Success...

Reece and I just met with the surgeons and they said Holden's procedures were a success. He did great. They are in the process of extubating him, so we have not yet been able to see him. Hard to sit here in the waiting room, when we want nothing more than to be with our little guy. But we're thrilled to know things went well, and we'll soon be able to hug on Monkey. If all continues to go well the next couple of hours (in recovery), then we should be able to take him home tonight. We'll post again soon. Thanks for all the prayers and positive energy you sent our way!

Chatter-box Monkey

Our little Monkey has become quite the chatter-box. His speech has progressed tremendously this summer. I feel like we went from saying 1-2 words, to now practically having conversations. He is not always completely articulate, but Mommy usually understands him and is able to translate for others. And it seems like every day that goes by, he's becoming so much easier to understand.

He is totally into imaginary play and I sometimes love to sit back and listen to him chatter with himself, his trains his toys or his stuffed animals. His latest obsession is The Backyardigans. It is one cartoon that I actually like because it encourages creativity and imagination. Holden likes to act out the characters and he loves their songs. Right now Pablo, the Penguin seems to be his favorite!
His other obsession is yard work with Daddy. He loves being outside and he digs it even more when he gets to help Daddy. A couple of weeks ago, he helped Daddy and Papa lay sod. Holden was in the middle of the action, covered with dirt and loving it!

We recently visited his pulmonologist when Monkey came down with a sinus infection. His doctor has been so impressed with how he's handled colds that she's changed her mind about keeping Holden so sheltered during cold and flu season. Her exact words were "He's no longer the fragile child he was" and we need to let him show us what he's capable of. She's even supportive of him going to preschool 2 mornings a week, as long as we're prepared for pulling him out (temporarily or permanently) if he's not able to handle winter colds...or even worse...the flu. On one hand I'm thrilled...what great news!! But on the other hand...the thought of him possibly getting the flu or RSV freaks me out! However, we've gotten to where we are today by having "faith" so I need to be faithful that everything will be okay! We spent the last 2 weeks touring preschools and just registered him for the one we felt was the best fit for us! He starts on September 7 and seems excited!
So tomorrow is Holden's surgery and I'm completely dreading it. The procedures are very common and considered low-risk, so I'm not really worrying about that. I think one...it is having to put Holden through another hospital experience...and any fear and pain he'll have to endure. Two...for me, it is so hard to go back. It is a place that reminds me of a hard time in our lives. And while I'm eternally grateful for the care the doctors and nurses gave to Holden, it is hard for me, mentally, to be there and not worry.

Holden's procedure is slated for 8:45am and should not take too long. While they've reserved a bed for him to stay...just in case, the plan is to bring him home tomorrow afternoon. We'll be sure to post once he's out of surgery and recovering.

Little Monkey's Growing Up...

Holden is having a great summer. He's growing up before my eyes. And while some Mom's may be sad to see their baby growing up...I'm thrilled. He's growing up. What else could I ever ask for. It makes so many other things seem insignificant. I pray every day that Holden will live a long, happy, loving life. And my prayers are being answers.

Holden's doctor gave us the okay for him to join a Mommy's Morning Out program 2 mornings a week throughout summer. He started in June. It was rough for both of us. The separation anxiety disrupted our lives for several weeks. But we've stuck with it and he is finally liking preschool. He still crys when I first drop him off but the teachers say 5 minutes later he is playing and having fun. It has been hard for me to leave him seeing him crying, but I know this is something we both have to go through. And I know preschool is giving him so many great opportunities. Unfortunately, he won't be able to go this Fall or Winter, but we'll look forward to going back next spring/summer!
Another big step, Holden was away from both Mommy and Daddy for the first time last weekend. Reece and I went to S. Florida for my 20th High School Reunion. Holden stayed with my sister, Joanne and her family. Another big step for all of us. And the best part is he did great. The Kramers took him the the pool, Zoo Atlanta and Stone Mountain Park. He's been talking about it (and his cousins) for days.

Holden is talking up a storm. Not only does he repeat things, he remembers everything! He is still talking about the Nickelodeon show we say last month. He keeps saying "Show again, Mamma?" I love that he has such a zest for life. He thrives on new experiences. He definitely knows what he likes and he can now tell you...over...and over...and over again.

Turns out that Monkey is quite the little dare devil. He has scrapes and bruises all over. And as much as we try to protect him, he still manages to have his fair share of falls. His newest thing is trying to jump off anything he can.

Holden is scheduled for what we hope is his last surgery, on August 17. It is an outpatient procedure, so hopefully it will be a quick, painless, uneventful experience so we can bring Monkey back home that evening. I'll be sure to post before then.

I hope everyone is having a good summer. We definitely are!
XOXO

Busy little Monkey

It seems like time has been flying by. We are staying busy, but having fun. For the most part, our lives have become pretty typical - which is great! Holden is growing into a little guy before our eyes. I have to catch myself when I call him "baby". And if you ask him, he'll tell you that he's a big boy!! And he is ALL boy. He's on the go from the moment he wakes up, into everything. loves playing outside, sports, bugs, anything with wheels, getting dirty, water and screaming as loud as possible.

The first 2 photos are of Holden at his cousin's Ariana and Alyssa's birthday party. It didn't take the little Monkey long to join the big kids on the bouncer. And he quickly figured out how to climb up slide - and then slide back down! He had a blast at the party! And I always love watching him play with his cousins.

I think I mentioned in a previous blog that Holden was having a sleep study done to determine if he still needs to be on oxygen at night. We spoke to his doctor last week and while he did well, she thinks we should keep him on the O2 for awhile longer. He spent about 10% of the night in the low 90s and high 80s. Obviously we want his O2 levels to be closer to 100%. His doctor thinks that as he lungs continue to heal and grow that he'll be able to come off the the oxygen - hopefully within the year. We're planning to do another sleep study in the next 6-8 months to see...

We went to Hilton Head last weekend to visit some friends, meet their new baby boy and for Reece to play in a tennis tournament. We had a great time and are hoping to make it an annual trip. Holden adored his new friend "Baby Elliott"! I can't wait to see the boys play next year when Elliott can keep up with Holden. Reece and Brian played very well and make it to the championship match. It was a great match, but unfortunately they lost in the 3rd set. Holden loved watching his Daddy play and ran onto the court at the end to give him a big hug and high five! Now when he sees anyone on TV playing tennis he says "Dadda and Brian"! Too cute...

We took Holden to see the Nickelodeon Storytime LIVE show on Saturday at the Fox Theater. He was a little timid when we first arrived, but once he saw some of his favorite characters, he was clapping and squealing in delight. He carried his show ticket everywhere we went the rest of the weekend, telling everyone he saw/met that he went to the Storytime Show. Sounds like Wonder Pets may have been his favorite part! I, of course, just love seeing that look of wonder and delight on his face. No matter how busy life may get, that is what it is all about. Those precious moments that make you stop and smile!

Focusing on all the blessings...

I had some things that just didn't go my way last week. I was bummed and felt sorry for myself for a day or so. But it didn't take long for me to remember how many things I have to be appreciative of. I've been blessed with so many things in my life and the blessings keep coming...

Holden had a sleep study on Friday evening. While he was very vocal about not liking the 15+ probes they put on him, he eventually calmed down and once he fell asleep he slept through the night! And although we haven't gotten the doctor's read on the results, the nurse said things looked great! So I'm praying that we'll hear that he no longer needs the oxygen - even at night!

Holden had 2 doctor appointments this week. One was to have his eyes checked, the other was with an orthopedic surgeon because he has flat feet. I've spent the last month worrying about both. Praying that he would not have yet another issue to deal with. Fortunately all went well with both appointments. Two more blessings to count! I guess the learning for me was sure, sometimes things don't go your way. But don't dwell on what doesn't happen. Focus on what does!! Live in the positive.

I LOVED our Mother's Day this year. Rather than going to a crowded restaurant, we had everyone here for brunch. It was great to have the time to hang out with our families in a relaxed setting. And best of all, the kids were able to be kids. After eating, they were quick head outside to play. The weather was perfect and eventually we were all outside having fun! I remember sitting on the steps, watching Holden play with his cousins and thinking how much I love being Holden's Mom. Hardest yet best job I've ever had. And I love that I can't be fired:)

Holden and I spend time together outside everyday! He loves helping us with yard work and watering our flowers. He's obsessed with all things water, so we got him a water play table. He's hooked! It will be the perfect cooling station throughout the summer. We also have a friendly neighborhood "Kitty" who has been paying us a daily visit. Holden loves his visits with his new friend who he calls "Big Kitty"!

I still wake up looking forward to each day. Monkey never ceases to amaze me!

All about FUN...

Holden is one of those kids who can find fun anywhere. He is incredibly busy and doesn't like to stay still much. No matter what we're doing, he's searching out what he can get into and explore. And while that keeps me busy, I absolutely love it!

A prime example was last Saturday. The 3 of us went to a Kentucky Derby party. Holden was, by far, the youngest kid there. But Monkey doesn't care anything about age. He immediately searched out friends and fun! He fearlessly crawled into the bouncer, even though several teenagers were laying in the middle of it. It didn't take long for Holden to make some new friends. And when the same teenagers started chasing each other with water guns and water balloons, Holden was trying to join in. He would laugh each time someone got soaked with a water balloon. He truly had a blast!

These pictures are from the Cabbage Patch Easter Egg Hunt. And while Holden liked checking out the Cabbage Patch Kids, he did not like being forced to sit on the CPK Easter Bunny's lap!

After the Egg Hunt they had a festival with tons of activities for the kids. When Holden heard the music, he ran to the dance floor. The picture here is Holden dancing with a cute little girl he met. He danced with the Cabbage Patch Kids, Mommy, Aunt Jo-Jo, Melina, Ariana, Alyssa and strangers!

Holden is all about Daddy lately. I loved watching the 2 of them do yard work yesterday. In addition to loving being outside, he loves getting dirty. He rides on the riding lawn mower (or as he calls it...tractor) with Daddy. He helps pick up yard clippings and he even helps dig with his own Diego shovel. It is priceless!

I know we can never make up for all the rough days Holden had his first year, but it makes me so happy to know that we're appreciating what we have now! Holden is my reminder to make the most of every day...to love unconditionally...and to have FUN!