Changes

Where to begin? Elliott started pre-school. I am using the term "started" very lightly. He has been twice. He loved it. My mom watched him on "Elliott TV" nearly the entire time. He played with their collection of blocks and balls, created beautiful paintings, took stroller tours around the property, and ate lunch with his friends! He also picked up a nasty virus that kept him out of school the following week. He actually topped off his little virus with a measles- like rash all over his body. Was is the virus, or a reaction to the MMR vaccine? We aren't sure, but the rash was gone within 24 hours. Little E had a few days of fever- free bliss and then came down with another fever and tummy trouble. Poor little dude! He seems to be on the mend, though!
He has two more teeth! Hooray for better mastication! He has been a tricky toot to feed lately. Of course, much of the difficulty is likely due to recent illness, teething, and developing "personality." Sometimes, it is hard being a heart mama and not having a reference for delineating the differences between normal and abnormal. Is he not eating secondary to reduced blood flow and a need for additional intervention? Or is he not eating as well as in the recent past because he is making choices and going through a finicky stage? I am reasonably certain that in this case, it is the latter, as he doesn't have any of the other signs (e.g., reduced blood flow to extremities) to indicate acute hemodynamic issues. Anyway, it's a journey, right?
What a terrific segue way. Speaking of journeys, we are moving back to Lubbock! I am so excited to have my little family together, at last! I know Mark is thrilled to have us back at home, and likely equally as thrilled to have fewer 1200 mile roundtrip drives in his future! We are leaving an amazing network of family and friends in Houston, and to whom we are forever indebted. Elliott's medical care will remain chiefly with his amazing team at Texas Children's. We will be returning to Houston for 6 month visits, as well as visits with our family and friends.
This has been a tumultuous year, filled with love, joy, stress, fear, and plain craziness. As always, we are so grateful for all of you that have offered love, encouragement, prayers, and support throughout our adventure!
Here are a few pictures of our sweet E:
(to be uploaded once on laptop- blog entries won't load with pics on app)