Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Congratulations Eric and Jessica

Ross and I flew to Vail for Eric and Jessica's wedding this weekend. It was only our second trip away from Connor and after all that we've been through we were in desperate need for a get away.

The wedding was beautiful and the bride looked simply gorgeous. It was so nice to see Eric so happy. He seems to have met the most perfect woman for him and I’m thrilled. I wish them all the best for a long and happy life together.

Ross and I had a blast catching up with everyone. It was so nice to see many of our old friends and even to make a few new ones along the way.

Neither of us had been to Colorado in the fall. We usually save our trips for mountain biking trips in the summer or ski trips in the winter. So, I have to thank Eric and Jessica for giving me a reason to visit this time of year. Also special thanks to Jen for being our hike leader . Ross and I didn't realize that we had joined the advanced hiking group until we were at the trailhead...too late to turn back now. That's ok, I've always wanted to hike 2 miles straight up the side of a mountain - in altitude. Gasp...

Also, thanks to the Red Lion for allowing Ross to clean out their stock of Blue Moon and Maker’s Mark (also the countless number of shots that arrived at our table). Nice – Real nice.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.








Sunday, October 5, 2008

We're back baby!!!

Surprise, surprise…

Our little peanut had his 6 month check up on Thursday. As you can imagine, Ross and I are now experts on the routine at the doctor's office.

It usually goes something like this...we arrive at the a little early, cough up our $25 co-pay and wait until the nurse to call us to the back. Once we're past the waiting room, we're instructed to strip Connor down so they can get naked weigh in. For all that we've been through - this is usually the moment of truth. It’s This is usually the point where I’m crossing my fingers, holding my breath and praying that he’s gained just a little bit of weight.

But this week was different. Connor surprised everyone and weighed in far better than any of us had expected! As a matter of fact, he actually gained enough to get him back on the growth chart!! The doctor was thrilled and so were we. I can't tell you how nice it feels to finally be moving in the right direction. Now we have to keep up the good work and keep hoping for the best.

Another big milestone is that Connor finally got his first tooth. He’s been working on it for quite some time, but this week it finally popped through the skin. And let me tell you, that little sucker is sharp! One down, 19 more to go…

Monday, September 29, 2008

Ross for President 2008

We left Connor with Brian and Teresa on Saturday so that we could sneak away and watch the Auburn - Tennessee game with the San Antonio AU alumni club. Little did we know when we arrived that the club was looking for some fresh meat...oh, excuse me, I mean "new officers" to get involved.

It happened so quickly that I don't even think Ross knew what hit him. At half time the "elections" began and with a unanimous vote Ross became the club's new President. HA!

So now Ross has been tasked with bringing some life back into this old club (one member actually graduated in the class of '44). If I had to guess, I’d say the median age of the group is 60+. To be honest, I think this is a great challenge for Ross. It's the perfect way for him to get involved and give back to his alma mater. I also think he’ll do an awesome job of attracting the younger crowd and connecting with the almost 300 Auburn grads living in SA.

Oh – I almost forgot to mention, I’m the new web administrator. Ugh – who’s the sucka now?

Special thanks to Brian and Teresa for watching Connor. You guys did an great job and returned him with all 10 fingers and toes. Way to go!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Ears to feeling better

Two weeks ago we took Connor to the Pedi ENT. At 6 months old, he's already had three ear infections so we wanted to get things checked out. Dr. Bonilla examined our little man and told us that he has fluid in his ears. He also said Connor would be a good candidate for tubes. Not only that, but he thought that Connor's poor consumption was possibly linked to the fluid/infections. If it's painful for him to suck on the bottle, then he'll quickly learn that a bottle = pain and avoid it at all costs.

The doctor asked us to come back in a month (sooner if Connor had another infection) and we would schedule the surgery. Within a few days of the appointment, Connor quickly began tugging on his ears, eating less and becoming fussy. All signs of an ear infection. So on Tuesday we took him back to Dr. Bonilla and scheduled the procedure.

Thursday morning (bright and early) we were back at the hospital praying that this would be the thing that would take away Connor's pain. The procedure was quick - he was in and out in 10 min. and we were back at home within the hour. Almost immediately, we saw a huge difference in Connor's mood. Not only that, but he was able to suck on a bottle without crying from the pain (incredible!). Since the surgery, he's been sleeping better, eating better, and will now respond to noises on both his left and right side.

Ross and I are very encouraged. We have Connor's 6 month doctor appointment on Wednesday and the follow up visit with our GI next week. My hope is that Connor will have improved so much that our pediatrician is satisfied and the GI will release us from his care.

Here are some interesting facts about ear infections/fluid - New studies show that children who are treated for re-occurring ear infections become more susceptible to antibiotic resistant strains of infection. Also, temporary hearing loss is a common symptom of fluid in the ears. Children who experience this will hear everything as if they were under water. If not addressed early, many children with fluid in their ears will need speech therapy to correct impairments.


Thursday, September 18, 2008

It's time to celebrate!!

We just got home from Connor's follow up appointment at the GI specialist. The great news is that he's gaining weight!! The doctor was so impressed with his improvement that he's extended our follow up visits to every three weeks instead of every week.

Way to go Connor - keep up the good work!

Friday, September 12, 2008

He has a weak what???

My son apparently has a weak sucking reflex and an uncoordinated tongue. Say what?

We had our first follow up visit with the GI this week since leaving the hospital. The great news is that ALL of Connor’s test results have come back normal. This poor child has had to endure an upper GI, endoscopy and colonoscopy, swallow study, biopsies, blood work, urine and fecal studies. There is almost no portion of this kid that hasn’t been poked, prodded and analyzed. Like a champ he’s endured it all with a smile on his face and a squeal for the doctors. He’s my little hero!

The GI (completely perplexed) actually told us that he has no idea how Connor has as much energy as he does based on the amount of calories he takes in. This kid just doesn’t eat! For all practical purposes he should be limp and lethargic, but instead he’s a playing, wiggling and cooing machine. So now instead of admitting defeat the doctor’s newest theory is that Connor has a weak “sucker” and will only eat enough to satisfy his hunger, but not enough to gain weight.

The second theory (and this comes more from my mother-in-law the nurse/baby extraordinaire) is that Connor suffers from a constant state of ear infections that make it painful for him to suck on a bottle. It’s entirely possible since at only 5 months of age, he’s already been diagnosed with two ear infections and is currently finishing his second dose of amoxicillin. We have an appointment at the ENT today to explore this possibility further.

In the mean time, Ross’s mom is staying with us and is fully focused on getting her grandson to eat…and let me tell you, she’s not taking NO for an answer! After working with him all day yesterday she was able to get 28 ounces of formula in him. That’s his highest intake ever!! Way to go Beth and Connor!!

Against our doctor’s request, we’ve also started introducing foods. Here are a few pictures of Connor as he tries to master the art of fine cuisine.