A Week of Ups and Downs!

Last week wasn't one of our better weeks. As you can see in this picture. Jakob has had some trouble with his right eye. We have been going to the doctor and go to see the eye doctor the end of April. We have been concerned that he would need a patch or glasses to correct. Possibility of even surgery because it is continually getting worse. Well, Monday the lid started turning blue. Called the doctor they said come right in. Look at him and didn't really say much, except further testing was needed. So we went to DeVos Children's Hospital on Tuesday morning for a CT scan. They didn't have sedation scheduled, so we started the process to see how he would do to just lay there. Not a chance. Back home we go. Back on the phone with the doctor Tuesday afternoon and all day Wednesday, trying to ask the right questions and get the next appt scheduled. After already 2 1/2 long days not knowing what is going on, I have a heart to heart with the nurse. What really are you testing for? She had to call me back - interesting. She asked what I knew so far - (not sounding good). She mentions it could be a "mass" on the brain or behind the eye. WHAT?!?!?!? (it was clear just so you know). So back to Devos on Thursday for sedation and a complete MRI of the brain. Nurse tells us we will hear in 3 - 5 days unless it is serious. UGH! We travel home. Relieved a little that it was not an emergency situation that they would have to keep us. About 3 hours after I get home, I see the doctor on Caller ID. My heart skip several beats and I ran for the phone. The MRI was cleared!!! He still needs some blood work and continuning follow up with the Eye doctor. They are now back to thinking a lazy eye. What a relief! Glasses, a patch and even a little surgery doesn't sound all bad now, after thinking of what it could have been last week. Thank you for all the prayers and concern last week. We really appreciate all of your support.





So he is pretty happy in these pictures. It doesn't give you the real picture of the events at DeVos. However it was a nice place and great staff.
Praise God for our health everyday. It is truely a blessing from Him.
All our love,
Rick, Mandi, Jakob and Ethan

Tubby Time!

One of our favorite times is tubby time. It doesn't happen everyday, but it happens often. In the big tub the boys play and play. Bubbles everywhere. Somehow we all manage to get wet.





Loving the weather. Almost 80 here today. March 31. Heard on the radio it was warmer here today than in Key West Florida. Enjoy it, looks like 40's next week again.
All our love,
Rick, Mandi, Jakob & Ethan

We Miss U Great Grandma

Feb 12, 1929 to March 1, 2010
Connie Malda

All our love,
Rick, Mandi, Jakob & Ethan

Back from CR and My Sister is Married

Even though our blog failed to tell we did make it back from Costa Rica. (A few weeks ago no less). The wedding was spectacular. The weather was hot, very hot. The guests were fun, the attire was beachy, a fun time was had by all.
The flight home was less eventful than the flight there. We were very thankful for that. Check out these pictures.
Congrats - Mr. & Mrs. Nixon. :-)




5/6 missing Kristen in the photo.
Congrats Uncle Jon and Aunt Mary.
All our love,
Rick, Mandi, Jakob and Ethan

Day 2, 3 - Really What Day is it?

Here are a few more photos of the trip. On Wednesday Rick went out on the Ocean Fishing. They caught 2 Sail Fish and a Rainbow Runner. We had the Rainbow Runner for dinner. Eventhough we don't like to eat fish, it was pretty good. On Thursday went Zip Lining through the Jungle with the group.




Trip is going great. Boys are doing well at home. Miss them like crazy.
Just a few more days. Wedding day tomorrow.
All our love,
Rick, Mandi, Jakob & Ethan

Day 1 in Costa Rica

Today we finally reached Costa Rica. Our adventure began on Saturday with a 3 hour drive to Chicago. Planning to fly out Saturday afternoon, the airlines decided to change our plans. We arrived at the ticket counter to find that our flight had been cancelled. Note not just delayed. It was cancelled. The Gentleman behind the counter said, I can get you out on Thursday but there is nothing before then. At that point really wasn't to fond of this guy. I asked him to help us rebook on other airlines. He gave me a phone number for the airline. He said they probably won't take your call, but you should get through by Monday. WHAT!?!?!?!? I called thinking whatever. The message told us Sorry due to the volume of calls at this time we can not take your call. Please call back later. Click. So here we sit. We found a spot to lay/sit on the floor. After talking with EVERY airline by phone and in person we came up with nothing, even considering driving to Miami to catch a flight. 6 hours later still sitting on the in the airport, we found a great lady at Contenential Airlines. She found tickets for us to depart on Sunday for $1400 each. They were refundable within 24 hours. We booked them. Then we decided enough of this airport. Headed to TGI Fridays for dinner, after not eating yet that day. We found another flight on Mexicana that would leave on Monday but MUCH cheaper. We booked it and finally felt relief of knowing we had a flight. So 3 Hotels and 3 days later and 3 Hours of sleep on Sunday night we finally arrived in Costa Rica. Here are some pictures of our 1st day.
The TiTi Monkeys were up close and friendly.
The Pool was refreshing and fun.
Our flight from San Jose to Quepos was great this morning @ 6:00 AM. 3 Hours of sleep last night and off to airport. This is a field of Palm Trees.
Here is the Marina in Manuel Antonio.
The Pacific Ocean.
We talked with the boys over Skype today. It was great to see them. They are doing so good. We miss them like crazy, but are so thankful for our awesome friends that are taking care of them. Give the boys lots of kisses.
We love you guys. Be home in a week.
All our love,
Rick & Mandi

Ethan ~ Teeth, Walking and LBS.

The 1st Week of February Ethan decided that it was finally time for his 1st tooth The top right one was the 1st to break through. By the end of the week, he also had the top left and the bottom right. He is now working on the bottom left. Nothing like 3 teeth in 1 week.

This past week he decided it was time to walk. He has taken up to about 5 steps at a time. He walks pretty well. My guess is by the time we get home he will be walking a whole lot more.

Ethan also had to go to the doctor this past week for a check up on his ear infection and strep and RSV. The doctor said he was doing great. In a week and 1/2 he also gained almost a pound. He now weighs 19 lbs and 11 ozs. The doctor said it was finally time for him to get out of the baby car seat carrier at 13 months. He still can't face forward, but is too long for the carrier.
Looks like the new car seat when we get home.

The boys are doing great and much healthier.
Can't wait to see them in a week.
Love You Boys,
Daddy & Mommy