Don't try this at home!

Hum, that bone looks much better then that goop they feed me!

Reaaaaaaaach! 

Oh, I can feel it in my hands. Almost! 

Quick pause to smile for the camera! 

Come on. Just give it to me!

This is harder than it looks! 

Mabye if I pull on her ear a little she will get distracted! 

GOT IT! 

Good Morning!

Chug it! Chug it!

Finally Starting to Kick the Virus

After 4 days symptom free John Christian was able to return to our church's preschool where he goes on Tues & Thurs from 9 - 1. He's missed 3 days. I'm not sure who was more excited about school, John Christian or me? He's one of the favorites at the preschool & everyone was very happy to have him back.

While John Christian was at school I had to take Charlie back to the pediatrician. If I wasn't holding Charlie yesterday he was crying. John Christian was not pleased with all the attention Charlie's been getting & kept telling me to put Charlie down & hold him instead. Anyway, Charlie's ears are getting worse. The doctor said that by Saturday he would have a full ear infection. As he was telling me this I was thinking: "If this guy tells me I have to wait until Saturday to get some relief from Charlie I'm going to completely loose it!" Thankfully, the good doctor wrote a prescription for an antibiotic & told me I could give it to him to prevent the full blown ear infection & to hopefully give myself a little peace. I knew I liked this new pediatrician!

Here is the link to the pediatrician's office in case any of my local friends are interested. That whole office is just fabulous & very kid friendly (as it should be) http://www.rainbowpeds.net/index.php

Maybe by next week we'll all be 100% better! We are looking forward to beautiful weather & spending lots of time in the backyard eating popsicles!

Another trip to the pediatrician's office!

I called our Pediatrician's office this morning b/c I'm still just not sure what to do with Charlie. They told me to bring him in. So, off we went looking like a bunch of rag-a-muffins b/c I just couldn't quite get it together this morning. The poor little guy has lost a pound since last Thursday, but they told me not to worry.

Today we saw the PA & Zach has taught John Christian that she falls in the "Doll Bebe" Category. She's a mom too & is usually very helpful, but today she didn't tell me exactly what I wanted to hear. She said he looks good & his breathing sounds good. She checked his ear & said there was something in there, but she didn't think it was an ear infection yet. I am supposed to bring him back again on Thursday for a re-check & to keep doing what I am doing. Whatever is in his ear could be an ear infection by then. Great, more waiting! Usually, I am an extremely patient person, but I must have sleep once in a while to be that way. I am happy that she thinks he's getting better & that was great news b/c my judgment is impaired at the moment. I guess I just wanted her to be able to give him something that would instantly fix him or at least long enough for me to get some rest. Maybe on Thursday!

Cute John Christian saying:
On the way home from the Pediatrician's office Charlie continued to talk in his normal way loudly saying, "ba ba ba ba". John Christian looked at him seriously and said, "No, say sheep!" I'm glad to know I can always count on John Christian to give me a little laughter!

"Are you ok, Mommy?"

I had a rough night again last night. For 2 nights in a row I have coughed until I puked. The good thing is now I am over enough of the stomach virus to at least be able to keep down some medicine for this sinus infection that has moved into my chest. Anyway, as a result of all the coughing I ended up sitting up on what's left of the couch* to try to get some sleep since Charlie was in our room with Zach. Finally, at 4:30AM when Zach went off early this morning after being awoken by the 2nd Charlie blow out of the night I was able to doze in and out between coughs in my own bed. At 7:30 I must have woken up John Christian with my coughing b/c instead of the normal, "Mommy, Mommeeeeeeeeeeee get me out!" I heard a voice of concern, "Are you ok, Mommy?". When I went in to get him out of his crib he asked me that again, and he asked, "You don't feel good?" What a precious little guy! I probably kept him up half the night coughing & he never said anything. I picked him up. He gave me hugs & kisses, & patted my face to try and make me feel better. He was a success! How could a little guy like that not make a mommy all better?

**We have rigged up the couch with the cushion from our chair & a blanket until I can get one of the cushions replaced since it was destroyed during THE VIRUS!

Happy Birthday Charlie!

Charlie is 7 months old today! You would never know it in these photos, but he has really not been feeling so great! He has not let me put him down for the past week. He's been double whammied with his cold - cough & the stomach virus. I was happy to capture some smiles for the camera! Usually the flash makes him get all serious! I will say that less than 10 minutes after the photo was taken Charlie's diaper leaked onto my lap! He got a bath. Then, he puked all over me & the kitchen floor! Fun Fun!!

Really, when he's not sick (which has not been often this winter) he is the best baby. I cannot imagine us without him! He is just so neat! We love having him around. John Christian seems pretty fond of him as well!

Lately, Charlie has become fond of our dog Molly. He is fascinated by her! Whenever she gets close & is in his eyesight he starts to jump up and down and squeal. If she moves far away or where he can't see her he yells & gets mad.

Charlie's other new trick is that he can get up on his hands and knees & rock back & forth. I've only seen him do this when he is extremely angry. Lately that is when one of us finally gets him to sleep & tries to put him in his crib. Temper temper!! It's not very fitting for a guy who can be so fun loving. He may be the second child, but so far he can never say that he goes without attention! That boy loves to be held & we love to hold him! (most of the time - sometimes I'd like to sleep alone) :)

**In one of the photos you can see a white plastic thing & clear tubing. They are part of the nebulizer we've been using to help with his wheezing and cough since February.

A New Look!

I'm messing around with the formatting. I wasn't sure I liked the way everything looked before. Maybe I'll stick with this for a while. It's fun to learn new things when the boys actually nap at the same time!

Funny John Christian Quotes:

"That's a doll bebe!" - When he sees a cute girl! His daddy taught him that one!

"I'm bigger! I can have a shotgun!" - Every now and then when he wakes up in the morning b/c we told him he could not have a shotgun until he was big like his cousin Michael.

"Let's go kill some deers Dad!" - That's just come out of the blue at times.

"No, it's Jesus Loves John Christian Hyleman!" - When singing him "Jesus Loves Me" he will correct you & you must sing the song this way.

"I'm stuck! I need 4 wheel drive!" When getting his truck stuck in the backyard.

"Don't worry about it." - I'm not sure about this one b/c it's new.

"I'm going commando Mom! I'm not wearing any underwear!" - This is a new favorite! If only he were potty trained!

"I don't want to use the potty! I want to poop in my diaper like a baby!" When we ask him if he needs to poop in the potty. Yes, he can say all that & still will only pee in the potty!

"Actually" & "I think" - He loves to start or end a sentence this way. Especially when he's trying to correct me on something.

"Uncle John & Chaz got needlenosed!" - When commenting on Charlie's baptism weekend.

"Do they have cheeseburgers here?" - When pulling into any drive thru! Even Eckerds.

"Mommy said, Blaaah!" - When describing to Zach that he saw me puke!

"I've got a brain freeze!" - When eating a rootbeer float

"He said!" - When asking for something for himself. ex. = "I want some icecream, he said."

"Chill Out Mom, Don't take my trains away!" - When he knew he did something wrong & was worried about the punishment.

Finally, Some Fresh Air!

Molly learned a new trick today! She can jump up the ladder into the little playhouse & go down the slide! John Christian was very excited to have her going up & down the slide with him!

Smiling Faces!

The lies & competition begin!

John Christian told his first lie! He stuck a cookie into the little Elmo. When I asked him about it he said, "Baby Charlie put the cookie in there!" Earlier he also told me, "It's not fair!" when I told him he had to share toys with Charlie! Where does he learn this stuff? The sibling rivalry begins!

Camelbak

Zach bought John Christian his own little camelbak to encourage him to drink!

Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures!  

Happy Thoughts

I decided to start this blog at a kind of crazy time around the house. I must say it has actually helped keep me a little sane b/c I've had a way to "talk" about everything that's going on around here. Even though there has been A LOT going on this week it really will be ok. The thing is that taking care of sick little boys may not be the most fun I've ever had, but in some way I've actually gotten a little enjoyment out of it. (Yes, I say this fever free.) These are my little guys & I am so blessed to be the one that gets to take care of them. I am the one that they want when they are feeling bad. Not everyone gets to experience that. I would do absolutely anything for them! I think I've already started to prove that by what we've been through this week.

Here is a little example:
I had Charlie this morning & passed him off to Zach b/c I needed to get out of the bed to go to the restroom. When I was out of his sight Charlie got cranky. I crawled back into bed & in his fussing Charlie was leaning toward me & saying "ma ma ma". Zach & I both agreed he wanted me. So, I took him in my arms & snuggled into my shoulder & was calm. Now, that is a happy feeling you just can't buy!

Charlie has been saying mmmmm ma ma ma since about 5 months old mostly when crying. When he's happy he says ba ba ba. (I have no idea what that's for.) I realize he's still too young to know what he's saying, but this morning he got his point across. I was thrilled! John Christian was saying "Da Da" at 6 months & didn't say anything close to Mama until 10 months old. :)

The Virus That Never Ends!

Wow, it is now Sunday night. I am finally well enough to hold my head up to type! All I can say is Thanks Be To God for the weekend! I don't know what we would have done if Zach had not been home. Honestly, I think I would have begged the pediatrician to admit us to the hospital. It was just that bad! I now have an even greater respect for those who have to go through Chemo b/c this virus was horrible, but I'm sure it can't touch that. How do they do it? I am just amazed at the strength and courage it must take!

Day 5:

Friday morning Charlie was up for the day at 5AM with a leaky diarrhea diaper. Good morning to me! He'd been up off and on during the night as well. By 9:30 John Christian had thrown up all over the kitchen floor b/c he drank too much water. The poor kid was just so thirsty, but refused to drink anything, but water. He wouldn't even go for a popsicle. As I cleaned the floor & the boys I decided we were getting out of the house. Nuts, I know, but I was going insane! I prayed the fresh air would do us some good.

In January I scheduled the boys to have their photo taken with a live bunny rabbit. The studio makes you prepay when you schedule b/c there is such demand & it's only a week long promotion. Originally they were supposed to go on Monday, but that was the day the VIRUS hit! B/c this was going to be their first "official" photo shoot together I stressed for weeks over what they would wear,& finally found something that satisfied me. I was determined to have their photo taken. Even if they threw up all over everything at least it would capture the moment of this time in their lives. Being inside your house for 5 days with sick children makes you do crazy things!

I got them to the studio & got them dressed. They were perfect angels. I could not believe it. They smiled and were so happy. The photos are great. I'll scan them and post as soon as I am able to pick them up. I thought maybe this was a sign that they were better! I was so wrong!

In the middle of all this I had called my doctor's office to beg him to give me something for my sinus infection without seeing me in the office. Thankfully, he has an 18 month old little boy & he understood. Yeah! I would be able to take something to get me through the boy's illness or so I thought!

While we waited for my prescriptions to get filled I called Cameron to check on my family. As it turns out my grandfather was put in the hospital sometime on Thursday. No one has really been able to tell me what's going on. I know is he is in the Critical Care Unit & they think he has fluid around his heart. My good friend Debbie's dad is his cardiologist & I take comfort in knowing that he will give him the best care possible!

After our little excursion out of the house Charlie went down for a nap, John Christian played in his room. I was able to sit on the couch in peace. That is until I decided to check on John Christian who was mighty quiet. He was in his room playing, but he had a diarrhea & yes, it leaked onto the floor! I helped him up and took him to hose him down in the bathroom. He was devastated. What another mess!

Finally, the boys went to bed around 7 - 8. They are totally off their routine at this point, & I am just happy for any moments that they sleep. Zach & I sat on the couch to watch some programs we'd Tivo'd. I started to feel nauseous & by 9PM the virus officially hit me. So much for keeping any sinus infection medicine down. At least partial dehydration helped clear up my sinuses! What a nightmare! I'm going to spare you all the details! I will just say that it made me feel really bad for my children. If the adult version is milder than the one children get my little guys have been beaten down b/c this was the worst I've ever felt in my entire life!

Day 7:
Today is Sunday. John Christian is pretty much back to his old self! Hooray!!
Charlie is still having ocasional vomiting & consistent diarrhea in addition to his cold, cough, & wheezing. Me, well, I'm still here. I've still got a yucky cough & need hydration, but I'll live. I don't have much of a choice b/c Zach goes back to work tomorrow. I just pray that Charlie will shake this virus & get back to the happy little guy I've grown to know & love. As a parent there's not much worse than seeing your children suffer & not to be able to fix it with a simple kiss. I'm sure there will be many more times I'll feel like this in the future!

Rotavirus from Hell!!

Zach was able to meet us at the pediatrician's office. It was nice to have an extra set of hands. Not only has John Christian been sick, he's been missing his dad now that he goes to work at 4:45AM & doesn't return home until at least 6PM.

The good news is that in all the exiting of food John Christian has only lost a little over a 1/2 a lb. He gets that from his mama. If his dad had been this sick he'd have lost 10lbs! Anyway, the good doctor seems to think he has the Rotavirus. Yuck! Here is the CDC's link on what it is:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/rotavirus.htm
They are actually coming out with a vaccine, but the boys will be too old for it by then.
Charlie has the virus too in addition to his cold & cough. He didn't have a fever this morning, but when we got to the pediatrician's office he did.

On the way home John Christian would not stop crying for his dad & a cheeseburger. I couldn't take the crying anymore & I flew into the nearest fast food place as quickly as I could. I figured he kept down the Cheerios I gave him on the way to the dr's office. So, why not? After all it would take a little while for him to throw it back up & it was worth it just to buy me a little peace & quiet on the way home. (I know some of you must be thinking I am terrible.) Hooray for Burger King! John Christian ate 4 bites of a plain cheeseburger, 3 french fries, & drank a little Root Beer. Root Beer is caffeine free, but really I was so happy to get the child to drink anything! At this point I would have bought him a 6 pack of Bud Light if I thought it would help! :)
(Warning: graphic content)
After we arrived home I started Charlie on medicine droppers full of Pedialyte. John Christian fell asleep on the couch around 3PM & Charlie was napping in my arms. Ahhh silence! The best part was I hadn't been puked on or changed a diarrhea diaper since 9:30AM! I couldn't have been happier. A little before 4PM I went into the kitchen to give Charlie a dose of Pedialyte. I was following Dr's orders & all afternoon I'd been setting the kitchen timer & giving Charlie small doses every 15 - 20 minutes. I do not want to spend the night in the hospital with a dehydrated baby again! So, while we were in the kitchen I hear John Christian scream. "Holy Crap", I'm thinking what in the world is going on b/c he was just sound asleep. I ran into the den & there it was! At first I thought he had thrown up the Burger King & I was feeling bad about it. Then I realized that was not puke all over my couch. It was something else. Something much worse & it had missed the nice towel I had John Christian laying on! I left Charlie on the floor screaming. I picked John Christian up & he would not quit screaming & ran him into the bathroom. I had no idea what in the world I was going to do!

Needless to say I am happy the cushions in the couch have removable covers that I immediately threw into the washing machine along with John Christian's favorite blanky, the towel, & his pillow. This one incident actually took 2 full loads b/c after I scrubed him in the bathtub (How does that get from one end to his face?) EWE!!! I had his clothes & the bathroom towels to wash amongst other things. What a mess!

Tonight I called a guy who does re-upholstery. He can replace the couch cushion for me at a pretty reasonable price. That poor couch! My poor boys! What a long day!

Out!

Sweet Charlie crashed on a towel on the couch! Being sick is hard work!

Piano Man

At least Charlie is happy! You'd never know in this photo that he's got a nasty cold & cough. Plus, he threw up everywhere this morning & the diarrhea has started. Poor Charlie. I breastfed these boys again, why? Did I mention I have a sinus infection? Tomorrow surely will be a better day! We go to the pediatrician this morning. Maybe he has a magic pill if not for the boys for Mom! :)

It's Baaaaack!

The virus is back! We went 13 hours without any signs. This morning John Christian vomitted all over the couch & his favorite blanky again! Thank goodness for spot shot. I'm also glad that I was practical when I picked out our couch. I didn't get the pretty one I really wanted, but instead went with one I knew would hold up with children!

*Note: John Christian has a pacifier in his mouth. He traded in all his pappies to "send" to Baby Thomas in exchange for new Thomas Trains. He went for 2 weeks without his pappy. Oh well!

Editor's Note:

I realize there is a lot of detail! This blog is going to help me keep track of things for the boys. At some point I will print the pages and put them in a scrapbook for them.

Ready to Eat!

John Christian just told me, "I want fruit snacks right now!" He is now asking for them over and over! At least I know he's getting his appetite back. He just doesn't understand that fruit snacks don't qualify as part of the "BRAT" diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, & Toast) of which he wants no part!

On the Up & Up! (We hope!)

Here are some photos I took around 10AM this morning. Charlie is not a fan of the bright camera lights unlike his brother who has been a ham since birth! He has also not been feeling so great. He coughed & sneezed all night long!

John Christian, however, is starting to move for the first time since Sunday night! His fever is also gone. I'm hoping we have seen the last of the yucky diapers! He's been begging for Chocolate Milk for the past 24 hours. I will be happy when he's better so that he can have some and quit asking me every second for it! ;)

Earlier this morning we went to the Thomas the Tank Engine website & printed sheets for him to color. That seemed to liven him up a little.

****I forgot to put a plug in earlier for TIVO. Thank you to Oprah for telling me about this wonderful invention! It has saved my sanity! For those of you who don't know what this does - it enables me to digitally record all of John Christian's favorite programs without a vcr tape. We can watch program after program without me fooling with putting tapes in and out of the vcr. I can also fastforward through any commercials! Modern Technology is great! How did our mom's survive?

John Thomas, Jr.

This is our baby cousin Thomas. He is 7 weeks younger than Charlie, but catching up fast! We can't wait to see him again!! 3 months is way too long!

Brothers Holding Hands!

This photo was taken a few days ago before the VIRUS came! Charlie has been sitting up alone now since Feb 27, the day he was six months old!

CRASH!

Both Boys Crashed On The Couch!

Still Sick & Tired Today

Charles William

Now that I've updated you on John Christian I thought I'd give you the low down on "Baby Charlie". Charlie has had rough winter also! He's kept a runny nose & cough off & on. He quit sleeping in December b/c he was constipated. (long story, but we ended up in the emergency room & have done various things over the months to finally get him on the right track) We were traveling b/c of Zach being home & the holidays & we got into some really bad sleep habits. He's had double ear infections that came with a fever & non-stop crying for 3 days. The antibiotic gave him diarhea for a week. He got over that only to end up with the same upper respiratory virus John Christian had. He was not a fan of the finger prick!

Finally, at the end of February I took Charlie in for his 6 month check-up. He didn't make it to the well baby part b/c he was so congested and wheezing. He came home with a nebulizer & had to use it 3 times a day. As a result of this visit the dr suggested we take the boys for an allergy screening. I panicked b/c I didn't know what we'd do if the boys were allergic to Molly! The nurse at the lab was not very friendly! For those of you who think shots are bad wait until you have to sit in a chair to hold down your 2 1/2 year old & then your 6 month old while 2 mean looking women hold them down from the front & draw their blood. I must say it sucks! On a positive note we get to keep Molly. Their tests came back negative!

A week later we did make it for his 6 month well baby check. He was 17lbs & 26 inches long! He's had quite the growth spurt. At birth he was 7lbs 3 ounces & 19 1/2 inches long.

After 3 weeks on the nebulizer Charlie was still sick. Last Thursday I took him back to the pediatrician. I'm sure the people in that office think I am a hypocondriac. He weighed 18lbs. He checked Charlie & sure enough he was still wheezing. Now he is on a new medicine that is once a day & some wonderful antihistimine that aids in his sleeping! Hooray for our new pediatrician! Charlie's breathing is much better now.