pun-kin patch

 Sam's pre school group had a trip to the pumpkin patch.

Evelyn, Preston and Mama tagged along

for fun.

Doesn't this boy look excited?

On the hayride, we went, to find... 

the perfect pumkins!

There was a hay bale maze,

petting zoo,

and the hay bale towers to climb!

We ended with punch & cookies.

"THE BEST DAY EVER!" declared Sam.

Preston was a good sport, riding in the stroller.

He is EIGHT months now.

*sporting two bottom teeth

*almost one top tooth

*sitting with confidence

*trying some solid foods

*laughing a lot

*loving stroller rides

*waving

p.s. his arm restraints have been off for a week.

(he's one month post-op)

It's like they were never even there,

he's moved on quickly.

Off to bigger adventures

for this boy!

afternoon music

The school bus lets her off.

Everyone is waiting...

for the "after-school"

to begin.

"Practice, practice, practice"

says the mama.

They all join in,
piano playing,

ukuleles are strummed,

music is made.
"mom, guess this tune!"
"how many songs?"

The mama & Preston,

 just enjoy the serenade.

two

Two weeks post-op

for Preston pie.

Healing,

amazing,

boy.

A rare "break" from

his restraints.

Time to move his arms,

clap and wave.

A challenging two weeks,

for sure.

By this time next week,

his arms will be free

back to school

We are a little late in our back to school posting...

the past few weeks have been hectic, to say the least.

Now, I happily present the school kids!

 

 Stella's first day was 30th.

This year she rides only ONE bus all the way to her

dual language program, no transfers, and she's pretty

happy about the situation.

 Sam's co-op pre-school started this week.

We kicked the year off at our house.

He has been counting down the days until his turn

to start school.

I love this picture!

True Sam style.

Cheers for a good school year!!!

Another look

 A room with a view...

 Preston's surgeon, Dr. Kuang. 

I love the way she is so sweet with him.

 From our first meeting with her, we knew she would

be good. 

The day we left.  Preston was able to finally wear clothes.

 The trip home a mere 26 hrs. post-op,

was a bit rough.  A few more tears shed,

by Preston & mom.

Preston's  new  hardware.

This little blue arm braces are

designed to keep his arms stiff

and held down, away from his face,

so that the healing is uninterrupted.

They're his constant companions for the next

THREE weeks!

Look at that face!

So sweet.

cleft lip repair

 Our handsome Preston boy

was scheduled for his cleft repair/rhinoplasty.

 Shriner's in Portland was the place we chose.

On the hill overlooking Portland

and the Willamette River

on this beautiful day in September.

 We arrived in PACU at 6 am.

Preston was re-checked and given a cute

little gown.

He was interested in the crib

and loved the "call" buttons!

 Off he goes into the operating room.

I snapped this picture,

just before the tears started (for me--not him)

All the Drs. & nurses kept commenting on

his happy disposition.

Even happily being carried by the Dr.

 The surgery lasted about 2 hours.

We were called down to recovery as he was waking.

 He calmed to the sound of our voices.

When I offered, he began to nurse.

We have spent the rest of the day snuggling & rocking,

keeping him comfy and calm.

We are so thankful for the many prayers and support.

birthday boy

5 years!

This was finally the year for a friend party.

All he wanted was a swim party,

with his cousins and his friends.

A very kind friend let us borrow their pool and yard for a Saturday afternoon.

Let the swimming begin!

Cousins, nana, papa, great grandparents,

aunts, uncles, parents.

 a school friend, a neighbor friend & a church friend,

all the crowd a boy could want.

Presents, cupcakes and sno cones

added to the excitement

Five is a looking good