Truman's First New Year's Eve

In the hospital, but still plenty of time to celebrate and ponder the year behind and the year ahead.

They say there's no medicine to help heal from the flu, but I'm pretty sure cuddling helps!

Don't you think cuddling helps? (Grandmother is being very conscientious by wearing a mask!)

Sleep also helps the flu go away.

But guys, having the flu is just no fun.

With a spread like this, who needs Times Square?

I see you!

Check out the clock... time to break out the bubbly fun!

Cheers to 2008! (Yep, I picked up some illness in the hospital...)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Rehospitalization: Influenza

Our fears were realized. After Truman's symptoms continued, we took him to the pediatrician yesterday and tests showed he was negative for RSV (thank God), but positive for the flu. We were shocked. "How could he have gotten that? We live such a reclusive life now!" Every decision we make is based on keeping Truman out of the hospital. Of course, when we do go out, it's to doctor's offices, and doctors tell us the flu is especially rampant this season. The only thing to do when someone with Truman's history gets the flu? Go to the hospital. So, to the hospital we went with absolutely no clue as to how long we would remain there. I should say, though, that as fine connoisseurs of area hospitals (this is our third different one), the accommodations here were nice!

Back in a hospital bed.

Back on oxygen.

Back to sleeping in chairs.

We did manage to have some fun, though, and took the opportunity to listen to Truman with a stethoscope when the doctors and nurses had left us alone. If you've never listened to someone.... go get a stethoscope! SO entertaining!

Not feeling so well...

Truman has not been himself lately. A couple of days ago he got his 4 month immunizations and had a fever, a cough, his first vomit, and some wheezing ever since. We took him back to the pediatrician who initially said not to worry about it (probably side effects of the immunizations). We're watching him closely, though. Still, we've reached another milestone: SIX POUNDS! Wow!

Grandpa feeds Truman for the first time.

I'm sleepy, guys.

Truman's First Christmas!

Ah, the magic of Christmas! Happiest of holidays to you all!

Truman in the pre-dawn hours.

Truman poses with his Christmas cookie look-alike.

Where's Truman?? OH, behind the mountain of gifts!

Merry Christmas Grandmother and Grandpa!

Merry Christmas, Apba!

Merry Christmas, Mom!

A very happy family.

The very best gift of all.

'Twas the night before Christmas...

Christmas Eve is good for:

Wearing a hat...

... or no hat.

And for cuddling with Grandpa...

... and Grandmother...

... and Apba.

And for making Christmas cookies!

Stockings are hung by the....

On this Christmas Eve Eve preparations for festivities continue.

The family stockings.

Nap time.

Manicure time... those tint, sharp nails were getting too long!

Cute from all Angles

The home nurse is checking Truman out... he's doing great!

Awwww.

Grandmother's Hooked on Truman!

Truman had a busy day of appointments at the Apnea Clinic and with the opthamologist. At home, Truman has been practicing his hand-eye coordination, and he caught Grandmother! Also, check out the ever-important tummy time.

You're not getting away now, Grandmother!

Yay for tummy time!

Numbers and Diapers

The home visiting nurse came today, and here are Truman's stats:

Weight: 5 lbs 12 oz

Length: 17.7 inches

In other news... here's a picture of the cloth diapers we're using. It does not appear that our son is a big fan, eh?

And yes... believe it or not, those are the right size for him.

Visitor!

Uncle Sam came to visit for the holidays... Truman loves to hang out with family!

The boys take time out for a photo.

Decorating and Bath Time

Truman got involved with the Christmas decorations this year, got all decked out in his holiday attire, and then he took a bath... busy night!

Truman and Apba trim the tree!

Who is this Santa you speak of? Tell me more. (Yes, Truman sometimes ends sentences in prepositions... give him a break... he's four months old!)

"Bath time fun," huh? We'll see about that!

Diplomacy

Truman has been officially inducted into the Diplomacy Game Players Association. For those who have played, you know what an... experience... this is.

The boys play Diplomacy.

Apba and Truman: a great alliance!

Surgery a Success!

Hello, All. There will be pictures and stories to follow, but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers, thoughts, e-mails, and phone calls of support for Truman. The hernia surgery was a success. Truman, David, and I were at the hospital overnight last night, and we were able to bring Truman home (for good this time, we hope) this afternoon. We feel very fortunate. Truman is still recovering, but is doing very well. Thanks again. More soon.

Hernia Surgery

So, the bilateral hernia surgery was a success! We were admitted to the hospital on the 13th and discharged on the 14th... after a very long night in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit). Truman is recovering at home! Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Grandpa holds Truman before the surgery.

Apba keeps busy.

A little quality time.

Truman in the hospital post-surgery. A little oxygen to help him along.

Dinner time for our little guy. What a trooper! He did great!

Surgery

Hello, friends and family. Our Truman is going to have surgery tomorrow (Thurs. 12/13/07 at 12:30PM) to repair a hernia. Any thoughts or prayers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Truman and Apba

Truman and Apba are good friends and enjoy handing out together!

Gift Day

Truman got his first chance to open some gifts that came in the mail. Life at home is busy like that. What? He can't open gifts yet? Practice makes perfect!

Grampa and Mom help me open gifts. Heidi? Not so much.