Swimming Lessons!

This summer we decided it was time for Thomas to have a few swim lessons. I really wasn't sure how Thomas was going to react to them, but I thought it was worth a try. The lessons were 40 minutes Monday to Thursday for 2 weeks. The first lesson was cancelled due to bad weather. Evidently there is a chance of electrocution even though it's an indoor pool. Not good. So, we came back the next day to begin. Thomas did surprisingly well. I never dreamed that he would be so willing to do the things the teacher was having us do. He quickly picked up how to float on his back and tummy and how to kick in both positions. But I think his favorite part was jumping off the side of the pool into Mommy's arms. I was really excited after that first night. Unfortunately it was short lived. The next night felt like I was pulling teeth to get him to do anything. He just wanted to cling to me... and he's a strong little boy! I guess he felt like he learned all he needed to learn in that first lesson. Thankfully we can take the things the teacher has gone over with us and practice it on our own through out the summer. I really do think Thomas will enjoy the water as he grows older. I don't know that he will ever get over disliking it being in his face, though. John was able to join us during the second week of lessons. And it just so happened that Michael and Cindy were there on that same night. You know what that means...photos! Thomas had his ups and downs during that lesson but I think over all he had a great time with Daddy. This is something we will definately do again next summer ~ before we move off to Boston, I guess.

Father's Day

Father's Day this year may have been more of a treat for Mommy than Daddy. John agreed to forgo sleeping in so that we could have a photo shoot early in the day. Julie has been wanting to practice her photography on her favorite subjects ~ John and Thomas. Thomas was really excited about the duck that was swimming in the water. It was hard to get him to explore any other area. I think he even started talking to the duck. It was really cute. Julie was even able to get some shots of everyone together. Technology is wonderful!

We had already had our yummy meals the day. Julie fixed a tasty breadfast and we sat down going to church. That's a first ... or at least hasn't happened in a long time. And then John's parents came over for lunch. It was nice to have a chance to catch up with everyone since all the excitement that had been going on the previous weeks.

Unfortunately for John, there's not much down time. Soon after the photo shoot it was time for him to start working on some projects. But I think he'd agree that it was a relaxing weekend.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

MATCH DAY!!

Well, today was match day. For those that don't know what that is ~ it's the day we find out where we will be moving to next summer. John had interviewed at several places a few months ago and then ranked his choices. The programs then ranked the applicants that they interviewed. And today everyone finds out who goes where. EXCITING!! So, can you tell by the picture where we will be going? That is the wonderful skyline of BOSTON! We are sooooo excited! John will begin his 2.5 years cardiothoracic fellowship in July 2009 at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Ever since I visited Boston in academy I have thought it would be fun to live there. And now I have my chance. John enjoyed spending a summer there while in college and always talked about how found he was of the area.

Yes, we know the winters will be MUCH colder than what we've ever experienced. But, hey, we

like the snow...so I think we'll be okay. Thomas may actually be able to go sledding now. And I'm sure we will have to find some ski slopes to try out. The biggest challenge will be finding a place to live. But I'm getting ahead of myself now...we have to sell this house first.

We will certainly miss our family that we've grown accustomed to having live so near us. But just think, we're giving you a new place to visit and explore. And what a place to visit! So, if you've ever wanted to see the sights in Boston come see us when we move.

It Finally Happened

I knew this day would come. And anyone who has spent any time with Thomas knows that's it's probably inevitable. What am I talking about? The day Thomas would need stitches. Yep... it happened. He was running around the house like he usually does. And somehow he tripped and fell. But he didn't land and hit anything particularly hard. It was the cushioned ottoman. The one thing in the living room that you would think would be harmless. Wrong. I guess he was running sooooo fast that it created enough force to lacerate his face right at the lip line. Blood gushed and I tried to find where and how many cuts there were. Thankfully John was able to take a look at him and confirm that stitches were needed. We found a plastic surgeon that could work him in and had worked on kids before. He also happened to be the father of a resident that trained with John in surgery. The wait at the office took a while but I'm sure it was shorter than going to the ER. Thomas did not act like he had been hurt at all. He thought it was great fun to climb and run while waiting to be seen. Unfortunately the surgeon did not have one of those papoose things to strap him down for the procedure. So, I ended up restraining him on me while the receptionist held his head in place. I should have had the nurse take a picture because I'm sure it looked funny. They gave him a shot to numb the area and then put in 2 stitches. The actual procedure was finished pretty quickly and the end result looks good. Poor little guy was exhausted afterwards, and I was pretty tired too. Needless to say, he went down for his nap very easily. The stitches will dissolve but we have to go back for a follow up in a couple of weeks. Hopefully we won't have to relive this anytime soon. But if we do we know where to go.

Here's a video of how energized Thomas was at the office. The world is truly his playground.