A First, but Probably Not the Last

Yesterday, Asher made his debut in the ER.  We had spent the morning watching Mike compete in his first triathlon (post to come) and then we played at a park in the Seattle area with some friends we haven't seen in a year.  Asher took a tumble from the top of one of the playground structures he was climbing, probably about a 5 foot fall.  He was pretty upset, but consolable, unless positioned in certain ways which led to more tears.  This was not our normal YaYa who usually bounces right back up when he falls.  Anyway, we opted to head home and take him to a local hospital where the ER wait would be minimal if any, and close enough to home so that we could drop the girls off with Aunt Sar (thank goodness for family).  

Asher was  a superstar 2 year old patient, and I speak from experience.  He drank up his pain med like a champ and afterward looked at the empty medicine cup and said, "wawa gone, blah!"  (All liquids are wawa, including narcotics apparently.)  He laid still for his arm x-rays which got him a really cool transformer sticker that was definitely a highlight.  Falling from a distance of more than twice his height, also bought Asher a CT scan.  Our second attempt at the CT was a success after a little attitude adjustment for the tech (you never tell a parent that you hate having to NUKE these kids over and over again because they can't lay perfectly still, especially when the kid's mom is a pediatric nurse and will be having a little chat with the Dr. ASAP). Asher was perfectly still without crying during the second try, while I held his head and sang Popcorn Popping, his personal favorite.  Too bad he had to have the first experience.  Anyway, the verdict was a broken clavicle, or collar bone, which the doctor said is probably the easiest bone to break and fix.  So the good news is the CT showed no head or neck injury and there were no broken bones we had to cast.  The bad news is that we are supposed to keep his right arm and shoulder immobilized for 4 weeks with just a sling.  Are you kidding me?  I'm pretty sure he might dictate otherwise, but we'll do our best.

I have to give a shout out to Island Hospital in Anacortes.  They were phenomenal.  We walked right up to the admitting desk and immediately after we signed a few papers, the triage nurse came to get us.  After vitals and a few questions regarding Asher's medical history we were brought to a room and the amazing Dr. Cooks followed us in to do his exam.  Within 20 minutes Asher had recieved his pain meds and was getting his X-ray.  Our little unfortunate first encounter with the CT tech was handled immediately and professionally with sincere apology. We were discharged at 10:30 PM, just 3 hours after walking in the doors.  So for those of you who live in the area, I highly recommend Island Hospital if you ever have the unfortunate need for an ER visit.

This was Asher after he woke up at 10 AM this morning (I think the tylenol with codeine might have had something to do with that), his arm all snug in his jammies, eating breakfast with his left hand.  He just might have to stay in zip-up PJs for 4 weeks.

A moral to this story...never be afraid to demand better care for your children or any family member.  Hospitals are businesses too and they don't want to see their "customers" chased away by bad employees.  So speak up if something does not feel right and give them the opportunity to fix the situation.  And just like any other business, if things are not handled appropriately, take your business elsewhere.  Oh, and one more thing, don't forget to be kind and rational as you employ these guidelines as that is key to getting things done quickly!

Farewell Kindergarten

Today was Halle's last day of Kindergarten, and I'm pretty sure it was just last week that I was blogging her FIRST day of Kindergarten.  It's crazy to think of how much she has learned about getting around in the world in a matter of months.  I'm so proud of her for being an awesome student and kind friend!  

Here's Halle and one of her besty friends, Luke.  We carpool with Luke and if ever he missed a day of school and Halle had to walk from the car onto the school grounds by herself, she was a very sad and emotional girl.  I'm excited to see what great friends they'll be in the coming years. After all, Luke says he's going to marry Halle!

Today was also the Kindergarten music program.  It was so fun to watch the kids perform all of their favorites with such pride!  I've included a video of MY favorite that makes me cry every time I hear it.  Grandma Soptich was able to come to the program too and it's no wonder why I get so emotional sometimes :)  (Sorry the video is a little small.  I was just proud of myself for figuring out how to put a video on using Mac!)

Halle giving Ms. Hanson-Walker just one more hug

(also pictured, Maddison A.)

Last week, the kindergarten classes were supposed to go on a field trip to a local park for their Field Day.  However, when we arrived a school, ready for the adventure regardless of the crappy weather, the kids were very disappointed to find the trip had been cancelled (more than a few tears were shed).  I'm pretty sure they were all most excited about the bus ride.  Anyway, the teachers did their best to make the most of the day, including some field day events under the playground shelter.  We started the outdoor events with a treat of course.  

Halle rocked at the belly-ball relay!  She put the boys to shame.  Here she is with cute Luke again.

There's nothing to it!

The YaYa turns 2

Last week was Asher's 2nd birthday so we invited LOTS of family and a few friends to help us celebrate.  The weather had been really wet all week and the day of our party was to be the same.  That morning I prayed for a little break from the rain during our celebration, but was prepared to have 35+ people in our house for the festivities.  Around 3 PM, Mike said, "Is that the sun I see?"  Sure enough the clouds parted and we were able to have our entire party in our backyard!  At one point, I looked up in the sky and could not spot one single cloud, only blue as far as the eye could see.  We enjoyed a BBQ, birthday cake and ice cream and awesome company!  Then no joke, just as our last guest was leaving the blue sky began to disappear and there were some mean looking dark grey clouds on the horizon.  Now who would dare say that Heavenly Father doesn't hear our prayers...even in the case of a 2 year-old's birthday party and his mother's sanity?

The kiddos right before Asher unveiled his birthday gift

Cousin Jo, the birthday boy and our friend Luke

The cousin table (Haven, Jake, Parker and Kaden)

Aunt Sar, Uncle Danny, Aunt Amanda, Uncle Kyle, Aunt Ciera, Grandpa Lemme, Uncle J, and cousin Brin in the highchair

The "plair plane" cake and cupcakes.  What did people do before they could surf the internet for party ideas?

Focus

Asher checking out his new "cracks" (aka geotrax)!  Notice the sunlight in this picture...I'm telling you it was amazing.

Asher loves the Hallmark musical cards.  Can you tell by the look on his face?

Joanna, and crazy Aunt Tammie (my mom's youngest sister) and Aunt "Thar" as Asher calls her

The kids thoroughly enjoying Asher's birthday gift

Grandma Barrett taking Asher and Rylin for a wagon ride

This picture cracked me up.  It was if Jeremy, Kyle and Rob were standing guard.

The following are just some funny pictures of Asher.  I really can't believe his is two already.  He is such a sweet and polite boy.  After he opened each of his gifts, he repeatedly thanked the person who gave it to him.  I love his mischievous smile, blue eyes and squishy legs.  

Happy Birthday Asher

Asher at 6 days old

Farewell PC

Our PC has acted up off and on ever since we bought it.  Blogging has been a real pain lately with such a slow and unpredictable computer.  Anyway, last night we bit the big one and purchased an iMac.  I'm pretty excited, but feeling a little crippled as I can't seem to navigate around so well yet.  So don't give up on me.  I'm excited to do some back blogging once I learn how to find my pictures and work the mouse for that matter!