Trooper visited Chicago to attend the WEFTEC conference from October 18th-22nd. Besides the business side of the conference, Trooper had a blast touring the City and eating Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Peyton's Tubes
Today we had an appointment with Parker's (and now Peyton's) ENT. We have know for a few months that when Peyton turned 6 months old we would be referred to the ENT. Peyton has had 4 infections since June. Our pediatrician said that ENT would most likely want us to do tubes for Peyton. He said that some kids' ears are just formed where they are more prone to developing infections. Parker had 5 in the 7 months before getting tubes. Paige (knocking on wood as I am typing) has yet to have one. Trooper and I had already decided we wanted the tubes for Little P. I asked though what Dr. Vora would do if it was his son. He said tubes...for sure. Peyton will be getting tubes next Thursday (October 30th).
I feel bad for the little guy that:
1. He will have to have surgery at only 6 months old.
2. Will not get to eat until after the surgery is over that morning.
3. That he has already had some hearing loss possibly due to the infection.
I feel good that:
1. The surgery will be done before the season when ear infections tend to be at their highest
2. He should be 1st to have surgery that morning (we will not know the time until next Wednesday) because they go by age...and 6 months is the earliest they usually put tubes in!
3. His hearing loss could be because he is just finishing up with and infection and it could improve over time
4. That Trooper had nothing planned for the morning that I set the surgery so he can get Parker and Paige up, fed, dressed, and lunches packed for preschool that morning.
5. And most important...I am thankful that the Lord is and will be watching over our Little P while he is receiving his tubes.
I feel bad for the little guy that:
1. He will have to have surgery at only 6 months old.
2. Will not get to eat until after the surgery is over that morning.
3. That he has already had some hearing loss possibly due to the infection.
I feel good that:
1. The surgery will be done before the season when ear infections tend to be at their highest
2. He should be 1st to have surgery that morning (we will not know the time until next Wednesday) because they go by age...and 6 months is the earliest they usually put tubes in!
3. His hearing loss could be because he is just finishing up with and infection and it could improve over time
4. That Trooper had nothing planned for the morning that I set the surgery so he can get Parker and Paige up, fed, dressed, and lunches packed for preschool that morning.
5. And most important...I am thankful that the Lord is and will be watching over our Little P while he is receiving his tubes.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lovely Peyton Lumps...6 months Old
Peyton turned 6 months old last week, but few days before, he got 2 large lumps on his head. We do not know how they got there. Jami and the kids were at Chuck E. Cheese in Fort Worth waiting for Trooper to get out of a meeting before heading out of town to Belton. Parker and Paige were playing and Jami was holding Peyton...even thinking to herself how his hair was coming in lighter than the dark hair he has left at the base his head...in the old man pattern. She put him back in the stroller, loaded the kids in the car, and picked up Trooper who was 1/2 a block away. As soon as Trooper saw Peyton, he asked what happened! He did not cry other than a little fuss...but it was now nap time. Jami called the doctor and they said to watch it. The following Monday morning Jami took Peyton to see Dr. Granger. He thought it was just a brose and would heal on its own, but wanted him to have an x-ray just incase (thank you Emily and Nathan for watching Parker and Paige while he had the x-ray). Jami received a call that afternoon that everything was clear, but the doctor wanted to see him this week. We were coming for our 6 month visit anyway so it worked out perfect. While we were at the doctor for the lovely Peyton lumps last week, Dr. Granger also looked in his ears...guess what! Ear infection #4 for our little 6 month old!
Today we went back to the doctor for our 6 month check up (as well to check our lumps and ears). Peyton is 15 pounds even and 26 1/2 inches long. That is 50% for both. One of the 2 lumps is gone and the other is smaller. Dr. Granger thinks we are clear on the lumps, but Peyton has to see the ENT. He is going on this Thursday. I am assuming he is going to have to have tubes. We know with Parker we questioned the tubes a little more...if he needed them for sure or not, but at the same time Parker is allergic to penicillin(the best treatment for ear infections). Well God answered our question. The ENT gave Parker 3 months to go without an ear infection. He got one 3 weeks later (the day before I had Paige) and again 3 weeks later (3 days before he tubes were to be put in). Since then he has only had 1 infection. Back to Peyton...we assume they will be putting a tube (infections have only been in the right ear) or tubes in for our "Little P" or "Buddy." Enjoy the pics!
Last night was also the 1st night to have veggies...Sweet Potato! He did not like it too much. We ate only about 2 bites. Lunch was better today...he ate about 4 bites. I think he is already learning to sign...finished/all done! Just kidding!Sunday, October 19, 2008
Costumes
The kids put on their costumes today (or I put them on Paige and Peyton and Parker put his on) and we went to the pumpkin patch here in Rowlett. Here are a few pictures...they are the best I could do by myself...Paige did not want to look or sit still. Parker is a fireman, Paige a bumble bee, and Peyton an octopus. I also let the kids pick out a pumpkin for each one of the 5 of us. Have a great fall day! 
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 15th...
Today is the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. I want to say that I was thinking of all of you who have lost a little one (in pregnancy or soon after). Our little ones that are not here with us today due to reasons only the Lord can know. The little ones that I am able to hold today here on earth have our sweet little one to look out for them from heaven.
I found this information by looking at a blog…I then realized that today is the anniversary of Trooper and my loss 3 years ago. Crazy that it is the same day. Trooper came home from Iraq for 2 weeks. About a week after he left, I found out I was pregnant. We wanted to get pregnant, so we were both very excited. I saw the doctor on the 13th of October. He said everything looked good. I had blood work done and scheduled my 1st sonogram for the following week.
The next day, I told people at work I was pregnant at lunch. Just after eating, I went to the restroom before class started back. I started spotting. After school, I went to pick up Parker from daycare (11 months old at the time). I had called the doctor's office and he could not see me because he did surgery on Fridays. They told me to go to the ER. So Parker and I did.
My best friend was out of town, others were in school still at 2:30, and another had given birth to her twins the day before. I called my sweet and wonderful friend Amy to come help me. She was on the last few days of her maternity leave. She met me up at the hospital to help look after Parker while I had a sonogram done. After blood work came back, I was sent home. They did not know if I was losing the baby or not just yet. Only time would tell.
Saturday, October 15th at 4:18a.m. I woke up in pain. I then lost the baby. I emailed Trooper in Iraq then called my mom right away. She flew up...in her car that is...from Belton (forgetting her toothbrush and a few other personal things). Soon after getting here she took me to the ER to be checked out. My levels had dropped over 400 points in about 15 hours. I had for sure lost the baby.
The upcoming days and weeks were very hard between being in the mindset of pregnancy (looking at maternity clothes, watching your diet, and so forth), the drop in my hormone levels, and Trooper not being here to help me go through it. It was one of the hardest things to ever go through. I was SO thankful for friends that had been there before that I could lean on as well as Amy and my mom for being there for me.
I cannot believe that it has been 3 years. The baby would have been 2 years and 5 months old, but we would not have our 2 year and 1 month old, Paige! I know that is the same case for many of my friends as well. If you have ever been in a situation where you have lost a little one, I am so sorry and today we can stand together and remember! I am praying for all of us!
I know every time I sang this song in church in the weeks and months that followed, I found peace and comfort...the last stanza the most...
Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your nameBlessed
Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
I found this information by looking at a blog…I then realized that today is the anniversary of Trooper and my loss 3 years ago. Crazy that it is the same day. Trooper came home from Iraq for 2 weeks. About a week after he left, I found out I was pregnant. We wanted to get pregnant, so we were both very excited. I saw the doctor on the 13th of October. He said everything looked good. I had blood work done and scheduled my 1st sonogram for the following week.
The next day, I told people at work I was pregnant at lunch. Just after eating, I went to the restroom before class started back. I started spotting. After school, I went to pick up Parker from daycare (11 months old at the time). I had called the doctor's office and he could not see me because he did surgery on Fridays. They told me to go to the ER. So Parker and I did.
My best friend was out of town, others were in school still at 2:30, and another had given birth to her twins the day before. I called my sweet and wonderful friend Amy to come help me. She was on the last few days of her maternity leave. She met me up at the hospital to help look after Parker while I had a sonogram done. After blood work came back, I was sent home. They did not know if I was losing the baby or not just yet. Only time would tell.
Saturday, October 15th at 4:18a.m. I woke up in pain. I then lost the baby. I emailed Trooper in Iraq then called my mom right away. She flew up...in her car that is...from Belton (forgetting her toothbrush and a few other personal things). Soon after getting here she took me to the ER to be checked out. My levels had dropped over 400 points in about 15 hours. I had for sure lost the baby.
The upcoming days and weeks were very hard between being in the mindset of pregnancy (looking at maternity clothes, watching your diet, and so forth), the drop in my hormone levels, and Trooper not being here to help me go through it. It was one of the hardest things to ever go through. I was SO thankful for friends that had been there before that I could lean on as well as Amy and my mom for being there for me.
I cannot believe that it has been 3 years. The baby would have been 2 years and 5 months old, but we would not have our 2 year and 1 month old, Paige! I know that is the same case for many of my friends as well. If you have ever been in a situation where you have lost a little one, I am so sorry and today we can stand together and remember! I am praying for all of us!
I know every time I sang this song in church in the weeks and months that followed, I found peace and comfort...the last stanza the most...
Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your nameBlessed
Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
National Family Night Out
One Tuesday night in August was National Family Night Out. Well in Texas it is WAY TOO HOT to be outside without a pool within inches for more than a few minutes. Luckly they higher ups in Texas agreed...the "Texas" version of National Family Night Out would be Tuesday, October 7th. Our community had a get together for the event. There was face painting, balloons, fire and policemen, Chick-fil-A, and good times! Trooper pulled Parker and Paige down in the red wagon when the event started. Peyton and Jami showed up after Jami's Tuesday even aerobic class. We had a great time!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Peyton Eats Cereal
Yesterday evening Peyton had his first bites of real food. We had given him a bite of bread a few weeks ago and he played with it in his mouth, but never really ate it. Last night we gave him his first spoonfuls of cereal. He did okay, made a few faces, got some on his fingers, then put his thumb in his mouth. I sat the cereal down for a moment on the table to grab something for/from Paige and when I looked back, Peyton was leaning over in the Bumbo trying to get the bowl of cereal. All is all he did okay for his first time.
I know several people have asked about when I was starting food...the doctor said he did not have to have or need the veggies or fruits until he was 6 months old and the cereal does not really have tons of calories or nutritional value and they only need it to learn how to eat before they need to eat the veggies and fruit at 6 months. I am glad...that was just going to be only ONE MORE THING on my plate. I cannot believe though that we are already at that point. Peyton will be 6 month on Thursday! THURSDAY!!! It has almost been half a year since my baby has been born. On the bright side...only 6 more months until I get my body back to myself! It will end up being 5 years and 2 months of my life that I have spent pregnant, breastfeeding, or both (minus 1 between finishing with Parker and getting pregnant with Paige...but I spent 3 months doing both between Parker/the miscarriage and Paige/Peyton).
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The BIG B
This past weekend the Smith crew traveled down the "BIG B" a.k.a. Belton. We were going down for a baby shower of one of Jami's best friends from high school and college roommate, Amy. She is 7 months pregnant and too cute. Her little boy, Will, will be here sometime in December...or maybe late November! It was great for Jami to see several friends that the shower that she does not get to see very often...only at weddings, baby showers, 10 year reunion (last year!) or when we either happen to get together or be together in town at the same time. One sad thing though...Jami left the camera on the table at her parent's house so she did not get any pictures...
Trooper and Jami also went out to eat and see the WONDERFUL movie Fireproof. They had a great date night. It was also great to have Gigi, Grumpy, and Uncle Mark there to watch after the little ones. You will never find a better sitter than family (fun, fabulous, and free). We did happen to get a pictures of the 5 of us plus Jami's parents and Mark, but Mark is going to work on editing the pic a little to see if we can put together one where we can all be looking, smiling, or not blinking...I think it was mostly Paige...our little wiggle worm and drama momma...she gets it from me...her mom!
Trooper and Jami also went out to eat and see the WONDERFUL movie Fireproof. They had a great date night. It was also great to have Gigi, Grumpy, and Uncle Mark there to watch after the little ones. You will never find a better sitter than family (fun, fabulous, and free). We did happen to get a pictures of the 5 of us plus Jami's parents and Mark, but Mark is going to work on editing the pic a little to see if we can put together one where we can all be looking, smiling, or not blinking...I think it was mostly Paige...our little wiggle worm and drama momma...she gets it from me...her mom!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Jami Turns 30
Well today is Jami's 30th birthday! It was a little of an adventure of a day. Let me back up for a moment...this past weekend Trooper had Army Drill so he was out of town. Jami did not want to have to do much or any of her normal Monday stay at home mommy to do's since it was her birthday after all. Instead she did most of it over the weekend. She did laundry (including sheets and towel...a Monday job) on Saturday. On Sunday she then cleaned all the floors...with broom, swiffer, and dison...another Monday job. Also the downstairs bathrooms were needing a little attention so she did a QUICk wipe down so it was one less thing to think about. Jami was prepared to have a slow relaxing Monday with the kids. Jami did know she was going to have to make a quick trip to the store on Monday for milk and a few other things for the week, but that was fine. Off to bed after catching up on a few blogs...
She woke up this morning...30! A card, chocolates, and a wonderful gift from Trooper were waiting for her...a day to pamper herself with hair cut/color and both sets of nails. Jami received a few calls/ecards/text messages from friends and family throughout the day. After Peyton got up from his morning nap and ate, Jami and the 3Ps headed off to Target. The trip was normal...produce, deli, a few cans/jars/bags of things, then finally the dairy. Finally, they were walking back to the front to check out.
She was in line waiting/looking over my totally checked off list and remembered that she only had 1 onion at home and needed 2 this week. Jami had already unbuckled Paige (her and Parker love to help me unload the cart) from the shopping cart...it is the cart that has the 2 toddler seats attached to the back. She wheeled over to the produce and as she step away to reach for the onion, Jami heard Parker cry out. She looked over to see Peyton's carrier falling to the floor and pulling Parker with it. Jami was able to catch Parker to break his fall. She quickly turned the carrier back over. Peyton was screaming. Luckly he was buckled and the arm of the carrier was up and broke the fall. The boys were shaken but fine. The staff in Target was WONDERFUL!!! They came over right away. They helped Jami take the kids over to the in-store Starbucks and gave P1 and P2 cookies and water while Peyton (and Jami) calmed down. They (after safely) retrieved the onions, checked out, got it the car, and were off to Braum's for milk...thanks to Emily for meeting Jami there on your way home so she did not have to get all 3 kiddos out of the car...is she is too picky on milk...if you have ever had Braum's milk...you will NEVER go back!
After making it home, Peyton went down about 15 mintues later (yes, Jami did call the Doctor that afternoon to see if there was anything she should look for in Peyton). There was then a knock at the door...FLOWERS from Jami's Aunts V and K and Uncles B and C. Parker and Paige ate lunch, played, and went down for nap. A little bit later Peyton woke up screaming...he ate then screamed/cried for about an hour...either coming down with something or a little sore from the fall. He then took a crazy short nap. Peyton then woke up not to eat, but to cry some more. Took another nap (good length) and has been perfect.
Trooper was home just after Peyton woke up and ate dinner. The 5 Smiths then got in the car and went out to eat at Outback followed by icecream at Cold Stone. When they arrived at home, Jami's Mom was there...they are going shopping together tomorrow. All in all it was a great 30th birthday for the stay at home mom of 3!
She woke up this morning...30! A card, chocolates, and a wonderful gift from Trooper were waiting for her...a day to pamper herself with hair cut/color and both sets of nails. Jami received a few calls/ecards/text messages from friends and family throughout the day. After Peyton got up from his morning nap and ate, Jami and the 3Ps headed off to Target. The trip was normal...produce, deli, a few cans/jars/bags of things, then finally the dairy. Finally, they were walking back to the front to check out.
She was in line waiting/looking over my totally checked off list and remembered that she only had 1 onion at home and needed 2 this week. Jami had already unbuckled Paige (her and Parker love to help me unload the cart) from the shopping cart...it is the cart that has the 2 toddler seats attached to the back. She wheeled over to the produce and as she step away to reach for the onion, Jami heard Parker cry out. She looked over to see Peyton's carrier falling to the floor and pulling Parker with it. Jami was able to catch Parker to break his fall. She quickly turned the carrier back over. Peyton was screaming. Luckly he was buckled and the arm of the carrier was up and broke the fall. The boys were shaken but fine. The staff in Target was WONDERFUL!!! They came over right away. They helped Jami take the kids over to the in-store Starbucks and gave P1 and P2 cookies and water while Peyton (and Jami) calmed down. They (after safely) retrieved the onions, checked out, got it the car, and were off to Braum's for milk...thanks to Emily for meeting Jami there on your way home so she did not have to get all 3 kiddos out of the car...is she is too picky on milk...if you have ever had Braum's milk...you will NEVER go back!
After making it home, Peyton went down about 15 mintues later (yes, Jami did call the Doctor that afternoon to see if there was anything she should look for in Peyton). There was then a knock at the door...FLOWERS from Jami's Aunts V and K and Uncles B and C. Parker and Paige ate lunch, played, and went down for nap. A little bit later Peyton woke up screaming...he ate then screamed/cried for about an hour...either coming down with something or a little sore from the fall. He then took a crazy short nap. Peyton then woke up not to eat, but to cry some more. Took another nap (good length) and has been perfect.
Trooper was home just after Peyton woke up and ate dinner. The 5 Smiths then got in the car and went out to eat at Outback followed by icecream at Cold Stone. When they arrived at home, Jami's Mom was there...they are going shopping together tomorrow. All in all it was a great 30th birthday for the stay at home mom of 3!
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