Something's off

Little Man is sick, and symptoms are all over the place, so it's hard to figure out what exactly is going on. Since Friday evening, we've coping with the following issues: a yo-yo low grade fever (up and down and up and down), horror flick-worthy vomiting, loss of appetite and energy, fatigue and restlessness- so he's tired but never able to get some decent sleep. Luckily, he's been great about getting fluids in- though his tank is running low. Only one wet diaper today so far, and his lips are looking chapped. The craziest thing is that all of the symptoms come and go in waves- so we'll hit tiny pockets of normalcy, and I assume that he's finally broken through. An hour ago he was fry heaving and looking like he might pass out; now he's upstairs running around. The nurse line seems to think it is a short-lived tummy bug. If that were the case, wouldn't it have passed by now- seeing that he came down with this on Friday? What is going on???

Good News

Got a voice mail from Miles' doctor's office yesterday; his lab work came back looking great! What lab work you ask- well, the thyroid is in the normal range, and he tested negative for Celiac Disease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am just a little excited about that last item. Frankly, I'm sighing so hard with relief right now that the laptop is endanger of shot across the room. Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, I am still excited!

A boy and his dog

This is unconditional love. Last night, we walked around the block, and Miles "held" Rajah's leash. They were both proud to be on parade, with one another. I'm calling them the Treat Master (Miles) and Sir Tongues-a-lot (Raj)- partners in crime. 'Nuff said.

3-21

Today is World Down Syndrome Day. Given the date, it's a perfect fit. How did we celebrate? By opening an envelope to find a signed photo from Chris Burke, inviting us back to NYC next year for the Buddy Walk. And you know what, this afternoon a return trip sounded like a fantastic idea.

Our cause-celebre is upstairs, passed out, zonked after a long day of playing and teething- but thankfully more so playing. Within the past 24 hours, kiddo started (vocally) saying "more" and "flower." We've got a real, big-boy bed waiting in the wings, and we are headed to an open house this Friday for his potential pre-school in the fall. That's right, we might be packing Miles off on the big yellow bus a couple days a week, introducing him to milk cartons and backpacks. We are only in the pre-planning stages; the first transition meeting has been held. Now we are dipping our toes into the bigger pool to see if we like the water...

I'll update as best as I can, but my time is going to be zapped with a beaucoup of school work and on-line classes. Yippee! I'll be spending spring at my computer; at least its a laptop, and I can lounge in the hammock. That's as long as I don't flip out.

Only the shadow knows

Miles and his shadow had a grand time playing chase on the playground this afternoon. Actually, it's more like early evening. Miles would make an excellent sundial- that's if he would stand still.

My favorite part of this video is when he tries to pick his shadow up- kind of looks like he's untying his shoes- but he's really trying to snag his new buddy.

Too stinkin' cute.

The cutest rolls on as we are now splitting a cup of chocolate pudding. Miles licked the lid clean. Ahhh...

Playdate, Interrupted

Mother Nature flashed her wild side while we were at the park this afternoon. We knew that the threat of showers loomed in the distance, but we were ready for the sky to "split open and melt." Luckily we made it to our car in time; Henry and Wesley (and their dad) also made it back safely. Of course, I had to hop out of the car before leaving to document the moment. Sadly, I left our camera at home. Blackberry had to fill in. Not bad work for a telephone.

As for the actual playing, the boys seemed to be having a great time. Miles was kicking his new soccer ball around. The big boys (i.e. the dads) were throwing the pig skin, and Henry and Wesley were champs on the slide. Gotta love your local park!

Here comes the birthday boy!

Family Sneakers!

All grown up.

Chilling out on the dock before the party starts

High fives for Dada!

Baby's first vanity plate...

...which is attached to baby's first boat!!!!!

Ahoy, matey! (Should say Ahoy, Diapers- see web address.)

Thar she snaps pictures.

Row, row, row my boat.

Overboard!

Cutest-b-day-cake-ever!

Cutest-b-day-hat-ever-that-Miles-wouldn't-wear!

Floating balls, right?

Extreme Close-up

Lots of pretty flowers everywhere.

The Grandmothers.

You can leave your hat... off!

I will need it in a month, anyhoo.

Hmmmm. Where to start???

Yummy, yummy, yummy icing.

Why yes, I do like sea food. Oh, not that kind of see food.

Silly Dada.

Miles Thomas, Present Hunter

Still hunting...

... and more peepin'.

Armed with a bubble gun, Dada lets loose!

Baby Miles Flashback

Click here to visit the source!

Birthday

I didn't mean to stay up this late tonight. In fact, I was ready to crash following Miles' birthday party (pictures to come soon, scout's honor), but here I find myself and my memories, hacking away on this keyboard well after one a.m. Minutes before I started this post, I had all good intentions of writing my weekly lesson plans, to use this extra energy to get a jump start on Sunday. Yet, it just dawned on me- why on earth would I want to race through another day? Seriously, that is all I seem to do these days. And of all the days to rush, why lose a single second of my beautiful son's birthday?

Miles is two years old, or will be in exactly 97 minutes. Though soundly asleep at the moment, he's happy, healthy and simply amazing. I am fiercely proud of Miles. To meet me in person is to walk right into the Miles campaign office. Complete strangers know all about the new signs he's using, how he's learning to drum on a big boy set, that running shoes seem a natural fit for him, etc. I am not bragging; I am simply bubbling over with love. If there is one simple lesson I have learned as a parent it would be to celebrate EVERYTHING.

Though this is Miles' birthday, it also serves as my re-birthday. Once I finally met him face to face, that early March morning in 2008, my spirit and soul were completely reshaped, and I became a new person. I am sitting here crying, just trying to put into words how this child's existence has impacted me. And frankly, I don't think I can. Maybe my loss for words is because day to day I change and grow with him, and at this point, I don't have an answer since we are still evolving. Maybe in another handful of years, when new car smell of parenthood has worn off a bit, I will be better able to see the big picture. Then again, maybe not- we might be too busy living in that moment to look back.

With all of the ups and downs and Down from the past two years, I wouldn't change any of it. Not a single second- the time that we have shared together has been sacred. Through all of the laughter and pain, moments of silliness and utter heartbreak, we have journeyed together as a team, as a family, to this one point in time, a time to celebrate a most amazing life. Miles' life. The greatest treasure I will ever encounter.

Happy Birthday, my dear son. I love you more than I will ever know!

I'm just swinging by...

... to mention that Miles will be turning two this Sunday. Also, teething has kicked into such a high gear lately. Little Man is also fighting off strep throat and yet another blasted ear infection. On top of that, one of his ear tubes is wiggling out- already?!? It's only been since November; how much time to we get until he heads back in? Anyways, daily life is a bit rocky and off-center these days. The proof, my hubs and I totally forgot our 5th year wedding anniversary yesterday. We only remembered after receiving congrats messages from our parents. Whoops. Maybe this means I will be forgetting my rapidly approaching 30th birthday, and I will get to be 29 a wee-bit longer.