I'm one tough cookie!

Friday was my MRI in San Antonio at Methodist Children's Hospital. We had to get up super early (not my mom's favorite thing!), but sometimes you just gotta do it. Daddy got up with us and made sure we had everything we needed and saw us off. We left the house at 6:15 and then picked up Papa and dropped off Kayson so Pama could take him to school.

I was a happy camper all the way to the hospital, mainly because Papa sat in the back seat with me. I enjoyed my Gatorade until 7 a.m., but didn't get a bite of breakfast. Mom thought I was going to be very upset about that, but I did great!

Once we got there I had fun playing with the toys while Mommy and Papa filled out paperwork. Next I was called back to the "prep" area. This is where the fun began. The nice nurses attempted to listen to my heartbeat and take my blood pressure. Whatever readings they got from this were not very accurate because I was screaming and flailing all the while. I made every attempt to escape their grip... but I was not successful. Mommy told them that this was normal behavior for me because my whole life, doctors have been doing things to me and I just don't like it one bit. I think they pretty much gave in and had me change into my hospital gown and let me play with papa. We had fun in the toy kitchen eating a pretend breakfast. They were successful at weighing me and I have gained a tad of weight! I weigh 23 lbs. (with my shoes on!).

It wasn't long before the anesthesiologist came in to go over with us what would happen during the procedure, and she was very nice. We were a little surprised that I would be put under general anesthesia. Mommy thought it would be a lighter sedation, but then they told us that the MRI would take about an hour and a half and it all made sense.

At this point Mommy and Papa carried me to the MRI room and attempted to put me on the exam table. I put up another struggle, but quickly succumbed to the drugs given to me by mask. It was hard for Mommy to watch me fall asleep (she cried!), but papa was there to be her support. One good thing was that they didn't start my IV until I was asleep, praise the Lord for that because it usually takes at least 3 sticks!

While I was under and having my exam Mommy and Papa grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the waiting area. Once I woke up they were by my side to comfort me. I was pretty inconsolable for a while, but a shot of morphine, a Popsicle (my first!) two vanilla puddings and about 30 minutes later I was much better. I could NOT wait for them to remove my IV, oxygen sensor and my identification band. Once that was all done I was good to go. I then got dressed and was escorted out of there. On the drive home I just stared out the window, but was a very good boy. The rest of the day I was a bit loopy and walked kind of funny, but felt pretty good.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers that helped keep me safe. I believe that prayers really do make a difference and appreciate yours more than you know. There were a lot of other kids there who could use your prayers also. I'm one very lucky boy.

Thank you also papa for being there for us, we love you and appreciate you tons!

On a lighter note, I learned the sign for deer today... daddy is SOOO proud! Hopefully mommy can catch that on her camera one of these days!

My talented brother!

Kayson entered 3 pieces of artwork in a local contest recently. He made a paper maché mask, a clay turtle and a Texas flag mosaic. Two of his entries received accolades! He received a second place honor for his mosaic piece and honorable mention for his mask. Pretty awesome, huh? Last night the Oakwood Art League (they sponsored the contest) held an awards ceremony a local coffee shop. Pama went with mommy and Kayson, while daddy stayed home with me. Kayson's prizes were pretty neato too. He got a voucher for a large pizza and a duffle bag. AND his pieces will be on display for a couple of weeks at the coffee shop, ChiroJava! Not only that, but he was given a yummy cookie and pama got him an Italian soda to boot! I am so proud of him! Hopefully he can teach me his artistic secrets when I'm bigger.

Strong Dada... more prayers.

My dada did GREAT! He is already up on his feet and walking around some. He isn't complaining at all. The surgery went well. The meniscus was torn completely through. They were not able to suture the two halves together, so they removed the portion that was causing the pain (there was no blood flow to that portion so it would not heal). The doctor said that everything else in his knee looked great. He is resting today, just like the doctor ordered. I think that this is the hardest part for him, as he LOVES to be doing something (anything!) around the house at all times.

Tomorrow is my hospital day. I'll be having an MRI on my head. The only problem is that since I'll have to be sedated I don't get to eat any breakfast. My papa is going with my mommy and me so daddy can rest. Please pray that all goes well. We're hoping that what they find is that I have made GREAT progress with my eye socket.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

My Daddy - big fish and big prayers!

Last week daddy went on a fishing trip to Port O'Connor. As you can see from the pictures his trip was a success! We missed him bunches, but he had a blast! Way to go daddy! I hope that I am a good fisherman too when I grow up.

On Saturday he grilled the best redfish on the half shell. It was so delish! Mommy forgot to take pictures... but next time she will!

He is going to need your prayers tomorrow. He is having knee surgery to repair his torn meniscus. It is out patient surgery, so he won't be away from home too long. Please pray that all goes well.

Jeremiah 30:17 "I will restore you to health and heal
your wounds," declares the Lord.

Kayson's first day of 3rd grade!

Yesterday was Kayson's first day of school. He started out at a new school with all new everything! He is going to the same elementary school that mommy went to when she was little. Kayson is even in the same classroom, but not with the same teacher. He was very excited and had a great day. He rode the bus home for the first time too. My mommy was nervous, but Kayson was just fine! I missed him during the day, but had fun with him when he got home. His homework for day 1 was to read for 20 minutes... he read for over an hour! He told me that he was so glad that he took his own lunch because the lunch line was very long. Today he took a jacket to wear in class because yesterday he was too cold! Imagine that... it was 102˚ outside. Mommy said that they didn't even have air conditioning when she was in school. Times have changed! We're so proud of you Kayson! (The photo below was this morning, day 2!)

Fun at the New Braunfels Children's Museum

Last week Kayson, Mommy and I went to the children's museum in New Bruanfels. We had such a great time. My favorite thing was the longhorn cow. I loved petting him, giving him water to drink and food to eat from the kiddo kitchen. I also had fun playing in the water outside, which was Kayson's favorite activity. We got a little wet, but we didn't mind one bit. Kayson was such a great brother (as usual) and helped me with everything. I can't wait to go back again!

Kayson can cook!

Yep that's right. My brother is pretty darn handy in the kitchen. He helps mommy with dinner a lot... but he especially likes baking sweet treats. (Oh and he makes a mean fruit smoothie!) The other evening Kayson and mommy made chocolate chip cookies for daddy to take on his fishing trip. He is a pro at cracking eggs and isn't too shabby and folding ingredients in either. From what I hear the cookies turned out delish... maybe next time I'll get to try one!

Wordless (Albeit Wet!) Wednesday...

We're back in business y'all!

Whatever do I mean, you ask? Well, our camera was delivered on Thursday! So of course mommy had to take some pics of me!

We had steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast on Friday. As you can see from the photo, I had fun eating it. My spoon, if you'll notice, is clean... my face, however is not. That's right, I decided to do the grab and shove method instead of using my utensil. I grabbed as much as I could and shoved it in my mouth, don't knock it until you try it! It may not be pretty, but it sure works. So are you thinking man that boy needs a haircut? If so please know that we took care of that on Saturday. We'll have photos of my new 'do soon. I must admit, haircuts are not my favorite activity. Today my daddy had the pleasure of holding me for the first time, and believe me, I don't make it easy. We all survived though and the outcome is simply adorable. Thank you Kari (at Fantastic Sams) you're the only one who can cut my hair as I twist and scream...

I miss you Kayson, and I hope you're having fun visiting your daddy in Houston. Can't wait to see you Monday!

Kylar

On Tuesday Mommy and Daddy got to see Kylar. Even better than that I got to play with my buddy Chelsea! Her office is very close to Dr. McFarland's office and she was so much fun to play with! She has a baby in her tummy, just like my mommy. She is so great with kiddos and she'll be an excellent mommy soon. She had several balls for me to play with and showed me tons of love and attention. I am so thankful that she was able to play with me during that time! I hadn't seen her in quite a while, so I had a lot to show her. :) Thank you Chelsea!

Mommy and daddy said that Kylar is still looking great! His heart is beating strong and he is moving around a lot. I can't wait until we're able to play together!

Leaving surgery behind me...at least for now!

We met with Dr. Fry today (my eye surgeon). She has been conferring with a cranial-facial surgeon on my case. They have decided that I've progressed so well thus far, that surgery is not yet needed. We've been talking about putting a little silicon implant in my eye to stretch it out towards the outside of my face... but the risk of my body rejecting the implant is too great. Things have gone so wonderful for me over the past 20 months and I've made immeasurable progress, so we don't want to risk any back slides. To get a better idea of the progress I have made, the doc feels that an MRI is needed. So on Aug. 28 I'll be back at Methodist Hospital for this procedure. I will be sedated, which means I have to fast for 8 hours prior. The good thing is that it's at 9 a.m. Overall I am doing so wonderful, and have truly been blessed.

1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

BEEP BEEP BEEP...Breaking News...Breaking News...Breaking News........We interrupt your regularly scheduled program for a Special Report...

Are you ready for this?! I sure am! We thought that it happened on Monday at Grandma's house. But it was confirmed yesterday in the presence of my Occupational Therapist, Ms. Laurie. The big news is that I said my first word!! Yep that's right, I did it! What was the word you ask? Oh it's one of my favorite things to play with and carry around. You know, those bouncy round things?! BALL! Yep I saw BALL and just to seal the deal I did the hand sign at the same time. The coolest part of it all is that BALL was my brother Kayson's first word too! Pretty neat huh? Now of course I say it with a big ole southern drawl.. more like BAOW, and my face ends up in an "O" position... just for added adorableness. Mom and daddy have asked me to say it like a hundred times... I don't always oblige, but they are overjoyed none-the-less! Who knows what will be next...but YAHOO for now!

...now back to your show...

Prayers and ketchup

Yes I realize this photo has nothing to do with my title... but in case you couldn't tell my mama's camera as been out of commission for a while now... BUT we should have one back in our hands in a few days, yay! We sent ours in for repairs and they offered us an upgrade for only $3 more... so that's what we're doing!

Okay now on to the prayers and ketchup. First the prayers... I have learned to fold my hands and I usually keep them folded throughout the whole mealtime prayer. It makes my daddy, mommy and Kayson all so proud. The other day I sat down at my little Spiderman table and folded my hands all by myself. The 'rents (parents) say it was the cutest thing! Now on to the ketchup! My brother Kayson LOVES ketchup so I've seen it on the table a LOT! Well I was finally able to try it recently... and I'm pretty fond of the dipping! I am now eating egg and cheese sandwiches in the morning, but I must have ketchup. Kayson is so proud! And if you're wondering, yes it is very messy... but so much fun!

I'm still not ready to talk yet... but I'm learning lots of sign language and it just tickles my parents to death to see me do the different signs. I can "say" more, drink, please, down, all done, puppy, bath, fan, baby, ball, hurt and hat. Pretty sure that I'm brilliant! Did you know that Einstein didn't talk until he was 4 years old or older? So for now I'm content to keep on learning signs and having fun all the while.