Echo, echo

That's right echo times two!
The boys each had an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist in Missoula today! They each have murmurs that their doctor wanted to have investigated a little further.
L's is a systolic click (not sure if that is a technical term or not) - basically his aortic valve closes funny and could possibly be abnormal and only have two leaflets to close the valve rather than the normal three leaflets. The ultrasound of his heart (echo) reveals he is normal - all three are there just make a funny sound. No reason to worry.
O's murmur is quite loud and noticeable but echo revealed everything was fine:)
No need for futher follow-ups for either boys!!!
It was a potential trial to get each of them to lie still and have electrodes placed on their chest while the doctor (not their typical MD) rubs lotion and an ultrasound wand over their heart. Nothing the Cars movie and a dum-dum sucker in each hand can't fix. This doctor knows kids and was well prepared. I am sure he has to get that ultrasound wand replaced from time to time after being coated with sticky goo from sucker hands grabbing for it! Big O was just a bit inquisititive. I certainly didn't expect my 16 month old to being eating dum-dums yet - but whatever it takes to allow modern medicine to proceed.
Praise God for healthy hearts and praise him for compassionate and intellegent doctors and nurses that can help those without healthy hearts!

He is a dream!

What a wonderful visit! "Ty guy" (that's my unapproved nickname for my nephew) is amazing! He rarely cries. Bathtime - no crying. Diaper changes - no crying. Mom and Dad are so good with him. He is so loved! What a blessing!
Had a great trip to Houston to meet him and his proud parents. He has a mohawk of red hair that his mom is determined to tame:) She is slowly conquering this challenge.
They are doing quite well and I am very impressed. I forgot how easy it is to just have one but also how difficult it is to be the sole source of nutrition for another human being. Hang in there, sis!

mother's week out

That's right Mom is leaving for the week. Well, I still have to finish a 10 hour work day tomorrow and get packed but I leave at 6:15am Tuesday to FINALLY go meet my nephew!!!
I am packing only one suitcase - for myself:) I am converting my diaper bag into a carry on for my toys. It will fit but it's a tight squeeze in it's case - plus all of my magazines and I don't want to forget a snack.
I am almost more excited about the solo plane trip than seeing my nephew for the 1st time - JUST KIDDING! I can't believe he is almost a month old and I haven't met him yet. I had to let the dust settle after my mom has camped out there for 3 weeks. She has left a tough act to follow though - doing all the meals, cleaning and up and ready to take on baby duty beginning at 5am each day! I know I can do it:)
I am sad to leave my sweet family - having lots of fun with my boys lately but I am certain absence will make the heart grow even fonder - for all of us.
I am excited to see my little sis in her new role that she is so perfect for! I will update on my adventures while I am gone. Until then - prayers for my travels and for my family!

busy weekend

Well we had planned to spend Luke's birthday weekend by celebrating with a camping trip - just like the previous two years - but the ban on campfires and the smoke looming in the air already put that on the back burner - so to speak. Check out what the smoke filled skies has done to the sunsets right off our back deck.

















Fun was still had by all. We made our way to Dickey Lake to escape the smoke and splash in the cool, clear water.














Luke loved opening presents - turning 4 was a hit! Owen was napping at the time so he missed all the fun! We have yet to have an "official" birthday party for him - we are holding out until he turns 5.




Owen helped Dad was his truck while Luke took his turn at a car nap. He got soap all over - guess that stuff isn't as gentle as his bubble bath - he broke out all over!!!





These guys are still into their popsicles...







































Owen must have pretty worn out after washing the car - that and he only had one nap today. He fell asleep at dinner - corn dogs couldn't even keep him awake.










Luke's birthday cake and our singing couldn't even keep him awake...












Luke loved his cake, don't ya think???


















































who says you can't lick your elbow? I guess if you are four and blue icing is involved it can be done...












Overall, I'd say the 4th birthday was a success and it's not even over. Dad is taking the day off work to play with Luke tomorrow too!!! YIPEE!!!