Mateo Health Update

So, this is the final of three posts today, because it has been so long since we have written any updates. That's because we have been battling health issues at our house for the past couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago we found out that Mateo had a positive test for Tuberculosis...turns out that he doesn't have active TB, but he was exposed to TB while in Guatemala, and they want to start him on some prophylactic treatment to prevent him from getting it. The treatment protocol is elaborate, with daily pills crushed in food, frequent weight checks to adjust the medication dosage based on his weight, and monthly lab draws to make sure the medication isn't hurting his liver. Good news is he is not infectious and can't give it to anyone. Bad news is, we will be treating him for the next 9 months to make sure he doesn't get an infection outbreak.

But, in order to be able to give him his medication for TB, he has to be able to keep food down, and for the last 6 days, he has had vomiting & diarrhea in various intervals. Needless to say, we went to the ER on Thanksgiving day only to be sent home to keep him hydrated orally. Well yesterday, it was clear that he wasn't intaking enough liquid, so we went back to the ER last night for an IV. It took about 40 minutes of crying (shrieking really) for them to get the IV in him, but man, saline is the wonder drug. He slept for the next 3 hours while he was getting fluids, then came home and slept all night...a first in almost a week. He's still filling diapers today, but we think (have our fingers crossed) that it is thickening up. I have to admit, there was no training for having to hold your baby down while they work on him, and who would have ever imagined I would hope for just poop in his diaper!

Things seem to be on the healing direction...we'll let you know if anything else monumental occurs. Hope you are happy and healthy...we have newfound appreciation for that phrase this week.

Love from Oregon, Sarah & Matt & Mateo

Cousin Time

The boys sure love each other...we had a great time at Aunt Rachel & Uncle John's...Mateo practiced giving suave (Spanish for Gentle) loves to Baby Nathan. And he tried hard to hold still when Cousin Lukas wanted to give him loves. Rachel and I baked lots of cookies nad made chocolate covered pretzels...we always find time in the kitchen to be therapeutic.

The trip was also wild because while Mateo and I were waiting in line to pre-board the plane in the Portland Airport, we ran into my Uncle Fred (Cathy's brother-in-law) who was on his way home from a business trip. So Fred sait next to us and took pity on my arms by bouncing Mateo all the way to Boise. The trip home was less eventful, but my arms were sure more tired when we arrived! I still haven't gotten used to packing around 25+ pounds of baby!!

Mateo celebrates Cole's birthday at Book Club

We had a great time in Boise 2 weeks ago...we went for book club and to celebrate Cole's birthday...he turned 5 last weekend. Mateo showed off his nerdy geek laugh when Natalie tickled him. Mateo and Cole are good buddies! What a great celebration for Cole...first books at book club...then on Saturday, Mateo stayed with Aunt Rachel so that Lukas and Sarah could go to Cole's party at the Discovery Center. It was fun...all the boys got to make "snot" to take home. We are so lucky to have good friends...we miss Boise!

Fun with Friends

We had so much fun with our friends Dan & Kristi this weekend...we didn't do much, mostly hanging around the house watching Mateo, playing some games, and eating way too much. We are constantly amazed at the new and different stuff that he does...like this week he clapped his hands for the first time over and over again. Yesterday, he crawled up and down the 2 carpeted stairs in our living room without falling...of course, he made up for that by falling today. But he's fine...scared mom more than it hurt him.

Dan & Kristi were gracious enough to watch Mateo while we went to marriage group...first time we have left him with a babysitter when one of us wasn't around the house doing something else. Of course, he loved hanging out with them...and vice versa, and he was sleeping ever so peacefully in Dan's arms when we got home about 10PM. We are so excited about his connection with them...and we can't wait to spend many more weekends with them out exploring the world.

After we dropped Dan & Kristi off at the airport, we had dinner with our friends Diana & Francie...it was great food and just a plain good time catching up with them. They have been so patient in waiting to meet Mateo, and they bought him the most precious rainbow colored jacket...it is beautiful!

Mom's back to an almost full-time work week this week...looking forward to developing a routine again. Matt's praying for some sunshine mid-week so he can finish the deck and stop having to work on the outside projects.

Here's to hoping you have a good week...love, the Millers

Halloween fun

We had a good time at MamaNona's giving out Halloween candy...we gave out about 175 full size candy bars. Mateo was the center of attention in his bumblebee outfit thanks to Sarah's friend Shannon from Boise. Earlier in the day, Mateo was the star of a reception at Mom's work...he wanted nothing to do with the women Mom works with...but he was climbing all over the scary server and mainframe guys. And they all loved the Halloween cookies that Mom made as treats.

Now are best friends, Dan & Kristi Rose, from Salt Lake City are visiting us...we always have a great with them...and this weekend is no exception...Mateo is especially fond of Padrino Dan...and he is warming up to Padrina Kristi slowly but surely.

More pictures soon...Sarah & Matt & Mateo