FYI

So there are a couple things I need to let everyone know about

FIRST: Andrew is still the cutest thing ever! He is tolerating tummy time now (hurray!) with very few spit up episodes. He has mastered scooting around like a hand on a clock and, much to his frustration, is beginning to scoot backwards - away from his target toy : ) He is starting to say mama (hurray!) - mostly when he is crying. Yesterday we went to the pediatrician & he weighed in at 18.5 lbs & was 27.5" long. He was in about the 20% for a baby boy 9 months old, which is kind of cheating since he will be 10 months next week, but we'll take it.

SERIOUSLY: Most of you have already heard that we are increasing security for flu season. Here is the official statement. To put it simply: it's a double whammy for Andrew because (1) he is more susceptible to illness since it is questionable that his spleen is functional (why he's on antibiotics all the time & gets synagis shots year round (to protect against RSV)) and (2) his heart / lung system is a delicate balance and any kind of respiratory illness (even just chest congestion from a cold) could disrupt this balance. We love our friends over at the hospital, but we much prefer to just visit them from time to time when we are over there for a check up! We know no one wants our sweet boy to be in danger so we are confident everyone will help us be diligent. So here are the guidelines (his pediatrician actually wrote it out on a script):
(1) Andrew is to be protected from public exposure. Nothing new, though I have to say, I can't think of anyone I'd rather be on house arrest with.
(2) No visits from airplane travelers (especially from foreign countries). It wouldn't be a bad idea to wear a mask on the plane (& very stylish, I might add) and we are thinking a month symptom free after a plane ride should give us a safe window.
(3) Flu vaccine for all. I know most people aren't crazy about getting extra shots, but take comfort that more than 1/2 Steve's and my families have gotten it already (thank you!) and the worst anyone's experienced is a sore arm for about 2 days. Plus, the word is that after getting the shot you should be rewarded by getting ice cream or extra broccoli at dinner! The information is out there & I've got a few links at the upper left of the blog page that you can check out. Check with your employer and throughout the community for free / low cost flu shots. Christy was just telling us about Catholic Social Charities (I think) that was providing free shots in Cocoa. Publix, CVS, etc usually have days you can get one for $ (about $20).
Also, if you have allergies, please take extra care to stay on top of them since we always have to err on the side of safety. Vitamins and good nutrition are also our friends AND wash hands like it's going out of style (Wow, I guess our mom's told us so). We can't control everything, but we have to do our very best to protect Andrew's life. And as a bonus, we will all enjoy being healthier for the holidays. If you are feeling like you may be starting something, please avoid spreading it to anyone in the family.
Thanks you all so much in advance! This is just one more way we have experienced incredible support from our friends & family. We could never fully express the blessing you all are to us.