Weekend update

This weekend started out with a little shopping for our fat footed little boy. We have learned that we can consistently find wide shoes at Stride Rite. So, the plan had been that my mom would've already picked up Gram so that when I got there after school we could go shopping.

But, plans are made to change, right?

My parents had some car trouble so they didn't go pick up Gram after all. Mom, Eli and I then headed down to pick up Gram. After lots of shoe fitting and looking for the right size, we decided on some cute tennies. Eli wore them out of the store. After stopping at another store, we headed to dinner.

From dinner, we took Gram back to her place and headed to the school carnival. Somehow, we were an hour later than I had hoped we would be...could it be the extra trip to get Gram? It was good to have her with us even though she thinks she needs to go back to Missouri! (I'll save that story for another day!)

The school carnival was fun. Eli loved the music, the friends in costume and his glow in the dark skeleton shirt! My mom was a trooper and went with me since we were so late.

Saturday was a lazy day for the boys while I ran a few errands and taught my bowling class. I have been teaching this class for almost 20 years. That seems really strange to me - 20 years! The class is for adults with disabilities and isn't really like work at all. I mean, it is work but it's really a social gathering for the participants and they love to hear about Eli and what he's up to and I missed last weekend after his surgery...so, his health was a big topic.

Eli won't let me brush his teeth anymore. Anyone have any hints?

Sunday afternoon, we headed to the big pumpkin patch. My new header pic is from that day. Eli love the hayride, the hot dog, watching the other kids and the sheep! He didn't want to get too close to any of the animals but did say 'baaaa' and 'cow' at appropriate times!

We also celebrated my dad's birthday on Sunday. And, though we don't talk about how old he is, we know he thinks of himself as 'just a young guy!' Dad just loves Eli - it was fun to see my Gram and my dad 'fight for attention' from the little boy! Happy birthday, Dad!

So all in all, it was a fun filled weekend and we're gearing up for some 'melmo' (Elmo) visits this week. We received the coveted Elmo costume from Louisville last week and Eli has looked at the hat and carried it around almost daily since then. Today, we actually put it on him and he wore it around for awhile. When we took it off, he wanted to put it on again...Thanks to Lyn for making it, thanks to Jen for lending it!!!

Husband didn't even FIND the pen in his desk on Tuesday. I had to tell him where it was...

And, I hit the passenger mirror (on my car) on the side of the house when I was leaving. I'll need a new mirror - it's damaged but working, not hanging off the side of the car. I'm pretty mad at myself, though. I have never done that! There have been plenty of times when I thought I would do that but never managed to hurt the car...this latest car injury is just added to the injuries of this car. (Everyone remember that the grill fell on the car and made a big dent in the hood? That still isn't fixed...)

Last night, on my way to bed, I stopped in Eli's room as I normally do. I immediately smelled that he was 'stinky.' So, I summoned Husband to help me clean up. I asked him to do the diapering and I would hold the flashlight. I guess I shined the light in Husband's eyes more than once and then we didn't have a night-time diaper upstairs and then Husband took Eli's pants completely off instead of just pulling them down...We were laughing so hard by the time we were finished that I thought Eli would wake! But, he didn't! When we were done, we scooted right out of there before he thought it was a bad dream - but he's sleeping soundly still!

Pen Mystery

Friday morning at about 4 am, before Eli's procedure, I was doing some work on my student's paperwork. I was sitting in Husband's office, at his desk, using his most esteemed 'favorite' Cross pen. Can you picture that tiny, metal pen in your head?
Anyway, when we returned from Eli's surgery, Husband came into the office to check email, etc. He noticed his pen was missing and asked me whether I had used it.
"Yes," I said. "But I left it on the desk."
He tore the office apart on Friday, again on Saturday, continuing to accuse me. Then, on Sunday, I did a little more work on my student's paperwork for the conference on Monday. Husband continued to lament the missing pen and it's importance...
Yesterday, I go to school, start working on my student's paperwork again and notice a tiny metal pen in the fold of the file. Oh no! I've had the pen all along!
What did I do, you ask? Did I fess up immediately and call Husband? Did I wait until he wasn't in the office to leave it somewhere in there for him to find?




READY?



I hid it in my pocket until the opportunity to place it in his desk would arrive - didn't say a word about it. What will he say to me when he finds his pen today????????

*** In other news, Eli is continuing to get better. His swelling is going down and he hasn't gotten any pain meds of any sort since Sunday afternoon. He had a great day yesterday with my parents and he slept well last night. Of course, his bandages are still in place. Maybe when those come off, we'll have some trouble - but, for now, we're right on track!

*** And, yesterday was David's 36th birthday. How do you say that - would have been, I guess? Anyway, send some prayers for Jen and the boys if you're so inclined. And, say a little prayer for David, who has a front row seat to any TCU football game he'd like to watch! Go Frogs!

Successful Surgery

I haven't slept well for the last several nights. It was a little stressful to think of our boy going to surgery. So, was up early this morning - about 4:00 - and sending emails to work and writing iep goals for students. I've been up early many nights this week doing some sewing and other cleaning, etc. (Who knew I could be so productive in the middle of the night?)

We made it to the surgery center just on time and the staff was so nice to us. Even to Husband who had to argue about the $$. Of course, they finally saw it his way and took only our co-pay today rather than the co-pay plus our 20%. Husband is a big guy and be intimidating...

Anyway, Eli did really well in the waiting room while strangers listened to his heart, took his pulse, etc. The anesthesiologist brought a bubble blower over and entertained Eli - making him an instant friend! "Bubbles!!" Eli said.

Once the nasal sedation took effect, they took him from us and we went back to wait. The nurse called once they were on their way. Turns out, Eli had only a one-sided inguinal hernia which is a relief! Doc also 'clipped' part of his circumcision that needed a repair as well.

After the surgery, we went into the recovery room and Eli saw us and passed out in my arms. The nurses all came to check his vitals, he still had in the iv and the doc came to tell us how everything looked. (And gave us a picture of his insides! What do I do with that?)

My parents arrived before we went into recovery but weren't allowed back. So, we only saw them when we were headed out to the truck to go home. I'm glad they came by - even if it was only for a quick glimpse of their favorite grandson and to hug my neck and Husband's...

Once home, he slept no more! He was pretty active after he got the feeling back in his legs. He wanted me so close this afternoon - I couldn't leave his side. Which, for all you mommies, you know is both a blessing and a curse!

We left for a little while this evening to run a couple of errands and the carseat straps irritated his incision. He went to bed early with another dose of the codeine and his antibiotic. Here's hoping he is back to his normal schedule tomorrow. Regardless, we'll be staying put the rest of the weekend and hoping he's back to himself by Monday when he's back at my parent's house for the day!

Thanks for all the phone calls and emails. What a blessing it is to have so many people checking and praying for us.

Surgery is ON!

Doctors concur that Eli's surgery should go on as planned. So, this Friday morning, very early, we will head to the surgery center for the hernia repair and laparoscopic scope. (He has a one-sided hernia and the doc will look at the other side to see if there is another hernia developing...) The surgery is to take 90 minutes 'or so' and then recovery. We should be home by about 11ish with an unhappy and probably hungry boy!
So, we're having a very expensive week, medically. Co-pays and deductibles have already been partially paid toward our Friday procedures plus the 'little' visit on Sunday.
Please send prayers, if you're so inclined!

As I'm watching the debate tonight, I wanted to go ahead and add this:

ABC has a test to see who's campaign statements, McCain's or Obama's, you agree with most. They don't tell you who made the statements, of course, but a statement made by each candidate on the same topic (economy, immigration, judiciary, etc.) will be side by side. You just pick which statement you agree with and, after selecting all 13, you'll find out which candidate's philosophy you support. Check out the link below.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

I'd like to add that there are two political signs in my yard right now and they are for different candidates!!!

A bulleted list

So much has happened since my last post that I'm now forced to do a bulleted list to catch everyone up...

• Our trip to Louisville was uneventful - the plane ride, at least. Once there, it was 'non-stop Albright style!' We had a great time 'catching up' - which really isn't catching up for us since we are on the phone OFTEN...anyway, we spent some time with the boys and watching them interact. Eli has no cousins so this was great for him!
• We had a 'toilet issue' while visiting and who knew that we could laugh so hard when trying to snake a toilet? Although, if you know Jen and I at all, you can figure that we can make almost anything fun...she had to have a plumber take care of the blockage - a toy coin that Max decided to flush.
• We attended the St. James Art Fair. Minus two boys (Max at school and Davey at the zoo with friends), we pushed the stroller and loaded Eli down with packages all day. We picnicked under some trees and took a turn at the porta-toilets that were surprisingly clean. (Maybe this is because it was the first day of the fair?) I bought the most awesome birthday present for the soon-to-be 40 year old Husband! Can't wait to share that with him!
• We spent Saturday at the planetarium for Davey's 6th birthday party (which was great and nobody had a seizure during the laser show), Davey's soccer game (which they won but they officially don't keep score...yeah, right!), went to the jewelry store for our 'free' bracelets and then spent some money on charms (blew the budget here, thanks!), 'rested' at the house for a few minutes...
• Went to the Light the Night walk at the waterfront. If you haven't ever been to one of these, you should make plans. It was a wonderful way to celebrate those who are no longer with us (we miss you David) and to celebrate those still in the fight. The team was officially 28 strong - until Jen's parents joined us straight from the airport on their way home from ITALY! Wow! I know they had a long trip to get to Louisville, but they made it to the walk! What a blessing! It's always so much fun to see them! Thanks to the Straub's - for pushing a stroller in an interesting way - hugs to Sarah, Thanks to Stephanie and Robin, too! You guys helped make the evening that much more memorable for me.
• We got locked into the cemetary. Who knew that the gates really are locked at a particular time? Anyway, we got to visit with David (briefly since we had three active boys with us) and then leave rapidly since Barney Fife sent us 'packin'! What a beautiful place Jen found for David.
• Uneventful trip home - except for the matter of a fever for Eli and a runny nose every day since then. He was happy to see Daddy and also my mom and dad on Monday when I went back to work.
• So, that's my trip in a nutshell...I desperately wish I was closer to Jen and the boys so I could 'pop over' more often and help out or something but am thankful for the support she has close by. (If that's you and you're reading this, thank you!)
• I had planned on posting a couple of pics but am having some technical difficulties so that will have to wait...
• We had a nice visit from my brother and his wife this weekend. I'd have to say it was nice to see them for awhile and also to enjoy some of the happiness of the UT game yesterday against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl! Go Longhorns!
• And, this afternoon, we had our second trip to the Emergency Room. Yes, that's right - the ER...I knew it would happen sooner or later but was really wanting it to be later. Eli fell this afternoon while at my parents' house and busted his head on a magazine rack. I'm thankful it didn't happen while I was at work and my parents had to call me but, still! Anyway, he now has three staples in his head - right above his right ear. He was very upset most of this evening after we came home and wouldn't let Daddy be near him. (Mommy's boy, after all) So, right now, we're hoping he sleeps well and doesn't have any complications from the injury. (We are still scheduled to have his hernia surgery this Friday! I'm calling the urologist tomorrow to see what the protocol is for this type of thing.)
• Okay, that's a long post. Thanks for sticking with it until the end! (One last thing: Happy Birthday to Brenda! I hope you had an excellent day!)