Enjoying the Moment

A thunder storm rolled through tonight while I was reading bedtime stories with Winston. He wanted to go watch the lightening so we turned off the lights in the house and sat by the window to watch the storm. Winston was fascinated. He sat on my lap and together we stared out the window waiting for each lightening flash and then listening for the thunder to follow. It was like a spell had been cast over him. He sat so still watching and waiting. He would smile and his eyes would sparkle with each flash of lightening and boom of thunder. There were plenty of oohs and aahs. He loved it and I loved watching his reaction - utter fascination and pure enjoyment. Because our home is surrounded by mountains, the thunder echos here. I love it and I loved this special moment with my son. The storm only lasted for about ten minutes but what a perfect way to end a great day - a wonderful memory making moment. Brad's been out of town today and so it was just my little buddy and me hanging out together. I can't imagine life without this wonderful little boy.

So You Think You Can Dance!

I absolutely love this show! I've been looking forward to this year's season for months and I'm so happy that it's dance time again. I thoroughly enjoy watching the artistry and beauty of the dances, and the strength and talent of the dancers is just amazing. This is my favorite show on TV. Hooray for SYTYCD!

My Sister, My Friend

My sister moved to New Mexico yesterday and I miss her already. We haven't always been as close as I'd like over the years, but the last 5 or 6 years have brought us together and she is one of my best friends. I love that we are raising young boys together - something I didn't think we'd be able to do.

Thinking about my sister, brings to mind a song by Reba McEntire that I love - and always reminds me of my sisters when I hear it - called My Sister, My Friend. One of the verses goes like this:

I was thinking just today
About how we used to play
Barbie dolls and make-up
Tea parties, dress up
I remember how we'd fight
We made up and laughed all night
Wish we were kids again
My sister, my friend

Some of the best times of our childhood together were playing barbie dolls, dressing up in my mother's old dresses, dancing around the front room to my parents old 50's music, hours and hours spent swimming, sleeping out in our back yard under the stars and playing hide and seek - our favorite game. We also had our fights over clothes, toys, TV programs and having to share a room. We had so much fun together growing up - the three of us girls.

Lauri, you are so loved and will be missed dearly. Everything will work out though and you'll be back in Utah before we realize the time has passed. Enjoy the ride and in the mean time, know that you are always in my heart - My Sister, My Friend!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday - the first one since he passed away in February. I woke up thinking about my dad this morning and missing him. He's already been on my mind a lot the last few days - ever since Memorial Day. It feels like he's been gone for so long and yet it's only been a few months. Time has dulled the pain to just an occasional ache but I know I'll always miss him. Happy Birthday Dad. I'm so grateful to have had you as my father.

Recovering Very Quickly

Part of his recovery was getting him up and walking around. The day after his surgery (Thursday), he could only go for about a dozen steps before he needed to lay back down again. The next day (Friday) he was feeling a little better and so that morning we went out onto the patient patio to blow bubbles - very good to clear the congestion out of the lungs the nurses said. He rode out to the patio in one of their wagons.
He even got out and walked around for about ten minutes before he needed to go lay back down.
After his nap, he was feeling restless and wanted to get up. They had a little trike out in the hall and he rode it up and down the halls for about 45 minutes. I was just amazed at the quick progress he had made from the day before - even just from that morning. His pain level seemed to be quickly going down and his energy was increasing. All those prayer were sure working!
Here he is riding down the hall with his dad.

Happy to be out and about and not stuck in his hospital bed.
Enjoying his breakfast on Saturday morning just before going home.
Leaving the hospital in style in one of their wagons.
I really didn't think we'd be going home until Sunday afternoon and we were out of there Saturday morning. When we got home, he was running around and playing with his toys before taking a short nap. He ate pizza (his favorite meal), brought over by a dear friend and finally had a good nights sleep. Thank you again to everyone for all of their prayers on his behalf. The quick progress of his recovery is amazing and only proves that prayers really do work.

Hospital Stay

Here are some pictures of our little patient. He's such a trooper - taking everything in stride and coping very well. There have only been a few tantrums and a couple of times he's told his nurse that he thinks she's mean (but can you really blame him for that?).

Successful Surgery

Hooray! Everything went so well. Winston has a new tummy - a stronger and flatter one. His doctor feels really good with the surgery and thinks this will take care of his core muscles. After he heals, he should be able to go up and down stairs by himself, climb and run and play like any other 2 year old. I'm so happy and relieved with the outcome. Winston is so blessed - he's our little miracle. Thanks to everyone who has been praying for him. Prayers really do work.

Surgery Time is Near

For those who didn't know, Winston was born with a birth defect called an Omphalocele. He had a hole in is tummy and part of his intestines and liver were in a sack outside of his body. He had surgery to put everything back inside and repair the hole when he was three days old and a followup one when he was about 5 weeks old. He had to spend 10 weeks in the hospital before we were finally able to bring him home.
He's been growing and doing very well in the last 2 1/2 years, but his stomach muscles were so weak from his birth defect that over time they've again pulled apart. He has limited core muscle strength and it took him longer than ususall to learn to crawl and walk. He's compensated well but still struggles with balance and can't climb or run as well as other kids his age. We've known that he would have to undergo an additional surgery for about two years but needed to wait until he was bigger and stronger. His doctors feel that he is ready and that now would be a good time for the surgery so Winston will be going in on Wednesday for abdominal repair surgery. I Hope this will be his last surgery and that there won't be any limitations on his future activities because of his weak stomach muscles. I'm so grateful we have a resource like Primary Children's Medical Center so close to home. The doctors and nurses there are amazing and have taken such wonderful care of Winston. Please keep him in your prayers throughout this next (and hopefully last) ordeal. I'll post updates as he progresses.