Advice?

After much thought I have decided to join a mom's group in our new town. It has been a really difficult adjustment for Lucas and I moving to a small town where we know NO ONE. Moving away from our family and friends and everything that we were comfortable with. Now, although the town is growing on us, we are still lacking the social aspect of our lives. It is hard. I never realized how much the little coffee dates, dinners with friends, my co-ed soccer team, meeting a friend at the park, or random visits from family and friends REALLY matter. It has been a VERY lonely few months for me. I am working, but very little, and even though it makes me feel guilty I feel like working at the hospital is a break for me. I am sure most stay at home moms would feel the same way. Now, don't get me wrong in the least, I would not change it for the world, but I have come to realize that in order to be the best mom possible, I also need a little social interaction with adults and the outside world.

I really hesitated on joining any sort of group where there are a lot of children involved because of the fear of Lucas getting sick. Lucas is doing so well, and when we are around other kids I can see him just light up.. I feel like he would love to have a little play date here and there. He gets stir crazy in our not so social life right now. So, I am joining MOPS and Lucas will go to the children's group during that time! I am really looking forward to it! But, I am worried about Lucas being in the care of someone else. The only people who have watched him for an extended time are Peter, Me, and Granparents.

Needless to say I am nervous. Our cardiologist has never discussed concerns with us that we should talk about to others who watch him. I just make sure everyone knows that he needs to stay well hydrated and to obviously call 911 if anything concerns you at all, just like you would for any child. So my question to all you heart mom's and other mom's who have been through this day care business is what do I tell them? I never want Lucas to be treated differently, I never want anyone to be afraid of him, I want him to fit in with the other kids and thrive! It is only a few hours a month that he will be in his play group.. I know I may be taking this a bit out of proportion (and possibly it is the pregnancy hormones), but he is our baby and this is uncharted territory :), so I am looking for advice???

My plan is to casually mention that Lucas has had heart surgery. But, that he has been stable since. He needs to drink plenty of water and he may get a little out of breath if he plays hard for a long time. But, don't hesitate to call me if anything makes anyone uncomfortable. Any thoughts on other important points?

Heart Walk 2010

We had such a wonderful time at the 2010 AHA walk. We had 27 walkers that were there in support of Lucas.. amazing! Team Lucas raised well over $1000 with donations still coming in. Thank you to everyone who donated time or money to the American Heart Association Heart Walk 2010.. and to everyone who has supported our family in this cause! We Love You!!
Proud Parents
The two amazing CHD survivors!
Wonderful family and friends who came out to support Lucas!

I'm Going To Be A....

We are beyond excited and can't help but be overwhelmed with emotions and nervousness about all of the what if's. We have always known that we wanted more children and we were blessed with baby #2 to be here in mid March. I was in my OB's office the other day and I was getting ready to leave when I happened to notice a decorative plaque on the wall above the exam table. I had never paid any attention to the decor in the office before. It read

'If you choose hope all things are possible.'

I was almost brought to tears, because I have been so nervous and anticipating the upcoming ultrasounds and echo's. I really felt like that plaque was placed there for me to read on that day.

We know that Lucas will be an amazing older brother! He lifts up my shirt and says baby and kisses my tummy... the only thing is he does it to non-pregnant people too...uhh ohh! We ask that you pray for our family and for our developing baby during this time!

Beach Boy

This Labor Day weekend was really fun! We spent Saturday morning at a fundraiser event for the local children's hospital. Sunday we left early in the morning to head to San Francisco. We took Lucas to the California Academy of the Sciences. What a fun place. I wasn't sure how Lucas would take it, because in April he wasn't all that impressed by the amazing Monterey Bay Aquarium, but he absolutely loved it. It is amazing the difference in attentiveness and interest just a few months has provided. After a long day at the museum we headed to a small town nearby to grab dinner and play on the beach. Lucas loved the sand and the water. It was hard to get him to come home with us, I think he would have preferred to sleep next to the seaweed.

The sleep saga continues...

Lucas' nap situation still remains a work in progress. After a year of not sleeping through the night, we finally got that down. Getting him to bed at night is so easy and enjoyable. He is super cuddly and gives us many kisses as he gets sleepy. But, now at 16 months he thinks he doesn't need to nap any longer. If he falls asleep on our morning walk, which he usually only sleeps less than 30 mins, then he is next to impossible to get down for an afternoon nap. If he misses his brief morning nap, this is what happens during lunch time. So sleepy he can't even finish lunch, but then he'll only sleep for less than an hour...One day soon we will get this figured out...