CHEESE!!!

So, these pictures pretty much capture it! Today was Parker's first smile! And it was worth waiting for!

This is a great way to end a wonderful week. The past days following his surgery have been blissful. He is a new baby, and we are a new family. Thanks be to God!

Fiesta Picnic

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and tonight, I decided my crew needed some simple, home-made fun. After all, Daddy was working the night shift at the mall, and it had rained ALL afternoon.

So, I made a picnic on our living room floor (food was courtesy of a sweet lady from our church -- bless her!!!), and I turned on the Mexican music channel. Turner got out her two sets of maracas, and we made our very own mariachi band!

It was quite a fiesta! Arrrrriba!


(Little Parker even rallied one day post-op!)

Off Broadway -- Part 2

Here is Part 2 of our finger puppet dramatization! Enjoy seeing one little monkey sing about five little monkeys!

Our Little Theologian

So, we took Turner to see Parker at the hospital Tuesday evening. We had talked a lot about his surgery and all along have been talking to her about his problems. She's a big help and a very concerned sister.

It was a great reunion, and Turner gave him lots of "get well" kisses! On the way home, we were in the car, and Turner said:

"Mom, Jesus had a bad day today."

"Really?" I replied. (Who knew?!) "Why?"

"Because he didn't feel good."

"Why didn't he feel good?"

"His tummy was upset."

"It was?"

"Yes, his tummy was upset from the antibiotic."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"Yeah."


While this is likely not your kid's everyday conversation topic (and that would be normal!), upset tummies and antibiotics are pretty common around this house! And -- well -- so is Jesus.

At first I thought this might be a little bit of a sacrilege, but if you think about it, this is a huge theological leap for a two year old :) ... After all, Jesus was fully human and took on our pain, trials and tribulations. He knows all about our upset tummies and loves us through them! Thanks be to God!

Great Day for Parker

Thank you, THANK YOU for all your prayers, emails, calls, support, love, etc.!!! We had a very good day today, and the surgery went very well.

The surgeon was able to puncture the ureterocele on the bladder, and she said everything went as planned. She said it was much bigger than she expected, and she expects it to help the flow of urine through the bladder and alleviate the backup in the right kidney. Also, we had full labs (for the first time), and his kidney functions were within normal ranges.

Unfortunately, she was unable to see the left ureter/kidney today, so we'll have to rely on our ultrasounds and VCUG tests in a couple weeks to try and identify and attack the cause of backup in that kidney. The surgeon seems to be preparing us for a follow up surgery once that issue is defined. We trust her skill and ability to lead us in the right direction.

Overall, Thomas and I feel great! We've completed Step 1 of this process, and it went well. We feel it will greatly improve Parker's quality of life even now. He was constantly groaning and crying out -- and some of this was likely due to the "work" he was having to do to push urine out.

Again, we have a great TEAM -- of doctors and of pray-ers! THANK YOU! We'll keep you posted. Parker comes home tomorrow morning!

Olive You...

Tonight at supper, we introduced Turner to the concept of "Knock, knock" jokes. Apparently, they are pretty intellectually challenging. Who knew?!

We did all the usual suspects:

- Orange. Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

- Olive. Olive you.

- Dwayne. Dwayne the bathtub, Mommy, I'm dw-ouning.

We did these "oldies-but-goodies" over and over. Seriously. Then, Turner decided she wanted to be the "Knock-knocker."

She said, "Knock, knock."

I said, "Who's there?"

She said, "Turner."

I said (anticipating her undoubtedly creative response), "Turner, who?"

She said (on the verge of crocodile tears), "Just Turner."

Ok. And thus ended the hilarity of our knock, knock jokes...and our supper. Orange you glad you got to share our fun?

Long Awaited Day

We finally had our long-awaited appointment at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital today.

Parker had an ultrasound of his bladder and kidneys, as well as a VCUG (a procedure where they catheterize him, shoot dye up and take x-ray pictures of what happens). He did great for both procedures, and so did we! :)

After the tests, we had an immediate consult with the surgeon, who read the pictures and did a great job explaining them to us.

Parker has a cele on his bladder (imagine almost a balloon within the bladder) that is obstructing the flow of urine out of his bladder. This is causing his bladder to never fully empty, in spite of lots of contracting. Also, his kidneys and ureters are all dialated with urine ("hydronephrosis"); the left kidney much moreso than the right kidney. The hydronephrosis is not caused by reflux of urine back into the kidneys, rather by the urine collecting and not really having anywhere to go.

The pediatric urologist has scheduled Parker for surgery on Tuesday of next week. She will use a scope to puncture the bladder cele and feels pretty confident this will help the flow of urine out of the bladder, as well as relieve the hydronephrosis on the right kidney. She is not as sure about its impact on relieving the left kidney. However, best case, we might have a "solved" problem. (This is what we're praying for!) Two weeks after Parker's surgery, we'll do another ultrasound and VCUG to see where things stand. Then, we'll go from there.

Thomas and I feel great about having a plan and feel like we are in really good hands here. God has been so good in bringing us this far, and we know He will continue to hold us in His palm.

Tummy Time

Turner joined Parker for some quality tummy time tonight, and from the looks of it, it was quite a workout for them both!

Seriously, Parker has spent a lot of the day today on his tummy, because he's not doing so well. He has been every bit of a colicky baby the past few days, and we are praying he's not going to feel like this for the next two months.

Gangsta' Parker

Who knew Parker was a gangsta'? Here I caught him keeping it real and showing off his best "East Coast" sign! Hee hee!

Who's Your Daddy?

Parker - one month old!

Turner - one month old!

There is no doubt that these kids are siblings and that Thomas Guerard is their Daddy, huh?!

One Month Old!

Believe it or not, Parker is already one month old! He is a sweetie, but he has had a rough first month of life. His antibiotic (a prescription he's had to take due to the kidney reflux) has taken a huge toll on his digestive system. It has caused him to be very uncomfortable most of the time and quite sick to his stomach.

We are anxious for our appointment at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital on Thursday. This is the long-awaited ultrasound and VCUG (x-ray of urine flow and kidney function), and we hope to get an update on his situation and some marching orders/next steps. We meet with the surgeon right after the procedures, so please keep up the prayers!

Happy one month birthday, little boy! We look forward to finding out who you are and what your personality will be as you grow and change! We love you.

Nana and Grandad Time

Two Peas in a Pod

Story Time with Nana

Nana and Grandad came to visit this weekend! We were so glad to see them and appreciated all the help! Turner and Parker had lots of good bonding time, too.

Thanks, Nana and Grandad!

Off Broadway Hit

On Thursdays, Turner and I usually go to the local library story hour. It's been great, and one of the highlights for us is singing the "Speckled Frog" song.

So, today -- with Nana's help -- we decided to make our very own speckled frog popsicle puppets and put on a show! It was fantastic! Check it out!

(Sorry for the sideways view, but I haven't figured out how to rotate it yet!).

Our Sunbeam

Part of our bedtime ritual with Turner is that we snuggle with her for two songs (since she was born, we've let her snooze to lullaby music on her CD player).


Anyway, last night's final song was the "Sunbeam" song. "A sunbeam, a sunbeam...Jesus wants you for a Sunbeam."


Turner looks at me and says, "Mom, what's a sunbeam?"
"Well, honey, it's the pretty light that shines down from the sun."
With a concerned look on her face, she says, "Mom, I don't want to be a sunbeam. I just want to be Turner."


I have good news, little girl: I am fairly certain Jesus will be happy with just you. I know I am.

Home Bodies

Today was a home day! We had workmen at our house, and it was pretty cold, so we stayed home all day. It was actually a great day!

We spent the morning doing art projects, much to Turner's delight. She painted, pasted, colored, chalked, glittered and stickered her way to snack time, and then we all three cuddled and read books on the couch. We played dominoes, made a construction paper caterpillar, had a dance party and ended the day with a big bubble bath. Whew!

Also, the stars aligned, and I was able to give both kids lunch at the same time and get them down for naps at the same time! WOO HOO!

God is good, and I feel so blessed to be able to spend a special day at home with these two little ones!

Looking Up to "Sissy" Already!

Parker already looks up to his "Sissy" ("Sissy" is the name Turner would like him to call her, she informed me today).

He does perk up when she's near, and if her love hugs --Ahem, assaults -- do not kill him, they'll make him a better man.

I worried so much that Turner would resent another child, after being the center of attention for nearly three years in the Guerard household. All that worry, it seems, was unnecessary, because she thinks her baby brother is awesome. The first person she wants to see in the morning is Baby Parker, and she insists he go everywhere with us. She holds Parker's hand all the way to school every day and says, "Mommy, he's so precious." She is also very protective. We were at the library reading hour the other day, and another little girl leaned over his carrier to look at him. Turner quickly shoo-ed her away, saying, "That's my baby brother. You can't get close to him or touch him."

Watch out girls with crushes in 15 years: Turner will tell you what's up! :)

Indian Princess? Or Pyro?

For the first time ever, we have a wood-burning fireplace! It has been quite a lot of fun for our family, and it has led to a new tradition. Every night that it is deemed "cold enough" (i.e. Daddy feels like it!), he and Turner build a fire. They chop the wood together, gather it up, crinkle some newspaper and create a beautiful, warm hearth.

The best part about the fire -- in Turner's opinion -- is that it goes so well with hot chocolate, an evening snack and lots of books! Parker (as you can see) is on board, too!

Irony of Ironies...

Confession: Burping infants is one of my LEAST favorite tasks (and from the picture taken during our latest "session," I don't think Parker loves it either!) Anyway, since I tend to have gassy babies, burping is key for future happiness (i.e. sleep!). I am ashamed to admit that I find myself pleading and bargaining with God over burps these days. It goes something like this: "Please God, make Parker burp, so I can go to bed. Just one little burp. I'll be the best mother ever if you give me one belch. I'll pray every day. Go to Bible study. Just one burp, God."

I am -- of course -- being somewhat facetious about this, but today as I was endlessly pounding Parker's back for a "grand finale burp," I thought how ironic it was that I was dying to hear a loud, full-bodied burp today...and when he's 12, I'll be telling him to PLEASE control his nasty man-burps and other bodily noises.

Irony of ironies.

Headliners

GO GATORS!!!

Parker - 1/8/2009













Turner - 4/4/2006

In the Will!

I am glad to say that you can all EXHALE -- Parker is officially IN the family will. He passed his Daddy's test and pulled out a National Championship for the Gators tonight!!! The heat was on, because his Big Sister had ushered in a 2006 Basketball National Championship and then an ensuing Football National Championship. Expectations were high, and unofficially, I think Parker would have been SOL had he not come through tonight. But, alas, he did!!! (One has to ask herself if it was the official Gator burp cloth, complete with regurgitated milk that did it?! Or the deep meditation and intense prayer time Parker engaged in during the entire game?!)

Now, here is the thing about all this: I told Thomas that if he wanted his team to win another national championship title in the future, he'd have to hire a surrogate mother. 'Cause this Mama ain't available for bearing the next good luck charm! :)

GO GATORS!!! CHOMP, CHOMP!

Just Plain Cute...

Parker had his three week check up today, and got a good report. He's gained 1 lb. (weighing in at a whopping 7lbs. 9oz.) and grown 3/4" (for a length of 20-3/4"). He's still a little guy and is in the 10th percentile. Based on his milk consumption, I'd guess that will be short-lived! He's quite the guzzler!

Sleeping Beauties

So, I broke the American Society of Pediatrics rules today and let both of my kids nap together. I was so proud to have two sleeping babies -- seems like a huge accomplishment. Anyway, it was really cute, and they both were mighty snugly!

Turner has already put in a request for him to sleep on her trundle bed tomorrow! (Think we'll wait on that one!)

Turner Had a Little Lamb...

I started a tradition when Turner was born -- of taking pictures of her each month of her first year lying on this precious little lamb. It was fun to see her grow and change over such a short time period. Oh, how fast it flies!

Anyway, I am continuing this tradition with Parker. This picture was taken shortly after we came home from the hospital.

Parker is a pure joy. He's so sweet and easy going so far (believe me, I am knocking on wood as I write). His temperament seems very laid back. And -- drum roll -- he is a CUDDLER! YEAH! (Big sister only cuddles on her terms, so this is exciting for us!).

We look forward to watching him grow and change. We love you, little Parker lamb!

Bathtub Banter

(The left photo is of Parker, and the right photo is of Turner!) Twins? Maybe! Rascals? Definitely!

Tonight's Deep Thoughts, by Turner Guerard...

Turner and Parker had a bath together tonight. After I took Parker out and was drying and dressing him, Turner says (in her matter-of-fact tone), "Mom, you're going to have another baby boy."

To which I QUICKLY reply, "I don't think so. How do you know this?"

"God will tell you."

"I don't think so."

"Yes. God will tell you. And Mom, God is faithful 100%."

"What if I say, 'NO?' "

"No, Mom, you have to say, 'Yes.' It's God."

Sorry, God. One boy and one Turner are ENOUGH BLESSINGS for this tired mom!!!

Goal Oriented

Turner has gotten really into soccer. I'm honestly not sure why or how (maybe genetics, like the footie pj thing!), but she loves it and has so much fun kicking the ball around.

Her Aunt Niki, Uncle Clete and Cousin Ryan gave her a set of goals for Christmas that are the perfect size for her. So, today -- the first day in WEEKS that it hasn't rained -- we let her loose in the backyard to play soccer. We all had a ball! Parker was in charge of cheering for his Sis!

Mr. Sandman...

Ever noticed the way newborns will cry out randomly in their sleep...as if they were having a really bad dream? Ever thought about what a "bad dream" could possibly be to a two week old? I have actually given this thought. Way too much thought, probably. And all I can conclude is that the milk ran out. I mean, is there anything more frightening at this point?!

I'm just finishing the midnight feeding! Parker, sweet dreams, baby.

Deep Thoughts...

Typical tucking in for Turner these days:

"Turner, God made you so sweet. I love you."
"Mom, when did God make me?"
"Well, honey, God made you when you were in my tummy. And even before that." (Yikes!)
"Mom, does God have a beard?"
"Do you want Him to have a beard?"
"No (on the verge of crying)."
"Well, then He doesn't have a beard."
"What did He do with his beard?"
"He shaved it for you."
"Where does He live?"
"Everywhere, honey. In your heart."
"Goodnight, Mom."
"Goodnight."

WHEW!!! I think I'll enroll at Columbia Theological Seminary next week. Maybe then I'll survive this girl!

Pajama Mama

Turner has decided that her footie pajamas are a "fashion DO" ... all the time. She sleeps in them at night, of course, but she also has to wear them for naps. No negotiating. After preschool -- or whatever we're doing that day -- she promptly strips off all her clothes (leaving a nice trail for her mommy) and puts on the footie pajama du Jour. Note that we have four pair in the current rotation, and they are washed almost daily. She's our little pajama mama alright!

(Shhhh -- rumor has it that her Daddy would still be wearing his footie pajamas, too, if they had some his size!)