Easter Update...a little late

Well it seems as though I am a couple of months behind. I'll start back with Easter.

Christopher had an Easter program at his little Mom's Day Out. He did GREAT. I was worried that he was going to have stage fright, but he didn't. He was up on stage "hamming it up". He is the one wearing the khaki pants and white shirt with the tie. He did get a little distracted by the stage props and tried to pick some flowers. After his program I brought him a special treat...a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (his favorite!!).

Christopher is on the top row in the middle (white shirt with tie).

This year for Easter, we went and spent the night with Brad's parents. His brother and his family stayed the night too. It was fun having five boys under the age of six! Needless to say it was very loud and entertaining too. On Easter, we went to celebrate the safe return of cuz Jacques from serving our country in Iraq at Brad's grandmother's house. They boiled crawfish and had an Easter egg hunt for all of the grandkids.
Andrew, Bailey, Christopher, Jacob & David (the Arton grandchildren...notice ONLY boys!!)


bedtime (minus David)

I guess I should mention what happened to David. As you tell by the Easter pictures he got a little roughed up. It seems as though he has more confidence than skills in some areas...biking and skateboarding are two of them! He just took the training wheels off of his bike and was ready to do some cool bike tricks. Unfortunately, he flipped over the handlebars on landed on his face. Our neighbor is a doctor and looked at him, he thought he probably broke his nose and as you can tell by the picture, he lost a another tooth! He was pretty banged up for a while, but thankfully everything healed perfectly and we don't have any permanent reminder of the evening David flew over the handlebars (other than this picture!).


Here is a picture of the boys decorating Easter eggs at our house.

I just convinced a 3 year old that a McD's hamburger is really a PB&J sandwich with a cookie in it!

We have been having a hard time with Christopher eating lately. The only thing he wants to eat is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. His pediatrician had told me that I should not make special accommodations for him - even if he does not eat anything for dinner. I have been trying to get him to at least try other items (he won't). Today, I was running through the McD's drive thru and Christopher didn't want any of their items. He threw a fit for a PB&J sandwich so I kinda fibbed and told him that the hamburger was PB&J and the patty in the middle was a cookie. It worked!! He is really hard core about this peanut butter and jelly kick! A few days ago after dinner, I asked the boys what they wanted for dessert. Instead of ice cream, cookies or strawberry shortcake...Christopher wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!


Earlier this week David found the kites that the Easter Bunny was planning to leave behind...Does this remind you of the Christmas post when he found Christopher's bike!?! Since he found them, we decided to bring them down to the neighborhood park. The park is located on an underground pipeline so it is a wide open field with plenty of room to attempt to fly a kite. As we were about to leave the driveway, Jacob yells WAAAAIIIITT...





he wanted to bring the weed eater to the park with us! :) This is his favorite toy. He'll play outside for hours just dragging it around humming pretending he is doing the lawn.

Last weekend was the LPCF Tennis Tournament and Gala fundraiser. We ended up making over $120,000! That will be able to help out a lot of families. We appreciate everyone's prayers, contributions and support!

This past weekend was the American Heart Association's Heart Walk.

After the Heart Walk, we brought the boys to the Air Show at Keesler Air Force Base on Saturday. They had a bunch of airplanes that we could walk through and activities for the kids. The Air Base would not allow people to park on property so we had to park about a mile away and ride a military shuttle bus onto the base. That was Christopher's favorite part of the day. The Thunderbirds performed and were extremely loud. Christopher was so scared he wouldn't even open his eyes!

Jacob checking the plane for stability. It is strong enough for him to hang on!

After the Air Show we headed over to play in the sand for a little while at the beach.

Jacob asking, "Mom, Can I eat this?"


The boys running after the birds!

David and Christopher pretending to be birds.

Yesterday we had Easter Egg Hunt practice. David and Christopher have parties at school this week with egg hunts. Christopher's was today. It is amazing to see the difference between the boys. David is always aggressive, fast and competitive. He goes all out for the egg hunts...and always has. Today, Christopher just sat back and watched his class go out and get the eggs and candy. I walked over to an egg and tried to get him to pick it up, he didn't want to! I ended up putting one in his basket for him...and that is the only one he ended up with! On the way home Jacob wanted one of the candies that were inside the egg. Christopher gave him one and then saved the other one for his "bruder" (David). He has such a care free and laid back attitude, but he cares so much for his "bruders".

Master Egg Hunter Sir David with his apprentice Christopher.

Jacob found something more fun to do in the middle of the egg hunt...fill the basket with rocks!



Christopher and Jacob on one of their Egg Hunt drills.

LPCF Tennis Tournament and Gala THIS weekend!

We have been extremely busy these past few weeks, I guess that could be the reason I haven't had any recent posts. The LPCF Tennis Tournament Fundraiser is this weekend. We had so many participants we had to move into three venues. All of the events/festivities will continue to be at the Country Club of LA, but in addition to using all of their courts we have had to reserve more courts at Bocage and the Manship YMCA. It is amazing to see how much this Foundation and fundraiser have grown in just three short years. Last year we had the most profitable fundraiser in Baton Rouge - even more than the Cancer Society!! (and they are really good fundraisers!) I am super proud that it is all moms and dads of heart patients that are doing everything. We don't have a paid marketing/publicity person or any fancy office - it just parents coordinating everything! We are thankful to have such talented families that work well together and are able to accomplish this sucessful event! I am even more proud to live in a community that really helps each other out -our sponsor are wonderful! ...and yes, it IS Christopher that Supriya Jindal is holding on the commercials. We used the same commercial as last year and just changed the dates! But it is him!! If you would be interested in joining us at the LPCF Gala, we would LOVE it and so will you! The tickets are $50 each. It will be a fun night with good food, drinks and a fun band. The silent auction items this year are great, as usual. Brad is eyeing quite a few of them - mostly the signed sports memorabilia! :) The Jindals have donated dinner for two at the Governor's mansion to be auctioned off. For the ladies, there are quite a few spa treatments and gift certificates. I'll update after this weekend and let you know if we were the high bidder on anything. Christopher had his first dental visit. He was pretty excited about it too! He went with David last month to observe and see exactly what happens when you go to the dentist. We pumped him up and told him how he was such a big boy, this is what the big kids do....We arrive at the Pediatric Dentist's Office completed all of the forms, then head back to the "special chair". The cleaning lady (my mind just went blank for her actual job title) noticed his "cool watch" aka medical bracelet and asked about his medical history. Dr. Brumund (his pediatric cardiologist) had warned me that some dental visits would require antibiotics prior to the procedure because Christopher has a VERY high risk of getting endocartitis (an infection of the heart valves). Well, his dentist is so cautious, he wouldn't even let her clean his teeth without him being on the antibiotics! :) He'll have to get a note from the cardiologist before his next visit (in six months) clearing him for dental care. I know that Christopher will probably have limitations in his life because of his little heart...but dental care. I never really thought they would deny cleaning his teeth! I guess in some way I am glad he is being cautious... A few nights ago I was heading to bed and peeked in on the little ones. I don't usually do that, but noticed that Jacob was not in his bed. I panicked...until I looked over and he was in Christopher's with him (on top of the covers!). Jacob has been sleeping in Christopher's bed ever since.

Last weekend we planted a garden. I'm not sure how successful it will end up, but we had a good time planting it. We planted some strawberries and tomatoes!

David had his last Basketball game for this season. He played very well and was a great team player. It was amazing to see how much he really matured just over the past year! Christopher started tennis this week! He is the one in the red shirt standing while everyone else is bending down. David has lessons at the same time on another court, so since we are already there - I signed Christopher up too. I thought he would be too young, but he really did well. In the beginning he was always one step behind (as in the photo!) but he warmed up. When it was his water break he ran over to me (I had the water) and said, "Well, how am I doing?". That is what David says every time he takes a waterbreak. Christopher is trying to be just like him. It is so cute.

"Here dey IS!"

Jacob's Second Birthday!

Jacob fishing on his 2nd birthday


Jacob chasing the ducks

On my last post we were trying to decide what Jacob would want to do for his second birthday. He wanted to go fishing! So last Thursday, we packed up the spider man poles and headed to the LSU lakes. Jacob loves to "fish". He has a different technique than most and as of today, it has never been sucessful. He likes to just use the pole to hit the water and make it splash. He did a great job of scaring away any potential fish. We also brought some bread out to feed the ducks and he did a great job of scaring them away too! After fishing, feeding the ducks and playing in the sand on the LSU "beach" we headed to Cheeburger Cheeburger for dinner and then over to the pet shop. It was a fun evening. Arton Celebration season has officially ended until a brief August birthday celebration for Brad and then back in full swing in for birthdays, anniversary, Christmas and Valentines from December - February!

Jacob's special fishing "technique".


In the past few weeks, Jacob and Christopher have totally changed their little personalities. They are maturing and have learned to work together as a good team. We (well I) still have not totally potty trained Christopher. One day, he was wearing underwear and I reminded him to go and potty. He came back wanting to wear a pull up. I reminded him again that he is not wearing pull ups and that he needed to go back and get underwear. He told me he didn't have anymore. Christopher's underwear is one thing that is overstocked and under used! I keep them in the drawer in the bathroom for him so I went to show him that he has plenty. When I opened the drawer, it was empty. My heart sank...my immediate thought was that he put them down the toilet! Thankfully, Jacob pulled the shower curtain back and said "Here dey is!" Christopher just wanted to wear a pull up!

"Here dey is!!"

Christopher's 3rd Birthday Party

Jacob's 2nd Birthday PartyLast weekend we celebrated Christopher and Jacob's birthdays together. We ended up doing it at the same place jumping place that David had his. It is just so much easier to let them take care of everything and not have to stress about cleaning up the house before, organizing games and stuff and then having to clean up again after the party. The kids had a good time (well I think they did...at least mine did!) and it was fun to jump and slide too!

Note to self: NO MORE party horns!!!!

Enjoying My Ten Day Break Between Terrible Two Episodes...Christopher is now 3 and Jacob won't be 2 until Thursday!!

Christopher blowing out his birthday cupcake and jamin' on his birthday guitar and microphone

Last Monday was Christopher's third birthday. Brad and I were in California, so we celebrated his birthday before we left. On the kids birthdays we let them choose to do whatever they want. Since Christopher is scared to death of Chuck E. Cheese, Hugo (Hornet's mascot), Chick-fil-A cow or any type of mascot type thing - our choices were limited. The only thing I could think of to suggest to him for his birthday was Celebration Station. A local place where we go and ride go-carts. They also have a little train ride, mini golf and arcade games. The kids usually have a good time there and they don't have any thing that Christopher is scared of. I just assumed that is where he would want to go. He did not want to go there. I suggested a local pizza place he likes and the ice cream place that has fun rides he likes too. He did not want any of them. I could not think of anything else for him so I just asked him where he wanted to go for his birthday. He wanted to go to the kangaroo restaurant and then go to the camping store...So for his birthday we went and ate at Outback Steakhouse and then headed over to Cabela's. Not your typical three year old birthday destinations, but that is what HE wanted!

Cathy and the boys brought us to the airport. Brad and I about to leave...David insisted that he was going too...until Cathy told him they were going to the zoo after dropping us off! Cathy and the boys leaving the airport.

Brad, Dave Ramsey and Julie at Champions Club Recognition Dinner

Brad and I went to Los Angeles last week. I agreed last year that I would go with him if he were to win another Symbol of Success award for Chick-fil-A. Three years ago he won the truck as a "Symbol of Success" for his exceptional increase in sales. This year he had his best year in sales and profits (even with the economy hoopla, hurricane closures and then the snow storm in December). WARNING...Bragging Wife Here...Instead of winning the Symbol award he won the most prestigious award for Chick-fil-A...he is now a member of the Champions Club. He not only increased his sales significantly but also the profit percentage increase. He is superb!! :) I am super proud of him and after sitting next to him at his recognition dinner, I realized that he really is the best of the best and a super businessman! Actually I've been knowing that from working with him professionally ten years ago. I was reminded of that business side of him this past week. To help honor him, we were invited to a special dinner Chick-fil-A had coordinated with Dave Ramsey. He is a national speaker and author of a few books that promote financial freedom with biblical references. Brad has been listening and following his plan for a few years now...before it was "cool" to be debt free. We really enjoyed spending some time with him and seeing how down to earth he is. And he is oooohhh sooooo funny! I thought I was going to wet my pants I was laughing so hard. While we were there I also got to see Kirk Cameron...yep, a few months ago it was New Kids on the Block and now Kirk Cameron. Next it will be Paula Abdul or Zack from Saved by the Bell! :) ...speaking of meeting celebrities - on our flight from LA to Dallas we had some guy that was booted off of American Idol the night before. I haven't been watching this season so I had no clue who he was. We were also on the same flight as Jessica Simpson. She was acting very diva like in her first class seat...as I passed her on my way to the back of the plane! :)

Julie and Kirk Cameron...No, he had no clue we took the picture -especially since he just told us NO pictures! OOPS!!!

The Oscars were being set up while we were at the Kodak Theater. We had gone a few years ago and were able to take our pictures in front of the statue Oscars. This year they were covered. I guess because of the yucky weather. We still had a good time even with the rainy cold weather. While we were in California, Cathy (my twin sis) and Chris stayed with the boys. The first night we were there Cathy called quite a few times and I was a bit nervous. After I answered they were all for very minor things and I calmed down. Actually one of the times she called to see if I would mind if she washed the bathroom rugs...of course not, but why do they need to be cleaned since they were just cleaned the day before we left?? She said because Christopher and Jacob just peed all over them! :) That is when I really started relaxing and enjoyed my time away from the potty messes! :) The boys had a great time and loved that Cathy would do or buy anything for them that they asked. She brought them to the zoo and even fell for the pleas to go into the gift shop. I never let them go in and if they do...we certainly don't buy anything ...unless they break it! :) Cathy and Chris both seemed to be all in one piece too and hopefully they enjoyed it as much as the boys did. They said they'd come back!?! Next time we are heading to D.C. and will try to stay gone longer than five days!

Julie and Cathy acting silly in Grand Isle. We were behind the last car in the parade so we acted like unknown celebrities at the conclusion.

Cathy and Chris live on a little island off the coast of Maine. Most of the people on the island are lobster fishermen (including both of them). After Hurricane Katrina, Cathy organized a fundraiser to help the fishermen in Grand Isle. She raised over $10,000 in just a few weeks. None of us have ever been to Grand Isle so we took a road trip down on Sunday and ended up getting at the tail end of their Mardi Gras parade. If you can't beat 'em - join 'em...and that is just what we did. We had a good time and are hoping to go back a day early next year and rent a beach house so we don't miss the parade.

Master C (Christopher) on the parade route

The parades Grand Finale...David Arton! :)

After a couple of blocks of us being silly and taking turns being the finale...we stopped the car and watched the parade. The kids loaded up on goodies from the last two floats.


Thursday is Jacob's second birthday. I am enjoying my ten day between Christopher and Jacob's birthday without a 'terrible' two year old. I asked Jacob what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said he wants to ride in an airplane. I asked him where he wanted to go on the airplane and he just said, 'bye bye'. I mentioned earlier in this post that we pretty much let them do what they want on their birthday...this is an example of where I will have to guide him on what 'he' wants...I foresee a trip to celebration station, New Orleans children's museum, zoo, aquarium, the ice cream shop or pizza place...NOT an airplane ride!

David and Jacob at the Hornet's game. Christopher is too scared of Hugo (their mascot) to even go to the Hornet's games. He and I hung out shopping together this night while Brad, David and Jacob high fived the players going to their locker room.

Happy Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day!

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day!

It is hard to believe that three years ago this week, our little Christopher was born. The next day we were told of some news that would forever change our life and the way we look at it...

Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect in America. Nearly 1 out of every 85 babies are born with a Congenital Heart Defect in the United States. More than 50% of all children born with a congenital heart defect will require at least one invasive surgery in their lifetime. Our son was one of them, Christopher Patrick was born as what we thought to be a healthy baby boy on February 16, 2006. Later that evening, I decided to send him to the nursery so I could get some much needed rest. While he was in the nursery, a nurse heard what sounded like a heart murmur. As a precaution, our pediatrician asked that a pediatric cardiologist listen to Christopher to determine if the sound was anything serious. We were informed that many babies are born with these abnormalities and that most of the time the heart continues to perform adequately, allowing the child to live a normal, active life. This was not the case for Christopher. After Dr. Brumund, the pediatric cardiologist, examined Christopher we learned that he had four defects in his heart that were not allowing his body to receive adequate oxygen. He was diagnosed as having Tetralogy of Fallot, one of the 35 different types of congenital heart defects. Little is known about the cause of Congenital Heart Defects and there is not a cure for any of them. Many of them can be managed and monitored and some innocent murmors can dissolve on their own, but unfortunately, no cure for CHDs. We were blind sighted by this because, throughout the pregnancy, we thought we had a healthy baby. Instead, we were informed that Christopher would have to have open heart surgery soon and the best pediatric cardiac surgeon for Christopher's case was located in Boston. The thought of our newborn son going to have such an extensive procedure brought many questions of logistics, the future, and of course, probability. We began to wonder...."Would our son make it through this surgery and if he does, will he be able to live a 'normal' life?" We had worried how David, Christopher's three year old big brother, would react to his "new" brother. We now had the added fear and guilt of having to leave David behind with his Grandparents to help care for Christopher in Boston.

Christopher's open heart surgery lasted over seven hours in Boston. Our time was spent praying and waiting, only to be interrupted by a brief update of the procedure and the comfort of the arrival of David and his Grandparents. A big sigh of relief was breathed as the surgeon approached us with the greeting, "He is OK!!" Although Christopher's stay in Boston had a few unforeseen delays, our baby's heart would end up functioning on its own and relatively normal!

This week, Christopher will be celebrating his third birthday with his six year old brother David and his two year old little brother, Jacob. He enjoys running, climbing, rough-housing and any other typical active little boy activity.

I am so thankful that we sent Christopher to the nursery and we are forever grateful for the wonderful and thorough nurses at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge for detecting Christopher's heart defects. 1 in 10 babies who die from CHDs in the first year are not diagnosed until death. This could have easily been the case with Christopher. Some of these babies could be saved by a simple non-invasive pulse oximetry test or echo cardiogram, but for some reason they are not routinely performed. We were also blessed to have Dr. Brumund, the pediatric cardiologist on call that weekend of his birth. Early detection is one of the keys to survival with Congenital Heart Defects. Although I wouldn't wish a Congenital Heart Defect on anyone- it has truly enriched and made us re-prioritize our life...and for that, I am thankful.

...That was a written up for a local publication...Here is where we need your help! Congenital Heart Defects are a very serious problem, far more common and killing more children than ALL of the childhood cancers combined. I know that three years ago this very day, I did not know anything about children having heart disease. I had never met anyone that had a CHD child and I never in a million years would have thought that I would have a child born with a heart defect (much less four!!). Christopher ended up being the one of 25,000 that were born that year alone.

Many of you remember the many e-mails and pleas about us organizing the first fundraiser for the Louisiana Pediatric Cardiology Foundation. On March 26-29, we will be hosting the third annual LPCF Tennis Tournament at the Country Club of Louisiana. If you play tennis, the players have had a great time the past two years. If you don't play tennis, you are welcome to attend our Gala at CCLA on Saturday, March 28. Tickets will be available soon. If you have a business and would like to help sponsor this major event - we need your help to help the local CHD families!!

Your financial support is so very important, but if you can't give financially, please consider helping by keeping us in your prayers or another important way - GIVE BLOOD! All of our children that have open heart surgeries are given blood transfusions. The cheesy gifts and t-shirts they give don't compare to the fact that you could have been the one that helped save my son's life!

For more information on LPCF, click on our website below. If you click on my name you'll be rerouted to another CHD website (not local) that has a lot of great info too!

Happy Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day!
Julie

http://www.lpcf.com/

WHY? For every dollar provided by the national medical funding arm of the American government, the National Institute of Health (NIH), only one penny is provided for pediatric research, and only a portion of that penny goes to support research on heart defects, the most common birth defect. (Children's Heart Foundation)

Christopher's Surgery Went Well

This morning Christopher had another set of tubes put in and his adenoids taken out. He did great. The pediatric cardiologist had warned us that he would have arrhythmia's during the anesthesia, so as any Mom would be, I was filled with a bit of anxiety. My neighbor is an anesthesiologist and had comforted me quite a bit about the location of the surgery not making that much of a difference, since it is near the hospital. As soon as we arrived in the parking lot, Christopher was upset. "No Man, No Man". The surgery center is at the same location where he had some throat scopes done a few months ago. He did not forget! :) Once we got into the big surgery waiting room he was fine and even better when got to the back in a pre-op room. He was clowning around and playing with the nurses.

This morning I let him choose what comfort item he wanted to bring. We usually bring Mickey Mouse to the doctor with us but this morning he wanted to bring his Diego card. It is actually a birthday invitation, but I let him bring it anyway. Whatever made him happy. When the nurse came to get him, he went straight to her to show her his invitation. They went together to show the doctor. I had warned him ahead of time that only big kids could go back there to see the cool Doctor tools. They don't even let Mommys! According to his surgeon, he never got upset or cried until he was coming out of the anesthesia. His surgeon said he did hold on to his Diego invitation the entire time! They watched him closely and the anesthesiologist said he did great. No dip in his O2 levels and no fluctuations in his rhythm either! We were back at home by lunch time and he was jumping on the bed with David and Jacob by 2:00! That is my tough man... until it came time for a nap, then he put on his pouty face and showed me his bobo. The bandage on his arm from the IV. I fell for it and he and David are resting in my bed watching a movie instead of "sleeping" in their rooms.

While I was waiting at the Surgery Clinic, David's principal called. Yesterday morning he was sent home from school because he had fever. I went to pick him up and he had a temperature of 99.3. I personally don't consider that a fever- possibly an elevated temperature, but not fever! I picked him up anyway, just in case he was coming down with something. Nope, instead I ended up staying home from Bible Study and missing a baby shower for him to stay home and run around like a normal wild child. Since he was fine yesterday and last night, I brought him to school before Christopher and I headed to the Surgery Center. Twenty minutes later she called. Brad stayed at home with Jacob, so after I received the call, he ran and picked David up too. The principal said he "looks like he is getting sick". I am sorry, but "looking" like you are getting sick does not sound like a good enough reason to keep a child home from school and I'd suggest any adults that may be reading this...Don't use that excuse to try and get off of work!!!He does not have a fever (or even an elevated temperature) no signs or symptoms of ANY illness, but now he has missed two days of school! Now, in their defense, on Monday he had nine children in his class that were out sick with either the flu or strep throat. So in some ways I don't mind him staying home to avoid exposure to those illnesses. I can appreciate them being so pro-active at the first signs of illness. But today, why? Today was his 100th day of school and they were suppose to have some fun games and a party. He is upset that he missed it!

BOYS! Instead of using a basketball, he dunks himself!

I have a problem...

Thanks to my friend for posting that she just made cookies...I ran to my kitchen to bake some cookie dough. When I went to open the tub, there wasn't even enough to make two cookies. I have a problem of grabbing a spoonful here and there throughout the day...or so I thought. You see, tonight is when I realized that I have hit rock bottom. I wasn't mad because my sons were unable to help bake cookies with me. I was upset, because every night after everyone goes to bed I grab a huge serving spoon and start dipping it out...and spooning it straight into my mouth. Hey - at least I use a spoon!! I DO live in a house full of boys that wouldn't care if I didn't!

As I was starting to have an anxiety attack, worrying about not being able to have my raw cookie dough tonight - I went to shut the refrigerator door and noticed out of the corner of my eye...in the extreme, WAAAAY far back...a tube of sugar cookie dough. No, it is not my first choice (that would be Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough). But it suddenly calmed my nerves. In honor of my findings, I decided to celebrate. So I sat down in front of the TV with a teaspoon (they work best with the tubes) and my tube of sugar cookie dough...

Here I am two hours later with an empty tube of sugar cookie dough. Well, at least it wasn't a tub!! I have finally hit rock bottom. I can no longer blame my constant weight fluctuation on the Hashimoto's Disease that I was diagnosed with a few years ago. It is really the RCDD (Raw Cookie Dough Disease) Yes, my dear friends...it is because I am addicted to raw cookie dough! Just when I think I have finally overcome my addiction, I relapse. I realize that I have a problem and need help...I need a chaperone to accompany me to Sam's Club, from now on.

I don't have a clever title this time....

What a busy week. Last week when I posted, it was our anniversary. I had to go to a continuing education class on our anniversary, so Brad stayed home with the boys. Christopher had a fever and was feeling puny so we decided not to leave him with a sitter that night. David insisted since it our wedding birthday that we should go out. When we asked him where we should go, he said what any typical man thinks...but doesn't suggest on their own anniversary....Yep, we went to Cabela's hunting store. The boys love going and looking at the animals and fish. When we got in there David wanted to be in charge and so we let him lead. He led us straight to the shooting arcade. He will make an excellent husband one day! :) After Cabela's we all went out for family dinner at Outback. The nicest restaurant we can bring the boys too and not disturb others.

Brad brought Christopher to the pediatrician on Tuesday. She said he has another ear infection. It is probably the same one that he has had since November (possibly earlier). He is fine while he is on the antibiotics and then a few days after the prescription - it returns! She sent us to the ENT for him to get another set of tubes. I brought him to the ENT and he will have his tubes put in next Wed. She suggested that we get his adenoids removed too. The tubes are noninvasive, but the adenoids will cause it to be a little more dangerous for him. Brad and I were reminiscing just the day before about his open heart surgery (we were doing a story for the BR Parents Magazine for CHD Awareness Day). Brad mentioned how Christopher bled profusely and caused some problems during his surgery. So now, I have that in the back of my mind. Hopefully we won't have any bleeding problems. All three of the boys have had tubes put in and it is a very quick procedure. David had his adenoids taken out at the same time and he was outside playing the same afternoon. I know that we have been through far more complicated surgeries than this...but it still causes some anxiety! We'll go to the cardiologist tomorrow to get him "cleared" for anesthesia.

On Friday, we were invited to a play date at the Governor's Manson. Bobby and Supriya's four year old son was born with one of the heart defects Christopher has. Supriya is the spokesperson for our LA Pediatric Cardiology Foundation. We are gearing up for our annual fundraiser and preparing for National CHD Awareness Week next month. We were able to film a lot for the 30 minute special that will air next month (6:30 PM, February 26 on WAFB). Christopher had a great time playing on their huge tree house. Bobby (Gov. Jindal!) helped us out before he was governor and since he is kind of busy these days...she has picked up where he isn't able to anymore. She is such a super sweet lady and has does so much for our foundation...I hope she becomes our new first lady for the country in 2012!

Saturday morning David had his second basketball game. He is really good this year and enjoys it. They lower the goal down to a reachable height and practice right before the game. That way the kids can actually use the skills that they learn in practice immediately! He is still taking tennis lessons too; so it seems as though we are NEVER home. This week I have Board meetings tonight and Thursday night, LPCF meetings tomorrow, David has tennis on Tuesday, Basketball on Thursday, Brad and I are going to the Hornet's game on Wednesday....UGGGG!!! The last week of the month is extremely hectic here!!!

With the little boys birthdays coming up, we decided to give them a big boy room for their birthday. Their beds came in a few weeks ago and so they are now sharing a room. They adjusted quickly and although they just play and hangout at nap time instead of sleeping, I don't mind since we are now using the fourth bedroom to hide all of their toys. I am excited about finishing their new room. Their dresser has been on back order and should be in next week! Then I'll have a place for all of their laundry!!! I am hoping that when Cathy comes to stay with us next month - she can show me her excellent painting skills...I am such a slow learner, I may have to have her show me a few times! :) Since the little boys got "Big Boy" beds, we got rid of the guest bed and Jacob's toddler bed. I had asked Brad one evening if he knew of anyone that needed the toddler bed. David overheard and said we should save it for our next baby. I told him we weren't having anymore babies and he threw a fit! I asked him what was wrong and he was mad because he "doesn't have his sister yet". So...if anyone has a sister that David can borrow every once a while, we need one. I have a feeling, he'd be glad to pass her back quickly. Just the other night we went to watch the Harlem Globetrotters and we bought a souvenir basketball. On the way home, Jacob wanted to hold and David was upset because he assumed that it was "HIS". I pointed out that they could ALL share it and play with it together and he yelled, why did you have to give me brothers!?!

Brad stealing the Harlem Globetrotters' Fans...

No need to buy seats for everyone...they just sit in MY seat!?! Unfortunately, everyone over 2 had to have a ticket - even if they don't use the seat.