Graduation: Then and Now

I recently wrote about the fact that President George W. Bush was the commencement speaker at my brother's graduation a couple of weeks ago. It's still hard for me to believe he's a college graduate since he was only 9 years old when I graduated. Here's a little walk down memory lane.

Alex on his graduation day...


Alex on my graduation day...


Each of us in our cap and gowns...


Our mother with each of us...


Friends of Alex...


Friends of mine...

I had to post this particular picture because right in front 2 to the left of me is none other than Stephanie long before she was Stephaniesmommybrain. In some ways it feels like yesterday and in other ways it feels like a lifetime ago!

So what was your hair style when you graduated from college?

Presents Galore: Real & Virtual!

We had quite a fun Christmas this morning. Presents do multiply like rabbits, though, don't they? It seems like we always open up more than we put under the tree. We are spoiled, but thankful.

I'll just touch on the gift highlights...

Dan-8 GB thumb drive from my parents. Very cool! My gifts to him were more follow up to other gifts this month. I bought him (us) a frame for one of our anniversary pics and a carrying case for his DS. Oh, and Timothy gave him a "gently used" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Timothy-Nintendo Wii & Mario Kart. Need I say more? This boy has been studying Mario Kart characters on the computer for well over a year now. He is in heaven. My step-mom made us matching aprons, which I LOVE and can't wait to cook in the kitchen with my kiddos.

Samantha-My dad & step-mom got her a Little Einstein's toy laptop, which has a really neat spaceship shaped mouse that will be good practice for a real mouse. The huge hit of the day is the Littlest Pet Shop. She played with it for almost 2 hours straight!

Timothy has had a Doodle Pro since before Samantha was born, so we bought one for her this year. As you can see in just 3 years, they've changed the design quite a bit. Samantha's is handy because the shape holder is now magnetic to make it stick better. So as long as she remembers to put the shape back in it's spot, we won't lose them. Timothy's have all disappeared, but as long as the drawer is closed you would never know it! As soon as we lose one of hers, it will be much more obvious. Which design do you prefer?

Me-Dan really over "gave" to me this year, but he reminded me these presents have to stretch out over deployment. So to ease my guilt I'll count these as Christmas, V Day, and B-day presents. I got 2 kitchen gifts from my step-mom, and then these 3 from Dan!

My Christmas was topped off by 2 blogging presents:

1. Print Shop from my parents-I can't wait to play with that!
2. My 10,000th Page Load!!! This gift comes from Kristen McLane at kristenmclane.com. This is appropriate since I met Kristen via blogging right before she moved to San Diego! Her blog is full of humor and wonderful anecdotes as they transition to a new city! Ironically, on Tuesday I received this Pillsbury basket I won from Kristen's wonderful giveaways. Hopefully it won't take me another 16 months to get 10,000 hits!

Christmas Eve

What a night! Our plan was to go to the Christmas Eve service at 5, come home and get full tummies, let the kids open one present before sending them off to bed, and then watch The Chronicles of Narnia. All of it happened, but not quite as smoothly as I wanted.

Samantha can stay quiet for spans of time, but when she makes noise it's really loud and typically not happy. After working for 45 minutes to keep her quiet during the service, we slipped out a little early.

On Christmas Eve the kids get to open one present-their annual pajamas. Timothy was more than thrilled to get Mario pjs. There is more Mario to come! Samantha loved her Scottie pjs at first "because they are red," but decided later she didn't want to wear the shirt. I'll make sure she's decent while opening presents.

We made the HUGE mistake of telling Samantha that she could sleep in Timothy's room . They were so excited, but Timothy had forgotten how much he hates it. He actually likes winding down in bed, and he has a hard time doing that when (and I quote), "Sam is jumping on me, and when I tell her to go to sleep she won't do it."

Both kids were totally hyped up. They couldn't calm down to save their lives! Every stereotype I've ever seen about kids staying up late on Christmas Eve "waiting for Santa" was how my kids were! Their bedtime is no later than 7:30, and they finally went to bed at 9:50!

Yes, I totally caved. I made a giant pallet on the floor, and we watched the movie together. Sam wanted to "lay down on the couch". All she could say about the movie over and over was, "Talking Beavers?" (insert giggle). Timothy groaned out, "It's taking so long." Dan and I asked what was, and he said, "Night time is taking SO long, I want it to be sunny."

I hadn't seen the first Narnia movie, and it was a wonderful film to watch on Christmas Eve. Just loved it! Here's a sneak preview of Christmas morning:

After great agony putting these scooters together, I opted for a bicycle that came assembled. All I had to do was add the big bow!

How was your Christmas Eve?

Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ!

He is our ...

JOY (Luke 2:8-11)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord..."

HOPE (1 Peter 1:3)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

PEACE (Ephesians 2: 13-16)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

WW & SEW: Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

Check out more Wordless Wednesday and Special Exposure Wednesday!

December's What's on your Nightstand?

December was quite the month of book reviews for me! Click on the title to any of these to read the review on last month's nightstand choices:

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I also reviewed the movie adaptation The Muppet Christmas Carol as a guest post on 5 Minutes for Mom!

Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Alan Milne

This is my favorite book find of the YEAR!!!

Boomtown by Nowen N. Particular

This was my first book to review for Thomas Nelson Publishing.

New books on the nightstand:


A Newbery Christmas

This is a wonderful compilation of 14 Christmas short stories written by Newbery Award winners. I was at the library getting Christmas books for the kids and stumbled upon it. I love having a fiction book handy. It makes waiting for 45 minutes at the pharmacy much more bearable! I will confess that I have only read one of the stories. I started with "Ramona, the Sheep Suit, and the Three Wise Persons" by Beverly Cleary for a lighthearted read. It was expectedly delightful.

For the Tough Times: Reaching Toward Heaven for Hope
by Max Lucado

This is the second book I'll be reviewing for Thomas Nelson. It is right up my alley, so I'm looking forward to reading it. Here is a description:

When we feel that life is out of control, He is in control.

When tragedy strikes, people desperately search for answers. Believers and unbelievers alike find themselves turning to God. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado points to the only real answer to tragedy and crisis: Prayer. In For the Tough Times, Lucado helps us understand how to pray despite our doubt and fear.

Hamlet
by William Shakespeare

I want to read this very badly and have already checked it out of the library, but we'll see if I actually get to it!

Do you notice that all these books have a similar color theme? Weird!

To see what other people have on their nightstands, go to 5 Minutes for Books!

Book Review: The Paperbag Christmas

The Paper Bag Christmas

In October, I entered a giveaway at Tara's View on Books for The Paperbag Christmas. Miriam Parker, of the Hachette Book Group, saw that I entered the giveaway. She wrote me and said she would send me a copy if I would review it. I am so glad I accepted her offer. This is a jewel of a book!

Why this book felt very personal: I have a daughter with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic illness that will require hospital stays, and I have a son with Sensory Processing Disorder. It is my prayer, and vision as a mother, to teach my daughter to gracefully deal with her disease, and to teach my son to put others before himself. It has been my experience with SPD that since Timothy is so often trying to protect his own senses that he rarely looks around to see the needs of others. Since The Paperbag Christmas is about 2 physically healthy boys visiting a pediatric cancer ward throughout the Christmas season, I couldn't help but see my two children in this story.

But that does not have to be the case for you to love this book. It is funny, warm, touching, gentle, loving, and PROFOUND. I don't want to say too much, for fear of giving anything away, but it is truly magical! I know it's only 2 days until Christmas, but it is still worth reading, and would make a wonderful present (stocking stuffer?) this year or an early present for next!

Book Review...Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks

Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks

Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks, set around 1950, is a story about…well, several things actually, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing. The book begins with Reverend Arthur Button and his family moving to Boomtown from California in order to have a quieter, more peaceful life. But that backfires (pun intended) when he learns that Boomtown is the most explosive city around. Besides the town's affinity for fireworks, every pastor in the 70 year history of Arthur's church has had to be replaced because each one has met an untimely death.

That danger is contrasted by the fact that when it comes to caring about people, Boomtown is the safest place to be. When Rev Button questions the apparent quirkiness of everyone in this town, he is told that people don’t give up on each other “just because it’s hard.”

I have to admit, the biggest problem I had with the book is it’s just trying to do so much. Kids will enjoy the antics of the townspeople and the various ways things go “boom”! But they won’t understand the abandonment of an infant or the internal battle that haunts the reverend. The town has an “in your face” kind of feel, and yet there is a silent mystery waiting to be revealed. It's an incredible blend of fantasy and hard reality.

I do think it’s worth reading, but I think it would be best read as a family. A lot of stuff happens in Boomtown, silly and serious, which can be the start of some great conversations. I can’t help but think this Bible Study Guide could spark some meaningful dialogue. Multiple scriptures are referenced in the chapter questions.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the book for me was chapters 9 & 10, when the Buttons visit the Boomtown Museum. Any child would dream of going to a museum where the floors come to you! I would love to see these inventions on the big screen!

To sum up, there will be things you love and things you hate, but in my mind that's what makes a great story. These characters cannot be placed into a neat, little box...they are frustrating at times, wonderfully so. Does it end how I wanted it to? No, the ending is far too real. But what makes Boomtown (the book) special is the hope that a place like Boomtown (the city) really can exist.

The Diagnosis

Three years ago today, we were given the shocking news that Samantha has Cystic Fibrosis. Here's our story...

Thursday, December 8, 2005-After an uneventful pregnancy, Samantha was born, via scheduled c-section. Timothy's birth is somewhat of a blur (due to drugs), but I was wide awake the whole time with Sam and it was wonderful. We both were healthy, I was walking w/in hours, and we went home as soon as I could be released (I don't even think I was there the full 48 hours). Samantha's birth weight was 6 lbs 9 ounces.

The first week went by like all do. She slept a lot, and we were all just adjusting to our family of 3 becoming a family of 4. I've been asked if she displayed symptoms. Yes and no. If I were to have another child with these symptoms, I would know in a heartbeat, but did anything scream out as off? No. But this was Samantha: She glistened. Her poops were horrendous (and would be for months to come, actually). And she had a small cough.

After a week I started having nursing issues. I had milk supply problems with Timothy, but this time nursing was going well. So when I started having pain, I made an appt w/the lactation consultant, thinking I had an infection.

Monday, December 19, 2005 (11 days old)-I couldn't drive still, so all 4 of us went to the hospital for the appt. Dan and Timothy went to McDs while Sam & I saw the lactation consultant. It was a pretty basic appt. Samantha weighed in at 5 lbs 15 ounces-not possible to be back to birth weight by 2 weeks. I didn't have an infection, but she gave me some things to try, and I would return another day. As I was putting Samantha back into her infant car seat, she coughed (staccato, croupy cough).

The lactation consultant was extremely disturbed. She asked if that had been happening, often to which I replied yes. Then she said, "Well, infants aren't supposed to cough. She could be sick, and that may be the nursing problem. You need to go over and see the doctor right now."

I couldn't think straight. I remember just obeying the orders and being in this weird haze. I kept hearing "newborns don't cough" over and over in my head, and I just wanted to get to Dan. I remember crying quietly at McDs while Dan and Timothy were finishing their lunch...you just don't tell a postpartum mother that kind of information in that way. I was exhausted.

It was too late to be seen that day, so we made an appt for the next day...

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 (12 days old)-After explaining why we made an appt to the pediatrician, she said, "Newborns can totally cough. Can you tell me how many times a day she has been coughing?" We didn't know we were supposed to be counting. Just every so often I said, and it's always that 1 barky cough. The doctor blew the whole thing off since there were no other "symptoms", and said to bring her back if there are more than 10 coughs a day. [This was Samantha's first, and thankfully only, missed diagnosis.]

Wednesday, December, 21, 2005 (13 days old)-we came home to find the following message on our machine:

Hello, I am RN B____. I work with Dr. W_____. We have received some results from Samantha's newborn screen, and the doctor wants to fit you in on his lunch hour tomorrow at noon. I know this is not a message you want to receive by phone, but we need to tell you the results in person. Please call me if you can't make it at that time.

Those words still make me cry 3 years later. Dan and I couldn't stand the thought of waiting until the next day, so we started looking for anything we could find on newborn screenings. We didn't even know what they tested for! None of the tests that California did seemed to be an option, so we were even more confused.

I remembered that the nurse had given the doctor's name, so I did a search on him and the first thing to pop up was the CF foundation's care center link. Besides being our hospital's pediatric pulmonologist, he is also the CF Center Director. Cystic Fibrosis was not one of the CA state newborn screening, but we discovered it was done in other states. In our heart of hearts we knew this is what Samantha had, but then we had to wait a day to get the official news.

That was the worst day. My heart breaks for those of you who went months and even years trying to get an answer, trying to get a doctor to take you seriously. The unknown was terrible, and we didn't want to alarm our friends and family, which made that night a long one. Dan and I each asked one person to pray for us. I called my dear friend, Christi. I hadn't even spent tons of time with her (at that point), but knew she was a "kindred spirit". Christi and I both have been through more than we could have ever imagined since that phone call 3 years ago, but that's another story (or 3 or 4)!

Thursday, December 22nd, 2005 (2 weeks old)-As we were checking in at the appointment desk, one of the hospital workers said to another, "Yeah, they're here for CF." Obviously, he had no idea that we didn't know yet, but our inclinations were confirmed. I think our doctor was a little surprised by our lack of surprise, but the actual words coming out of his mouth were a bit anti-climactic at that point. I actually liked that the night before I was able to be prepared and have some concept of what in the world CF was.

We considered waiting until Christmas was over with to tell our families, but I'm so glad we didn't. My mom flew out here as quickly as she could get on a plane, and honestly we spent Christmas just appreciating that we had each other. I had always known of a cousin who died as an infant, but never knew Michael died of CF. There are no known cases on Dan's side, as is normally the situation.

One reason the tests took 2 weeks to get back to us is that after the first "positive" CF test, Sam's blood was sent on to another lab for full genetic testing. There can be false positives, so this way, there was no question of the results. Dan and I both are carriers of the most common mutation, Delta f508. The Wed after Christmas both Samantha and Timothy had sweat tests done, but that was basically for documentation. Samantha was positive, Timothy was negative. In time, we will find out if Timothy is a carrier. It's a simple test since they already know what mutation to look for.

I have to be honest. Samantha has been healthier in these last 3 years than I ever imagined she would be. For me, this disease has been such a roller coaster. I get comfortable thinking everything is smooth sailing, and then I'm jerked sideways. So it's a journey, and like everything in my life, I'm learning to experience each moment instead of avoid them. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

The President In Person

January 20th, one month from today, the 2009 presidential inauguration will occur where Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President of the United States. That is a monumental event that has great significance for our country. So on a much lighter note, I have to tell you about my recent experience with the current President of the United States!!!

Last week I flew to Texas to watch my baby brother (he's almost 13 years younger) graduate from Texas A&M (whoop!) The trip had been planned for quite some time, tickets bought and paid for, when A&M announced that the commencement speaker would be none other than President George W. Bush! I was thrilled at the thought of seeing a President in person, and even more so one still in office! I was REALLY looking forward to it, and it (He) did not disappoint.

Each graduate was allowed to invite 2 people to the convocation. They also had to submit the names early so that a background check could be done on each of us! Alex was sent this email that told us what to expect in terms of security:

The most important line to me was "no bags, no backpacks", so did that mean no CAMERAS?? We leaned to the side of "It's the President, probably no camera's allowed." We were wrong! We just couldn't bring the bags in. I had left my camera in the car, and yes I made my mom and brother wait while I went to get it. Hello, it's the President!!!

So this was the first place we sat down...

That's a reporter's camera, so I could either be on TV or get a picture of the President! So I moved!

Like I said, we found out a few weeks ago that President Bush would be the commencement speaker, but what we didn't find out until we received our programs was that his father, George H.W. Bush, would introduce him!!! And Barbara Bush would introduce her husband. Here they are coming in...

When they were constructing Reed Auditorium for basketball games, they didn't take into account that I would need a good picture of the President. Most of my pictures turned out awful, but this video turned out okay. (And you'll tell that I didn't get this from YouTube!)

I took this picture of the Jumbo tron:

My only disappointment of the day was that Bush, Sr. didn't give a real address. He has an apartment somewhere around A&M and goes to games often, so my brother says they see him all the time. Well, okay then. He got up and said, "The President asked me to keep it short, so with no further ado...The President of the United States."

I know what you're all wondering. Was the speech any good? It was fantastic! Needless to say, he was very warmly received at A&M. (No shoe throwing here-that would be at a news conference in Iraq 2 days later). Not only was it the best Bush speech and the best commencement speech (I know, not hard to accomplish), it was also one of the best speeches by a politician I have ever heard. Really, if you don't know me, you need to understand I am REALLY NOT POLITICAL. I can actually get political about how much I hate politics. So most political speeches annoy me to no end, but this was funny (the jokes were actually good) and inspiring. He told us about several heroes he has met throughout his Presidency. You can see better pictures and read the entire speech here, but I want to list some of my favorite lines...

1. And it's always an honor to be introduced by the President of the United States -- especially when he's your Dad.
2. I am pleased to see so many of your families and loved ones here today. While you bled maroon, they bled a lot of green.
3. To those of you who have jobs lined up -- congratulations. To those not exactly sure what comes next -- I know how you feel.
4. Four years ago, I met Letitia Chavez-Paulette. She had been addicted to drugs; she served time for her mistakes. While in prison, she joined a faith-based program called Celebrate Recovery, and to help turn her life around. When she was released, Letitia was determined to support other women returning to society. So she started a transitional home called "A Peaceful Habitation" -- a name taken from the Book of Isaiah. Here's what Letitia said: "God's grace has kept me going. His love has kept me strong. And my faith is a gift that is helping me help others."
5. As you embark on this journey, let me leave you with a few last pieces of advice. First, listen to your mother.
6. Second, develop a set of principles to live by -- convictions and ideals to guide your course. There will be times when people tell you a different way is more accepted or popular. Remember that popularity is as fleeting as the Texas wind. Character and conscience are as sturdy as the oaks on this campus. If you go home at night, look in the mirror and be satisfied that you have done what is right, you will pass the only test that matters.
7. And finally, be on the lookout for role models -- people whose conduct you admire and whose paths you can follow. With that in mind, I have one last example of courage and service. It's a story of a young man who left comfort behind to answer his nation's call, became the youngest pilot in the Navy, and nearly gave his life in World War II. When he came back home, he devoted his career to public service, and proved that success in politics can be accomplished with decency and grace. He reached the pinnacle in government, but he defines his life by other roles -- a father who gave unconditional love, a grandfather devoted to his grandchildren, and a beloved husband of the sweetheart he married a lifetime ago. Some of you will leave A&M with a degree that carries this good man's name -- George Bush. I have been blessed and honored to have carried it for 62 years.

While I was at the car waiting for Alex and Mom, the President flew away in Marine 1!!!

Really, it was the experience of a lifetime!

Physical Therapy

Want to hear a great example of irony? My injured knees are keeping me from losing weight so that I can help my knees! It's tricky! I've had knee issues all my life, and recently the exercise I've been doing has really jacked them up. It's pretty depressing, so after seeing the doctor about it a few weeks ago, I had my first physical therapy (PT) appt this morning.

Balboa Naval Hospital is currently only accepting Active Duty members for PT. This was unfortunate because with Dan gone, I couldn't really afford to go to a civilian clinic. I'm sure the care would be fine, but can you imagine finding childcare for the 2-3 times a week for three months that the dr wanted me to go to therapy? So, I played the deployment card and said, “Ma'am, are there any exceptions because my husband is deploying in January?"

She replied quickly, “"If you're willing to wait 2 weeks, I can get you in."

Two weeks! I've waited two months for an appointment before!

So this morning it was me and about 10 wounded soldiers. SOBERING. I saw a man with prosthetic legs. One guy in the waiting room told us his story in Iraq. He was in a gun turret of a tanker when an RPG went off. It knocked him against the side where he broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder. Then another one went off, which has caused severe hearing loss. This guy is maybe 30, but I think he's happy to be alive. Another man was about to tell me his story when I got called back. He was telling me his list of therapy appointments for the day. He's an army guy (in San Diego we mostly see Navy/Marines) who's actual orders are for Balboa because his treatments are a full time job. My knees don't seem like such a big deal.

I learned lots of things from the Physical Therapist, some that I don't like, but all that are good for me.

• I have an arch, but I step into it, so I make myself flat-footed. We were told this about Timothy 1 year ago, so now we know who he got it from! I need to be wearing insoles always, and I need to stop wearing sandals or being barefoot altogether. Just let me whine for a second: I live in SAN DIEGO!
• My body type lends itself to pressure on the inside of the knees, which is where my pain is. My hips are also quite weak (I couldn't stop her pushing once in the hip tests), and of course the excess weight I carry hurts as well. She emphasized (because she was a kind woman) that when it comes to bad knees, even a little extra weight can aggravate them.
• She gave me 4 exercises to do daily, and I'll be starting a swimming class at Balboa 2 days a week. I'll see her again in a month. She hopes to actually get me on some machines and weight lifting, but wants to do this first.

I'm in the process of trying to get all misc appts completed before Dan leaves, so in 30 minutes I go to the dentist. Confession time: I don't remember going to the dentist since I've had children (Timothy is 5 1/2). Do I have to tell you how much I dread this? Pray for me.

In happy tooth news, Timothy had no cavities earlier this week, and he has his first loose tooth!!!

Wordless Wed & Special Exposure Wed: In Motion

You can see more Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Moms, and you can see Special Exposure Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Special Needs.

Quarterly CF Clinic Day

About 3 weeks ago, Samantha was put on an antibiotic for upper respiratory-like symptoms. Every time we put her on antibiotics she loses her appetite. This time it hasn't really come back, which is disappointing. She did gain a little in the last 3 months, but not as much as I would like. She's also pretty lethargic, which makes me think she's lacking some kind of nutrient. Thankfully, this was the big appt of the year where we do chest x-ray and blood work.

First stop: x-ray. Samantha's lungs look clear: "no pneumonias, no blockages, whatever you're doing is working". Have I mentioned that Samantha is not "into" x-rays. She had calmed down just in time to get to clinic...

Next stop: basic stats

Pulse Ox: 99 (Yippee!)
Weight: 13.2 kilos = 29 lbs; 30th percentile
Height: 92.7 cm = 36 inches; 30th percentile

A continual goal for CFers is 50th percentile, but Samantha has sustained a consistent 30th percentile height, which makes her 30th percentile weight a little more acceptable. We'll continue to pump calories in her as best we can. We're looking at a 15.5 BMI, which is about 40th percentile.

Third stop: blood draw

I thought I was going to start crying. I think it lasted 5 minutes...it took forever!!! Dan and I were both having to hold her down. She kept looking at the needle and blood was leaking out. It was awful. She was so traumatized afterwards that she fell asleep sitting up in my lap. I call back Monday for lab results.

Doc did a pretty minor exam on her (since she was out cold), but then decided today would be a good "test Vest" day. I'm sure all of you CF moms are thinking "Samantha is 3 and doesn't have a Vest?" I know...it's shocking. That's not even the norm in our clinic. Basically every time we go there is a different reason he chooses not to start it. We practiced it a year ago, and she got through an entire 20 minutes, but oh no not today. Did I mention she was still traumatized? We made it almost 4 minutes before the RT said let's call it quits. So the reason we won't be starting The Vest now? Patient Compliance (or lack thereof). I think I actually heard my aching wrist let out a cry. I want The Vest SO badly, but Dan is deploying very soon so consistency in treatment is a good thing.

By the way, CF moms, Sam wore a "small" Vest today, and we had to wrap it pretty tight. I'm just curious if any of you used anything smaller (like extra small?) when your kids were younger?