Hello all! It's been a long time since I've posted and I feel a bit out of the groove...been too busy enjoying being a teacher on summer vacation, I guess.

Regardless, let's start here...I went to a friend's wedding this weekend and had such a good time. In their speeches, the bride and groom were so thankful for the presence of their family and friends, and I was reminded how important that can be during the significant moments of your life. So, as I have often done in the past, and will continue to do in the future, I should tell you all how thankful Kristin and I (and Sam too!) continue to be to have you all in our lives. Thank you again. And props to my friend Andy, who came to visit and brought some cyberfriends along via facebook. Pretty cool to see a note from Streeter.

Moving right along, we had a clinic visit last week with both neurology and cardiology. And I'm happy to report that both went pretty well on the whole. Neurology feels good that Sam is recovering well from his stroke. They do not feel like he should wean from his seizure meds just yet, but they are encouraged that he seems to be using his left hand (the site of his seizures) nearly as much as his right. At home we're enjoying seeing Sam become more and more coordinated. He's able to lift his head during tummy time and he's getting better at using his hands to grab things. Of course, that also means he can grab his G-tube, which I predict will be forcibly (if accidentally) removed by Mr. Sam himself within the next month.

Cardiology is also encouraged. Sam's heart echo looks improved, so we have yet again postponed the catheterization that Sam will eventually need to decide whether his left pulmonary artery is being overly compressed. At present, any compression does not seem to be affecting his clinical status, and as a rule, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So that plan is on hold for the time being. Also, we are in the process of weaning meds and finally oxygen! Hopefully by our next clinic visit (about 3-4 weeks from now) Sam will only be on 4 meds and will be ready to give up the nasal cannula in exchange for his simple, natural cuteness.

Sadly, his slated first day off the oxygen is my first day back to class with students. I won't be able to go to that clinic because I'll be in class, so I'll have to wait until after school and golf practice before I get to see his pristine little baby face. Pardon the self-indulgent whining, but Kristin and I have both been home with Sam all summer and have gotten into a pretty good rhythm. It will be hard to go back to work. And what will happen when I'm out of the house for 12-14 hours a day during golf season? I guess you could say we're apprehensive. Still the answer to the burning question: "How's Sam?" is still a good one. "All considered, he's about as well as we could hope for."

Here are some recent photos to enjoy:

Sam with "Uncle" Andy. He knew Andy was in town for a concert, so dressed in his rockin' best; check out that t-shirt!










Sam sitting in a Bumbo, learning to hold his head up and spending quality time with Wubbie.























Also quality time with daddy.






















And finally, some mommy love. I mean, seriously, how cute is that kid?! It's just gross.