Friday, February 26, 2010

Feeling Better

Titus had a much better night last night and he had no fever last night or this morning. He's still a bit congested (and he hates being suctioned), but it looks like we have turned the corner a bit. When I left for work this morning, he was taking his bath and happy to be splashing around in the tub.

Now, if I could feel better, we would all be good for the weekend. But, my wife and family would be happy if I don't share the details of how I am feeling so I'll spare you the details.

Becky and I are going to Phantom of the Opera tonight. I first saw it in London in 1987 and I remember catching myself with my mouth hanging open. It was truly groundbreaking in 1987. Becky and I saw it when we were dating, and at our wedding, Becky sang "All I Ask of You" to me. Over the years, we've probably seen it 5 or 6 times including on our honeymoon. So, tonight will be a fun date with my wife and best friend.

Thank you for the prayers this week for Titus.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Rough Night

Titus is still fighting this bug he has. Vanessa was not there last night since she has completed her 3 nights this week, so Becky and I were up with Titus. One of us was up with him every hour. I don't think either one of us got more than 3 hours sleep. He seemed to be better during the day, but as with many bugs, when night falls, his fever and secretions increased.

As stated before, Titus does not cry a lot - he's a very content baby. But yesterday and last night, he has just whined and cried. You can tell he just doesn't feel good. We are praying this will run it's course in the next few days. And we are praying that we can get some rest today.

I attended the funeral for Kelsey Matthews yesterday. Becky went to the viewing the night before. Honestly, it was very tough knowing that we could very well be the family sitting on the front row. But we do not dwell on the uncertainties of the future, but we rejoice in each day that we have Titus. He is and always has been a blessing.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Something's Brewing

Well, Titus has a fever. It started last night and although he was a happy camper and playing, he still had 101. Becky took him to the doctor today, and everything looks fine, his lungs are sound clear. . . he just has a fever. His nose is running all over the place - and goes from thin/clear to a little gunky (I know . . . TMI). But the doctor didn't see any tell-tell signs of infection.

So, we are diligently watching him, keeping him dosed up on tylenol, and doing his breathing treatments every few hours. Right now, he's in his light box playing away, but his temp is still a bit high.

As always, we would appreciate your prayers for his health and that we can manage this at home. Lisa has been here during the day the last few days, and Vanessa has been here at night - so he's been getting plenty of tender-loving care from his nurses.

And, please pray for the Mathews family. Their sweet, 6-month old girl passed away on Saturday. She spent most of her life in the hospital and although she is perfectly healed now, her family needs to be lifted up and supported during this time. The service is tomorrow. You can read about their journey at http://www.theupfamily.blogspot.com/

Monday, February 22, 2010

A few Pictures


Here are a few pictures from the weekend. Titus loves his yellow bucket. We spin him around in it and he laughs and giggles. The middle picture is of his light box that I referenced a few days ago.I know to some it may look like a choking hazard, but seriously, it's very safe from him to play in. And the last picture is Titus looking at himself in the mirror. This our new play time activity.

Titus has developed a bit of congestion over the weekend. He's got a small cough and runny nose, so we have been suctioning him a bit this weekend, but his lungs sound clear and he's not running any fever. But other than that, he's been his usual happy self.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Star Wars

The boys attend MArCH Enrichment every Friday. MArCH is the McKinney Area Christian Homeschool association. Each of the boys have a variety of classes they go to on Friday and it is one of the highlights of their week.

Last night, I asked Tucker how Enrichment was today. He told me about the rainbows they made in one class and on the playground he played with Garret and Levi. So, I asked Tucker what games did he play on the playground.

"We played Star Wars, dad. I was Luke, Garret was Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Levi was Nancy".

Nancy? I've watched Star Wars numerous times in the last 25 years - and I don't ever remember a Nancy. Oh well, boys will be boys (or Nancy).

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Awareness

Titus is showing more and more awareness and familiarity with items. It truly is amazing to see this awakening happen. He has definitely learned to show dissatisfaction when you change him from one activity that he really likes. We have learned to take his hands and sign 'all done' before picking him up and moving him so that he knows things are about to change.

But just like with other kids, there are times you do not always give a warning. The other night, Titus was playing in his light box . A light box is a pvc box that's covered on 3 sides and has toys hanging from the top - and it has a string of lights in it.  This enables Titus to reach up and find toys to play with and works his muscles in his arms. Titus had been playing in his light box for 45 minutes and it was time for dinner so I went in to bring Titus to the table. I forgot to sign 'all done' and just picked him up.

Titus arched his back, screwed up his little face, and let out a loud cry - and then proceeded to sob with big crocodile tears. And I just had to laugh. He's done this several times lately when he's been playing and we change his activity. I starting sign to him 'all done' and put him the high chair with a toy - but he grumped a few minutes to let me know he was NOT happy about being taken away from his play time.

Later that night, we were sitting on the sofa watching American Idol. Titus was in my lap (grinding his teeth which just puts me on edge). Noah and Aidan went to get ice cream and brought me a bowl. As soon as the bowl was in my hand, Titus started arching his back and trying to look up at me and licking his lips. He looked just like a little bird who wants the worm from his mother. We have given him drops of ice cream before - and he has quite the sweet tooth. He must have smelled the flavor of the ice cream and wanted to be sure that I knew he wanted some. I put a drop on his tongue, he smiled, smacked his lips, and then did his squeal. And as soon as that drop was done, he wanted another and kept repeating the same motions.

They may seem like small, insignificant little events, but it's the small things we see in him that are awakening. He has a personality, he has a temper, and he's showing us he is cognitive. And at the end of the day, when we are tired and worn out, we lay him in his bed, and he grins real big, puts his hands up to touch my face, and I know that all the work, all the therapy, all the effort is worth it.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Yes - He Needs a Haircut




Titus needs a haircut - and the pictures really point it out. But his hair is one of those things that has changed so much the past few months. It use to be so course and brittle on top, and it's just gotten softer and softer. We were looking at Noah's baby pictures and the resemblance between the two of them at this stage is quite cute.

Plus, Titus loves the tv - If his back is turned to it, he will turn his head or arch back until he can see it. I keep telling Becky that we really need a larger TV (1080p, DLP, 60-70 inch) over the fireplace. I think it would really improve his therapy - don't you agree?

Friday, February 12, 2010

Snow!






Dallas had a record snowfall yesterday - up to 10 inches in some part of town. It started snowing around 6am snowed constantly for 18 hours. The boys had a blast yesterday and today in the snow.

But now, it's starting to melt - and I'm starting to wonder with all the rain and now the snow if we will ever dry out here in Dallas.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Just a Note

For those of you who just get the email update, the video I posted of Titus at the dentist didn't come through on the email update - so make sure you check out the blog to watch the video. He was amazing - and you can hear Becky, Lisa (our nurse) and the dentist discussing him - so cute.

Titus Goes to the Dentist

Titus went to the dentist this week. It was at Children's Hospital and they were wonderful. He just let them work on his teeth and didn't fuss at all.

He's been doing so good lately. He loves to play on the floor and has become quite good at rolling from side to side.