It has been quite awhile since I've blogged. We've had so much going on...some good and some challenging. Holden had a blast this Halloween. He has been talking about what he wanted to be for weeks. He finally settled on Pablo from The Backyardigans (little blue penguin) and he's been wearing his costume whenever and where ever we'd let him. He began his Halloween celebration on Friday morning with playgroup. He had a party with Mommy and Daddy Friday evening as we carved our pumpkin..then continued Saturday night at a neighborhood party and ended it last night with some trick or treating...and several pieces of candy before bed! He woke up Monday morning talking about this adventures these past couple of days.
The past 6 weeks have flown by. We've had 3 small trips. We went to visit Granma Deda in NC. Then the following week we headed south to Tifton to visit some of my family...and give Holden a chance to play with his 2nd cousins (who he adores!). Then we rented a lake house at Lake Lanier with one of my dear friends and her 1 1/2 year old son. Holden quickly found himself a new friend!
Shortly after all our travels, Monkey caught RSV and got pretty sick. In most cases, he would have been admitted to the hospital, but doctors felt comfortable with us treating him at home based on his history and to reduce the chance of him being exposed to something else. It was a rough week, but we made it through.
As you can see, Holden still has the sores on his face. It has been frustrating and doctors are really not sure what exactly is going on. He's now had two biopsies done. After 7 weeks, nothing grew in the lab from the 1st one. We're still waiting on results from the 2nd. We went to see an infectious disease doctor who has a couple of suspicions...but sent us to a 3rd dermatologist for another opinion. The 3rd dermatologist thinks it may be cystic acne brought on by prolonged use of steroids. At this point, that is what he's being treat for. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and 2 topical creams. I pray this doctor is right and that we'll soon see improvement...as Holden is now making comments about his boo-boos. At night when we pray, he asks God for his "boo-boos to go bye-bye". It just breaks my heart!
We've also been in the process of buying a new home...with plans of moving in late November. We're excited, but we've been so busy, I don't think it has really hit us yet. Reece has already been playing tennis in the subdivision so we're starting to make friends. And best of all, there are a ton of kids...lots Holden's age. He's been playing with some of them on Saturday mornings while Daddy is playing tennis.
Holden's little personality is really blossoming. I honestly don't think he knows a stranger. He makes friends everywhere we go. It is fun to watch him take on some of the cranky people we encounter...at the hospital and at the stores we shop in. Holden is one persistent little guy and keeps at them until he gets a smile or response. I am so proud when I see him light up a room. He has learned to make the most out of any situation and that we can have fun just about anywhere! Even when things get crazy around here, I can count on Holden to keep me focused on what is truly important...family, love and God! So while it may be pouring, I have to remember that rain isn't all bad...and look forward to the flowers that bloom after the storm!
