I wanted give an update on our family happenings.

Rob's mom is doing well (considering she had open-heart surgery six days ago). She's been in ICU since her surgery last Friday because she had a variety of different problems arise. (They expected her to get out of ICU about 24 - 36 hours after surgery. We're up to six days now.....) This morning the cardiologist placed a pacemaker in her left shoulder because her heart hasn't been beating in correct rhythm. The pacemaker should fix the problem. The latest reports are that she is acting more like herself and is really wanting to see her six grandchildren. We're hoping she'll be out of ICU today or tomorrow, and then she'll probably spend 4-8 days in a regular room before she is discharged. Then she'll have several weeks of recovery at home.

Life with a newborn and two 4 year olds keeps me very busy. Benjamin seems to be doing some better in the tummy department. I didn't change my diet (ie remove dairy or tomatoes, etc), so I guess his little digestive tract is maturing and he's not feeling so gassy. He doesn't cry as much as he was, but he still like to be held a lot. So not much is getting accomplished around here.

Our heating/air unit bit the dust on Sunday morning while it was 10 degrees outside. That was a fun, unexpected expense.... We had new one installed on Tuesday, and we will be accepting donations through our PayPal account. Just kidding.

Labels: Family

Having a high maintenance baby has meant that Henry and Jonathan have been entertaining themselves a lot lately. Rob and I decided that I need to do something special with them every day because they haven't been getting much of my attention. Today, I decided to bake cookies. Just so you know, I didn't stage this picture. I walked out of the room and came back to find them sitting in front of the oven watching the cookies bake. It was so cute!

Labels: Silly Boys

Rob's mom, Carolyn was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening because of chest pains, etc. To make a long story short, she has heart damage from a childhood illness. She had a heart cath yesterday to determine if she would have to have open-heart surgery. The heart cath showed that the valve was very damaged, and she had 75% blockage in a major artery. She is scheduled to have surgery on Friday morning. They are planning to replace the damaged valve, do a double by-pass, and shock the back of her heart to get it back into rhythm.

Labels: Famly

Our friend, Lillian, came to do family portraits on Saturday. She worked really hard to get great shots of our family. With two very silly four year-olds, she had her work cut out for her. Here's a sample...more to come when she's finished with them.

Labels: Benjamin, Portraits

Any moms with colic experience.....HELP!!

Symptoms of Colic

Loud and continuous crying that can last from one to three hours at a time, with these crying episodes occurring about three or four days a week - somewhat

Although the crying can happen at any time, most colicky babies cry more in the late afternoon or evening - check

Baby’s face gets red - check

Legs are pulled up to the stomach and then may be fully stretched - check

Feet may be cold - not sure because he usually has on a sleeper

Hands may be clenched - check

Some babies refuse to eat or become fussy soon after eating - check

Difficulty falling and staying asleep - check

Baby may lift their head or legs and pass gas - check

Baby may seem generally uncomfortable and appear to be in pain - check

Labels: Benjamin

Dr. Roussis and Benjamin

Leaving the hospital

My dad's five grandsons - 18 years old to newborn

MORE TO COME - eventually

Labels: Benjamin