Andrew - "My Family" August 31, 2010

When I picked Andrew up at school today, he couldn't wait to show me the picture he had drawn of our family.  He was so proud!  I asked him to tell me about the picture and he identified each family member - Daddy, Mommy, James, Patrick, and Aunt KAW.  I think it is so wonderful that Andrew has such a close relationship with Katie Ann and that he, James and Patrick, are able to have the experience of having her live with us.  She is an integral part of our family.

I also enjoyed when Andrew told me that we "all kind of look like beetles" and "Aunt KAW really looks like a beetle."

thanks

Thanks everyone for your prayers, support, and kind messages about James.  He is doing much better.  The hives were gone by Friday morning.  He finished the 5-day course of steroids yesterday (Monday).  This morning, I took James and Patrick to the pediatrian's office for some blood work; this will be an initial screening for allergies.  They also got their flu shots; they were not happy this morning.  Andrew received the flu mist at the pediatrician's a few weeks ago and I got the mist today.

We should get the results (from today's blood work) in a few days.  They are scheduled for the full allergy testing at Dr. Brothers' office on September 30.  Andrew has to be re-tested annually so Thom and I will have all three boys there for the testing that afternoon.  Andrew had a tough time with the testing last fall so I know it will be a long afternoon. 

allergic reaction

Please keep James in your prayers. He had a severe reaction to nuts today. Since Andrew has a severe allergy to tree nuts and peanuts, we have been advised to treat them as if they also have the same allergy. I had consulted our allergist before enrolling them in MDO to determine if the classroom needed to be nut-free, what precautions we should take, etc. Dr. Brothers didn't want to test them until they turned 2 and said to just make sure they didn't ingest any nuts but that the classroom didn't have to be nut-free. Fast forward to today.

I received a call about 11:25am from the director at the Church at Indian Lake letting me know James had thrown up. I got there about 11:35am and he threw up again (but it was kind of phlegmy and weird). His face was really red but I assumed that was from crying. I quickly loaded James and Patrick in the van and went to Gallatin to pick up Andrew at SJV. James was kind of half-sleeping and coughing on the way. By the time we got home (which took forever b/c of a train), he was really coughing. I tried to give him a bottle to calm him down and he couldn't take it. I went to change his diaper; not only was his face red, but his entire body was covered in hives and welts. I tried to give James benadryl but he gagged on it. I wasn't sure if I should give the epi-pen I have for Andrew so I immediately loaded the boys back in the van and called the pediatrician (Goodlettsville Peds) and said we're on our way. I also called the Director back at the school to see if he could have ingested anything. She said a girl two seats down had a peanut butter sandwich.

We arrived at the pediatrician and they were waiting for us. They forced a benadryl strip on James' tongue and gave two shots and did a breathing treatment. It was definitely a reaction to some sort of nut. Dr. Patterson (our ped) spoke wit Dr. Brothers (our allergist) at length. J & P will be tested, but from today it appears James is definitely allergic to nuts. We have (another epi-pen) too.

We just got home a little bit ago and he is doing much much better. I spoke with the director again and the one-year old class also did an art project with coffee beans and glue (?) Apparently the first can of coffee that went into their classroom was hazelnut; they remembered J & P and the removed the can and got a regular can of coffee. It is unclear if this severe reaction could have been from the possible earlier exposure to hazelnut coffee beans or the (more likely) exposure to the peanut butter sandwich. James' reaction today was different than the reaction Andrew had last December - hives, welts, swelling, difficulty breathing whereas Andrew had swelling, difficulty breathing and talking. I don't know if the different reactions mean anything.

Anyway, it has been a very long afternoon. Thanks for your prayers and support.

Church Directory Photos

We had our picture taken earlier this month (August 6) for our church directory. I don't think the photographer was used to photographing a family with 3 boys ages 4 and under. It was a little stressful. We only took the "complimentary" photo but I have to laugh that I was convinced by the salesperson to do the "retouching" for Thom's shiney-ness, Patrick's ezcema, and my facial "lines." Not only do I not have any lines, I don't have a thyroidectomy scar either!  Here is Aunt KAW's photo and ours.

James and Patrick's first art projects: August 12, 2010

James and Patrick are attending Mother's Day Out (MDO) at the Hope Enrichment Learning Preschool (HELP) at the Church at Indian Lake on Thursdays from 9 am to 2 pm.  Their first day was August 5.  August 12 was their second week and was also "A" week.  They enjoyed painting with apples!  Way to go James and Patrick!

Andrew had a great first day! August 16, 2010

Andrew will be going to SJV Monday through Friday half-days; normally I will pick him up at noon.  For this first week, all classes are dismissed at 11:15 AM.  James, Patrick, and I just picked him up.  He had an AWESOME first day!  He was really excited about his classroom ("It's really cool Mom"), his cubby, his teachers, and some of his new friends.  I asked if he had circle time today.  Andrew answered, "Well, it was really more like square time because the carpet is a square."  Love my little guy!  Here is a memento from his first day of pre-k!

First Day of Pre-Kindergarten: August 16, 2010

Today was Andrew's first day of pre-kindergarten at St. John Vianney Catholic School. He was excited and nervous. I was a little nervous too. Even though Andrew started going to childcare when he was 4 months old, this seemed like a really big step -- a big school, uniforms -- very grown up! The students line up in the gym each morning and then process by class into the school. Pre-kindergarten goes first. I walked Andrew into the gym and helped him find his place in line. He was excited to be behind his friend Jake Shelby (Jake and his family go to our church and he also used to go to the Presbyterian Day School). Katie Shea and Patrick Collins are also in Andrew's class. Mrs. Sneed said, "Pre-Kindergarten, backpacks on and stand up." And they started walking. When Andrew got to the door, he turned back and blew me kisses. I just love my little guy! 

Here are all the photos from this morning.

Videos and Photos from SAA Pool Event for Kids: August 7, 2010

Here are some videos and photos from today's Swim Across America Event for Kids at Sea Star. Andrew swam 3 laps (laps 2 and 3 went a little better than lap 1). He had a great time and was excited to raise some money to fight cancer! Way to go Andrew!  Here are all the photos. 


getting ready / Lap 1

Lap 2 / Lap 3

   
slide

Fun at Sweet CeCe's: August 6, 2010

We had our photo taken for our parish pictorial directory on Friday afternoon.  Afterward, Thom took Andrew to a fun frozen yogurt place that just opened in Hendersonville called Sweet CeCe's.  Andrew loved his vanilla frozen yogurt with gummy bears!

SAA Pool Event for Kids: August 7, 2010

Swim Across America - Nashville will take place on August 21.  Sea Star Swim School and the Middle TN Swim Club are hosts of the August 21 event.  Today, Sea Star hosted the SAA Pool Event for Kids.  Kids were able to swim and raise money for cancer.  Andrew had a great time and swam 3 laps!  All the kids were able to post pictures on the bulletin board of whom they were swimming in memory or honor of.  Below is what Andrew posted on the board as well as a photo of his display next to the other displays.
ANDREW GOLDEN, age 4

I am swimming in honor of two cancer survivors, my Mommy Bridget Golden and my Papaw Ken Williams. I am also swimming in memory of my late great-grandmothers, Betty Finks and Shirley Golden.

James and Patrick's first day of school: August 5, 2010

James

James and Patrick had their first day of Mother's Day Out or "Baby School" as Andrew calls it yesterday (August 5).  They are going one day/week (Thursdays) from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM to the Hope Enrichment Learning Preschool (HELP) at the Church at Indian Lake.  (This is the program that Andrew attended this summer.)  They are in the one-year old "Ducklings" class and their teachers are Mrs. Stephanie and Mrs. Debbie. 

Patrick

Katie Ann took them to their open house/meet the teachers event on Tuesday (while we were at Holiday World).  When Katie Ann told them they were going to school, Patrick said, "Andoo school?"  They were so excited that THEY got to go to school!  They enjoyed meeting their teachers and seeing the classroom.

Like me, Andrew worried a little bit about their first day on Thursday.  He said "Mommy, are you sure we can leave them there? Maybe we should stay in the hallway" and "Mommy, I don't think they're ready for nap mats. I hope they put gates around the mats."

When Andrew and I dropped them off on Thursday morning, they were sobbing hysterically.  It wasn't good.  Andrew said, "Mommy maybe this wasn't such a good idea."  While they were at school, Andrew and I had a special day together.  We had breakfast at McDonald's, went swimming at the YMCA, and went grocery shopping at Publix.  When we picked James and Patrick up at two o'clock, they were smiling and happy and appeared to have had a good day.  (Their teachers said they had a good day too!)  Andrew's first day at St. John Vianney is August 16.   Here are all the photos from their first day.

Holiday World: August 3, 2010

Thom and I took Andrew to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana on Tuesday. We took him for the first time last summer and we all had a great time, so it's becoming a family tradition. It's only about 2 hours and 45 minutes from our house, so it's a great day trip. Aunt KAW stayed home with James and Patrick.

Holiday World is very family-friendly (free sunblock, pepsi, gatorade, and lemonade throughout the park) and also very allergen-friendly. With Andrew's severe peanut and tree nut allergy, we have to plan meals carefully. We were so impressed with all the information provided on their website about allergens.

Tuesday was in the high 90's so we spent a lot of time at Splashin' Safari, the water park. Andrew even got to say hello to Santa Claus!  When asked what was his favorite ride, Andrew responded, "They were all my favorites!"  Here are all the photos. 

        

Andrew said, "Mommy, don't worry if my canoe tips.  I know how to swim." 

James and Patrick's 18-month birthdays and checkups: August 2, 2010

excited to be facing forward in the van!

I took James and Patrick to see Dr. Patterson, our pediatrician, on Monday for their 18-month checkups. (August 2 also happened to be their 18-month birthdays!) Dr. Patterson was really happy with their development and growth. They're small, but they are continuing on the same curve on their growth charts.

James
height: 32.25 inches (50th percentile)
weight: 22 pounds (less than 10th percentile)
head circumference: 19 inches (75th percentile)

Patrick
height: 32.75 inches (60th percentile)
weight: 23 pounds, 1 ounces (10th percentile)
head circumference: 19.5 inches (80th percentile)

We turned their carseats and they are now facing forward which they think is really cool! We will continue supplementing with formula so they can get extra calories. We feed them constantly but they are also constantly on the go!

Girls' Weekend: July 30 - August 1, 2010

After a particularly crazy day, my wonderful husband came up with a great idea for me - a girls' weekend away! So last weekend, my good friends Jill Berry, Suzanne Greenwalt, Karen Surio and I went to the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa. We had a fabulous time! Between the four of us, we have 11 children (10 boys and 1 girl) so we were all up for some relaxation and rejuvenation. We spent part of our day on Saturday at the Spa at Ross Bridge. I had a wonderful masage and facial. Later that day, we went shopping at the Summit. We returned home on Sunday, excited to see our families, and very refreshed! Thanks again Thom!  Here are all the photos from our weekend.

Karen, Suzanne, Jill, and I

view from our balcony

view from our balcony

Spaghetti - July 28, 2010

We tried something new for James and Patrick last night for dinner - spaghetti! It was their first time really using utensils. Patrick's fine motor skills seem a little more fine-tuned than James', but they both did great. A little messy, but a lot of fun! Andrew helped by putting lots of towels on the floor. (Patrick has the red bib; James is wearing a white bib.)

In Chicago

I am in Chicago at the Mortar Board National Conference.  I am in the midst of my second 2-year term on the national council.  I really believe in the organization and love connecting with higher education.  Of course it's hard to be away from my boys.  I will fly back to Nashville on Sunday.  Thom and Katie Ann are doing a great job holding down the fort while I am away!

On Wednesday night before the conference started, I got to meet Carrie and Jeff Grimes' son, Will.  He is precious - he just turned 1 month old!  I enjoyed catching up with Carrie and Jeff as well as Patty Carmichael and Brooke Anderson.  You can check out all the Grimes family photos by checking out the links on the left.