Independence...

...we're feeling it lately.

I can do it all by myself, thankyouverymuch!

 Don't do it...

 What?!  I'm just reading the nutritional information?

Well...maybe just one little taste...

 For some reason, yogurt just tastes better when you lick it straight out of the container.

 Spoons are for sissies.

 We're still working on getting all of the yogurt in our mouth...

...but SHARING we've got down pat.



Runners, Take Your Mark!

Get Set!

Um...runners?  *tap, tap, tap*  Is this thing on??? 

Hunh...I guess cast removal is pretty exhausting for a feller.

I'm happy to report that Sam got his cast off this week.  Hurray!!!  He still has a place on his heal that looks pretty sore to me, but it doesn't seem to be giving him any problems.  When the doctor examined it, Sam thought he was ticking his foot and giggled.  Oh, how I love that boy!

First order of business after cast removal:  clippage of the toenails.  I swear, that kid could've hung from a tree branch with those things.  I'm sure his heinous toes were no shock to the nurse...she probably sees that type of thing every day.  But if I'm being completely honest, I snarled a little when the cast came off and immediately started brushing away toe jam and taking mental inventory of the diaper bag.  Do I keep nail clippers in one of those pockets or not?  I just couldn't help myself. 

Judging by the way he was trying to walk on his cast, Shawn and I really figured he'd take off running as soon as he got it off.  That wasn't exactly the case.  Pulling up and cruising around furniture is about all he's done for now.  Well...that and pull all of the DVD's off of the shelf, push buttons on the satellite receiver, and turn the television volume up so loud that a deaf man in China could probably hear it.

But I'm sure in no time he will be outrunning me and climbing on things and looking for new ways to injure himself.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1)  The nice lady who helped me at the grocery store.

Sam and I went to the grocery store Saturday...the first time he and I had been since his accident.  (So thankful to have a husband who does most of the grocery shopping!)   When we got there and I went to lift him into the shopping cart, I had a brief flash of, "Um...how's this gonna work?"  But his leg went in fine so we went about our shopping.  But when we went to LEAVE???  Problems.  Yes...I got my child stuck in a shopping cart.  Please hold your applause for Mother of the Year.

I lifted Sam from the front...his leg got stuck.  I lifted him from the back...his leg got stuck.  I tried to hook one arm under his arms and feed his other leg through the hole with my other hand...he was too heavy.  So there I stood in the parking lot trying to formulate a plan.  Put the entire buggy in the back of my car and drive home that way???  Suddenly a very nice lady appeared out of nowhere and asked if we needed some help.  I gladly accepted and thanked her profusely for helping us out.  So wherever you may be, Nice Lady, thank you for taking the time to save the day. 

2)  Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha.

There's just something about the combination of salty and sweet with just a touch of coffee.  Go get one today.  You'll thank me later.

3)  We're on the final countdown for Sam's cast!

We signed Sam's first cast.  We didn't sign the second.  But I thought on this one it might be fun to do a countdown.  In case you can't read it, across the top it reads:  "Days 'Til This Thing Comes Off:"  I'm so thankful that babies heal quickly and we're almost done with this cast business.  It adds a good 2 or 3 pounds to an already heavy little dude. 

Quick update:  Sam's doctor's appointment this week went well.  His heel is looking better.  It's not completely healed, but it looks better than it did last week.  His x-rays looked fantastic.  And while the cast saw experience wasn't completely tear-free it was soooo much better than last week.  Thanks to all of you who said a prayer for my little boy Tuesday morning.

Linking up to Black Tag Diaries.

Dear Sam,
Today you turned 17 months old.  These days, you are watching and copying and learning at lightning speed, little man.  I think I wake up every morning thinking, "He just can't possibly be any more fun today than he was yesterday," and every day I'm wrong.  I love walking into your room and seeing you peek out at me from between the slats in your crib and then seeing your little blond head pop up over the rail.  You greet me with a smile and a "Mah!" which I tell myself is you saying, "Good morning, Mother.  How are you today?" but it's probably more like, "Hey lady!  Where's Molly?" 

Molly is your absolute best friend.  This has been a bit hard for me to accept because all this time I thought I was your best friend.  I really am, aren't I?  I love to hear you call her.  You put your hand next to your mouth and shout, "Moe Moe!"  When she actually comes to you when you call her, you get so excited you can hardly sit still.  You guys make lap after lap around our house...you doing your stomp-crawl with Molly right behind you, nipping at your heels.  Every now and then you will stop and sit up so she can plant a big wet one right on your mouth.  This makes you laugh your delightful baby little boy laugh, and then you're back at it again. 

Tonight, you and Molly got one of the cats cornered.  Molly was barking at the cat, and you started barking with her.  You could hardly breathe because you were laughing hysterically in between barks.  If it hadn't been for me being afraid that the cat would claw your eyes out, I would have let you do it all night because it was just too stinkin' funny. 

Your vocabulary has really exploded lately.  You have this whole Samonese language that you speak.  If I'm being honest, I kinda love the fact that your dad and I are the only ones who really know how to speak it.  When we say our prayers, you always fold your hands and sit quietly while we talk to God.  Then when we're done you shout, "May-man!"  And you love to read, but I really think you just like to read the last page.  That way you can slam the book shut and say, "the end" which comes out sounding more like "nah nah."  You frequently ask to go outside, "goahshide?" and you can tell us when you want something to drink, "noon."  (I really have no idea where noon came from, but it's clearly, "May I please have something to drink".)  With some serious prompting, you will say love you, "la la la."  But I think the thing that you say most clearly is bye bye.  You.  Love.  Going.  Bye bye.  From the time you wake up, you're asking to go bye bye.  And as soon as we start making our way towards the door, you wave to whomever is looking and yell, "GO BYE BYE!!!!" at the top of your lungs. 

You also know a little bit of sign language.  You can ask for more and say all done.  We're working on please and thank you, but they're a work in progress. 

You are becoming so affectionate these days.  Just this week, you and I were grocery shopping and you suddenly reached out to me for a hug.  I leaned down and hugged you, but when I went to raise up you grabbed my neck a little bit tighter.  I thought about it for about 1/2 second and decided that we'd stay that way as long as you needed to.  We literally stood in the middle of the shampoo aisle just holding each other for several minutes.  Every now and then you would gently pat my back and softly say, "Mah."  It's a moment I hope I remember forever. 

Oh, my sweet Sam.  Right now I'm wanting to write down every single thing you do and say.  I don't want to forget a single story.  You're growing up so quickly that you're not even the same from day to day right now.  It seems with every sunrise there's a new word, a new skill.  And while I'm so proud of you and I'm honestly enjoying seeing you grow into a little boy, I just want to freeze time and hold you close to me forever.  You make me smile easier and laugh longer. 

I love you so very much,
Mommy

Sam's Big Break Part II

When last we left our story, Sam had just gotten a cast put on his leg for a broken tibia.  The first thing I did when we got home was google "fractured tibia, toddler".  It turns out this is a fairly common type of break in small children.  So common, in fact, that it has been dubbed a "toddler's fracture."  It happens when the little guys are just learning to walk (check), they have what appears to be a normal stumble (check), and they somehow twist their ankle or fall at just the right angle to cause a little fracture.  It made me feel better to know that this happens with some frequency...although only marginally so.

So Sam had his little cast, and he did really well with it.  He didn't really seem to have any pain associated with his injury, and he quickly learned how to crawl with his new accessory.  We had a couple of sleepless nights, but I really don't think he was hurting.  It almost seemed like he would wake up and see the cast and forget why it was there.  Once we could get him fully awake, he was back to our normal, happy Sam. 

The biggest problem we ran into was bathtime.  Remember how we used to feel about baths?  It was kinda like that only PHENOMENALLY worse.  We had to wrap Sam's leg in Saran Wrap to keep the cast dry.  Saran Wrap must have some kind of flesh-eating properties in it, because as soon as we would even touch it to his skin, Sam would go into hysterics.  For a week, we experimented with different ways to do baths, and I was seriously considering just letting the dirt and grime pile up on his little body until the cast came off.  It was that traumatic for him.  And me. 

Then, my husband saved the day.  He came home with a cast protector.  It's basically a big, silicone sleeve thing that we slip over Sam's leg.  It forms a seal around the cast so it can't get wet.  I have to admit, I didn't think it would work, but we decided to give it a try.  As soon as we started to put Sam's foot into the sleeve, he began to fuss.  In a moment of divinely-appointed Mommy-ism, I told Sam he looked like an elephant and showed him how to flop his elephant trunk. 

Magic, I tell ya'.  Pure magic.

Sam spent his entire shower kicking his leg up in the air and making elephant sounds.  Hey, whatever works. 

When we went for Sam's one week follow-up, the nurse showed a little concern with how far down Sam's cast had slipped.  The wanted to repeat an x-ray anyway, so we  decided to remove the cast and see how things were looking.  Unfortunately, Sam had Houdinied the cast down his leg far enough to cause a pressure wound on his heel.  So, in an effort to keep the cast in place a bit better and prevent him from walking and putting more pressure on the wound, we put him in a full leg cast.

I was so worried that the full leg cast would just result in two weeks of pure misery for Sam, but I should have known better.  Sam took one look at the cast that goes halfway up his thigh and thought, "These guys think this will keep me in one place?  Amateurs..."  That thing hasn't slowed him down one single bit!  Within an hour of us coming home, he figured out how to crawl.  With his entire left leg stationary, he has to throw his leg out to the side when he crawls, which leaves about a two foot wide path of destruction in his wake.  It's heartbreaking and hilarious to watch him get around.  He has also been playing with some of his walking toys in the last few days.  When he walks on his cast, he sounds like a pirate with a peg leg taking a walk.  ***step...CLONK...step...CLONK...***  I have to admit, Shawn and I were worried that he would be reluctant to walk again after he gets the cast off, but it looks like he may just take off running as soon as he gets the go-ahead.  (Or maybe before...)

When we go back next week, they're going to take the cast off again so they can check on how his heel is healing.  (Momma is really looking forward to the cast saw again...I haven't told Sam about that part yet. But judging from his reaction the last time I'm guessing he won't be too crazy about the idea.)  If you are a person that talks to God regularly, would you say a prayer for Sam Tuesday morning?  Pray that he'll chill out while they take the cast off and that his heal will be all better.  We'll post another update as soon as we can.

Thankful Thursday Saturday

I've missed my thankful posts!  Things have been a bit hectic the last couple of weeks, but I'm hoping to get back in the groove.  This week I am thankful for:

1)  A totally fantastic, wonderful, amazing, two-enthusiastic-thumbs-up vacation. 

This was the first vacation we'd been on since Sam was born, and boy was it needed!  I have told Shawn no less than 1,000 times that this was by far my most enjoyable vacation EVER.  I CANNOT wait to do it again!

2)  Fall weather. 

While I'm always a little sad to see summer end, I.  LOVE.  FALL.  The colorful leaves.  The light jackets.  Throwing the windows open.  Sipping on a warm beverage.  A pot of chili simmering on the stove.  The ever-present smile on my husband's face because a football game can be found on television on any given night.  What's not to love?

3)  Random little surprises from my husband. 

Shawn knows I love Magnum, P.I. and he found this book written by one of the co-stars.  It made me laugh because he's probably one of two people in the entire world who bought this book.  I imagine the other is Larry Manetti's mother.  I can't help but wonder how many wives out there would be so excited about such a gift, but I can't wait to read it!  Now all I need is a beach to read it on...

Linking up to Black Tag Diaries.

Sam's Big Break

So a really brief recap of what's been going on in our lives lately: 

We are the Griswolds.

A slightly less brief recap (because really you just need the full picture): 

Last Saturday night we got home from a WONDERFUL week at the beach and started trying to ease back into normal life.  Sunday night, I was working on a little project in the dining room while Shawn was folding laundry in the living room.  Sam, who had really perfected his walking skills while we were at the beach, was toddling around with Molly at his side.  As he was coming through the kitchen towards me, we heard a fall and then crying.  Like serious crying. 

Shawn and I rushed to check things out, and we quickly decided we were going to the ER.  Sam just wasn't calming down, and every time I tried to get him to stand up he refused to put pressure on his left foot.  We loaded everyone into the car and headed towards the hospital. 

This would be a good point to pause and explain a difference between Shawn's personality and mine.  When crises arise, I tend to downplay everything.  "It's not that bad...things will be fine..."  I feel like if I say it enough times, it will be true.  Shawn, on the other hand, who tends to be happy-go-lucky most of the time, usually assumes the worst during emergencies.  "My baby's hurt!  Get out of the way!  Coming through!! STAT!!!"

Just a few miles up the interstate, we came up on a traffic stand-still.  For miles ahead, we could see cars that weren't moving.  By this time, Sam had finally stopped screaming, and I was already telling myself we were just being freakishly overprotective.  (Not that we would ever be that way, or anything.)  I mentally turned the car around in the median, but Shawn didn't even hit the brakes.  He swerved over onto the shoulder and kept barrelling past dozens of cars, all while hitting buttons on my console and screaming, "Where are your hazard lights?!"  Did I mention that it was raining, too?

Trying to remain the voice of reason in a stressful situation, I screamed calmly asked, "What's your plan for when we get to the front of the line?  Clearly there is a bad wreck or something up there.  They won't let us through."

"Oh yes they will," he replied.  "I'm going to tell them we have a medical emergency and we have to get through!"

I may or may not have yelled something to the effect of, "IT WON'T DO US ANY GOOD TO GET TO THE ER IF WE'RE ALL DEAD WHEN WE GET THERE!!!"  All while Sam calmly sat in the back seat looking very not-hurt.

We finally got to the front of the line, and a policeman was letting cars through using one lane.  Shawn rolled his window down in preparation to explain our situation.  I braced myself for the lecture we would get from the policeman when he saw how "hurt" Sam looked.  Suddenly, a space opened up between cars.  Shawn swerved into the space and we drove right through the traffic stop.  I slouched a little lower in my seat and tried to avoid the eyes of the other motorists who were undoubtedly hurling cuss words at us.

We got to the emergency room (thankfully in one piece) and signed in.  And then we waited. 

And waited. 

And waited. 

Turns out a holiday weekend is the worst time possible to go to an emergency room.  Sam ate Teddy Grahams, flirted with the lady sitting behind us and watched football while I silently berated us for over-reacting so badly. 

When we finally got called back, Sam barely even whimpered while the nice gentleman examined his leg, he smiled during the x-rays, and I was even more convinced that we had made a wasted trip.  When they came in and told us he had a fractured tibia, you could have knocked me over with a feather.  My baby has a broken bone?  Put the cuffs on me!  Take me away!  I'm an unfit mother!!!

They splinted Sam's leg and we went home.  The next day, I was off and Sam and I just hung around the house nursing our wounds...his physical, mine emotional.  We got in lots of snuggles, I spoiled him like crazy, and I even gave in to a temper tantrum or two.  Just this once...  He seemed to be doing well with the splint, so I felt reasonably good about sending him to the babysitter the next day. 

Sometime in the afternoon, Tammy sent me a text saying Sam's splint was loose.  Sure she was over-reacting and he had just loosened the bandage around it (there's my reaction again), I eased her concerns and told her I'd check him out when I got there to pick him up.  However, when I arrived, I saw that he had worked the splint down his leg from knee level to about mid-calf.  Because apparently ONE visit to the emergency room per week just isn't enough...  So it was back to the ER we went where they splinted us again and sent us on our merry way...again.

The next morning, we had an appointment with an orthopedist, and Sam was a total rock star.  He got his cast (UK blue, of course!) and wasn't the least bit scared.  I was so proud of my brave little man!  Shawn and I were relieved to learn that because babies heal much more quickly than adults, he would probably only have to wear the cast for about 3 weeks.  More good news!

All set up and ready to go!

He looks great, right?

One of the many advantages of being Mommy:  I got to be the first to sign his cast!

But the story doesn't end there...

The Right Hand

Yesterday we went to church for the first time in a few weeks since we had been on vacation.  I really wanted to go yesterday morning because we were having a special 9/11 service, but life just wasn't cooperating.  Sam woke up a lot earlier than usual, so I just knew he was going to hit meltdown stage right in the middle of the sermon.  We had decided to keep him in the sanctuary with us for a few weeks (more on that later) so I was nervous about him disturbing what would probably be a very somber service.  So on the way, I tossed up a quick prayer that things would go smoothly and I would receive something I needed that day.  Oh, how God can answer our prayers...

We walked into the service and slipped into one of the back pews in case we needed to make a hasty exit.  Shortly after we sat down, the Honor Guard came in with the American flag.  Sam was enthralled with what they were doing, so he thankfully stayed very quiet during this part of the service.  When the team was about halfway down the aisle, out of the corner of my eye, I saw two elderly gentleman--I assume they were veterans--snap to attention and salute the flag as it passed them by.

It always brings a tear to my eye to watch something like that, but this particular time I simply could not take my eyes off of the gentleman on the left.  His left arm hung at his side, shaking...frail and weak, most likely due to some neuralgic condition worsened with age.  But his right arm.  His right arm was strong, confident, sure.  Poised at his brow in sharp salute to the flag that represents his country, it was unwavering.  The country that he served.  The country that he vowed to defend and protect.  The country for which he would have given his life.  I suspect he still would.

And there I was staring at some stranger who sacrificed a normal life to serve, tears of gratitude streaming down my face.  (I am no longer surprised or embarrassed when I start bawling at the seemingly most insignificant thing....it's just who I am.)  And I was blessed. 

My prayer was answered.

My Summer Vacation

This year, our family visited Isle of Palms, South Carolina for vacation.  While we were there we.....



...saw the ocean...

...splashed in the waves...

...dug in the sand...

...aaaannnndddd we might have eaten a little sand.

One of us checked off #23.

We also had some male bonding time watching football...

...and communed with nature.  (From a distance, that is.)

We walked barefoot on the beach...

...and made sweet little footprints in the sand...

Okay, I know you're thinking, "Enough with the pictures of his feet, already!" but they're just too cute!!!

We picked up seashells...

...and built a sand castle...

...all while looking very cool, if we do say so ourselves.

All of that was exhausting...

...so we made sure to rest plenty, too.

We acted a little silly...

...and spent time with people that we love.

We caught up on some reading...

...and practiced a new skill.

We ate some REALLY good food...

...and saw some beautiful scenery.

But the best part was seven gloriously uninterrupted days with my favorite people.

P.S.  I want to give a big shout-out "Happy Birthday" to my wonderful husband!  I hope God blesses me with many more of your birthdays!

We've Been Hiding Out....

...at an undisclosed location.  There may or may not be sand involved.  But soon we'll be back to the real world with lots of pictures and stories to share.