Drew & His Tummy

Many months ago I noticed a small bump above Drew's belly button. It didn't seem to bother him, and never got bigger and I would only notice when I changed his diaper. At his 2 year appointment I pointed it out to the doctor. She said it was most likely an umbilical hernia. She ordered an ultrasound just to be sure, and assured me if that was what it was, he wouldn't require any kind of repair until he was 4 or 5. The results were negative/normal.

OK...now what?
She said they sometimes do not appear on an ultrasound, you have to catch them at the right "moment." I thought that was strange since it was clear to me anytime he lifted his shirt! We were then referred to a pediatric surgeon. As soon as he lifted Drew's shirt, the surgeon said "Yup! He's got one!" Only it wasn't umbilical in nature. More intestinal-y. And there was no waiting till he was older. Umbilical hernias sometimes fix themselves over time. He assured us this one would not get better and would definitely get worse. So we were scheduled for surgery a few weeks later.

The surgeon is a really nice guy and promised it was a simple out-patient surgery and he would be good to go. I was mostly concerned about the anesthesia. And the recovery. Especially since we were supposed to camp at San Clemente starting the day after surgery.
Thankfully, everything went great! And Rady's Children's Hospital? That place is better than Disneyland for Drewby! There were motorized trains, fishies, a playhouse, bubbles, cartoons, tons of fun! Each patient is given a pager (for the parents) during each step of the process. There were kids all over in their cute little hospital gowns and bracelets. Drew didn't get any time off between his pre-op and the procedure. Once we went to the back they tried to take his vitals, but he held his breath. That's when the bubbles came out. Those guys were prepared for everything kids could throw at them. He was even asked what "flavor" anesthesia he wanted. I chose strawberry for him. Then the nurse came to take him away. I thought for sure he wouldn't go with her willingly, but he did once she mentioned "candy." We were told it was a 40 minute procedure, but it was more like 20.

The next few minutes we were paged and watched the screen that told us he was being taken to recovery. When we saw him he had a cup full of juice and a big red popsicle. He had been fasting a LONG time and was not giving up anything to let Mommy hold him. Three cups of juice later and his IV removed, we dressed him and were ready to go home. He ran out of there and straight for the train. He was perfect. Just fine, like nothing had happened. Not really even noticing the bandage on his belly.

He loves to show off his little scar.
Such a brave boy!

Mini Trip to France

Took a little trip to France with Mom and Shannon. It helps to have relatives that work for an airline. I didn't think it possible to drop everything onto Chris and up and go. Although he did say I should and he'd be angry if I didn't!
Good: Spending time with Mom and Shannon. Discovering I still understand as much french as I expected. Exit rows. Not being a missionary there. No cell phone.
Not so good: Losing contact lens. Not enough time to take in culture. Not having Chris with me. Jet lag. Discovering I don't speak french like I expected. Paris smells the same. Short trip. It is still winter in France.

Since when are kebabs called greques? They don't taste the same. At least this one didn't.
Also, I didn't set foot inside a boulangerie! Not even for a bagette! Unbelieveable!

Some who went with me mentioned they probably won't ever be back. But for some reason, I'm pretty sure I will. France for certain. Paris most likely.

Thanks for a lovely trip! We should do it again soon!

soccer and baseball

Dillan is crazy busy this spring. He was determined to play spring soccer, I was determined not to let him give up baseball. So we're doing both. This makes for crazy practice schedule and game time conflicts. We deal with each as it happens. Of course I want baseball to be the priority, but Dillan would choose soccer. What has been nice is that he seems to enjoy baseball still. I know it's not his favorite and he still needs more practice to boost his confidence, but he's trying and wants to be better.

Go Pirates!

don't forget Leah!

 Leah finally had her chance to go up in front of the whole school at flag salute. I wasn't sure how she would do, but she seemed to be ok, although obviously shy and not sure what to do.
 She earned the KC Award from her class for the month of January. She got another dog tag for her necklace and got to put her handprint on the wall of the cafeteria.
 Later on that day she asked Dillan if he saw her when she got up. His response: Yes! I heard the last name Anderson and then saw you and I was like "Go Leah!" Proud big brother.

Since it was also the 100th day of school, she had her 100 beads necklace she had made specially for that day.
We are so proud of you LuluBee!
Keep up the good work!

two!

Our little Drewby Doo is 2! He is so much fun at this age, although definitely starting to get more independent. Instead of following Mommy around like a little duckling, he now runs away laughing every time he sees me. Open a door in the house and he bolts straight for outside. 6 months ago our doctor told us to expect a huge boost in his vocabulary. It's been more like an explosion! He repeats everything and uses at least one new word a day. Like today it was the word "outside."

  
He also has a great love of music. Some of the songs he sings are Old McDonald, Jingle Bells, Popcorn Popping, and 4 Little Monkeys. He also sings the song from The Harry Potter Puppets "Annoying Ticking Sound," thanks to his brother and sister watching it nearly everyday during Christmas vacation. He gives kisses and hugs, loves to snuggle and cuddle dolls and stuffed animals. Whenever Gangnam Style starts to play, he starts to dance. Anything with a good beat gets him moving!

He loves cars and trucks, especially those with faces (like Lightning McQueen.) He eats pretty much everything except Mac & Cheese. He insists upon using a spoon and/or fork at every meal, and has started sitting on a chair at the table instead of his booster seat with tray.

He loves following Dillan and Leah all over and playing with their toys while they're at school. One of his favorites is Leah's Baby Alive. He likes to feed her juice and bananas when she asks for them. He is quite the babysitter!

Still faithful to his left thumb, although seems less over time.

Dear Drew,
 You are the funniest kid around! You always bring a smile to our faces. There is so much energy and charm in you that brings smiles to everyone you meet. People on the street always comment on your adorable thumb-sucking and your sweet shy eyes when they say hello. 
 You love to play at the park and dance around when you hear a good beat (Gangnam Style). Your brother and sister love to play with you and help you explore the world. You have a great love for animals just like Daddy, especially dogs.
 Whenever you cuddle with Mommy or Daddy it doesn't take long before you are sound asleep. You like to give kisses and grab the face you are kissing. You are so full of love and sweetness.
 One of your favorite things to play with are toothbrushes. You like to open cupboards and put your sippy cup inside whenever you finish your (favorite) chocolate milk.
 We love having you part of our family and are so grateful for the huge blessing you are in our lives.
Happy Birthday!

Love always,
 Mom and Dad

Disneyland!

For Christmas, Santa (via our Elf) gave us annual passes to Disneyland! We figured we would try it for a year. Then in 2014, we can get ready for Disney World! Our friends also have passes, and we've had so much fun with them!

Seeing everything decorated for the holidays was also a lot of fun. We even got snowed on one night!

It has also been good for the kids and their allowance money they are working on earning and saving. Dillan saved $100 in 2011 for Disney World and is now trying to save $200 for Disney World 2014.









Discovering California Adventure has been a blast. The kids find something new to try or see each time. We still have yet to try everything at both parks!




















Even Drewby has been a trooper each time, even when he can't go on a ride. Definitely going to be a great year!

December

 Lots of exciting things have been happening this month, even before Christmas!
First off, Dillan received the KC (Kindness & Caring) Award for his class for the month. He was called up in front of the school, received a dog tag for his necklace and put his handprint on the huge poster. He earned this award for showing kindness to another student. We are so proud of him!

 The Kindergarten did a wonderful Christmas program the last day before vacation. Leah sang her heart out and did all the motions for all the songs. She mentioned to me how she forgot to stomp her foot in one of the songs, but her teacher told her that was okay to make a little mistake. She's becoming a little perfectionist!

 After the singing, Drew and I got to go to her class and help make a gingerbread house. She knew exactly how she wanted it done and didn't really want my help at all, except to keep Drewby out of the way.

  I did my best. The three of us went home full of sugar and covered in frosting!

 The house turned out great! We went home for a quick lunch then went back to the school to watch Leah & Dillan's classes throw water balloons at the principal for surpassing their jog-a-thon goals. What a riot that was. Mr McTasney wore his regular shirt & pants with a SpongeBob tie. He also wore bright swim trunks, a shower cap and goggles. He was soaked and must have been chilly!
Both classes also had a snow-cone party.

We then went to Dillan's class where they had a stocking exchange. They also made friendship trail mix that Drewby and Leah helped eat up. Dillan's teacher made all the kids a red scarf with a green fish on it. They looked adorable. Dillan was glad his friend Garrett picked the stocking he had filled, and he came home with lots of good stuff!

It was a crazy busy day and the perfect kick-off to a fun Christmas vacation!