Just some news...

We have had a busy couple of weeks here in Plattsburgh!

Sammie finally had his tubes placed and an ABR on September 29. Again I walked with my baby boy down the halls of Fletcher Allen Health Care to an operating room where numerous nurses and doctors were waiting for us. I don't know about other hospitals, but at FAHC you are allowed to go with your loved one to the OR until they are put to sleep. I have been nervous each time I have gone with him...but I want to be the last and first face he sees.. then I was escorted by the surgeon ( a wonderful and bubbly ENT named Dr. Hubble..who must be loved by all his patients!) to my momma (who has been to every major medical event in Sammie's life and probably 98% of his appointments)...I'm not sure this process ever gets any easier though.

Now I've ventured off. Ok...my mom and I went into the PACU to find a sleeping Sammie and we waited patiently for him to wake! He is such a wonderful patient! He woke up and didn't even cry really. He just wanted some food and the nurse let me give him some pediasure! We weren't there for very long. The tube placement went perfectly. Dr. Hubble drained the fluid and placed the tubes and then the Audiologist started to ABR. At first glance the ABR appeared normal but they wanted to check in detail for some certain tones/pitches. The Audiologist called they other day to inform me that Sammie does have some mild hearing loss in certain tones/pitches. He did recommend Sammie see a hearing aide specialist to be fitted for some hearing aides. I have called on that and will know more on Tuesday (darn holidays :) )! So Sammie will be sporting some hearing aides soon. I was really hoping to avoid this issue..and thought we had, but oh well.

Happy news...Sammie will be 2 years old in 11 days!!! I just can't believe it! My little peanut has been through so many things and he is doing great! His PT and I have talked about getting him fitted for a stander! I am very excited! Sammie loves to stand and he has even started taking steps when you put something he wants in front of him! I really think a stander would be the tool we need to get him going! He has been sitting up for much longer and showing more interest in toys! He has certain toys he is totally addicted to. He is obsessed with turning pages and touch and feel cards. In fact I think the only things I have bought him so far for his birthday are books and touch and feel cards that I already opened and played with! Oh well...he doesn't care! Which reminds me that I do want to mention... last year for Sammie's first birthday I had a huge party for him. Many family and friends were there to celebrate his wonderful day! I asked everyone to bring a $5 donations in lieu of presents for the Ronald McDonald house in Burlington Vermont. My home away from home for many many weeks, still is every now and again and also for my sister who has stayed there on numerous occasions for her boys. This year I will have a small gathering for Sammie but invite anyone who would like to donate in honor of Samuel's 2nd birthday to do so at:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington Vermont

16 South Winooski Avenue

Burlington, Vermont 05401

802-862-4943

Thank you in advance! Last year we were able to raise $231! Not sure where that $1 came from but every dollar helps!