Prebble Family Tales

Since not everyone is on Facebook (including me!) I thought I’d better give an update here of what has been going on with the Prebble boys lately.

Gareth continues to use his alphabet board to talk a ton.  We have varied conversations–Gareth talks about the big things in life (”What’s church?”, “I hate CP.”) as well as just enjoying being part of day to day conversations.  He’s also letting us see and hear a bit more of his attitude lately and the other day he reminded me of why I need to watch my language a bit more these days.   He spelled out “Dam mom.”  When I asked “What are you trying to say?” He replied “Bad word.  Dam.”  He proceeded to tell me he was mad that I was asking so much about his day; he just wanted to get to video games!  Despite the attitude and the heartbreaking questions he asks at times, it continues to be an absolute joy to watch Gareth talk to us so much.  All else is going well for Gareth these days, too.  He’s had a stellar year at school and he only has 7 more days until summer vacation.  He still loves video games and riding his bike–he’s pretty much a smaller version of Travis.  And our weekends are back to being consumed with baseball games.  Gareth loves  have a cheering section, so feel free to join us for a game some Saturday!

Collin has become a bundle of energy.  As you can see from the latest video, he’s booking it around the house in his modified crawl.  We had to buy a baby gate this weekend to try to keep him somewhat confined at times and he no longer likes hanging out in his exersaucer or bouncy seat–he wants to go, go, go!! Collin is really a happy-go-lucky guy most of the time, and spends his days playing, smiling, cuddling and eating. 

Life is crazy busy but there are so many things to enjoy and celebrate these days, that I can’t complain

It might seem like nothing is happening here, and that’s largely true.  Unfortunately, I’ve been posting most of the latest happenings at Facebook and forgetting about the family blog.  So if you want the latest and greatest, sign up there and we’ll get you settled.

But I didn’t just come here to post and run.  Here’s a video for you.

Well, it would be a happy new year if each and every one of us weren’t sick.

After a whirlwind couple of weeks, what with Collin in the hospital (he’s fine now), Christmas, Brandy having to deal with 15 consecutive days with both kids home, and the usual hectic nature of life, we’ve left 2008 behind and started 2009 tired.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.  Gareth and Collin both had a great Christmas and got lots (and lots) of gifts.  Gareth benefits from having a two-fer month in December with his birthday on the 3rd and Christmas the 25th.  After this month is over, we usually have to spend time getting rid of all the old toys with which Gare no longer plays.

Collin is not yet to that point.  The point to which he is, however, is the very vocal, chatty point.  He’s making a lot of noise these days to let us know he’s happy, excited, hungry, tired, and soiled.  He loves taking baths and enjoys a good round of beatboxing.  [For the sake of clarity, Travis beatboxes, Collin listens.]

Collin was running a fever two evenings ago, so Brandy dialed up the on-call nursing who told us to take him to the emergency room.  He was admitted that night with a urinary tract infection and is still in the hospital.

Brandy has been staying with him while I hold the down the fort at home and take care of Gareth.  

We’re awaiting the results on a number of tests to see exactly what caused Collin’s UTI, which needs to be known before the docs settle on a final treatment.  We’ve also been told that Collin has to be fever free for 24 hours before they’ll let him go.  As of yesterday evening, he was still running 99 degrees minimum, so I would guess he’ll be staying another night.

We’ll start with the kids.

Gareth had his holiday concert last night.  We normally worry about whether or not he’ll stay awake for it, but he has recently been staying up until 10PM, so no fears there.  I’ll post video as soon as I get it off the camcorder.  Gare is also having a birthday party with a few kids at the house tomorrow.  Two of the girls who adore him will be there.  Can’t wait to see how that plays out.

Collin is continuing to have problems with spitting up his food.  We’ve started using a heavy formula to help him keep stuff down and are seeing some success with that.  That kid has some range!  I’m surprised how far he can shoot his lunch.  Also, he farts like a mad man when he’s doing his morning wake-up stretches.  I sat in bed with him this morning just marveling at the volume of gas being passed by such a small boy.

Brandy has been having some pain since the delivery and was today told she is suffering from sciatica.  She’ll need to engage in a few physical therapy sessions to get that worked out.  Otherwise, she is recovering well and has been told she looks “fantastic”.

I’m not really up to much.  Still updating the RBR website, trying to rally a bunch of folks to archive old newsletters, and deciding what to do about a guy who contacted me this week to tell me Bikeable is his dream and that he’s had it since 2002.  I’ve been nervous about it all week.

And Gareth is rapidly approaching seven years old.

Collin is gaining weight at a good rate.  But, on the flip side, he has also been experiencing some reflux.  For now, he’s on a thrice daily dose of Zantac, and Brandy has to swear off all dairy products.

During her pregnancy with Gareth, she became an avid milk drinker.  Now with her second child, she has to give it up.

Collin’s blackened umbilical remnant came out yesterday.  Now, instead of a rigid decomposing extension, we have a pit of brackish goo.  Not in terms of salinity, mind you.

He was weighed as part of his two week check-up yesterday and is now at 6lbs 10oz.

Collin Alexander was born at 9:33AM on Friday, October 24th.  He weighs 6 lbs 3 oz and is 19.75″ long.

Photos are now available.