May 23, 2009

Coleton and Sarina had a blast at Grandpa and Grandma's house, 

while Daddy took Mommy out for a day on the town for her birthday.

Growing So Fast!

Sarina loves pulling herself up now. Naptimes can be challenging, because she keeps pulling herself up in her crib and "talking" to Coleton, who is across the room in his bed, and then they get to laughing at each other. Though I know they should be sleeping, I just love to hear them in there. Here is a rare shot these days of Coleton smiling at the camera. He loves to smile, just not when I have the camera out. I "tricked" him into this shot. He was hiding from me (rather, my camera) in the closet. I had the camera focussed and ready for when he decided to show me where he was hiding.

Even more elusive, though, is my husband. We have no pictures of him on this blog (well, one side-angle shot). Sure looks like we're child-centered. My next goal is to get some pictures of Mr. Good-Lookin' up on this blog. If you think the kids are cute, wait until you see...

We are so grateful for all of you who have been praying for Coleton's healing and continued health. He has been doing great. He's had no need for factor since his surgery. The only issues since then have been bumps and bruises, which are just a part of daily life, and they don't bother him much.

I have a new favorite recipe to share with you! We have been trying to eat healthier, but finding healthy food that tastes good can be challenging. We weren't sure about this recipe, but since we first tried it, we have been having it for breakfast about every other morning.

Green Smoothies:

Blend in blender: 1/2 c. kefir, 1/2 c. coconut milk, 1/2 c. water, 2-3 T. orange juice concentrate, about 3 c. fresh spinach.

Add to blender and blend: 1 banana plus about 2 c. fresh or frozen fruit (strawberries, peaches, blueberries, pineapple, apple, etc.)

You can alter this recipe however you want, but the main thing is to get that spinach in there - a great way to eat your greens without realizing it! Enjoy!

There's No Place Like Home

Coleton was a trooper during the 4 hours we were at the hospital before surgery. With a pre-surgery diet, consisting mostly of jello, he was in an especially happy and energetic mood. He loved playing with all the toys at Children's. I think, for the most part, he was having the time of his life.
Just after surgery, Coleton was not a happy camper. His throat was soar from the tube he'd had down his throat due to being under general anesthesia, and he just seemed very uncomfortable. It made for some special cuddle time.

By day 2, Coleton was unhooked from i.v. fluids and we were in the playroom more than his hospital room. Here, he just finished making "coffee" for Daddy at the play kitchen.


Just before I got this clip, Coleton was really singing away with "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." With a plate full of french fries, I think Coleton has only good things to say about hospital food.

We got home yesterday afternoon, and Coleton is doing great. His port is accessed with a line so we can give him factor twice a day for about a week to keep the bleeding under control. Other than that, he is actively playing and back to normal. (Of course, "normal" takes on a whole different meaning in Coleton's case. ;)

Thanks For Your Prayers!

Coleton's surgery went very well and he is resting comfortably tonight. We will try to get some pictures up tomorrow but I wanted to give a quick update. Please continue to pray for the bleeding to stay under control.
Chase

Please Pray for Our Little Man

Tomorrow, we'll be taking Coleton into Children's Hospital for surgery to have a port-a-catheter put in. This port will make it possible for us to give Coleton factor at home, as well as to give it on a regular basis when needed. Coleton will be put under general anesthesia for the surgery. Please pray that the Lord would give the doctors wisdom and skillfulness of hands, that the surgery would go smoothly, and that Coleton's bleeding would stay under control. The surgery will be at 12:45pm, and Coleton will be in the hospital for a couple of days to monitor bleeding from the surgery. Thank you so much for your prayers!

Connor & Sarina

Cousins, Connor and Sarina, are exactly 1 week apart in age.

Connor is a sweety, laid back and perpetually smiling.

St. Patrick's Day

A drop of green food coloring turns Sarina's rice cereal into a St. Patrick's Day feast.

As you see in the background, Grandma had the pots and pans out for Coleton to make music along with the Irish music c.d. she had playing.

Mom made a delicious corn beef and cabbage casserole for dinner.  

Otherwise, everything was green - salad, grapes, tablecloth, napkins, and even the water!

More cookies with Grandma!