New video blog reference

Here's the latest - two cute ones of the party and of G (in and out video)

Our friend, Seth is in Walter Reed

This is Seth Pack, our friend, who is in Walter Reed Hospital. He stepped on an IED in Afghanistan and is now recovering well. But he will be there for a long time. He will be fitted for a prosthetic left leg below the knee. They are working hard to help him heal back together. If you would like to help Seth out by sending cards or letters or anything that might make him more comfortable, just let me know and I'll get it to him. We are friends with his mom, Sylvia, who has to be the strongest woman I know. Sylvia is a wonderful mom as well as a professor. She has been at his side since he returned from Germany. This has nothing to do with Gerard, but we tell Gerard stories about soldiers and how we are home and safe because of people like Seth. Thank you Seth, for being so brave and good.

Don't you think Seth looks a little bit like a skinny Prince Harry? I think he's going to be getting lots of attention with that gorgeous red hair of his.

Back in January

In January, when we were in the hospital with pneumonia for the second time... Glad winter is finally over.

G loves to read

Gerard and Diesel # 10

I'm three!

This is Gerard's version of the number 3. He has a hard time with getting his fingers to do what his brain is telling him to do, but it's close enough. Ah, the threes! It's been such fun (all except the hospital the first week in January). He's talking up a storm and doing all kinds of fun things, like asserting his opinion. Last night, "Daddy, your hair is not pretty. Mommy, your hair is pretty." And, "I don't like Daddy's hair like that." ---Michael shaved it very short, and seems lilttle man knows what he likes.

Since my foot surgery he's not interested in being near me. Last night we turned a corner, and he cuddled in and asked me to read him poetry. I'm so glad he likes poetry, and the opera, and the ballet and the symphony. Don't worry he-men, he likes cars and trucks, but mostly he loves trains! We have quite the collection of Thomas Tank Engine and friends - lots and lots of trains to play with. Recently, Gerard likes to say that he's Henry. Mommy is Edward, and Daddy is Salty. Yes, the threes are a lot of fun!

Gerard is still sensitive, and hates it when anyone raises their voices, and I'm fine with that. It keeps Michael somewhat quiet. :)

Little G with RSV

Poor Gerard got RSV on December 29, the day after his 3-year old mark wellcheck. It's been quite the drama. We had a sleepless nigh the 28th when Gerard was retracting and having a hard time breathing. His temperature was around 101 (nothing to be alarmed about), so I waited to take him in to the clinic in the morning. After haggling with the only receptionist that doesn't know us, one of our favorite nurses came up and saw Gerard right away. His O2 levels were 89, so she said, "You are not leaving this building." He ended up getting checked in, and chest x-rays were done to rule out pneumonia. He tested positive for viral RSV and rhinovirus. We stayed in the hospital untl Saturday evening, January 1, 2011. Happy New Year!

We are now home with O2, pulse-oximeter and the BBG (just like old times)...so we are all a little cranky. Gerard keeps making me laugh with cute sayings like, "I scared of you...I don't like this." (his response to the medical equipment in the house again). But my very favorite quote right now is, "Thanks, that's much better," after wiping his nose. And, "I need a tissue." - I'm not sure I said that until I was five!

Anyway, happy new year to family and friends. Sorry things have been sporadic, especially my blogging. I'm much better about facebooking, but I'm getting ready to put that aside. Too much spam getting access to my account. It's been a great way for me to connect with my old high school and grade school friends. And it's not all about Gerard - but a lot of it is. (smile). Bonne Annee!