Week 36 Year 1

Hello my little Trouper,

Phew! What a week! (I wonder how many letters I start this way?)

Another week of up and downs! I feel like I've learned a lot about you this week too!

You saw your heart doctor Friday morning and got the big thumbs up to have surgery! She said your murmur was a mere flicker and she didn't need to see you for another year! Great news! We do however need to stay very cautious of infections particularly from the mouth! The roller coaster started when I got a call from school on Friday that said you had a low grade fever. I didn't think much of it because well, a low grade fever isn't much to think about but when I went to pick you up, you were clearly not yourself. Once we got home, you weren't hungry, you didn't want to play and you just wanted to snuggle on the couch! I took your temperature about every fifteen minutes! It ranged from 99 to 101(ish) and you fell asleep in our arms (your dad and I took turns) around 6pm! Very unusual for you! We called the doctor but they didn't seem too alarmed so we decided to go with the flow! We put you to bed around 9pm and you slept hard until the next morning around 7am.

 

 However, the next morning you awoke a new child! You were hungry, full of energy and back to your old jolly self again! We had plans to go to the Franklin Pumpkin Fall Fest and it was the first time we'd get a chance to wear our Halloween costumes! We had fun getting ready! Since I call you "my little monkey" all of the time, I thought it might be fitting if you were Curios George and I (or sometimes your dad) was the Man with the Yellow Hat! Of course when it's the 3 of us; I'll be the balloon vendor!

Well let me tell you; the Franklin fest was PACKED! It was building to building people even at 10:30am! We made the best of it but both of us were struggling a little. It was warm, crowded and it just felt...weird. So hard to explain. We walked around for quite a bit waiting for our friends to join us. We went to the kid area and after playing in the corn (again) we spotted some PRINCESSES taking pictures! I was so surprised by your reaction! You kept saying their names over and over and you patiently waited to sit next to the infamous Elsa & Anna!

You don't look super excited but believe me; you were!

Then we found a secret little spot! (After we braved the crowds to find some snacks and a drink!) It was my most favorite part of the day. It was just the two of us. I sat on a little bale of hay and you played around me and climbed on a fence, ate a banana (seriously - how cute is that little monkey with a banana?) and we just bonded. It was a very sweet moment! 

 

Once we finished our snacks it was time to meet up with our friends and as we were walking towards where they were you actually requested....by words....to participate in a "game". You said, "jump" as we passed a bounce house! I questioned you several times to confirm that is was what you really meant..."jump!", you said! Okay! Let's jump! I had my doubts that you'd actually do it. I had my doubts that you'd actually wait in line but you did! You waited oh so patiently! You didn't wiggle, you didn't whine, you just waited for your turn to climb into that bounce house! "Who is this kid?", I thought to myself!!! You did great at first. You squealed. You jumped (sort of) and then you fell down. And all of a sudden, this sweet little girl came by and helped you up. She was so concerned about your well being. She encouraged you to jump on your own and held  your hand when you were scared. Then once she thought you felt comfortable, she let you jump on your own while she had some fun on her own but always kept one eye on you! I feel a little silly saying this but I got teary eyed. Suddenly, I envisioned you as this big little girl! No longer a baby. A new child! I just want to say "thank you" to that little girl! I mean I told her then but if I could tell her again I would or if I could somehow project my thanks into the future;  I would! What a sweet, loving and special little soul she was/is! 

Then after that, we met up with our friends, played a bit and headed home. While the festival was different and fun, I'd be fine with not going back again someday. It was a little "too" much! 

The next morning was the Titans vs. Texas football game! I had been working with you all week to say, "Go Titans Go" and "Touchdown". You aren't a huge fan of the word "touchdown" but you love to say "football". The game was fun! You were such a trouper! You were super chill during all of the walking and maneuvering our way through the crowds and you even took a nap amongst the crazy crowds, cheers and loud music!

After the game we decided to head to the mall for an early dinner and ended up shopping and riding the carousel! Thanks Daddy for taking such great special care of us! We're spoiled!

The next morning was ear surgery morning! Here we go! We got up super early and went straight to the surgery center. We filled out all of our paperwork and then had a wait. It seemed like it was forever! You were (once again) so patient! You only asked for food and water a couple of times and never really fretted when we had to tell you, no. 

I was most worried about them (nurse or doctor) having to rip you from my arms in a hysterical fit to take you back to the surgery room. And when the moment finally came, our nurse Leann, came out and blew some bubbles. She also had a fun flashing toy wand. You acted like you didn't care for them but whenever she put them away you'd say, "more"! So finally I handed you to her and for a split second you make a whimper but Leann whipped out those bubbles and you were mesmerized. You disappeared around a corner and the quickest 20 minutes later you were back in my arms! Literally! It was 20 flying minutes! Your surgery went well! In my opinion it could have not gone better. You were a little groggy but we got you home, snuggled on the couch and you slept for a solid three hours. 

Once you finally woke up, you gently said, "food?" and we said, "yes!" You snacked and played and and we had a great afternoon! Luckily (knock on wood) you haven't had any drainage or adverse effects from the surgery! Your dad and I both think you already hear better! You certainly seem to feel better!

It's Halloween weekend and we've got lots of plans so next week will be another fun filled eventful letter!

You are growing up and changing in so many little subtle ways...

You are fascinating!

Love you so much,
Mommy