Is she an Angel?

Wow. To see the world through a child's eyes would have to be the most refreshing thing a person could do. If we could all do that, especially when things seem confusing or difficult, I think we would have an awesome perspective. Innocence is just amazing.

Yesterday Adam, Jacob, and I went to the park. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. There were a couple of birthday parties going on in the shelter house and then in the large room, there was a wedding reception. As Adam was playing, I saw the bride walking out in her pretty white dress. I said to Adam, "Look at that pretty lady." He just stared at her and asked, "Is she an angel?" I kind of laughed a little and said, "I don't know. Maybe we should go ask her." He agreed. We got up to go ask her but then she started talking to some of her guests so I figured we better leave her alone. Why would she want some strangers bothering her? It made me think about seeing things through a child's eyes. I wonder why Adam would even think that this is what an angel looks like. I wish that I could look at someone and truly believe they are an angel like Adam did. I think we can learn so much from children. I know mine teach me something pretty much everyday. For instance, last night I learned that if you run down your block with your 3-year old at 8:30 at night people are going to open their doors and wonder what in the heck you are doing. Who would've thought!!

This is my kid on peanuts

Jeff and I have often wondered if Adam's peanut allergy has gone away. The first time he had peanut butter was when he was about 13 months old. He had a peanut butter sandwich at my moms and then had another later on in the evening. That night on the way up for his bath, we noticed a rash all up his back that was spreading all over his body. The hives stuck around for a couple of days until it was all out of his system. We visited an allergy doctor (I'm sure there is an official name for that type of doctor, but whatever) and they tested him for peanut allergy. Of course he tested positive. So, since then he hasn't been exposed to peanuts. Until today.

I received a call from day care a little after noon saying that they "think" Adam might have eaten peanuts. Turns out that there was some candy in the room and he must have eaten some. Whether it was a kid who gave it to him or a teacher, not 100% sure, but I have a feeling I know which one it was. Regardless, Adam was red with hives from head to toe. He was crying and had a small fever. He was itching so bad. He was also swollen, especially his face. It was absolutely awful. He also had a runny nose and they said he had been sneezing. I took him home and laid with him on the couch just scratching his back, arms, and legs for about 45 minutes or so waiting for the Benedryl to kick in. After about an hour and another dose of Benedryl (ordered by the doctor) he was feeling a little better. By about 3:30 he was feeling pretty good wanting to play and eat. We dodged the bullet today, but it makes me scared for what will happen next time. Everyone always tells us that the more they are exposed to peanuts the more severe the reaction will be. Tonight he still has a rash all over his back and stomach, but it's nothing like it was and he isn't itching anymore.

Here are some pictures of what he looked like. Although they really do not do him justice.

Poor little guy. I just felt so bad for him. It kills me to see him suffer like that. Thankfully he is ok and we just need to speak with the day care to make sure this NEVER happens again.

"Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you. Control yourselves. Be on your guard. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow. Stand up to him. Stand firm in what you believe. All over the world you know that your brothers and sisters are going through the same kind of suffering. God always gives you all the grace you need"(1 Peter 5:7-10a, NIRV).

BINGO Queen

Thursday night a few friends and I went to play Bingo. Wow, was that ever intense! We had a lot of fun. Can't believe no one took their camera. We ate GREASY maidrites, nachos, pie, Pepsi, and Kelly had her favorite: "crack in a bag" (see picture). We all agreed that if we did this on a regular basis that we would all weigh 300 pounds.
We had a great time. I didn't win any money, but a few others did. Each pot was $14. We met a lady named Laura who plays pretty much every night. She gave us some helpful tips. She also had the inside scoop about where the best places to play are and where the crooked places are. Apparently there is a place in Ft. Madison that cheats. Who would have known that there is an underground to bingo!

Jacob's surgery

Yesterday Jacob had his "little" surgery. It was a long day! Poor little guy. We arrived in Peoria around 9:30 after just getting slightly lost. Jeff and I ALWAYS get lost when we are driving places we are not familiar with. Jeff's parents would be able testify to that fact after our trip to Florida. Anyway, we got checked in and went to the surgery area. There we talked with several nurses, support staff, the doctor, and anesthesiologist. Everyone was so nice and understanding. We waited for about 90 minutes or so. Finally, the nurse came and took Jacob. While his surgery was originally scheduled for 11:00, they didn't get him until around noon. I still was not ready to hand him over. He's so little and the thought of having him under general anesthesia made both Jeff and me really nervous.

After they took him, Jeff and I went to the surgery waiting area. Talk about a busy surgery center! That waiting room was extremely busy. We got a pager and a patient number. It was really nice because they had a large tv screen that had the patient numbers listed along with where they were at with the surgery. So the whole time that Jacob was in there, we could tell what stage they were at. So, they started the procedure at 12:25. Around 1:10, the status changed to "closing" and the doctor was with us shortly after that. Then I was able to go see him in Phase 1 Recovery. I met him there with a very welcome bottle. He was so hungry because he hadn't eaten since around 6:45 that morning. He was in Phase 1 for about 30 minutes and then they moved us to Phase 2. That is where Daddy was able to join us. We were there for a little bit. The nurse checked in on him a few times, went over instructions and care with us, then we were off. We were hitting the road around 2:30pm. Then we had about a 2 hour drive home, which Jacob slept the whole time. Thank goodness!

He did really well last night considering. He was a little fussy, but was crawling around some. He was still his smiley little self. Such a happy little boy. We were totally expecting for him to be up a few times last night, but he slept all night without fussing. Jeff and I were excited about that because we were both so exhausted. We had an early morning and an emotionally draining day. Adam got to spend the day with Grandma Pam and Grandpa Greg. They took him to school where he got to go "upstairs to the basement." His words - not mine. He said they would go there if there was a "fire tornado." He cracks me up. If I try to correct him, he gets very annoyed. He knows what he is talking about so don't waste your breath. Adam was a trooper though. He is so concerned with Jacob's oughey. He's such a good big brother and loves Jacob so much.

This picture was taken in the waiting area before surgery. His surgery gown was so little!This picture was taken in the recovery room. He was pretty out of it. He was sucking his thumb A LOT yesterday. The nurses kept asking if he had a special blanket or pacifier. He just wanted his thumb.

Today he has been just great. Almost like nothing happened. He's been playing, crawling and just acting like his usual happy little self. We are so thankful that everything turned out ok and hope that the healing goes fast! Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We definitely needed them.

The Big Day

Tuesday was Adam's first day of preschool. He did so wonderful. Jeff and I are so proud of him. He woke up in the morning and was really crabby. He was saying that he didn't want to go. Then after he had a little bit of time to wake up and eat breakfast, he was ready to go. He did so great getting ready and letting mommy take lots of pictures.

When we got to school, he hopped right out of the car and we stood outside and got some more pictures while we waited to school to start. Here are some pics of Adam and a couple of school buddies.

After preschool was over, we went to BK (Adam would be mad if I actually called it by it's real name of Burger King) with FG and Kelly. I think they are destined to be good buddies!

It turned out to be a great day. I was very nervous that Adam would be crying and clinging to our legs. He is just becoming be such a big boy. Jeff and I are so proud of how he is growing and learning. We feel so lucky!