Should We or Shouldn't We?

HE DID IT!

Not only did Samuel turn 6 months old today, but about 30 minutes ago he started CRAWLING. We got home from the park and I put him down, and he just took off. It was only two weeks ago that he even started doing push ups in an attempt to crawl. He's already been getting into things just from scooting around, so I'm scared for what will happen as he perfects this. I am very proud of him, but I don't think I am ready for what is to come. If he's anything like his cousin Zach, then I better hide the cell phones and baby-proof the toilets:)

In other news, Samuel also has his first teeth coming in and he's not happy about it. I am having so much fun with him, but Katelyn was such an easier baby. Too bad she couldn't stay that way. Also, Ben got his cast off last week but he still can't put any weight on his foot. Which means I still currently have 3 kids to take care of, and last night I was on the verge of a complete meltdown. And to top it off, Ben is trying to convince me to get a puppy. Thank goodness I get to spend 2 glorious hours to myself tomorrow getting my hair done.

Unfortunately the video of him crawling doesn't want to work. I know you are all disappointed.

Time flies. I can't believe he's already a half a year old.

Results

We had a very long day, but it turned out to be a great one. The doctors said that the MRI could not have gone more perfect, and we found out that Samuel is completely healthy. I may have overreacted a bit, but I never want to have to go through that again. Thanks to Danielle and all of you for your prayers and concern. We feel very blessed!

Waiting to go in

Katelyn with Dr. Bear, compliments of Nurse Danny

Sean Connery & docs checking his breathing beforehand

Angry and groggy, we got to take a ride through the hospital from recovery to his room.

MRI

Tomorrow morning Samuel is scheduled to have an MRI of the brain (unless he catches mine & Katelyn's cold). He has what is called Anisocoria, which simply means unequal pupils. He was born with it which usually means it's just a variation of normal. However, his pediatrician wants to rule out any neurological problems. We have struggled with this decision to put our 5-month old under anesthesia for a month now. I have been sick to my stomach about it, but after researching, and praying, and asking everyone involved endless questions we have decided to go through with it. I believe he is perfectly fine, but on the off chance that I'm wrong I could not live with myself. Please say a little prayer for him tonight.

All By Our Lonesome

A couple of hours ago we said goodbye to Dave and Gillian. They are actually gone. For the first time in our lives Ben and I are living on our own, without any family around. We are feeling a bit lost right now. Two and a half years ago we made a bold and sudden decision to move here to Midland, and it was the best decision we've ever made. We knew no one, except for Dave & Gillian, and they essentially adopted us into their family and made us feel at home. They have done so much for each one of us individually and as a family, and we cannot thank them enough for their kindness & generosity. They will be missed.

Ben's Feet

Last year, Ben had surgery on his left foot due to what's called an Accessory Navicular bone (Kidner Procedure). Unfortunately, it's a congenital defect and he had the same surgery on his right foot yesterday. Although the doctor said this surgery went a lot more smoothly than the last one, the recovery so far has been much worse. Due to minor complications, he ended up spending 32 hours in the hospital, as opposed to the 5 hours he spent last time. He says it's the first time he's spent the night in a hospital (although he's spent more days in the E.R. than anybody I know). Thank goodness Dave and Gillian have not moved yet or else we could not have gotten through the last two days without them and Lauren.

Can you notice a difference?

What a wuss:)


Finally home and sleeping like a baby

Miracle Toy!

Last week I broke out Katelyn's old walker to see how Samuel would like it. Katelyn never got much use out of it because we lived in a carpeted apartment. But now the majority of our house is tiled and Samuel has always been extremely active, so I thought it might be a nice change from the bouncer. He had been fussy for about 20 minutes and as soon as I put him in it for the first time, he stopped. He immediately took off and was happy for about the next half hour. Now he'll cruise around the house in that thing forever. It's his, and my, favorite new toy. I love tile floors!


It's a good teether too!