"Clap Pat Clap Slap"

Tyler can CLAP now, and Oh My Goodness... He's a clapping fool!

You say, "Clap" - he'll clap.

You say, "Good Job" - he'll clap.

You say, "Yay, hurray" - he'll clap.

If he sees you clap - he'll clap.

It's a ruckus around here! He's such a happy and joyous baby!

Jarrett's Echo Results . . .

Let me preface that the Heart Sonographer performed a very indepth Echo on Monday, and as I sat there holding Jarrett's hand, I couldn't help but assume she'd found something.

Well, I got the results phonecall tonite from Dr. Yu, our Pediatrician for the boys, and I am thrilled to quote... "Excellent heart condition. Perfectly healthy and normal. Great rhythms, great pressures, great anatomy."

So happy to know that he REALLY IS a healthy-hearted child! Now, if we could EVER figure out why Tyler's heart is a mystery in our family.

Jarrett

Big brother Jarrett is scheduled for an ECHO at Children's Mercy Hospital on Monday, July 21st at 10:30am. As soon as we know results I will post them. We have never suspected him of any cardiac conditions/problems, however since the birth and diagnosis of Tyler, we wanted him screened 'just so we know'...

Please keep him in your thoughts on Monday.

Cardiologist Appointment

Went to his Cardiologist visit yesterday, and they did an ECHO while we were there; plus other info.

While the overall result of his ECHO looked good, one frame showed there is a chance his aortic arch is starting to narrow again (like it had before his Cath in February). It's unknown whether this is somthing that will correct itself as he grows or if it's a rebuilding of scar tissue that'll need medical intervention to correct in the coming months (6mos or so).

Dr. Kaine wasn't concerned at this time, as all of Tyler's pulses were nice and strong. We go back for another cardiologist appointment on Oct. 15th, 2008.

During our office visit with the Cardiologist and Nurse Practicioner, they gave the 'all clear, go-ahead' for Andrew and I to schedule Tyler's circumcision. We're hoping we can get in sometime late September/beginning October.

Also, we visited with the Nutrition Clinic and discussed options and a prospective plan for what they'll do when he turns 1 year old. There was talk of our Nutritionist making a referral to the Feeding Clinic so we could begin receiving an aggressive approach to weaning from the G-tube. At this point in time, I still haven't received a phonecall from the Feeding Clinic to schedule his first appointment.

Other than all of this, weight gain is adequate for his condition - currently weighing in at 16 lbs 9 oz - and same goes for his length. He is a very proportionate boy, just on the smaller size for his age.

Woot! Woot!

Are you ready for some great news? . . .

11 mos. old and Tyler is FINALLY bearing weight on his legs! He is able to go into the standing position from the sitting position as long as you support him under his arms! I can't believe this!

To some this may sound so minor, but to us it's HUGE!

"Work those leg muscles, boy!"

Humor for the Perfectionist Parent:

A Mom's Top 10 Reasons to Run Away From Home

10. In spite of being hauled from room to room like a ball and chain, your toddler refuses to release his grip from your left ankle.
9. When your husband leaves on a business trip, you don't send him off with "I love you," but with, "Save yourself!"
8. The dog just chased the cat up and over the couch, toppling the eight piles of clean laundry you had just folded and were putting away.
7. Telling your family, "But I just fed you yesterday!" will not make them stop demanding breakfast.
6. After accepting a package from the cute new UPS guy, you realize a Cheerio is stuck to your chin.
5. Coming to you for comfort in the night, your sick preschooler pukes in your bed.
4. Your preteen daughter begins criticizing your makeup.
3. Opening the door to your car, you smell sour milk from a spill and wonder where it is; sitting down, you find out.
2. The kids ravaged your secret stash of chocolate.
And the #1 reason to run away from home is...
1. The only romantic thrill in your daily life is watching "Mr. Rodgers" take off his sport coat. ("Yeah, baby!")

A Mom's Top 10 Reasons NOT to Run Away From Home

10. The only piece of luggage with a working zipper is your preschooler's "Goin' to grandma's" mini-suitcase.
9. The last bit of cash from your purse was spent on Happy Meals at McDonalds.
8. You are only able to run if you are also pushing a grocery cart and toting a baby on one hip.
7. You promised your husband you'd take him with you, but he's still not home from work yet.
6. Your favorite pair of jeans that make your hips look quasi-normal are still in the dryer.
5. You suddenly recall scenes from scary movies about women who travel alone.
4. Your teenager just took the only car in the driveway with gas in the tank.
3. You just remembered you have a mandatory meeting at work tomorrow.
2. The dog wouldn't understand.
And the #1 reason not to run away from home is...
1. It will still be there when you get back.

(Excerpt from Balanced Living for Perfectionists, author Debi Stack)

Happy 4th of July!

We always go to Fort Leavenworth for their annual 4th of July celebration at Merritt Lake. The weather is supposed to be absolutely beautiful... and I can't be more excited to watch Tyler experience his first fireworks show!

Hope you and your loved ones have an awesome holiday!