Back to the Doctor

Well, it's been a month so I guess it was time.

Mason went back to the doctor last week and was diagnosed with a minor ear infection. We got antibiotics on Tuesday, but Mason still had a fever on Thursday so we went back and his minor ear infection had progressed to a double ear infection. Stronger antibiotics were prescribed. Friday morning there was blood in his crib and his ear. His ear drum had burst.

Back to the doctor.

We now had to get antibiotic shots Friday, Monday and Wednesday. Plus we were told that it is time for tubes. The doctor gave us a list of ENT's and recommended a few good men. I just hope this works. I'm tired of this antibiotic stuff.

I think I glossed over the burst ear drum part. Anyone would be shocked to find blood in their child's crib. Luckily, though, I had heard it was possible for a child's ear drum to burst if they had an ear infection and the pressure became too great. I was also assured that it wasn't a bad thing. It makes the kid more comfortable because the pressure is relieved. It just looks gross.

So, to sum up, Mason's sick again, he's back on antibiotic shots, and next week we will make an appointment with an ENT to get the process started to put tubes in his ear canals.

Who knew being a parent would be this much fun?

Good-bye Stetson

Our good boy Stetson passed away yesterday. He was 11 and 1/2 which I've heard is a good age for big dogs like labs.

He wasn't acting right on Tuesday and after a hard night Stephen took him to the vet. The vet sent us to an urgent care facility and before they could truly diagnose the problem his heart gave out. The doctors think it was cancer, but no matter what it was he didn't suffer for long.

Of course we're broken up by this, but we know we have Parks and Mason to keep us busy. We're just happy that Mason got to know him, but maybe he's still young enough that it won't affect him too much. We all got to say goodbye and I know Stetson's in a better place right now. Maybe he and Tucker are swimming together.

For now we are going to remain a one dog family. Parks is young enough that we are not worried about him needing another companion...he's got Mason.

Letters to Mason

Dear Mason,

I love you even when you are cranky and smell like spoiled milk.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mason,

I'm happy to know you are not afraid of girls, yet. Most of them are very nice and if you treat them well they will be good to you too.

Love,

Your Mother

Dear Mason,

Stop trying to roll over while I change your diaper. Or learn to use the toilet. Let me know which one you want to do.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mason,

I will always think you are a genius even if you can't tie your shoe by the time you are in 3rd grade.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mason,

I know your teeth are giving you fits. Get used to it, though, because that's the way it will be for the rest of your life. Sorry. In the meantime I have all the Orajel you could ever need.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mason,

There is no question that dogs make the best pets. If you are able to take care of a pet, get a dog. Cats are not a good pet. They are unpredictable and are not really that nice most of the time. Girls might not want to date you if you have a cat. I don't think it's a deal breaker, but I don't think it helps either. Dogs on the other hand are a good indicator that you are a good guy. You also have to think of a cool name. In fact, make sure you have the name before you get the dog. It might take a few months or even years to come up with a good name. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Movie character names are good and so are athletes, but be careful because if you name them something too obvious and popular you look like a doofus.

Love,

Mom

Dear Mason,

"Please", "more", and "help" work much better than "uhh". Just so you know.

Love,

Mom

Fits?! Already?!

Really...Seriously?! I mean for Pete's sake the boy is not even 14 months old and we're starting the fits. The catalyst that often begins the onslaught of frustration is the obstacle-riddled living room where Mason pushes his cars around. If the path is impeded in anyway he starts to whine and throws himself on the floor with the skillfulness of a fish flopping on the dock. What is this? Most of the time he'll just lay there and stare up at the ceiling, but on rare occasions when he feels like life is truly unfair he'll begin the waterworks. Luckily they are not seeing this at school. Oh joy of joys; he saves this for us. How fortunate we are.

Mason is Walking...Oh Dear... Mason is Walking

Ok, ok, I know it's been a while since I last posted. Let's catch up, shall we? Mason went on his first flight; cried through Halloween; came down with Bronchitis and was on antibiotics for about a month; started waving good-bye; has said mama, dada, doggy, all done, and Stetson; ate a cookie monster cake for his birthday; had his first haircut; started dancing when he hears music; left formula and bottles for sippy cups and milk; and had a white Christmas.

Now to the present. Mason began walking yesterday! We've been working with him daily: walking up and down the hall. Then yesterday Stephen looks over and Mason is just walking on his own from his Mustang to the kitchen. Thank God he looked over. Of course, he still prefers to crawl, but at least we know he can do it. I for one was worried that he'd skip over the walking part and go straight to running. Stephen whipped out his phone and got a video.