Busted!

Henry has done this a time or two before. Honestly, I know it is disgusting and I did take him off immediately...well, after I snapped a picture of course!

Happy Monday! YAY for a new week :)

Thanks Brenden & Connor!

Some of Henry's favorite toys are from the "B&C Store" as we like to call it! Brendedn & Connor so graciously passed down alot of their little boy toys to Henry and he is getting ALOT of use out of them! Right now he is really into the tool bench!! :)

Thanks, guys!!

The latest on Eli, written by Jessica...

Still waiting on biopsy results...But the good news is that the oncologist is pretty sure it is something called desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG). It is a very, very rare tumor that is almost always benign, and is present only in the very young (<2 yrs). Like Eli's tumor, it is usually cystic and attached to the dura matter. It is possibly congenital, but they know so very little about it that they don't know. The prefered treatment is removal of the tumor (which they did). They think they got all of it, but even if they didn't DIGs are unique because they spontaneously regress (or disappear). So if they aren't able to remove it all it will eventually go away (except in very rare cases). Chemo and radiation are only needed in the occasional malignant case (very few occurences). Because the infants brain is able to heal and create new neuron connections there aren't usually any long term effects. The MRI did show that it probably began growing during the prenatal period.As far as it spreading into the brain the oncologist doesn't think it did. He said that DIGs don't do that (not impossible, but doesn't happen much). He obtained a sample of spinal fluid to help rule out spinal tumors today. They sedated Eli, but he did very well....once they were able to get an IV started that is! He was furious and very hungry! And very loud We are still waiting for official results but he talked to the dr doing the testing and got a few unofficial results which also point towards DIG. We will have another MRI of the brain and spine on 12/10 as followup, but it doesn't look like he will need more treatment!!!!! Yay God! Everything we have prayed is in the process of being answered!

taking mr lion for a quick walk

Eli Update

Kit talked to Justin yesterday and thankfully Eli only got up once last night! Eli got used to all the monitors beeping in the hospital and people waking him up all the time when they got home, Eli was getting up about every hour all through the night!

Their next appointment is on Thursday. Eli has been recovering well! :)

Not alot going on here. This weekend Fall came for a chilly visit. I did love pulling out the sweaters, putting on tall boots and being out in the weather! Kit framed out the other two bathroom mirrors (like he did to the ginormous one in the living room) and they look so much better! I had an eye appointment, we went to the dog park & enjoyed an evening with friends over. Nothing exciting, but very enjoyable. I haven't really taken alot of pictures recently but we did manage a couple cute ones over the weekend. Henry LOVES bathtime. He's really good. He stills lays on the foam for me to scrub him all down, wash his hair and face and then he gets to sit up and play. He gets so excited when he hears the water running! I also bought Henry a little sock hat and I think he looks cute in it...Kit wasn't so sure :)

Oh yes, and in some exciting news...Henry's left bottom tooth finally popped through! The right doesn't look like it is far behind, either :).

I'm pretty sure if you know me at all, you'll find quickly that I LOVE predictability & schedules. I am a routine gal and as long as something is continuing to work, why change it? Today as Henry & I were out and about I had to smile at our little routine. Every Tuesday morning we go to the grocery store. I go through aisles like I do week after week, and we see the same people. We always stop and talk to the Deli Lady b/c Henry catches her eye every time and he likes to smile at her. Then, we manuever around the stock boys filling up the ice cream and cheese. Henry likes to watch them work! I save Henry's baby food and snacks for last b/c he knows what they look like and always is ready to eat when he sees them go in the cart. And, we usually check out with the same lady who is always intrigued with my Dave Ramsey envelope system wallet and, Hezekiah always gives H a sticker for being good and asks if we need help out.

10 Months!

Growing Henry!
Henry's Favorites

Fireman Henry :)

I say it every month that I can't believe how fast Henry is growing up! This month is no different. He is really such a big boy these days. He says momma and dada, waves bye-bye, drinks from a cup, feeds himself,puts hands up in air for "BIG boy!". He still loves to eat cereal in the morning and before bedtime. He LOVES his yogurt and his soymilk. He is pretty much on all table food. He'll eat some pureed fruit but usually prefers eating his veggies like a big boy. He LOVES raisins, Ritz crackers and overall whatever else you put in front of him :).

He is still taking two naps a day although his first one is getting shorter and shorter.

He LOVES books, can't get enough of books and I don't complain about that!

He is crusing the furniture and trying to step out on his own.

He finally found the stairs and the fireplace...

He is sweet and tenderhearted but I'm sure like all babies...especially boys...mischevious!! ;)

It is harder and harder to take pictures since he is so mobile so unfortunately the ones above aren't the best, but at least decent :)

Please Keep Praying!!

I just got an update from Jessica. Eli's post surgery MRI results from yesterday indicate that they were able to get ALL of the tumor in the brain. However, he does have a pocket of air inside his head so he is now on oxygen for that to be absorbed. He just had an x-ray and they are waiting to find out if that has resolved. As soon as it is, they will be released in the next couple of days.

Now, another BIG matter of prayer is the fact they were just told his entire MRI results from last week:: the spine portion. There are also tumors along his spinal cord which are very small but they think might be aggressive. So he has another appt scheduled next week with a neurosurgeon to discuss.

Thankful Thursday

How to spell cousins...

We recently got out the alphabet magnets. Today H & I were having fun "spelling". We decided to spell out his cousins' names. Unfortunately, I do not have multiple letters so we did the best we could ;)

He swiped the H just before I took the picture ;D

OR...

I love his initials!

Miss Maleah

Happy 11th Birthday, Maleah!

We Love YOU & Hope you have a great day!!

~Uncle Kit, Aunt Grace & Henry

I just posted an Eli Update below. Be sure to check it out and Praise God for ALL that HE has done!!

Nothing new going on here. We really enjoyed our date on Friday night! Miss Beth & Mr. Dan had a good 'ol time with Henry and they said he didn't even notice we were gone! He went on a walk, visited some neighbors (Miss Beths' parents two doors down), ate a popsicle, had a bath, played with the dogs, and even got his picture taken (they are professional photographers). They said they were really amazed at the difference of him one on one than in the nursery. I guess he was alot more talkative and excitable. He was EXHAUSTED and was OUT before we left the subdivision about 7 45p. We got home and offered some cereal of which he ate about 4 bites and dove into bed (Can I just tell you how much I LOVE that Henry LOVES his bed?! It's AWESOME!!). We didn't hear another peep out of him until about 8 30a. Well, that's what Kit said...I got up early ( I know...ME? EARLY?!) and hit a couple of garage sales. I totally scored on this cute little three drawer night stand for the guest bedroom. I've got a few new ideas for that room now...

Sorry, I was lazy and didn't want to scan this in but thought it was a good smile of Henry that they captured! I just wish I would have known and put him in something cuter than play clothes :)

Eli Update!

We called Justin tonight and got all the scoop on Eli...
They were able to remove ALL of the tumor!
The tumor was actually surrounded by 2-3 cysts and therefore not attached to the brain!
The surgery went smoother than planned and the surgeons were amazed!
Eli handled surgery remarkably well and was out of recovery room in 45 minutes!

Specific Prayer Requests::
Eli has about a 1-2 week recovery time. Right now he is receiving Valium to keep him calm and all his muscles relaxed. They are expecting him to sleep for the next couple of days.
Still awaiting Biopsy Results.
Eli will have a follow CT scan tomorrow and then an MRI on Wednesday.
Justin & Jessica- They are able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house and are rotating being with Eli so the other can sleep.

We are praising God for all he is brought them through already but know they still have a couple of rough weeks ahead. Thanks for everyone's prayers. Justin & Jessica said it has been such an encouragement to know so many have been praying WITH them!

Eli scheduled for surgery on Monday

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=173794419251

We Love Miss Beth!

We are so thankful for Miss Beth in our lives! She has become Henry's Georgia Grandma and is always watching out for him at church. She LOVES children and is always in the nursery! She sure took to Henry & he in turn has become quite comfortable around her. She can always get Henry to smile :). Before we go to church we always tell Henry that he gets to go play with Miss Beth. Bless her heart that she has seen a ministry to watch Henry for us since we don't have any family around and continues to offer herself as a babysitter. Well, tonight we are taking her up on it! WAHOO :). I know Henry will have a great time at miss beth's house and I am looking forward to having a great time with my husband!

I'm so excited, what shall I wear??

:)

Please Pray for Eli!

Praying for Precious Eli!

I got a call this afternoon from a close family friend, Justin, asking prayer for their son Eli. Eli went to his 6 month well check exam and since birth he has had a large head circumference. I guess upon measuring, his head now measures the size of an average 3 year old. They sent Eli to have a CAT scan and have discovered that he has a brain tumor. When I talked to him earlier this evening they were on their way to Riley Hospital for an MRI and further diagnosis of what kind of tumor, size, etc.

I would like to ask for everyone to lift up in prayer Justin, Jessica & Precious Little Eli.

Hardest post I've written to date.

I can already feel the tears welling up as I write this post tonight. This has been a full year in the making and we've finally made our final decision. I am writing this post to reach out to family & friends alike to see if anyone is able or wanting to help.
The time has come and we have both agreed that we need to find homes for both dogs. We have tried for a solid year now to make two dogs, white carpet and a small fence work but we've only been fooling ourselves. It needs to be done. Our last house was the perfect set up. A large backyard and a country setting. I have tried to combat the dog hair around here...sweeping 1-2 times a day but twice the dog is twice the hair and I have other things to do.
Most of you have seen our backyard to know there is little grass and more red dirt. Eight paws with red dirt and white carpet do not mix! And with neighborhood activity, the bark...
Walking two dogs with a stroller isn't feasible so instead, one gets to go and one has to stay back.
I hate making this decision. Part of me feels so ashamed but the other half knows it isn't fair to the dogs either. Spending part of their days in the kennel just b/c it rained the night before and I don't want my carpet messy isn't fair to them.
If anyone is interested in either Grover or Gisele please e-mail us graceamazn@gmail.com. Their kennels, collars, leashes, dishes will go with them too.

Who is a BIG boy??

Apparently Henry only does one trick at a time for the camera :). So, hopefully soon I'll get him saying "momma" in his cute deep, raspy voice, waving bye bye, and giving kisses :)

Breaking all the Rules

Getting Better & Better

Henry is getting better and better at walking with his lion. We tried to take some video last night but we waited too long and he was over it! :). Henry is quite the mover these days. It takes him no time at all to crawl across the room and pull up to something. He likes to open cabinet doors, crawl underneath chairs, around the piano and pull up on the dogs. Last night he just stood up right in front of me without holding onto anything! Yesterday Henry found the stairs. I kept watching him notice the dogs going up and down the stairs and so I just stood back and watched and sure enough, up he went all by himself!

One Year

One Year... One Year?... One Year!...since we've moved to Georgia.

One Year.
It's been amazing, absolutely amazing to see what all God has taught us in a year. We've seen His perfect plan for us and are blessed by all His provisions for us. I posess everything in Christ Jesus. He witholds no good thing from me. Don't believe me? Give HIM a try!

One Year?
It's so hard to believe that one year ago

This was Henry.

Look at him now!

One Year!

We've made it one year in Georgia and are excited to see what God holds in store for us this next year :)

Mimi & Pa came for a visit!

It was so wonderful to see Mimi & Pa for a quick visit this morning! No, they aren't MY grandparents technically but I always think of them as another set! They are my good, good friend Lindsay's grandparents, technically :). But since Lindsay & I were almost ALWAYS together growing up that means I too got to spent the night with them, fish, etc :).

And while I know I am not technically Lindsay's sister, I am still proud to say that I am going to be an Aunt again!! ;)

{{grin}}

Thanks for the book Mimi & Pa! All Henry wanted to do after you left was open and close the barn doors in the book:)

What a Cotton Pickin' Day...

...at the Cotton Pickin' Fair!! We traveled a little further south today to Gay, Georgia. Yes, you heard that right...it's further south than Flippen, Georgia. (The names of some cities around here are pretty comical at times!) The city itself is no bigger than a minute but 41,000 people were excited to attend. We enjoyed the beautiful day. The fair was alot more crafty than probably Kit & I would've liked but we enjoyed it still and of course, you can't forget the food :).

Parking was a bear!

Henry & Momma in front of cotton!

Henry loved the pulled pork!
We enjoyed the drill team (They were from Griffin)

Henry petting a Horse

Grammie has done it again!!

One of Kit's aLL tImE fAvOriTes is GraMMie's POtatO sOup. nOthing can ChEEr ya up bEtter or WaRm ya uP fastEr!

I know one of KiT's FaVoriTe wedding gifts was the gOldEn recipE :).

I've made it alot since we've been married but tonight was special because it was HeNrY's fIrSt taSte.

He LOVED it!! (Which is a good thing because he'll be eating it alot in the years to come!)

We Love You Grammie & think of you & Grampie everytime we eat it!! :)

Thank Goodness for Technology.

I do not know what I would do if we moved away without the internet. It's such a blessing that all of our siblings are also bloggers and we are still able to get a glimpse of their families' everyday lives. Technology is amazing and Henry got to share in the delight of Jaxson's first trip to the fields with his Grandpa! It's good for Henry to hear and see family!

Thanks for sharing, Kenlyn!!! :)

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

This is the first toy I want to play with when I get up in the mornings (notice the bedhead)!!

I sure love steering wheels!! :)

THANK YOU

~Henry

Birthday Party Fun

We were invited to a birthday party today at a local farm called Southern Belle Farms. Henry absolutely loved the farm life and did a terrific job even though we were out way past his nap time. He went on a tractor ride in the "cow" with Poppa, a hayride, watched Poppa try his hand at the corn cannon & pig races! We enjoyed ourselves and are so thankful for friendships.

Pig Race!

Catching Lilley Kate "testing" out her barnyard cake :).

Kit trying out the corn cannon.

Henry loved the hay ride.
Riding the cow with Poppa

Big Deere, Little Deere

This afternoon when Kit was mowing, Henry was right there in the front window watchin' everything. So, I took his little tractor outside (Granny, you sure picked a winner!!) and let him follow Kit in his mower. It was too cute.

TaLk AbOuT meLtInG yOur HeArT!

The only thing wrong with this picture? The fence & the fact we live in surbia-ville. We know someday we'll get back to the country full of animals, kids and wide open spaces... we can't wait for that day!Wantin' to be outside!
Like Father, Like Son

Big Deere, Little Deere
Comparin' Notes