Second Tooth

It took until September 28th for Zachary to cut his second tooth. That's a long time!

Happy 35th Mark!

Dear Mark,

Happy 35th Birthday! I hope it was a good one.

I want you to know that I really did intend to make it a special one. Maybe it didn't seem like it to you. I've been doing my best to be frugal, not only for the benefit of our family--but also as a gift to you. I considered making you a giant list of the things that I would like to give you. But, I'll do my best to get some of them for Christmas, so we'll just wait on that list.

Mark, you are the best! I'm so glad that I've been able to spend the last two and a half years with you.

You make me smile every day.

You make me laugh every day.

You make me grateful every day to be alive and here.

Thanks for everything you do!

Love,

Andrea

P.S. Sorry the frozen strawberries were a bit tasteless. I bought some fresh strawberries to make up for it. We can eat them on waffles!

Zachary - 1 Year and A Broken Leg

Dear Zachary,

Wow, this is going to be a LONG post. I haven’t posted for a week because of what happened last Saturday.

You’re ONE YEAR OLD (and one week) NOW! Woot! Way to grow boy! I’ll first of all tell you what I would have told you about your twelfth month of life—and then I will tell you about this past week.

Zachary, you still only have ONE tooth. I swear I can see the second tooth ready to come out. It’s on the bottom, right next to the one you have. But, you apparently have no need to have more than one tooth. Maybe you’ll only have one tooth forever. (I hope you don’t have only one tooth forever. You’d look pretty silly as a 16-year-old with only one tooth.)

You’ve started saying more than “Mama” and “Dadda.” Your new word is “BALLOON”! You say it more like “ba’oon.” It is so cute. I’m pretty sure you’re also trying to say “bear,” but it sounds like “boo” instead of “bear.”

You were running all over creation and pulling everything out that you can get your little hands on. But, sadly, well, right now you are in a body cast.

Your hair is so cute. I can’t cut it. I can hardly stand the thought of cutting it. It is so soft and curly. People comment on it all the time.

I swear you glow. I think it’s just because you are still so pure and so precious. Don’t ever lose this glow. You make people happy by just smiling at them. This is a good thing.

When we ask you how old you are, you can hold up one finger (with us giving you an example). Yes! You can tell people how old you are! We also taught you to clap at the end of the Birthday Song. Sooooo fun!

One of my favorite things lately has been that you wave “goodbye” to your dad in the mornings. We wave in the house and when he drives the Bravada, we wave from the balcony too. And you give “hello” waves when your dad comes home. That’s when you get super excited and happy. You LOVE your daddy. Oh, it makes my heart so happy.

Well, now I’m going to tell you what’s been happening this week. You broke your leg. At your birthday party. Before anyone got there. It was horrible.

So I was excited to have a birthday party for you. You’re going to be the only kid to have a big birthday party like that—not only did I promise your dad but I promised myself. The sad part about it was that we weren’t even there to enjoy it. We were at Primary Children’s Medical Center.

Thirty-five people confirmed that they would be there (though I think at least ten of them didn’t come). So we had a bazillion burgers and dogs to feed them. We were having our barbecue party at the park just down the street from us. At about 12:00 noon, your dad, your grandma and grandpa, and I were there setting up. Your dad went to the church to borrow a table. While he was gone, Grandma started cutting the grapes up. You stood by her on the picnic table bench.

All of a sudden, you fell. Grandma caught you by your right hand. You didn’t fall and hit your head. In fact, you didn’t fall all the way down. I don’t think that you even fell on your knees. She caught you and held on to you. I grabbed you to try and comfort you because you were crying.

About then, your dad came back with the table. I had tried to calm you down. Grandpa had tried to calm you down. Grandma had tried to calm you down. Your dad took you and ran around with you because that almost always makes you happy. But, nobody could get you to stop crying. The first guests arrived.

Finally I sat with you on my knee and you calmed down somewhat. I was looking at your knees and noticed your right knee looked like it was a little bit swollen. That made me sad. So I poked you and we discovered that definitely any prodding on your right leg or any movement of your right leg caused you to flinch and start crying again. Holding you still was okay. You just whimpered then.

I offered that maybe you hurt your knee. Grandpa offered that maybe you hurt your hip. None of us really thought that your leg was broken.

I called your pediatrician’s office and asked the nurse on call what I should do. She asked a lot of questions. “He’s been crying for fifteen minutes and he doesn’t usually cry like this…. Yah, every time we touch his right leg…. No, we can’t see any bones out of place…. It was only off the picnic table bench….” She told me to take you to Primary Children’s.

Your dad wasn’t too sure that we needed to go. In fact, he thought you just bruised something and that you would be okay. I was hoping that he was right. But, I don’t recall you ever crying that much over a fall and I don’t recall you ever being so tender to the touch.

So, we left, as friends started showing up. I had your dad and grandpa give you a blessing in the truck before leaving. You calmed down in the truck, after being jostled and buckled in. You almost even fell asleep on the ride to the hospital.

When we got to the hospital at about 1:00, your dad parked the truck and I took you in. It took a while to be seen. You were okay as long as we held you very still. They took you in to the triage room before some of the other children in the waiting room. But, it still took a long time. The triage room nurses agreed that something was wrong with your leg.

They finally took us back to a private ER room. When the ER doctor finally came in, he determined that you probably broke your right femur. Both your dad and I were surprised at this conclusion. So that’s where they planned to take the x-rays. We went with you and watched them take x-rays. Technology is amazing. We could see on the computer screen from the hallway that your leg was for sure broken. BROKEN! Broken. Ugh. Your dad cried. I tried to not lose it. I felt so bad for you. Broken…. A complete spiral fracture.

In the ER you were given a white teddy bear. We named him Jack because the ER doctor’s name was Jackman. You didn’t want anything to do with Jack. I think you needed Woods, your regular teddy bear.

The ER staff then worked with the on-call orthopedic surgeon to decide whether or not you needed surgery. They told us that you would for certain be in a “spica” cast. They told us it would probably be from your belly all the way down to your ankles—on both legs.

When the surgeon finally had a chance to evaluate the situation, she concluded no surgery would be needed. But in order to put a spica cast on, they had to take you to an operating room to sedate you. They told us they would probably take you in somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30.

It was 5:30 when they came to get you. We met both your anesthesiologist and your surgeon. Your orthopedic surgeon’s name is Holmes. They told us it would be between 40 and 45 minutes to cast you. It was 40 minutes when Dr. Holmes came to find us. She told us you did great. We talked about your car seat. And, she gave us some instructions about return visits and other things.

They came and got us to go into the recovery room. They told us you had woken up once, but you were asleep when we got there. You woke up when they wheeled you into the elevator to take you down to the next recovery area. In this room they taught us how to change your diaper. They also taught us how to “petal” you with moleskin so the cast wouldn’t hurt your skin.

We got to leave the hospital about 9:30. They wheeled you out in a wagon. They gave us some heavy duty prescriptions (loratab and valium) that we planned to fill the next morning.

It was so nice to come home and find that Grandma and Aunt Teresa had done their best to put all the food away from the barbecue. Everyone was so sad about what happened.

You and I didn’t go to church on Sunday. You were still pretty worn. You were kind of sick from the medicine. And, I had no idea how I was going to make you sit through three hours of church.

When we came back from getting your prescriptions filled, we pulled out the bouncer we used to put you in when you were tiny. We thought maybe it would be a good way to put you in a semi-sitting position. Almost the second we put you in it, you finally had a real honest smile on your face. You hadn’t smiled very much since you broke your leg—and honestly, no one can blame you. So you’ve spent a lot of time in the bouncer this week.

Your dad came home from meetings that day with a wagon our friend cleaned up for you. She and her sister use this wagon in their garden. They cleaned it and even put a blanket in it for you. We love them even more for doing this.

Grandma and Grandpa had gone home Saturday night while we were at the hospital. But they drove all the way back up here on Sunday to see you. They were so concerned about you. You are dearly, dearly loved. We opened your birthday presents with them here. And we finally sang Happy Birthday to you and ate some birthday cake (that no one touched at the barbecue). Honestly, we were glad that we got some noise-maker presents as birthday gifts. These would be good to play with while you’re trapped.

On Monday, our friends, the Joneses, came and brought you a balloon. They heard how much you love balloons and they wanted to visit you.

Our other friends, the Terrys, brought dinner from the Olive Garden and a great big, stuffed hippopotamus. We named the hippo Terry.

You have received a lot of prayers and well wishes. And your dad and I have been taken care of—like when our friend, Jamie Mascherino, brought us some sandwiches at the hospital. I hope that our family can be able to help people like they have helped us.

This week has been really hard for all of us. You have required more attention even though you are immobile. You have woken up a lot at night. I think, perhaps, it freaks you out when you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t move. When I took you to see Dr. Holmes on Thursday, she said you probably were waking in the middle of the night because of muscle spasms. She told us to give you some of the valium to help. But, it doesn’t help.

When they took x-rays of you on Thursday, it scared me to see that your leg is still broken. But Dr. Holmes was very pleased. She said that at your age all we need to do is make sure that the leg isn’t moving (which it isn’t) and that the pieces of the bone are lined up to allow correct fusion. She said that we get to take your cast off on October 28—a couple days before we originally assumed.

Today, Saturday, may have been the best day. You managed to lay on the floor and roll over both from your back to your front and from your front to your back. We also discovered that you can fit on your little Push ‘n’ Ride four-wheeler. Your spica cast has a bar from knee to knee—which has been very hard to deal with. But that bar fits perfectly across the handle bars and the back of your cast fits perfectly in the seat.

Considering the fact that you are now handicapped, you have had such a good attitude. Thank you for being a good example to me.

I love you VERY much. Your dad loves you VERY much. And, never forget that Heavenly Father loves you VERY much. You are so special. We are so glad you are in our family.

Balloon Chase

I think we have the cutest kid. Really. His name is Zachary. I could just squeeze him all the time!
Anyway..... So Mark and I are always making up little songs and chants. On Sunday I came up with a new one. It goes like this:

I'm gonna get you—here I come!
I'm gonna get you—better run!
I'm gonna get you!
I'm gonna get you!
I'm gonna get you—here I come!

Fun and easy, right? So, now Mark and I chant this to Zachary, and start monster-walking to get him. He LOVES it. He starts laughing and either runs away or he runs to get us!

On Monday, Labor Day, we went to RC Willey to find something on sale (and didn't get it). They had free hot dogs, soft drinks, and balloons. Mark snagged a balloon for Zachary. I don't recall seeing a baby so happy to have a balloon--but Zachary was laughing and playing with it and just absolutely the cutest thing ever!

We tied the balloon to his overalls so it wouldn't float away and so he could easily play with it.

When we got home, Zachary was sitting by the bookshelf pulling all the books out (like he does every day). I heard him start tearing something, so I started the chant. I couldn't see Zachary, just the balloon floating above his head.

As I started the chant, the balloon popped up and quickly moved to the other side of the couch! Our little ghost ran to hide!!!!!!

Mark and I couldn't stop laughing. It was so funny! It was something I definitely want to remember.

Zachary - 11 Months

Dear Zachary,

Today you are one month away from being a whole year old. Holy Toledo! Seriously? The time is flying. Flying!

Last month it felt like not a whole lot changed from the previous month. But this month, a LOT has happened.

At the beginning of the month, you were doing this funny chirping thing. You were able to suck in and blow out your bottom lip only, and it had this great chirping sound associated with it. I can’t do it. I’ve tried. Your dad has tried too. We’re not sure how you were able to move only the one lip at such great speed without doing the other lip too. I told your dad today that I felt bad that I never got your chirping on video.

I know you have grown this month. Up to your nine month check-up, you grew an average of one inch each month. This month I wouldn’t be surprised if you grew more than one inch. You are tall! And your reach is getting so far. Sometimes I’m so surprised at how far you’re able to reach—like tonight when I had some cauliflower on the table while we were waiting for you dad. All of a sudden, you were standing by me holding some cauliflower.

You’ve been cruising for months now. And you’ve taken plenty of steps on your own. But since you were ten-months-old, you have taken off! You are walking all over the place. At first it would catch me off guard when I was in one room and here you came around the corner, walking, not crawling. Now I’ve gotten somewhat used to it. What I’m not used to is that you’re almost able to keep up with me when I go from room to room.

Your one tooth looks to be alone for a little while still. But, I sure like it. It’s cute. Thanks for sharing it by smiling so often!

You haven’t been very talkative this month. The last couple days you’ve been saying “dada dada” again. There was a while when you weren’t even saying anything unless you were very sad and calling out for me.

For a week and a half you have been successfully getting off the couch yourself. You make it look like you’ve been doing it for months. The first two times I watched you do it, I thought, “Did he really mean to do that?” And you did. You have also managed to get off our bed, which is even higher, probably ten inches higher. You hang off…and then you drop. Usually you fall backward. But, you’re always okay.

Today you happen to be sick. You’ve got a buggery nose, you’re sneezing, and you’re coughing. I didn’t do much today except for give you some attention. I was glad to. I admit, some days I am not as patient with you because I have my own agenda. But I’m glad that I could spend this day doting on you.

Sunday night was the first night I’ve turned on a movie to watch with you. We watched Finding Nemo. I think you loved it!

Your dad wants you to know that the other day you picked him over me. It’s true. Your dad and I went car shopping. When we got home, we came in together. You stood looking at both of us with a smile on your face—and then you ran to your dad.

Your hair is getting so long. But I don’t want to touch it with scissors. It is so cute. And so soft. And so curly! I’m not going to cut it until you start looking like a girl. I promise I’ll cut it before then.

This month we gave you your own popsicle one evening. And we gave you your own sucker one afternoon (without taking it away). Let’s just say—you loved BOTH!

One of my favorite things this month is that you've started dancing. When you hear a snappy rhythm, you start dancing and it's sooooooo cute. You make me dance.

And finally, you learned how to give kisses this month. I have been waiting for this for a long time. You give me the most kisses. But you have been convinced to give Grandma Worthen and Aunt McKayla kisses too. Thank you for the kisses. I cherish them, even if they are big and wet.

We love you!!!

Your Mom (and Dad)

P.S. After I posted this the first time, I asked your dad to tell you to clap--AND YOU DID! You haven't done it before. We'll work on that this month before your birthday.

Ron Hales Reunion 2010

We traded family reunion responsibilities for this year with my sister, Elaine, and hosted the Ron Hales Family Reunion. Though Elaine had a tentative reunion planned in Washington State, the fact that her husband Dave is deployed in Iraq and wanted to participate in the planned activities in the Evergreen State and that Elaine was just called as Primary President, we told her we would plan this year’s reunion in exchange for 2012.

We have previously posted that we were able to spend an overnight at the Huffaker’s cabin in Midway. For the reunion, we were able to rent this same cabin for four nights. It was great that everybody was able to sleep in the same cabin. I was told that one of my niece’s favorite part of the summer was sleeping in the loft with her cousins.

On the way to the reunion, we were witnesses to an auto accident. I was driving in the middle lane, about to pass a tanker truck on the interstate, when I saw it slam on its brakes, smoke up the road, and begin to swerve back and forth. As I passed the truck, I saw a white car spin around and then drive in the opposite direction and then crash in the borrow pit. We pulled over and backed up to make sure everybody was okay. Everybody was safe, but I waited until the policed arrived; they took my statement.

On Tuesday we started gathering around noon and had lunch. Andrea and I were in charge and we prepared the fixin’s for Super Nachos. You know, chips piled with chicken, beans, cheese, onions, peppers, olives, salsa, and sour cream. Well, I learned that most of my extended family does not take very big helpings. Most of my nieces and nephews took like eight chips and covered them with a few pieces of cheese. I was sad that they didn’t want to truly experience Super Nachos.

That day the kids played around the house and then we went to Zermatt, which was less than a mile away from the cabin, where my sis-in-law, Jeanette (from North Carolina), just happened to be staying (she had booked an extended weekend there months before we had planned the reunion). At Zermatt, we played in the indoor-outdoor pool.

Wednesday we went to Park City and went to the Olympic Village. There we saw the ski jumpers, or whatever you call them, do some aerial tricks into the pool. We then went down the alpine slide and zip lines. It was a lot of fun.

Thursday we went to the Scerra pool in Orem. All the kids had a good time swimming, diving, and going down the water slide. That night we did Hales Family Olympics, which included the marshmallow shot put, paper plate discuss, and some relays. For the last game, I made each team come up with a game incorporating all the items used for the previous games.

On Friday, we went hiking at a state park. It was a three mile round trip hike. The hardest part was getting to the mouth of the trail since the map the local rangers gave us did not provide accurate directions.

During the reunion, Zachary started to walk a lot more. He also tried to teach his cousin, William, how to push a chair.

First Tooth

Zachary cut his first tooth today. Yes, you can barely see it--but it's there. I promise.

Zachary - 10 Months

Dear Zachary,

You are ten months old. And it's crazy.

You walk, but not very much. You haven't decided it's your favorite mode of transportation. The most we've got out of you is 28 steps at one time. You'll walk a couple yards at a time if we coax you. But, otherwise, you prefer to crawl or push the furniture around. By that I mean our kitchen table chairs can often be found by the door, or our footrests are never by the couches but more often by the tv.

You are still super friendly. Though the last week you've been a bit shy around certain people. I don't understand why since you've been jumping into strangers' arms for months. But, that's okay. I don't mind being the preferred one.

We've taken you to the pool a couple times. Oh my! You LOVE the pool. I think you'd like to swim by yourself if we'd let you. However, you don't quite "swim" yet--so we're not really pleased with the idea of you gulping that much water.

Last week when we were driving to Island Park for our family reunion, we stopped in Ammon, Idaho, at our friends' house. They have a little boy who is almost 10-years-old. He and his friend were playing with a toy. You sat back on your knees, paid close attention, and just laughed this deep, delicious laugh. I watched you and realized you are not a little baby any more. Yes, you are still a baby. But you are quickly becoming a toddler--a little BOY.

You are still taking two naps a day. Thanks.

And, we are feeding you more and more solid foods every day. Most of the time, though, you're more interested in what we're eating than the food we got you in a jar. I don't mind that.

One more thing. You know that thing that so many babies do from the time they are just old enough to grasp things? The "I'll grab my feet while you change my diaper and maybe even when I'm just laying on my back" thing? Well, you've FINALLY started doing that. I love it!

Your Dad and I love you!!!!