What A Year!

This by far has been one of the craziest years, but we are so blessed with an adorable, funny, energetic little boy. We celebrated Andrew's 2nd birthday on Saturday, June 4th. We were so lucky, because cousins Reganne and Zoe were able to join us for his party. Of course his two best buddies: Trenton and Gabe were there too! What a great time was had. Since Andrew is addicted to three things right now; Trains, Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse, we had a Train Party! So much fun!

Snow!

We had a beautiful snowfall recently! :-) Andrew was bundled all up and seemed to really enjoy walking through the snow!

ONE CRAZY WEEK!

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for the Swires’ Family. For those of you interested, here is the “Reader’s Digest” version…
Thurs: 1/6 Andrew is wheezy and coughing so off to doctor for breathing treatment.
Fri: 1/7 Andrew is wheezy and grunts so another breathing treatment at doctors.
Sun: 1/9 Andrew is wheezy and coughing to the point of throwing up and not responding to his inhaler so off to doctor for breathing treatment and a dose of steroids...
Mon: 1/10 Andrew isn't doing well so check in with doctor for breathing treatment (he didn't get better) and dose of steroid. The doctor decided Andrew needed to be taken to the hospital right away.Tears were shed by mommy on the drive to the hospital. After checking in we had to get a chest x-ray, and then get him to his room on the pediatric floor for blood tests and an oral swab. It was determined that he had RSV. The good news was that he was getting enough oxygen, just working way too hard! So they started the regimen of breathing treatments every 2 hours. Kori and Tim dropped by to visit and then Fawnia came to watch the Ducks game with me, because I really wanted Greg to be able to watch the game on a big screen with his good friend Tom! Our minister also dropped in to say a prayer with us. Greg and I spent the night in the hospital.




Tues: 1/11 The nurse was so happy that Andrew didn’t need oxygen all night, but the doctor didn’t have such good news. He was concerned that Andrew wasn’t making enough progress, so we needed to up his breathing treatment medication to Epinephrine and give him more steroids. He also wasn’t taking in enough fluids (and hadn’t since Thurs) so an IV was needed. This was the hardest thing, because as they held him down and got the IV into his hand, his vein collapsed. So they had to use his other hand. He had also developed a fever. Thankfully, by Tuesday evening he was showing significant improvement! Breathing treatments only as needed! Kori visited and Rex visited and then Mojdeh spent the whole day with Kaye and stayed that evening too! It was such a blessing!
Wed: 1/12 The doctor was happy that Andrew had no need for breathing treatments Tuesday night and he was doing much better, actually playing with cars! He continued to improve and we were discharged from the hospital Wednesday afternoon!
God is good and we are so grateful for all of the wonderful thoughts and prayers! Andrew is doing well and enjoying being himself and having WAY TOO MUCH ENERGY!

As you can tell he was excited to be heading home...
(I didn't bring a camera, but took a pics few from my phone)

December 2010 Wrap-Up

We had a wonderful and busy December. Andrew enjoyed "caroling around the carousel" (OK, honestly he is not a fan of carousels). We had a wonderful time with Kaye's parents and Aunt Lea at the "Holiday Magic at the Mill", and then celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Tigard with Kaye's parents. We then traveled down on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with Greg's mom! It was wonderful to see all of our family (the only people missing were Kaye's sister, bro-in-law, and the nieces!)

Halloween 2010

Friday: Andrew and I went to a clay handprinting party! It was great and we are looking forward to seeing the final product soon!

Saturday: We had planned to go to a big Halloween Party, but Andrew was exhausted (probably from all the cheering during the football game! GO OREGON!)

Sunday: We had planned a wonderful gathering at a friends home, but unfortunately her daughter was ill and the party was canceled. (now I have a ton of witch cupcake cones) We managed to make it to a Harvest Festival at a local church. (Andrew was exhausted and fell asleep). That evening we gave out all 30 of the full size candy bars we had purchased. WOW! That was a record for us.

We are looking forward to November and lots of wonderful family time! (especially when the nieces come to visit!)

October 2010

It is hard to believe we are already in October. I do love the crisp, cool mornings and the pumpkin spice lattes! Andrew is doing so well. He attends daycare a few days a week and absolutely LOVES it! Every morning when I drop him off, he runs to the window to wave good-bye to me! He has become an incredible "preschool" student! Sitting with the "big" kids and participating appropriately at times! WOW! He is our dare-devil. Fearing nothing. He tries sliding down slides on his back with his head first and jumping off the couch. I am constantly worried as he fears not. Greg and I aren't really sure where he gets this from, but WOW, he keeps us busy. We are looking forward to several Halloween events this weekend!

State Fair and Friends

Andrew has had a a busy few weeks. Here is the rundown.
He loves climbing and running everywhere. He has figured out how to unscrew tops and lids. He loves to grab faces and give a kiss, or shake his head no when he doesn't want something. At the Oregon State Fair he made it clear that he is NOT a fan of Smokey the Bear or the Beaver. He thinks people dressed in costumes are quite scary. Andrew loves french fries, pulled pork and yogurts! He is our HAPPY little boy!