Day 102..First Day of School!

I swear we brought our little 6lb. 7 oz. bundle of joy home from the hospital yesterday, but today she started school.

McCall was so excited.  She ate some toast, posed for some pictures and then off to school she went.

No tears, (from me or her), just a hug and kiss and her trademark "peace & crackers"...and then her public school career began.  She did let me snap one picture at school, next to her backpack cubby. 

Wow, I can't believe my baby girl is in kindergarten.

After we dropped miss off at school, we went back to St. Luke's for Rhys's MRI.  My poor little man was starving, because the last bottle he had was at 2:30 am.  He was such a tough guy.

The first IV didn't work, so they had to try a second time on his other foot. 

He fought the sedative, but in the end we were lucky to not have to put him on a ventilator. 

The MRI took about 45 minutes, and then it took awhile for him to wake up.  He was catching up on some sleep! 

Daddy caught some Z's too!

We had a very busy day, and are just hopeful that Rhys won't have to go through this experience again. 

We are so proud and thankful for our kids!

Day 101...Western Idaho Fair

We started off the day by going to the pediatric neurologist.  I wish I could report that we had an answer...a magic solution, but we don't.  The problem still isn't clear and they ordered more tests.  The EEG was fairly inconclusive, other than it did rule out a seizure disorder like epilepsy.  The EEG did show a little bit slower brainwaves, which is in line with his in-ability to hit his developmental milestones at the rate.  So not great news, but not horrible either.  We will continue on the testing path.  Poor little man had to have a blood draw...he was a super trooper for that!  They will test chromosomes and genetic markers.  The neurologist said most of the time these tests come back with nothing, but it helpful to rule things out.  Rhys will have a sedated MRI tomorrow morning.  I am not looking forward to this, but this is necessary to find a root cause and move on.  So keep the little man in your thoughts Wednesday morning!

To clear our heads, and have some good old fashioned hillbilly fun...we headed down Chinden to the Western Idaho Fair.  The kids ate SO much, that when we left Rob and I were still hungry.  Bodie and McCall "shared"  everything with us, and by sharing I mean they at 75%.  They loved the deep fried fury that we embarked upon them.

The kids loved the petting zoo.  Bodie is now convinced we should get a goat.  Ya, that is just what we need!

Then McCall and Bodie persuaded us to let them go on rides.  The boats, Mater's jeeps, and the fun house were the hits for the night.

Sue Sue picked out a light sword for the kids, and we said goodbye to the fair...for another 5 years?!?

Day 100...Go Big Blue

Yes I have been M.I.A.  Sorry.  Life got real hectic and really, well real.  Rhys had a seizure on Wednesday August 11, while I was feeding him.  Scary.  So since then we have been to the ER, back to the hospital for EEG's, and waiting.  Lots and lots of waiting.  We see the pediatric neurologist on Monday.  Until then we are trying to keep busy preparing for school, Rob started his new job (no more training) and I'm going back to school!  Crazy huh?

McCall got to meet her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Bevis.  She is really nice and McCall was soooo excited to see where she will hang her backpack.  School starts on Wednesday and she couldn't be more excited.  I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm excited for her to go to school too.  She and Bodie have been fighting and bickering something crazy lately.  Coupled with my stress, and it is easy to say school will be good...for both of us!

Rob officially started his new position TODAY!  When all was said and done, he ended up pretty lucky.  Three days off, because he will work 10 hour days...but he would rather it that way.  He is in visiting, so he will deal with everyone wanting to come visit their incarcerated loved ones.  The staff loves him, and it is a great way for him to "get his foot in the door".

I am taking a couple classes that I need to register for nursing school in January.  I wish I would have known what I wanted to do with my life when I was going to college before...my business stuff is nice, but not what I want to do forever.  So after I get one more math class under my belt, I will register for nursing school at CWI next fall.  I'm so excited.

So, with everything going on in our lives, we needed to unwind as a family.  So what did we do?  Yep...football!  Bodie has been dying to go to a game, so we went out to support the Bronco's for their last scrimmage.  It was a lot of fun, and PACKED!

Day 89...Rhys

I'm not sure that everyone is aware what has been going on lately around the Vian house.  It has been a little rough patch, but we will get through this...we always do.  I debated on whether on not to mention this on the blog, but I came to the conclusion that this is a very real part of our life. 

When we took Rhys in for his 9 month check-up I mentioned to the pediatrician that I had concerns with some shaking that he does, as well as some of the milestones that his has not been hitting.  We then were referred to a St. Luke's Elk's Children's Rehab for a physical and occupational therapy rehab evaluation. 

The staff of therapists at Elk's has been wonderful.  Rhys is going weekly for physical therapy and will see an occupational therapist a few more times until we can get a clear picture of what is going on.  He has a blast playing and hopefully this will make him stronger.  It is so hard to see him have to go through this, but I know that it is for the best. 

We have been referred to a pediatric neurologist and a pediatric development specialist.  It will probably be weeks before we can get in to see these doctors.  The not knowing is so hard.  I am no longer allowed on Google.  I am confident that it is something that he will outgrow, but...until then, we play and enjoy the happiest baby in the whole world.  I love you Rhys.

Day 88...Splish, Splash

Daddy and Mommy both had the day off...crazy, huh?  We almost didn't know what to do with ourselves.  Lucky for us the house needed picked up and we had errands to run.

After all the uneventful stuff was finished, we embarked for our swimming journey to Papa and Nanny's.

Daytona had to see just who and what was disturbing her peaceful nap on the couch.

McCall is such a grown-up swimmer...she isn;t even using her wings!

We did have a minor accident...you can't see anything?  I know, from the massive meltdown that followed, I expected blood or a protruding bone...but nothing.  Drama mama McCall strikes again.

Nanny and Papa's flowers are as beautiful as ever...and for the most part they are all real!  (*wink* Sorry Dad!)

Rhys and I hung out and enjoyed the shade, while working on some sitting.  He's getting better everyday!

p.s. Buzz Lightyear attacked Rhys on the lip.  Rhys got him back by slobbering him to death.  Don't mess with a teething baby!

Day 87...Jim Johnson

I came home from work today to find football on TV.  What?  Bodie and Daddy were happy as could be.  Bodie then proceeded to tell us that when he plays football he wants people to call him Jim Johnson.  Maybe we have taken the "Jimmy race car" thing too far?  I'm not sure where this came from, but he thought it was pretty funny.

Perhaps it's and Ocho Cinco thing?  His bodyguard (aka Daddy) shielded him from this picture.

After awhile,  he decided to go back to being Bodie Francis Vian.  I'm glad.  He doesn't look like a Jim to me!

Day 86...really?!

More technical difficulties.  Dead battery.  Really?  Why can't I figure life out this week?

We had a great Saturday.  We met Papa and Nanny at the mall to pick out some school clothes for McCall and some preschool shoes for Bodie.  We had a blast...even Rob and Papa seemed to enjoy the shopping.  The we went to "The Cake Factory", otherwise known as The Cheesecake Factory to everyone other than McCall and Bodie.  We had lots of fun.  Stay tuned to the first day of school for McCall's outfit reveal!

Then it was off to Garden Valley to help Papa Bob and Sue Sue unpack the first of many loads in their moving adventure.  Yep, Papa Bob is the new Principal of the Garden Valley school, so the whole Vian family are know Idahoans!

Day 85...If your happy and you know it...

LAUGH!!  Rhys brightens my day with his toothless, belly laughs!

Day 84...I'm not smart

We had a lovely play date on Thursday, and the kids had a blast.  I of course forgot my memory card...so no pictures.  I think no sleep is finally catching up with me.

Day 83...It didn't work.

Well, the Sleep Sheep didn't work the miracles that I hoped for.  I must say I wasn't holding my breath.  Oh, well it is cute and it makes a nice addition to Rhys's crib.  He just is happier being awake with his Mommy, (at 4:45 am).

But he is sleepy....

just SUPER STUBBORN!

Day 82...Keep your fingers crossed!

So today I invested in a Sleep Sheep. 

I have read wonderful reviews that said it's white noise helped their babies to sleep and to sleep longer.  I can only hope.  It also came with this weird looking Mobi night light.

Rhys needs sleep...so do Mommy and Daddy.  On average babies 9 months of age should average 11-16 hours of sleep per day.  Rhys is not average.  Seven hours in a 24 hour period is a GOOD day.  So here's to the Sleep Sheep working its magic!

Day 81...new shoes

Bodie and McCall have NO shoes that fit them.  Only flip-flops.  Since flip-flops are not very school appropriate, we went looking for some new kicks today.

We did good.  Bodie likes his because they look like Bri Bri's shoes.

McCall then said hers looked like Amber's shoes.  (Sorry Amber, I've never seen you wear quite so gotty of shoes). 

One pair down...how many more to go?

Day 80...Rhys is moving!

Rhys is a moving machine.  Now I get to chase him around too.

Have you ever been thrilled beyond words that someone is sitting up on their own power? 

I have.

Day 76 thru Day 80...I'm back!

Sorry.  I swear it's a legitimate excuse.  I don't have the tooth to show (McCall was mad that I didn't bring the pulled tooth home, she wanted the tooth fairy to come) but it was a really hard week.

We had a lot going on so I'll recap...not many pictures though.  Sorry, I could barely get myself up and to appointments, let alone my camera too!

McCall finished up swimming lessons.  Although she didn't pass from Level II to Level III, she did SO well.  She was the youngest in her class, and was swimming it up in Papa and Nanny's pool the next day.  She has amazed me.  Good job Miss!

Rhys had his 9 month check-up on Tuesday.  We is 19 lbs. and 30 inches long.  He is way skinny, but WAY long!  When he discovers the true love of food, I'm sure this will change.  Right now he is still pretty content with bottles and the occasional banana, ravioli or cracker.  Whole milk here he comes!

On Friday, Rob graduated from POST.  We are so proud of his dedication and accomplishments (he got the highest score on the POST exam!)  It was a nice ceremony where he received his certificate of completion.

He snuck in a hug for the instructor, which got a few laughs.

He also won the "Team Player Award".  This award was voted on by all members of his POST academy.  They felt that his support and enthusiasm was the best of the entire class.  His instructor even thanked Rob for his contribution to teaching the Emergency Preparedness unit.  I think he won this award because he was the class clown...just kidding (or am I?).  All joking aside, we are really proud of him.

During the ceremony they did a opening prayer, during which Bodie looked at me and asked, "Mama, why are these people looking at the floor?"  Oh, Bodie I have failed you!  The kids sure did enjoy the refreshments!

So I am trying to get back to my old posting ways, but we have some things going on that are way more important than taking pictures.  I love the daily pictures, but I have to concentrate on the people in them.  With school starting and Rhys growing up so quickly, I must slow down to be with the kids...sometimes without the camera.  What I'm trying to say, is don't be mad if I go M.I.A again, I'm going to try not to :)  but it might happen.