ROCKED OUT!...
Forget the rocking chair...I ROCK-N-ROLL! Dad and I are hooked. I can sing lyrics to hard rock, 80's rock and more. Mom isn't so sure that is a good thing though (but she laughs.) I select my own guitar, and then build my set, guitar and player to my own specifications. My favorite is Bark at the Moon and the fish guitar (go figure.) I stomp my foot to the beat, lay on the floor and wiggle my legs, pace back and forth and play above my head just to name a few of my rockin' moves. Mom and dad have captured a few of my jam sessions on video. We keep the family laughing and enjoying their music. Care to play? I think I'm done for the night.















Sleepin in the van is out...I prefer my chair

THIS IS WHAT COOL LOOKS LIKE...
I'm fresh out of the tub and feeling good. I'm ready to read with mom. My favorite books are those with real photographs and captions. I love to hear facts about animals, fish and reptiles. I remember their names too...don't try to fake it. I recently corrected mom when she said "it's a monkey." I had to inform her that infact it was a gorilla. Mom has had a bit of trouble with me and these books. I love to take them in the car with us. I inspect each photo then call out "what's this mommy?" I expect her to respond. Trouble is, she can't see the picture and drive at the same time. So, if you see a white Honda swerving down the road...it is probably us trying to master reading and driving at the same time.















I found my baby shades and decided to try them on for size--I am a big boy now!

LALA HAS SKILLS...
Lala put her sewing skills to work to make me 2 new nap mats for school. One is covered in bright colored fish and the other (sound effects please--I prefer the British version) in firetrucks. I am sleeping good now. No lumpy nap mats for me.














Mom-I'm trying to rest. Please put the camera away.

Reagan Is A Moviestar

POTTY TRAINING...COMPLETE!
I'm a big boy now! Mom feels confident in saying that I am potty trained. I have been successfully working on this for about 2 months now. I started the process still in diapers. Mom would just ask me if I needed to go and of course I wanted to sit on the big potty. My teachers at school noticed that I knew when I needed to go and told mom that she needed to get my underwear because I was ready to train. Mom was not so sure...she just did not want to push me, but as it turns out my teachers were right. I was ready and I haven't turned back since. All together I may have had 8-10 accidents...but probably not even that many. Mom has banked a few of the funny flood stories in her mind for later laughs...she won't embarase me now. I am so proud of myself and mom is happy to say that she has a big boy now :) I can get my pants up and down by myself (most times) and can even let you know when I need to go. I stand up to pee (hee-hee.) So, look out Wesley. I got some diapers coming your way! I'm a big boy now!
Side note--mom is happy to say that some of my old 3T clothes fit again. No bulky diaper makes more room for a growing boy :) We are still buying 4T shirts, but my 3T pants fit fine for now :)

PRAYER WORKS...
Thank you for continually praying for Reagan. He is doing better this week than he has done in months. The cough is gone PRAISE GOD! Reagan acts like he feels better again. He has his little pep back...His teachers at school (and his parents too) have noticed that this little man is a bit hyper. Hyper/Wired is a change for Reagan. He is usually just a go with the flow, pleaser kind of kid. I am sure every 2 year old has these wired moments (and Reagan's were fun too) but we had to wonder if his meds were getting to be a bit too much for him. 2nd hint...he was just picking at his food...basically all Reagan eats these days is fruit, some cheese or his favorite cinnamon sugar toast that his dad-d-I makes. After a call to the doctor, his dose has been decreased. Reagan is now only taking his medicine at night. This is such a welcome change to our morning routine.
Please continue to pray that he will stay on his healthy streak. We want him to heal and from the inside out and flat just not need the medicine anymore. Our family is looking forward to a trip to Mexico in April and we want Reagan feeling his best so he can enjoy it all.
Here is a quick side story. I have been sharing with Reagan the fun things that we will see and do in Mexico. He seems so excited too. One night while he was taking his bath he stood up in the tub and started marching (arms moving back and forth knees raised and all.) I quickly grabbed his arm, but asked him where he was going. He responded "Mexico." He told me he wanted to go see the dolphins, sharks and fish. Reagan is such a beach kid. If ever you ask him where he is going in his toy car he will respond "the beach." He loves it! Preston and I knew we were raising a nature kid. It just runs through him.
Thanks again for all the prayers and please keep them rolling. We are trusting God for a full recovery!

COME TOGETHER...
I am aware that about a million things have happened between my last post and now...I plan to get all that in soon, but this is the best way for me to reach all of you. Reagan needs prayer. I realize now more than ever that I am putting way too much faith in doctors and not enough faith in God. God is THE HEALER and that is who I need taking care of my son. So, I am switching gears and believing that "where 2 or more are gathered he is there." I trust that you will all join with me and pray this little man into some good health.
Here is the story unfolded...
Reagan got tubes placed in his ears and his adnoids removed in July. Since then we have not seen any sign of an ear infection (PRAISE GOD!) After a tough recovery, he began school at the end of August. We all know that kids get sick when they enter daycare or school settings and the same was true for Reagan. Except, he never seemed to be well. Coughs, green noses, fevers, stomach bugs...over and over again. We started seeing an allergist and ran the standard allergy scratch test and immune system tests that are paired with that. Everything seemed to be fine. Aside from the slightest allergy to soy, Reagan was looking good. So, on to more blood work and a sweat test. More intense now and a bit worrisome, but again everything turned out fine. (PRAISE GOD AGAIN!) However, Reagan keeps getting sick. Viruses and more sinus infections. By this time I am just frustrated. I mean seriously, how many antibiotics should one child get? This can't be good for him either...
Just shy to 2 months ago the coughs began and have lingered. The allergist put Reagan on Flovent and Xopenex believing that he may have Asthma. After a 2 week stent of Flovent we were again exploring other options. So, back to the ENT and GI we go. The ENT sees thick mucus and says to stick with what the allergist suggests and add saline washes and suction to the plan. The GI says it could be Reagan's reflux acting up again and she puts him back on Previcid. This is a trial for the next month. (The only test to prove the reflux is not worth the effort in a toddler.) At this point I just want to believe that it is reflux that is causing the cough and that the drug will work and Reagan can play and eat and rest again--cough free.
Not the case, he began taking the Previcid on Saturday night. By Sunday the cough was so bad that I also gave him Malox (a trick from the baby days of reflux.) It seemed to help a bit, but wore off and the coughing started again just as bad and just as frustrating. After a great day at home for President's Day, Monday night was impossible! The coughs were every 5 minutes and to the point of gagging and vomiting. Tuesday the doctors were called again. The ENT suggests adding an OTC cough/nasal decongestant to the mix. Tuesday night Reagan slept better, but not without coughing. Wednesday morning Reagan woke up with 100-101 fever. The doctors were again called and Reagan visited with the allergist. He was diagnosed with another sinus infection and lots of wheezing. Reagan is currently taking medicine for reflux, a sinus infection and 2 different inhalers to combat the lung problems. Reagan's ENT and allergist will be have a conference call tomorrow to discuss what to do next.
I literally feel like we are being stretched. I believed that the doctors knew what to do...they don't. They are practicing...my child and all his medicine are an experiment. Don't get me wrong. I like each doctor. I believe they are doing all they know to do, but I want my son to feel good again. I want him to wake up, stretch and say yeah! I can breath, not cough, eat what I want to, run and play and feel great all day long. He is 2! 2 year olds should not have to stop and medicate 3 times a day.
So, admist my frustration I am asking you to join with me and believe. I need to believe that GOD will heal my son. God will guide me and He will heal Reagan.
Thanks for praying with me! I will keep you posted.
Just so you know...Reagan has stayed true to himself. He remains the most amazing child I know. He is patient and kind hearted. He loves to play and loves to snuggle. His latest addiction is to his quilt that his Grandma D's mom made. He wants it wrapped around him to eat, to sleep, to play...basically all the time. It is a chore to get it secretly away to wash it. I have said from the moment Preston and I conceived that Reagan was destined for greatness and I believe it with all my heart. Just to think of all the things that he has already overcome...I know that God has a plan for him and it is going to be amazing when it is fulfilled. He has a desire to learn and a positive energy that just makes me glow when I look at him. I am so proud of him and the little man that he has become. Imagine what he can do when he feels better...thanks again for praying.
Jenn

MOM'S MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY!...
No matter what Regis and Kelly say, mom knows that I am the most beautiful baby! With big brown eyes, a button nose and ringlets that never end I have mom wrapped around my little finger. She likes being there too.





















Hey family...vote for me!

PRINCESS ELLA GRACE ....
She's arrived! My little lady made her enterance on Jan 7th...she's just too far away. To get to see her we had to drive behind this potato truck. Mom and dad had never seen anything like this. It was picture worthy. Thank goodness Maw Maws got mom a GPS for Christmas. The last time we ventured out this far we were lost for an hour. Uncle Gene had to come to the rescue. Never fear, we made it in 3 hours and with out the stress of the last trip.
Mom was smitten with that little girl, but I had to entertain myself. I found all kinds of things to get into. First, I pretended to be Uncle Gene and climbed into his boots. Then I decided being Dad might be fun. I got all his garb on quick before he caught me. So cute!
I was ready to take on a new adventure. I helped take care of Ella. When she cried I put my finger over my lip and said "shhhhhh," I covered her with a blanket and patted her too. My phrase for the weekend was "I unna hold her." I said this with the most sincere look on my face and shook my head yes. Aunt Meme gave in (of course.) She knew I was already in love with her princess and I was her first baby too. She had lots of practice before Ella even got here.
Meme, tell us when we can come back. Babies grow fast and I don't want Ella to find a new heart throb before I return.

Mommy's sweetpea holding a Meme's sweetpea

A MAKE BELIEVE PLAY DATE...
Julia came to play. It had been way too long since our last play date. Now that I am in school play dates are few and far between. We had some making up to do. We played in every room of the house. We dressed up, rode bikes, raced cars, built towers, vacuumed and finally settled down to read a stack of books as tall as us. Mom was relieved! She just smiled as we used our words to "read" the books. When we finished one we would swap for another. We have 2 very different personalities, but sweethearts we are!














At work or at play?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!...

WHO STOLE LA LA's CHEESE?...
I did! Mom had to take it from me. I would have eaten the whole block.

La La's mouse is in the house!

A DAY OF SMILES...
It was a mommy and Reagan day from sun up to sun down. A day at home with Reagan will make you smile!

He is loving pretend play. His imagination surprises me everytime.

MOMMY'S BIRTHDAY!...
It was a big one. Her last year to say that she is a 20 something. We had to celebrate! We started off with a belgin breakfast at Buffalo Grill in Bellaire. It was delicious.
Mom and I had to get silly. We wanted to be pancake faces and have big red strawberry noses like the clowns. You're only young once so have a little fun!
Then, we were off to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to spend it outdoors. We took our last train ride before the big renovation and then headed inside the park. We visited all our favorites and a few new attractions too. Each time we go mom and dad realize how much more we can do now that I am a big boy. I love to watch the animals and talk about them too. I immitate their noises and sometimes their movements too. My big question of the month is "What's that Mommy?" I simply can not get enough information. I want to know names, places, and all the facts. If I want more or if I don't understand I furl my brow and say "huh?" Today was no exception. I wanted new adventures and lots of new stories.
Lunch was a bit out of sorts...I wanted popcorn and a snowcone and my parents not being one to put a damper on the day agreed. Too bad for us though, BEES! They were everywhere. We got to see them up close and personal. They even liked my hair. I had to remind them that although I am a very sweet boy I did not appreciate them sniffing me. And that is where the bee stories and fact session began. We took lunch on the run.
After a beautiful day at the zoo and lots of new adventures too we found the wishing fountain. I made my 1st-25th wishes. I loved tossing the pennies in and watching them sink to the bottom. We eventually had to start make more expensive wishes...these are sure to come true.
It was a very, very happy birthday for mom! She had all she needed and wanted for the day.

A birthday present sealed with a kiss!

3rd CHRISTMAS, ROUND 3...
It was a busy day, but filled with lots of good times and lots of love. Wesley and I are finally at an age that we can play or at least attempt to share. I shared my tools with him just long enough for him to tuck them into his pockets...then I wanted them back. I about pulled him over to retreive my hammer. We did better with vechicals. I shared my new race car with him and he shared his new firetruck with me. We have something in common already; we both love to drive.
Papalo had just returned from Africa and he made sure that my ride was in tip top shape for me.
Thanks Papalo, Merry Christmas!

VROOOOOOOM!

3rd CHRISTMAS, ROUND 2...
I kept Uncle Dusty on his toes. From reading books to belly laughing at our images in the hallway mirror, we had a jolly 'ol time. I made sure that everyone got a new picture of me. I has happy to play Santa and pass out the gifts and even happier to play peek-a-boo behind the hallway door. I wanted to give everyone a little taste of my silly side. He-He.

We look silly like this!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!...
It's my third Christmas Day. Mom can't believe how fast time ticks by. We are so thankful for all the blessings we have. We are all healthy this year!
Christmas morning started off at 7:30 am. I slept in just a bit, but I was ready to hit the floor as soon as my eyes were open. This is not typical behavior for me. I usually call for mom, snuggle in and play with her hair for a few minutes before being carried off to breakfast. Not this morning. I remembered that today was Christmas and I was looking forward to opening my presents. Uncle Jeff, Dot and Maw Maws were coming to the door. Of course they were carrying more gifts and I was helping to receive them. I had so much fun tearing into the paper and pulling each thing out. Mom complained that I did not stop to smile for my pictures. She wanted my big cheese smile, but I was a busy boy. I had lots of gifts to open and lots of toys to play with. Yes grandparents, it is contageous. Mom has the genes that her parents apparently passed on. Mom and dad bought WAY TOO MANY PRESENTS! Dad blames mom, mom blames dad, but I'm not worried. I now have gifts to grow into.
After a morning of unwrapping we headed to the kitchen to make a big breakfast. I of course was a huge help. I cracked eggs, stirred and poured and warned everyone that the oven and stove were "hot, hot, hot." When it was time, I was the man with the hot pads. I made sure that mom and grandma had one too. Afterward, I helped keep Uncle Jeff in shape. He taught me how to get a qucik thrill ride out of my new trike. Up and down the driveway I went then down the sidewalk too.
It was a great morning and a great time with the fam.

WHEEEE! Uncle Jeff taught me how to "roll out" all the way down a drive way. Where's my helmet?

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!...
For all those who don't know the tradition...the first one to say "Christmas Eve Gift" is entitled to an extra present from each person they beat to the phrase. Only, we overdue the gift buying anyway so winning the 1st words is enough for us. Check your caller ID people. If you see our number...our words are ready and...WE LIKE TO WIN!




















It's just what I wanted. I love to clean. I love to follow mom from room to room and vacuum alongside her. I do it all, rugs, pillows, carpets and more.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA...

Breakfast with the family at the Aquarium got us into mood of the holiday season. I received my first gift from the big guy; a fish. We nibbled and munched as we watched for Santa and his elf to appear in scuba gear. I've heard of santa and his sleigh, but this was a treat. I did not know what to make of it...to be honest I was a bit worried. I prefer the fish and sharks over the rossy cheeked chubby guy.

The gift giving did not stop there. I made sure I hit up the gift shop. Maw Maws found me a bright green lizzard that I carried around all day and La La got me a box of grow your own sea monkeys. (Side note-after 2 months...we have 2 sea monkeys still swimming.)

When we headed outside the weather was muggy and the ground was wet. Mom and dad wanted to take my picture infront of the GIANT Christmas tree and an even bigger Santa. They lifted me over the safety fence so I could stand on a bench beside him. I was doing my best to smile pretty when SPLAT! I fell off of the bench and hung like an ornament on the tree. Dad laughed as mom ran paranoid to peel me off the boughs of the tree. OUCH! Pine trees are not a soft bedding for a fall. That was it! No more pictures. Mom needed to make it up to me. We headed to the train to check out the sharks.

See ya next year Santa!

Look closely...I am hanging on the tree...the cutest ornament ever made!