The ER

at the park

Yesterday we took Wesley down to Town Lake to play at the park, while I did a photo shoot for a friend. Wesley was absolutely miserable. I thought it might have been because he insisted on wearing socks and sandals in the cooler weather. But it wasn’t that. He kept gabbing his tummy, and crying in pain. This lasted about 6 hours and then he broke into a fever. So, TC called the medical exchange number for his pediatrician. They told us he needed to go to the ER because he is so young and you do not want to mess with stomach pains. We were off at 12 am to the ER. We signed in and waited about an hour to be seen.

During this time frame, Wesley’s ibuprofen kicked in and he perked up a little. He was obsessed with the EXIT signs on the doors. He’d say, “E” then go, “where did the E go? I don’t know?” and we’d have to walk and find another E. Then he would do the same with “X”.

At about 1:30 they called us in, gave us a bad look when we said we didn’t give him a flu shot. SORRY, no long term testing = not safe in my opinion, then sent us to our room. We waited awhile in there until the doctor came in. He looked at us and said, “so what is the problem” We told him the story and then he lectured us. He said, “You do not need to go to the ER in the middle of the night for a fever with no symptoms.” Well no s***. We brought him to the ER because he was screaming in pain for 6 hours over a stomach problem that could of (A) been an obstructed intestine, (B) appendicitis, or (C) something else. We brought him to the ER because we were suggested to by the doctor, as well as various other articles we researched online. We are very well aware that you do not need to go to the ER for a fever in the night.

He did a two minute check-up on Wesley and then sent us on our way, feeling like idiots. But, I don’t anymore, I am just angry at the doctor.

Wesley is feeling better today, low grade fever and moody- but seems to be better in the tummy arena. Here are some photos of TW at the park, not feeling so hot.

at the park

The Goober

Wesley is a goober. That is probably the most accurate phrase to define him. Well, that and maybe “a gifted genius.” He is such a funny kid. He is full of funny sayings. He loves to do push-ups, race around the house, and demand super simple songs on youtube. He is into vetoing everything. When in the car he listens to about three seconds of a song and then says simply, “no.” And then you must change the song. He only likes to listen to about three songs, and when they are over he wildly applauds. He likes Phoenix, Modest Mouse, and is starting to enjoy Vampire Weekend he likes to say, “hey hey hey.” He cracks up randomly. Cries even more randomly. But is the delight of delights when he is happy, and he usually is. He loves puzzles (and I am reminded of his brilliance daily when I pick him up form daycare and Frances tells me about his puzzle skills- apparently brilliant), counting, colors, and music. He is not patient when waiting for food, and still hasn’t grasped the concept of “I have to cook it first.”

I only wish I was more video camera happy and equipped because he is just so darn funny.

Here are some not so brilliant photos of the guy. I have been super busy, so I haven’t as much time to follow Wesley’s every move.

Baby Magnolia

Here are some pictures of pregnant Tara. Baby Magnolia is on the way coming in May. Finally a little girl, it only took 29 years. Get out the striped leggings!

Ava’s 3rd

Ava turns 3 this week and we went to Jungle Java to celebrate her birthday. Jungle Java is a happening place, a kids paradise. There was a toddler area, but Wesley seemed to prefer the big kids part. Which in turn meant, TC or I had to climb, dodge, and slide in the big kids part. It was mayhem in there. Wesley held is own, he loved it! The lighting was a little nutty in this place, so the pictures turned out slightly crazy. However, I am obsessed with this photo of Ava. I think it is hilarious.

The Emotional Life of an 18 Month Old

My uncle Kevin once gave me a book called, “The Emotional Life of Animals,” or maybe it was my dad. Either way, this title popped into my head when I was thinking of the dramatic life of my son. Over the last couple of weeks he has developed this high maintenance, my way or the highway, get the **** out of my way attitude. Now, of course, he has managed to do this while still remaining enchanting and charming. He has up and he has downs. One of his triggers of course is that he likes to play in the dog food. Being that dog food was recently tainted, killing off needless amounts of cuddly K-9’s I am not eager to let my son stick his little hand in the dog food bowl. I am not eager to let him pull my hair when he is trying to go to sleep, call me crazy, but it hurts, he has a strong grip. Well, Shauna, welcome to toddler hood I keep telling myself as I find out that Wesley pushed over a baby at daycare while saying, “mine.” Ah, expletive (which I can’t even say anymore because my little man will quickly repeat it).

So here are the many faces of Wesley. I got some new lighting equipment that I was testing out on ol’Wes. He managed to have a small range of emotions in that short time span.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

This year has been incredible tough for me. I don’t think I have yet accepted going back to work, and although I don’t feel guilty per se, I hate it. Actually, I think Wesley thrives in his daycare, he plays, has fun, and learns a ton. But, I am not thriving with Wesley in daycare. I am always in a rush to get him, I don’t want to leave him on the weekends, and I just feel like I am not getting enough time with this precious human.

That being said I have decided to take a leap. A HUGE leap of faith and move into the scary world of self employment. At the end of this year, I am going to resign my position at my school and try to go pro photographer. It’s now or never, and I am going to go with the dream. Hopefully, I will not back down. I feel like if I make the blog pledge then maybe I will hold myself to it.

But, until then check out the new website. My lovely and talented husband made it! It is his first, love him.

www.autryphotography.com

and while not professional images, here are some of Wesley from around the house.TC thinks the black and white one looks like a model photo from the 1950’s- I think he looks like he is giving the bird!

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Some cute, and miscellaneous photos from the week

wesley loves to sit in the bookshelf

wesley loves to sit in the bookshelf

Wesley’s Got A New Hairdo

Thanks Mimi for giving the little guy (and convincing a reluctant mother) that the hair needed a trim. He looks beautiful!

Looking Dapper

Must be Santa

It has been a busy week. We have had many celebrations (we are not quite done yet) and lots of family time. It has taken me awhile, but I have come to understand that it is far greater to give than to receive. I loved playing Santa Claus and I love watching Wesley open gifts and happily play with his new things. And boy did he get a  lot of new things. We have a new train table, kitchen set, basketball hoop, slide, some great books, countless adorable toys, and some new outfits to sport.

Wesley played at his train table for about three hours straight today. I am not exaggerating. He only to breaks to eat, unhappily change his diaper, whisk something in a bowl occasionally, or to take a casual slide. He is content and pleased. As am I.

It has been an amazing Christmas. Thank you to all our friends and family who all pitch in to make everything so special for us. It is appreaciated.

Here are some photos from the week. Some include the unveiling of the new McBrearty baby’s gender (can you guess), Wesley jamming out to Christmas music in his sleep, opening presents, and of course playing, playing, playing.

Merry Christmas to all!

Cows & Christmas

On Sunday we had the Young family Christmas out in Creedmoor. Wesley had the best Christmas ever, you see, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the cows. During dinner he politely signed “more” and then said, “mo cows.” He chased the cows, called the cows, pointed to the ows, tried to pet the cows, and threw a nice toddler style tantrum when we had to leave the cows. He had a small obsession. So, most of our Christmas was spent rotating turns taking Wesley out to the cows. He had a blast. If only I could get him a cow for Christmas. I fear, the HOA may frown on that.

Here are some photos of the kiddos! Wesley has this new walk he does when he is excited. He swings both arms all the way forrward and then back making a little hand hook. It is adorable.