March 6, 2008

An update to how things are going with each member of the Roper Family:

Michael: He had an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon on Monday, and the doctor shook his head when he looked at his shoulder. He would love to perform surgery, however, when he laid out the recovery to Michael on what it would be to do surgery, Michael realized that it doesn't seem like an option right now. Surgery would mean 6-8 weeks of immobilization with a cast, plus 4-6 weeks after that of extensive rehab. He wouldn't be able to help Keri with the boys at all for at least 3 months, so not only would Keri have to do everything with the boys, but she would also have to help Michael out also since he'd have such a hard time doing things on his own. So right now surgery is not an option, and he is going to continue with his physical therapy. He is doing very well, however, compared to how he was 2 weeks ago.

Keri: She is officially IN her 30s. Keri celebrated her 32nd birthday on Wednesday. Patrick and Michael went to the store to get a few things, and Patrick wanted to buy a whole sheet cake, but Michael steered him towards apple turnovers instead (good choice!). So, they sang Happy Birthday to Keri on Wednesday morning with a candle in the birthday turnover. Patrick was so sweet! On Monday, Keri will have her first laser procedure for her varicose veins in her right leg, so Keri and Michael are going to the Chicago area for the entire weekend, and the boys will be staying in Grand Ridge for a mini-vacation. (Not quite a vacation for Terry and Gaylene!) Keri's excited and hopeful that the vein procedures will not only make her legs look better, but that they will become less achy and healthier.

Patrick: He had his first dentist appointment on Wednesday! He was fantastic! He got to feel all of the tools before they were used, and he laid back in the chair and let everyone work in his mouth like it happens all the time. He was very proud of himself for getting "big boy toothpaste", and he just loved the bubblegum flavor that the dental hygeniest used. The dentist saw no concerns, so we won't need to take him back until September.

Jonah: He had his 9-month check-up on Monday, and he is finally on the growth chart! He has been WAY above the weight limit for so long, but he is now only the 90%! He weighed 24 lbs, 4 oz, and he was 29" tall (only 75%). His ears looked better than they ever have, so the doctor was very happy about that. The only thing that we need to watch is that he really isn't babbling yet, and the doctor would like him to be by now. Dr. Emm said that it's probably because he's had one ear infection after another since he was 3-months-old. He does a lot of grunting and he'll even have a grunting conversation with you, but isn't saying, "mamamama, dadada, or bababa" yet. So, if he doesn't say these in another month, we'll be going to the Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. So, whenever people are talking to him right now, we're all saying Bababababa or something like that and probably sound like a lunatic! (Jonah happens to find it pretty amusing.)

So that's about it for us. We hope that you are all doing well. Keep in touch.
Love - Michael, Keri, Patrick, Jonah, and Jake