Where Have We Been?

Geographically? In Los Angeles. In the blogosphere world? Absent. Excuses? None.

We all know the real reason is because I didn't want to boot Brian's extremely thoughtful post out of the limelight. But, yet, life goes on and we must blog!

We have been up to a whole lot of nothing and everything all at the same time. I feel like the past few months have been fast forwarded with nothing but doctor appointments and grocery shopping in the blur of my memories. This is not complaining, it is simply what my life has been all about lately. Braden has had 3 ear infections since Christmas and we were in and out of doctors' offices getting antibiotics after antibiotics, then going to the ear, nose and thoat doctor, and an audiologist to come to this conclusion: our dear little Braden has to have ear tube surgery.

Also going on at the same time are eye appointments. The one with the retina specialist being especially exciting. Braden fell asleep in the middle of the appointment and the doctor was able to examine him while he slept! I was extremely impressed. The conclusion to this appointment: Braden's peripheral vision isn't the best, and his eyes don't dilate correctly in darkened rooms. This leads to the possibility of a rod (as in cones and rods) dysfunction. The only way to confirm is the blasted ERG test that Braden already tried to take, with no success. We left the appointment with intentions to do the ERG when Braden is older and can actually do it (instead of doing it under anesthesia).

Now back to the surgery. Since Braden is going under anesthesia for the surgery anyway, we are trying to coordinate the surgery with the ERG so that we can do both at once. Thank you doctors! Hopefully this will work out. I'll keep you posted.

Throughout this doctoral mess, we have enjoyed a fun visit from Braden's Nana (my mom), where she played with him on the swings, went with him to the beach, picnic'd with him, and snuggled with him and shared popcorn with him:

We have also enjoyed lots of sunshine. We went to the zoo:

We went swimming at the pool:

Braden is such a happy boy and we enjoy having him in our lives. He is such a blessing to us. He is very social and loves to play with anyone and everyone! He loves to share his pacifier (gross!) with us. He loves to walk along the furniture. He loves to bang on my keyboard while I try to type. He loves to help me sort and fold laundry (or rather unsort what I have sorted and unfold what I have folded). And, he LOVES his daddy, especially when he comes home in the evening. He REALLY LOVES it when his daddy chases him on hands and knees. I have to admit, I love that too....