FW:

2009-06-20T07:40:00.001-07:00

Hayden's got talent/Easter giggles and a monumental moment

2009-05-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

Hayden participated in our ward He did a great job.
Hope you enjoy

AND--We're moving!!!

Yes, it's true. The Mayers have found another place of residence after 5 years. Count them(I have). We're so excited. It's a little bungalow not too far from our place now. It has tons of character and a little more space(about 1100 sq.ft.) So in roughly a month we will be tripling our living space!!! I think we are all excited, but Serge takes the cake. In case you don't know, bungalow is one of his favorite styles. The house was built in 1907, but it's had a few upgrades--like wood floors. We feel very blessed to have found it and that the people who are renting it to us are giving it to us for a steal.

Lastly, I have to give an update on Landon. We have decided to wait a while for his next surgery--probably as long as we can. He is doing great. He's taken to eating lately. Just last night he finished his first jar of baby food EVER!
And it only took him two sittings. For Landon, that's huge. He also has discovered he likes juice from a bottle and his favorite are smoothies by daddy and otter pops(banana flavor). He's just so fun right now. Here is a video of him at Easter time. He loves the sound of things-- and Easter eggs are no exception.

2009-05-15T19:35:00.001-07:00

Being a good brother.

2009-05-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

They are so cute when they are asleep. Landon is signing I love you.

2009-05-13T16:44:00.001-07:00

Strawberries

2009-05-08T14:27:00.001-07:00

We visited Cal Poly you pick strawberry patch and had a great time. I forgot that we live in a city--that hasn't happened for a long time. Hayden would not stop picking, even after we had 1/2 a flat. Landon enjoyed kicking it in his stroller and was talking away.

It's about time

2009-04-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I should make my post for this quarter. GRRR, right now I'm hearing the helecoptors again. Anywho. We are all doing swell. The boys have been sick, I have been sick and Serge has been sick--what is up with sickness? And how about the swine flu? I can't believe there are cases in Claremont. Please, don't let us get the swine flu!
Sigh. Landon is recovering well. We went to see his cardiothorastic surgeon(Dr. Razzuk). He said that Landon's lung pressures are great--a mean of 8(anything under 15 is very good). So he recomments that we have the next surgery. In the Fontan surgery, they will connect all of Landon's lower extremities to the main artery going to the lungs. As many of you will recall, the last surgery connected all of the blood from the chest up to the lung artery). They also found a small amount of blood flow in the pulminary artery and so they are recommending tying it off at the valve. Kind of crazy. However, he then told us in the next sentence that we don't have to do it right away. Infact, Landon has until his 3rd birthday to have the next surgery. And since he's not even two yet--we can relax for a few months.
So with that said, we have decided to stay in California for an indefinate period. We figure that Serge has a good job, with good insurance(I like that thing)and it's stable for right now. Serge has also started doing some side jobs with Architecture on his own. And, we have six weeks to go until graduation--June 14th. Landon's B-day and Serge's graduation celebration.
And so, my friends, we are in need of another place of residence. Yes, we are actively looking for a house to rent. I can't believe it--and I know that this time, it's for real. Can I just say "sweet land of liberty!" We however, I don't think that people know that there is an economic crisis happening.
For instance, I was driving around in La Verne(I know, it's a little uppity, but it's safe) and I saw a house for rent. I called and they guy, who didn't speak English that well, told me that it was a 4 bdr. 3 ba. and they wanted $2800/mo, plus deposit. Seriously. Sir, if I could affort that rent, I would buy a house. Honestly! But that's not the largest rent I saw. People in Ladera Ranch(Mission Viejo) want $6000/mo. I still gasp every time I think of it.
So we're willing to wait until the right house, with kind, honest people say that they would love a great family to take care of the home they have loved but need to rent it out because they have been called on a mission. Or, the house that grandma used to live in and she just can't take care of it any more and can't bear to see it rented to people who won't take care of it.
And, last but not least--I had the time of my life this last Saturday at the Annual Ladera Ranch garage sale. We propbably hit around 75 this year. At first we were a little dissappointed. However, our regulars came through for us. We found a great leather couch that has its own little miracle story.
I am always amazed that people don't know the value of things. We found(not that we bought it. We don't need it and we have to practice restraint) a gorgeous black Pottery Barn kitchen table with six matching chairs. It was in perfect condition and the people were asking $100 for it--or, make an offer! Can you believe that? We decided next year we are coming with a Uhaul. we saw beautiful furniture SETS that people were getting rid of just because they can, for $500.
We gave Hayden $5 and he made out with some great swords and toys. It was fun trying to persuade him to buy certain things and then he would declare he was going to "save it" for something else. I think people gave him great deals, just because he had his own money and he was so cute.
Landon is the happiest sick kid I've ever seen in the day time. However, at night time, he is a MONSTER! Usually Serge can sleep through anything, but not Landon lately. I don't know what to do, but if I don't start getting some sleep, I'm going to become Cruela Devil. Cheers!

2009-04-13T15:11:00.001-07:00

Went fine. Doing fine except for a sore throat and pain.

2009-04-13T11:55:00.001-07:00

Landon in surgery for his heart catherization now. Will know results soon-about an hour

2009-03-28T10:55:00.001-07:00

2009-03-28T10:35:00.001-07:00

At the zoo today

What's a mom to say?

2009-03-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

OK,
so you all know that I have the cutest kids around--pretty much. Anywho, um there are always people wanting to talk to them. Hayden is SUPER shy. He doesn't respond. I don't force him, but encourage. Then I say that he is shy and doensn't want to talk to strangers. Fine, problem solved.
Then there's Landon. He's a very cute kid. When we're anywhere, people try to talk to him. He hears a new voice and he covers his eyes and averts them. They try to wave at him and get him to respond. He doesn't. Then they ask me, "Is he tired?" Well, um, usually kids who are tired rub their eyes, but that's not what he's doing. Then a lady asked me yesterday it he was angry. Hello? My Landon angry? So then I said very bluntly, "well, he's actually legally blind." That pretty much embarrasses everybody that I tell that to, because you can't tell and the fact that he doesn't sit up, everyone assumes that he's tired and laying down. Well, he's not tired, but I'm tired of people asking if he's tired and then I have to explain that he's blind and then they try to act like . . .blah, blah, blah. I'm not mad, but I don't want to make people uncomfortable. What should I say.
a)them: oh is he tired?
me: no, he's just blind.

b) them: Oh is he tired?
me: yep.
c) them: you know what they say
me: just leave him alone, o.k.?

Help! Any suggestions? I'm not being oversensitive am I? And Landon doesn't care if I discuss it.

Update

2009-03-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Don't get too excited, it's 11pm and I'm loosing steam quick.
Just wanted to let you know that we're still alive. It's just that I have been saving my energy for all of those trips to Disneyland. Since Landon doesn't like me to leave him alone with anyone buy myself and Daddy, I can't escape to the gym.
He did get his cast off--Yeah!!! It was only on fro two weeks and he's good as new--thank heavens. He has been having a spot of bad luck with colds this winter. I don't know what is up with Cali weather.
Um, Hayden. . . well, he's still hilarious and smart. The other day we asked him what he wanted to be and he said, "um . . .a holy ghost." I just looked at him for a second and then started laughing. Where does he come up with these things. I think he's on the verge of figuring out CVC words. He's doing better. Still can't write his name(except for the H).
Serge has taken on another part time job. It kind of fell into our lap and he's enjoying it. He's designing for a contractor in our ward. Currently he's designing a back house. He's got one more week to go and then finals and then---One MORE SEMESTER! AND, he's also trying desperately to find a job. We want to move out of state, but just need a good job to motivate us. We don't know where we really want to go, so if anyone has any suggestions of cool places to live, I would LOVE to hear them.
Me, well, I've been trying to keep up with Dr.'s appointments and stuff. Landon's eye Dr. said his sight is improving. Still, he's 20/2000--which is still blind, but he's coming along. We go to see the Cardiologist(Dr. Kuhn) this month. Still don't have surgery scheduled. And, I have almost completed a queen sized quilt top. I like it--pink and brown theme. Pretty cute, if you ask me.
So that's our update, and as soon as I find where Serge has the camera, I'll put a picture up.

The mother of the year

2009-01-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well, that title won't be coming to adorn my wall or my car bumper anytime soon. Here's the scoop. I broke Landon's leg. It's true. I'm shaking my head now.
Sigh. The boy who is just learning how to walk with a walker, the sweet, innocent boy who kicks when he's happy and digs his toes into you so hard that they give your belly bruise--yep, that one, has a broken leg.
The story. I was playing with him on the changing table. You know, the usual nursery rhymes and then a tickle. We've been practicing pulling him up to a sitting position and strengthening the neck muscles. So that's what I did. Only I didn't notice that his leg had scooted down between the bar. I picked him up and he have a wild shriek. Usually he has a high pain tolerance. After he was crying for 30 min. I called Serge. he came home and we decided to see how he fared for a while. Landon calmed down and was kicking, but he still was favoring the leg and would jump if we touched either leg.
So this morning I took him to the pediatrician. She sent us for x-rays and then we ended up in the ER for a splint because he has a fracture just above the ankle. Is that the saddest story you've ever heard? What kind of a mom breaks her own kid's leg?
Sigh--me. We see an orthopedic Dr. on Monday.
Hayden has a barking cough and an ear infection. Oh goody!
Good things that came out of this.
1. I only spent 1 hour in the Er. Yep, from check in to check out--one hour! That truly is amazing folks!
2. I have experienced having a child break a bone. Now we are through with that--I hope.
3. Serge came home early today and yesterday.
4. I love to see the look of terror and trying not to panic when new nurses put a pulsox on Landon and see it in the 70's. Even in the ER when they're trained not to panic
5. Landon will not have to use his walker for a few weeks--he really doesn't like that thing and screams almost the whole time.
6. I learned yet another routine in the health care industry. So if any of you break a bone in your family, feel free to ask questions.

Now, I am going to sleep--since being in a Dr's office since 9:45am until 5 is a little exhausting.

Poor Landon. Yet he's so chipper. What a great example!

Helecopters

2009-01-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Helecopters,
I am sick of you all. I don't know what it is about helecopters. I used to think you were pretty cool. My best friend used to have one in her back yard. We would play in it, even though we were not supposed to. I guess there was just something about a blue helecopter without doors that was just irresistable.
However, I'm not so excited about you all now. It seems that EVERY night we have at least one that feels inclined to circle over the house--for, oh say, 30 minutes! Of course, I am the only one awake in my house at this time. Sometimes it shakes the windows. Sometimes not. And yet, never fail, at abou 10 or 11pm, you make your appearance.
So here are my suggestions.
1. pick some other place to be.
2. could you get the people you are looking for in perhaps one night a week?
3. phone me so that I can know what the heck you are looking for.

Thanks ever so much.
Sara

A poem for Liz

2009-01-18T19:34:00.001-08:00

I had a great time at Liz's Birthday Jubilee 2009. We had a poetry reading. We each had to write a peom for Liz. Here's mine. Love ya Liz!

Happ-happity Birthday Liz

Woman, Wo-man,
Liz.
You are so chummy
And super funny
Liz.
Your hair is nice and curly,
But never looks squirrelly
Liz.
Your poetry rocks
And should be shouted from tall blocks
Liz.
Your talents are amazing
Do you like to pass time star gazing?
Liz.
This is your Birthday Jubilee
Thanks for sharing it with your friends—especially me!
Liz

2009-01-17T13:14:00.001-08:00

So Hayden is starving at 5 pm and I know we're not eating for a while. so I offer him the fishy crackers that have been in my purse for a while. He asks me once to "warm them up." I kindly explain to him that we don't warm up crackers.
Next he says to me, "mom, these fishy crackers smell like. . . like . . . like. . . mirrors."
Me: What?
Hayden: Like mirrors.
So I smelled them. They smelled like my purse. Yuck.
After a few more mintes Hayden asks me again, "mom, can you warm these fishies up, they smell bad.

Landon is doing good. He weighs a ton and is learning about voice inflection. someimtes I get yelled at. Right now he's picking my nose with his pinky. Thought you'd want to know.

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

I think I have said this before, but if I don't write it down, it's like I'm not really dealing with what's happening in my life. let's just say that it's been so busy. We had a great time over the Hollidays. We left the 19th to go to my mom's. The next day we got up to go to Beaver for the annual Yardley Family Party. A word that comes to mind is "hoot". We ate and then the kids played games. My favorite was musical chairs. The only ones allowed to play were the kids and their grandparent(my mom and her brothers). In the end, it was only my mom and her brothers left. It was hysterical watching them strategize. I didn't know that they could all move so fast. I laughed so hard when my mom sat on poor Spencer(5) twice! Serge was asked to fill in for a Red jolly giant at the last minute. He did a great job. My favorite was when Hayden immediatly went up to him and asked, "dad is that you?" None of the yardley kids knew him and so Serge said loudly, "no-I'm Santa, Ho Ho Ho! Now go sit down." Hayden obeyed and so did the other kids.
Then we rushed back Sunday to Charlotte's house so we could be ready for Oliver returning from his mission the next day. Brent and Irene had some difficulty finding the keys to their car, etc and so we were glad we had stayed in Vegas. He has changed so much. Love how missions do that.
The next few days were busy. Serge put on two new doors for my mom, put up a ceiling fan for Char and Brandon and then we painted their downstairs. It is now deemed, "the fun house." It is very lively and super cute.
Char's girls are adorable. Sydney is the spitting image of her dad--with a bow added for extra beauty. She is a mothering type. She is starting to talk-or rather WANTING to talk. She does talk, you just can't understand what she says. Sadie is equally as cute, but is definatly resembling the Yardley clan. She loved Landon's hair and would stroke it any chance she got. She gives the best hugs an aunt could ask for. Both of these girls LOVE their Grandma Hauver and she loves it!
Oliver reported his mission that Sunday and then we drove back home along with Chris and cija's clan. Let's just say that 7 hours is not the shortest time it has taken me to get home from Vegas.
We've just been to Disneyland today and had a wonderful time. We've been sick for a while--since the beginning of our trip and frankly are just worn out. This past year has been good to us. For the most part, we are healthy and definately happy.
Landon is going to have another swallow study done on Monday. Hopefully this one will produce some results--I pray! We are going to see the Cardiologist in February. Soon after then, we will schedule a echocardiogram, a cath and then surgery(hopefully) He's getting so big--25lbs! We had to get a pass at Disneyland because I can't carry him everywhere. He melts my heart with his smile though.
Hayden is such a good helper. I love having him help me with chores. He loves spending time with his dad. If I can't figure something out(usually some toy of his that needs fixing) he says, my dad will fix that when he comes home. And even though Serge doesn't know it, he is totally comitted when he does come home.
Two more quarters to go for Serge. June, June, June June---then what? We're looking for a job. Hope there are some left when we get there. I have hope that there will be.
Me, I'm loving my projects. I also will be studying the organ--since no one else in the world seems to play. Sigh--the joys of knowing music.

December

2008-12-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well, life has been busy. I think I'm learning that my time is valuable. I can only do so many things and the rest have to go undone.
Life is going good. We had a great and quiet thanksgiving. Serge's dad and Peggy(his wife) came over. We made everything and they paid for it. I thought that was a great deal. It was delicious as Serge made almost everything. We brined our turkey this year and let me tell you that it was super moist! And the gravy was to die for. My contribution was homemade cranberry sauce. Super easy, yet very tasty.
We went shopping the day after Thanksgiving and it was early. Serge started at 4am and I got the boys out the door at 6. Since then (and before) I have been busy with crafts, sewing and the boys. I'll try to post some pictures after Christmas. I've loved every minute of it, really and I feel more like myself than in a long while.
Landon and Hayden are doing good. Hayden is counting down to Christmas. The Sunday after Halloween he woke up and said, "it's Thanksgiving and then it's Christmas." I told him almost.
Landon is working on walking with a walker. I've yet to get some pictures, but he's coming along.
This post would be longer, but Hayden is insisting that we make a gingerbread house this morning--ASAP. I told him after chores. He's sitting on the garbage can waiting for me.

Halloween pictures, by request (thanks Amanda)

2008-11-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

Here they are. The cutest kids on 7th street. We had a good time this year trick or treating in Glendora historic discrict during the day and then at our ward party at night. I took a bag along for Landon. I know he can't eat it all, but I can help him.
Hayden was Woody riding Bullseye from Toy Story. He would put on his horse and run through our one walkway yelling, "to infinity and beyond."
Landon was a cow. He thought it was o.k. We wanted to make him a koala, but those costumes were $80. Who has $80 to spend on a costume. I bought his thinking he could fit into a 12 month size. It was a little tight. So we added some hoofs at the knees. Sigh. The kid is 23 lbs now and growing.

Fire prevention week

2008-10-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that beloved time of year. Ah, I love baking with pumpkin, the fall colors and learning about fire prevention.
So Hayden goes to preschool time at the library. He gets to go all by himself, a thing that I am very proud of. I ask the ladies that do the stories if he participates and all. They say he sings the songs, but he's not a chatterbox(That's because he's not yet comfortable). Anywho. This week was fire prevention week. So I go in to help him do the craft(like usual) and all of the kids are gathered around a stuffed dalmation dog that is supposedly driving a mini fire engine. The lights are flashing and the dog seems to be talking. "remember kids. If you catch on fire, what do you do?" Then the kids join in with , "stop, drop and roll." Well, most of the kids do. Anywho, Hayden is just watching everyone and then goes to pet the real working dog who always comes. Then we go do our craft and no big deal.
Well, later on that day we were shopping for a costume for Landon and I slipped into TJ Max. Of course I had to peruse down the shoe sale isle on the way to the costumes. While were were trying on some shoes I asked Hayden, "Hayden, what do you do if your clothes catch on fire." He avoided the question. I tried again, prepared to do a little prompting. (before he called roll--proll.) "What do you think we should do, Hayden."
Hayden: For what?
Me: If our clothes catch on fire
Hayden, without missing a beat, "We should put them in the sink."
I was laughing hysterically all by my self. Hayden couldn't see what was wrong.
don't worry, I talked to him later about it.

I hate. . .

2008-10-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

I know I know, the hate word is strong but it's true. I hate bills. I also hate the word budget. Yuck! Why do we have to constantly be reminded of reality? Can't I just have what I want when I want? WAAAAAA!
Love,
Sara:)

San Diego

2008-09-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

For our anniversary this year, we planned a trip to San Diego. It was probably the most relaxing trip we took this Summer and I absolutely loved it! We booked a hotel on priceline. If you have never done the "name your own price" you need to look into it. I have never stayed at a four star hotel before, let alone for under $100. It was so much fun. We asked for a king bed, but when we got to our room, it smelled faintly of smoke. So we went back to ask for another room. They upgraded us to "a room with a view." It was perfect--except it didn't have a tub. For those of you who know a little of our house, you will know that we don't have one. So when we go on vacation I NEED one!
Our French concierge transferred us quickly to two doors down. So we kept our view, gained a bed for Hayden to sleep on and had a very nice tub. Here is the view, at least part of it.

Here's how our trip went.
Friday morning we got up and drove to the San Diego Zoo.

We toured the zoo on the bus and then started on our own. I think our favorite animals that day were the gorillas. They were so interactive with each other and then Hayden went up to the glass and was touching their feet.

It was so funny to hear Hayden interact with any of the animals. "Hey friend!" or "Hey buddy!" We had brought our own lunch, which Hayden wanted to leave all over the park for the animals:)
We decided that Landon wasn't exactly our "wild turkey" any more, but was more like a koala. not to be confused with a bear, but it's a marsupial. I hope we can find him a Haloween costume to match.

Then we headed back to our hotel around 4pm, got checked in, blah blay blah(see above) and decided we needed a dip in the pool. They had water slides that were so much fun! Hayden LOVED it. We could hardly get him out of the pool when they closed the slides for the night.

Then we went to a yummy Mexican restaurant for dinner in Old Town. Serge bought me a rose, which was very sweet. Then we tried to talk over the mariachi band and the drunk people singing at the top of their lungs. The drunk people's dancing was quite entertaining and then we met someone who had had a heart problem when he was young. He shared with us his testimony of how God healed him. It was quite touching.
We went back to hotel and the kids crashed. I stayed up late to watch how Hurricane Ike was progressing in Galveston and the train wreck in LA. AND to have a nice bath!
The next morning we packed up the hotel room and went out to find some doughnuts. I was in the mood for bagels and so when we found them, we made another stop at Ralph's so I could get my "bagel", which ended up being a few different pastries and an orange cinnamon roll. What could I do?
Then we headed back to the Zoo.
It was a little bit busier, since it was Saturday, but we still had a great time. We really loved all of the beautiful flowers we noticed and could not help but take a few pictures.

In the end, it was just so relaxing not to have to rush. We headed for home about 6pm and felt refreshed. I think that's the first vacation that I've felt like that ever.

How did he get so big?

2008-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

For a boy that barfs at LEAST once a day, I don't know how he gets so big. His brother is no shrimp either. Hayden woke up crying the other night saying that his knee caps hurt--a sign of intense growing. I had those all the time when I was younger. Sigh.

I think my back is getting a slipped disk from carrying landon in the front carrier. He loves it though. When he kicks it jerks my whole body. His favorite is when I open a produce bag to fill it. He squeals and then giggles. It's pretty funny how loud he can get.

Hayden at the LA fair, having the time of his life. He couldn't decide which one he wanted to ride.

Letter to myself

2008-09-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

(warning: serious run on sentences to follow)
Dear Sara,
Hope you have a good night's sleep.
Love,
Me

PS--when you get up at two because Landon's feeding pump is blaring because it's run out of milk and you refill it and close the top(a thing you normall don't do), because you think a random fly that doesn't exist may somehow find it's way into the milk bag----DON'T!
Because when you get up at 4:20 am because the baby monitor is making a funny sound and you go in to see Landon laying horizontal and he has somehow miraculously turned off the baby monitor(seriously folks, I think he has more skills than we think) and you turn it back on and re-position him and you realize that he will still not have enough milk to make it until 6am. So you get him some more milk and go to pour it(in the dark) into the milk bag-only to have it spill completely onto the lid, which has a dip, but only of about 10 cc. So then you will have to clean milk off of the carpet and get more milk to put into the bag.
So in summary, just don't do it. Let the imaginarry flies have at it. Sigh.

A Steal of a Deal

2008-09-01T14:56:00.001-07:00

So as many of you know, I am a sucker for deals. I love them. Take me to a good thrift store or a crazy second hand store and I just can't help myself. So I get an email that tells me that I can fill a bag and pay only $7. Seriously folks. Can you be making money on that? Well, I really don't care, I just want the deal. The picture below is what I could fit into one bag. I know I shouldn't be proud of taking other people's money, but I couldn't help it. I only bought two items that were JC Penny brand. The rest were Gap, Children's Place, Guess, Gymboree,(not that it matters) etc. -- High quality items! Twenty one items total--including jackets and coats. Sigh. Another hard day's work done. =)
So what's your weakness???

2008-08-29T21:25:00.001-07:00

2008-08-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

Angels game

Hayden's three!

2008-08-26T13:09:00.001-07:00

I know it's late, but better than ever. Hayden turned three on August 12. We had a small family party for him. He could barely make it through the day to open his presents. He got a good stache this year--memeory, a letter game, a bubble gun and a baseball glove and a ball. Grandma Hauver is sending him a basketball later. He was so excited.
I asked him what kind of cake he wanted this year. He wanted mommy to make him one. I tried to find a mold, but he didn't want anything except sponge bob. We don't even watch sponge bob and so the only other choice was to make him what he wanted in the first place(without me trying to persuade him)--a Motorcycle cake!
I printed out a picture and Serge cut it. Then he tried to frost it. It was slightly humorous and mommy couldn't let it be, so I doctored it up. It turned out pretty good for my first cake.
Then we went camping up in Acton. We had a nice time and ate some good food. Hayden really loved the pony ride.
This year I feel like Hayden has just gotten taller and smarter. He thinks he truly rules the roost-- and if we're not careful, he does. One of my favorite stories of Hayden I may have shared before. There are so many, but this one is recent. It was Sunday morning and Hayden decided to get up at the crack of dawn. He comes in to lay down in our bed after waking Landon up too. He started playing with the blind cords and I got upset. I told him very sternly, "Hayden, when I say stop I mean stop!" etc. etc. etc. He responds with, "well, it was tangled." Then we go into a discussion for a few minutes. I got to get Landon back to sleep and when I come back Hayden says to me, "Mommy, when I say I'm getting it untangled, I mean I'm getting it untangled!" I had to leave the room so that I didn't laugh infront of him.
He also loves to tell me how to drive. He constantly reminds me what the light colors mean. I think he has failed to remember that I taught him that. I love when he tells Serge that he can't do something because he's not 'trained.' He loves to help us cook(or make a big mess while we're cooking). His favorite is to scoop the ice cream for our smoothies.
He is a really sweet boy and so good with his brother. He'll play with him and tell me if Landon's crying, "Oh, Zandon, do you need a toy?" Lately he tried to interpret Landon's cooing. He fills me in on exactly what he's expressing. It's pretty funny. At night, when he goes to bed, Serge and I just crack up about what he has done for the day.
I thought last year that he was getting so big, but I'm excited to see what this year will bring! Love ya, Hayden!

How can you stay mad?

2008-08-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

This is Hayden playing in the pools of water on Saturday. We hiked San Antonio Falls that morning and then went to the Mission Inn in Riverside, a great day!

Landon and Serge having a good time. Landon's getting so big he has to lean over in the Bjorn.

So at the end of the day, it's pretty much like Bill Cosby said. You look at your kids and say, just listen to me and get ready for bed and they say, "but dad. . . We can't go to bed without a good beating." Well, no we don't beat our kids, but they do drag out the dramatics before bed and pull out all the stops. . . Ok. . Hayden pulls out all the stops before bed.
So Landon is asleep and it's 9pm and I've had it(He started the day with a HUGE blowout--crap out, whatever. . .graphic picture to follow).

I get Hayden in his pj's and then he goes for the popcorn bowl sitting on the couch(waiting for me to watch the season finale of "So you think you can dance.") I try to help him sit down and not spill the popcorn. He then hugs the huge Tupperware bowl and backs away. I reach and he then proceeds to put the bowl over his head. It was only a minor catastrophe and we only spilt 1/2 of the popcorn, but I had had it and started to cry.
Hayden than pipes in with. "I'll help you pick it up." I give my reprimand(it's pretty much always the same), "Why can't you just listen, son." and then I cry some more(I know, I'm dramatic.) Then Hayden says in his best comforting voice, "Oooohhh, I'm sorry, sweetie." and then he gives me a hug.
Yep, that's being a parent.
He finally got put to bed and I was talking with serge, when an almost three year old snuck out of his bedroom and stole the popcorn bowl. I found him, sitting in the dark, eating by his bed.

It really was great popcorn. Sigh.

FW:

2008-08-07T17:14:00.001-07:00

Sleepy boy.

Lame Blogger

2008-08-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

What's up with me and my not blogging? Well, let's just say that I have been gallivanting(to borrow a word from my mom). Let's see. Uh, ah, yes. Here we are.
We had a few changes at our house. Since Hayden decided to flood the kitchen, which seeped through the wall into the bedroom of our one bedroom house, we felt the need to take out all of our stuff and relocate into the living room. After we aired out the carpet, we decided that we would put the boys back in the bedroom and move our queen bed into the living room. The "foye" is now our living room and the partition is the divider of our "room." So the couch is acting as a go between. We played "mother may I" with Hayden yesterday and one of the questions was, "mother, may I step over the couch." Never done that one before in that game.
Next, Landon and Hayden came down with a terrible cold that really knocked the for a loop. Hayden was o.k., but I spent the next Tuesday in the ER with him wheezing and coughing. We got him on a nebulizer and then later on some steroids to help give him lung power.
The week of the 24th of July, we went to the Woodruff/Martin reunion. Let's just say that even with sick kids it was a ton of fun! We stayed in these really nice condos that seemed so spacious. They had like 15 feet ceilings and three bedrooms and 2 full size bathrooms. Brigham and Michelle were kind enough to let us have the master bedroom which had it's own deep tub.--Let's just say that I was in heaven!
My favorite part was the women's circle. That is a tradition they have of sharing recipes, good tips and new things we've learned. I love it. I came home with all kinds of new things. They are such great ladies. It was so good to spend time with old friends. I had met most of them the summer before we got married and haven't seen them since. Serge's favorite part was tackle spoons on game night.
On the 25th the Yardley's had their yearly reunion. It was great to see my cousins--whom I haven't seen since Hayden was 5 months old. They are such a wonderful family. I loved how my aunt Mildred, who is like 97 and in a rest home(and slightly senile) kept saying, "Roy(her husband, who has been dead for a year) will be so mad." We had a quiz and the oldest person there got a piece of Seas' candy--she couldn't eat it because she didn't have her teeth in.
They boys traveled well and that was a huge blessing.
Sorry this is a long post, but I have one more item. I got to visit my sister in La's Vegas on the way home. She and Brandon just purchased a little house(without a front yard--or a back one for that matter). It's just adorable. It was a foreclosure and so let's just say that the people who got kicked out didn't really clean before they left. My contribution to the house was cleaning the caked on grease on the stove, microwave and wall surrounding the stove. Why is it that Asian folks let it get that way? Hmm.
Craziness--her next door neighbor came knocking on her door at about 9pm and she opened it to find that it was a girl from Logandale. Her dad was our Bishop years ago and now is married with twin boys living right across from Charlotte. Small world. And--there are seven sets of twins in her ward. Nuts. Anywho, I loved spending time with Charlotte and her adorable girls(no offense Brandon, but you had to go to work and I didn't get to see you much). Her girls absolutely adore me, well, Sydney does. Sadie just cries. She doesn't know how much fun I really am.
So anywho, we're back and all pooped out. Boys are better, I'm almost better and we are home for a little.

The end.

Catalina Pictures --one from Tenn. too!

2008-07-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

Catalina Fun--Landon and I on the Nautilus

All of us in the Nautilus. You can see the fish in the windows.

Our Family--Hayden aparently didn't make the cut off, but he's there.

This is my favorite picture. He was licking the air at the back of the boat. You can feel his excitement. It was a great end to our day.

Us in Tennessee. Behind us is the Hermitage--Andrew Jackson's home. Not much to write home about there. There were 4 bedrooms, one kitchen, one dining room, one library/study and no bathrooms. The formal garden was my favorite. We're standing just outside of it.

oh, by the way

2008-07-20T23:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
um, many of you may have heard that my phone went through the wash. My phone is dead, along with all of your numbers. I do have a new phone, so feel free to call me, but I won't be able to call you, unless you leave your number with me. Would you please email me with your numbers, that would be great! saradawnmayer@verizon.net
lots of love
Woman with a new phone(ie Sara)

What have you been up to?

2008-07-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well, sorry I never did finish our trip to Tennessee. Maybe I will some other time, but not now. What have we been up to lately? Well, We did go to Catalina Island for Serge's Birthday. We had a great time. The Catalina Express was so fun. Even Landon liked it. We walked around for a little bit and then went on the Nautilus. Hayden loved that he got to push the torpedo, "Bordedo," as he called it to feed the fish. Then the pilot let him push the button to feed all the fish several times at the end of the ride. We also got to climb up on the deck and ride into port. It was great! Then we got some lunch at a great little restaurant that offered everything under the sun. I got ribs, Serge got fish and chips. Next we went on a two hour bus ride down some windy roads and saw some buffalo, sheep, birds, etc. We stopped for a break at the top of Catalina Airport. It was breathtaking and of course, Hayden ran right over to the run way. We got a picture before they booted us off. My favorite part was when the driver of the bus was giving his tour spiel and Serge's dad kept adding in his own little trivia and asking questions, messing up the guy's speech.
We then ate at Armstrong's. Yummy fish. I got swordfish and it was delicious! In between our events and eating we shopped and walked. It was a fun day.
Lately what have we been up to? Well, Hayden felt that we needed more water inside out house. So he decided to hose off our screen door in the back. Only the door to the house was open and so our kitchen got flooded(for the second time--not by Hayden. The other time was frozen pipes.) Then the water seeped through the wall into our bedroom. So then we had to haul everything out and rip up the carpets, etc. Oh, the 3 inches of water in the kitchen came up pretty good with the shop vac--until it decided to start spitting it back out. Thankfully I got about 15 gal. out before it did that. Never a dull moment.
Yesterday we went to the Orange County fair. We had a nice time, but nothing to write home about. We did find some nice wooden frogs that make a ribbit sound when you rub them with a stick. Serge was fascinated and they were a good price. We got three--enough said.
We're trying to hang on to our sanity. Serge is designing the landscape for his mom's condo. They're almost done and the plans look nice. We are headed to St. George on Tuesday for Serge's family reunion. It should be fun and we'll get so see my family too on Friday when we go to Beaver.

Hayden's so smart!

2008-07-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here's a little taste of why I'm so amazed with Hayden. I know I didn't get this stuff when I was two. It's not like I sit down with him and make him memorize anything either.

Our first Summer vacation

2008-06-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a wonderful time in Tennessee. We wanted to see so much more, but there were just so many trees in the way. Just kidding. Tammy and James had so much planned for us that we couldn't stop to rest. Good thing they went on their honeymoon.
Let's start at the beginning.
Thursday 7:30am Amy picked us up and took us to Orange County Airport. When we arrived, Landon had pooped out of his clothes(not just his diaper) I guess he was excited. By the time we found a family bathroom to change him in, it had creeped up a little. Needless to say we had to give him a bath(what do you do when he has poop on the shoulders?) in the sink. It was an automatic sink--that was fine. I could deal with that and Landon gasped only occasionally. However, it was also an automatic soap dispenser. It kept soaping Landon's hands and then he did start to freak out. No one should be naked and have soap blobbed on their hands--especially in an airport.
Then there was the boarding of the plane. Let's just say that my husband was a little. . . over nervous about traveling with kids. Will they bug people(of course) Will we have them running the isles(most likely.) So when they announce, "Those passengers needing special assistance," we knew it was our chance to get things settled before the childless passengers got on and realized we didn't have everything under control. We threw the kids into the stroller, dragged our three carry-ons plus a car seat for Hayden behind us and flew down the hall. You leave your stroller there folded up and they load it on the plane. We quickly walked past first class and to our seats. Hayden wanted to sit in every seat and Landon was sick of feeling like cargo while Serge frantically buckles Hayden's car seat in. We get Hayden buckled in, carry-ons stowed and sat down. Then Serge realizes that we are in the wrong seats!
The man had a bee in his bonet trying to right the situation. The kids were good for the duration of our flight. Funny story--Dolly Parton's look alike sat in the row across from us. for our 11am flight, she quickly ordered tomato juice and vodka. Hayden now has an annoying obsession with gun noises and guns. Don't ask me where he got it, but he has it. He'll turn anything and everything into a gun. Straws are the worst. So naturally, during the plane ride he lets loose with his machine gun sounds. Well, Dolly goes to use the laboratory at the same time Hayden is sitting on Serge's lap. Hayden reaches out and pats her on the bum. She turns around and in her slurry voice says, "are you pattin' me?" Hayden knows better than to answer. Then she says, "I know you. I've heard you with your gun. Yr jst shooting everybody, arent you?" OK, it's not as funny as when we were there.
Next we were running around St. Paul Minneapolis. Let's just say that it's a big air port and we ran it twice. We re-boarded early because of our "special needs" and did well in finding our seats--although not together this time. Serge had a good time with Hayden while I picked the brain of a local Nashvillite.
We landed Tammy was there to pick us up. We stopped for an icecream at jack in the box. Serge was so excited. So was Hayden and he spilled it withing 4 min. of us picking it up. Serge didn't worry about Tammy's truck, he just kept saying, 'not the shake.' We got to Tammy's house and realized we had forgotten Landon's feeding pump(the one that feeds him continuously at night so I don't have to wake up for 6 hours of continuous sleep.) That pump. Sigh--so needless to say for the remainder of the trip I got up during the night every three hours. It was like having a new born. Oh wells. And I'll write more of what we did the next days, but it's late now.

We're back from Tennessee

2008-06-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

(Read this with a southern drawl)
Hey Ya'll. We're back from the South. We had such a great time. We had a wedding, saw the sites, I got pulled over(story to come later) and so much more. I'll blog soon again and post lots of pictures. I bet you can't wait. Well, you probably can.

Happy Birthday Landon and Happy Father's day Serge

2008-06-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well, first things first. Landon had his birthday on Saturday.
I really can't believe he's one. He is getting so big now a days. He is rolling over quicker, but still not a pro at it(not like his victory kicks). He really is such a joy to be around and has the best smile. When I look back and realize how far he's come, how close we were several time to him dying, I just want to get down and say prayers of thanks. Life is really good. I'll keep my trials as opposed to those going on around me. I cannot say enough how grateful I am for our eternal family. He has a new trick--as seen in the picture.
Some highlights from his year.
Born June 14, 2007
1st Heart surgery June 21, 2nd Heart surgery August 10, Came home Sept. 19, 3rd Heart Surgery April 11. He knows how to bring objects to his mouth, suck and swallow and breathe at the same time, make kissing sounds, coo, roll over and his latest trick--picking his own nose. The boy amazes me all the time.

I love holding him and kissing his little forehead. He likes it too and goes right to sleep. I always told him that when he got home from the hospital he'd better count on me holding him lots. He's held me true to his word because for the first 3 months he did need to be held constantly. I didn't mind too much:) What a magnificent blessing he is in our lives.

And although both of these deserve their own posts, I don't have the time.

Serge is such an amazing husband and father. Hayden is loving his new bike riding time with his dad. Let's just say that he doesn't want to take a nap for fear he'll miss his dad coming home and going on a bike ride. The other day I was talking with Amy and telling her(early in the morning) that Hayden was going on a bike ride with his dad. Hayden responded by saying, "I need to get my helmet on." and then proceeded to do so. I had to tell him that it was only 10 am and that daddy doesn't get home until 5pm. He understood. I can get him to clean up a lot faster if I threaten no bike ride. It's great leverage. We're so excited to have Serge home for the Summer. Last year he had it off, but it didn't count. Thanks Serge for being a really great dad to two wonderful little boys.
A hiking trip we had. Hayden didn't want to walk any longer and Landon was done in his carrier. We thought we'd try it out. Hayden thought it was great. I can only imagine. . .

The Father and son's outing

Progress

2008-06-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest on Landon.
He's getting there. We're just a few months behind.
Serge bought a bike that hooks onto the back of his. Hayden can pedal, he just doesn't when Serge is. Serge says it's a good workout for him.
Landon and I are fine to just do our own thing while they are biking around in the heat. This is finals week. Yeah! We're here for the summer. We've already planned a trip to Tennessee for Tammy and James' wedding, a trip to Catalina Island and one to Vegas. I hope to attend Wicked--(I may need a partner to go with me to this) and possibly to go see Blue Man in Vegas. Of course we are plannin on attending the temple more. I also want to write a book and have Serge illustrate it. I think I am going to post a list of things to do before I die. I think of new things every day.

Where have you been?

2008-06-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be asking this question. To be honest, I have been procrastinating. I feel like a boring person and haven't had anything of significance to report, except these few things.
1. I have put on weight. It is amazing how you can loose it so quick and gain it back even quicker. It's not as bad as I make it sound, but even a few pounds makes you feel like a blob.
2. My kids and I have been trying to save gas(petrolium). In doing so, we have been homebound much more and let me say that it has taken a toll on all of our sanity.
3. Landon is progressing more and more. He is holding his head up much better--still not always, but I can see that we will eventually get there. We say his Nephorologist yesterday(Kidney doctor). She said that his kidneys are growing proportionate to his body and that their function is wonderful. That is such good news because he had kidney failure and damage so early on. He is 17lbs! He still isn't on the growth chart, but he's making progress. He actually has really cute chubby drum sticks now. Can you believe that he's going to be a year old on the
14th??? Wow, what a year.
4. Serge is into finals. He will be done for this year next week. It looks like we will be in California this summer(boo), but we'll make do. I am planning on traveling--so look out world!
5. Hayden has learned to ride a big bike with training wheels. He had a scare of almost running into the street( he tipped his bike over to stop him) but after that he is scared to ride it on our bike rides. He is pretty funny on his little trike making zoom zoom sounds.
6. I am making a quilt top. Serge got me a really nice sewing machine for Mother's day. For those of you who used my previous sewing machine(don't be offended mom) this one is much nicer. We still have my old one for projects and stuff, but I just love quilting on this new one. My blog class went well. I had two sisters show up, but we have three new blogs(including one for my sister Charlotte)
7. Did you know about blurb.com ? It is this wonderful site where you can make your blog into a book for a relatively good price. It is cheaper than scrapbooking. I am so excited that a whole year is already done and I am just putting the finishing touches on it.
So there you have my boring lo-down.
Love ya!

2008-05-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

I love this place

Dear friends

2008-05-26T23:54:00.000-07:00

Dearest friends,
Please let me share your blog with others.
let me explain. I am teaching a class to ladies in our ward this Saturday for our "Super Saturday" activity. I want to show them all of your ideas and fun stuff--but only briefly. I hope that is o.k. with you. If you would rather not, well, I guess I won't, but know that I really want to.
Sincerely,
Sara--

Jane's Day--or Sara's Day

2008-05-24T16:24:00.001-07:00

so here's a picture of the boys in front of the water fountain in Glendale. It reminded me of the Bellagio--you know with the carefully timed show to music. Really fun! We went out there for my birthday(coming on Tues.) We rode the Americana, the trolley that takes you around. It was fun, and the shops are very high class. It was very crowded.
Let's just say that there are pushy people who REALLY wanted to ride the trolley. I can't believe that grown people still push their way to the front of the lines. What has happened to our society??? I'm trying to not let it bother me, but we the first in line and when the trolley came up people just pushed their way on--literally, I was waiting to step up and a lady threw her kid infront of me and the last I saw of her was her tush. Honestly.
But, we didn't let that ruin our day. We walked the galeria mall for a while. Serge was great watching the kids while I tried on some clothes. Ok, let's face it, it was more like pushing the stoller around at a decent pace so that Hayden didn't extricate himself. All in all, it was a great day together.

2008-05-20T19:59:00.001-07:00

Potty Stories

2008-05-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

So as many of you may know, Hayden has avoided the potty since Landon got his G-tube(for those of you who can't remember--Feb). We've tried and tried to entice him. Loli-pops--no good. His own Jelly-belly machine--worked for a try on the potty only.
Well, we just returned from costco and diapers for both of the kids came to a whopping total of $99. When I saw the total I said--this is your last pack of diapers. We discussed things we some ways that we could get him motivated.
Hayden: Well, If I go potty, maybe I could get --What?
Me: well, Maybe you could get twenty motorcycles. What do you thing?
Hayden: Um, yeah. Then I could give Grandma Hauver back her motorcycle. (my om got him a motorcycle last time she was here) Maybe I could give it to her for Christmas. Then I could get my new motorcycle and put new batteries in it.
Me: (thinking to myself--what does this have to do with going poop in the potty? Boy can he change the subject fast!)I try to re-focus him, but it doesn't work. Sigh.
Hayden goes on and on. In the car he says to me: Mommy, thank you for getting me a new motorcycle. You're such a good boy.

2008-05-11T22:58:00.001-07:00

How does he do it?

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-10T20:58:00.001-07:00

Well, here's a shout out to my mom. Ten things I love about her!
1. She is always excited about learning new things. No matter where we go, she wants to share ideas and thoughts
2. She genuinely cares. Honestly, whenever my mom hears a siren in our town, she goes outside to see which way it is going. Then she comments on who it could be. Next she predicts who is working the ambulance.
3. My mo taught me how to love books. Some of you may know I stunk at reading when I was young. because of her not giving up on me, she found something to peak my interest. I still remember reading the Box Car Children and Charlie with her.
4. My mom knows everybody. Well, she usually knows someone who knew someone who she knew wherever we go. Every time it happens it surprises me.
5. My mom goes to church. This may seem like a wierd one. However, she doesn't really have any close friends at church. She is a widow and usually sits alone. She has been critisized in playing the piano, organ and other various things. Truly she is a trooper and goes because she knows the Church is true. Go mom!
6. My mom keeps me informed. Whenever someone dies, my mom calls to let me know. I really do appreciate this--even if I don't always remember them.
7. My mom is young--going to be 69 this year and she doesn't look it, act it and most of the time feel it. She skips around with her kindergarteners like no other.
8. My mom takes care of me. She spent her whole summer taking care of us when Landon was in the hospital. In April she took "sick leave" so she could watch Hayden while were were going through surgery again. Thanks so much mom!
9. My mom thinks my kids are the cutest--enough said.
10. She listens. Seems like whenever I get myself in a situation and need advice, she is there. I think I first noticed this in college. It's wonderful to have a sounding board and she gives great suggestions(most of the time:) I also like that even though I'm married, she still cares and listens to my day and is genuinely concerned about how I am doing. She never steps over the line in putting her nose in our business.
Honorary mention: you wear nylons. Since moving to Cali I just can't bring my self to wear pantyhose.
Thanks mom for the tons of other great qualities you exhibit. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
Feel free to share your favorite mom quality!

All Right Already!

2008-05-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

O.K. so this blog post is not about my kids--they're fine. It's not about Serge--he's fine too. This post is about me.
I am re-dedicating myself to early scripture study. Yes, I know what you are thinking--but she's so sleep deprived. Surely there is some other time. Well, the fact is that there isn't. 5:30 am it is. I went to a roadshow last night for our stake. And, there were a lot of cheesy songs(Michael Mcklean songs too). However, I did learn something.
I must remember the Lord first and then I won't have to worry about remembering not to get angry or about whatever. If I first worry about remembering to put the Lord first(5am first), then all the other stuff will fall into place. I know, it doesn't make sense, but like the tithing principle, I've got to try it out to see if it works. I have confidance that it will!
Thank you.
Next thing to conquor--midnight snacks!

In response

2008-05-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your comments about my question. Perhaps I should give a little background to my question because Tammie asked me what I was thinking of. It was late, and I was rocking Landon back to sleep for the 3rd time that night. I was just kissing his head and snuggling him and I had this overwhelming feeling that I was doing the right thing--in the right spot, doing the most important thing I could be doing at that moment.
Then, pondering on the book where Florence had felt she had a calling to better the nursing situations during war time. So then I started to think about this fireside given in Logan by President Eyering(Elder then). He had spoken about getting up in the morning and having a prayer and asking the Lord what it is He wanted you to accomplish that day. Then he asked us all to go home and ask the Lord what who we could go visit, or go do something for. So basically, what is the most important thing to do at this moment in our lives.
I've had a couple experiences where I have asked, "What is the most important thing that I should do this day?" The answers have varied from--take your kids to the park to bring some lunch to Serge. Interestingly enough, at the end of the day, I usually do feel such a sense of accomplishment.
In the larger scheme of things, I think those moments let me know that I will eventually accomplish the bigger purposes. In other words, I'm passing the quizes so hopefully I'll pass the final exam with out too much problem.

Question

2008-04-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

After talking with some lovely ladies--young ladies, at book club this evening, I have a few thoughts going about in my head. This is more of a question for myself, but I think it's worth asking.
Ok, here goes.
Do I realize what is important in life? This may have variant answers, depending on our stage in life. But basically, do I get what life is about. And how am I contributing to that purpose? Am I doing what's important?

The Lemon Festival

2008-04-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

So here was one of our highlights tonight. The Upland Lemon Festival is going on and we decided to go. Hayden gave us a recap of the night.
Mom: What was your favorite part Hayden
Hayden: The motorcycles.
Mom: Oh, the motorcycles huh?
Hayden: Yes. and more. The horsie ride.(me nodding) . . .and more. the cars and the airplane ride and more. . .the dumbo ride. . . and petting the animals and then I peed on their food.
Aparently I didn't have his diaper positioned so well and he peed his pants. It leaked down his shorts, down his legs and onto the saw dust--interpreted by Hayden as pet food. Needless to say it then adhered to his shoes. That pretty much ended our night. Good times!

Landon is doing good. He is still a little sore, but laughing, talking, kicking and barfing like he used to. I know when he kicks like a banshee he's feeling better.

2008-04-25T20:11:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Boris' life with us

2008-04-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 23rd at 3pm, we are celebrating Boris' life with friends, family and acquaintances. Bring pictures of Boris that you might have. Share memories. We will not mourn for him out of respect for his family's observance of Passover. It will be at Boris' family's home in Claremont. Suzie and Bethany are in charge.
446 Julliard Dr.
Claremont, Ca 91711
If you can't be there and would like to write your favorite memories of Boris for the family archive, email
hauvers@hotmail.com
Please label it Boris Ivshin

Each Life that touches ours for good

2008-04-19T21:40:00.001-07:00

Sorry, this is going to be a long post.

Some times you just have to trust that God's plan is the best plan. Friday, April 18, 2008, Boris Ivshin was killed in a car accident. He was driving home from LA, where he was on an ambulance run. He struck the center divider on the 210 and then moments later he was hit by a drunk driver and killed outright. Boris was Suzie's(Serge's sister) best friend. They graduated from Claremont high last year together. Boris was attending Cal Poly Pomona--18 years old. Because Boris was Jewish by religion and ligeage, he needed to be burried right away(as the Jewish culture dictates) He was killed at 1:40 am and then burried at 3:00pm, before sun down and their Sabbath, and before the holliday Passover.
Because there was hardly any eulogy, due to the fact that you're not supposed to mourn before the passover or during, I feel that I need to say a few words to others about Boris.

Boris loved Hayden. From the moment we met Boris, we noticed what a helpful person he was. He was a good kid, --very responsible. All of you who know Hayden, know how he loves to run. if we were in a place where he needed to run, Boris would chase after him for hours and not complain one bit. Let's just say that it's an amazing thing that Boris' phone isn't broken beyone repair because he let Hayden play with it so much. He once told Suzy that he would like to be my boy's God father. She explained to him that we didn't have those, and then said, 'do jewish people have those?' He said no. I later told Suzy that the could be an honorary God Father--as long as he wasn't in the mafia. Ha ha! Boris attended many church activities with Suzie and supported her. I'd say he learned a little about the church, or a lot. After they graduated, Boris decided to get active in his old Jewish synagog. Hayden would always ask, "is BR'S(that's what he called him--no vowels) coming today?"
When Landon was born, Boris was so excited. Then when we found out that Landon had a congenital heart defect and would need surgery, he came out to spend the day with us on the day of the surgery. That meant so much to us. He also came out with Suzy to help entertain Hayden while we were staying in the Hilton for a month. Hayden and he had many a fun hour in the pool. Boris also spent a few days of his Christmas vacation this year helping me with the kids. He was so glad to just help around the house or play with Hayden. When we were paying our respects to the parents of Boris, his dad said, recognizing Hayden, "Boris loved them(our kids) so much" We were both crying then. I'm really glad I know the plan. It was so devastating for his parents, as they're Jewish, but not active or religious.
I guess Hayden was Boris' screen saver at home, and so even though the first time I met his parents was at the funeral, they all recognized Hayden. Thanks Boris for being a part of our family for a while. You made a difference in our lives, even though we couldn't say so at the funeral. You were a truly Christ like person and we were blessed to know you. We'll see you on the other side---maybe you could still be our honorary God Father--put in a good word for us? We love you!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24199758/#storyContinued
http://www.sgvtribune.com/ci_8979072

2008-04-18T21:42:00.001-07:00

Fwd:

2008-04-18T09:38:00.001-07:00

Hi! Here's Serge's project up in San los obispo. Hope his team wins the compitition. This picture is sideways.

Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig!

2008-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it home. Let's just say that this was Landon's shortest hospital vist--including placing his GT tube, or for eating issues. Had Surgery on Friday, home on Wednesday. We probably would have gone home on monday, except the surgeion was a little precautious after having to rush him back down to the OR.--that and his high blood pressure. I think he gets that from my mom.
I swear, when it rains, it pours. Landon is trying to get his two top teeth and in the process, he has a blister on the roof of his mouth and his top lip is fat. Poor thing. He's also got a bad rash ie boils, from all of the tape adhesive. He's resting in his plush bed. We have to keep his head elevated to the blood goes back to his lungs. Over all, he's more tired than anything. I'm glad that they won't have to wake him up every two seconds to examine him or take his temperature.
On the more positive side, he is way more pink! I can't believe it. He is also a lot warmer than I noticed before. I think it's because his heart mostly pumps red blood now. I'm just so glad to have him.
We got to visit with Marc and Trudy's family. It was wonderful! They are such a breath of fresh air. Hayden had a great time trying to boss all the girls around. They were so good with him. My favorite was him trying to slow the little red wagon down while they were running. After a while, I saw him just walking delirously. He loves his cousins.

2008-04-15T07:19:00.001-07:00

That's one way to sleep!

Slowly but surely

2008-04-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Landon is getting better. THey took out all of his lines today so he just has only one IV. His blood pressure is still high, but we're working on it. Hopefully --The Lord willing, things will continue to go well.

Crazy

2008-04-12T22:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your faith and prayers!!! They don't have room for us in Ronald McDonald house, so last night we spent it on the floor just outside of the Cardiac ICU. Acutally, Serge let me have the dwarf sized couch and he took the floor. Yesterday was so crazy!!! We were scheduled for the first case, then there was a transplant, we went into Surgery at 11, out by 3 and off the ventalator. We went back to see Landon and he looked a little pale, but I just figured he was that way because he had just had a 4 hour surgery--2 of those just for anesthesia. Well, they said that he was having a little extra drainage from his chest drain, but they were giving him blood right as we came back. Fine, he was breathing good and we left to give them some room to recover him(we only get to see him at 10 min. intervals every hour while he's critical) So we come back and the RT says, don't go back we're going to have to re intubate. I'm thinking, what in the world. Then Dr. Razzuuk comes back and says, um, we're taking him back down to the OR room. 10 min. later, they had Landon ready to go and a room ready. Needless to say, in those short minutes, he had lost about 200cc of blood( almost eight ounces). They found that where they had banded the PA, the pressure had built up so much that the silk, used to band, had acted like a knife and he had busted a leak. I think it was because he was so ticked at them for making him cough. So they stitched his leak, closed him back up and brought him up. I was a wreck, but Serge said he just felt peace. They let him rest all night on the breathing tube and took it out this morning.
He is recovering well now and is very pink--minus the times that he's ticked off. He is still on oxygen, but just a whiff. The biggest surprise is that he decided to drink from a bottle! I guess he was just so hungry that he did what he had to do. Right now he's resting pretty comfortably--as much as you can when you just had hour chest ripped open twice in one day. The only pain medicine he's allowed to have is tylenol. He hasn't smiled yet, which is understandable. We hope that recovery contiues to move forward.
Thanks for you prayers--that's why Landon is alive.

Off the Ventilator

2008-04-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

Landon's off the ventilator and eating again. He's still hooked up to lots of tubes and drains, but doing better.

Fwd:

2008-04-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

Landon just after surgery

2008-04-11T23:08:00.001-07:00

Landon doing fine. Resting now. Extubate tomorrow.

2008-04-11T19:19:00.001-07:00

They found the leak! Closing him up now.

2008-04-11T18:17:00.001-07:00

Had to go back to or. Bleeding too much .

Landon's out of surgery

2008-04-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Landon's out of surgery at around 3:45. They took him off the ventilator and he's seems to be doing well. Dr. Razzouk said that the surgery went well. Both Dr. Razzuk and Dr. Bailey worked on him. We get to go see him in a few minutes. We'll keep you posted on his progress.

Off Bypass

2008-04-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Landon's off bypass at 2:30 p.m. We'll be done with surgery hopefully in another hour or two.

2008-04-11T13:07:00.001-07:00

Surgery started

A little hitch in our Giddy Up

2008-04-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

At 4am this morning, we got a wake up call form the hospital. So the rumor of a transplant turns out to be true--and Dr. Razouk is doing it. What that means for us? We got to go back to sleep until 6 when they called us again. We are to be at the hospital at 8 and go to surgery around 11am. How can you be mad when somebody else has their chance at life show up? We'll keep you posted

What's on Tomorrow's Menu

2008-04-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

Landon and I just got home from the hospital, where we werer doing PATS(pre-admission testing). We are a green light for tomorrow. We had origionally been on second case, but they have changed us to first. So we arrive at 6am and are scheduled for 7:30. However, there is rumor of a heart transplant happening tonight and they may still be in the OR room. So we may get delayed a bit.
For those of you curious as to what they are going to do, here's a short synopsis. Normally, all of your blood retuns to the right side of one's heart and then the right ventricle pumps it to the lungs. In Landon's case, they will make, what Serge likes to call, "Plumbing changes." They will connect the superior vena cava(the tube that returns blood from the head, neck and upper extremities normally to the heart) directly to the pulminary-T. So 1/2 of the blood will just go directly to the lungs to get oxygen, without his heart having to pump it. (His next surgery, called the Fontan, will connect the inferior vena cave--all lower blood, to the pulminary-T)
The second thing they will do tomorrow will be to remove his BT shunt, from the first surgery. The last thing they will do is ligate the pulminay artery from the heart. Some of you may recall that both landon's pulminary artery and his aorta(the artery that pumps oxygenated blood to the body) come off of his small, right ventricle.
In a nut shell, he will eventually just operate on one side of his heart--the left, I think. So anywho, I gues he will have to go on by-pass for the surgery. I'm really nervous about that because it can cause hemmoraging in the brain. That's all We'd need! But it's what he has to go through to live. The recovery is supposed to take 2-3 days. We'll be happy if we're home within a month. It may be a little more crazy this time because the Ronald McDonald house is really full, and Serge is in school. Hayden is staying with Granny Amy for a couple of days and then Grandma Hauver is coming to town.
In the midst of this all, Chase, my nephew, is having his farewell on the 20th. He's going to Lousville, Kentucky. He's so stoked, and I'm so excited for him. What a great example he is to us.
I just love my boys. This morning I was awoken by a 2 1/2 year old yelling, "Good morning mommy! Can I get out of bed." When I yelled back in a not too friendly voice, 'Yes!' he yelled back, "you don't say, 'YYEEESSS' to me. You can just say 'yes' nicely." I had to smile at that!
Keep us in your prayers--and we'll keep you posted.

Thanks

2008-04-07T16:08:00.001-07:00

Thanks for all of your comments. It gave me some more food for thought. It's funny, right after I posted, I read the visiting teaching message--about strengthening marriage. Elder Nelson suggested three actions: 1. Aprreciate 2. Communicate 3. Contemplate--ie, attend the temple On a little update. Landon is scheduled for the 11th--this Friday for surgery. He's second case, so he will begin surgery anywhere between 12-3pm. He's finished his antibiotics and is getting better. Hayden started with a cough last night--great! I'm praying we all stay healthy. Landon is working on holding his head up, and can do so sitting up for about five minutes now. It's definately improvement, but he's still wobbley. I'll take it! Hayden, Hayden, Hayden! "I'm a ham!" is his new favorite expression. Thanks Amanda! She was in town and Hayden had a good time with all the gals. At home, we have defined our house rules and are posting them, because what we're doing is not sufficient. I'll let you know how it works after surgery. Love you all! Here's Landon Laughing again, I couldn't resist!

Marriage question

2008-04-04T22:22:00.000-07:00

So here's some thoughts pressing my mind. Serge came home from school today and he said that he heard something that made him sad. Serge is not an emotional guy. He was sad that so many people split up their marriage.
My question is, what is it that makes marriages work? You could argue that the spouse is never home or she doesn't keep the house clean enough. Hollywood would say their sex life wasn't good enough. However, some marriages seem to succeed with flaws and others don't seem to have any and yet they fail. How do you prevent something like this from happening?
Whether single or married, what are your thoughts...

Take a Look

2008-04-01T10:37:00.001-07:00

Hey all, here's what Serge'sTijuana project looks like. It's called the NCARB Prize 2008. Just click on the title for the link.

Toot Toot!

2008-03-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know of an exciting thing that happened for Serge. You may recall me mentioning a project Serge was working on called the TJ project, where they built a house out of recycled paper and cement. This project has been going on for two years and this last quarter, they asked the architects to get involved(it was under the direction of regenerative studies). So, ofcourse, they couldn't have picked a better team than Serge's class of architects. Basically, it was just a block of cement and paper. The team not only designed where to put the windows in, but the materials used. Then, they put the project on the fast track to build, finish and then submit a board explaining the project with an essay, to a competition in little old Washington DC, called 'The NCARB Prize 2008.'
For those of you not familiar with NCARB, they are the people who are incharge of registering licensed Architects--a process that takes 3 years after graduation. So this was pretty much THE comptetition.
Well, on Saturday, Serge got a call from his friend Brad, asking if he had got an email--which he hadn't checked, explaing that they had placed in the contest. THEY WON FIRST PRIZE!!!
O.K. so, just to let you know, the people who won last year came from the number one ranked school in the country. I think Cal Poly is like 15th or something. And the grand prize is $25,000 smackaroos. Not that we'll see that money because there have been so many people in the two years the project has been going on, but still--what an accomplishment. Let's just say that the dean, Judith--was in utter shock and Serge was pretty blown away too. This is such a huge recognition.
Way to go Serge!

Surgery Canceled

2008-03-28T11:25:00.001-07:00

Due to Landon having an ear infection and being on anti-biotics, we are postponing surgery to the 8th or the 10th of April. I think it's for the best, so he can be at his best and not hacking a lung. So there you have it.

precious moments

2008-03-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

So it turns out that landon has the beginnings of an ear infection. so we're on some anti-biotics. Which, really, I'm glad of. I hope it kicks what's in his chest too. He's getting better. Today we have the EKG scheduled. I'll talk to the nurses and see what the recomment, as far as if we should still hold for the 1st of April. Through it all, however, Landon is still smiling.
Last night we were sitting down to dinner. We were having honey BBQ wings with salad(I know, it's healthy). I think it's the first time that Hayden has eaten chicken off the bone. Well, about two wings in, he asks,
Hayden: Mommy
Me: Yes Hayden
Hayden: Do doggies eat bones?
Me: Yes
Hayden: And der lick der bums?
Me: raise eyebrows and pause. Yes
Hayden: O.K. Back to eating wings
Me: Pause. laugh hysterically with Serge.
I know I never brought that up, so where in the heck does he get that???

Authorizations

2008-03-26T04:24:00.000-07:00

So we have to have authorizations for all of landon's Dr's app. or hospital stays, or physical therapy. I'm learning how to work the HMO system.
We get an approved authorization in the mail that looks something like this.
QTY Description
1 Major Vessel Shunt
1 Repair of sternum separation
1 Reinforce Pulmonary Artery
1 Remove Pulmonary Shunt

Yeah. It's was a heavy authorization

Under the weather

2008-03-26T04:12:00.000-07:00

So amazingly enough, Landon has an awful cold with a yucky cough. We missed our RSV shot this month because of an authorization mix up. anywho, he has an awful bark. If it continues, we will have to postpone surgery. Keep him in your prayers, I know you usually do.
Serge is on Spring break. For the last two days he has come home before five, we have eaten dinner as a family, and then gone out to do something together. I love daylight savings time. I asked Serge, "is this what it's like for families who just go to work and doun't have to worry about school and projects. They actually get to see eachother?" I am loving it. Ofcourse, next week will be different, but I'm enjoying it.
We planted a garden yesterday. We cut down on tomatoes, as we don't know if we're going to be here for the summer. By cutting down, I mean only three tomato plants, along with some peppermint, cilantro, Italian sweet basil and a red bell pepper. I really love gardening. Hayden then wanted to drown all of the plants. I tried to train him that you don't actually put the water directly on the plant full blast. It was a new concept for him. When he was done he said, "that was a good boy watering." He kept repeating it until I somewhat agreed with him.
Landon's head is getting stronger. He still doesn't hold it up for long periods of time, but he can do it. His endurance is improving. I tell you what, the second coming has a whole new meaning for me now--along with the resurrection.

April Fools Day

2008-03-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

We met with the Surgeion, Dr. Razzouk, and we're good to go for surgery on April 1. He said that his O2 saturations won't go up much, but it will take about 1/2 the work load off of his heart. He also said that it is usually a 2-3 day in house stay. I just laughed and said, "if we get out of the hospital within a month, I'll be happy." So anywho, I am scurrying to get bloodwork done, X-rays and EKG's.
I'm hoping that my mom can get time off of work to be here with us. I guess she has a lot of sick days stored up. Hooray for mom's!
Hayden continues to keep us laughing. The other day I was in the bathroom and I shut the door(though it was not locked). Hayden immediately started to try to open it. I look forward to the day of a peaceful bathroom visit. When he couldn't get it open he had this nice conversation with the door.
Hayden: Come on door! AAAHHH! Mommy, it won't open.
Me: Well, turn the knob.
Hayden: This way?
Me: ???UM. . .Yes.
Hayden: O.K. . . . Come on door! (tries to kick it, doesn't work). . .
Then comes my favorite part--a talk with the door.
Hayden: Come on door! Why are you not opening? Why are you not opening?! I'm serious!!!

I love my two year old!
Landon started to blow rasberries today. Does life get any better?

The Body vs Mind/Spirit

2008-03-12T23:35:00.000-07:00

So I was watching Landon sleep tonight. I was thinking of what is ahead of him this month and how much he struggles to do the little things that I take for granted. Eating, holding my neck up, sitting, etc. And here he is, trying his hardest, being pushed all of the time--yet he's so happy and the first one to smile. I work with him a lot, I take him to therapy, therapy comes to our home. Truly, he is such a trooper. I know it is not easy doing things that are uncomfortable, yet I know it's the best thing for him.
Life is about mastering our bodies. Letting the Spirit, our spirits, control our body. So, for Landon, this month, I am going to make an effort to control one more thing about my body. I'm not sure if it will be chocolate, biting my nails, or not spending so much time on the computer. But I want to do something to say that I acknowlege how difficult life is for him. Some moms of cancer patients shave their hair off. I'm not going to do that. But I'm going to do something. Join me if you like.
We have an appointment next Wednesday to consult with the surgeon, Dr. Razzuuk(ru`zook. Marvelous man. So glad that he is a praying man. From there we will schedule surgery # 3.

Gala

2008-03-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Gala(Gay`la)--an event for the rich to give of their dough, and make the Mayers very uncomfortable.
So we were asked a while ago to share our experience of Landon's care in the hospital. They video taped Landon and I. Of course I droned on and on, but they deleted most of it. So next the foundation contacted me to let me know that they had the video and I could view it. It actually was very well done. I loved that they put the part in where I was crying. Thanks! It did have to do with my amazement of our surgeon, Dr. Razzuk, praying with us before surgery. So anywho, I didn't think that much about the Gala, until about two weeks ago.
Joanna, the director, contacted me and asked if we would be able to attend. I talked to Serge and we agreed. We had done something similar for the Ronald McDonald house in speaking about Landon's progress and the care we received at LLUMC. Well, when we spoke at the gold tournament for RMH(Ronald McDonald House) it was a little nerve racking, but everybody had been out golfing all day. They sold some things for around $2000, and were jesting to each other that it was the cheapest B-Day present they could give their wife. I was shocked that someone would give their wife that hefty of a birthday gift.
Let's just say that the Gala was about, um 200% more uppity, if that's possible. So it said "black tie optional." And so I was thinking --A dress, Serge can wear his tie. Serge was thinking, I could put on some khaki's, but eventually decided for his suit, without the coat. Well, we soon found out that , "Black tie optional," actually means--tuxedo is optional.
We pull into the parking lot in our humble white, stick shift Honda civic, and right behind us pulls in a limo. Did you know that Jaguar makes a limo? I learned this on Sunday. Yep. It felt like the the Emmy's
Um, we were seated and got settled in with our stroller. There were roughly about 1,000 people there, all decked out in evening gowns and tuxes. We had dinner, at $200/plate. Sigh. (what I could do with $200. The entertainment was amazing, A Lady from New Zealand, singing with an Italian--WOW! It was like the freaking Emmy's. Then they had a live auction. The first item was golfing for four--went for $12,0000. Yes, no lie. The next item was a trip to the Beijing Olympics for six. --$10,000.
Oh, when we were eating, a couple came up and asked if they could sit next to us. I told them sure. I said, "this is the loud table. We are the only one with kids here." This size 2 of a woman said, "you don't scare me, I have seven!" I laughed. She later told us she was MC and asked us how to pronounce our name. I asked her how one gets the job of MCing something like this. She smiled and said she usually does it every other year. That was the end of it. Later they introduced her as Mary Park, anchor on Chanel 4 news. woops! I had no idea.
Needless to say, our little part went well. Landon was a doll. Hayden got to eat lots of candy to help him sit still:) and I didn't vomit or pee my pants. (How do I get myself roped into things like this?!)
Let's just say that I shall probably never attend something like this again in my life time, but gave me something to write in my journal about.

What do we do?

2008-03-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, just incase some of you wonder what we do in a day, here goes some highlights.
6:00--Hayden yells, "Dad, are you going to work? Oh, you are? o.k., have a good day!" and then goes back to sleep.
7:00--Hayden yells, "mommy, is it time to get up?" mommy yells back, "no." Hayden goes back to sleep, but Landon wakes up. Mommy transferrs both boys into bed and we all go back to sleep!
8:45--Landon is done sleeping. We get up, dressed and fed.
11:30--finally get out of the house to go to dad's school.
12:00--switch kids to dad's car, park mom's car in the faculty parking spot so I can pull the Honda out. Pull the Toyota out and park it. Get in to the Honda to pull it into the spot, only to have some young whippersnapper pull in to the parking spot. Drive around for five minutes praying no one turns me in for leaving my kids in a parked car while searching for a parking spot. Finally find a spot about 80 yards away. Sprint back to the kids.
12:30--Take Serge's car to get smogged. The first place has no tech. Take it to another spot. They can do it. Chat with some bikers while we wait. Hayden is totally enthralled with their motorcycles.
1:00--pick up lunch for Serge
1:30--pick up prints for Serge's project at work
1;45--deliver Serge's design
2:00--head home and get kids to sleep, schedule appointments, etc.
3:00--clean out Serge's car, which was starting to imbarrass ME because it looked like he was homeless and all he owned was in his car.
4:00--take Serge's car to gas it up and then wash it.
5:30--take Serge's car back to him at School and let Hayden see the Horses.
6:00--Go to Patties for burritos-YUM!
7:00--head home for the night, put Landon down and bathed Hayden, since he had peed his pants, underwear, socks and you name it on his lower extremities.
8:00--watch American Idol
9:00--Serge calls to say he's coming home. Hayden demands to talk to him, "Where are you at?! Oh, you're on Foothill, ok." Read scriptures, play with Hayden and go to bed.
9:30, I try to have a few moments to myself. Sigh.

Prayers are answered

2008-03-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

Explanation: Dr. Kuhn= a man who doesn't sugar coat something in the least. Let's just say that the man told me last heart cath that Landon would either go to surgery again or he would go on the heart transplant list in the same breath he said hello.
Well, the heart cath went better than we expected. Dr. Kuhn, our cardiologist, did the proceedure again. He kind of scared me before. I guess some vessels and form in a coil in some of the arteries and that if they did, he "would treat them agressively." So something I thought would lake 30 min for him, he actually told me would take about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When the Dr. Came to find me, he asked me, with his cocky cardiologist smile, "so do you want good news?"
Of course I said yes. He said he had pressures of 11(in the normal range--last time they were 40). Normal range is 15-30. So in layman's terms--Landon is a candidate for next surgery and we don't have to list him on a transplant list. This is such a blessing! Thanks so much for your prayers and support!

Keep us in your prayers

2008-03-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well, we are scheduled for Monday, March 3rd, to have Landon's heart catheder. For those of you who don't know heart terminology, here's what they do. Our Dr., Dr. Kuhn, puts a cathedar in through the groin area up to the heart. He then shoots some die up into the heart and then takes some readings of the pressures (blood flow) in the lungs and heart area. This will only take about 15 min., and supposedly we are to go home the same day. We will see. Please keep us in your prayers. This is always the precurser for surgery. I have a feeling we will go for our next open heart surgery soon, but we'll see. The group of surgeons and cardiologists will meet on Wed. to discuss his case and we'll go from there. So there's your heart lesson for the day!
Love you all.

Landon's New Thing

2008-02-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

2008-02-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

Landon started to giggle. Hopefully we will be able to share this with you.

2008-02-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

Oh! Brothhers R great!

Buttons

2008-02-21T23:37:00.001-08:00

Well, contrary to popular belief, buttons can be entertaining. They are practically Hayden's new best friends. Picture this. A family invites us over to dinner. They have a 4 month old. I say to my self, how can we keep Hayden busy? Well, I don't know, but let's take our own seat that you can actually strap him into. So we do. Lovely dinner, but Hayden is done sooner than the rest of us. That's when a stroke of genious hits me. I suggested Hayden try to unbutton his baseball shirt. That was the end of it--well, except him exclaiming, "I'm doing it!" We didn't hear another peep out of him for at least a good 1 1/2 hours--No joke! Fact: Hayden is better at unbuttoning than buttoning, but he can do both.
Landon is healing nicely. He is not sore, but I would still call him sensative. We had our follow up visit with peds surgery and they think it looks wonderful. Great. What's the bill going to be for that one? I don't know. I think landon's up to probably 2 1/2 mil. by now. I thank heavenly Father every day for good insurance!!!!!
In response to Liz--come on over any time! Gina, no we didn't have meals brought in. My visiting teachers--well, you know. But the girl I visit teach brought us some left overs at random. THey were great.
Thanks everyone for your prayers. Love ya!

some progress, some not

2008-02-16T05:41:00.000-08:00

So the origional stress of coming home has lessened. I still am not full fledged in making dinners again, but I know that will come. Hayden was so glad to come home. He did so good while we were gone in pooping in the toilet. However, since then he has had a bout of just going in his diaper. Well, I know he knows how to do it, but he's just regressed a little.
We went to the park yesterday and he was able to ride his bike all over. let's just say that loving it is an understatement. When he finally stopped to play on the playground(about an hour later--no joke) he was followed around by a cute little girl. Hayden couldn't be more oblivious. I found it funny that he didn't want much to do with girls. I guess we really don't spend that much time with them, since there aren't any in our ward or close around.
Landon is progressing. He's gaining weight nicely--13.7 lbs-13.9 lbs--depending on whose scale we're on. He's getting more strength. He still doesn't hold his head up for long. he can, but it's just for a minute or two. I pray he can master it soon. He's less sore and is so much fun to play with. He's laughing and kicking more. I know he's feeling better when he kicks. As for tummy time, he hates it--always has, but I'm praying he will learn to crawl too. I'm just glad he's gaining weight.
Serge got the highest score on his structure's class midterm. I guess the average was a D, but he got a 97%. That's my hubby! I can't wait for him to start practicing and doing what he loves for a job. Not that he doesn't enjoy his current job, but I know he preferrs Architecture to Civil design. We officially have 4 more weeks of school and then finals! That means one year and one quarter left to go. Serge thinks he's found his senior project topic--built in furniture. I am sooo excited about that! I love the concepts and cannot wait to live in a house he's designed.
Me? thanks for asking. I'm surviving. I think i'm coping by shopping lately. What's a girl to do? I bought some sunglasses yesterday. You need those in the dead of Winter. I am also frustrated with my clothes. Most of them really don't fit. Either they are too tight in the bust or falling off of my hips. I don't know how to win. Hm. Well, back to bed after pumping.

Counting our blessings

2008-02-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, we've been home for a few days and already I am feeling overwhelmed. Landon's really sore. Every time I move his button, he screams out in pain and clinches every muscle, trying not to move. Plus, he decided in the hospital(the 7th) that he needed to break in his very first tooth. Today he broke in his second. I tell you, the boy just doesn't understand that you should space out the pain.
We had yet another amazing roommate. Sometimes you get some real winners--crazy parents, and then you can imagine the kid. However, this time we had a little 6 month old. He had been in the hospital and rehab house all of his life. He is hopefully going home with his parents for the first time this week. He has a muscular disease that doesn't allow him to swallow, breathe or move much on his own. His parents had their first child die, then they have a healthy two year old and then this little ange. He's an adorable little guy who makes more secretions than any other person I know. It made me realize that my problems aren't so bad. He can't even smile. I just admire his parents. However, in talking with his mom, she and I shared our thoughts of having a child with special needs. Everyone talks of us being so strong, but it's really just a day to day, sometimes moment to moment thing. And in the end, we're just glad to have them here with us.

So in the hospital,Monday, we finally had Ped. surgery place the G-tube laproscopically(they pump them full of CO2), which I think is better then opening them up fully. Then, when he came out, he was ofcourse groggy from the anethesia, and sore from being back on the ventelator, even for a short period of time. He was super sore and had stitches holding the tube in place on the outside. It's a good thing he took his binky!
Then Tuesday, he wasn't allowed to eat until the afternoon. Then they started him eating 13 CC's per hour and worked him up to 50. THen they tried 150cc's(5oz) over two hours--he lost it. So then they took the amount down,I tried to tell them he's never even had 4, but what do I know. They then started giving him 4 oz over an hour. He tolerated that and so, every three hours they fed him. I wasn't allowed to breastfeed him yet, but when they let me, even though he was sore, he was more than ready. Poor thing!
He started throwing up when they tried to up the calories to 27/oz, so they took him back down to 24(sorry, I know this is a lot of detail). He was still throwing up about once a day and I was worried they were going to keep him over the weekend. I called Serge and he told me to tell them, "Look, he's thrown up all of his life, and so if you're waiting for him to not throw up, we'll never leave the hospital." It worked. Yeah!
I brought him home and Hayden was so glad to have us come home. He spent all week with Amy. Bless her heart! And now, I'm trying to get back in the routine of things.
Positives--Landon is growing, No more nasty, sinus infection causing yellow tube that I constantly have to shove down my son's nose, Hayden is continuing to potty train(still not 100% there), I put Landon on continuous feeds at night so that after eight months I can get 6 consecutive hours of sleep(almost) and we're here to help Serge through his mid-terms.
Thanks everyone for your faith and prayers

We're home!!!

2008-02-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Wow! after a week, we are finally home. Landon is really sore, but we're home--I had a little convincing to do. We'll post more. Thank heavens we're finally home together!

2008-02-04T17:51:00.000-08:00

Recovering--30 min. After

The button - and a cool bandaid on his belly button that looks like a tatoo -the scope's entry point.

2008-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Well, Dr. Yanni tried to put the peg into the stomach, but was unsuccessful. They found the perfect sight, they made the small incision and put the needle throught, but it would not enter the stomach. I know, wierd. So, that means that he has to go under anesthesia again and Pediatric surgery has to do it. Hopefully they can do it laproscopically. so, needless to say, we are parked at the hospital until probably tuesday or wednesday--or possibly longer, but hopefully not. It's been hard, but we know there must be a reason. Thanks for the prayers and please keep us in them.

A long day

2008-01-31T00:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I dropped Hayden off at a member's house(whom I love and so does Hayden) at 8:15 am and headed to Loma Linda. Landon had his echo at 9. We had that done--he was good, just laying there for an hour! Then we saw the cardiologist at 1pm. He read the echo and said that his function looks perfect. I have to admit that it was really cool to see his heart anatomy and beating. Yes, it's an ultrasound, so you are kind of iffy on what you're seeing. I especially liked to see the different mixes of blood in the chambers. As I predicted, end of Feb. for the heart cath and then we'll discuss with the panel when we should go for the next surgery.
While we were up waiting for the echo, the Gi nurses talked to me and we decided to get Landon ready to be admitted on Friday. So we went through all of the paper work, blood work and screening. We will do it under general anesthesia because Landon is a kido that they don't mess around with. I'm glad that it will be a real anesthesiologies who is there. So they will possibly check us in tonight, or just let us come on Friday to start antibiotics. We will hopefully be back home on Saturday. I guess you can't use the tube for 24hrs after surgery and so you need to be there to help hydrate you.
Thanks everyone for your prayers! Love you guys

2008-01-30T14:37:00.001-08:00

Friday's the day!

The Mayer's Spot

Our Newest addition

With Faith and Prayers

Need your help

Alright

FW:

Hayden's got talent/Easter giggles and a monumental moment

Strawberries

It's about time

What's a mom to say?

Update

The mother of the year

Helecopters

A poem for Liz

Happy New Year

December

Halloween pictures, by request (thanks Amanda)

Fire prevention week

I hate. . .

San Diego

How did he get so big?

Letter to myself

A Steal of a Deal

Hayden's three!

How can you stay mad?

FW:

Lame Blogger

Catalina Pictures --one from Tenn. too!

oh, by the way

What have you been up to?

Hayden's so smart!

Our first Summer vacation

We're back from Tennessee

Happy Birthday Landon and Happy Father's day Serge

Progress

Where have you been?

Dear friends

Jane's Day--or Sara's Day

Potty Stories

Happy Mother's Day

All Right Already!

In response

Question

The Lemon Festival

Celebrate Boris' life with us

Each Life that touches ours for good

Fwd:

Home again, Home again, Jiggity Jig!

Slowly but surely

Crazy

Off the Ventilator

Fwd:

Landon's out of surgery

Off Bypass

A little hitch in our Giddy Up

What's on Tomorrow's Menu

Thanks

Marriage question

Take a Look

Toot Toot!

Surgery Canceled

precious moments

Authorizations

Under the weather

April Fools Day

The Body vs Mind/Spirit

Gala

What do we do?

Prayers are answered

Keep us in your prayers

Landon's New Thing

Buttons

some progress, some not

Counting our blessings

We're home!!!

A long day