Oh, dedicated readers...

Y'all weren't waiting for an update were you?

Tater's been dealing with a snotty nose and has needed a little oxygen boost while asleep lately but he's seems fine other than that. We're not suctioning him a ton so it's just really weird. We're keeping an eye on it and will update if the snot turns into anything more. In other news, I've seem to have developed allergies in my old age. Allergies are for the birds. Who knows what I'm allergic to but man it's a doozy.

Tater's nurse has been in Italy for the last 2 weeks and returns on the 15th. Her father passed away unexpectedly and she had to rush home. Poor Pat. She's so caring and loving of Tater and we hate that she's having to go through this. Although, the last 2 weeks have given me a greater appreciation of how much she helps us. I've enjoyed having the boys to myself but nothing has gotten done around the house and I know Mr. Awesome is getting tired of stopping by the store on his way home from work. We are in desperate need of a full-on grocery run around here.

Of course since Pat has been gone, work has ramped up for Mr. Awesome and he's super stressed. He's probably going to be working next weekend so I was thinking about heading to the beach with Coco and Papa to see Manny and Hunter but it looks like a hurricane may be headed that way so we're exploring vacation options away from storms. Manny and I are pushing for a place with a masseuse. Manny is preggers and could use one so I will be her ally in the cause for purely unselfish reasons.

Toser is loving his new school. I put him in one that came highly recommended and is a bit closer to our house than his old one. Turns out that Mr. Awesome and his sisters went to the exact same preschool. How funny is that? He's in 2 days a week but would love to go 5. He seems so happy lately and he isn't being too much of a 3 year-old.

We've had a ton of visitors lately. Leeda and her crew were here the 2nd week in August. Kajja came later that week and she, Leeda and Mr. Awesome did the triathlon. I did the bike portion as part of a relay team with some of my Mountain Mamas. As I've told some people, my greatest accomplishment was wearing spandex in public. We all finished (some only a little faster than others) and we had a blast. While everyone was here, we celebrated Rockstar's first birthday with family friends. Then Kajja came back this week for a business trip and Gigi came for a couple of days. Toser and Tater have been spoiled rotten and have loved every minute.

Tater is scooting everywhere now. See video below.... He was getting permanent rug burn on his bottom from the scooting but keeping him in pants (not shorts) is helping that. He's starting to do a little more in therapy with pushing up on his arms while on all-fours and he's bearing a little more weight on his legs while "standing." He's still a booger and won't do anything he perceives he can't do but he seems to want to do a little more lately so we're very happy.

Toser playing in the rain (he loves this):

Video of Tater scooting (sorry the lighting is so bad):

and dancing to The Lost Trailers new CD Holler Back:

Tommy Dereksen

Last night, a smart, sweet, strong little boy named Tommy decided he was done with his battle with congenital heart defects. I know of him through an online support group for parents of trach kids. His mom and I emailed back and forth recently and I found her to be a very dedicated and loyal mom who will do anything for her kids. He and his family have been through so much the last almost 2 years, a lot of it not even related to his health issues, and I can not believe they now have to go through living without their little boy. I know his family is heartbroken and I don't know what to do or say.

I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of fantastic yet really sick kids and their parents this past year. And some of those kiddos just don't make it. This is what I hate the most about being on this journey with Tater. I've found a world that most people know exist but never think about- a world where babies die for no reason and their parents have to live with questions for the rest of their lives. It sucks and it's not fair and most of the time there isn't a damn thing that can be done. It pisses me off and makes me sick to my stomach.

This morning, there is a mom who is having to tell her 9- and 5- year old sons that their little brother passed away. Please think about her and her family today. Take the time to think about the kids who won't make it to the end of the day and their families. And then remember them tomorrow and the day after. Don't ever forget them.

Roller Coaster

Up and down. Twist and turn. You never know if you'll end up laughing or throwing up. I used to love roller coasters and now that my life has become one I'm not so sure anymore. Tater is doing really well and Toser is being super sweet lately but the Medicaid thing has been weighing me down. I think it's been worked out but who knows. We'll find out Friday when we see Tater's new pediatrician. (A guy who just graduated from med school and started work this past Monday. I kind of feel sorry for him already. You know he's expecting easy summer colds and viruses and we're going to walk in with all of Tater's gear. Welcome to town! At least he'll know what most of the stuff is, being fresh from the field and all.)

Last Thursday some very old friends of mine, T and 2 of her 4 kids and L and her 2 kids, came to lunch at our house. I haven't seen them in at least 16 years (yes, I feel kind of old saying that). It was definitely a blast from the past and really good to see them. Rumor is they have an old picture of us and we took one on Thursday so if I can get those, I'll post them so you can see how much I've really aged.

And this Friday, I'm going to Montgomery for Sisa's brother's wedding reception which will be a lot of fun. Then Saturday morning, I'll drive over to Atlanta to pick up Leeda and her boys and bring them home with me to stay for the week. Saturday night we have a birthday party to attend for a very dear friend of the family. It will be a busy, fun weekend for sure.