Recipe Rampage

Andrew, Gigi and I headed up to Parkway's Early Childhood Center to get messy at their Recipe Rampage session hosted through our Parents as Teachers program. They had a ton of hands-on concoctions for the kids to experience as well as provided the parents the recipes to try at home.


Andrew playing in the "clean mud."


Rolling out pumpkin play-doh with Gigi.


My little artist.

So serious with his crafts :)

The Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad

We helped our buddy, Cole celebrate his third birthday with a party at The Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad. Andrew absolutely LOVED the trains and train ride - what a perfect place for little boys to have lots of fun!!


Andrew enjoying the train ride.


One of the trains making its way through the forest.


The birthday boy, Cole and his Grandpa.

Andrew pointing out all the trains.

So excited to see them go by!!

Our Boys

We are always trying to capture some cute pics of the boys together, but you never know how they will cooperate...here's some that capture the usual chain of events - ha!!


Captured one smiling and looking at the camera...


Two smiling, but only one looking at the camera...

Andrew's had enough and doesn't want Nathan to look at the camera!!

Special Delivery

Our great friends, The O'Connells made a special delivery of some delicious Halloween treats yesterday. Kelly, we definitely think you should seriously consider checking out a career as a Pastry Chef!! These cookies and cupcakes are to die for and so creative - take a look!!

Eight Months Old!!

Nathan is eight months old today!! We are so happy he made it through yet another hard month and we are back to our normal routine. We are enjoying each and everyday watching Nathan continue to grow and develop.


Big blue eyes.


Almost caught his contagious smile :)


Big boy.

Really, Mom? More pictures?

Pumpkin Patch

We headed to Stuckmeyer's Farm Market this year for picking pumpkins. Andrew had an absolute blast with all of the festivities. He is at such a great age and can finally participate in most of the activities for the kiddos. Nathan was content just hanging out in the stroller. It was a great day for fun with the family!!


Our little jockey.


Andrew riding the pony!!


Andrew ready for his tractor barrel ride.

Off to the field.

On their way back.

We couldn't believe how much Andrew enjoyed this ride. Steve and I got a big kick out of the fact that Andrew was by far the youngest and smallest one out there. Seeing his little head from a distance was just precious.

Andrew and all the pumpkins.

Nathan chilling in his own pumpkin seat on the pumpkins :)

It's nearly impossible to get a picture of the two boys, let alone one where they are actually smiling or even looking at the camera!!

Nathan making faces.

Neuro Check-Up

This morning Nathan had a scheduled MRI and check-up with his Neurosurgeon. All signs show that the shunt revision surgery was a success and the size of his ventricles and cyst have decreased. The cyst is still present and causing some blockage, but as long as Nathan stays healthy, we wait until it is absolutely necessary to intervene (going after the cyst is a VERY invasive procedure and one that the doctor rather not do on a newborn). We continue to pray Nathan remains stable and we don't have to visit Children's anytime again soon.

Andrew & Breakfast

Here are a couple pictures of Andrew eating his oatmeal and fruit for breakfast. He is Mr. Independent and wants absolutely no help when eating...


Caught in action.


All smiles :)

We're Home!!

WOW - we can't believe we finally made it home!!

After a very LONG exhaustive day Thursday and into the wee hours of Friday, we couldn't get Nathan to keep his feedings down. The doctors didn't know exactly what to attribute it to, but after some more x-rays, exams and time, Nathan started to turn around for the better. Steve and I were petrified that the surgery may have not worked and we would have to try a different procedure. However, Nathan pulled through and started feeding ok Friday morning. After three solid feedings and consulting with his Neuro and GI team of doctors, it was decided that we could take Nathan home.

We got home Friday evening and Nathan immediately knew he was safe at home and not in the hospital anymore. It was amazing to see his demeanor change so quickly. We had a good evening and Nathan slept through the night. We are just taking it slow and making sure Nathan takes his time getting back to his normal routine.

Please keep Nathan in your prayers that this surgery corrected the issue. We hope and pray this is his last surgery for a while!!

Nathan's Post-Op Status

Thanks everyone for all of the thoughts and prayers. Nathan made it through surgery late last night and was wide awake for us in recovery. He was more active right after waking up from surgery than he had been the last two days which made our night.

We found out that Nathan's shunt had stopped working and there was no drainage at all which led to built up pressure in his head and Nathan getting sick. In surgery, the doctor basically repositioned the shunt. He saw pressure relief immediately and we are hoping this does the trick. Keep the prayers going that this is the answer and no more surgeries are in the near future.

We have been bedside with Nathan all day today. We are working on feedings and some have been better than others. He is still very lethargic and sleeping a lot. When he is awake, he's a bit irritable, but we are still getting a smile every once in a while. We are due to stay in the hospital for observation to make sure that the surgery corrected the problem. Everything depends on how little Nathan is feeling and what he tells us. Things were much better this morning than they are now and we are concerned there may still be an issue. Time will only tell.

We are so very thankful for all of the support. Please continue the prayers that things start to turn around for the better.