Langston Family Blog

That nasal congestion turned into 101.4 fever. Gavin had fever only two other times in his life. Poor baby!

Juju picked up Gavin II on Thursday and all was well. He got a glowing report sent home. We were thrilled. The lady who was watching his group that afternoon told Juju that he was just "delightful". Then, I got to him and I brushed his hair aside and I saw the goose egg on his forehead that was purple. My mom and I were concerned. He said he hit his head on the bench at school. I called and spoke iwth one of his teachers and she said that she did not see anything. Hmmmm....I don't like unexplained injuries!

Today he has started to develop a little nasal congestion. I knew he would start getting these little colds when he started school! Here we go....

This is a picture of Kinder Haus Montessori. This is also a picture of a little boy who loves his new school!

Gavin and I both have Monday and Tuesday off for July 4th so Gavin II doesn't have to go back to school until Wednesday. I am glad that we will all have some family time togther - without mommy sleeping!!!

We are NOT sure but Gavin tells us that he went pee pee on the potty today. We are not sure if he really did beacuse the teacher did not tell my mom anything when she picked him up. He told her when they got in the car. We are really excited if it's true! We hope it is so that he can move to the older class! The older class is the 3-6 year olds and I think he will thrive in that class...we'll keep our fingers crossed he's telling us the truth!

I said "Gavin, are you going to go pee pee on the potty at home?" He smiled and made his eyes real big and then said "no". Nice, huh? Sarcasm at 3 years old!

This is what starting school and getting up at 6:15am does to a kid by 8:45pm! Poor baby!

This is what Gavin II gave me for Mother's Day this year. Why I am posting this now? It JUST came in a few days ago. Most of the Mignon Faget store is on back order for 6-8 weeks. The store seemed pretty stocked today - I think it's the jewelry online. You could not find the fleur de lis collection after Katrina at ALL. I have the ring to match this pendant and I love it! It has "If I ever cease to love.." etched on the back of it! Anyway, we just picked it up today! Thanks Gavin - mommy loves it:)

Everything is going wonderfully! I had a great training day and Gavin II did WONDERFUL at Kinder Haus. He LOVES it and was excited to go back today. The teacher said that he did not each lunch well because he wanted the red beans that the other kids were eating. Anyway - he does not even eat red beans at home! Today, though, he was able to have broccoli, tater tots and fruit like all the other kids there! Things are GREAT! Thanks for all the support and well-wishing.... I have gotten great feedback from Dr. Davis (the doc in charge).

No, Dave, I really DON'T have a picture of the vomit! Sorry :(

Tomorrow, I start my new job. I am nervous and excited to learn a new aspect of nursing. I am training with respiratory therapy from 8-10 learning to do pulmonary function tests...I know you are all so envious!

Tomorrow, Gavin will also attempt a longer day at Kinder Haus. Not sure if there are going to let him stay until after nap time or until 3pm. If he does ok, we would like to see hium stay until 3pm so we can gauge how he likes the place. Gavin will be the first person to tell you that he doesn't want to go back - and I'm glad.

We assume that he will be fine to go tomorrow - tonight Gavin and big Gavin were chasing each other. Gavin II stopped and said his stomach hurt. He then yelled that he had gas! Gavin picked him up to comfort him and he puked all over Gavin and it literally almost covered our kitchen floor. I spared the picture! He felt better after he vomited everywhere. He then got thrown into the tub for a wash down. Yuck! Poor baby! :(

We are all going to drive together now. We will drop Gavin off at school and then Gavin will drop me at Ochsner and then he goes to work about 6 minutes away. Then the same thing in reverse for the ride home.

Gavin II was crying hysterically because he did NOT want to take a nap - 5 seconds before this picture was taken...do ya think he was tired?!

I think we have entered the birthday party circuit - 2 parties in 2 weekends. I am SURE this is just the start. Now that he is in school, I am sure there will be one every time we turn around! This one was Nicholas Nuckle's birthday party - he turned 2 years old and had a Cars party (the movie). The space walk was a hit except when a kid ran by and accidentally unplugged the thing and it collapsed on Gavin II - and collapsed FAST. He freaked out! Daddy rescued him and a little pink lemonade made it all better!!

Today was the day! We dropped off Gavin at about 8:30. Gavin, me and my mom were there. Gavin left and went to work and me and my mom stayed. Gavin played in the play yard until about 9:30 or so. My mom and I stayed inside and gave him some space but someone still had to be there. I decided since I had worked that I would leave and my mom would stay. He was only going to stay until after lunch at 11:30. So, I told him that I was leaving and he said "Where are you going?" and then I lost it when I got inside! I stayed for a while longer and watched him - these are the pics from inside the school. My mom stayed and then left around 10:30 which the school wanted. She came back to pick him up at 11:30 before nap time. He did really well mom said. He really likes his teacher, Ms. Bonnie and the the other ladies who are in his room.

Tough day....I had my last night shift last night so I was already emotional. I got off work this morning for the last time on the peds unit and then I had to go watch my son grow up before my eyes. Oh Lord! I am going to start crying while I'm typing. Anyway, a lot of changes in the next few weeks....

Scott was in town Wednesday evening because he was leaving for his boys' trip on Thursday to New York. Mom fixed a roast and all the trimmins! It was yummy. The picture of my brother and my dad - they were watching Scott's footage of his superdome tour Wednesday afternoon. His friend Ryan's dad is a project manager for the renovation of the dome and took them on a hard hat tour of the place - scott videoed.

The picture of Gavin with his legs sticking out was just funny...

The picture of Gavin and all the Walker men in the hallway - they were encouraging Gavin II to pee pee on the potty - you can imagine the comments! Talk about pressure!!

Scott, I think I spotted the leprechaun that your TV station did the story about!

We went for our tour this morning...great school. We did not really have anything negative to say about it. The only worrisome point is that there is a table where the snack is "self-serving". They focus on "daily living tasks" and get the kids used to pouring their own juice and serving themselves. This will make a food-allergic child's parents crazy!! We figure, though, that it will not be any better anywhere else beacuse they all serve snacks.

He also has been officially withdrawn from John Calvin...:( We were really sad to do it but at least we get all the tuition back that we paid in full!!!

I am going to go on Friday for the phase-in period because I would not be able to go on Monday and I WANT to be there for his first day...we'll keep everyone posted and I will have pictures soon. Hopefully there won't be any of me bawling my eyes out - because TRUST me - it's gonna happen!

I am working my last 3 shifts tonight, tomorrow night and Thursday night. Crazy, huh?

Well, not really...we told Gavin that he could no longer where diapers during the day. It's only pull-ups with wetness liner in the day time. He can wear a diaper at night but that's all...we'll see how this works...

I figure that once he goes to "school" and sees the other kids using the potty, it may come quicker. I hope so! I know it will happen quickly once he gets it. Pull-ups are expensive - $10.99 for a small pack...I guess you're not supposed to change them as often as diapers, though, but we do!!!

We also bought a new 3-pack of "Cars" (the movie) underwear - he really likes them - I hope it's an incentive!

With my new job and both Gavin and I having 8-5 hours, we need to find a school for Gavin with the "all day" hours. John Calvin is a wonderful school but may not provide enough hours for Gavin to attend. We have found a school called Kinder Haus Montessori. It seems to be a really great school. They focus on "individual" work but also do teacher-led activities, sign language, spanish, outdoor activities..etc.

Gavin and I will be going to tour the school tomorrow. They have the availability to let him start next week when I start my new hours. He could be a pre-kindergartener next week!! AAAAHHH!!! I am so stressed! They have a required "phase in" period. The lady told me that an parent/grandparent stays with him and is basically "really boring" to the child. This way, we are there if he needs us but that's all - to help him adjust - we are not really supposed to interact with him. We have to stay until "he's happy".

I'll keep everyone posted on our decision! You can check it out at
www.kinderhausmontessori.com
The picture is from their site :)

Unfortunately I had to sleep this morning because I worked last night. Gavin was nice enough to pick me up this morning. Check out Gavin II's hair from right after he woke up. I had to take a picture. The sun is blocking part of it sticking up - it was so funny! Gavin said he fell asleep last night with wet hair and that was the result!

Gavin went to Elmwood to work out with his new Ipod. Gavin II and I shopped while he worked out. After that we went to Juju's and Pappy's where Juju grilled steaks and burgers with fresh green beans and pork & beans. Yum! Gavin had a nice steak! We wished Pappy a happy father's/grandfather's day and gave him his gifts.

Next we went over to Nana and Papa's and visited for a while with them. Papa was really happy to see Gavin II - he told Papa the present was from him - we let him take credit for it even though it was really from daddy.

Happy Father's Day!

Gavin deserves this day. He is just an outstanding father (and husband). Gavin II just adores him. Every morning, Gavin II wakes up and snuggles up with his daddy. They share so many common interests - one in particular - TRAINS! Gavin loved trains when he was little, too.

Gavin is the most thoughtful, considerate, loving person. He always sees the positives in people and that, to me, is such an admirable quality. He is an excellent role model for Gavin II.

Happy 3rd Father's Day, Gavin...we love you!!!

I got a phone call from Chrishelle around 2:40pm this afternoon. If you don't know already, she and Kirk are on their way to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. They had an 11am flight this AM. When I received a missed call at 2:30pm, I was confused. I got in touch with her and she said that the Houston airport was closed for bad weather. They sat on the plane for 2 hours and then sat in the airport for almost 2 hours. She said that they were finally allowing the diverted planes to start departing to Houston and was hoping that they would be on their way soon. They also got the news that if they missed the connecting flight to D.R. in Houston that they would have to fly to Newark and then on to Punta Cana. The flight would be 6 hours instead of 4! She was not happy. Her cell phone was turned off at 4:45 this afternoon so I assume they are on their way.

She said the bad luck started this AM. When they were waiting for their shuttle to the airport, they realized that they forgot their suitcase with all their diving gear - in Mandeville! Chrishelle's dad and sister were nice enough to go get it in Mandeville and bring it to the airport. Good thing since their trip was a diving trip!!!

Good Luck and have a great trip!! :)

Saturday was Gavin's cousin, Danielle's, 3rd birthday party. Her parents are Cindy and my cousin, Danny. They also revealed at the party that they are expecting Taix baby #2! Congrats!

The party was great fun but hot as all get out! They have a big pool but also had a baby pool. Gavin stayed in the baby pool. There was one little girl who got out the pool to talk to her grandma and then when she walked away, Gavin said she opened her legs and peed right there in the grass by the pool standing up. Gotta love kids, huh?

I didn't get a picture but Gavin took his first swats at a pinata and scored some candy!

The snowballs were from the famous Plum Street snowballs in uptown New Orleans - pretty cool - they were a hit!!

After Gavin II's dentist appointment (no cavities) and my doctor check-up yesterday, we attended the zoo's member celebration - zoobilation. There are behind the scenes tour of the animal exhibits and other cool things to do. It was a nice afternoon but HOT!! We even ran into Jennifer, Justin and Kate Mouledous!

After my appointment, Ochsner's Child Life Department held a book party with the Jefferson Parish Library. You signed kids up to read books over the summer. For Gavin's age, I signed him up for us to read to him (are you proud Sheri?). He got a free book, a cool frog hat (pictured), and he got to meet Boudreaux from the Zephyr's. He gave him 5 but that's about as close as he was getting. At first, he was terrified of him. Not that I can blame a 3-year-old for being scared of a 6 foot tall nutria!

For all who did not know, my older brother (and I do stress older), Scott turned 31 today! Have a great day Scott - Happy Birthday!

I accepted the job on Tuesday afternoon. Gavin and Gavin II surprised me with this precious flower arrangement when I got home from work. Gavin is really excited that we are going to have a normal family schedule. I am too! NO more sleeping during the day and then dragging the rest of the day after I wake up! I think this is going to prove to be a great move. I am a little burnt out on hospital bedside care nursing. Don't get me wrong - I love pediatrics but I could use a braek from giving chemo and running around like crazy for 12 hours. Kids are very fragile creatures when they are sick - and we get some SICK kids! I am looking forward to the clinic side of things. I feel like this position happened for a reason. I believe everything happens for a reason and everyone that knows me, knows that preach that all the time! Still unsure what we are doing with Gavin II. I am praying that we have a 'Scott and Jennifer' happening and something just falls into our lap - we are usually pretty lucky with things of this nature!

I received a call from HR today offering me the Allergy department RN position. They are offering about $2.50 per hour less than what I make now BUT I won't get "cancelled" working in the clinic. In the hospital, we can get cancelled any shift, any day. I am pretty much guaranteed my hours in clinic so I will make close to what I make now.

I am sure that I will accept but I wanted overnight to think it over ONE LAST TIME! Get all my thoughts straight before I tell my boss tomorrow. I will start my new schedule June 26th. New moves are always kinda scary. I know that I am making the right decision, though!

I am feeling incredible guilt and sadness about placing Gavin II somewhere with this new schedule. I have loved my time staying home with him and I hate that he will be somewhere all day without me. His allergy situation scares me being away from me and our "controlled" environment. I know, though, that I have to start to let go a bit. Chrishelle tells me to "cut the cord". She's right - just hard!!!!

This evening Gavin and I met for the NOLA USM Alum club at PJ's. It's a great group of people and we are planning lots of cool events for the year. Right now we have decided that on the third Wednesday of each month, we are having our "social" at Southport Hall in Jefferson on Monticello. Please let all USM alumni know and try to attend! There is also a crawfish boil in the works for July!

The website is www.nola.southernmissalumni.org - check it out!

Pictured is: Gavin, Todd Gremillion, Scott Hecker, Rad Lang, me, little G (future USM student and alum), Jessica Gremillion and Jennifer Lang

Today was Morgan's recital at Loyola. She is JUST adorable and a wonderful little dancer! I should say diva! She danced to "I Turn to You", "Boogie Shoes" and "Fantastic Voyage". She had quite the audience...her mom, kirk, grammy and grampy, her nanny Mallory, Jack, Maria, me, Gavin and Gavin II. Congrats Morgan on a job well done - enjoy your summer in NC!

The top picture is the only non-blurred pic that came out of Morgan. the last pic is of Yvette's sister, Meredith. She is to the right of the girl right in the front! Great job, Meredith!

All the boys from USM - all Sigma Chi boys....
Dave, Reeves, Brett, Gus, Paul and Gavin

I was so excited that we were able to see Gus! We have not seen him in so long. Gus went to USM with us and was a Sigma Chi with Gavin. He is one of our best friends and we just love him to death! He is like 6'5" - maybe taller. I come up to the middle of his chest with heels on! He moved to Virginia so we rarely see him. Paul (the groom) is his brother.

Lexie is the daughter of Brett Ladner and Laura. She is unbelievably cute. She has got the most rhythm of ANY child I have ever seen - especially any two year old! She is absoutely precious!! Gavin was completely smitten with her. They held hands together and danced all night! Laura stepped in and showed them how to slow dance - oh my god - so cute!! They slow danced for a really long time! Lexie, of course, appeared to be leading! Together they were just precious. For a while, they were the only ones on the dance floor and people were getting such a kick out of them. It was funny to watch!

After Gulfport, we headed over to Bay St. Louis for Paul and Ashley's wedding. It was at a Methodist church on Main Street and then the reception was at Our Lady of the Gulf Community Center. Both sites are near the Bay Bridge. It was really nice to see everyone. Paul and Ashley looked really happy! The two wedding sites appeared to be the only functioning facilities in the area. When we walked out of the reception it was pitch black. Thank God Gavin's headlights come on when you click the keychain so that we could find our truck. Yeah, it was that dark.

Pictures:
1. Paul and Ashley Necaise
2 & 4. The groom's cake
3. Lexie Ladner - SO cute!!!
5. The wedding cake - yes, it was about to fall over - the bride was not happy about it!