California McMillans

Tyler is an absolute miracle.  His heart is an absolute miracle.  Modern Medicine is an absolute miracle.   That pretty much sums up my feelings after our visit to UCSF on Tuesday.  Tyler has undergone 3 open heart surgeries and multiple caths to turn his blue lips, toes, and fingers PINK!  They are pink and he has energy. We were first case on Tuesday which usually means getting rushed into surgery which we love.  I forgot Tuesday is their late day due to correlation.  So we hung out and played X-Box.  Tyler showed so much maturity getting his IV.  He gave them his hand and told us he would cry when they put it in.  He cried for a moment and was fine.  Went into surgery around 10PM.   If I had an Iphone I would have video taped him on Verced.  That is always the best part.  He becomes this super duper happy, loopy child.  I said goodbye, went to get a little gift for him and out to lunch with my sister.   They called around 1 to tell us he was out of surgery, did great,

Just got a call from Heidi that Tyler was out of surgery and that his saturation was in the high 90's. 

A friend the other day asked me what I wasn't good at so we could become friends. I could list a lot of things.  Being Passive. Being Patient. Cooking.  Keeping the house clean.  Staying in a routine.  Being Organized.  Sticking to Goals.  Making the Most of my Time.  The English Language.  Spanish.  Writing Thank you Notes.  Singing.  Fashion.  Design.  Mechanics.  Being a Mom.   Making Decisions. Texting.  Facing a Challenge. Keeping in Touch with Old Friends.  Listening. Computers.  Story Telling.  Dancing.  Photography.  Finances.  Taxes.  Learning New Things. While there are a ton of things I really need to work on I have a talent of not feeling too bad about my many weaknesses and am filled with gratitude that I have an eternity to get better at these things.  Not so sure if that is actually a talent, but I am counting it because it helps me feel good on a daily basis. I have the occasional melt down that I really must do better, which is a good thing and probably should

May has flown by probably because it has been busy.  I just wish I knew what has been so busy about it.  I wish I didn't have to make so many decisions.  I don't like making decisions.   Lots of end of the year functions with Scott.  Friends (with like 4-5 kids in school) always tell me how crazy the end of the year is.  I have just one kid and feel like we have had a lot of extra activities.  Can't imagine multiplying that by 4.  Field trip to Smith Family Farm which was so fun, class parties, concerts, awards, mothers day festivities, etc etc.  At Back to School Night Scott wanted to show us everything and yet Kira and Tyler just wanted to go play.  So we finally sent them out the kindergarten playground (which is awesome and all fenced) to give Scott our undivided attention and it worked great.  This is only possible thanks to Kira being independent and Tyler following her lead.  I had Danny go to the baseball end of the year party because I wanted it to be all about

Danny took Scott and Tyler to the Father and Sons Campout last weekend.  Since Danny had to work bright and early Sat. morning and Scott had to swim all morning at time trials, they decided to go that afternoon, enjoy the yummy dinner, playing in the dirt, campfire and head out around 9pm.  In my opinion, the easiest way to enjoy the camping experience is not actually having to set up and take down the tent while getting a good nights rest in your own bed.  The boys (all 3) had a great time.  Danny enjoyed talking to the other dads about cars, dentistry, and man toys.  The kids had a great time playing baseball, watching the fire and playing in the dirt.  Scott said Tyler hit the ball and ran to 3rd base (which he always does) so Scott said he ran the right way for him.  I am so grateful for Danny and the dad that he is.  He is always involving them in his activities and teaching them the talents that he has.  He teaches them piano, helps them to sing, works around the house with them,

Scott had a great time doing his first baseball season.  He did the Brentwood Shetland 6 league.  They had practice once a week and games twice a week, which was quite the season.  The A’s were such a cute team with the nicest kids.  Wyatt, Riley, Ryan, Scott, Tyler, Bradford, Jace, Nico, Jonah and Noah, coaches Eric and Brad, and team mom Jacki.  His coaches were so supportive.  Teaching the kids the rules and always positive. Tyler loved to play with another younger brother Tyler during the games and the Tyler and Kira often went to the two nearby playgrounds to go down the slides, swing and climb the bars.  Blake was the best baby.   Scott did great.  They got six coach thrown balls and he almost always got to base.  He stayed positive and had a great time.  The best part of youth sports is getting to know and become friends with other kids and their families.  What a great experience.  Danny brought him to his last game and party on the motorcycle.  They had a lot o

We got some smiles out of Blakey this week.  He looks pretty serious most of the time, though. Look at Kira's hair.  I tried to braid it last night but she wouldn't sit still for two seconds.

Heidi said, "I think Mother's day is a way for the men to realize how much work being a mom is." I already know it is a lot of work, especially after Heidi's brief visit to the hospital for a 5 mm kidney stone.  Boy, I couldn't wait to get back to work!  I don't know how you do it, Heidi, but I'm grateful for you and your willingness to lug the kids to the gymmer and music time and Winco.   Happy Mother's Day,  super woman!    The gym has been great.  The pool is pretty warm, but not warm enough for Kira, who will stay in the regular pool no more than 5 seconds before running over--and usually falling on the pavement along the way--to the hot tub.  

Here is Blakey.  Our "little old man" as I call him.  He came out concerned and continues to look very concerned about life.  We love him.  He is such an easy baby.  Cries when he is hungry or needs to be changed.  He only wakes up twice a night thanks to Danny's concoction of formula and milk.  I just love this little man.  I feel like I don't get to hold him or play with him as much as my other kids because I have the other kids and that makes me kind of sad.  But then I remember that he has three older siblings to look out for, love, teach and lead him and that makes up for it. Just looking at him makes me smile.  My little old man.  He was 10.8 lbs at his 6 week check up.  We love him and are so grateful for him!

Tyler has been pleasant lately.  He has changed so much in the past couple of months since his surgery and I am grateful that time has healed his emotional wounds.  He goes back to the hospital May 29th to get his fenestration closed.  It should be a simple procedure that we hope will get his sats from the 70's to the 90's, his lips blue and his energy level up to a relatively normal level.  I am hoping that the quick stay will not leave him an emotional disaster afterwards. He has LOVED LOVED LOVED swimming at the gym lately.  It is so fun to see him and Kira playing while Scott is at swim team.  I have to do an entire post about the gym because it is so deserving. My best gift yet! Tyler had a kindergarten evaluation today and they said he did fine and is ready for kindergarten.  We shall see.  We went and visited a pre-school this week and are still undecided whether to do pre-school or two years of kindergarten. So that is Tyler for you in a nutshell. I am growing in

Went to visit my mom today in the hospital.  She is in isolation after her radiation since her immune system is so low and she had some type of infection.  It was so nice to sit and talk without interruption for butt wiping, crayon finding or food making....you know what I mean?? She is in good spirits but could use some prayers.  So send them her way.  I can't imagine all that she has gone through these past couple of months from chemo to radiation.  She has been so brave and optimistic.  She has always been the one taking care of everyone else and now she is on the receiving end.  She is taking on this challenge with patience, optimism and grace.  What an example she is to me and how grateful I am to have such a wonderful mom!

I gave Kira some bangs.  You likey?