A little bit of nip/tuck

Well, today has been interesting.  I was working in the kitchen this morning, and Caleb was crying a blue-streak.  At first I thought he was just wanting to be held, so I was finishing up what I was doing.  After I was done, I picked him up and went to change his diaper.  When I opened up his diaper, I was in for a surprise.

Caleb's groin was extremely swollen.  There was a bulge AT LEAST the size of a ping pong ball.  I thought it was his testicle.  Well, of course, I did the usual freak out.  At the time I wasn't thinking clearly and was worried that it was going to get even more swollen.  

I called my father-in-law to come take Micah and my mother-in-law actually went to the doctor with me.  I think she was worried about me driving in my frazzled state of mind. 

The staff at the doctor's office was great in that they rearranged the doctor's other appointments in order to get Caleb in right away.  We got sent into a room, and by that time John was there.  He was worried too.

The doctor came in and started examining Caleb.  He said that Caleb had a hernia.  I learned that a hernia is your intestines coming through the stomach lining.  Apparently it is quite common in babies, although I had never heard of it.

The doctor was able to massage the intestines back into place, and said we might need to do it at times.  He said that Caleb would need surgery to correct it.  It's pretty non-invasive as far as surgeries go.  He contacted the urologist immediately, and as of right now, we are just waiting to talk to that doctor and schedule the surgery.  I guess depending on his availability, it will probably be next week....I hope.

I still freak out a little when I think  that my little boy will need to have to have surgery, but I know that God is in control of Caleb's situation.

Those three little words

Most of you know how Micah had trouble with his speech in the past.  Over the past 6 months or so, his speech has just blossomed.  John and I are very relieved, and though many people had told me that he would start talking a lot better in his own time, I feel better now that it is actually happening.

It seems that now Micah has no off button.  He is talking ALL the time, and repeats us quite often.  Over the past few weeks, he has been learning responses to often heard phrases.  For example, you say "Bless you" when someone sneezes, or "Excuse me" when you burp (which Micah can do at will, and we are trying to cure him of that talent). 

But the most wonderful phrase he has learned is "I love you."  At first, we were teaching him that when someone says "I love you," you say "I love you, too."  So he would do it some of the time.  But very recently he has begun to say "I love you" to me or John without prompting, and out of the blue.  What a way to melt a parent's heart!

I just am so blessed to have such a sweet little boy as my son.  I wouldn't trade him for the world.

And a fun time was had by all!

That little boy of mine turned one the other day, and we had his birthday party today.  But for his actual birthday, we took him to Chuck E. Cheese.  I'm sure Micah had more fun than Caleb, but Caleb thought he was pretty big stuff since we let him walk around this time.  It used to be that we had him in the stroller or high chair.

 

Today was Caleb's birthday party, and we decided to keep it simple and just invite family over, since you never know how a little one will react to a house full of people.  Although with just family there, we still had a house full of people.  But luckily we timed it just right.  Caleb had just woken up from a nap before the festivities began.

We got pizza for the troops since we didn't want to do too much work.  We're lazy bums.  Ha ha.  But everyone loves pizza, so it was a hit. 

Then it was time for the cake.  We got Caleb his own cake and another cake for the rest of it.  John and I were curious how Caleb would react to the cake.  Micah didn't enjoy getting himself messy, and he cried.  But Caleb was the complete opposite.  See for yourself...

After a quick bath which promptly turned the water bright blue, Caleb (or should I say his brother and cousins) was ready to open his presents.

We had a good time getting to visit with our families and celebrating this milestone with Caleb.  We are so blessed to have such a sweet and loving son. 

A Year of Many Memories

Well, the day is finally here.  My little Caleb is a year old today!  The time has gone by so fast.  It seems like just yesterday that I had him.  John and I can't believe how much he has changed from that first day, when he couldn't do anything without our help.

I remember getting to see him the first time after Dr. Huss delivered him.  The nurse brought him to my side of the curtain (I had a C-section).  He was the most perfect thing ever!  Of course, Micah was the most perfect thing ever as well.  Wow, it's bringing tears to my eyes right now thinking about it.  What a sap I am!

I remember introducing Caleb to Micah and Micah's gentle little kiss on his head.  It was so sweet.  Of course, now Micah would rather drive a hot wheel on Caleb's head than give him a kiss.  But he still gives his brother kisses now and then.

There have been a lot of firsts for my little boy this first year.  His first bath, his first time sleeping through the night (oh what a wonderful feeling!), his first smile, his first tooth, his first time rolling over, and his first steps. 

Caleb started taking steps a few weeks ago, and now he is just toddling all over the house.  It's a great thing, but it just reminds me how much he is growing up.  And it all has happened in one little year.

Although I am surprised that one year has gone so fast, I am excited for all the years to come. 

 

Leaving, on a jet plane

So the boys and I are off to Texas again.  This time we are going so we can attend my cousin Rebekah's wedding.  We are all so excited to celebrate the beginning of her new life with Justin.  We are happy to have him in our family. 

We leave on Wednesday morning, and will be returning the following Tuesday.  I would like to stay a little longer, but my little boy will be turning 1 on Thursday the 14th.  I wouldn't want John to miss out on Caleb's first birthday.