My baby boy's hands

These are my baby boy's hands. 

My heart sinks when I look at them. A month ago I thought they were perfect - meaning problem free.  But now I see a problem. Do you?

A routine visit to his pediatrician, a slight mention of a comment JD made to me, and BOOM - we're at a specialist telling me surgery is our only option.  He has a congenital condition called "Trigger Thumb" that must be corrected, otherwise he won't have complete use of his hand. It's been going on for longer than we knew already, and has ruined the joint connecting his thumb to his hand. The hope is by releasing his tendon the joint will heal and correct function will be restored. 

My stomach hurts when I look at him. I know what's coming, he has no idea. I feel like we're tricking him. All he knows is that the doctor is going to "fix" his hand. That's it. He doesn't know where, when, how, etc. I'm prayerfully considering how/when to tell him. In the meantime I feel awful because it's always on my mind. I'm near tears when I look at him.  

My prayer list is extensive. Lengthy. I can't even begin to know the beginning or end of it.  

I had multiple surgeries on my hand when I was little. I can now imagine how my mom felt. Fortunately, I don't remember too much. I only remember one surgery, and that's when I was older ( I think). I remember the counseling, the doll I made, the office, the hospital room with lots of kids in it. I remember the pins in my thumb making me sick to my stomach. 

I don't know what to expect. I don't know if they'll counsel him like they did me. I think it would be good if they did, because clearly I'm lost, even having been through it. 

I know kids have surgery all the time. Major, life changing, life saving surgery. And those are a big deal. I've been following a story about a little boy that had to have heart surgery. I can't imagine what that's like. But, this is a big deal too. He's only 3! My 3 year old has to go under anesthesia. I have to end this thought here. 

I trust God. I really do. I'm still praying that He will just heal it so we can avoid the whole thing. I trust JD into God's hands, without reserve. He gave him to me, what choice do I have?The Man who thought JD up, Who formed him and gave him his hands, Who gave him his green eyes like his mommy, Who gave him the light & energy he wakes up with every morning, Who gave him to me & James - He's the only One to rely on here. 

You should have heard JD tonight. I took the kids to church for James' high school study's thanksgiving party. James got everyone to settle down and was about to pray when JD took over praying for him. He thanked God for his food. He thanked God that he got to go to the "high school room with Daddy". He thanked God for this day and a few more things. I was in tears. In a room full of loud, big, high school kids JD commanded the attention and prayed to God. Pride was pouring out of me. 

And tomorrow we're going to Travis' house. JD's best friend from preschool. He's BEYOND THRILLED. Hopefully I can get some pictures of the two of them in action!

Camping *Xtra Long Post*

We went camping this weekend at Heise Park in Julian. My mom and dad love camping in their motorhome, and the kids do too. I wasn't entirely looking forward to it, and as I thought on it a little I discovered why ...... the last time we went I was newly pregnant with Tella, literally barfing my guts up. No wonder I had a hard time getting the excitement going!

Pushing the memory of barfing behind me, we arrived early Friday afternoon ready to go! I often forget just how comfortable I am in the outdoors. We camped often as kids, and I really love the outdoors... getting dirty, climbing trees, hiking trails, campfires. I like that the kids get to run wild outside all day with no (or very few) rules. They can explore, investigate, run, collect anything and anywhere they want. 

Here's a ton of pictures... I had a hard time paring down, so enjoy!

Here are the kids and my dad (in the tree)...

Tella smashing her face in the playpen, which I found hysterical!

JD covered in leaves..

Capri, not nearly as excited as JD, but enjoying it nonetheless

This reminds me of when I was little. We always played with the leaf piles after they had been raked up. 

In the motorhome, playing while waiting to eat...

The best thing ever, an apple dumpling with fresh ice cream... ohh yumm

We saw deer everywhere, in crowds of 5 or 6 even. The ranger later told us it was hunting season and the deer hang out in the park because you can't shoot them there. So fun for the kids to see.

Heise park is also full of wild turkeys. The kids especially loved chasing after the turkeys!

Our campfire..

This is Capri enjoying nature deep in thought with her white blankie..

Tella eating her version of a S'more

Capri's favorite part:

Grandpa and JD love it too!

I did some tree climbing too, the kids got a kick out of that!

This is a large tree right in our campsite. You can climb inside and it's sort of like a house, the kid's loved it! They played in there most of the time.

Grandma & Capri in the tree reading books.

Well there you go... sorry it's so long. I really did pare down!

Preschool Parties

This morning was the kids' preschool thanksgiving parties. Capri's party was quite good!!! They had a ton of food (GOOD FOOD, that I got none of....) and I think she enjoyed herself.  JD's class party was good too- less food - but still good. I was so happy to be able to go without the baby... Tella got to spend a little quality time with Grandma Meef and Grandpa Gary. James and I make a point to make it to every class party we can, because it's way too sad not to... the last party I went to I found Capri sitting all alone at a table far away from everyone else. Unacceptable. So, you see, we make it to everything we can. 

Capri, annoyed that they have to do a craft before they can eat:

Capri, clearly enjoyed the above referenced craft

JD's class party...

JD's craft...

JD and his BFF Travis, couldn't get them to look at the same time....

I got to sit in on Chapel, can you pick them both out?

Capri praying...

We came home and I promptly put JD and the baby down for naps, and me& Capri laid down too. She fought the nap with all of her being, but I desperately needed it and slept for a little while. Then she & I  got up, and she colored in her coloring books silently while I dozed AGAIN! I'm telling you I needed it. Wish I could say I felt better though, I didn't. Then we all went outside to play with all the neighborhood kids while I talked with the other mom's about our christmas decoration plans. I'm so excited to report that others will be decorating this year - usually it's just us!

We finished out the night at Souplantation.... JD's favorite. When he prayed for his dinner he thanked God for every single item on his plate: kidney beans, beets, olives, salad and all the rest. 

James is off to San Francisco early tomorrow morning, and we're off to go camping. I don't know how that will go. Let's hope for the best. 

Merry Madagascar

Tonight on TV was a Christmas special, and the kids were so excited to watch it. I found the special itself to be sort of a let down, but it was so built up for them I don't think they noticed. We set the room up "picnic style" and had some special treats. 

Here they are watching the popcorn machine:

All set up for the show, hot chocolate and all..

Another big thing....

I couldn't resist.... here's a cute pic of Tella's big booty (and thighs)!

"Hey! Are you taking a pic of my booty?"

Tella's been cracking us up lately... she's getting really fiesty, taking toys, having opinions. She's all about her big babydoll with the eyes that close. She's getting so big all the sudden, turning into a little girl instead of a baby......

Big things!

Halloween

Friends from New Jersey - Big Hal and Billy

with Grandpa Gary and JD

Friends from New Jersey - Judy and Calette 

with Grandma Meef, Me, Capri and Donatella

JD's New Spiderman Bed - He Loves it!

Keeping with the theme

My lovely neighbor is loaning (or gave? not sure) us a spiderman and batman costume for JD to wear. He's hilarious with them on, and Batman is a favorite. He has no frame of reference for Batman... he thinks he's a bad guy. I keep insisting he's not, to which JD answers "I'm pretending mommy!" Ok, whatever you think buddy.

Capri takes dress up very seriously. And however she puts it on is right. Yes, that is a headband with a veil, and yes she's wearing it on her forehead. No, I cannot fix it. And yes, that is batman reading in the background. 

Close up... how cute are those freckles?

Mr. Bear is from Capri's class, and he gets to stay with us for a few days. We have to take pictures of him wherever he goes... and we took him to the library. We're taking him a few other places too... and have lots of pictures, because Mommy's competitive side has kicked in. How cute is she?

Every time I turn around this is what I see....

Tella standing up holding onto something. She's already got a bruised forehead from a bonk on the table, but she is not discouraged at all.

This pic I thought might bring back memories for my Mom in law. I often hear stories of my husband in undies and rainboots playing "thunderlips".... JD created this look himself, though not playing thunderlips. I just thought it funny, like father like son!

And this last one, maybe you're wondering why I took at picture of my door. That's my laundry room door. And those are my kids socks neatly placed in front of it. I have taught my kids to put their shoes in the shoe basket, and their socks by the washer when they come in the door. Today I didn't even remind them to do it. They did it all on their own. And I'm so impressed. They are such good listeners (sometimes) and are becoming such responsible little kids! I'm so proud. 

Tomorrow is back to school night for the kids preschool. I'm kind of looking forward to this. For many reasons. Most of all I want to see Capri's work. And, starting soon I'll begin volunteering in her class so that I can be all up in what's going on in there. Doesn't that sound good? I think so.