2 Years and still goin strong!

two years ago today ryder william had surgery. he was born with vesicoureteral reflux--Vesicoureteral (ves-ih-koe-yoo-REE-ter-ul) reflux is the abnormal flow of urine from your bladder back up the tubes (ureters) that connect your kidneys to your bladder. Normally, urine flows only down from your kidneys to your bladder--he was a stage 4 out of 5, it is common, but still a very intense surgery. we drove to iowa city the 28th and met with dr cooper, he is awesome, and we did a quick pre op. that night we spent the night together in a hotel that had a water slide...that was very fun, and was up early the next morning for surgery. i just remember john and i being in this really little room and the dr came in and talked to us about the surgery, and i just looked at my sweet little 2yr old boy in this cute little hospital gown, and started to ball, the tears wouldn't stop! the dr left and gave us a little time before ry had to go back, i remember john praying and crying and the dr came and john went back with him until he was under general anest., only one of us could go back there with him and i just couldn't do it the mess (hot mess :) just kidding) that i already was! about an hour later they called us and he was out. i just remember the relief i felt to know he was ok and i couldn't wait to hold him (even though when he was coming to he was a crazy baby and didn't really want to be held until a nurse brought in a tv showing barney). what he complained about the most was the ace bandage around his hang that hid his IV! he had to stay two days in the hospital, our dear sweet friends the kains let gunner and me stay at their house while john stayed with ryder. it was a shared room, but no one came in until we were getting ready to leave. he is fully recovered now and we are so happy and blessed to have such a sweet little boy! and so thankful for the family and friends that were there for us during that time! we love you ryder!!

Life in a nutshell

we have been so busy lately, with soccer, preschool, cubbies, flag football (john), work, i haven't had that much time to update!! but i did get my camera back, so here are a few pictures i wanted to share...

Gunner
he is always playing a part, whether it be a scary lion like this picture, or a dinosaur...like this picture, a bear..like this picture, or buzz lightyear lazering someone...like in this picture...do you see a trend, he has the same face for all of these, the only real thing that changes is when he is a dinosaur he claws his hands AND his toes! it is hilarious!


Ryder
he is loving preschool, finally likes playing soccer, he was a little nervous with everyone watching him on the field, but now loves it and has scored twice now (one for the other team) but i am a proud mom so it counts! here a few pictures of my boy in action!



trying to keep gunner happy while ry plays...

gunner also made a friend, but she didn't like him taking her treat...


Taylor
she is 4 months now, squealing, laughing, drooling, (i think some teeth are moving down there), crying, trying to sit up, and will be starting rice cereal this week! last week she weighed in at 16lb 15oz. it's hard to think i will never have a baby this small again, but i feel so complete with my family.

showing some clev already!



Quick pic of the family...the best we could do anyway!