Home For Christmas

Christmas 2009 was an especially memorable one for us. Not only was it Otto's first Christmas, but it was also the day after Otto was released from Children's Mercy hospital. He was admitted by his pediatrician on 12/23 because of a weeklong fever and ear infection. We later learned his blood test results also showed that he was anemic. Whether or not the anemia was caused by the ear infection or if Otto is actually an anemic little guy, we'll know within the next several months.

We're just grateful Otto is doing so much better. The doctors and nurses at Mercy were wonderful. We were there for a day and a 1/2 and Otto was treated via IV with a really good, pretty strong antibiotic called Rocephin. It seems to have done the trick, as Otto is currently happy and thriving. We're now giving him an iron supplement and will test his blood again soon and see if there are any more signs of anemia.

We were worried we might be spending Christmas in the hospital, but luckily we were released on Christmas Eve, not that Oscar even noticed. He was having way too much fun at his friend, Noah's house. Karen and Ben were kind enough to take care of Oscar for us, so David could stay at the hospital with Otto and me. While, David was making Oscar arrangements at the Kasey's house, our friend, Shannon came and stayed with Otto and me at the hospital. So, luckily, we were never alone and felt very supported and loved.

Here's Otto on Christmas morning, see how great he looks?

Here's Oscar opening his very first present. This is the first year Oscar actually unwrapped his presents by himself (with a little help from us).

The boys got some great gifts and Oscar has lots of favorites. I think his most favorite present is his twilight turtle nightlight from his Aunt Sara (David's sis).

He liked it so much and it works so well, I went online and ordered 3 more for birthday gifts for Oscar's friends.

I don't think Sara knew this, but Oscar's been a little afraid of the dark lately, and David has tried 2 different nightlights in Oscar's room, but neither seemed to comfort Oscar. The twilight turtle is awesome, though, it projects constellation-like stars on the ceiling and walls of Oscar's room. Oscar insists on sleeping with his turtle. He just loves it.

Meghan and Cat, if you're reading this, don't buy one because we're giving Mabel and Ike twilight turtles for their birthdays this month.

Oscar also enjoyed his puzzles and chalkboard from his Grandma Kathy (David's mom).



We had to open them immediately so he could start playing.

Oscar normally likes to play with chalk outside on the pavement, so this chalkboard is an awesome indoor substitute for him.

Here's Oscar showing Otto how to use his new Lamaze Chime Garden musical toy.

Otto is more than happy to have his big bro show him the ropes.

I'm not sure why, but Oscar grabs the camera near the end of this video and shoves his face in it.

He's never done that before. It caught me by surprise. Boy, this kid keeps us on our toes.

Oh, how Oscar loves matchbox cars. Santa left him some in his stocking and Oscar could "race them" for hours.

Lastly, we had a White Christmas this year. I think it might be our first KC Christmas where it actually snowed ON Christmas. The dogs loved it!