Gerard Blog

New video blog reference

2011-12-07T07:29:00.003-07:00

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

Our friend, Seth is in Walter Reed

2011-07-28T11:05:00.003-06:00

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

2011-03-23T17:45:00.000-06:00

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

G loves to read

2011-03-23T17:15:00.000-06:00

2011-03-23T17:08:00.000-06:00

Gerard and Diesel # 10

I'm three!

2011-03-23T17:04:00.000-06:00

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

2011-01-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

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!

November 2010

2010-11-03T21:26:00.002-06:00

Gerard NICU follow-up September 20, 2010

2010-09-22T10:07:00.002-06:00

Gerard now weighs 22 lbs. and is 36" tall. Wow! He's doing just great. As soon as I can get it together, I'll post photos. It's been crazy busy and all have been healthy.

CHP Lunch 2010

2010-09-22T10:07:00.000-06:00

CHP Lunch 2010
This was an event that I directed last week.

2010-06-28T12:22:00.000-06:00

Not a fun haircut

2010-06-28T12:21:00.000-06:00

Silly stuff

2010-06-28T12:20:00.000-06:00

Thomas the Tank Engine and Little G

2010-06-02T16:22:00.000-06:00

What fun we had last Friday taking our first train ride! Little man was so in awe, he was actually quiet for a change... We had a great time. Peep, peep!

July 9, 2009

2010-03-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to post this last summer...but forgot. Look how cute!

26 months

2010-03-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Giddyup!

2010-03-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Allergies, Asthma, etc.

2010-03-03T13:58:00.004-07:00

After months of illness, we had to take Gerard out of daycare and he's back home with Nanna Margie. Things are getting better. The immunologist has diagnosed him with allergies, asthma, eczema, etc. etc. Oh well... It's not like we're unfamiliar with the clinics, but last Friday the specialists office couldn't get a good stick so we were back at Primary's. Yuck. We're back to two breathing treatments a day (palmicort) for a while, along with topical and oral meds for the allergies.

On a positive note, he's running and talking and making us laugh...a lot! His new word for me is "mammacita" (he learned that from his dad) - and it comes out like "mammalita" - very cute. He's still addicted to "Thomas" and anything that has to do with trains and cars.

February 2010

2010-03-03T13:54:00.002-07:00

Little man making music at the Treehouse Museum.

Two!

2010-03-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Windows Live Hotmail from Qwest

2010-02-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

Windows Live Hotmail from Qwest

23 months

2009-12-02T12:19:00.001-07:00

Weighing in at around 27.5 lbs...

Fun times for Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T14:06:00.001-07:00

Angela and the gang came out for Thanksgiving and we all had a great time. Here's a lovely shot on 25th Street. It was much colder than this picture looks!

Trains

2009-11-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Here's our Christmas pic! Gerard's going to be 23 months tomorrow. How is that possible?

August - healthy!

2009-08-31T16:31:00.000-06:00

Gerard has been such a healthy boy that I haven't had much time to post information. I've been busy keeping up with him! We've had swimming lessons and lots of fun in August, and then school started, and now I'm trying to figure out how to manage "our" time.
NICU Reunion was last Saturday, and we had such fun catching up with all of our nurses and friends...but didn't see many doctors. As soon as I can get organized, I'll post some more...but here's something to get the general idea. Gerard is weighing in around 26 lbs. and is walking, running, talking and doing funny toddler-type things. He's really fun and silly and smart! Some of his favorite words are car, train, read, book, and mamma (finally)! He likes to play by shutting his eyes and walking around laughing. He's a giggler... And he loves to eat now that he doesn't throw up after each meal. His very, very favorite word is "meat." Yes, you got it - he loves his meat!

2009-08-09T22:23:00.005-06:00

Sunday nap

2009-07-12T18:57:00.001-06:00

We went for a long walk this morning, and it just wore him out... A 3 hour nap with his favorite bla-bla's... We miss daddy.

Swing time

2009-07-12T18:55:00.000-06:00

First run!

2009-07-12T18:54:00.000-06:00

Gerard's first run in the park yesterday, July 11. We had a wonderful time. Perfect weather, perfect day...

Well, I had to mention this for posterity...

2009-07-08T07:21:00.007-06:00

I just had to post these photos! Mike Daron, Rebecca "Becky Ory" Hernandez, Gerard Hernandez, and Paul Sylvest in Salt Lake City.

Gerard was very lucky to meet two of mommy's old Gramercy/Lutcher pals, Mike and Paul. We met up at Squatter's last weekend for lunch before the guys flew back to their respective TX and LA. It's always great to see old friends (because we so rarley do out West), so this was a rare treat! Mommy got her dose of coonass accent, and as you can see, Gerard is very, very sleepy. What's so neat about this is that Paul and I reconnected on FB through his older sister, who was my "main" babysitter, and well, as they say...the rest is history. The guys had a gig in Park City for the week, and I certainly would have held a grudge if they trucked all the way out here and we couldn't connect. Happy day! What's so funny about this photo is that we ALL have a lot MORE hair than we did back in the 80's. Thus this post...

We don't subscribe to TV in our house. Nope, no cable, no satellite, no junk shows, no commercials, no car races or sporting events...nothing but the odd "digital channel" non-violent cartoon station, which we don't watch unless it's "Thomas the Tugboat" or "Lambchop." Yes, of course, I let Gerard watch DVD's, so he's aware of "Sesame Street" and "Veggie Tales" and the like, but don't think TV increases the quality of our lives, and therefore, will not let it take over hours of his time. But back in the 80's, when I was hanging out with friends in high school, the music I listened to in the car and at home much of the time was Michael Jackson and early MTV music. In fact, I think I either cheoreographed or danced to at least six of Jackson's hits at the time, learned the Thriller dance by heart, and worked out and listened to the album every night for about a year. I even taught water aerobics to the music. So, his music was something I enjoyed. I need to mention Michael Jackson's death and funeral because it was a little slice of pop history, and I imagine that his effects on the music and entertainment industry will be felt for all years following. I was a fan, but I was not a fanatic. In fact, as a Rotary Scholar in Leeds, on one of my ambassadorial visits to a primary school, a kid asked me if I knew Michael Jackson. Well, I asked him if he knew Princess Diana or Sting. They all laughed, and as such, they got it.

I am grateful this week to not have TV. Not to get all soapboxy, but I'm so glad to not have to watch coverage about someone who is deceased and the family that now needs privacy, given much more media attention than people who are making a difference in our lives every single day. People who are friends and family who deserve our attention and love. People who matter to us.

On that note, I need to mention a special friend who is in need of prayers. My friend Nancy (here in Ogden) is dying of cancer. She was one of those people who made a positive impact on my life and the lives of thousands of high school students as well. She was an enthusiastic yoga student when I was first teaching, and always made me feel like I was doing something special, even though she was the one who was remarkable. She will be remembered as a quiet, beautiful soul. Gerard, you can ask me all about her later - We have been busy going by her house and dropping off meals for the family and visiting and making her smile and giving her "baby love" so she can feel better. Her gigantic dog makes Gerard so excited that he squeals with such delight, I'm worried we're going to hurt her! Big hugs to you, Nancy, and I'll be seeing you again someday... You will be missed, especially in the yoga studio. Jai Bagwhan...Namaste.

July - a new month and a new start!

2009-07-07T14:05:00.005-06:00

We have been very busy staying on top of Gerard's pain and side-effects from medications. I'm juggling staying home and working mostly from home. Sorry to take such a long time between posts, but life is extremely busy...as you are all aware... and blogging takes a lot of time (believe it or not). In the time it takes you to read 2 minutes, it probably takes me an hour to write, then edit all the swear words out, then another hour to upload one image. Ah, technology.

Gerard is having a great day today, and a long nap...thus the generous post. Here are pics from the Fourth of July Parade last Saturday morning in Downtown North Ogden. It was overcast (thank goodness), and G had a terrific time, especially when the horses, firetrucks and police cars went blasting past us ...hmmm... He was a good little "jammer" when the little girl dance teams paraded through town - but I clapped and danced and carried on like a true So. LA girl, so lots of stuff got thrown our way (even from women)! (t-shirts, candy, plastic hats and American flags) - all rated G. So hooray and happy belated 4th! (even though we have a much bigger holiday coming up in UT - the 24th of July). Yes, google that one, why don't you - ! The 24th is coming, and it will be bigger and badder than ever!

Because we live across the street from the park that shoots the fireworks, I was able to capture a few pics at the dining room table when we finally got to eat around 10:00 PM. All that activity had G too wired to sleep.

We are home

2009-06-30T22:26:00.002-06:00

And the pain meltdowns have begun...

G update

2009-06-27T03:22:00.003-06:00

No cellular service in this hospital. No e-mail except the middle of the night (3 am) and no f-booking works here as far as messages. I can text, that's about it. So if you haven't heard from me, that's why.

Things are very rough. Not good. G is still in the hospital and is not doing well. Lots of vomiting due to medication issues. Right when it looks like he's turning a corner, he vomits again and we start all over. Having trouble managing his pain as well.

This is not my favorite hospital. It's a sad place to be. Lots of very, very sick children and lots of "code blue" announcements all day. It's really, really difficult. I actually would prefer to be at home. In fact, for the first time in my life, I almost disconnected everything and fled the other night. Took us 48 hours to get him into a room. Not acceptable.

I've tried posting now five times. If this doesn't work, it's not getting posted. Sorry. Exhausted. I'll try again tomorrow. Looks like we'll be here until Sunday.

Surgery

2009-06-27T01:12:00.001-06:00

Sorry this has to be brief, but it's 1:15 a.m. on Friday night and I haven't slept much since Tuesday.

G's surgeries went well, but they had trouble managing his pain. Now they are not listening to my recommendations about medications for infection. G's vomiting a lot! He can't handle all the meds on his empty stomach. Hasn't eaten or drank - and when he does (like a bird) he throws it all up.

Rough times. It will pass, but the post-op stay was 48 hours and unacceptable. I had to call corporate to get something done about it. After that, we got a room in 20 minutes. Frustrating.

If the doctor doesn't listen to me tomorrow, I'm going to have to do something drastic, and will just pay the price later. Poor G. He's in a state of big swings of up and down - and he's exhausted. Slept most of the day hooked up to an i.v. Had to give him a strong narcotic tonight.

I'm going to sleep now. The hospital blocks internet connections for longer than 5-10 minutes and I'm about to get kicked off. More later.

I'm having better luck with facebook - so if you want information, you'll have to sign on to see photos there until we get home. And then...I'll be busy being a nurse again. Sorry everyone!

FYI - My Mom had a seizure yesterday and she's on anti-seizure medication. Poor Mamma. Please pray for her.

Wishing G luck

2009-06-23T23:49:00.000-06:00

The night before the big surgeries. June 23, 2009

I haven't ranted in a while, so here's some dribble.

Tomorrow Gerard will be having surgery at 7:30 a.m. in Salt Lake. At least, that's the plan.
That means leaving Ogden at 5:00 a.m in time for a 6:00 a.m. check-in at Primary's. Which means I have to wake up at 4:00 a.m. to get the car packed and everyone ready to go. This will not be fun. Just ask my Dad, who knows what a bear I can be in the mornings. Well...G has inherited that gene, and it's a good thing, because that means we won't have to talk to one another.

G will not be able to have anything other than clear liquids to drink until 4:30 a.m and after that...nothing. Should be interesting for me when he gets thirsty. Normally, he doesn't want anything until around 8 am anyway, so we'll see... G is a good sleeper and crashed hard tonight around 9. I had a busy evening getting him ready, packed, bathed and playing hard to be sure he'd sleep. I did well. Now I can't sleep (nerves). Our neighborhood had it's annual summer solstice party, which we nearly missed. We arrived in time for the breakdown of everything tasty at 8:00. We didn't get home until after 6:30, and in the process stood up a friend for the first time ever! I'm a scatter-brain this week. Sorry, friend. You know who you are and I'm sure you understand. I'm sorry...we'll make it up to you.

For all of you out there wondering, there will be 4 procedures done to Gerard tomorrow. 1. revised circumsision (I don't want to talk about why, but I'm sure you get the gist. Shouldn't have been done in the NICU in the first place). 2. tonsilictomy. 3. adinoidectomy. 4. laryngeal exploration. Please don't ask me to explain any of these later on.

Rationally, I know that it is a good thing to have these things done when kids are young. I know that thousands of children have these surgeries performed even as a matter of routine. It's Gerard's blog for when he's older to know what happened with me and him, so I can say what I want here, and I don't want to hear any bull---- about my feelings and how this is going to be so much better for him, bla bla bla. People seem to forget that Gerard is 18 months old. He'll be 15 months adjusted when this takes place, not 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 years old. He's a "baby" for all practical purposes. This is some serious stuff going on. So serious that our local hospitals will not do it. So I can say that I'm concerned. I'm worried, and I'm so sorry that he has to deal with this while he's so little and fragile, as great as he looks. He looks so good and healthy right now that I want to squeeze him all day and play and read to him and finally, "enjoy" him. We've been through the rough stuff. It's all been caregiving up until this point. Forget the mom and dad bonding... We've almost lost him twice now...so I guess I should be ready for another go. Bring it on! What I'd like to say is that I'm very sensitive right now and I'm sick and tired of people saying heartless and ridiculous things to me about what I should or should not be doing. I have made many, many sacrifices so that he can be strong and healthy. I have continued to work through all of this. I have stayed home from work when he's been sick to nurse him. I have taken him out of daycare at the demands of my doctors. I am fortunate that I work at a place that is allowing me to do this for a limited time. But this has been and is a hard, hard decision. It's been reduced to this, or chronic illness for years to come, and I already personally know what that's like. I don't want that for him. He's already had tubes put in his ears, a botched up circumcision and has chronic lung disease on top of all the rest. So let's hope and pray these procedures work and that it doesn't cause more damage. I've already got enough Catholic guilt about all this to last the rest of my life.

As for me and my personal health, I'm feeling much better, although I am quite fatigued. My biopsy results came in "normal," and my head CT looks tons better (no surgery planned)! Hormone therapy is no fun, but I should have a clean bill of health by the end of July. One more ultrasound in a couple of weeks will let us know if I need to have a different treatment. It's been a rough, rough year for the little guy and me. Pressing on...

If you haven't heard from me, it's just been a really tight schedule lately. I'm trying to hang on to what I can with work, and at the same time trying to manage the house and sick baby. I've let my yoga practice completely go and haven't been to the gym in yonks. I did manage to find someone to sit with Gerard for a few days a week which allows me to continue to work in an intermittent capacity. It's all a challenge. The benefit to all this juggling is that my creative skills are popping up in completely new ways and I'm getting some wonderful design work in a spare 30 minutes or so a few times a week.

To all my girlfreinds - thank you. You are all jewels and angels and I couldn't have made it this far without ya'll. God bless. Good night.

Check out my digs...

2009-06-22T21:05:00.005-06:00

Only my mom could make a preppy plaid outfit look good with moccasins and a Woody cowboy hat! Yummy lemonade and an old fashioned soda fountain counter complete the photo. When is Ford or Wilahmina going to discover me?

Me and McKenzie

2009-06-22T21:04:00.000-06:00

I'm being cheeky 'cause I love Miss McKenzie!

Are we home yet?

2009-06-22T21:03:00.000-06:00

Dad

2009-06-22T21:02:00.000-06:00

He's still got the look...

Uncle Scott and Auntie Daphne

2009-06-22T21:01:00.002-06:00

Our good friends Uncle Scott and Auntie Daphne looking oh, so still in love. Look at them smiling at me!

Our cabin view of the mountains

2009-06-22T21:01:00.000-06:00

Pretty overcast morning, but gorgeous! Just like 10 years ago. Happy Anniversary Scott and Daphne!

View from the front porch

2009-06-22T21:00:00.000-06:00

Mom wanted to take this photo...can't see why though. She liked the composition of all that wood.

Running the big room

2009-06-22T20:58:00.001-06:00

Here I am right before I slipped on the Oriental. Yes, we had a bloody nose this time! I'm too busy staring at all the stuffed heads on the walls that don't talk back.

Mommy made it all better by putting ice on it so I could lick it.

At Old Faithful...

2009-06-22T20:56:00.000-06:00

Waiting for the show... It's a very windy day!

Elkhorn Entry

2009-06-22T20:55:00.000-06:00

We're finally here...and look at that BIG old sky!

Travel companion

2009-06-22T20:54:00.000-06:00

When mommy gets tired of chatting, the dog will do just fine...

Reading...

2009-06-22T20:51:00.001-06:00

Such a long drive...

2009-06-22T20:51:00.000-06:00

Conserving energy on our way to Elkhorn Ranch, MT.

My very first Tee from Disney

2009-06-22T20:29:00.000-06:00

Look at my fabulous Mickey Tee from Walt Disney World (FL) that Nanny Angela sent me! M-I-C-K-E-Y Mouse. We sing that every night now. Thanks so much Nanny Angela, and all my Landry cousins who sent me a beautiful and soft, squishy Mickey to hug when I get out of surgery on Wednesday.

Montana for reunion weekend

2009-06-22T16:17:00.001-06:00

We all headed to Elkhorn Ranch for the weekend. Scott and Daphne celebrated their 10th anniversary in the place it all began...and it was glorious! How fun it was meeting up with old freinds and teaching them all about "ba" and "da" -

My mamma loves to kiss my cheeks

2009-06-09T16:30:00.000-06:00

Flowers...

2009-06-09T16:29:00.001-06:00

Just a few ladies for tea

2009-06-09T16:29:00.000-06:00

St. Benedict's Tea

Cheers to another year...

2009-06-09T16:28:00.001-06:00

13 IS a lucky number!

Just for Auntie Carla...

2009-06-09T16:28:00.000-06:00

Look at all the sock monkeys!

Silly boy!

2009-06-09T16:27:00.000-06:00

Signing "balloon" - Goodnight Moon...

2009-06-09T16:26:00.001-06:00

Evidence that I'm walking...

2009-06-09T16:26:00.000-06:00

I love myself - licking my reflection!

2009-06-09T16:25:00.001-06:00

2009-06-09T16:25:00.000-06:00

Loving the puppies...

2009-06-09T16:24:00.000-06:00

I'm at Auntie Kristy's house loving those puppies from a good distance... See how I curl my toes? I do this a lot - there is NOTHING wrong with my toes!

2009-06-09T16:23:00.000-06:00

Wow!

2009-06-09T16:22:00.001-06:00

Auntie V and chocolate frosting!

2009-06-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

My very first taste of chocolate frosting after services with Aunti V. I'm sooooooo happy to have some real sugar! Notice the bruise on my head? Well, I've got more since I started to walk. :)

Holding my own...

2009-06-09T16:17:00.000-06:00

One of the beautiful people...long time ago!

2009-06-04T11:14:00.002-06:00

This is a photograph of me at 18 years of age, freshman year at LSU. Had I been born in Utah, I'd probably already be married with a baby on the way! Some things are better off as they were - I wanted Gerard to be able to see this photograph so that when he's older, he'll realize that his "old mom" was a "young lady" back in the day... blonde, skinny (because I didn't eat), tan (used sunscreen), perfect skin, perfect teeth, flirty eyes, fabulous wardrobe (becuase mon-mon sewed up every thing I designed), a heart-breaker in a man's field...your basic nightmare! Of course, one year of architecture school wrecked my body and my immune system, but I did make good enough grades to get me to Louisiana Tech, my first choice of colleges. Gooooooooo bulldogs! (OK, so I do root for the tigers to this day, but still, LSU was in my backyard and I needed to get away)! For all my friends who wondered why in the world I would attend a "dry county" school...truth is, I really loved North Louisiana's rolling hills, clean air and the solitude of being up there. Yes, the sorority thing was not as cool having a "lodge" instead of a real "house" on the row, but I did get to continue to lifeguard, danced like a fool at Stow's, met Carla K., met Michael on a blind date, fell in love... made wonderful friends in the graphic design program after the big "switch" - and was selected in a big competition for a Rotary International Scholarship to study for a year at the Henry Moore Sculpture Foundation at the University of Leeds, England that completely changed my life! (No wisecracks Mike Dawson).

Woobie...

2009-05-19T13:54:00.000-06:00

Just for Hailey

2009-05-19T13:53:00.000-06:00

You know who you are...

I'm not afraid of this sucker!

2009-05-19T13:52:00.000-06:00

Gerard is being brave... playing with the suction machine, but he's really afraid of it!

Having a rough time of it...

2009-05-14T12:10:00.000-06:00

G was in the hospital from Sunday until last night. Things have been rough. Two viral infections, upper respiratory, sinus, and ear infections along with fevers of 105 and vomiting. Good grief! Thank goodness we had such nice doctors and nurses! More breathing treatments and more suctioning at home...

Geo Picnic

2009-04-25T09:57:00.000-06:00

I captured this with the iphone during the usually frigid geosciences picnic. No matter the date, it's a high of 40 degrees and drizzly. Makes for green, green grass and beautiful lighting. Here's a photo of Mr. Preppy G on his 16th month birthdate (13 months adjusted).

I don't feel good...

2009-04-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

Gerard sleeps best in this spot when he's feeling really crummy.

At the doctor's office again...

2009-04-18T09:48:00.000-06:00

I haven't wanted to post in a while because it's been one doctor's visit after another. Last Friday, we had to get his right ear drained at the ENT, and it's still not looking better. He's finishing yet another round of antibiotics and it's not working this time. Runny nose (to the extreme), runny ears (pus and blood), cough, sore throat(tonsilitis), vomiting, and refusing to eat. Gerard's just not been feeling well. In spite of all that, they can't pinpoint what's wrong, other than a bacterial infection that is probably now a viral infection. Our doctor has been on vacation, so the other doctor thinks he may have a fungal infection in his ear that is resistant to antibiotics (we had ear drops and eye drops as well). This new doctor gave me a lecture about chronic use of antibiotics and told me to keep him out of daycare. It was not a supportive visit. His ear culture came back negative for bacteria this time...so it's a mystery. I won't ramble about it any more, it's too depressing.

Here's a photo of Gerard playing at the doctor's office with their big toy. Doesn't he look huge? Well...his weight is down again - He got up to 22.9 earlier this month, and is now down to 21.8 with this illness. Next week we'll be talking about the possibility of removing his tonsils since it's a playground for bacteria and infection. We're just worried about him being so young.

Playing with my new "egg"

2009-04-17T17:48:00.002-06:00

We definitely love music of any kind!

Easter Sunday at Church

2009-04-17T17:45:00.000-06:00

Fr. Eric didn't like my hat. He said it looked like a beret. He should talk! Both boys are wearing pom-poms on their tams...so I don't know about that!

Flirty man

2009-04-17T17:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, I love the ladies!

Happy Easter

2009-04-14T09:32:00.000-06:00

Here's Master Gerard in his Easter outfit before going to church. Doesn't he look adorable? He had a good day, even after a rough week of more ear infection and draining (ugh). Another respiratory infection. More antibiotics for eyes, ears and throat. The doctors want to talk about removing tonsils now...
Moral of the story - We celebrate the good days!

Too busy!

2009-04-06T10:40:00.000-06:00

We're so busy with the new schedule and new daycare (that's a good thing), that I haven't had a chance to post. Promise to get something up eventually... You all know how it is. Gerard is happy and doing well in the new center, and really enjoys being around lots of other toddlers. He's sooooooo close to walking. I don't think he could crawl any faster than he does. New words: "Mamma" and "Bye-Bye" - He says them over, and over and over all day long. He also loves to clap and say, "Yeah!"

Pickle

2009-03-25T09:33:00.001-06:00

Photo is Gerard trying his first pickle. He liked it!
Today we're home with hand, foot and mouth disease. What a way to mark the 15th month! We thought this would be the week without doctors, but no such luck. It sounds awful, but is a very common and highly contagious virus. Seems infants and children get it. Of course, the doctors blame the daycare and the daycare blames the frequent visits to the hospital. Who knows? It is what it is. His hands and feet have the rash/bumps, but his mouth was spared except for the very back where he swallows. He's got very large tonsils, so I know that can't help matters. Luckily, he seems happy enough even through the itching. This has flared his eczema on top of that. All I can say is, it's snowing, so not such a bad day to stay at home and try to get work done.

Pretty blue eyes

2009-03-18T12:01:00.000-06:00

What more is there to say?

Nothing to do with anything

2009-03-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Just a pretty picture to document that we actually made it up the canyon once this year! This is at Deer Valley two weeks ago.

Almost clear...

2009-03-01T21:59:00.002-07:00

We had a very good day until the night feeding...then another massive vomiting session - all over Michael, the chair, the floor, and a trail to the bathroom floor where he continued vomiting. I wish I knew what was going on with this! It's horrible. His weight has dropped to 20 lbs. 10 oz. from 21 lbs. 4 oz. on the 23rd.
Yesterday we had a great day of driving up to Deer Valley to see Michael ski a little. Will post pics when I have time. I'm pretty wiped out from not sleeping for a week.
Today marks a year the little man has been home, and that is a good feeling! He's almost standing on his own now - trying really hard, anyway. He's come leaps and bounds this month developmentally, even with all the vomiting and diarreah.

Photo from happier days

2009-02-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a great pic from my birthday (last month). February has been a wash...lots of sickness. Gerard has been sick since Saturday with the stomach/diarreah virus. Horrible... Then I passed out at work with it, myself. So - I thought it would be nice to show a photo from a happy day. We are both parched, tired and eating lots of rice and bananas now.

Look out Elton!

2009-02-17T19:03:00.003-07:00

We were stuck inside today, so that meant lots of music time so Mom could get some work done! Here G is during a jam session.

Asian Cracker

2009-02-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I went to the local Asian market to pick up ingredients for Tom Yum soup, and the lady gave Gerard some crackers. They taste sweet, salty, and a little bit like dried shrimp to me, but he just loves them! Hey, he loves them and they don't make a mess...gotta love that. When Michael came home he thought it smelled like tuna fish in the house (and we all know how I feel about that food product). We had a good laugh!

2009-02-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Balloons are just about Gerard's favorite thing in the whole world!

Everything is good

2009-02-13T21:47:00.002-07:00

Gerard's surgery went well. He didn't cry. He was fussy, but not horrible coming out of anesthesia. All in all, a very positive experience. He's had a fever (we think from the ear infection) and are waiting for that to drop. As soon as I get some extra minutes I'll post some pics. Sorry for the delay, but life has been way too busy.

Last week Gerard had his eyes examined (very good), his teeth checked out (not so good), allergy testing (he's allergic to eggs, peanuts, walnuts, and dog/cat). We can easily modify his diet, but the cat's going to be a hard one for us to give up. Sophie's been part of the family for 13 of her 15 years...and she's still a healthy and strong girl. Anyone know of someone looking to adopt a beautiful and well-mannered kitty, just give me a shout. It's a hard thing to do, but compromising Gerard's lungs any more than they already are is not an option. He has the predictors for asthma and his eczema is a sure sign that we must eliminate the animal from the house. Since I'm allergic as well, it's probably not a bad idea. I realized this last week when I was in Nashville and I had no allergy symptoms while I was away.

Long days...

2009-02-09T23:14:00.002-07:00

I haven't had time to post since it's been so busy since my return from Nashville. Oddly, something weird is happening with my breasts. Seems like my milk is coming back in. All I can figure is that the "mommy" hormones kicked in when I got home after being away from him for so long. Why am I posting this? Because I am in PAIN!!!! And it's just not what I was expecting. Anyone have a clue about this bit of mystery? And yes, I have a call into my doctor for those of you who think I'm a nutcase.

And while on the topic of healthcare (again), I didn't expect that we'd be taking Little G in for surgery on Thursday, but there you have it. He's having surgery in his ears (tubes) and we hope this helps with all the infections. It's been nonstop antibiotics for the past 5 months.

Well, off to bed. After writing all evening, I've got to take the baby to the allergy doctor in the morning for another stick and then more work, work, work. I do have some adorable photos but I'm just too tired to post them tonight. I guess I'll have some time on my hands Thursday morning to get them posted. More later.

February 2008 and February 2009 comparison

2009-02-04T16:36:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to sift back through the archives to see how far we've come - here's a recap. February 3, 2008 Gerard weighed in at 5 lbs. Today...21 lbs. and able to see me off at the airport last Sunday!

new thing

2009-01-25T13:17:00.003-07:00

Gerard loves the door stoppers. This is the only one left in the house. He likes to try to eat them!

Cheeky smile

2009-01-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Discovered the bells!

2009-01-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

Going up to nap

2009-01-25T11:29:00.001-07:00

2009-01-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Doing better

2009-01-22T16:30:00.001-07:00

Today is a much better day! Feeling better and looking better. Good thing...we have lots of important appointments next week.

You won't believe this...

2009-01-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today we had to go back to the clinic at the hospital. Yesterday I noticed some bumps on Gerard's head, and today there were several more. Yup, he's got chicken pox! Seems he is one of the 1 in 25 kids who gets it from the immunization. Lovely. Poor guy is not a happy camper, and I'm at my wits end. This was the fifth visit to the doctor in the past 4 weeks. So far his face is clear, thank goodness.
He had his first dose of benedryl and let's just say it makes him very grumpy. Here's proof.
I keep thinking that one day soon we will be healthy...

January Synegis Shot

2009-01-15T19:54:00.001-07:00

Gerard had his synegis shot today, got a good checkup and is looking good again. His weight is 19.9999 lbs. Ah well, next time...
It's been a rough 3 weeks for us with his illnesses, but looking good. The new antibiotic seems to be doing the trick, but he needs allergy testing and the doctor is recommending pediatric rehab. I'm not sure I want to go there right now, but next month I'll evaluate him again.
He was his old charming self at the doctor's office, flirting with all the nurses (except for the one who gave the injection).
Two more teeth are coming in on the bottom (that makes eight).

2009-01-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

Not a fun week

2009-01-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

Gerard and I have been home sick much of the week. I'm coming around, but still wheezing. He's got several things going on: bronchialitis, tonsilitis, meta-pneumovirus, swollen glands, and diarreah with the occasional vomiting. Yes, lovely. So...with one viral infection on top of another, we've managed to end up sick, sick, sick. My goal was to not have to admit him to the hospital, and so far so good... Yesterday we were worried he might have full blown pneumonia. What a relief to know that, no, just lots of congestion.
The new antibiotic seems to be working, thank goodness. Good grief, this is the third one for him and second for me in a month (not good for the tummies). I'm concerned about our immunity at this phase of the RSV season, but hopeful that we're going to be much better after a restful weekend. Michael's been a trooper running back and forth to the store and pharmacy. I'm ready to feel good again. This is feeling a little too much like the beginning of 2008. It's OK, I only had one little meltdown at the doctor's yesterday and no one was in the room at the time...:) Our pediatrician has been wonderful, although very concerned that he's been throwing me one thing after another since before Christmas.

You can see from the photo he's not feeling all that well, but he's been such a trooper. Only one little tear from that horrible blood draw yesterday. I'm lucky I've been able to keep him hydrated.

He's up from a nap, so until next time...