Happy Halloween

Is it bad when your child has more of a social life than you? Brett has kept us very busy the last few days. We started Thursday with a Halloween party at the IDC with all of Brett's classmates.

Brett spent Friday morning partying at Ms. Laura's house where we received a nice book and festive bib. Ms. Laura sure does spoil us.

We awoke on Saturday to find that Brett had an invitation to another party. This one was at a nearby church. Brett was able able to spend some time with his old buddy Jace and even met a new friend, Eli, who was dressed as a gorilla (sorry, no pictures of our friends. I'm terrible at remembering to pull out the camera).

Brett enjoyed hanging out with all of his friends, but no one can hold a candle to his daddy. Not even me, his mommy!

Saturday evening we headed back to Ms. Laura's to a neighborhood party. I couldn't let Brett be seen in the same costume twice (at least by the same people), so this time he went as a tiger. Hide your eyes as he is pretty scary!

Isaac didn't seem too afraid of the ferocious tiger and made sure to put him in his place by pulling on his tail.

The Hanavan family is already Halloweened out and it's just now Halloween. Looks like we will be spending the evening at home passing out candy to the neighborhood kids.

36 Days and Counting

Brett will be having surgery December 2nd. It took some pressure on our part, as they didn't want to schedule in December (I'm not sure how November 30th, which is what was offered, and December 2nd are drastically different), but we able to compromise. For various reasons Cody, myself and our families were hoping for December 8th, but we have been able to adjust our schedules accordingly.

We still have lots of questions, but will be headed to Children's Mercy to meet the surgeon, Dr. Lofland, on November 5th to discuss the specifics. We're also hoping to head to the DSG to get some lessons on staying germ free in the next month.

We were unable to coordinate the heart surgery with getting tubes placed in his ears, but I think it's probably for the best. We don't want to put more stress on the little guy than necessary.

Spoon Feeding- Take One

We've decided to venture into the land of spoon feeding. We were warned that it would be messy and that Brett may not quite be ready, but it was either now or wait a few months until post surgery. Needless to say, we went for it and it wasn't all bad.

Messy, yes, but Brett handled it well and he really seemed to enjoy the change of pace. I can't imagine cereal being much tastier than milk, but to each his own.

After a few bites, Brett figured he was an old pro and decided to take charge.

We attempted to pry the spoon out of his hands, but received a dirty look and some screams.

Brett won the arguement (who says our child's not spoiled) and preceeded to eat the last bite all by himself.

Great News......Really?

After some miscommunication on CMH's end, Brett was finally presented last Friday. We got the call from the cardiologist yesterday that he was approved for surgery and that we just need to schedule a day. However, the individual that schedules cardiac surgeries at Children's Mercy is on vacation until the 26th. Therefore, we are still waiting.

This was great news, but also very frightening. Surgery was supposed to happen in far off November or December, but November is quickly approaching and Brett could be admitted for heart surgery in a matter of weeks. I'm not sure that I'm am equipped to handle all that entails. Who is the best surgeon for the job? How do we make sure he doesn't get sick before than? Can he get tubes placed in his ears at the same time? How long do we need to keep him at home following surgery? Lots of questions, but no one to answer them.

I'm hoping to take Brett to the pediatrician next Monday, because he still isn't eating very well. I am hoping that she can help put my mind at ease. Brett has to have this surgery in order to thrive. He should have more energy, be able to put on weight quicker and I'm hoping won't have as much trouble breathing. Knowing that, I still don't think any mother can be fully prepared for something so big.

We should get a lot of information over the next week, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.

Brett finally got his haircut. It has needed trimmed for quite a while. I'm not sure how a person's hair can grow so fast. Brett is only 5 months old and this is his second cut. Nonetheless, It was time to get rid of the "church do" or my favorite the "Justin Bieber."

It looks so good, even Brett is surprised!

The only downside? We are know forced into a life of spiked hair and mohawks! Thanks for stopping by!

St. Louis Getaway

We had our first real trip this weekend. We packed up and headed to St. Louis Friday morning to see Cody (who has been working in St. Louis all week) and for a friends' wedding. Brett did a great job on the 4 hour trip. He talked with "Blue", his sing-a-ma-jig, most of the way to St. Louis. I don't think I will ever tire of his babbling and laughing.

We met our family in Washington for dinner at Basket Case Deli (great food) where Brett made sure to explain how the world works to his new cousin Caroline.

We were super excited to see dad after his week away and he was sure to make Brett smile (as always).

Cody and I had a great time at the wedding, while Brett stayed busy with his grandma, grandpa and crazy great aunts. Congrats Matt and Erin!

We hit the road Sunday afternoon and Brett was a superstar on the ride back. He was wiped out!

It looks like he's not the only one. Uncle Wade must have had a rough weekend as well.

Happy Friday

We hope everyone had a good week!  Brett is in need of a haircut, but is overall doing pretty well.

We've been having trouble getting him to eat this week which is especially frustrating since the cardiologist is constantly telling us he needs to put on more weight.

Today is a particularly suspenseful day as Brett is being presented to the surgeons.  Cody and I aren't 100% as to what that means, but we believe they will decide if Brett is ready for surgery and which surgeon will perform it.

All we can do is wait for a phone call (that probably won't come until next week) to find out if our baby will be having surgery next month or next year. 

Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk

Wow, what a neat event!  Cody and I were pleasantly surprised at the number of supporters we had at our very first Step Up Walk.  Brett's Buddies raised over $5,000 and had 67 registered walkers. 

Here is a picture of our team (minus grandma Laura, grandpa Lee, grandpa Terry, cousins Megan and Peyton, and our good friend Jordie).

Cousin Kris even wore our favorite color!

Lindsey, Joe and Landon drove from St. Louis to meet Brett. 



Brett was super excited to see Holly and Andy too!

My side of the family traveled from the St. Louis area to be with us on such a special day!

It's great to know that Brett has such a great group of people to support him as he grows.  Cody and I both have a great family and friends behind us.  How lucky are we?