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!

Happiest Place On Earth!

Every summer for the past 11 years, my family has vacationed at what the Castleton's consider to be the happiest place on earth, Lake Shasta(except for Linda). It's a gorgeous lake in Northern California with tons of trees, clean water, and almost always perfect weather(except for this year with all the fires and super low water). We go with 4 other families from our home Stake and live on houseboats for a week having the time of our lives wakeboarding, floating, cliff jumping, playing games, watching movies, eating good food, not sleeping, and on and on... We even have our own testimony meeting on the one Sunday we are there, which is my favorite Sacrament meeting of the year. This year Ben couldn't come and this was my first time traveling with two kids, so my sister Debbie met me in Vegas to help with the rest of the trip(can you say 'lifesaver'). The whole week was really hard without Ben and even though I'll never do it again, it was still totally worth it. Thanks Grammy & Poppy. Can't wait until next year!

Katelyn has always LOVED the boat rides...

but Samuel couldn't quite decide how he felt about it

Katelyn's new best Shasta buddy, Caitlin Redford

Grammy & Katelyn floating

Samuel & Aunt Stacey

My little flag girl

Katelyn driving the boat, in circles

'till next year...

Samuel had a major milestone while we were at Shasta. For the 10 minutes I was outside for, Poppy and his Uncle Gavin witnessed him roll over for the first time. I know it's not very exciting to most of you, but we are your typical annoyingly proud parents who want to share every little moment of our child's life. Enjoy!

Dallas

Last night we got back from our trip to Dallas where we visited Ben's sister Julie & family. Dave and Gillian were also there and invited us to come hang out with them at their hotel. We were able to go swimming a lot, play at the rec center, watch movies, eat GOOD food, and just have fun with family. This was Samuel's first time swimming and he seems to love the water just like his daddy. We also had the opportunity to tour Dave and Gil's beautiful new home. Unfortunately, as you can see, the only time I took out the camera was down at the pool.


Just Chillin'

Aunt Julie got him to float flat on his back


Poor Uncle Dave!