YEAH!!

We had an appointment today with the ear, nose, and throat doctor for little Sammy, to check on his progress and see what was going on with the paralyzed vocal cord. Dr. scoped him (put scope up his nose to go down the throat - which they had to change to just down his throat -- apparently he has a narrow nose). Dr. took a look during a big scream from Sammy - who didn't appreciate any of this very much at all - and said both cords were moving!!! Yeah - no more paralyzed vocal cord! John and I both breathed a sign of relief. We went from having a pile of questions about possible speech therapy, MRI's, surgery, etc. to being extremely relieved. Dr said it resolved itself and is moving just fine!! YEAH Sammy!!

We are still dealing with Mr Samuel not sleeping in his crib at night at all -- preferring to sleep upright on Mommy on the couch. We are also dealing with some reflux issues and official diagnosis of colic, but hopefully these things will heal with time. I can deal with all of this though as my big concern was his vocal cord issue and this is resolved!!! He really is a happy little guy when he is feeling good with some gorgeous smiles!

Christmas pictures

We are never going to get a good family picture with an infant I don't think?!?!
Sammy enjoying Christmas
Uncle Jerry helping put together Tommy's new toy.
Great Grandma Nelson with Samuel


This looks like trouble

Helping Uncle Jerry open his present
Great Grandparents and the boys
Me with my favorite boys!
Mommy and Sammy
Tommy playing with his new train track.
Milk and cookies out for Santa.
Tommy with Nana
Papa with Sammy





Katie holding up the blankie she made for Sammy
Showing off the new blanket for Sammy that Aunt Susan made.
Tommy with his new blanket made by Aunt Susan




New table from Uncle JP and Aunt Erin

6 week Appointment

Little Sammy is getting bigger...12 lbs 10 oz and 23 inches long. First round of shots went well -- mommy only cried a little. Sammy is getting good naps in today on mommy. Hopefully some new Zantac tonight for possible reflux will get him sleeping in his crib before week's end! Little Sammy is getting bigger...12 lbs 10 oz and 23 inches long. First round of shots went well -- mommy only cried a little. Sammy is getting good naps in today on mommy. Hopefully some new Zantac tonight for possible reflux will get him sleeping in his crib before week's end!

We have also been getting some gorgeous smiles from the little man as well, complete with adorable dimples.

Tommy is doing great! We had Bakken Christmas this weekend and he had a blast with all of his family! (we did too) He was so worn out yesterday he took a 4-hour nap and slept all the way through the night...waking up this morning and running out to give little brother Sammy a snuggle and a hug. :-) and rewarded with a smile just for big brother!

I'll be posting some Christmas pictures soon

Santa is coming

New pictures

Sleeping babes...you can see Tommy sleeping in the background too
Sammy napping on Dad
CHEESE!!
Mommy's three boys

Sammy and Proud Big Brother Tommy

Tommy with his new shovel going out to help Daddy move the snow. He had a blast!!
Tommy and Sammy...Tommy is an extremely proud big brother and very concerned all the time about his little brother. All of my fears have been put to rest. He hasn't had any jealousy at all and is very nice to Sammy, even giving him his brand new little fire truck. We are very proud of both of our boys.

Sammy loves his big brother and is always staring at Tommy. I think his first smile might be going to him :-)
Playing a game with Daddy on the computer - my little geek in training
Proud big brother holding Sammy
Content...Man he looks like Tommy.
Decorating the Christmas tree


Well, we've survived the first 2 weeks of a newborn and a toddler. Tommy and Sammy are both doing well...Mommy and Daddy are lacking some serious sleep (Mommy more than Daddy I think), but we are all doing well. Tommy has been a great big brother and has been extremely helpful to Mommy. Earlier this week he had to get me a towel because, as he put it, "Baby Sammy peed all over Mommy"...and of course had to tell Daddy right away too, which Daddy enjoyed. Tommy puts the diapers away all the time and has even given Sammy his favorite toys to "play" with. We are extremely proud to have two beautiful sons.

I'll have to post some pictures later of how much alike they look...it really is amazing.

Hope everyone is staying warm so far this winter and is having good luck with Christmas shopping!

New Pictures of our "Little Fishies"

Daddy getting ready to go into the OR.
Let's meet this little one.
Here's our newest Herring....Samuel Herbert.
Born at 7:47 a.m. and a wopping 10 lbs. 8 oz., 21 inches long.
Hi Daddy!
So you're the one that's been kicking me?!?!






Meeting big brother. I think Thomas likes him.
So excited to be a big brother...and he's very good at it!! My two little men are just adorable.