Walking Video and "Ma-Ma"

Since Drew's ear surgery on Tuesday you can already tell such a difference in the way he feels and acts. He has definitely started walking more independently and much more confidently! I managed to get this video this evening and thought I'd share with all of you!!




And in other news....He finally said "Ma-Ma" clearly and with purpose (at least I'll claim it as on purpose)!! I've been waiting so long to hear it so it's definitely music to my ears!!

A Successful Surgery

Drew's surgery for his ear tubes went exceptionally well yesterday. I know it's a common procedure and that children have it done all the time, but this time it was MY baby and that makes it anything but common!!! We had to be at the surgery center (not the actual hospital, thankfully) at 6:30AM. We were actually glad that it was that early since Drew couldn't have anything to eat or drink before he went in - I didn't want to have to deal with a grumpy almost 14 month old who couldn't have his milk or a snack!!! We were able to stay with him until they were ready to take him into the OR and then were let back into the recovery room as soon as he was finished. We were probably only separated for 15 minutes. I was able to hold him as he came out of the anesthesia and thankfully he pretty much just slept it off. He cuddled up on my chest and stayed that way until he was ready. They gave him some juice (which he loved, of course) and the only time he cried when waking up was when the juice ran out and he wanted more. He fell asleep again on the way home and slept most of the morning. Other than being a little sleepier than normal, and a little bit clingier than normal, you'd never know what he'd gone through. Overall a good experience (at least as good as it can be) and hopefully one that will make a huge difference in the way he feels. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers!!

They had the cutest little hospital gown for him to wear.

And this is him playing in the afternoon - you'd never guess he'd had surgery!!

We have a molar!!!

This past weekend when giving Drew a bath I looked in his mouth and saw something. I stuck my finger in to see and low and behold it was a new tooth!! He has his first molar and there are more on the way. We're very fortunate that he doesn't really seem to have a big problem with teething (maybe that's our trade off for all the ear infections). Just thought you'd like to know.

New pics

Okay, I'm trying to be better about getting pictures posted. Here's your latest installment...

Reading books

How could you resist??
Hello, Elmo
I LOVE to eat fruit!! (especially bananas - but these peaches are pretty good too)
"Talking" on the phone and playing with my tongue (multi-tasking already!!)
What a beautiful day to play in the sandbox!

Baby laughs are the best!

Thought you'd like to hear what we consider to be one of the best sounds in the world!!

Tubes

If you are a regular reader of this blog you'll know that Drew has been having repeated ear infections (or one big long one) for the past few months. After last week our pediatrician recommended we see an ENT. Yesterday morning I took Drew to Dr. Chauvin who looked over his records, checked his ears, and recommended getting tubes. We've scheduled the surgery for next Tuesday and hopefully it will make a huge difference! It's a little scary thinking about my baby needing to go under anesthesia (even if it's only for a short time), but I trust that God will be by his side the entire time (and ours too!) and he'll be fine. I'm praying that this procedure will help Drew to feel so much better and will ensure that he is able to hear well and that his speech development is not delayed. The doctor also said that his motor skills (walking) will probably take off as well (he could be experiencing some balance issues due to fluid in his ear). We'll keep you posted and would appreciate your prayers!

Destin

This past weekend was a momentous one for the Wiggins family. For the first time since Drew was born we left him for an entire weekend with Gigi and crew. We'd never left him for more than a few hours, so this was a really big deal!! I finished weaning him the weekend before, so this was also the first real opportunity for me to be away from him for an extended period of time.

Russell and I had a wonderful weekend in Destin. It's a cute little town about 4 hours from here on the beach in Florida. The weather was kind of cold and windy, so we didn't go to the beach, but we did spend some time shopping (they have a great outlet mall) and enjoyed reconnecting and talking like adults. This was sort of a "trial run" for our trip we've planned this summer. Everything went well, so all plans are GO for Jamaica in July!!! Drew had lots of fun playing with Gigi (Russell's mom), Grandpa Randy (her husband), Grandma Joyce and Grandpa Jack (Russell's grandparents). They played with toys at home, in the sandbox in the backyard, went to the park, out to eat, and I'm sure a million more things!! Thanks to all of them for coming and helping us out. We really appreciate it and look forward to July!!!!

Here we go again

After the second straight weekend of Drew running fever (only on the weekend) I took him to the doctor yesterday afternoon. Wouldn't you know, we've got the beginnings of another ear infection and are going to see an ENT specialist next week. What fun!!! Please keep us all in your prayers as we weigh all of our options and make the best decisions for our family. He's back on antibiotics again (it's a good thing he doesn't fight taking his medicine!) and should be feeling much better soon. (I certainly hope so since Gigi and crew are coming this weekend!!!)

Some cute pics