Bleedin' Bums

Today was the first day Elias had to get an infusion from a bleed. Luckily, it was only a soft tissue bleed from the likely culprit of falling on a toy or rock on his right butt-cheek. That silly mobility thing....We all know that it was bound to happen sooner or later and are happy that we have made it over one year with only this under our belt. In two days, we go for another attempt of port placement and the start of profy. We'd show some pictures of the infamous first bleed, however due to it's location we felt that it was not appropriate for the wide-open internets.

A Very Memorial Weekend!

This Memorial weekend was quite memorable. Elias turned one. Oma, Opa, and Uncle T all came in from California. Since Elias enjoys hummus, we went to the local Turkish restaurant on his birthday and enjoyed some fine cuisine. Elias loved pitas and hummus.

 Elias got some man time and learned the fine art of watching sports and hangin' with the boys...

On Saturday, we had barrels of monkeys of fun and went to the park in celebration of Elias turning One. Here's a little birthday cake action. (Better, professional pictures will be coming soon of the party...)

Sunday was Elias' baptism. Father Jeremy baptised Elias at St. Monica's Catholic Church. Elias had a bit too much fun at his baptism....(including blowing raspberries at Father during prayer.)

Bible stories with his Mamas...

 Elias' godparents Pete and Mel.

On Memorial Day proper, we headed to the Indianapolis Zoo for Elias' first encounter with all the animals. Although every animal was called a "duck," he enjoyed himself very much so. Especially with the monkeys, walruses, fish (including the shark petting tank), zebras, "petting zoo," and of course the ducks. Much fun was had by the whole family.

  

The most exciting highlight of the weekend was however, Elias learning how to walk! Check out the video below.

Birthday Monkey

Happy Birthday Elias Emerson Flora! We have spent an amazing year in the barrel with you. You are kind, loving, easy-going, energetic, flirty, and super friendly. You make everyone you come in contact with smile. We are so Blessed to have been given you in our family.

Party celebrations tomorrow!

Pool Dayz

Elias and Mama enjoyed the first hot day of the year with a little pool-side fun!

It's almost summertime in the city! And best of all, it's almost birthday day!

Pomp and Circumstance

Last weekend, Mama and Elias traveled back to California to see Uncle T graduate from college. The airplane flight was somewhat easier (despite Mama's anxiety) since Elias makes such good friends with those he comes in contact with. Plus, the added bonus that planes are like cars, and he gets very sleepy once in the air. Or perhaps its from all the excitement....

                                    

We are so very proud of our Uncle T, who graduated with a degree in business from California State University at Channel Islands. Many friends and family came out for the event and we all celebrated in the usual Californian style--tri-tip, salsa, and wine :)

And Elias found love!

Cheers and Congrats Uncle T!

A Day for Mamas

"We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body."   ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today was a very special day in honor of Mama. Daddy and Elias let her sleep in for an hour after a rough night (Elias wanted to play at 4 in the morning!). Then the family went off to Mass for a nice service, a surprise Mother's Day rose, and the meeting of some nice parishioners per Father Todd's request. The boys had a very special treat for Mama--lunch at one of her favorite restaurants, Palomino. Cheers to their service for accommodating an almost toddler! We have so much more appreciation for families when we dine out since it is not always easy to accommodate little ones.

Afterwards, we spent a few hours walking around Circle Center Mall and did some light shopping--Mama got a new summer dress. Then walked around our neighborhood shopping for houses. We have put our beloved school house condo up for sale since we now need a bigger space for Elias to run and explore. The condo fit well for Mama and Daddy's newlywed/graduate student lifestyle. However, now with Elias in the family, a little more square footage for the ability to fully baby-proof is essential. Mama also has been longing for a garden space.

Mother's Day was very special for us all. We would like to thank ALL the mothers in our lives for we would not be who we are today without their love and guidance. We love you Moms!

H is for Hemophilia

Today Elias' hemophilia diagnosis became very real for all of us in the barrel. We have had the good fortune in the last 11 months to not have any major bleeding episodes--made it through every vaccination with no problems, and only daily big, purple bruises and two mouth cuts that gave any indication to others that Elias has hemophilia. Elias is days away from walking independently (he has taken one or two steps alone but finds that pushing his toy or crawling are much more efficient modes of transportation), so we have made the decision to be aggressive with his hemophilia and protect his joint health by doing prophylaxis treatment via a port-a-cath for venous access (in lieu of Mama and Daddy trying to give factor through a vein in his arm). This will give Mama and Daddy the ability to do infusions of his hemophilia factor 2-3 times per week at home instead of a hospital and Elias' the opportunity to really keep up with his peers. So today Elias was scheduled to have surgery to have the port placed under his skin on his chest. Eventually when Elias has a little less baby chub on his arms, we will not need to use the port and it can come out. Also on the books, Elias was due for some ear tubes to help with his constant ear infections. So it was a big day with two surgeries lined up.

Elias got his first dose of factor today. He did really well with the infusion. Thanks to nurse Lisa for getting good stick right away! Of course Elias had to be strapped into the papoose and held down by all (much too mobile and strong these days) and he cried and cried, but that only lasted for the infusion itself and he was back to crawling around in the treatment room pushing his toys around.

Then off to the hospital for surgery. He got to wear baby-sized scrubs and play with a great gumball machine.

After he went back, and Mama and Daddy went to lunch and got a call soon after. Dr. K (the port surgeon) told us that when Dr. H (ENT surgeon) went first to place the tubes that pus came out of both ears. It seems that last week's cold has resulted in another ear infection! The tubes went in, and the infection was cleaned out, however due to the higher risk of infection for the port, it was not placed. So Elias only had one procedure done today. We are very thankful and blessed that Dr. H went first to discover the double ear infection as it could have complicated the port with infection. Elias recovered well and was back to his old self by the evening. Let's hope that these tubes will help his sleeping at night. Many thanks to all of those praying for us today---your prayers were definitely heard with a fortunate find!