Happy Birthday, Daddy!!

Although you started your birthday out in the ER with Nathan, we hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your birthday, Daddy!! We LOVE you more than anything and appreciate EVERYTHING you do for us!!

Nathan Scare!!

How eventful 15 hours can be...

After a throwing up battle along with screaming and crying around 9pm and then again at midnight hardly being able to console our little guy, Nathan and I were headed to the ER at St. John's. By the time we arrived at the hospital a little after midnight, Nathan had settled down and decided to act like his old little smiley self. They couldn't determine whether his symptoms were shunt related or stomach related since he didn't have a fever or diarrhea. After trying to get him to drink some apple juice and that resulting in another screaming and crying episode, we were sent to Children's for further evaluation for possible shunt malfunction.

They allowed me to drive Nathan rather than transfer us via ambulance. At this point, we called Grandma and Pops to come over and stay with Andrew and Daddy joined us for our ride to Children's. After arriving at Children's around 3:15am, we were in another ER exam room and Nathan had quieted down some. We went through a round of x-rays and a CT Scan of his shunt, but weren't able to get the results until 10:15am - it was a LONG 7 hours to say the least.

THANK GOD everything looked normal and his CT Scan showed the best results yet regarding Nathan's ventricles!! We were still unclear as to what caused the episodes through the night, but were relieved with the news of his ventricles looking great. We decided to feed him again at this point and see what would happen. He was able to drink 3 oz of water and keep 4 oz of apple sauce down and with that we were ready to be discharged!! The doctors released us around noon thinking it was just some sort of a stomach bug...it was one doosie - that's for sure!!

We are SO thankful everything turned out to be fine, but it's really not even the start of cold and flu season and we have already visited the ER. We are nervous for this winter and pray that we are able to get through it without any more scares. We unfortunately don't have the convenience of letting a virus or bug take its course with Nathan and his VP Shunt. Please keep our little guy in your prayers that he stays HEALTHY!!

First Day Back at Work!!

Today marks my first day back at work (at Boeing that is) since having Nathan. It's GREAT to have something else to focus my mind on for a bit. Don't get me wrong, being a Mom is the most challenging job I have ever had and it keeps me busier than ever, but being back in the work force is a good thing for me. I am very fortunate to stay home during the day with the boys and continue all of our daily therapies, appointments and check-ups and then be able to work virtual from home in the evenings. It makes for some LONG days, but I am up for the challenge and so far, so good!!

Bubble Picnic

We headed to Parkway's Early Childhood Center for a fun Bubble Picnic today. They had SO many activities with bubbles - Andrew was in heaven and Nathan couldn't stop following all of the bubbles. And, of course we had to spend time on the playground!!


Nathan giving us a little smirk.


Andrew painting bubble wrap to later transfer onto paper - it turned out really neat.


Ready to adventure through the tunnel.

Riding the tractor.

Family Time

We had a relaxing Friday night with a quick dinner and nice walk around the neighborhood with the boys. We LOVE being outside and enjoying the beautiful weather!!

Andrew reading to his little brother while we clean up after dinner.

Andrew and Daddy leading the way.

Andrew's 1st Day of Preschool!!

Today was Andrew's first day of preschool. He has been talking about school for a long time and was so excited the day was finally here. I was a bit nervous how Andrew would actually handle the first day especially since Steve and I had been out of town away from the boys over the holiday weekend. Our little boy didn't even flinch - he was out of the car and off to his classroom with no problems :)


Andrew all ready to go with his book bag full :)


Andrew on his way into school with the director. The faculty comes to our cars as we drop the kiddos off and takes them to their class - it's SO convenient.


We did the whole drop-off process, but then Steve, Nathan and I sneaked into school to see how Andrew was adjusting. I couldn't find him at first and then started laughing as I see him at the easel painting. We all couldn't stop laughing knowing that Andrew had already made himself at home and he was just fine.

All smiles after his first day when we got home - notice the paint all over his shirt!?!? His teacher was apologetic as she couldn't get a smock on Andrew fast enough :)

Lieutenant Commander & Mrs. Todd Bruemer!!

CONGRATULATIONS to my brother and new sister who tied the knot this Labor Day weekend!! We are so happy for you both and wish you a lifetime full of love, laughter and happiness :)

The happy bride and groom.

Starting to process through the sword arch.

Steve and I outside of church - it was such a gorgeous day!!

Cutting the cake with Todd's sword!!

All Grown Up

Today Andrew got a haircut so he would look his best for preschool next week :) This is the shortest Andrew's hair has been and he looks so grown up. You should have seen how excited he was to have it styled with gel...



All smiles with his new do!!


Saying cheese :)