Pretty sunsets, needle-induced tears and large stuffed animals

Did I tell you that I have a new photo assistant? He's a super hard worker, he has a great creative eye and he can easily make people laugh. His name is Sammy! I brought him with me to a photo shoot last weekend because he was wanting to earn some money (this boy is so responsible with money). He took his job seriously and worked hard. He's super awesome on the other side of the camera, as well!

We have been staying at a new campground this week and it's been an experience. It's beautiful when you look past the other RV-homes! We've seen some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Buddy has been nutty since his surgery a few weeks ago. I've threatened to give him away a handful of times, which always results in the boys begging me to change my mind. We love our dog, we love our dog, we love our dog.....

On Tuesday I brought Elijah to Children's for a blood draw (ordered by his new Genetics doctor) to take a more thorough look at his genes and possible resulting genetic disorders. This is something we've done before but detections can be made that weren't possible waaaaay back in 2008. E hasn't had a blood draw in a while, so I didn't know how it would go. He was anxious leading up to it, but super brave through it. I saw the needle go in and the nurse began digging for the vein. I know how this feels. It's awful! Elijah began BEGGING her to please take it out, please stop hurting me, as tears streamed down his face. All I could do was hold his shoulders tightly, tuck my head behind his back, pray and of course cry. It was minor in the grand scheme of pains he has endured, but it was awful. Maybe because he's been through so much, I could barely handle it. He bounced right off the lab bench and smiled after the band-aid had been placed on his arm, but my tears wouldn't stop. I cried all the way to the elevator, through the hospital, to the parking lot and halfway back home. Elijah kept reminding me that he was fine, that sweet boy. Oh, I also cried through the entire trip to the hospital gift shop (which I partially blocked out), where I purchased two large and expensive pillow pets for E and S. Watching my boy endure pain = new stuffed animals! :)

I will be curious about these results. There is apparently more thorough testing that can be done, but our insurance won't cover it at this point. Hopefully soon!

Monday is Elijah's 6-month heart check-up with Dr. G. We always approach this appointment with trepidation, as we never know what to expect. We've had a good streak, so I'm hoping it'll continue!

We head back to Dan's parents' house tomorrow until we close on our house. We are all super excited and so ready to have a home larger than 200 square feet. We are ITCHING to get in and get settled.

Thanks for peeking in!

Burning eyeballs

We must be super busy because I haven't had a free moment to sit down and write a post! My dad and stepmom were able to spend the entire day with the boys on Saturday while Dan and I worked. They had a blast together, playing, going to the park, getting hair cuts, getting new books at the book store and building Lego creations. We had to say good-bye yesterday morning as they headed back toward North Carolina. :( Both boys have been talking a lot about how much they miss Grammie and Gramps. It is always so sad to say good-bye.

I took pics at a wedding on Saturday and have been totally wiped out since. It is tough business! But sooo much fun, too. I love how every wedding is similar, yet so different. Each one has its own unique story and people and traditions and details. Despite the blisters on my feet and burning eyeballs, I love my job.

Elijah's kindergarten teacher came to the dropzone last week to make a skydive! She had a blast! It was so fun to see the big happy grin on her face when she landed. Jumping out of an airplane is such a unique experience and it is something that is impossible to describe in words. I always love seeing the so-THAT'S-what-it's-like look on people's faces when they land.

Dan has been working since Thursday and the boys and I have kind of just been scraping by these past couple days. I've been exhausted, so we are doing bits of laundry and cleaning, taking trips to the park and running errands. Dan has the next two days off, so I'm hoping for some catch-up!

We have been continuing to learn about how Elijah processes information as second grade draws near. In a way I'm afraid to start the year but at the same time I'm eager to just get going! In the next week or so I plan to write up a bulleted report for E's team. I want to explain NLD in a nutshell since not too many people seem familiar with it. I also want to write out Elijah's warning signs for being overwhelmed/confused and give suggestions about things that might help if he gets off track. The bottom line is that he needs to feel safe and acting out is his way of letting us know that. I have a few things I've been trying that seem to help distract him. I'm hoping we can give his teacher enough info before the year begins to be helpful!

E's follow-up appointment with Dr. L (ENT) went fine last week. He saw a bit of "granulation" in his ear, which is apparently just a bit of redness and fairly normal after ear surgery. We're doing ear drops for 2 weeks and a hearing test mid-Sept. The first Fraser appointment went great. Appointment #2 is Wednesday.

Thank you for peeking in and I hope you all have a great week!

I'm so glad my voice can't be heard

Video from our Malibu photo shoot this past weekend. FUN!