Calling All Readers!!!

OK, we've got a major day tomorrow -- Sophie needs all of the prayers, hopes, and good vibes that we can send down to Guatemala!!! Without going into too much detail -- tomorrow is a very important appointment at the Embassy, so please pray that everyone is where they are supposed to be and that everything goes smoothly. This family has had Sophie's referral for over 16 months now, and they have visited her 8 times -- they are completely in love with her and dedicated to bringing her home. . . we really need the appt to go well tomorrow!!!!!

VCUG was NOT fun, but we got good results!

Well, Brayden Mynor didn't like anything about the test today, but we made it through. The dr that we saw was very nice. She let me stay with him as long as possible, and then she let me go into the room with the other drs and techs instead of sending me out to the waiting room. I was able to see Brayden through a window the entire time, so that made me feel better. I am so thankful for Michael every day, but on days like today I realize just how amazing he is. . . there are lots of dads out there who wouldn't go to all of these appts. Not only does he go, he wants to go. He wants to be there for his boy. He is an amazing Daddy :)

Hey, Daddy -- this pic is for you! I know you love it when I play with cars :) When I get bigger, I'll help you work on that rusty GTO in the garage!

The good news is that the test results look normal -- it's awfully nice to get some good news! Our pediatrician wants to send it off to a renal specialist just to be sure, but she thinks everything is OK. If I haven't mentioned it before, we do have the best ped in the world. She takes good care of Brayden and good care of us . . . sometimes the parents need a little babying too!!

YAY!! Good test results -- I've never had those before!!!

Tagged -- My Confessions of Weirdness

Shelby tagged me to list 6 weird things about myself -- can I really limit it to 6?? I've read several other lists, and I usually have at least one weird thing in common with everyone, so I'm beginning to think that I'm some kind of freak!! Here are some that I haven't read on anyone else's list --

1. I cannot touch metal. If I touch it, I taste it. I'm not sure how I know what metal tastes like, but I just taste it. I can't wear jewelry, shopping carts are a nightmare, and eating with silverware (which actually doesn't bother me as bad as other metal things) makes my teeth hurt.

2. I do not like to get flowers, candy, or jewelry (see metal comments above) as gifts. I also do not like to be surprised. Anybody feel bad for Michael, yet? Valentine's Day is not an easy one around here!!!

3. I do not like for people to touch me. I do not even like my family to hug me, pat me on the back, or put an arm around my shoulder -- just don't touch me. (Kids are excluded from this one. I'm cool with them climbing all over me!)

4. My favorite smell is new plastic. Ahhh, the smell of a new inflatable toy is the best thing ever!

5. I like all of my clocks set at different times. The clock in our room is 30 minutes fast, and the clock in my car is 25 minutes fast. The way I think of it, I want the clock to say 7:00 when I need to leave in order to get somewhere at 7:00. Michael does NOT think this way, so I drive him crazy with this. Also, the car time is not a standard . . . I change it to mean different things.

6. I am a video game addict. I am currently hooked on Jordan's DS Lite, and I actually get mad when she takes it away from me and messes up my game. The DS Lite is an integral part of my childbirth plan.

So now that I've made my confessions, I can rest easy -- once I straighten the tp, leave a light on so that I won't be in the dark, and make sure that the closet door is closed all the way.

Brayden Boy's 1st "Official" Haircut

After Aunt Emma's Heather L comment, we decided it was time for Bray-My to get a haircut. It's the 1st "official" because this is the 1st haircut that I authorized! Brayden did NOT like the experience!!!

The haircut turned out much shorter than I really wanted, but it still looks pretty good. She definitely went up too high in the back, but oh well! Here is a look at the new short-haired Brayden Boy --

In other news, we're back on the roller coaster of medical issues and concerns. Anybody remember the renal ultrasound back in October -- well, yesterday the geneticist's office called to tell us that it showed some abnormalities. (Yeah, it took 3 months for them to get around to calling us.) They sent the results to our ped, who scheduled Brayden for a VCUG test next week. The abnormality is related to the ureters, which connect the kidneys to the bladder. They look too narrow or something. One side is "mild", the other side is "moderate". . . I'm not clear what any of this really means or what we will do if there is a problem, but I'm just hoping that we do this test and there is nothing wrong. The ped said that this test would "determine what, if any, intervention we would need." The test involves a catheter, so it won't be any fun for Brayden. It also involves X-rays, so I won't be able to be in the room to support or comfort him. Thank goodness his Daddy will be there. I know we ask this alot, but please pray for Brayden!

WOW -- just as I was typing this Brayden was hanging out at the ottoman, and he let go and walked across the living room and into his play room. That's right, he walked!!!! He's SOOOO BIG!!!

Bath Time Fun

Momma calls this the "before" hair . . .

and this is the "after".
I get so thirsty in the tub!!!
Finally, she let me out of that seat -- I'm a free man!!!

Momma's note -- doesn't the scar from the chest tube in the middle make it look like he has a really high belly button??

Cute Gifts & Why I Don't Post More Often

I've got some more cute gifts to show off!!! We got a package from Julia and the McKenzie Crew this week, and they sent Bray and Parker these adorable matching shirts and a very sweet pop-up book that Brayden really loves. The shirts say "I'm a Big Brother" and "I'm a Little Sister". We also got an awesome pic of all of the crew kids together -- they're quite a good lookin' bunch!!! Thanks Crew!!!!
We also got these personalized pacifiers from my Mom this week. Unfortunately, she ordered them before we told her the big news -- we took Bray-My's "pepes" away! I know it's hard to believe, but the boy who used to carry around multiple pacifiers has had no problems with giving them up. We still let him have one at bedtime (for now). I guess we'll have to wait until Parker gets here to show this cute gift off in public :)

Now, on the pics of what the boy has been up to -- I found the "doctor" reading a book while wearing his stethoscope yesterday. About 5 minutes later, I found the book and realized that he's been doing a little more than reading lately -- I guess he's trying to help those other bottom teeth get through!!!For those of you who hassle me about not posting more often, here is the reason why --

Here's what happens when I open up the laptop . . .

And here's what happens when I try to move it out of his reach so that I can type . . . Any questions???

And finally, one (not so) funny story from this morning -- I took the day off so that I could spend some time with my boys and take Brayden to some dr appts this afternoon. DH brought Brayden into our room and sit him down beside me in the bed, thinking that we'd share some snuggles and smiles. . . good idea, but Brayden had something else in mind. He kept pushing me and waving bye-bye. He wanted me to go to work!!!! It's hard not to get my feelings hurt, but I just try to focus on how great it is that Brayden loves his time with his Daddy so much. Oh, well, I guess he's just not a Momma's boy!

1 Month Post-Op and Working on Walking

Well, today makes 1 month since Brayden's surgery, and he is doing great!!! He has lots of energy, an unbelievable appetite, and smiles all the time -- we're having lots of fun :)

We've been working hard on Brayden's walking skills. The PT dropped of "walking wings" this week, and Brayden really seems to like them. It makes him feel safe but independent at the same time. The only problem is that when he's wearing the wings, he leans forward and runs instead of walks, so most of the time he is out of control!!!

So what if I look like a puppet -- I like this!!!!

Brayden has been doing a lot more free standing, and he is getting more and more confident -- here you can see him free standing and playing with his zebra.

Oh, zebra, play another tune for us . . .

And for now, Brayden has found a new way of getting around -- he walks on his knees all the time. DH and I call this "crawalking" ;)

Sorry my video is so dark, but I tried!!!

Short Review of 2006

I started this post last night, but I had to go to bed so that I could get up and go to work today :( (Don't ask, I'll only get mad talking about it!!) Anyway, here is a short review of last year's events (this is a good cheat sheet for those of you who just recently started reading):

January -- Big month for us. . . We went into PGN and got out of PGN.

February -- Even bigger month! Forever Family Day was on February 10th, and Brayden came home to the USA on the 15th.

March -- Brayden started sitting up on his own, and he laughed for the first time (7 months).

April -- I started the blog, and Brayden had the "Mystery Swollen Lymph Node"

May -- Michael quit his job and became self-employed so that he could stay home with Brayden.

June -- Brayden learned to clap his hands (10 months).

July -- Brayden started speech therapy and physical therapy. He pulled up for the 1st time and used his 1st sign, milk (11 months). We also found out that I am pregnant ;)

August -- Brayden's 1st birthday!!! He started crawling, and he was diagnosed with latent tuberculosis.

September -- Brayden tested positive for the chromosome 22q11 deletion and was diagnosed with Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome.

October -- Brayden finally got a tooth that did not disappear, and he got his first taste of candy on Halloween. We also found out that Parker was a girl!

November -- Brayden ran off the babysitter, and he took his 1st steps between 2 people (15 months).

December -- We finished the year with a bang!! Brayden had open heart surgery on the 6th, and we celebrated our 1st Christmas as a Forever Family!!!

Pretty good year, don't you think??? We are looking forward to an even better (though not much calmer) 2007!!!

Now here are some pics --

Happy Birthday, Tia!!!! She turned 4 today :)

No, Bray's not calling a time out -- this how he signs for more. . . I'm sure there was some food in sight :)

Now for a confession -- some kids hang out at the stairs, some kids hang out in the dog crates. . . my boy likes to play in the oven drawer. I know it's a bad habit to let him play near an oven, but believe me, there is no risk of the oven being hot in this house!!!!

Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!!!

Brayden Mynor got way too many gifts for Christmas, and he got even more in the mail this week! What a great treat it was for him to get some new toys from his buddy in FL, Luke :) As if Corey doesn't have enough going on in her life right now (trying to resolve Sophie Gate, preparing to travel to Vietnam shortly to pick up Lily & Gabriel, moving into a new house, lots of audits), she somehow found the time to shop for Brayden Boy!! Here is a pic of Bray with his loot from Luke (not a very good pic, but trying to get him to pose when and where you want him to is pretty much impossible) --

Luke -- Thanks for my ball toy, remote control car (my Daddy loves this one), and my Amigo Bear!!!

We all got lots of gifts that we really love, and here are some of our favorites. . .

Brayden loves this Backyardigans toy. He's never actually seen the Backyardigans, but the toy has buttons and annoying music, so it was an instant hit with him. He has a little bit of OCD when it comes to buttons, so this toy has been driving me & DH up the wall!!!! This is how Brayden spends most of the time in his play room now --

Let's try the Rock button again -- "I'm a soccer monster, I love a soccer ball!"

I didn't think that Parker should get gifts this Christmas. I mean, she's not even born yet!! Apparently other people felt differently, so she got lots of gifts. My fav (since again, she is not born and cannot vote) are this pink UGGs that Aunt Emma, Uncle Peanut, and Cousin Jordan gave her.

Now for me -- I actually have 2 favorites. The double stroller that Mom got me and a gift from Kim (Emma). I don't have a pic of the stroller b/c the color that I wanted wasn't available until January, so it will be a little while before I show that one off!! The gift from Kim is not technically a Christmas gift b/c we decided not to exchange gifts between adults this year, but it is something that she made for me and gave to me close to Christmas, so it counts. It is an ABC scrapbook of Brayden. Of course I cried when I got it, and I tear up every time I look through it (which has only been about 1 million times so far).

I didn't forget about Michael -- he doesn't have a favorite. He just says that he likes everything . . . oh, well, I guess his favorite was the Milky Way bar that he bought for himself and put in his stocking!!!

Catching Up Since Christmas & I've Been Tagged

We had a good Christmas, but unfortunately Brayden Boy has been sick. He vomited all night on Christmas Eve after we got home -- this is only the 2nd time that he's thrown up since he's been home (see the "I'm an Idiot" post from May), so we aren't really used to handling these situations. Again, everything came out of his nose. I think that is weird (and gross), so I'll try to ask the dr about it again. Is it possible that he could have an undiagnosed palate abnormality or something like that?? He is feeling better now, but he still isn't eating or drinking very much, which is leaving him pretty low on energy.

Anyway, on a brighter note, here are some fun pics from our Christmas celebrations --

All dressed up & no place to go on Christmas Eve

Christmas morning -- lots of surprises under the tree!

Watch out world, I've got wheels now -- Power Wheels!!!

Cousins, cousins everywhere!!! Momma told us that we couldn't open any presents until we all smiled for a picture. . . I wasn't interested in presents, so I wouldn't smile -- but man, oh man, look at the rest of those cheesers!!

My Jor-Jor gets more gorgeous everyday :)

Can you tell who's really asleep and who's faking???

Now, I was tagged by Corey, so here goes --

A-Available or single? VERY Married

B- Best Friend? Michael & Kim

C- Cake or pie? Cake

D- Drink of choice? Water is what I drink, but I really hate it!

E- Essential item I use every day? Hair dryer -- and I burn them up all the time!

F- Favorite color: Purple

G- Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms? Either

H- Hometown? Pineville, KY

I- Indulgence: Graeter's ice cream

J- January or February? February (Forever Family Day is the 10th)

K- Kids and names: Brayden Mynor Elias & Parker Gabrielle (yes, she finally has a name)

L- Life is incomplete without? family

M-Marriage date: 11/21/97 -- yes, I was young and no, it was not an arranged marriage

N- Number of siblings: Legit or not? 3 sisters, all legit

O- Oranges or apples? Oranges

P- Phobias or fears? Spiders

Q- Favorite quote? "Pit Bull, Man" direct from Nana Buke

R- Reasons to smile: Brayden, Jordan, Tia, Lillith

S- Season: Fall

T- Tag 3 or 4 people. Sarah, GoofyJ, and Wendy (sorry, I don't know how do make fancy links, and I'm way too tired to try and figure it out)

U- Unknown fact about me: I have a tattoo of a shamrock behind my left shoulder

V- Vegetable you don’t like: All of them

X- X-Rays: None

Y- Your favorite food? Ice cream

Z- Zodiac: Virgo or Libra, I'm on the cusp

And here is one last pic -- I finally caught that goofy smile with all of Brayden's new teeth :)

Getting Ready for Christmas

It's so hard to believe that Christmas is so close!!! It must be the warm weather or something that is throwing me off. We've driven through the Southern Lights at the horse park, watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and gone to the Christmas music special at church. . . it still doesn't "feel" like Christmas time.

When I think about Christmas last year, the only thing that I can say is that it was CRAPPY :( Home is where the heart is, right? Well, I left my heart in Guatemala in November last year, and by Christmas I was feeling really homesick. . . Now Brayden is home, the surgery is over, and he is doing great. I know that I should be excited beyond belief, but I think I'm just in a state of shock. On top of all of that, we'll have another baby in 3 months!!! Again, I should be excited beyond belief, but that still hasn't sunken in either -- I guess I'm waiting for the Embassy to approve it or something!

While I'm so thankful for all the blessings that I have this Christmas season, I am definitely still thinking of all of the families that are waiting for their Forever Family Day. I guess if you've been through a Christmas separated from your child, you will always remember how it felt and you will always feel for the people who are going through it now. So, while I'm soaking in just how wonderful it is to be with Brayden Mynor this year, I'll still be thinking about and praying for Ahren, Peri Brynn, Sophie, Lily, Gabe, Eliana, and many others this holiday season. . . and as usual, I'll be thinking about my own kiddos that I haven't found yet!!!

OK -- now for the pics :)

Yesterday with Steri-strips

Today without. . . I'm a little bruised and the chest tube sites are gross, but I still look good. Momma says that "Chicks Dig Scars" :)

Well, I've got more pics, but I can't get them on here. . . I'll try to put them on another post.

First, I tore out all these boxes while Momma wasn't paying attention :)

Then I tried sitting and climbing on the presents. . .
And finally, I made a move for the big shiny ball!!!

Moments of Normalcy

Just a short post to let you know that we are settling back in. Brayden is doing great. There were moments today when I almost forgot that anything had happened to him in the past week -- like when he scaled around me for the 100th time to play "Where's Brayden", or when he lunged at a Christmas present under the tree, or when I caught him digging stuff out of the trash. . .

There were other times when I could tell that he was tired, aching, and man, is he ever clingy!! We've pretty much relied on him to let us know when he needs some Tylenol or Motrin -- yes, sign language rocks :)

Home, Sweet Home

We are home! Brayden has had a great day -- playing and smiling :) I am totally exhausted, so I'm hoping that we all get some good sleep tonight!

Waiting for discharge. . .

YAY!! They finally say that we can go home!

Bye, bye hospital!!!!!!!!!

Day 6 Update

Maybe today, maybe tomorrow. . . we're not sure when we're getting out. It all depends on today's chest x-ray and echo. The x-ray has already been done and the echo is scheduled for 2 pm. Hopefully it won't be long after that they will let us know what is going on.

Brayden is feeling good. We took him to the toddler room for a little play time this morning, and he had fun. He crawled around a little bit and pulled to standing twice. He just seems to be a little hesitant and a little low on energy (all this laying around has probably zapped him!!). I just gave him a bird bath and washed out his hair -- he loves having his hair washed and brushed, so he liked that very much. Right now he's taking a nap (sorry echo lab, I know I am supposed to keep him up but he's tired and hungry, so I'm not going to fight him!!).

Here are some pics from this morning -- Brayden Boy has not lost his sense of humor!!

Choices, choices -- what's a boy to do???

You've got to get creative!!!

Now I'm sure you understand why I wanted to wash his hair :)

Ahhh -- so refreshed!!!

Here are some pics of some of the IV attempt sites. There are others, but these are the ones that bother Brayden the most. He keeps looking at his wrists and hands. He even makes a mean face and pokes at them with his fingers. . . poor boy!!!

Well, we got called to the echo lab right before I posted this. We spent over 2.5 hours there!!! We haven't heard anything about the chest x-ray or about going home, so I'm guessing that means we're not going home today :(