ER Visit #5

Poor Bailey!  In his short 8 1/2 years he has racked up many ER visits.  The last one took place at the tail end of spring break and resulted in a fractured arm just below the wrist.  He was pretty stoic about the whole thing and cried only because his play date had come to a screeching halt. Actually, he didn't cry during his last ER visit (Sept. of 2006, see photo below) and he had many stitches in his mouth and lip!

He was pretty excited to pick out a black cast.  I told him that people wouldn't be able to sign a black cast but that kid has an answer for everything...a silver metallic sharpie, of course! Duh! 

He has enjoyed all of the extra attention from family and friends.  I was worried that he was going to hate going to school with his cast because the school district won't even let him eat lunch in the cafeteria until it's off.  We packed him up a small tote full of card games, a magnetic hangman game, silly putty, and snacks for him and a friend.  His teacher makes sure he has a companion for each and every time he has to visit the office.  

This big cast will stay on for four weeks and then they'll x-ray his arm again to decide if he needs another.  The best case scenario is that he'll be healed completely at that time.  The worst is that he may end up with a shorter cast for another few weeks.  

Poor little guy!  He really is a trooper and hasn't complained too much about it (yet). :)

Christmas Card Photos

Every year in mid October I start to stress out over our Christmas card photos.  We receive dozens of beautiful cards during the holidays.  Some are handmade with photos and beautiful ribbons and bits of colorful papers.  Others are custom made and then there are those of the Hallmark variety.  All are treasured as we look forward to them every year.  I always feel such pressure to have our cards be creative, fun, and fresh from year to year.  It can be exhausting!  We were fortunate this year to have my cousin Nate, who happens to be a fabulous photographer, take our family photos for our annual cards.  Thanksgiving day we stuffed our turkey in the oven and drove down to the beach to enjoy the 77 degree weather.  It was gorgeous!  Here's a sneak peek of our day.

Not sure what Fritz (aka Bailey) is trying to express with his face in this one.

We thought we'd try for that cool *celebrity* look with the sunglasses...meh.

I think I'll have this one framed!

And finally, a winner (even if my hair looks like crap...I'm taking one for the team!)!