Romulus Hirschenfang - One Year Ago

One year ago, my best friend, Romulus, passed away. He was my gaurdian while he was alive and I believe he remains my gaurdian now that he's passed. We tell Dayton that he is our 'Gauridan-angel-dog'. We kiss his picture every night before bed and a picture of him is also on Dayton's crib. While we may not see him in the physical-sense any more, he is still very much a part of our lives.

On October 22nd, I found out I was pregnant. Rommie and Mikki were the first to know. Mike was away travelling and I only told him when he returned home a few days later. I truly believe that Rommie knew it was okay for him to pass on. He watched over me for many years. I believe he knew that I was okay now and starting a new chapter of my life with a wonderful husband and a son to come. He could move on, his job was done.

Rommie, thank you for all you gave to us. We love and miss you very very much.

Happy Reunion & Dayton's 4 Months Old

As you all know, it's been a rough week so we missed taking pictures on Dayton's actual 4 month birthday. But, it's never too late! The pictures below are Dayton's reunion with his Daddy after 3 weeks away from one another, the 4 month birthday shots and finally Dayton enjoying himself in his jumperoo. Gotta love those big smiles.

Jenna Visits!

My first cousin, Jenna, came to visit from New Jersey on Monday evening thru Wednesday. Her visit could not have come at a better time as I was still going thru the post-trauma of the car accident. It was such a relief to have family here to keep me distracted, lend a pair of helping hands as well as change my mindset from trauma to opportunity. Thank you, Jenna!

Dayton really enjoyed spending time with Jenna too. The weather in Houston has been mid-70s and sunny blue sky all week. We spent a lot of time walking and Dayton got to have his first few stroller rides in his jogging stroller. He seems to really like it, thankfully, as he is growing so quickly I won't be able to carry him in the bjorn carrier forever.

At this week's 4 month doctor's appointment, he weighed 15 lbs 11 oz and stretches over 26 inches long. He remains 75% in weight and has dropped 5% to the 90% in height. He's only ounces away from being double his birth weight.

On a frustrating note, Dayton's sleep schedule has been completely disrupted by the car accident. For months now his schedule has been to bed at 9 PM, up around 3 AM for a 4 minute feeding, and awake around 7 AM. Since the night of the accident he is now getting up every 2 - 3 hours. Last night he was up at 11:30 PM, 1:30 AN, 2:30, 3, 6 and finally 7:30 AM. I played the tough Mom last night and only picked him up at 3 AM since that was the typical time he would get his middle of the night feeding. Here I was the week prior to the accident trying to eliminate the once a night feeding and now I'm struggling to just get him back to the once a night schedule. Darn wrecker driver....

Mike is on a flight home as I write this. I cannot wait for him to see Dayton. He has changed so much in these 3 weeks that Mike has been out of the country. Mike's comment seeing some recent pictures of Dayton was, "he has so much more hair!". It will be a wonderful reunion.

Not A Great Week

Well, first it was the car accident and now it is a stomach bug. I was down for the count yesterday and weak in my knees today. I can't wait for Mike to come home...it will be three weeks of him being gone by the time he returns tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm so thankful to have my smiling boy by my side. I hope these pics make you smile too.

By the way, Happy Birthday to Tara!

A Very Scary First Halloween

Well, we did not have the Halloween we expected. It's late so I'm not going to write to much but it will be summarized by the pics below. We are okay but remain emotional over the thought of what could have happened.

In short, a tow-truck sped thru a stop-sign and into the driver side of my car. I crawled out the passenger side door and got to Dayton immediately. My neighborhood is incredible and they came out in droves to help us. Dayton and I got a first class ride in an ambulance to the ER. Thanks to Ashley for picking us up from the hospital and spending the night with a very shaken family. Thanks to cousin Jenna for visiting and taking our mind off of the events. Thanks to the Heights Kids Group for their support and advice. Thank you to all my family and friends for their love and support.

I can't tell you how thankful I am to have my son smile up at me...today more than ever.

Happy Halloween!

Until this week, I never realized that Halloween festivities go on for days! We had an exciting week with several playgroups and Halloween events - - - and it is only Halloween today. Check out the pics of Dayton and his friends including Beckett, Harper and his girlfriend, Brianna, of course.

Dayton has also been 'using' the computer to see his Daddy in Saudi Arabia and other family members. Thanks to Denise and Jeremy for lending us their webcam.

Dayton loves his new walker. I think Hannukah came early for this kid. The weather has cooled off so we have broken out a heavier jacket for Dayton (with ears, of course) and he loves hanging in his walker outside. I think the animals are enjoying his company out there as well.

We have plenty of Halloween activities planned for this evening. I'll get another post of pics out to you as soon as I can.

Happy Halloween!

Dayton Laughing

It's happening more and more...Dayton laughing. Enjoy.