"This type of exercise is good for my thighs." -Reese

We placed Reese in her jumparoo the wkend Jonas had his surgery and she is not so sure what to think. She likes the light up toys on it so far. She is sitting good in her bumbo and enjoys watching us do whatever around the house. Right now she has a runny nose and nasty cough that she got from daycare. I know she will keep it as long as she is in there, and Jonas did the same thing. She rolled over several times this past Friday night and giggled each time she did it. She is 5mths on August 20 and I can't believe she has almost been with us half a year. She is a great JOY and her smile will melt your heart. We love you!

A is for Abby. J is for Jonas.

Abby came over to play with me Saturday night. As you can see, I am not feeling very well. Unfortunately, I have not felt well since the day after my surgery. I cry often, lounge around, get irritated quickly, and just like for mommy & daddy to hold me.
Even though this pic is fuzzy, my mommy just loves the way I look when Abby gives me hugs. Abby is a very sweet friend.
My mommy has a similar picture like this of when she was about 5 yo with one of her best guy friends. Abby is one of my best gal friends.
Abby gives some good sugar, but I am not quite sure of what to do. I just lied there and soaked it all in since it was my first sugar from a girl.
There she goes again. My mom and Abby's mom sure liked it because they kept taking pictures.

Update from Surgery

Jonas has recovered so well. That day, he slept on and off until evening and then ate and played until bedtime. He was almost back to himself that night. Then yesterday (Friday) was completely normal with meals and naps and tons of playtime. We are giving Jonas ear drops 3 times a day which he HATES.... and an antibiotic twice a day for a week. We go back for our check-up in 4 weeks. I will post pics at some point. Our camera has been acting up and not working right. We really appreciate your sweet comments of care & concern and all your phone calls. Thanks so much for loving us!

The Big Day

7:45am. I arrive at the hospital straight out of my bed in my pajamas. I am waiting in the waiting room to be called back to the surgery area. I am in a great mood!
I now have new pajamas on and am upset because they took my blood pressure, weighed me (27lbs,6oz), took my temp, measured me, and checked my oxygen level. It was not fun at all.
Daddy is the best comfort of all when you are not liking being at the hospital.

While waiting to go to surgery, I found the coolest "toy".... Hiding under the sink and playing peek-a-boo with mom & dad.
This was so fun and kept me entertained for about an hour!!! Woo-hoo for fun hiding places!
All smiles as I get ready to climb out.
I even let mom & dad close the doors and I sat in the dark for a few seconds without getting scared.
Now I am in the playroom drawing with chalk. I had never done this before and I really liked it!

I was supposed to go to surgery at 9:45, but they were not ready for me until after 11a, so I had to keep busy by playing.
It's getting closer! Mommy was able to carry me back in the OR and this is her funny outfit she got to wear. I wasn't even scared of her looking like a marshmallow.
Mommy even held me while I got my anesthesia mask placed on my face and started to drift asleep. I didn't know a thing..... sweet dreams, Jonas!
The surgery lasted about 20 minutes and I woke up ready to see my family. Mommy came back first because dad was eating a hamburger in the cafe. They didn't expect me to be back so soon. I woke up groggy, irritated, and crying. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I did not like that feeling.
One of my favorite places to be..... in daddy's arms. I am resting in the holding room before I go home. I stayed at the hospital until 2p and after being awake for a few minutes, I was able to leave. Since I have been home, I have rested on the couch and in Su-Su's arms. Mommy will write more when I start waking up and playing. Thank you so much for praying for me and my family.

Today was actually a good day and everything went smoothly. The doctor told us that his adenoids were 70% blocked and the right ear had fluid, but he put tubes in both ears. The surgery was much faster than I expected and Jonas did great before he went back. We really appreciate all the support that our friends and family gave us. Your calls, hugs, food, and gifts were overwhelming. Thank you guys for loving us!!!!

Getting ready for my surgery!!!

This is mommy with Amelia, Tammy, and Reese. Tammy taught mommy & daddy about what would happen while we are at the hospital on Thursday. I had fun playing with the doctor stuff.
Did you know that you can listen to your ears with a stethoscope? I like this gadget!
Here I am playing again and having fun during my medical play!!! Child Life is so cool!
Am I the only one that doesn't realize I am having surgery tomorrow?
Oh Look! A special sticker is on my nose. Tomorrow it will be on my chest to hear my heartbeat.

We have to be at the hospital at 7:45a and Jonas's surgery is scheduled at 9:45a. It should last around 30 minutes. The nurse I spoke with today said he would more than likely go home afterwards... depending on how he manages the sedation. Jonas's recovery time is 3-4 hours in the hospital. I will take pics tomorrow and post them when I can so all you Mississippians can see your sweet boy! Keep us in your prayers for a smooth surgery process and that Jonas will recover with no problems.
p.s. Incase you didn't know about my profession, one aspect of being a Child Life Specialist is to help families and the pt understand the surgery routine and what to expect on that day. We had our intern give Jonas and us our pre-op and tour and she did a great job!!

"Play is helping Jonas become more familiar with the medical equipment." --Esther

For all my Child Life friends, you will be so proud of Jonas and his medical play!!!!!
Jonas thought the anesthesia mask was fun and laughed when he would put it on his face.
Even though the mask is upside down, Jonas knows where it goes on him.
Here's a little pig-nose for you as he puts it to his face :). Mommy is so proud that he is not scared at this point of what he will see tomorrow for surgery.

"It is fun to be in the same decade with you." Franklin D Roosevelt

I really can't believe that August is already here. Sorry guys that it has taken me so long to post pics. Jonas pushed our lens of the camera and it is somewhat messed up now. It will take pics when it wants to, so you never know. Of course Jonas is still completely attached to his pacifier. It's an issue we are not going to start tackling until after his surgery.

Jonas loves to wear sunglasses and also to put clips in his hair. You can't see the clip but it's back there. A little girlie..... but not thinking too much about it for now :)
Jonas has his tubes put in and adenoids out this Thursday, August 9. My Aunt Kathy and grandmother are coming up here to help out. Aunt Deb just left this weekend and as always, it was lots of fun having her in town. Jonas decided to eat one of Sadie's dog biscuits and he was quite grossed out by it. Sadie is Aunt Deb's child.

Reese turned 4 mths on July 20. She went to the doc this time weighing in at 16lbs 8oz. She is in the 25 in height range, but can't remember exactly. She is such a chunk and absolutely adorable.
Reese has completely quit breast-feeding and is now on formula. She spits up ALL the time, so not sure if that is a formula problem or her reflux. She literally soakens the top of her outfit several times a day. She has also started the daycare where Jonas goes which is at Arkansas Children's Hospital. She had a good first day this past week.

We had professional pics done and this is a little project I did with some of our pics. Sorry for all the glare. I also have Reese's birth announcement which I will be sending out soon. Just ordered the envelopes for them today, so it will be another week before they are mailed. Yes I am aware they should have been mailed out 3 mths ago.... but you will just love the pic we are sending of her. You can even frame it!!