Going forward!

Many exciting events happened here in the barrel this week. On Sunday we celebrated Daddy on Father's Day. We headed out for some lunch and art park. Since parking was challenging at the Indianapolis Museum of Art when we first got there, we decided some Chinese food would be better.

We watched the lovely ladies of Mama's dance company Motus Dance Theatre Dance at the new Art Park, 100 Acres.
On Tuesday we got to visit the Pediatrician for our official one year check up. Elias' new stats are:
Weight: 21 lbs (18 percentile--skinny boy from all that running!)
Height: 29 1/2 inches (30% percentile)
Head Circumference: 48 cm (86% percentile--all those smarts!)
Development: walking with less falls, can crawl up stairs, starting intonations with speech, perfect pincher grasp, basically right on track if not slightly ahead.

So we got to turn our car seat around and Elias is experiencing car rides in a whole new way.

We have also been cheering on our three favorite futball teams here during the FIFA world cup--USA, Deutschland, and of course Mexico....

And discovering new ways to cause trouble....

 That's it from here in the barrel!

Port for the Prince

Elias went in Thursday of last week to get his port. A port is an access place for his hemophilia factor so that we can forgo attempts of needle sticks for baby veins in arms and legs until Elias is bigger. It is a small device placed under his skin and a catheter that runs just short of his heart. The surgery was successful and Elias is recovering very nicely. He impressed the doctors with his quick recovery and high pain tolerance.

After Elias got over the anesthesia, he was back to his old self. We all got a little stir crazy and had to get out of our hospital room in one of the fun Children's Hospital wagons.

We watched the opening games of the FIFA World Cup. Go USA!!! We even got a special guest all the way from Nashville!

Mama was amazed by the agility and speed of the IV poles with Elias walking in the hallways. Since she works with as a physical therapist, her patients are no longer safe.

We thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts, for we feel that this whole process would not have been successful without your support. Now onto prophylaxis infusions!

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!