Kristi's Knee Surgery - Update

I decided to once again have surgery on my knees to help with my rheumatoid arthritis. This time, I chose to do both knees at the same time. It has been 10 days now and I am happy I did both. It has been considerably more painful than I expected - mainly b/c the dr. did more cutting on the inside than I expected. He did what was called a synovectomy on them to remove the lining of the knees. This helps b/c their isn't much left for the arthritis to attack (until it eventually grows back.) Additionally, he cleaned up the torn cartilage and the most painful part was the lateral release he did on the left knee. He cut the outer tendon down the middle (I think.) Anyway, I had excessive swelling so my good doc drained them (yes, it hurt very very bad) in the office last Thursday and gave me steroid injections. I am a new person now. I can walk with very little limp! Here is a picture of how I have spent most of my days since getting out of the hospital. Ice, exercise machine and a laptop (Christmas shopping :)

Garrett's Holiday Gig

Garrett got in the holiday spirit by performing for us along with his stuffed elephant's cousin, Spike and a stuffed teddy bear (aka Taffey.) He performed a song he made up himself, then the 12 Days of Christmas (see the sideways video - sorry I don't know how to turn it.) The recording starts toward the end of the song - watch all of it as the end is the best. Jon decided to join him for the 12th day of Christmas. It was hilarious.

Hudson loves Maddie!

This is Hudson with his girlfriend Maddie. They are 1 month apart and get very excited at just hearing the other ones name. They like to play together, share food and sometimes fight over toys.

Hudson was either trying to kiss Maddie or give her a love bite. He has been biting all of us lately...

Halloween 2008

This year, we have Garrett as Star Wars Boba Fete, Karys as a very pink Angel & Hudson is a race car driver. Each costume was important to the kids. Garrett is a Star Wars fanatic, Karys lives and breathes pink and Hudson's favorite thing to do is ride in his car. The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time. I love it when Halloween falls on the weekend - no rushing to get to bed for school the next day, etc.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

We made a quick trip to a local pumpkin patch the other night. We usually go during the day, but now that both G & K are in school, we found it easier to go in the evening. Little did I know the pictures would be better w/o the sun in their eyes.

Fall School Pictures

Here are Garrett & Karys's Fall school pictures

Garrett in 2nd Grade

Karys in Kindergarten

Hudson loves to cruise

Hudson is so interactive these days. He is trying to say so much - lots of 'Baaa' sounds - for 'bite' & 'bye-bye' we know for sure. He is not interested in trying to stand or walk on his own, but loves to walk with you holding his hands, cruising around the furniture and pushing toys. Here is a little video clip of him pushing his walker. As you can see & hear, he gets frustrated easily.