explain (but a lot of you mommy's out there will know what I'm talking about), how weird it is to realize my baby has been here with us for a whole year. He is a completely different little person than he was a year ago (although to clarify, 7:25 pm is when he was born....last year at THIS time he was just making mommy really, really uncomfortable).

I feel like there are way too many things to say about this child. He is amazing in each and every way and wow have we been blessed to have him!

• He's a walking fool! It's so amazing how he went from one or two steps, to walking a little, to walking ALL the time. He does not crawl at all, ever, anymore. If he falls, he picks himself back up and walks on. It is so fun.
• He has 5 teeth. Well, 5 whole teeth. He has another that is a sharp sliver that appeared yesterday, and at least 2 obvious bumps where a few more are on their way.
• doy doy doy isn't all he can say. In the last few days he's started a whole new rambling. I'm not sure how to spell any of it, but it's awful cute to listen to. We're still waiting on some actual words with meaning.
• Yesterday and today he impressed me- 2 days in a row can't be coincidence, but actual skill. When I say "do you want lunch?" or "is it time to eat?", but does the sign for eat. Completely unprompted and with me not doing the sign. He also tries to do "all done", but isn't quite there yet. (I have been using simple "baby signs" with him for months...had NO idea I was actually getting through to him!)
• Suddenly he seems to understand a whole lot more. "throw the ball Matthew" actually produces a ball being thrown, not a blank stare.
• Matthew is completely weaned of breastfeeding. Sure, sure, we could have continued, many do. I was over it, and honestly, I think he was over it too. Not once has he tried to nurse, asked to nurse, even seemed to NEED to nurse. A perfect transition was made (well, I paid the price for a week or so, but I feel great now!)
• He has too many "favorite" foods to name. If I had to pick two, I'd say bananas and cheese. But really, he likes a lot of stuff.
• 9 month clothes are finally getting snug (well, not snug, but more difficult to snap in the crotch), so he's mostly in 12 months now. (as a side, we're also starting using different, cloth, diapers, which are a bit bulkier than disposables, so the extra room in the 12 months isn't so bad right now. The cloth diapers are another story for another day, but so far, I think I love them.).
• Matthew gives the best, most amazing, kisses. They are sloppy wet kisses. The best kind. :-)

I'm sure I'm missing some little details of how awesome this child is, but we'll leave some mystery. Pictures to come....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SWEET SON, MATTHEW!!! MOMMY AND DADDY LOVE YOU SO, SO MUCH!