Surgery Prep.

Now that the tonsils and adenoids (and their not-so-fun removal) is behind us, it's time for me to document the experience.

To say I was anxious is spot-on.  And perhaps a bit of an understatement if I'm being honest.  Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous about the actual procedure itself.  I wasn't worked up about the thoughts of anesthesia and those "what ifs".  Thank goodness for that!

I was worried about Fawn staying well before surgery.  Every time he sniffled or complained of a sore throat or a headache, my stomach dropped.  We had been through the ringer since Spring Break...multiple rounds of antibiotics (including one that required six teaspoons of medicine a day -- that's A TON), antibiotic shots, multiple ENT visits, and at times a 103-plus fever that we could not get to break.  In short, Fawn was sick.  And, I knew he couldn't have the surgery if he was running a fever the day of surgery.  Knowing that his body just couldn't seem to fight the infection in his tonsils and knowing that he had to fight it enough to be fever-free led to much anxiety in the days leading up to surgery.

I was also so nervous about Fawn being separated from Buck and me to get taken back to surgery.  I wasn't confident that he would handle it well -- and then I knew if he was having a hard time, despite my best efforts, I wouldn't handle it well.  He's both a mama's boy and a daddy's boy; what he's not is a stranger's boy or a new situation boy.  I think it's pretty typical behavior for a 4-year old, but I knew it had the possibility of going really wrong.

And, I was fearful of recovery.  I had my tonsils out in seventh grade.  While I don't remember the pain, I still remember being in pain and the sensation of feeling like I couldn't swallow.  I didn't want my baby to suffer.  And, I didn't want to run out of patience, love, and compassion as his caregiver.

I was a bundle of nerves.  Luckily for Fawn and me my sister-in-law (my brother's wife) is a Child Life Specialist at the local Children's Hospital (think nurse meets social worker meets child whisperer -- I'm certain there's a more scientific description).  She knows my nervous nature and sweet Fawn well enough to know that we needed a house call a couple days before surgery.

She came armed with a doctor's kit for Fawn filled with all the basic tools, doctor's hats and masks, and an anesthesia mask.  I just watched in wonder how she gently played with Fawn and seemed to "prepare" him for all that was to come.  I can't really put it into words how she accomplished what she did, but she got Fawn ready for surgery.  She even took him outside to blow bubbles out of the anesthesia mask so he would have a positive association with the mask and wouldn't fear it.  And, she got me ready to.  She talked to me about what to say to him -- and what not to say.  She calmed my own fears about being separated from him when he went back, knowing that would be tough on me.  I am always thankful that she married my brother -- she's an awesome addition to our family and such a wonderful wife to him.  But, I was especially grateful that day.  That she would share her gifts with us -- because we needed her.

Dr. Fawn in the house.

Aunt A explaining her boo boo.

Child whispering on display.

Using his tools for an examination.

Fawn says the blood pressure cuff makes you strong.

He also wants to be a doctor (well, that or a construction worker).

Thanks sweet Aunt A!

We love you!

MNOP.

Here's my mom idea for the blogosphere.  Do not hold your breath -- it is not groundbreaking.  But, I love an acronym (a horrible effect from years as an environmental lawyer).  And, I love an excuse not to clean my kitchen after a messy meal with the boys.

Introducing....MNOP.  Short for "Monday Night Outdoor Picnic".  It's my new "tradition", when weather allows.

Small Fry is a huge fan of (1) food and (2) being outside.  So he's all about it.

Fawn loves the novelty of a "special" dinner.  And, he's proud of his alphabet mastery right now.  So he's all about it.

Belle lives with two boys who destroy her kitchen at every meal and snack time.  She is not responsible for cleaning crumbs and spills from the great outdoors.  So she's all about it.

(And, as for Buck, he's working.  But he's happy when his wife and children are happy.  So he's all about it.)

If you really want to get fancy, I suggest a $5 pizza and juice boxes.

Small Fry has recently discovered the pleasantry of sugary juice in cardboard box.

He might become an addict.

Precious Fawn putting back some pizza.

Evidence.

My mother-in-law says that Small Fry is the epitome of a bull in a china shop.

My mom says that Small Fry is an emergency room visit waiting to happen.

Wild.  

Fearless.

Active.

Crazy.

Hilarious.

Those words can all be used to describe Small Fry.  The best evidence I have to epitomize his personality?

Four out of his seven baby teeth are chipped.

Lord help us.

Going to the Zoo.

You know those glorious afternoons I've spoken of?  Well one of our favorite ways to spend them is at the Birmingham Zoo.  Some of my mama friends think I'm bonkers for venturing to the Zoo post-nap time.  They assure me their children could not handle such festivities in the pm.  They know their kids way better than I do, but for us not only does it work ... it's awesome.  I'll fill you in on four secrets.  

1.  The Zoo is MUCH LESS crowded in the afternoons.  Like a fraction of the crowds, parking right out front, no lines to enter.  Positively, wonderfully wide open for children to play.

2.  The animals seem to be more active.  And, you may be able to catch dinner time which is fascinating.  You haven't seen an animal eat dinner until you've watched a gorilla destroy a head of lettuce.  (Buck has accused me of taking the boys to the Zoo because I love it so much.  True accusation, which I totally own.)

3.  If your kids aren't in the mood to animal-watch, the Zoo is still a fabulous place just to play.  Between the two play areas, water fountains, and tractor, it's a kid's paradise.  (Am I the only mom in Birmingham who takes her kids to the zoo to play?  We can easily spend a solid hour without viewing a live animal.  Sometimes I feel guilty -- like we are ignoring the animals.  But, we pay for a Zoo membership, so golly I'm going to use it.) 

4.  The extended hours through the summer make afternoon Zoo enjoyment even easier.  Trust me when I say it stays warm enough in Birmingham to enjoy the water fountains well past the usual 5 pm closing hours.  

Where's Fawn?  Hugging on the mist-spraying elephant!

Fawn loves to climb in the new playground in the Trails of Africa area.

He also loves to balance on the "fallen" trees.

Happy climber.

This guy could be happy anywhere -- as long as he's in the fresh air he's content.

Dear Afternoons.

Dear Afternoons,

Oh how we have missed you through the long, chilly winter.  It seemed you were just leaving us and ushering in the moon when my munchkins were awakening from their snooze time.  And you know what?  That was a bummer.  We had such short slivers of daylight to enjoy outside before calling it a day.

But you're back -- and not a moment too soon.  Boy do my boys (and their mama) love the time change (which I recognize happened almost two months ago but I'm a bit behind in the blog world).  We've been making the most out of our afternoons -- lingering and enjoying.  A much better pace than trying to squeeze everything in before the sun went down.  We've been to the zoo, to the indoor pool, and to parks many an afternoon.  We also love to play in our yard and driveway -- especially in water!  And there's usually even time left for an early evening stroll through the neighborhood.  Pure bliss!

In my house afternoon activity is actually great medicine for the witching hour.  The boys are much more jolly even when tired if they've had good, outdoor fun.  And it doesn't hurt that they sleep better too!

Glad you are back -- can't wait to enjoy more of you!

Belle

Small Fry is the perfect age for scooping and dumping.

Happy as a lark.

Water guns are his cup of tea.  (We do feed him I promise.  This picture was taken after weeks of tonsillitis and not eating well.  We attempted to beef him up before his surgery to no avail.)

Bring on summer!

Still Funny.

I could kick myself for not documenting all of the hilarious things that come out of Fawn's mouth.  I find him utterly hilarious.  He are some recent favorites.

I got my hair cut (Epic fail at trying to grow out to donate again!  My stylist thought it would take at least another year of growing out, and I just couldn't handle the thought of long hair for that much longer.)  The next morning...
Me:  Fawn, do you notice anything different about Mommy?
(Long, pondering pause.)
Fawn:  Yep.  You look wrong.

On the first morning we had a back deck full of workmen and power tools, Fawn was distressed that he had to leave to go to school.
Fawn:  Mom, if I were you I would watch these men all day.

We call Small Fry our nugget because he is so round and plump.  (He's actually only in the 40th percentile for weight, but is just a healthy, chunky baby so he looks quite large compared to Fawn's skinny minny self.)
Fawn:  If that fat baby is a nugget, then I'm a noodle.

Continuing with the "fat baby" theme...
When Small Fry was trying to enter (or perhaps destroy) a blanket fort:
Fawn:  No Small Fry!  Only skinny people allowed in here.

And Fawn likes to fill his cheeks with food and pretend to be Small Fry.  Ha!

He's not only funny, but he's very dramatic.  Like his mama.
Fawn: I like music but I just can't dance.  It makes my muscles so tired that I will fall asleep.

Fifteen Month Update.

Sweet Small Fry is fifteen months old today.  I know it's a pretty random age, but to me it seems like a milestone...definitely not a baby and firmly in toddlerhood.  He is a climbing machine -- will climb on any steps, stool, or furniture that he can maneuver on to.  Scares me to death!  And, he's learned to run.  It's still toddle running, but the boy is quick!  He loves to attempt to jump and thinks it's too funny that he can actually get his feet off the ground when he jumps on the couch or on the bed.  He is trouble and is going to give us a run for our money.

Small Fry is talking more and more.  He tries to call Fawn "brother" but it comes out more like "bubba" or "bub".  I think it's precious and hope some sweet brother nickname sticks!  He has called my dad by name several times -- "Pop" -- he can't seem to add the "s" on the end.  He is really trying to sing.  We listen to the same several CDs over and over in the car and he tries to hum the melodies of some of the catchier tunes.  He is the most vocal at meal time, with his favorite word being "no" (of course).  He will put a bite of food in his mouth and if he doesn't want it he will remove it, tell me no and proceed to throw all of it onto the floor.  He also says "more" and "done".  He loves to say "hey", and has started seeking out my phone to pretend to talk on it -- saying "hey" and "bye bye".  Fawn has taught Small Fry how to play swords or fighting or something and how to say "hiya".  Hilarious and a sign of things to come.

He is learning to throw a temper tantrum with the best of them.  I think I've got another strong willed love bug on my hands.  So many of his tendencies bring me back to memories of Fawn at this age.  At least I know they are all short phases and before you know it you have a communicative preschooler on your hands.  Right now we're in the throws of exhibiting control over what he eats -- while I know he likes tons of foods because I can get him to eat just about anything when hungry, he is very much demonstrating that I can't make him eat anything.  He also hates to change locations -- coming inside from outside causes major angst as does leaving a park or the zoo.  And, he's become a terror at the library -- pulling books off the shelves quicker than I can re-shelve them, climbing on the computer stools and running in the opposite direction.  (Now I remember why I started going to the library at night or on the weekends when Fawn was this age!)

He loves the water.  With the warmer temperatures, we've been playing in the baby pool and water table many afternoons.  We've also been swimming in an indoor pool several times.  He is happy as a lark and way too brave.  I'm just thankful he's not scared of water!  He's getting braver on playgrounds too -- climbing on just about anything and attempting slides by himself (only he tries to unsuccessfully walk down them).

We left the boys to go to one of Buck's cousin's weddings this month, and it was my first night away from Small Fry.  I didn't shed a tear -- knowing that my parents had things completely under control and that we would be gone less than 24 hours.  He did great, and it was good practice for our upcoming tenth anniversary trip.  One reason he did great and it was easy is because he is finally sleeping through the night.  He took his pretty time to get to uninterrupted sleep, but now that he's there he's doing great (aside from the pre-6 a.m. wake-up that is!).

We love our little boy so much!  It's a pleasure to watch him grow and turn into his own person more and more each day.

Outdoor play time.

Happy boy, infectious smile.

Toddler running.

And then somebody made me come inside and I threw my body down on the ground.

Even mad, I'm completely adorable.

(**Update** -- I was a bit distracted drafting this post as it was the night before Fawn's surgery.  I failed to mention he got his seventh tooth!  Growing up!)

Oops, We Did It Again.

Another trip to the dentist for a chipped tooth!  Boys!  At least it wasn't Small Fry again -- this time it was Fawn's turn.  This happened back in March, so it's old news.  But for posterity's sake, here goes.

After naps one afternoon, we headed outside to play.  We have a big, flat area of our driveway where the boys love to ride on riding toys.  I got comfy on the ground filling Easter eggs for Fawn's school Easter party while Small Fry toddled around and Fawn pushed a huge bulldozer.

I heard a scream and looked up to see Fawn in a heap on the ground.  The "blade" of the bulldozer got stuck in one of the seams of the driveway sending him flying.  He had scrapes on his shoulder, wrist and knee which were not too bad -- easily treatable with neosporin and bandaids.  But his poor face looked pathetic: big bump on the forehead, bleeding/swollen lip, and bloody mouth.

I didn't know what to do with Small Fry while I got Fawn cleaned up, bandaged, and iced down.  Not only is he into everything but he freaks out when I pay sole attention to Fawn at his exclusion.  Must be a survival skill of the second child.  Buck was working fishing with friends on a gorgeous Spring afternoon.  So, I immediately called my dad, my mom, and my mother-in-law.  No answers -- what?!?!  I am so used to my village always being available.  My sweet mother-in-law almost immediately called back; she was picking her dog up from the vet but would head over as soon as she got the dog dropped off at home.

I sent Buck this picture in a text:

My text: Severe fall to face.  Bleeding mouth.  Skin torn off lip.  Doctor?  Dentist?

The response: Neither.

(Don't ever accuse him of being a man of many words.)

Not satisfied with a one word response during my obvious distress I interrupted Buck's man time called him to discuss.  Then I called the dentist -- twice because there was no answer the first time.  I never left a message because I think I just didn't know what to say.  No less than five minutes later I got a return call from them asking if I needed anything.  I made an appointment to bring him in the next morning.

Not to be out done by my picture text, I received this from Buck:

So glad someone had a relaxing, stress-free afternoon :)

When morning came, Fawn was still a bloody, bruised mess but we got good news at the dentist -- although there was a slight chip of his tooth, there was no root damage.  Yippee!  We left with instructions to eat soft foods until the bruising and swelling went down -- and to call the dentist's cell phone the next time we had an incident.  Ha!  He must know we will be great customers in the year's to come!

After the good report, I drove the boys to Krispy Kreme for their first donut shop experience.  It was the softest breakfast food I could think of -- sugar and fat that basically dissolves in your mouth.

All smiles with his hat and chocolate-covered, sprinkled donut.

Then it was off to school.  Thankfully, one of his teachers got him out of my car in the carpool line so I was able to explain that although he looked like he'd been in a fight (this picture does not do justice the bruising on the left side of his face and the huge, swollen lip), he was fine.

And, this little fellow was on a sugar high:

Wondering what on earth he did to deserve such a yummy treat!

Wasn't the first, and certainly won't be the last of the injuries that come with raising two boys.  Just thankful that the only damage is a chipped baby tooth!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.

Small Fry is (Finally! Finally!) sleeping through the night.  Can I get an amen?  We're in week two of blissful, full, uninterrupted nights of sleep.  I think Buck, Small Fry, and I are soaking up every minute of sleep we can now that we know what it feels like to go without!  It was a long 14 1/2 months, but on this side of things really wasn't too bad.  The body has an amazing way of adjusting.  (And to all of you mamas out there who read Facebook updates and hear friends talk about babies sleeping through the night at 8 weeks...ignore them!  Your baby will reach every milestone exactly when he or she is ready to.  It might not be when a book or a well-meaning friend says they should -- and that's fine.  Just don't let outside expectations of your baby get you down (said advice was much easier to follow this time around than with Fawn because I was such a nervous first-time mama).)  

This guy will be sans tonsils this time next week.  He has been through the ringer since Spring Break battling a nasty case of tonsillitis (or maybe multiple cases).  Prayers for him to stay healthy until surgery next week and for a speedy recovery are very much appreciated.  (And, any tips you have on foods, beverages, entertainment during recovery please leave a comment or email me!)

We finally had some work done on our house that we'd been putting off -- the removal of a second story balcony.  It took two weeks and while the men doing the work were fabulously respectful and clean, I am so happy to have my house back.  Fawn's tonsillitis was in full swing during the same time which wasn't fun; plus, although I carted Small Fry to my parents' house every day to nap he never takes a good nap anywhere but here.  Needless to say, long two weeks.  But, it looks great (and it's done!).

And, if you noticed that you didn't have to sign in to view the blog, you're right.  We are back public. While I LOVE a private blog, two sweet cousin and a dear friend have all been unable to access even though they were on my allowed list.  Needless to say, since one of the points of this is to keep out of town family and friends in the loop on our lives we went back public to accomplish that!