Happy Birthday Hunter

It is so hard to believe Hunter is two already. Every year, it is such a bitter sweet day for us as it is a reminder of what we went through and what we could have lost, but it is definitely a reminder of how fortunate we are. This year we celebrated Hunter's birthday at Chuck E Cheese. At Chuck E Cheese, we actually ran into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurse who held Hunter and walked him to the NICU just minutes after he was born. It was such a wonderful moment. She was able to see Hunter running around and healthy as can be. She told us how wonderful it was to see him, because she usually does not get to see the children after they leave the hospital. We also had a chance to tell her how grateful we are for her and for what she does. We are still so appreciative of TMH, Shands, and all of the many nurses and doctors who helped to save his life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER

Family Time

We had my sister and her family spend the weekend with us while my brother-in-law painted our house. Yes, I said painted. I have been asking for only 6 years now for it to be painted and it has finally been done. I think Nathan finally caved in. What a difference it makes. I can't wait to finish the floors. I wish I had a before and after pic. I will have to post the after's later once I get the furniture back in order. Here is a picture of Nate and Hunter with my sister's children, Blake and Skydra. Skydra helped out so much with the kids. We were so thankful to have her come help. Hunter just loved the baby and wanted to hold him all weekend long.

Santa Clause is comin'

Today we took Nate and Hunter to see Santa Clause at the mall. Nate was so excited to go with Hannah and Grace (his cousins). They looked so cute all dressed up in their Christmas outfits and their Christmas lists. Nate was a little scared at first, but then he warmed right up to Santa and told him all of the toys that he wants for Christmas. He told him he wanted big boy toys, a big train, a rescue helicopter, a fire truck with a ladder, a light saver and I didn't hear what else, but he rambled on. Hunter sat on Santa's lap wondering what in the world is going on. I was surprised that we actually got a pretty good picture.

They were also excited to pick up the Christmas tree. We are letting it dry out and hopefully will put it up tomorrow. I can guarantee it wil probably be down tomorrow as well.

2nd Annual Hospital Visit

It must be the hospital food that Hunter can't resist. He just can't keep away from these places. For those of you that may not have been aware (and sorry for not telling you, we have been with Hunter in the hospital), we got a call from Hunter's daycare on Monday telling us that his lips were blue and he had been gasping for air. When we picked him up his lips where still blue and his skin was off color (toward a gray color). Hunter could have fooled us all with his strength, because he didn't act as sick as he was. See the last pic below at the doctor's office. You can see his coloring in his skin is darker than his normal pale skin. When we picked him up from daycare we took him to the doctor and they admitted him to the hospital. Hunter's oxygen levels where very low, partly due to bronchiilitus and no thanks to his confirmed diagnosis of asthma. We spent a long three nights at TMH (two nights shy of his last visit), but the nurses took great care of Hunter and he loved all of the attention (not to mention the one-on-one with Nathan and I). Thankfully, Hunter came home today. Nate and Hunter were so excited to be back together they tore the house up with excitement. You would have never known that Hunter was so sick.

Disney 2008

Hunter and Nate loved Disney and Sea World. What an exhausting two days, but we had so much fun. Nate was so excited about the train and of course that was the first thing we did. We could have ridden the monorail and the tram all day without even paying to go in and Nate would have been happy. Nate and Hunter did enjoy giving Buzz Light Year a high five.

Halloween

Nate and Hunter enjoyed Halloween this year. They were eating the first bits of candy that they received before they left the neighbor's driveway. Thanks Ms. Ronneise and Mr. Dykart! Hunter was a Monkey, but the costume can be mistaken for a bear or lion (the tail is hidden). Nate was a cowboy riding a horse. Hunter and Nate loved sharing the costume and taking turns riding. I only got a video of Nate on Halloween though. Hunter you are too hard to catch.

Nate's Turning 3

Nate will be three years old next weekend and with that in mind, it reminds me of how fast he has grown. Just yesterday he was a round little baby rolling on the ground, and now he is a tall skinny toddler. He is so thoughtful and is always thinking of others. Here are some pictures of just a year ago and from now. My has he changed.

We have decided to take the boys to Valdosta to Wild Adventures. I keep asking myself if I am crazy to take a 17 month old and a 3 year old in this excrutiating heat, but we will bring our bathing suits in hopes to take a few laps on the lazy river.

Nate and Hunter both start school on the 18th, so we are taking them for a practice round next week. It is bitter sweet. We have two babysitters that have been taking care of the boys while I am at work, and the boys absolutely love them and I know will miss very much. Nate gives them a kiss as they leave each day. Hunter tells them Bye Bye, with his wide eyes and sweet smile, and now crooked tooth. But I know the boys need to be around other children, and we can only hope that Hunter will stay healthy while being exposed to new germs.