We had a great Thanksgiving at home. We burned a fire in the fireplace all day and had a wonderful lunch with Dee, GranGran, PopPop, Susan, Rob, and Campbell. Everyone pitched in making hosting quite easy!
Love that the two Daniel's dressed alike!
Good times...very relaxing...not many pictures! Sorry! Hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving too!
Bear with me (or don't) as I journal my thoughts and memories of the past week.
I love my husband's perspective. Last Wednesday, I was filled with anxiety. It was affecting me badly. He reminded me that all of this was just an adventure...one that we would come out on the other side of. I love the way he thinks. Here's how our adventure went...
Early Thursday morning we said good-bye to our three youngest and headed to Atlanta with Philip. Philip is a pleasure to travel with. He's easy going...doesn't complain...carries on entertaining conversation at times and quietly reads/watches videos at other times.
Our first stop was Dr. Schrader's office. After a few x-rays and a range of motion examination, Dr. Schrader told us he was changing the plans yet again. You see first we were told he needed the core decompression surgery (least invasive). After the MRI, we were told he was between the core decompression and femoral osteotomy (much more invasive). At a doctor's visit after Elizabeth's wedding, Dr. Schrader made the decision to do the core decompression. Back and forth it seemed...each time I prepared myself mentally.
The x-rays showed that Philip's femoral head was already compressed and flattened...not great news...but it meant that he was pass the core decompression helping. However, his femoral head was well contained and his range of motion was good so the osteotomy was not necessary either...very good news! He decided to still put him under anesthesia and do another detailed x-ray that would check his cartilage and then simply cast him. We were still anxious due to the anesthesia but thrilled that surgery was avoided.
After a visit to orthotics to get fitted for the brace he will wear after the cast and a visit with the physical therapist, we headed to Elizabeth and David's for Philip's favorite part of the trip! Elizabeth fixed a great dinner and we enjoyed spending time with the newlyweds!
Early the next morning we arrived at Scottish Rite Hospital for Philip's procedure. There are no words to describe the quality of care we received from all parties involved. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is a first rate deal. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We checked in and met with several nurses, doctors, fellows, etc. Some 'goofy juice' to relax him (I wanted some too) and before we knew it he was off.
Saying goodbye was hard for me but Philip seemed relaxed at that point. He wasn't gone for even an hour before Dr. Schrader returned to say that everything went well. He was satisfied with the cartilage and was able to cast him. Once Philip began to awaken, they returned him to us.
At first, he wasn't bothered by the cast...just the IV. Thank goodness for the iPad! It was a good distraction.
We stayed for a bit to make sure the anesthesia wore off okay, and then we were released.
Dr. Schrader wasn't quite comfortable releasing us to travel to Mobile, so we stayed one more night at Elizabeth and David's. Philip was a little uncomfortable. His stomach couldn't get settled and despite trying all sorts of foods he couldn't find something that tasted good. His spirits were a little down.
Two things brought him out of it....Uncle David got him ice cream...
and Daddy suggested a phone call to his brother, Daniel...
Both worked! He slept pretty well that night...just waking once a little alarmed that he couldn't roll over. The next morning we were happy to be headed home. The trip was long and uncomfortable for him, but believe me when I say this kid does not complain.
watching live college football on Dad's phone in the car!
Once in Mobile, we were happy to be back together with all the boys.
We watched lots of football on the porch and even discovered that Philip could still throw a little too!
We have continued to do well at home. We have had tons of help from friends with food. I haven't cooked a dinner this week! Philip has been showered with gifts! The basket from his classmates alone looked better than a Santa Claus visit to this house!
While it is a little physically taxing carrying him around the house, I have to say that it is a little special having all this time alone with Philip. He is such a pleasurable kid to be around. I truly think that when I look back on this ten years from now, I will feel so blessed to have had some uninterrupted time with just him. He never complains...only thinks positively. Wonder who he gets that from? An adventure, indeed.
My two oldest are obsessed with all things football right now. They watch any game we allow...high school, college or the pros. They ask Chris a million questions as they watch and seem to be learning a lot about the game. While I don't think either will have a future career as a football player, it gives Chris and I pleasure to see them enjoying something that Chris (who never played organized football) loves!
About a month ago, we allowed them to stay up and watch "The Manning Story" on ESPN. If you have not seen it, check it out. (Should be available on OnDemand.) We all loved it. Such a testament to the relationship between brothers and the bond between fathers and sons. Good stuff.
From Philip's reading test...using vocabulary words in a sentence
One thing I loved about the show were all the clips of the Manning boys playing football in the backyard. Peyton wasn't even allowed to play organized ball until 7th grade. The clips were great and inspired me to do more videoing. Again...not because I think Philip and Daniel will one day bring home Super Bowl rings but simply because it is fun to watch them play!
Last week was a nightmare. I was lunch mom for both Philip and Daniel's class. I had a Halloween program at William's school on Wednesday, Halloween parades and parties at St. Paul's, and a Halloween party at Westminister. The week was full.
I laughed to Chris at some point that the only thing that would make it worse if one of the boys was singing on the red steps on Friday. Thank goodness we didn't have that!
Well God has a sense of humor!
On Friday, hungover from too much sugar, I loaded four reluctant boys in the car for carpool. I had been on a morning run and was still in my smelling running clothes. William and John were in their pajamas...no shoes on their feet. At least Philip and Daniel were ready for school.
In the carpool line, the phone rings. It's Philip's teacher letting me know that Philip will be the processing with the flag at their chapel service that day. What to do?
I called Chris and he said, "well you go." So go we did. Stinky, barefoot, pjs and all.
Big boy did a great job. I thought I videoed it, but apparently I did not. The only photo I got was of him practicing.
It was not even 5:30 on Thursday night and I was done with Halloween. My least favorite holiday. But with four little people I am forced to fake it...and to celebrate it all week!!
At the pumpkin patch picking out our pumpkin...one insisted on wearing his costume...Mama has come a long way from adorable handmade fall outfits...
Dad and his only helper carving it...
William's Halloween program...
John's trick or treat through the library...
Philip and Daniel's Halloween parade...
William's Halloween party...
John thankfully didn't have a Halloween party but he did dress festively (much to his dismay!)...
Obligatory pictures on the front step...
Trick or treating at Dee's...
We all went to the neighborhood party and then Chris took the three youngest trick-or-treating. Philip and I stayed home and sat on the porch handing out candy. I loved my time alone with this one...
As I put him to bed that night, he asked if his leg would be better next Halloween. I told him that I hoped so but there was just no way of knowing. He said, "Well, I just really liked handing out candy with you." Sweet boy. Showing such maturity in this hard time. Love him to pieces.
