Healing and sickness

On a day to day basis, this deployment seems to be dragging by. The minutes feel like hours and the hours feel like days. But every once in a while, I have to step outside of my mental anguish and look at the big picture. I can tell that time is passing because of all the things that have happened.

Jacob broke his arm, had surgery, and 5 weeks later had his cast and pin removed. On the day of the cast removal, I left a little early and took him out to lunch. We went to an Indian restaurant that had a lunch buffet. It was soooo yummy. Jacob loved it too.

Then we went to the doctor's office where they did another xray. Here is the pin:

The nurse took off the cast and we had to wait around for the doctor to come take the pin out. If anyone wants to know how to distract a child during a stressful time.... dumdum lollipops and stickers.

The doctor came in and cleaned up around the pin, put big pliers around the ball, and pulled it out. Jacob did not even flinch. ....But the hole that was left from the pin started to bleed and when the doctor put pressure on it to stop the bleeding, Jacob was feeling it and moaning a bit. Since then he has been doing well. He is still tentative with his right elbow, avoiding things he couldn't do when he had a cast. I have to remind him that he can use him arm for things like climbing up in the dining chair. He still has a lot of follow ups to look forward to because the fracture was through his growth plate and the bone will need to be monitored for normal growth.

In other news, Sebastian is now a walker. He has been relentless in his determination to learn to walk. Everyday for the past two weeks, he would practice standing up and cruising along the furniture. A few times he would try to take some independent steps. Well, a couple of days ago, he was finally successful in taking 3 independent steps. From that moment on, his only focus was on walking. He is now up to 8 unassisted steps and he is so proud of himself while he takes those steps. He is still a little wobbly and learning, so he tends to walk like a little Frankenstein with his arms outstretched for balance. He started walking at 9 months. I know a lot of kids do it, but considering the twins started walking when they turned 1 year old, I am very surprised and impressed by Sebi's progress and determination. He has learned to walk and yet he has not even gotten his first tooth. So he's trying his hand at big boy activities, but he's still my little squirt. Now and forever.

These boys certainly fill my day. I can't imagine how bored I would be if I didn't have them to keep me busy before the sun comes up and into the wee hours of the morning.

These days they are really into learning new things. Their little brains are like sponges, thirsty for knowledge. We play games, sing songs, watch Nick Jr., and their favorite thing to do is read books.

I wish I had more time to sit down and read to them, but they will sit down and "read" the books by themselves too. I hope they keep their love of books and learning.

Jacob is still not talking much. He is attempting more words, but still has difficulty forming some sounds, so he is still in speech therapy. I am confident that he will improve greatly in due time. Joaquin on the other hand is a complete MOTORMOUTH. He talks non-stop. And he says the darndest things. A few of my favorite:

"Sweet dreams Momma. I love you Momma."
"Oh no. What happened?"
"Bless you."
"Look at me."
"Oh my goodness."
"Where is Papi? Where'd he go?"
"Awww....what's wrong Sebi? What happened? Are you okay?"
"Mmmmmm........delicious!"

All day long, he says things that crack me up or make me smile. And likewise, Jacob has been working really hard to say phrases too. And when Jacob speaks, a warm feeling of pride and elation washes over me because I know how hard it is for him to form the words. He is a man of few words and when he does speak, it really means something. I wonder if he will be this way when he grows up.

On a sad note, Joaquin has become sick. Today he has fever and is coughing. I gave him Motrin and he laid down on the floor and fell asleep. I picked him up and put him on the couch with a blanket. Here is a picture. He is somewhere under all that hair. Poor baby.

I hope he feels better soon. And I hope my other babies don't get sick, but past history has shown that they usually follow suit within a few days.

As for Javier, he is doing well. I am so grateful for technology. We are able to email each other daily and he can send text messages to my cell phone and I can text him back. We also try to skype once or twice a week. With those things, we are able to stay connected and he can stay current on what's happening with our boys. We miss him dearly and February seems soooo far away at this point. But we are trucking along, one day at a time, and just looking forward to the day when our little family is reunited. 

I will try to update again soon.
~Latrice