2.22.2009

Tubes, teething, and play

James went to see the ENT on Friday. Before we was her, the audiologist came in...
...first he used a machine to test his eardrum (I believe it blows air into his ears, then measures then movement), no movement means fluid behind it. So of course James' were flat. Then he put us in a sound proof box and did a hearing screen. I always wondered how they tested kids' hearing! So there was a speaker in each corner with a little pig on top. Every time James respond to the sound the pig would shake a bell as a reward. So we quickly learned James isn't hearing well. Similar to how we would hear if we had foam earplugs in our ears.
I feel so bad! I knew he wasn't hearing well when he had ear infections, but he doesn't have an ear infection right now, just fluid in the ear. The ENT looked at his history and thinks he's probably had fluid in them since his first ear infection (Nov 2007). No wonder his speech is so unclear! So James is scheduled to get ear tubes on Tuesday morning. I'm floored! I thought I was going to have to fight to get them, then have to wait weeks, so this was much quicker than anticipated!
Now I'm nervous, first for no eating or drinking after midnight before the surgery (James wakes up requesting juice, he is NOT going to be happy Tuesday morning), then his hearing sensitivity after the surgery (neither James or Miles are quite kids, so there will be tears). I feel pretty confident the surgery itself will go well. It only lasts 5-10 minutes.
The boys have quickly learned how they can play with the puppy. And it's not like this photo. Carver is teething and VERY willing to mouth anything/anybody.

Except when he's wearing his sweatshirt!! He gets cold outside. He's only outside to go potty, but he's shivering by the time he comes in. Lately he actually stays in his kennel to try to avoid going out!

2.15.2009

A New Little Martig

Guess What!!!!!!


We have a new addition to the Martig family!

Meet Carver...

Carver is a 7 week old, Olde English Bulldogg, that came to us this Valentine's Day.

Miles picked the name, here's how that came about...

Day 1

Miles: Daddy, I'm going to name my puppy The Woodcarver.

Daddy: Miles, we're not getting a puppy.

Mommy: The Woodcarver?? Oh, you mean if you had a puppy you'd name him Eli, like Eli the woodcarver in your book?

Miles: No Mommy, The Woodcarver.

Day 2

Miles: Daddy, I want a puppy.

Daddy: How about a pig?

Miles: Pigs are stinky.

Daddy: Dogs are stinky too.

Miles: No Daddy, you can give them a bath!

Mommy: What would you name a puppy?

Miles: Ummm, ablfambl (some random random sound).

Daddy: That's a hard name to say.

Miles: (after pondering a while) Oh, how about The Woodcarver?

Mommy: That kind of a long name for a little puppy.

Miles: Oh... well how about Carver?

Daddy and Mommy: Hmmm...


Valentine's Day

(after pick-up in the car)

Daddy: How about, Felix?

Miles: No Daddy, his name is Carver! Carver Robert Martig.

Mommy: How about Flash?

Miles: No Mommy!!!! He's Carver... Carver Robert Martig!!!

and it's been Carver ever since (which has only been one night)


Carver has had an incredibly smooth transition so far. He slept most of the ride home, went potty outside before we brought him in the house, and even Squeak seemed friendly.
Although we quickly realized it wasn't Carver that Squeak was interested in, it was his food. They sniffed each other, but Squeak eventually made his way over to the dog food, and when the puppy tried to sniff him again, the cat took a swipe at him (he's declawed), and scared poor Carver pretty good.


Last night Carver went potty outside before we went to bed, we all slept until 3:00 am (when my alarm went off to let Carver out), he pottied again, outside, even pooed (4 times!!), then went back to sleep until 7:15, when I got up to take him out again.


He loves his crate. Came out this morning to eat and play for a while, and is napping again. Squeak doesn't seem too bothered by him, but the puppy hasn't shown any interest in him, yet. I have a feeling Squeak will enjoy having the boys' attention elsewhere.

2.11.2009

Temper...Temper...

It's photos/times like these that help me forget the tantrums that have been frequenting our house...
Miles had a Valentine's Day party at school yesterday.

He is becoming quite the big boy!

Seriously, you can't look at this photo and not smile!!

I really think he has that ROCK STAR look!

James has become choosy about which hat and scarf he wears.
I believe this was his "dress rehearsal" because ever since this day he picks a new hat to wear to daycare.

Yesterday he wore a baseball hat. Not very practical for keeping ears warm, but it was a warmer day.

He's also a Mr. PotatoHead fan. He even tried on one of his noses!