Piggy Flu Blues

Although its been four months since my last post, I couldn't resist documenting the kids' experience with the piggy flu (otherwise known as the Swine Flu or H1N1). All in all, I'd say they fared pretty well, with symptoms not unlike the other times Luca has been sick with the flu or RSV.

They started running fevers over the weekend at my parents' house, which of course made them house-bound and unable to go do anything fun. But they seemed to take it well. Motrin is a wonder-drug and when doped up, they acted like nothing was wrong at all. They both ran fevers as high as 103.5 but usually hovered right around 102. Luca has a cough and a lot of congestion/nasal drainage and randomly complains of a sore throat or a tummy ache. Avery seems to be taking it the best. Most of the time, you'd never know she was sick.

We took them to the doctor on Monday (October 26) and their ears, throats, and lungs all sounded/looked good. Our doctor did a rapid-flu test (a swab to the nose) and it came back positive for Influenza-A, which apparently they assume is H1N1. Not much to do though, except fluids and rest.

Both kids' fevers broke Tuesday and they have just been resting and staying inside watching lots of tv and playing since then. Luca seems to have a lot of sinus pressure/congestion and a mild cough, but otherwise is doing well. And Avery is back to normal. Looks like it may be a disappointing Halloween this year, however, if the kids can't go to school for the Halloween parties and it will be too cold to go out Trick or Treating on Saturday. There's always next year though... :)


Luca, Sunday afternoon driving home


Avery, Sunday afternoon driving home


Monday, Avery making sure Duckie doesn't have a fever


Luca on Monday, the sickest day for him

Our Family

Copyright, Barrett Loving-Nobrega
Loving Photography

We had wonderful professional pictures taken on Saturday at Centennial Lakes Park. The photographer is brilliant! We were thrilled with the outcome and hope you like them too!

Here is the link to the album: http://barrettnobrega.smugmug.com/gallery/8661399_KWfxW#P-1-15

Sleepy boys

Let's go fly a kite

Lots of time outside, enjoying our few days of warm weather...






Kite flying

First Soccer Practice

Luca's first soccer practice at the YMCA. So fun! He loved it and had fun with his two friends from school. It was mostly chaos, but he did well running and kicking. Now to work on accuracy. ;) And hopefully warmer weather in the future! It was in the 40's... brrrr!!!

Getting ready to play!

Watching big brother

Drills!

Luca and his friends, Mercer and John

No hands Luca!! (Guilty face!)

Kick!

The coaches were awesome! This guy played with Luca a lot

and Luca LOVED it!

I wanna play! :)

Double Doctor

What an event going to the doctor with two kids is! We had Avery's 12 month well check and Luca's 3 year well check today. Everyone passed with flying colors. Happy and healthy kids! :)

Luca:
Height: 39" (82%)
Weight: 37 lbs (90%)
BP: 96/58

Passed his hearing test, tried to do a vision test but it "didn't work" :)

Avery:
Height: 31" (99%)
Weight: 23 lbs 4 oz (80%)

She had a shot in each arm, 1 in her leg and a finger poke to check hemoglobin and lead levels. Poor baby was NOT happy.


Waiting for the doctor

Luca loves the waiting room

Our traditional pictures... Luca and Mom at 3 yrs

Our traditional pictures... Luca and Dad at 3 yrs

(He's showing how old he is...)

Our traditional pictures... Avery and Dad at 1 yr

Our traditional pictures... Avery and Mom at 1 yr

12 months ~ 23 lbs, 4 oz and 31"

Luca, getting measured the big boy way

39"

Luca, getting weighed the big boy way

37 lbs


Impromptu sib shot :)

Watch her grow

Amazing to watch such change in only one year!


May 3, 2008 ~ minutes old! :)
7 lbs, 12 oz


5 days ~ 7 lbs, 11 oz


2 weeks ~ 8 lbs, 12 oz

2 months ~ 12 lbs, 15 oz

4 months ~ 16 lbs, 6 oz

6 months ~ 19 lbs

~ No picture from 9 months. My battery died in the office... ~

9 months ~ 21 lbs, 7 oz



12 months ~ 23 lbs, 4 oz

One Year Reflection

At 3:10 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2008, we met our baby girl, Avery Selene. She was 7 lbs, 12 oz and 20 inches long. She had fine brown hair and blue eyes and was absolutely perfect.

We were all amazed at her strength, calmness and alertness. She slept a lot, but when she was awake, she studied you and looked right into your eyes. She followed voices and was calmed by mommy and daddy talking to her. She was an incredibly easy baby. Slept very well, rarely cried, was very cuddly and ate well.

She was such a joy, our little princess. I had so much fun staying home with her for the summer. We went for many walks around the lake, took Luca to the wading pool and park, and just snuggled and enjoyed each other.

Avery and I started back at school when she was 3 months old. It was a little sad to go back after so many wonderful weeks off with her, but as soon as we were back in the swing of things, it was great to be back at work. Avery loved school and adjusted perfectly! It helped that she had so many wonderful teachers doting on her and taking such good care of my little girl.

Avery, even at a very early age, had such a personality!! She makes the funniest faces and you can really read her expressions, even as early as 4 mos old. She still is incredibly mild-mannered and so easy for mommy!!

As she grows, it's so much fun to take Avery out and about with us. She loved playing in the leaves with Luca! She also learned to sit at 6 mos and was doing really well eating baby food!

Avery in Luca's old bear costume for Halloween. It's a toss up who was cuter!

Such a big girl, so excited to be sitting and watching all the entertainment her brother provides.

Starting to crawl at 9 months and so excited!!

Always such an easy, happy baby. :)

Little baby, where did the time go??

Happy Birthday sweet Avery!