Christmas 2008

What an event! Even though Shawn wasn't feeling well, the boys and I made our way to the Candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve. When we came home, we found that Shawn wasn't feeling better at all. In fact, he felt worse! Trying to keep up Christmas spirit and traditions, the boys got dressed in their holiday pajamas, we made cookies for Santa and watched The Polar Express! Shawna arrived during the movie. I don't know who was more excited... the boys seeing Shawna or Shawna seeing the boys! Finally, the boys got ready for bed so that Santa could make his big arrival. Meanwhile, Shawn started getting the chills and running a high fever. His fever was even higher on Christmas morning, but he didn't want to miss the excitement and joy on the boys faces when they saw all that Santa had brought them. After playing with our new toys, Shawna and I took the boys over to Grandma and Grandpa's while Daniel stayed home to take care of Shawn. Later in the day, Daniel ended up taking Shawn to the emergency room. As it turns out, he had pneumonia! He ended up being admitted to the hospital and was there for three days! what a way to remember Christmas!

Heart Doctor

We took Connor to his yearly check-up at the cardiologist today. He was scared of all the equipment and machines but the threat of not being able to see Santa Claus after the appointment calmed him down long enough for them to do an EKG and Echocardiogram. Results: fine for now.
The spot where the hole once was is still patched up and the pulmonary artery has not narrowed again. However, because the pulmonary valve does not close all the way, there is some "residual leakage" (of blood) flowing back into his right ventrical. This causes the ventrical to become enlarged. Right now, it is only slightly enlarged. Over time, should it become more enlarged, we're looking at another surgery: a valve replacement. But that shouldn't be until his late teens, early twenties. So for now....we're all good!

2008 Holiday Pictures

God Bless the photographers at Portrait Innovations! After weeks of coordinating outfits, schedules, etc... the Grimes family made our way to Plano this morning. This was actually the first time that all six of us have had our picture taken together! Needless to say the boys were in one of those uncooperating moods and I think at one point there were 4 employees in our "room" at one time all trying to get my boys to sit still, smile, not stick their tongue out... and the list goes on. Out of the hundred and something shots taken, I think we walked away with at least a couple of good ones. So glad that is over... now we can all take a nap!

October Events

Better late than never... I finally got around to uploading pictures from the pumpkin patch. We made our annual excursion to Flower Mound late October. The boys had a great time spending the day with Grandma and Grandpa!

The rest of October was filled with Fall Festivals at both my school and the boys' daycare. Finally Hallowen arrived! We spent about two hours walking around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. Shawn taught Connor how to say "trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!" Wasnt too happy about that! Now that he was a pro at this whole Halloween thing, Connor had no problems walking right up to the houses by himself. Garrett not so much. He tuckered out quickly and our night came to an end with the screams of children who were denied candy before bedtime. We're such horrible parents!

My Baby

It's hard to believe that my baby is now two years old. I don't have a baby anymore! I have a toddler! Garrett's birthday weekend was interesting to say the least. I took the day off of work to spend with him but he started throwing up at 3AM! We had to cancel all our plans for the day because he just wasn't feeling up to it. Miraculously, once Shawn brought Connor home, Garrett's energy perked up and we went ahead and took the boys to the Fall Festival at my school. Shawn's martial arts demo team was performing so we left right after that. Garrett opened up presents from Mommy and Daddy when we got home. I think his favorite gift from us was "Rocket" from The Little Einsteins! The next day was Garrett's party at Build-a-Bear Workshop in the mall. There were seven kids in all. I think they all had fun making and dressing their own stuffed bear. It was a little hectic getting them all to sit still together for a group picture, but we managed to get one shot in. After the bears, we all went to eat Chick-Fil-A and birthday cake at the food court. On Sunday I took Garrett to get his two year pictures made. What a busy weekend!

Soccer

Tonight was Connor's first soccer game! He has never played organized sports before.... and it shows! Yes, my child was the grass picker! My child was the one running around in circles when the other players (and the ball) were at the other end of the field! But my child was also the one out there having a great time in his new royal blue jersey playing in the rain. (Yes they played in the rain!) Connor may not end up being the All-American athlete, but he is such a good hearted little boy and I wouldn't trade him for the world!