MOM'S NIGHTMARE CAME TRUE...
I think it is every mom's worst nightmare; to hand your child over to someone else knowing that they will return to you in pain. Of course I know that Reagan needed to have the surgery to put the tubes in place and remove his adnoids. 8 ear infections have proved that to be true. However, I still worried about every aspect of the surgery and recovery.

Reagan is and always has been a trooper. He woke up in a great mood, did not complain one bit about skipping breakfast, snack and lunch by the time the surgery was complete, he was content to play with the toys in the waiting area and read the books that Grandma Hamm bought for him. Then reality set in.

We were called back 4 times to do vitals, talk to nurses and then doctors and so forth. Each time we went back he was a little more upset. He had to leave a police car and more in the waiting area and that was not what he wanted to do. Inside the "holding area" Reagan saw another little boy about his size screaming. The boy was doing a breathing treatment before his surgery. Reagan was so concerned about that child. He pointed and looked at him and I tried to my best to explain that he was sad and scared, but that he would feel better soon.

Last night Reagan and I read the before surgery guide together and we talked about what was going to happen and how he would feel funny, but that I would be there when he woke up. He listened so intently and shook his head and pointed to pictures as if he understood each word I was saying.

When it was time to go Reagan got in a red wagon with his yellow blankie (my baby blanket) and his meercat puppet and we were off. The nurses pulled him down the hallway as Preston and I turned off to the left. I did not hear him crying, but the nurses stated later that he was very upset when he arrived alone. The surgery was quick and went well according to the doctor. What should have taken around 30 minutes took around 15 or 20 and then we were called back to meet him in recovery.

Well, Reagan woke up before we were able to get to him in recovery. When I first turned the corner I heard the nurse say that he was not waking up well. He was literally thrashing, sweating and SCREAMING. He did not even look like Reagan to me. I held him thrashing and screaming for an hour and 15 minutes. I tried all my tricks before they administerd some more pain meds, but it did not seem to do the trick either. According to the doctor some people do fine with "a few drinks" they get sleepy and relax and others punch holes in the wall. Apparently Reagan should not drink. The doctor said this type of reaction would probably happen again if he is put to sleep and would be similar on drugs such as Benedryl. We will not be experimenting with that at home. My muscles in my back, calves and biceps are sore. This was my worst nightmare. I did not want him to wake up in pain, in a strange place with out me.

After about an hour and a half he was exhausted. He fell asleep on my shoulder and slept, wimpering for about another 30 minutes or so. He woke up to the sound of another child crying. Reagan was back...he pointed and said "uh." Again, he was concerned about another child and why they were upset. It was then I knew I had my Reagan back. Thank GOD! After a few more vitals, an apple juice box and a grape popsicle we were ready to go home. He wanted to be held of course, not poked on or touched any more, but he was ready to go too. He slept most of the way home still sweating.

When we arrived Reagan ate a full bowl of fruit and some blueberry yogurt and sat with Grandma Malone as he watched some of his favorite television shows. He slept quite a bit this afternoon still waking screaming in between periods of rest. Hopefully he will wake feeling much better this next go round. He is not a fan of the 3 medications he needs to take at this point so that is our next struggle. He just wants to be snuggled not "messed with."

So, on that note. I am off to make my child a healthy dinner that is easy to swallow and filling too. Catfish is on the menu.

If all goes well, we will visit with the doctor again in 4 weeks. Please keep Reagan in your prayers. This whole event has been tough. He needs a break and some good health!

Time to rest

UNDER THE BIG TOP!...
We had lots of fun under the big top before I had to go under for surgery. There sure so much to see here! Elephants, Tigers, clowns and more. I was wide eyed and such a good boy. Mom was worried that I might be scared of some of the attractions, lights or sounds, but not me. I loved it! Mom and dad even bought me a bubble booster seat so I could see from my own chair. Mom and grandma thought it would be fun to buy me a clown hat so those pictures will be coming soon. They had to buy cotton candy to get the hat so $9 later I was ready. I had my first taste of cotton candy. One handful was plenty of that stuff. My whole mouth was blue and my fingers were sticky too.















Look at these guys!
I think my family could do it better!

SENSORY OVERLOAD!...
WHEW! I made it! Mom and dad took me out for a world of new experiences. They wanted me to have a little taste of their childhood. Only, this place has made lots of changes over the years. It was a good thing they still had tokens and tickets or dad would have really been upset. (Don't tell, but he did not know how to redeem the tickets. He had never seen a "ticket muncher" before. Mom and dad are old...they used to have to count their own tickets.) They were ready for some fun though. I showed them all the cool attractions. I played video games, drove my own cars and trucks and bopped moles on the head. I rode on my first ferris wheel and my first carousel too. I was having a ball while playing ski ball and even helped mom play basketball too (of course dad won.) I admit it was hard to make me smile, but I just had too much to take in. Lights, children, a giant mouse and more kept my attention more than mom, dad and a camera. An hour later, I was worn out, ready for lunch (no pizza this time) and to snuggle in for a nap.

A family affair

EB, RGT and the GUITAR...
Mom and I drove for what seemed like days to visit Les, Emma and Jen. Emma has a new house in Atascocita and I was ready to check out all her toys. It didn't take too long before I found the best one--a Backyardagains guitar. Emma and I rocked the livingroom as our moms and Jen chatted.

Emma at 15 months and RGT at 20 months

2 SILLY CHEESES!...
I'm a great hairstylist! I make sure mom's hair is always looking interesting to say the least. I fluff it, tangle it, hold it and shovel it.

Mommy's best boy!

20 MONTHS OLD!...
Mom is not sure how to write all the things that I do these days. She will have to keep working on this entry, but here is a running list until she can get this thing going.
Walks on tip toes
Likes to march, twist, turn around and hop
Loves to dance, roll arms, raise arms, stand of head, bop and rock
Loves music including Toad the Wet Sprocket and other early 90's hits
Sensistive. No need to yell or make a big fuss. He can read your face and your emotions.
CLEAN FREAK and likes things in their place-just like mom
Excellent fine motor skills. RGT can put thing into place, pour things into a bowl and color and write with just about any medium you provide.
Animal lover-he enjoys sitting for long periods of time examining Preston's Wild Life Biology books
Some of his newer words are zebra, turkey, penguin, hello (like a parrot says,) all of his color words, boob, pepeps, poopies, I love (he has yet to complete the sentence,) corn, oranges, plum, green beans, rice and basically any other word you tell him he can repeat to some effect
He is a mosquito magnet. They always bite his face...Why?
Loves to make you laugh. If he succeeds once he will repeat the act again immediately and again later or even another day.
Likes to play hide and seek or even hide in his clothes closet and knock for me to find him
He is starting to find interest in the big boy potty, toilet paper and the words poopies and pepes
He just rips off diapers that are wet and has now sat on the toilet 2 times. We will be buying a little potty or a seat soon (although not starting any training yet)
He knows how to turn on his lamp by himself and likes it on when we read his books
His favorite TV program is Jack's Big Music Show
His favorite color is orange. He will always choose that crayon first then use a few others while holding on to the orange one.
He likes to swing and slide and loves to climb, but prefers to find his own way up over ladders
Loves to help me cook--I need help!
Loves to type on the computer, listen to music on Noggin.com or watch the music videos
Loves to take a bath, but does NOT like to get water in his eyes or ears
Is having surgery Monday, July 23rd...way too many ear infections
Will scream and cry for the chance to vac the floors or rugs
He is inquistive, a great listener, focused, easy going in most situations, sweet and snuggly, passionate, positive, playful, kind and spirited. I could not ask for more in a son.

STOP, QUIT, DON'T!...
Mom remembers hearing these words growing up and now she is having to use them too. How can you say no to this face? I was just trying to climb over the chair. I decided to jump instead. YIKES! I climb everything these days. Mom finds me in the windowsills, out of my crib, standing in chairs and more. With these long legs I can climb in or out, up or down just about anything.

SIT DOWN!

RAINFOREST TO BEACH...
New adventures lie around every corner. Dad was out of town on business so we took a trip to Galveston. Grandma came with us and boy were we glad. She helped us find all the interesting creatures in the rainforest including the sloth, Macaws of all different colors, turtles, a sail lizzard and more. I loved pointing out the birds and the fish, but I preferred to stay out of the bat cave. After a picnic lunch and some time to cool off we headed to the beach. I was so excited until I realized the water moved! It went from no water to up to my knees in no time. I did not like that. I retreated to Grandma as fast as I could. Mom kept trying though. She showed me how to hop on top of the waves and look for shells as the water receeded. Eventually I tried it again. I held on tight to mom's finger and tried to hop on top of the waves too. I even got a step or two away now and then. As it turns out the beach is a great place to be. Even Grandma took to the waves. I hope I can experience it all again soon.

Not so sunny...just sandy.

ANOTHER MESSY MEAL!...
What was I thinking? I actually smeared yogurt all over me. Why you may ask...mom wnats to know too. We headed to the bath again!
















Want some?

SMORES!...
It was my first smore and I loved it! I think I am ready to go camping. I already have an appreciation for the food. Let's find out if they taste better in the microwave or over a campfire.
Mom and dad made more the following evening for dessert, but they ate them in secret. Not fair!
















Do you see any bears?

ALL CLEAR!...
My ears are clear so we headed to the park to play. I even shared my dump truck and sand toys with some other little boys.

These feet are a size 7 1/2 extra wide--WOW!

SAD TO GLAD IN NO TIME...
I got started on a sad note, so mom had to step into action quick. The remedy was a trip to the Children's Museum Satalite location. I slept all the way there and when I woke up my whole attitude had been transformed. (Mom says--thank you God!) I've been having some of these days lately. I guess it is the "toddler syndrome"--the terrible 2's kicking in, but mom refuses to admit it. She says I just need to understand what is happening around me and be allowed the opportunity to express what I need and want. Sometimes this means that mom has to ask lots of questions and run around the house like a mime pointing at things and redirecting either herself or me. Redirecting does not come as easy these days. I remember where I put things, what object I want or what I want to do. I copy everything you do too. Here is a funny story. Mom often has her hands full and will turn the TV off with her big toe. I've taken notice and now I do the same. When I want to see my favorite show (Jack's Big Music Show) I point at the TV, stand on one leg and hike my foot up so that my toes hit the buttons. I have to admit I am pretty talented.
We tried all kinds of new stations at the museum. Lizzy was there too. I did not want to hug her, but I gave her a high 5 and then followed her all over the museum pointing. I really enjoyed the giant Geoboard and rubberbands too. I even dressed like a mailman. I'm all smiles now and having fun with mama.

Hum...How can I get all these bands on here?

SKETTIES!
This is a great meal, but whoa is it messy! Yummy, messy foods...no problem...mom is great at cleaning up and I love taking a bath.
















Messy Mouth!

MR. INTELLECTUAL...
My new favorite spot is at the kitchen table. I like to check out all the ads and point out all my "I wants" to mom. I found my big boy bedding I want for my birthday right here in this magazine. It has a sports theme. I was so excited! Mom keeps trying to show me other options. Time will tell what I decide in the end. 4 months and counting! YIKES! Where are we having my party mom? We will celebrate on November 17th so mark your calendars for the big day. I'll be 2!
















Look at this one!

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT...
Na, just a shave. I wasn't too sure what to make of this stuff at first, but it was great fun! I loved watching the streams of white pour out of the can and then squishing it flat with my hands. I smeared it all over my tray and then clapped my hands together to see little splatters fly all around. Mom is prepping me for kindergarten. She says her kids at school love this stuff! I smelled like a real man today.





















Is this what snow looks like?

LET FREEDOM RING!...
We celebrated our 4th of July in Meyerland this year. I made a cake, mom baked it and then dad decorated it. I helped out by eatting all of the extra berries. It was a family affair. I had fun with my lil cous Wes too. I taught him how to mow the carpet since it was raining outside. No worries though. It cleared up and we swam late in the afternoon. The water was a bit cold, but we jumped in anyway! These holidays always allow me to try new foods like corn on the cob and hickima--mom knows she slaughtered the spelling, but you get the idea. Family and food make for great celebrations.

I am so proud of myself these days...I'm always smiling for the camera!

BUTTERFLY EXIBIT...
Mom and I ventured out to see some butterflies. We have several that visit our backyard, but this was amazing! Butterflies of all sizes and colors and plants and flowers too. It was beautiful (and very hot too.) We got there just in time. They were releasing the newly hatched butterflies into the exibit. Mom and I got to hold several of them as they prepared to fly. I was a bit nervous about the situation so mom tried it first. Not so bad. I was ready for my turn. When the lady put the black and hot pink butterly on my hand and just looked at it...then I began shaking my hand quickly up and down as if to say "GET OFF OF ME!" Mom got it all on video and laughed the whole time too. We had a great time and hope to visit the rainforest at Moody Gardens soon. Now that we are back home I point out all kinds of bugs. I call worms "orms" and all bugs get called "bees" except for the ants they are called "anns." I bring all the dead, crunchy snails and worms to mom to inspect or at least show her where they are. She is learning all about "boy stuff" these days and she loves it!

My own little crysalis
Beautiful Butterflies and a Beautiful Baby too!

OH NO!...
Oh yes! Another set of double ear infections leads to yet another fall. Mom could not believe how much damage our back porch could cause. If she had a jack hammer the flag stone would already be removed. The sight of my bloody nose was enough for her. We were off to the doctor. 2 medications for my ears and a perscription ointment for my cuts and we were ready to head back to the pharmacy.





















Ouch!