Monkey Joe's

After being stuck inside the last week from being sick we decided to get out today. Brode has been going to day care, but our time together hasn't been anything exciting. After nap today Matt and I took Brode to Monkey Joe's in Appleton. Monkey Joe's is a place with large inflatables everywhere to run, climb, and jump on! They have a Mini-Monkey Zone for those under 3, but we were also able to assist Brode on the bigger pieces. Brode liked getting out and seeing different things and having room to run! The slides were his favorite!

Add That to the List...

Brode is MUCH better, Gramps on the other hand not so good. You remember that shadow that gramps has, that little one with the runny nose, that jabbers, and had pneumonia? The one that slept on his chest all day Saturday. That same shadow happened to give him his pneumonia. Now they are sick buddies.

On another note, we had another doctors appointment today, but it was for something completely different. A couple weeks ago we noticed Brode's thumb was bent/swollen/bruised, something but couldn't quite figure it out. We thought he may have pinched it or jammed it, but it didn't bother him what-so-ever. He still seemed to do everything with it when it was bent at the top joint so we weren't overly concerned. When he got sick we also mentioned that the thumb would not extend at all to the doctor and she quickly replied with "yeah trigger finger, you need to see your regular doctor and get a referral" without even looking (we were in clinic hours so it wasn't a matter they could handle then). That took me a little by surprise but we did as she said and met with our regular doctor today, after much research of course. Sure enough, Trigger Thumb. The pulley on the tendon has stopped and won't let him extend his thumb. I'll give you all one guess to the treatment/fix....

BINGO: surgery.

Perfect. Ok, I actually shouldn't jump to conclusions. We are meeting with a hand specialist/surgeon in March, but the outlook isn't good. Usually if it just clicks or is slow splinting is available but no matter how hard anyone pulls that finger is not moving.

The worst part, is that we just noticed it. The doctor on Saturday asked us how long he has had it, and I was very unprepared. I had no idea. So today before we went in I looked back at pictures, and sure enough, there is Brode's bent thumb. He is always moving, we just completely didn't notice. The good thing is that it isn't in every picture so it must have just been clicking and able to extend with some work. Unfortunately it is too far and it's going to need some treatment.

Add that to our list.

March is going to be full. One week we're going to Milwaukee to schedule this summers surgery, and the next we're going to the hand specialist to schedule that one. Wonderful. I'm sorry little man, hopefully we'll find all these things before you start to remember. Then we'll just have to deal with your broken bones, cuts, and scrapes from being a typical boy.

Finger Painting

Yesterday Brode stayed home sick. Again. Matt didn't have to work so we decided one more day of sleeping in and taking a long nap would be best. I had classes all morning then came home to a back to normal, energetic and hungry little boy.

This is a bit backwards, but we had a nice Valentine's Day. Brode got lots of little gifts! From my parents he got a coloring book, Crayola Beginners crayons, first words flashcards, and some candy! I got a few little things in a bag as well! Grandma Beth then came over and gave Brode some fun, messy finger paints and finger paint paper! Lastly Matt came in bearing some white roses!

Ok, back to Monday. It didn't last long until Brode got his finger paints out! We had to figure out the best way to do this without making an incredible mess. He ended up shirtless in his high chair with a plate of paint and blank slate:

We Have a Diagnosis

Last post I mentioned Brode was sick. He has gotten worse.

Friday he stayed home from day care and didn't seem to get any better. That night we decided to call because his fever and cold were very strange. My mom and I went to the neighborhood tree burning party while Gramps stayed home with Brode for the night. Right away this morning we called for an appointment to get him seen during clinic hours. After waiting for 45 minutes we finally saw the doctor and it took her a grand total of 5 minutes to question his symptoms, listen to him, and diagnose him with pneumonia in his right lung. Typically we have had to do x-rays in order to be sure, but there was no questioning this time around. She prescribed an antibiotic (the same one he had in December when he had it in his left lung) and we went on our (not so) merry way.

The rest of the day was awful for Brode. He still ran a 103 temperature so all he wanted to do was sit and read or watch TV. Every hour or so he would play toys for a bit, but then climb right back into someones lap to rest. Hopefully his antibiotics will kick in and he will start feeling better as soon as possible.

I'm glad to have the problem figured out. We hate rushing him to the doctor every time, I would really like him to build some immunity, but every time he gets a cough it lasts for 3 or 4 weeks and he can't fight it. We just got right down to it and it's all figured out. Part of me does wonder if one of these times in the doctors office they will begin to question why he has had it 4 (or 5 or 6, who knows anymore!) times within 13 months?

Anyways, we're spending our weekend inside laying around so nothing else to report on! Happy Valentine's Day!
(Brode does enjoy watching the Olympics while he is sick with his Grandpa though!)

Grandpa Eyes and Home Office

It's been snowing. And blowing. Living in the middle of a field has its disadvantages. We didn't get accumulated snow, but from all of the wind we had a large amount of drifts in our driveway. We had an extremely hard time getting out in the morning so it needed a good snowblowing that afternoon.

Brode couldn't help.

"I really wish I could help!"

"My grandpa is out there without me."

"Grandpa be careful! Don't hit the mailbox!""I really really wish I could be out there."

Gosh, does that little boy look up to grandpa or what? He is much like a shadow.

And no Brode is not that tall.... he is on a stool:


Brode has had a cold lately (hence not going outside to help get rid of the snow). He has a runny nose and then came the cough. Whenever he gets the cough it all quickly goes downhill. He always seems to have a tough time kicking it. Last night he went to bed a half hour early and would not wake up this morning. I felt extremely guilty sending him to day care when he was so worn out. Luckily I only have class until 9:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it isn't difficult to work from home when something comes up. I picked Brode up at 10:00 and we hung out for the day. Napping in his own bed and not sharing the same spit filled toys with other kids couldn't hurt.... right?

So, welcome to our home office:
I worked on my computer as Brode colored, ate lunch, played in playland, and ran around.
We started to run out of ideas to keep him busy after a 3+ hour nap. My mom got an elliptical for Christmas and of course it came in a box. The box became a lovely, LARGE distraction.Brode and I had so much fun hanging out today. I hate that it had to be because he was so sick. He was so silly at times, but loved to snuggle at others. I was really hoping this day relaxing and getting some good sleep would help with his cough and hoarse voice. It didn't work out. Within a half hour tonight he spiked to a 102.5 temp, had a racing heartbeat, and had major coughing fits. He was very ready for bed early again. We're planning on seeing how he is in the morning.... we may be spending the day home again tomorrow.

Poor Boy.

Weekend

It was a slow weekend for us! We basically hung out around here and played all day. Saturday we did get out and do some shopping and went to dinner, and today we went for a walk... otherwise we just "laid low". Here are a few videos of the weekend::

This first one is of Brode's words. He knows many more, some clearer than others. I can't get him to sit still, or sit where the camera is facing him. He really likes to see what is going on on the screen. You pretty much just have to listen to this one and stare at the fireplace. I have been waiting for this little voice for 16 months and it's starting to emerge!!


Second, here is Brode playing on his roller coaster. When we first got it we did it in the kitchen so someone had to get him on and push him and someone had to catch him on the end. 1 and 1/2 months later and here we are and he learned to do it by himself! He enjoyed being so independent all day!



Check back later this week for a couple more! (I cant give any secrets away yet!)

Snow!

More and more snow! It never ends! We had a few warm days a while ago, the snow began to melt, then it snowed the last 2 days. When will it end!! We did get a chance to get outside to shovel. My dad was very happy about this because once Brode was out there, everyone wanted to be out there so he got a lot of help shoveling. I knew Brode wouldn't sit inside with Gramps outside so I put his snowpants, coat, hat, and mittens on and we headed outside. I did not anticipate Brode would want to actually play in the snow for the first time so he only had his shoes on. Once he started climbing on the snowbanks his shoes and socks were soaked but he still had fun! He got to help shovel, eat some snow, do some face plants, and then thought it would be fun to get his summer toys out and drive around the driveway.

Birthday Presents

Another birthday has come and gone, but my presents are not ones that I will forget about! They will definitely get a lot of use. First, Brode got me the newest Lady Antebellum CD:

I LOVE Lady Antebellum. I got their first CD when it came out in 2009 and listened to it non-stop. They hit the radio and were all over the place! I did get the chance to see them when they were at Country USA 2009 as well! They played one of the songs that would be on this CD just released in 2010, and it just made me more excited and impatient! It has been in my car all week!

Second, from my mom and dad I got this Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera. Yes all my friends told me I was a mom when I got a video camera, but I really like it. It is going to be so easy to have along with us when anything comes up. I haven't gotten a chance to try it yet, but I started reading up on it so I can get the best videos! I'm sure I'll be able to capture some fun things to share with you! The very good thing about this video camera is that it doesn't look much different than a cell phone or camera so Brode won't be so interested. Every time our "big" video camera comes out he is just too interested and in your face that he wants to see what is going on. This way I can secretly catch his funny personality!

Yesterday I got a packege in the mail (who doesn't love a good package!) so I ripped it open and found a present from my roommate from LaCrosse, Leah. She knows me so well because everything it in was me! There were scrapbooking letters, pens, accesories, etc. There was also chocolate! It was all nicely arranged in a coffee mug decorated with ribbon. It was so cute, I am very excited about it!

Thank you to who all celebrated my birthday with me!!

Brode's Buddy

Just a silly post today!

Brode and I have just about the same routine when we get home every day. We take our shoes and coats off and hang them on our hooks, put down our bags, and bring the mail to the counter. Brode then runs to the cupboard begging for a snack. Today I got out the crackers and put a few in a bowl, grabbed my mail and realized the little boy that is usually at my feet was missing. I turn the corner into the living room and this is what I find:

Brode's favorite parts of my birthday were the bows on the presents (a later post). He must have hidden one to play with when he got home, I don't know if Libby appreciated it. He was cute putting it on his head, and my head, and Gramps head, but this just made me burst out laughing.

Although Libby gets tormented, Brode does treat her by sharing his snack. She becomes his shadow when he has a cup of food.They're buddies.

Semester and Birthday!

February has had quite the start. The 1st was the first day of 2nd semester classes. So far they seem to be going well. Now that I am very much into the Kinesiology program I have many of the same teachers for multiple classes and all my classes are in the same building. They are very straight forward college classes - lecture all day, 3 or 4 exams, read the chapters before class to prepare, luckily they are topics that interest me very greatly. It was nice to go to all four classes straight and be done by 12:30 so I had time to enjoy lunch and have afternoon to do things. Yesterday may not have been my best use of time as I went out to lunch with friend and then got Brode early and him, Matt, and I went to the mall to find Brode new shoes.... but I'm sure I'll learn as the semester goes on and I'm bombarded with homework!

The 2nd continued with a new start: my 21st year! Yes the day many college kids dream of is finally here. My birthday will be spent in class and working, but hopefully won't be too bad. This birthday reminds me a lot of New Years. All the hype leading up to being a legal alcohol consumer, comes and goes as the clock turns midnight. I realize many people love this birthday and celebrate as one of their largest, and I hate to be a downer, but it is not quite as exciting for me. I am NOT saying that if I get a free weekend to celebrate with my best girlfriends in LaCrosse I will sit at home, no no no.I have had a child, completed more than half of college, made the decision to put my child through skull surgery, stood by his side through the process, signed all the legal and health insurance papers, and now I finally get the chance to have a sip of alcohol? I think I could have handled that responsibility long ago, therefore I will sophisticatedly be "ringing in this new year" with a few friends, not on the bar.

Oh yeah, Brode did wish me a Happy Birthday this morning and it was about all I needed! It went a little like "Ma a ba da a zuzu a na da" much like all of his sentences and words do.