Good Times

We had a great week. Mommy's friend, Kimberly Jones, came down from Amarillo to visit. Kimberly has been a major influence in Mom's life; in fact, she was the person who convinced Mom to move down to the Galveston area 7 years ago. It was so nice having her around for awhile again.

While she was down, we went out with a bunch of Mom's old co-workers and laughed at all the crazy things that have happened over the years. Nathaniel was pretty content most of the time and when he felt the need for attention he would wave at the group until someone waved back - it was pretty cute.

Saturaday we celebrated Isaiah Saldivar's 2nd birthday. We go to church with the Saldivars and they have blessed us with all sort of cute outfits that they have passed down to Nathaniel. It was amusing to Mom and Dad how very independent Nathaniel has become now that he is offically an ambulator. He was all over the place, mostly unconcerned of the whereabouts of his parents. It is exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

And today we had Gram Aunt Peggy's 60 years young party. Nathaniel has no idea how very much this woman spoils him! It was a nice celebration with family.

All in all, it was a good week. We have been 2 weeks without antibiotics for the first time in a long time. Nathaniel is becoming more and more independent (and busy) in every way. He is less interested in us spoon feeding him and wants to use his pincher grasp and feed himself. He was introduced to whole milk this weekend and appeared to enjoy it. That was a pretty uneventful transition for us, thankfully. Every day is something exciting and new with Nathaniel....I just hope we can keep up.

Allergy Test

Have you ever been in an experience where you were getting something done, that you did not really want to find out but hoped that you would find something out, just to know it is still beyond your control? (Yes, read it again)

That was our experience this morning with Nathaniel's allergy testing. As a mom, I do not want him to have allergies but I also wanted there to be some kind of answer to why he always seems to have these lovely ear infections.

He was a champ through the allergy testing. He giggled as the nurse wrote numbers on his back, cried a little when the doctor was giving him the skin pricks, then continued playing under the table as if it were the best playground equipment ever made. He also mischievously tested his limits with touching the power cord, as you can see.

The final conclusion: Nathaniel is allergic to some tree and grass pollens. Of which I can not shield him from....he was negative to pets (thankfully, Ted would have had a melt-down if we had to get rid of the dogs and parrot), foods, and other tested substances. We are going to try singulair to see if that will ease some of his continual congestion.

A huge sigh of relief comes at the same time as a grunt frustration. So many questions are left unanswered. Here is hoping it will be outgrown soon, whatever "it" is.

And speaking of growing, I will be this many in 8 days,

So fast....

This morning as he was sleeping, I was once again admiring this amazing gift God has blessed us with. He is such a tremendous joy to us; and yet changing so fast. Each stage better than the last. As I watched him sleep he physically looked different to me today. My chubby baby boy is walking now and will soon thin out and lose some of his baby-ness. I will not be able to hold him in my arms forever and someday I will fondly recall these sleepless nights as "our special time together". And yes, I was a bit sad. I have loved every (well, almost every) moment of these past 11 1/2 months.

Today we attended cousin Isabella Yancy's third birthday party (again, reminding Mommy how quickly time flies). Here are some pics of his cousins and grandparents.

Then later today we got his hair cut (haircut #3). Although not quite what we were expecting, it really does make him look so different. My baby boy is indeed growing up...and I am not 100% sure I am ready for it. But ready or not, here he comes (Gulp!).

All-in-all it was a star-studded day and a lot of fun!

Donkeys, Rabbits and Goats...Oh, My!

Not quite ready for lions, tigers and bears; we started on a smaller scale. After all, he is only 11 months old.

The daycare Nathaniel attends had a carnival today (before torrential down pour took over the rest of the day), and part of that carnival was a little petting zoo. Nathaniel continues to demonstrate a deep affection for animals of all kinds. He was particularly taken with (tormenting) the baby goat and rabbits today - who were not so fond of Nathaniel.....watch closely!

He was also able to experience his first donkey ride. He neither hated nor loved the experience, he was just along for the ride (literally).

We also want to wish "Gram Aunt" Peggy a very happy 60th today. She is one of Nater-Bug's biggest fans. We hope the rain does not wash away her birthday plans.

Our little Frankenstein!

It is official, he is walking! Just a few days ago we were thrilled he took his first few steps and now he is getting around everywhere.

Easter Sunday

We had a nice, relaxing Sunday. There was no Easter bunny for Nate this year - it was damp and drizzly outside, but thankfully Grace, a friend from church, was in the spirit and gave Nathaniel a taste of what may come in the future....

We went and visited with Granny - where Nathaniel was the life of the party. All the people in the assisted living facility have to stop and look/touch/kiss/hug/comment on Nathaniel. We then had an enjoyable lunch with the Oberts and hurried home so Nathaniel could "chill with his Peeps".

Also, he cut his 5th tooth today (upper left) - they just keep coming.

Happy Easter everyone! May you remember the cost and feel the hope that only He can give.

Really Good Friday!

Compliments of Uncle Lee's Amazing Photography

Today was Good Friday, and although Nate really missed his time at his GramAunt Peggy's, he had a very memorable day. It all began with some glorious sleeping in time (Mommy had the day off work so she really appreciated this!). Then the Alexanders came down to play in the bluebonnet field. Riley and Emma kept Nathaniel laughing with his favorite game, Peek-a-boo and Aunt Olivia is working really hard to become the favorite aunt so you other aunts better step it up some :)

Most of you know this has been a very trying year in the Yancy household, while we went through the joy of the birth of our son, we were going through a very difficult and questioning time with Granny (Ted's mom) being on a ventilator and no one being sure she was going to make it. Last April (364 days ago to be exact), Granny got Guillan-Barre and was completely paralyzed; she has fought an uphill battle to get back on her feet. Twice over the past year we have received phone calls saying she probably would not make it much longer...yet each time she did. She has spent the entire last year in various hospitals and today she WALKED out of the rehab hospital and into assisted living! This was quite a joyous occasion for us for many reasons. Each milestone Nathaniel has had over the past year, has also been marked by Granny achieving similar milestones (sitting up, eating solid foods, pulling to stand, walking with adaptive devices). It has been an amazing journey and we are so proud - of both of them.

Tonight, as we moved Granny into her new place, Nathaniel had a blast using her walker to cruise around her room; only a kid with two therapists as parents would enjoy this so much. He also thought the non-babyproofed cabinets were quite a delight. Really, who needs toys????

Thank you to our life group, friends, and family for your continued support and prayers through this portion of our life journey. We could not do this alone. Here is to the next year being much less stressful for Granny - and for Nater Bug too!

A-huntin' he will go

The Easter season is upon us. Candy crammed in eggs and hidden in grass....I still do not quite understand that tradition, but being good parents we have allowed Nathaniel to engage in such activities. At this age the "hiding" was in plain sight, but Nathaniel still had a great time. He really loves banging eggs together (hence the fake eggs!).

Today was the Easter party at his daycare. I happened to snap a picture of he and his classmates with one of his favorite teachers, Ms. Nellie. Proof that kids can be nice when they want to (photo 1) and that their true colors shine through when they think no one is looking (photo 2).

"W" is coming

Last night Nathaniel took about 4 or 5 steps to me! We could not quite shoot video of him walking (he is easily distracted by the temptation of the camera) so we just got some speed walking with the walker. More to follow.

Feel the love!

Our anniversary was Sunday. In honor of that, Nathaniel began "kissing". Here is a sampling. First kiss is the best....not really sure what is going on by the third one.


He also had his first taste of ice cream that night. Although the pictures do not portray the sheer delight experienced by his taste buds, he absolutely loved it. I guess he did get some of my genes after all.

Surgery

I have a question about my surgery today.

1) You think you are going to what (ha, ha)? Fooled you!
2) Wait. Where? Yikes

This is your baby on drugs. Any Questions???

Nathaniel made it safely through his second surgery today. Poor kid. Although what doctors thought they were going to remove, was not there. There was an abundance of junk in his lungs though, which is quite disheartening. Back to the ENT next week.....Overall, he came through it all like a champ, much better than the first time. Mom, well...she had a harder time this time. Hopefully this is his last surgery...ever.