Dairy-free, Church, Painting, Easter

Henry has been on a dairy-free diet for a week. He loves almond and soy milk so it's been an easy transition. Last night Henry had a melt down because Igor had a grilled cheese sandwich and he didn't. Henry is really good about food but he always surveys each plate on the table to make sure he isn't missing something on his. If he is, he makes sure I know about it! My mom found a "veggie cheese" that she likes so I will buy it for Henry and try to make grilled cheese sandwiches with it.

Henry is eating much more food than he was two weeks ago. I'm not sure if that is diet related or he is going through a growth spurt. Time will tell.

Tomorrow he gets his blood drawn again for allergy testing.

A friend of mine is from Ethiopia. I recently learned her mother is a pediatrician. I asked her via email and pictures about Henry's skin. Her mom said it can be one of three things- a fungus, a skin bacteria or dry skin. She didn't think it was a food allergy although she said that the medicine for ringworm and/or giardia could have caused the discoloration of the skin. She said if this was the case it could take months to clear up. The doctor said to put Vaseline on Henry's face every night before he goes to bed and then wash it off in the morning. I had thought Vaseline was a "no-no" but she said it was fine. So I have been putting Vaseline on his face nightly. We'll see if it makes a difference.

Igor enjoyed his time with Papa and Babushka. Babushka is teaching Igor how to play ping-pong!

Here is Igor's interpretation of the LL Bean catalog cover. I think he did a fantastic job!

Henry went to church on Easter Sunday! I stayed with him in the nursery. He was a little overwhelmed but did great. Monday and Tuesday Henry assumed the barnacle position. He wanted to be as close to me as possible. My legs are burning from carrying him for two days straight. I am so glad he thinks of me as safe person.

The boys on Easter!

Spring Break

Sunday after church we drove to Papa and Babushka's house. This was Henry's first road trip. He did great in the car and at their house. He loved the toys and all the new things he could touch. We brought the pack-n-play thinking he would be comfortable sleeping in his bed but he was really scared to go to sleep. It makes sense; strange house, strange smells, strange room... why would he feel comfortable just because his bed was the same? We were able comfort him and get him to sleep both nights by sleeping with us. My in-laws were great. They conformed to Henry's eating, napping and sleeping schedule. Really, who wants to eat dinner at 5PM besides Henry?

Earlier in the week I bought brand new white shirts for everyone. I had high hopes of getting a family picture in Babushka's flower garden. I thought we could take pictures Monday after Henry's nap. On Sunday, a quick check of the weather indicated rain and then snow flurries on Monday and Tuesday. New plan-take pictures as soon as we arrive. No time to change into our new white shirts!

We have our favorite college "gear" on.

Yesterday, Igor and I colored eggs.

This morning we had an in Easter Egg Hunt inside where it was nice and warm. Henry and Igor loved searching for the eggs.

Igor in motion

This afternoon we returned home without Igor. He is currently on vacation at Papa and Babushka's house. There were snow flurries today so Rob and I loaded the car while Henry and Igor played inside. As soon as Igor realized we were packing the car he ran outside yelling, "Don't forget Henry!" We all had to laugh.

Easter, referrals & tooth #13 & 14

We had a lovely Easter. After church we went to Rob's aunt's house for dinner. She made mac and cheese for me! It's easy to chew. Igor had his final egg hunt with his cousins. It's funny because he doesn't like candy but he loves to look for eggs!


Playing with Great MeMe (Rob's grandmother)



The "great pain" finally reached a manageable level on Saturday night after a second antibiotic was prescribed. Today, I was able to weasel my way in to see the Endodontist. (I had an appointment for April 1 but I couldn't wait!) The endodontist prescribed a third antibiotic (stronger) to help save the bone above my tooth. He said 14 and tooth 13 are in cahoots. The endodonist checked 4 molars and he says it's 13 that's causing the infection 14 is causing other trouble! He recommended having a second apico on 13. There is a 50% chance that the apicoectomy would be successful. ugh, 50%?? I want more than 50% chance... Other options are- pull the tooth and get a bridge or pull the tooth and get an implant. None of the options are great or pain free.



My mother and husband think I should have the troubled tooth pulled and move on. I have thought about it.... There is something about having a tooth pulled that is, well, just plain scary to me. Picture drills, pliers, a whiskey bottle, you know, you've seen tooth extraction in cartoons and in old westerns. SCARY!!! Have you had a tooth pulled (other than wisdom teeth)? If you have, please tell me, was it as scary as I think it is?? It's okay to say "YES"! I need to hear the truth.



Yes, for those of you who clicked on the apicoectomy link, I know that an apicoectomy isn't a walk in the park but I've had an apicoectomy so it's "known" to me. There is a 50% chance of it being successful. I have to make a decision quickly or risk bone loss above the tooth. I have another dentist appointment tomorrow. I hope to make a decision in the next few days. I have scheduled the apicoectomy for April 2 in order the "save the date" .



Right now I need to check out some blogs! My friend and adoption pal Susan called to say 3 referrals were issued today! Yippee!! I cannot wait to read more. Details to follow.

Egg Hunt, 14, Spring's birthday and Maundy Thrusday

Our church's Easter Eggstravaganza was last Saturday. There were lots of fun things to do including a Egg Hunt. Igor loves to hunt for eggs. We invited our neighbors and children from Igor's nursery school. The children and parents had a wonderful time.






Creating an Easter bonnet. Dad is a great sport for wearing the bonnet!


Hunting for Eggs

14's Last Harrah

14 must know that the time is up; 14 is doing all he can to make me miserable. I called the pharmacist this morning because I had another sleepless night and I still feel "great pain". The pharmacist said I must be on the antibiotic for at least 72 hours before I begin to feel relief. He said an abscessed tooth is the hardest infection to treat. 14 should be calming down tomorrow. Today will be another day of protein shakes for me. Please pray that the antibiotic will work quickly and I will feel sweet relief.

Spring's Birthday

At Nursery school we said good-bye to winter and hello to spring. The children sang songs welcoming in spring time. (my camera batteries were dead so I don't have any pictures of the program!) The children made a carrot cake from scratch. It smelled sooo good but I didn't/couldn't have a bite. Igor happily ate cake for both of us!

For several weeks each child has been very busy at nursery school. The children painted heavy paper which was cut, folded and glued into a basket. Eggs were blown and dyed; then soil and seeds were added. Each child made a bunny from sheep's wool. They are so cute! A baby chick and flower seeds were added to finish the basket.

Our Maundy Thursday service was the Passover Seder. A Messianic Jewish Pastor from Israel shared the Passover Seder tradition and the last supper. You may learn more about The Chosen People Ministries or the Passover by checking out their website.