June 28, 2010

As many of you know, Ethan turned 2 on Monday and I am pretty sure he had a great birthday! He has been all smiles ever since his birthday party on Saturday (more on that in another post) and truly in the best mood ever!

Because the weather was beyond beautiful Monday, Ethan and I headed to the Splash Park in Glen Ellyn with Auntie Kristi and Baby Ellie! Once we got there, we realized it was actually a little chilly with the wind blowing, but still a perfectly sunny day. Here are a couple pictures from our little outing:

Ethan unsure about hitting the water

Ethan and I enjoying a beverage

Baby Ellie enjoying the sun...or trying to stay out of it!

Ethan's favorite thing at the Splash Park...the train, which has no water around it whatsoever!

After lunch and a good long nap, Nanny and Papa and Auntie "Twosies", Uncle "Bin" and Ellie came over for some pizza and cake. Our wonderful neighbor kids, Madelyn, Brian and Jack also joined us for "Happy Birthday!"

Thank you to everyone for making Ethan's birthday so special! I know he truly enjoyed every minute of each celebration! I still can't believe we have a two year old...where did time go? We have had a few bouts with the "Terrible Two's", but nothing a little time out can't handle. Let's hope he continues to be his happy adorable sweet self...he is so much fun right now. Keeps us on our toes and always laughing. Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

Happy Birthday, Ethan!

Today, Ethan celebrates his 2nd birthday! I can't believe he is 2; where has time gone? Matt and I were just talking the other day about how we can't really remember what our lives were like without Ethan. While life before parenthood was filled with lots of good times, vacations, fancy restaurants, and spending lots of time with friends; parenthood brings a whole new level of joy to our lives. We have experienced so many laughs, tears, crazy times, and most importantly, an immense amount of love and trust that only parenthood can bring. We are so proud to call ourselves Ethan's mom and dad. He is such a sweet little boy; full of love, curiosity, independence, and joy. We look forward to our days ahead as he becomes a big brother and shows his new brother or sister the ways of the world; we know he is going to be an amazing teacher!

Ethan continues to love all things boy...trucks, tractors, cars, sports! I think I have learned more about tractors in the past couple of months than I ever did in the 30 years prior to having a little boy. He is also starting to talk a ton, which is so fun and really developing his own personality which I love.

So a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our big guy! We love you more than you will ever know and look forward to celebrating many more wonderful birthdays with you. Thanks for making our world so much better!

Post Op - 2 Weeks Later

Well, this post is coming about a week an a half later than anticipated, but the last couple weeks in the Hunt household have been a little rough to say the least! After Ethan's surgery on the 10th, we headed to Lafayette and Zionsville for Emily's graduation party and a trip to the dairy farm (more on that in a separate post).

While the weekend was really fun, poor Ethan was all out of sorts and just not himself. In hindsight, we probably should have rearranged some things so several hours in the car did not follow his surgery...live and learn, I guess! After a great Thursday night, poor Ethan woke up in a lot of pain on Friday morning. We had opted only give him Children's Tylenol the night before instead of the Tylenol with codeine that the doctor prescribed...bad decision! He could hardly move when he woke up, was extremely fussy and did not want to be put down and definitely did not want to eat. He was really groggy most of the morning and all through the car ride to Lafayette. Thank goodness Grandma Carol was there to give him some chocolate ice cream, his first "meal" of the day. Ice cream and Tylenol seemed to do the trick for the rest of the evening!

He woke up again on Saturday really upset and not wanting to eat. This behavior continue for a couple of days, along with some low grade fevers. I finally called the surgeon's office on Tuesday. She said that his behavior didn't seem like it was related to his surgery and it might be a good idea to take him to his regular pediatrician to see if he possibly had developed an ear or respiratory infection. Well, it turned out Ethan had developed a really really bad cold...his mama too! The combination of his surgery and the cold made for one very sad little boy. It was horrible!

We did head back to the Dr. yesterday for a post op visit and to have Ethan's bandage removed. The Dr. said that Ethan is healing nicely and shouldn't have any further recovery problems. We just have to watch his left side because there is a chance that he could develop a hernia on that side in the future. Here is what his "ouchie" looked like under the bandage. Definitely something that should fade quick nicely! The good news is, Ethan is back to his old happy self, which is great! And right in time for his birthday. Here he is waiting for his dad to get home after being stuck on the train for 2 hours during yesterday's thunderstorm. Notice the "tight fade" he got on Saturday at Sport Clips with is dad!! Such a big boy!

The Patient

After many months of waiting, Ethan's much anticipated surgery date was here. I guess the good and bad news was that he really had no idea what what really going to happen or what to expect, no matter how many times we talked to him about the procedure.

The morning started off like any other morning except Ethan could only have clear liquids until 9 and then nothing after that! In all honesty, that was probably one of the hardest things about prepping him for his surgery. He did get to enjoy his first 2 Popsicles and lots of water. We tried to keep busy until we left at 10:30 with a nice long walk and a stop to see Baby Ellie. Anything to avoid being in the kitchen, really!We then headed to the Children's Memorial Hospital surgical center in Westchester. They got us all checked in and showed us to Ethan's "room" where he changed into his hospital gown and booties. And gave him his cool "anklet." While I would rather not have seen my child in a mini hospital gown, he did look pretty darn cute in his little yellow get up.
There were tons of toys to play with, including multiple tractors, shopping carts, and big trucks. Ethan enjoyed the kitchen the most though and thought it was great to make coffee in the oven and "wash" his hands in the sink.

The anesthesiologist and Dr. Cheng came to talk to us a little more about the procedure and what to expect. We decided for a couple of reasons (my emotional state and Baby H #2) that it would be best for Matt to accompany Ethan into surgery and be there while they gave him the anesthetic. And, from what I understand that was probably a great decision! I guess Ethan didn't love the gas mask (who would?) and was gasping for air and kind of twitching as he fell asleep. Poor boy!

Dr. Cheng was great with Ethan though and even gave him a little tattoo with his purple pen before heading off to prep for surgery. Shortly thereafter, the anesthesiologist and her resident came back to get Ethan and Matt. Watching my baby be wheeled away in his little hospital bed was so so hard, but I knew he would be in good hands and back in my arms in about an hour.

Exactly an hour after being wheeled off, Dr. Cheng came back and gave us the thumbs up sign, the surgery was a success! Ethan's hydrocele and hernia had been repaired without any complications. Ethan was starting to wake up and in recovery. We would get to see him in about 5 minutes!

Unfortunately, Ethan had a hard time "waking up" and was hysterical so we got to go back to the recovery area and see him, comfort him. The IV was really bothering him as well and he kept pulling and tugging at it. I couldn't wait to get my arms around him, as seeing him so upset was really really hard for me. Sure enough, as soon as I started to hold him and he had his blankie, paci, and bunny, he was back to sleep! We then moved back to his room and let him sleep for another hour or so. Oh how sweet he was...I enjoyed all the snuggles too!

When Ethan woke up for the 2nd time, he seemed to be in good spirits. The IV was still bothering him, but we assured him as soon as he drank some juice, the IV could go bye-bye. About a sippy cup of juice later, the IV was all gone...thank goodness! The only complication we had at that point was his ability to walk. Part of the anesthetic process was to give him what is essentially an epidural. It would numb his middle section for 6-8 hours, thus helping with the pain during this time. He would regain the strength to walk before that time, but it would just take a little bit. Well, we tried to soon and he just collapsed as soon as he put weight on his little legs. Poor boy!

We were then ready to head home! We gathered our things, picked up Ethan, got in the car and drove home. I was a little worried about what to expect those 1st few hours, but all in all everything was great. By the time we arrived at our house, Ethan was up and running. Literally! Not full force, but definitely moving! Granted, he probably could not feel his middle section, but he was able to play, which was all he wanted to do. He was really tired by the time bed time rolled around tonight and in a bit of pain, but his bed and some Tylenol seemed to take care of that.

So, all in all, the surgery was a success. He has a small cut right about his pelvic area that was stitched from the inside and then essentially taped on the outside. We go back in 2 weeks for a follow up, where they should removed the bandage and we are good to go. His only restriction really is no swimming in chlorinated water for a week. Not too bad! We shall see what tonight and tomorrow bring. I am anticipating some pain, but am hoping for a peaceful night's sleep for Ethan and a fun day tomorrow.

We are just so thankful that the surgery is over and was a success. We hope we don't have to go through this for a long time, if ever! Thank you all for the phone calls and texts yesterday, we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers!

Hawks Win!

After 49 years, the Chicago Blackhawks just won the Stanley Cup finals! They beat the Philidelphia Flyers4-3 in game 6 with and overtime goal by Patrick Kane. So exciting for the city of Chicago!

So Long, Farewell!

On Sunday we got together with some of our close friends (unfortunately we were missing a few)to say good-bye to our dear friends, the Nickoloff's. Sarah, Chris, Jackson and Ellie will be heading to Nashville in a few short weeks. While we will miss them dearly, we know this is such a great opportunity and move for them. Most of us girls have been friends for 13 years, meeting our freshman year in college. The boys joined our little group a few years later and we have all shared some truly amazing memories since then. We have been through graduations, weddings, babies and shared so many laughs, tears, hugs; times we will never forget. So, while the Nickoloff's might be heading south, I have no doubt there are many more memories to be shared and lots of fun times ahead in Nashville.

While the weather was not the most cooperative, the kids did have a chance to play outside before the rain started. Once the huge thunderstorm rolled in (right before dinner, of course), we all headed inside (picture 12 adults and 9 kids packed into our little house). Regardless, we had the best time.

Just a few cute pictures from the afternoon... Keegan giving Ethan a ride on his tractor! Future Roommates, perhaps?
Most of the kids hanging in the kitchen!

Serious round table discussion going on!
Jackson, after enjoying a delicious meal!
Keegan was lucky enough to ride "Cappy" down the slide. Thank goodness Ethan did not witness this!The best picture of the kiddos (well most of them) that we could get! How cute are they?!

We wish the Nickoloff's the best of luck as they begin this new chapter! We are so excited for them and all that this opportunity has to offer. They will be greatly missed here in Chicago, but we know that Nashville is only a short plane ride away!

Oh how our lives have changed since we met 13 short years ago, but we have loved every minute of journey we have each embarked and couldn't have made it through without each other!

Memorial Day

We had a great Memorial Day at the lake with my sister, Ben, Ellie, and the Livermore's. My parents did not join us this time, as they were in Jamaica for a wedding...Green Lake, Jamaica...what would you choose? I think the weather was the nicest it has been since my parents bought the house 5 years ago, which makes for a very fun weekend! Matt, Ethan and I drove up Friday afternoon and my sister, Ben and Ellie joined us later that evening. We decided to forgo our usual Friday night Walker's visit and just order pizza in from Bernie's. It had been a long day for everyone, some of us having shorter than usual naps, so a nice night in was perfect!

Saturday the weather was gorgeous, but because the boat was not in the water due to some mechanical difficulties, we hung around the house. Kristi and I took advantage of the nice weather and layed out, while Matt and Ben golfed and the kiddos napped. We also enjoyed some nice family time, as you can see in the pictures below!
We got to spend a lot of time with Ellie, which was much needed! Ethan and I have been sick since right after she was born so we haven't been able to see and hold her nearly enough. We even let Matt have a chance!Ethan was a little jealous that daddy was holding Ellie so he had to make sure he got some snuggles too!
Enough with the snuggles though, play horsie with me, Uncle Ben! Ethan loved his ride around the house on "Bin." We are still working on saying Auntie Kristi!!! It is a little more difficult!
Ethan also made sure the goose was well taken care of, mower in hand! I am pretty sure the mower goes with us everywhere we go these days. He just loves it! Thank you grandma Carol!
Ethan also got to enjoy his new cousin. He really loves being around her, we just have to work on being a little more gentle. Although Ethan wishes different, she is just not quite ready to play with him yet. He enjoys giving her kisses though and saying "Hi." Ellie is getting the brunt of Ethan's "aggressiveness" with a new baby, unfortunately, but he should be extremely used to a newborn by the time Baby Hunt arrives in September!

A couple more cute pictures of Ellie:
On Sunday the weather was gorgeous again so we decided to head out on the lake with the Livermore's. It was a beautiful day to be on the water, way too hot to be sitting still on land. While the water in the deeper parts of the lake is still really cool, rumor has it that over in Norwegian Bay, temperatures were close to 77 in the shallow parts. Already, the weather is turning out to be a lot nicer than last year!
Ellie's new towel...perfect for all those future dips in the lake and dives off the pier.
Ethan was exhausted after his first boat ride with the guys (the ladies were on a walk) so he decided to take a little snooze in the back of the boat back at Livermore's dock. Poor guy was passed out for about an hour, but ready to go after his rest!
Ellie enjoying her first boat ride. She snoozed during most of the trip, but did wake up for a few minutes to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air!
Papa Livermore (Uncle Ben, too) was nice enough to let Ethan drive drive his boat. The horn even got honked a few times. Ethan was in heaven.

The Livermore's also were gracious enough to have us over for a delicious dinner on Sunday night. We enjoyed sitting outside, enjoying a beautiful night on the lake.
We had such a great time at the lake and are really looking forward to many more trips up there this summer. I know Ethan is going to love being in the water once it finally warms up! Not that I am wishing my summer away, but I can't imagine how fun next summer is going to be with lots of little running around...between the Livermore and Konneker houses, there will be 5 grandkids under the age of 4! Not to mention CJ and Joey! Oh and a wedding! I already know that 2011 is going to be a blast!