THEY LOVE ME!...
It's just the 3 of us and they love me! There were lots of hugs and kisses to celebrate my 21 month birthday. They just can't get over what a big boy I am. Mom calls me her "big boy baby.
MS. SERA's MUSIC...
I have been taking music with Ms. Sera since I was 6 months old. Now that I am starting school I won't be in her Thursday classes anymore. Mom and I had a blast celebrating our last class together. I have learned SO much about movement, pitches, rhythm, beats and dancing. I am a regular "music man." Gymbo and I had a last dance and then a hug goodbye. I'm sure we can visit on the weekend, but until then Julia and Landon will have to hold down the class. 
Rat-a-tat-tat!
MY NEW NAP MAT...
I start school on Monday, August 20th at Lakewood Montessori. We have been doing a lot of "test drives" around our house to prepare. Mom has searched the internet for all the cool toddler "must haves. " I have a new nap mat, backpack, lunchbox, labels for my clothes, toys and books, snack cups and more. Do you think she is forgetting anything? Mom wants me to feel secure with my new teacher and school so we have been visiting several times this week. The first day mom played with me but now I am a champ. I know where to put my things when I enter the room and I am ready to play. Today mom got me started, gave me a quick kiss and then left me to play for awhile. I did not know it, but she watched me play on the video monitors for 2.5 hours. I did great! I'm sure all the teachers think mom is a nut, but I know she loves me most and is just making sure I am happy in my new situation. Please pray for me and my transition...and for mom too. I know she is going to have a hard time going back to work full time. We have had so much fun together this summer!
A test drive!
INTO IT ALL...
I tried it all in Arizona. I had my hands on everything from candles to remotes. I turned on and off the misters, the fountains and the fans each time we went outside. In the pool I had even more buttons. I could control lights, jets, and bubbles too. Inside I had even more to see and explore. I used the mega remote to try all kinds of tricks. Luckily mom was able to find a few shows for me to watch here and there. I was better with the remote than her. This is a picture of me with my favorite "no-no." I liked to take the T-Lites out of the crystal bowls and smell them.
PADDLE THIS BOAT!...
WHEW! What a work out! Mom thought her legs might fall off, but we made it. I guess Grandpa was a good encourager on the lake. I loved the water and even cried a bit when it was time to abandon the boat. We were HOT! It was time to take a dip in the pool.
LEAVING LUXURY...
We had a wonderful time in Arizona. It was great to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I loved being on the water, in the pool and just hanging out. I didn't mind being hot...110 degrees hot! I was too busy having fun and being such a good boy. I impressed everyone with my manners and all around good behavior. I'm looking forward to my next big trip.
ARIZONA WILDLIFE ZOO...
Oh Wow! Grandpa looked and looked on the internet for the best place to take a little guy like me. He found it! The Wildlife Zoo is home to some amphibians and animals that mom and I had never seen in person before. We were impressed. It was not a fancy place (nothing like the Houston Zoo); dirt paths, lots of flies and HOT, HOT, HOT, but it was amazing none the less. Did you know that penguins live in Africa? These penguins have black feet and I guess they don't mind sweating like us. Mom laughed to see them in Arizona. We walked and talked and had a great time checking out all there was to see and read. We even saw a baby Spider Monkey clinging to it mother's side as she swung from rope to rope. Mom got that on video. It was an awesome sight. I liked the camels and the goats of course. The deer kept trying to eat our clothes though. Mom even had a goat nibble on her bracelet while taking a picture with me. Silly animals! By the end of the trip the temperature had climbed to 110 and I was beat. I slumped over in the teeny-tiny stroller and slept all the way home.
99 RED BALLOONS!...
Mom wishes I would have had a few more. We struggled to keep my balloon in my hands. 2 flew away before lunch was complete. My face dropped and we had instant tears. This one made it home though and lasted 3 full days. It tried to get away a few times in the house, but Grandpa got a ladder and a broom and saved the day. Who knew that 1 little balloon could make 1 little guy so happy! We all know now. Sadly, this balloon popped during a diaper change. I tried to chew it. Mom warned me. Now when I see a picture of a balloon I say "POP!"
ARIZONA TREES...
I call them tatus, but these "trees" are not what I am used to. THEY POKE!
We stopped in a neighbor's front yard for this picture
POOL DAYS...
With days this hot you have to stay cool. I loved being in the pool. Mom and I went swimming each morning and usually later in the day or evening too. Grandpa bought me a floating buggy car that I zoomed around the pool in, but by the last day I traded it for a float. Big pool or little pool (hot tub) I was having fun in the sun and water.
UP, UP AND AWAY...
Mom will admit that she was a bit nervous about flying to Arizona with such a little, "big boy." She was not sure how I would react to lots of people, the pressures, the confined spaces and so on. We had talked about flying for days and pointed out airplanes in the air that we heard or saw along the way. I was feeling good and ready to go. Mom had my ears checked 2 days before the trip just to make sure that everything was in order. After the "all clear" from the doc she was excited too.
We packed our bags and off we went. Dad was left behind this time so he handled the bags at check in for us. After a few kisses and hugs mom and I made our way to security. OOOPPPSSS...mom had an expired license. We both had to be searched. That was interesting to say the least. No danger here though...only diapers, toys, books and snacks in this backpack. We were on our way again. Mom let me push the stroller so I could get all my wiggles out before we boarded the plane. I think it worked. I was an all-star flyer. Not a single scream only a few wiggles and lots of giggles. Everyone said I was fantastic! I am a very well behaved little man. Okay, I admit it! One of my wiggles ended up spilling a Sprite on the lady sitting next to us leg. She was a teacher though and very forgiving. Only too bad because not too long after a Diet Coke spilled on her other leg. Life lesson, don't sit in the middle seat.
TUMBLE...
I love making mom crazy. Not really, she just thinks I am silly. I climb on top of everything these days; tables, chairs, dad's desk, the beds and more. Hiding under the pillows is one of my favorite games. Peek-a-boo! I tell mom "I'm a mess!" We sing that song together often.
he-he-he!
WESLEY IS 1!
PACKING LIGHT...
Dad was heading out of town again so I decided I would help him pack...me. 
You may need a bigger case dad!
Tee-Tee!
You would not believe what kind of fuss big people make over tee-tees from a pee-pees. WHOA! Mom and dad were getting ready for the day when I decided that I wanted to sit on the toilet. Mom kinda giggled because I was pointing and trying to pull of my diaper. Dad said put me on it so she did. I pushed for a minute and there it was. Tee-tees! Mom was so impressed! I even flushed the toilet. Whata little man! I guess mom will have to buy me a potty now. I guess I'm ready to try this game of toileting here and there. Yea for me!
SHADOWS...
I have one! It moves just like me. Dad and I discovered mine dancing on the garage wall last night and what do you know...it was waiting for me this morning on my bedroom wall when I woke up. I am all about new discoveries this week. I just might be a scientist!
NEW THIS WEEK...
Reagan has discovered sink and float. He was so impressed by his findings in the tub. His tub crayons sink, his shampoo and bath wash bottles float. He was anxious to try out all the toys.
Reagan is improving each day since his surgery. He refused food for over a week only wanting to eat fruit or cheese. These are still his favorites but he will now eat a few vegetables as well. He continues to refuse yogurt and all meats. His night terrors have ceased (thank the Lord,) but he is still waking 4-6 times a night looking for me. He still has a HUGE fear of nurses, doctors, medicine and anything that "messes with" him. He does not want anyone to touch his ears or look in his mouth. Please continue to pray that he will regain his security and lose his fears from the surgical and recovery process. I can only imagine what he must be feeling. Reagan has always been so laid back and just all around happy. It is hard for me to see these changes in him.
We visited the after hours clinic early this week to find that his right ear is still inflamed and red. Reagan keeps his fingers in his mouth a lot these days. I thought his throat may have been sore, but according to the doc it looked pretty good. He may be getting his 2 year molars in. I will continue to monitor his ears, mood and behaviors.
We will be flying out to Arizona to visit grandpa Malone on Wednesday. I am crossing my fingers that RGT is feeling well and that his ears are clear for the flight. This will be a huge first for both of us. This will be Reagan's first flight, first time out of the state and his first nights away from home.
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!
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.
