This is what you look like after school on St. Paddy's Day 2010: just precious.


My three handsome green fellas.


I like this picture of your daddy and your little brother. Do you?


All righty then. This is what happens when it's mommy's turn to have pictures taken with her boys. Suddenly, the camera isn't so interesting.


Do you know what a 'mama's boy" is, Tommy? Well, I think you 'n Joe are two uvem!


This is what Joey and I did whilst you were in schoolo. Open gym, baby, for babies! You can go when schoolo gets out. You'll love it! I think.


This is the bus that comes to get you in the morning. I took it through the window, because if I didn't, you'd be really upset and would probably cry all the way to schoolo.

Posted by Mommy at 02:33 PM | Permalink

Tommy! Tommy! I got pictures of you today with hardly a struggle! Amen! Praise the Lord! And look how proud you are of your fossils. Today you turned 33 (months).


You are such a big boy goin' to schoolo 'n all!


You made this all by your self (and with Teachers L, A, and J--hehehe)


Joey thinks he's a dinosaur.


This is Joey looking for treasures.

Posted by Mommy at 10:13 PM | Permalink

My little sweet potatolove, Teacher Linda sent these great pics of your fingerpainting session from last week.

Oh, uh, how come you ain't comin' after their camera like ya come after mine? Just wonderin', punkin. Is it 'cos you're busy finger paintin' er somethin'?

Posted by Mommy at 06:40 PM | Permalink

Well, my little prince, you are in schoolo right now. It has been very very very difficult to get any new pictures of you due to your wanting to play with the camera. It's not your fault but you do have an obsessive personality. Having such an attribute can be a very good thing for whatever God wants you to ultimately do with your life, so I'm not criticizing you my any means. It just makes for extremely difficult photo sessions. When I put the camera away, you pretty much freak out and don't stop freaking out for a long time. So that I don't miss a beat of your little life, I've been sneaking videos with the ipod nano (which looks like a Skor candy bar and you don't know what a Skor bar is yet). Still, life is too crazy for me to have time to upload them on demand. Perhaps I'll get some still shots of you while you are sleeping tonight. I am writing this for you but also for your fans out there who get sad when there's no new pics of you and Brudder Joe.

Oh, while you were at schoolo today, Joe figured out how to climb the pub table. He rolls the kneeling chair to the pub chair, climbs the kneeling chair and then the pub chair and then up to the table. You never did any of this, so it's new to Daddy and me. He's very fast, and I'm a nervous wreck. Be nice to Teacher Linda if you can read this!

Posted by Mommy at 01:31 PM | Permalink

This is you after getting home from school. Do you want to be an investigative reporter?


Ah, there's your happy face! I saw an Olympian with a similar hat and found this one for you so that the sun won't bother your little eyes so much.

Posted by Mommy at 12:54 PM | Permalink

Gramma V. wanted to see your classroom and meet your teacher, so we did that today. She was very happy to see where you are learning and now she has a picture of it in her head so when she thinks of you at schoolo, she knows what it looks like. She thought Teacher Linda was pretty cool, too. She is, huh?

Posted by Mommy at 07:21 PM | Permalink

This is your new favorite thing in the whole wo0rld: Mixed Doubles Luge

Posted by Mommy at 02:33 PM | Permalink

...to trike outside.

Posted by Mommy at 11:54 AM | Permalink

This is you and your brother out for a quick ride to see the snow and ice and to tire you before naps. You look tired to me, but it took four more hours to actually get your eyes and brain to relax enough to reach REM.


These are some icicles growing off our neighbors' building. Don't they look totally tubular and scary? They fall off readily in the afternoon, so we have to be really careful not to stick our heads out the windows. I know, I'm no fun.


These are your awesome curls sticking out of your awesome hat, which is, of course, perched atop your awesome head.


This is our back alley a couple days after a couple major snowfalls. I get claustrophic driving down this alley these days.


Oh, and this is the walkway between our place and the next-door-neighbors' place. The snowblower boys gave up on it after awhile.

Posted by Mommy at 03:23 PM | Permalink

This is one of your gifts, Tom. I don't know anyone else who can play the piano in this position! This photo would explain, though, why I am a nervous wreck of a mom most of the time. Meanwhile back at the Hall of Justice, it's snowin' cats and dogs outside. White ones. And the lights they are a-flickerin'.

Posted by Mommy at 04:21 PM | Permalink

This is one of your favorite activities--opening and closing the pantry doors. Notice there's no food on the first three shelves. You and Joe love to take everything out and spew it about the house. Doesn't Joe look like he could star in a Charlie Brown special? I love your plaid PJs!

Posted by Mommy at 02:24 PM | Permalink

You two boys are slowly mending. I still dunno that you'll make it back to schoolo on Monday, though. Pray, kid, pray! They say they really miss you. And I know you really miss them!

Posted by Mommy at 06:29 PM | Permalink

If we would let you, you'd carry this guitar (or is it a cello?) around with you all day and it would be like your Linus blanket. An uncomfortable one but one nonetheless. Say, today is your Uncle Pauly's birthday. Did you want to call him and play "Happy Birthday to You" for him?

Posted by Mommy at 09:59 PM | Permalink

This is you coming after the camera. Lately your plog only has recent photos of dear ham brother Joe. This is my desperate attempt at getting one of you. Tonight we walked up to Mass, you and me. When we got home I realized I'd dressed you in your little brother's (newish) clothes. At first I couldn't figure out why your sleeves came almost up to your elbow and seriously thought it might be the latest boy style. Not the sharpest knife in the block, am I.

Posted by Mommy at 08:12 PM | Permalink

You are officially obsessed with the camera (you take after your godfather Tom indeed), and this is the result of my giving up, giving in. This is your first shot.


And your second.


You get better with each one--here's your third...

Posted by Mommy at 03:00 PM | Permalink

I think you're cute even when you're mad at me for not letting you toss the Rebel around the house. Oh, that's Uncle Evan in the background wishing you'd just stack blocks with him. No, you're a photographer, a real artiste. All you want to do is create, create, create. Oh, Bruno.


Joe's not as obsessed with the camera; this is him with Uncle Evan.

Posted by Mommy at 08:27 PM | Permalink

Your aunt and uncle and grandparents v. sent a bundle of clothes to you and your bro for Christmas and today they arrived. These are my favorite--your golf pants and bright shirt. And it appears that Phyllis would like to be your happy caddy.

Posted by Mommy at 05:03 PM | Permalink

Poor Joey was so hungry and tired and his ears cold since his hat wouldn't stay on and his gloves...


Ah, and here he is happy after a hot-buttered rumja.

Posted by Mommy at 11:24 PM | Permalink

Posted by Mommy at 09:03 PM | Permalink

Well done. You love the adult-sized fork and not the "baby fork" that your brother uses.


You loooooove olive fingers!


Gobble, gobble. We just wanna gobble you up!

Posted by Mommy at 08:57 PM | Permalink

This is your new school. Your first day will be Monday, November 23.


This is the playground at your school. I've never seen such a playground at a school. Whatever happened to basketball hoops and hopscotch? I'll explain later.


This is Teacher Linda. She will be your new girlfriend, I'm sure.


This is Teacher Jason; I'm sure you two will be great pals.


This is Teacher Alma. She's very cool.


This is Teacher Anita; she is a speech therapist and will teach you to talk to me.


Oh, and this is, well, your cute brother Sir Joseph.

Posted by Mommy at 09:29 PM | Permalink

...a two-man crew...side by side you're unified and you will always be together. Thick or thin, sink or swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim, you're the best of buddies, you and Jane!
This is you and your pal, Miss Jane, your occupational therapist who visits us on Tuesdays.


But this is your last Tuesday with her, as you will start schoolo full time on Monday. No more PJ's whilst learning!

Posted by Mommy at 03:20 PM | Permalink

This is my view of you on your trike. You are still sick, but we thought you might like some 70-degree fresh air, hence your being outside on your trike whilst you're sick.

Posted by Mommy at 11:23 PM | Permalink

Miss Fran taught you how to rake her leaves.


I guess you were a raker for Halloween.


Yes, that's it! A raker.


Joey watched intensly.




That's enough of that.

Posted by Mommy at 07:51 PM | Permalink

Here you are working away.

Posted by Mommy at 03:01 PM | Permalink

Here you are swingin' with your pals, G and B.

Posted by Mommy at 11:31 PM | Permalink

You are NOT texting in this picture. No, we didn't corrupt you at such a tender age. No, we're not bad parents. You are just studying the numbers on the key pad. And maybe the letters, too. I dunno, but you are NOT texting.


Or maybe you are, you sly dog you!

Posted by Mommy at 10:47 PM | Permalink

These are a few of your favorite things at the moment:

TOY: pint-sized broom
MUSIC: U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps & everything WETA plays
FOOD: Rotini pasta with pesto and kielbasa
DRINK: Orange juice diluted 50/50 with H2O
WMAL SHOW: Mark Levin who's "deep in the bowels of a hidden bunker somewhere under the brick and steel of a non descript location..."
BOOK: It's Time To Go To Sleep, My Love
ICON: Christ the Pantocrator
TV SHOW: You don't watch TV; you're too pure for that garbage.

Posted by Mommy at 11:13 PM | Permalink

The latest Radio Flyer to join the G family: the tricycle.

You seem to love your new machine. Incidentally, that bruise on your forehead is from Thursday's fall into the corner of the dining chair--ouch!



Joey looooooooooooooves your new trike.



I just love you.



And this little guy looks so cute walkin' around. I never have the camera when he's really walkin'. Hilarious!

Posted by Mommy at 08:07 PM | Permalink

Tommy,
You went to the emergency room one month ago today and ended up staying in the hospital four days. Yesterday, we went to see your neurologist who told us you are "back to normal". No worrying allowed:-).

Posted by Mommy at 09:24 PM | Permalink

Some day you might just smile for the camera again. No, it's not that you're sadder than ever, it's just that you're more obsessed with the snapping black camera than ever. At least I have a picture of you with chocolate all over your face (both birthdays you weren't interested in cake or ice cream, eh).

Posted by Mommy at 10:52 PM | Permalink

Tommy, I know it's hard to believe, but you have your very first runny nose and cough ever of all your whole 25.5 months. You've always been uber healthy, so we your parents were shocked ourselves when you had to go to the hospital.

Posted by Mommy at 08:45 AM | Permalink

Well, Sir Thomas, we may never really know exactly what made you have to be hospitalized. The doctors suspect that you had a virus at the same time you had a bad ear infection which caused you to not be able to walk. They were worried that your ear infection jumped the bridge into your brain, so that is why you had to go through all those tests. The blood doctor was going to draw more blood from you yesterday to check viruses, but your little brother saved the day by getting sick himself! Since you are getting better, he said you don't have to come in. If you get bad again, we'll have to go, so keep praying, kiddo!

Incidentally, this is what your brudder looks like when he's sick. Of course, he's with his cousin Mary, so who wouldn't be happy! More on your health below...

One of the big concerns while you were in the hospital was the low number of neutrophils in your white blood cells. You were very neutropenic. There are several causes of neutropenia, but they believe yours was caused by a viral infection.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FROM WIKIPEDIA:

There are three general guidelines used to classify the severity of neutropenia based on the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) measured in cells per microliter of blood:[1]

Mild neutropenia (1000 <= ANC < 1500) — minimal risk of infection
Moderate neutropenia (500 <= ANC < 1000) — moderate risk of infection
Severe neutropenia (ANC < 500) — severe risk of infection.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

When you arrived at the hospital on the 12th, your neutrophils were 184.
On the 14th -- 540
On the 15th -- <500

They let you out because they could see that they were on the rise.

When you got another fever on Friday the 17th, your neutrophils were 2200. This is why you did not have to go live in that room again and wear that yellow robe. And this is why we're becoming less worried.

There were (are) so many people prayed for you that I believe it is safe to say that "All Thanks Be to God" is in order. He is the greatest healer and He gave all those wonderful doctors, nurses, technicians we met every ounce of their talent. Yes, sir, and then He put them right in your path. And so that is why you hear your mother saying, "Alleluiah! Alleluiah!"

Posted by Mommy at 10:30 PM | Permalink

All righty then, Tommy, your wittle brudder woke up this morning with a fever and a-wheezin'. We're all a bunch of sickos. We're supposed to be up at Beebe Pond in Vermont with your GrandGodmother, Lin, but we're at home mending instead.

Posted by Mommy at 03:25 PM | Permalink

Tommy,
We are pretty sure your fever broke for good. You are so lethargic. But happy. You just finished splashing in the tub and are en route to Napville. Sweet dreams.

When you were in the hospital, the nurses and support staff used bubbles to (try to) distract you when they, for example, drew your blood. They gave you the rest of the bottle to bring home. Yesterday, I got it out and started to unscrew the cap when you totally wigged out. I'm sorry you had to go to the hospital, little one. I'm sorry if you felt betrayed by all those happy, friendly, bubble-blowing faces. I'm especially sorry that it must have seemed your own parents betrayed you:'-(.

Posted by Mommy at 02:30 PM | Permalink

Tommy,
You woke up with your fever but are happy and playing around, so we're pretty sure you're on the mend. Have I ever mentioned what a little trooper you are? You are.
Love,
Mum

Posted by Mommy at 09:46 AM | Permalink

TommyBoy,
We just had a little scare at about 1:30 p.m. when you woke up with a 102-degree fever. The docs at the hx told us to rush you to the ER if you got another fever, because they'd have to get you on antibiotics right away due to your low white blood cell count. We talked to your pediatrician who had us zip into his office first. He drew your blood himself and an hour later we learnt that your white blood count and your platelets looked better than they even did at your well-child visit in June! This means that you will not have to go back to that hospital and sleep in that crib and wear that yellow gown and get poked in the you know everywhere and eat that food and have an IV and and and. Not this weekend, anyway. Phew! I hope your friends are still praying for you! We're praying for them!!!!!!!!!!!!! XOXO, MamaLaura

Posted by Mommy at 03:46 PM | Permalink

Sir Thomas,
You feel pretty lousy today. We're still praying for you. Fr. Drummond is back and said he'd include you in the prayer intentions at all the Masses this weekend. Love, Mum

Posted by Mommy at 12:37 PM | Permalink

Tommy,
You're doing well on your first day home. Of course, you are a bit tired, but you are back to sweeping, reading, and bonking your brother in the head with whatever's in your hands. Right now you're takin' a snooze with your cousin Mary. I'm so happy you're home. My tummy doesn't hurt anymore. Mum

Everyone’s so happy that you’re getting better. This is your only Boy Cousin, Ryan.

The docs noticed how incredibly limber you are. Is it true? Your neurologist told us to get you in gymnastics when the time is right. Limber babies, he said, sometimes have a difficult time with coordination.

This is you with your #1 Uncle.

With cute Cousin Mary

Your little brother is quite happy you’re home, too. He liked the hospital, but he likes it better at home, too (he gets attention here, eh)!

Posted by Mommy at 01:29 PM | Permalink

My sweet Tommy "Horshack" Bruno,
You are home, my prince. And you hyper-horshack-ventilated all the way out of that huge hospital and smiled all the way home! And ever since we got home you've been hyperventilating with excitement! Uncle Jimmy, Auntie Karen, Ryan and Mary are here too. They cut their time in Williamsburg short just to be with you. You are a neutropenic child of God, so we have to watch you carefully and make sure you don't get any fevers or other bad things 'cos if you do we have to go back to that place in Falls Church--the hospital! We still don't have a diagnosis. In a week or so we could know if you had a virus of sorts. All we know is that you're safe at home. I think the docs and nurses didn't really want to discharge you, because I think they fell in love with you. Anyhoodles, no kissin' any girls but me! We have so many people to thank for all the prayers and support. Let's pray for them now!

Look at that--everything's back to normal. You've got your tools to wear, your vacuum cleaner to hug, and your happy little brother to sit'upon.

And you've got your pal Curious George to entertain you.

Posted by Mommy at 10:13 PM | Permalink

My sweet baby,
You are done with your spinal tap and your hearing test. We don't know the results of the meningitis test yet, but we do know that the fluid in your brain looks clear as Crater Lake which is fantabulous! The fluid in your spine looks great too! Your hearing test results said that you hear perfectly. You are our sweet little enigma. Praise the Lord!

Posted by Mommy at 02:03 PM | Permalink

Well, your platelets have stablized and are in the low range of normal, so you will be sedated around 10:30 and immediately have your lumbar puncture (nice words for spinal tap). Your white blood cell count has also improved but not significantly (well, low range of normal is 1000 and yours was 180 on Sunday and 540 on Tuesday so it's good but not where they want to see you just yet). Your rash is completely gone this morning. We think it was just a little side effect of the first antibiotics you were on. We'll take all the good news we can get, eh.

Posted by Mommy at 09:47 AM | Permalink

Tommy,
I can hardly stand not sleeping a room away from you, so I come home these nights and look at pictures of you. I don’t think that’s weird. Gramma VH was wondering why you look so serious in your photos of late. I reminded her that you've become obsessed with the camera and want to handle it like no one's business. You're on a quest. These are some I took of you today:

Look at that—you’re standing without any support! Nice shoes, cutie!

Joey loves the hospital. Actually, Joey loves everything. He never stops smiling, especially when he’s with you. He literally looks up to you and he figuratively looks up to you.

I wonder if this is what you’ll look like if you have senior pictures taken.

You know how Daddy and I are sometimes talking about mirror neurons? I think this is yours at work. Whenever I flip the camera up, you tilt your head with it. I bet some people think you’re just being cute, but I know that you’re much deeper than that.

Jeremy is the only person who’s going to bug you tonight and it’s only to take your vitals. No more phlebotomists will be pricking your fingers for blood in the middle of your sleeps. If your blood looks good, you will be put to sleep at 10:30a EDT and your lumbar puncture will follow shortly and then your audiological exam. Get your rest, sweetie.

Posted by Mommy at 10:24 PM | Permalink

Dear Tommy,
It's been a quiet day here in the little old hospital. You will have your hearing test tomorrow when you are knocked out for your whatchacall (spinal tap). Your EEG was canceled yesterday, on account of the neurologist was able to rule out seizures without it. All you had to do today was have your blood drawn (twice because they couldn't get enough the first time.) You really are a big trooper. I suppose we'll know in the morning if your platelets are up enoiugh for the lumbar puncture. Your gait is much improved. Many neurology medical students came in to observe you this afternoon. The last time you saw the professor, you were not doing well, so she was quite encouraged when she met your smily, engaging, ambulatory self. You are going to be finer than fine, my featherless fun friar of a son. Sweet dreams, Mom.

Posted by Mommy at 06:48 PM | Permalink

Sir Thomas,
You woke up cheerful this morning. Your gait is about Tommy-normal! That is very good. The nurses let you visit their station and play with all the computers, so now the entire INOVA hospital system's Internet is down. Just kiddin'.

We have been concerned about your clumsy gait for a while now, but the neurologist thinks that the part of your brain that helps you with that just hasn’t developed completely. That’s something the MRI told him. He’s seen it is many kids with clumsiness and said that it often develops eventually and they get better. He also thinks that your infection aggravated it causing you utter imbalance.

The phlebotomist will be in soon to draw blood and see if your platelets look better today. They suspect you are better and will be able to check for meningitis. The earliest you can get your anesthetics, though, is tomorrow morning at 10:30, but we should know by noon Wednesday the results of your spinal tap. Got it? Get it? Good.

Your hearing test is at 1:00.

At least one more night in the hospital.

Posted by Mommy at 10:03 AM | Permalink

Child of God,
I had to leave you again sleeping in the hospital with Daddy. You were really upset tonight. I think you're fed up with hospital food, OK, and the IVs and blood pricks probably bug you even more. I'm offering up all my tummy aches for you to get better. You wouldn't believe all the things I'm hearing from the people out there who love you so much. You might feel lonely at times, but so many people are constantly thinking about you. I hope and pray that you always have your faith, little one. It is the greatest gift a human can have. God will take care of you. And all of us. Tomorrow they'll have to draw blood like they did this morning to see if you're looking any better. An audiologist will check out your ears, too. I'm praying for some sort of miracle that makes the doctors say, "He doesn't need a spinal tap." Of course, we need to know you don't have meningitis. I hope that by the time you read this, you're bored with it and want to go toss the football with your friends. Nightie Night.

Posted by Mommy at 12:07 AM | Permalink

Hi again, Tommy T-Brew--
The results are in and your MRI was negative, which means that you have no tumors and no significant problems. The doctors were very encouraged, so we are too. It could be that you had a viral infection at the same time you had an ear infection which has caused you to be unable to walk more than a couple steps. EEG is tomorrow to be sure you didn't have a seizure. Looks like you'll have to have that lumbar puncture (spinal tap), too--waaaaaaa!

Posted by Mommy at 05:48 PM | Permalink

T-Brew,
You had a "textbook" experience with the MRI although you woke up happy (the nurse warned that you'd probably wake up grumpy and said that a lot of little ones have temper tantrums). I bet you had some good dreams, yes? We don't know what the MRI recorded just yet. EEG next.

Posted by Mommy at 05:35 PM | Permalink

Dearest Tommy,
You are under anesthetics now. They put you to sleep so that you can have your MRI. I don't want to think about it, so I'm writing you a note instead. And looking at your pictures. We'll have some answers when this is done. The occupational therapist came and got you so that you could "play". You had fun stacking blocks and then you took a child-sized chair and pushed it out the door and into the main hallway with your little IV trailing behind. Docs and nurses had to get out of the way--just like the sidewalk at home--beep beep! You're still unsteady, but your walking is a tiny bit better. We'll take any good news! They can't rule out meningitis until you're healthy enough for a spinal tap. That scares me a lots.
Mum

Posted by Mommy at 03:42 PM | Permalink

Tommy,
I'm going to thank all the people who are and have been praying for you. I think a lot of them eavesdrop on your little baby diary here, anyway. Did you know that you have bishops and priests and Cathoics and Protestants and Protestant ministers and Jews and Muslims and Buddhists and agnostics from all over the US and Rome and England and Spain praying for you? That's pretty good, eh. God hears them all! And your daddy and I appreciate them so much. Their support right now is a big part of our keeping up the chins. The evil one wants us to despair, but NO, in Jesus' name, we won't!

Posted by Mommy at 01:31 PM | Permalink

Punkin,
The neurologists today have said that things are pointing them toward thinking this is an inner ear issue. Praised be the Lord! BUT they still do not know if some of your infection has gone into your brain's fluid. The only way for them to know is through a spinal tap. You're platelets are low, so they will not be able to do one until you've improved. You are such a trooper and Mommy and Daddy are sick to their stomachs.

Posted by Mommy at 12:00 PM | Permalink

Dearest Tommy,
You will have your MRI later today. I am still at home taking care of little Joey. My little sister, your Auntie Karen, is down in Williamsburg on vacation and may be heading up to take care of your little brother so that I can come see you hands-free. I seem to be a little sick with worry of your well being. You are hooked up to the IV machine, and Daddy says you are in a "chipper" mood. What else is new? Becky's coming over to play with Joey so that I can take a shower and be to you soon! I love you.

Posted by Mommy at 09:16 AM | Permalink

Dear Tommy,
You are in the hospital tonight with Daddy, and I am at home taking care of your little brother. He needs a bath. His hair smells like maple syrup, but it shouldn't smell like maple syrup. It is very mysterious. This is our first night apart ever. It is so strange not to have you near me when you sleep. I don't like it, but I know you are in good hands. There are so many doctors trying to unravel the mystery of the inner you. We still do not know why your legs aren't working, but we do know that your ear infection is improving. You had a CT scan and what it told us is that you don't have any obvious tumors. Probably in the middle of the night you will have an MRI and they'll be able to see much more of your beautiful noggin. For some reason your white blood count is low, so they didn't feel it wise to give you a spinal tap. Tomorrow they'll recheck your blood to see if it's safe. Pretty much, kiddo, they're going to be ruling out everything under the sun. You'll be quite ready to come home when they say "Go home!"

By the way, good thing you're wearing a diaper (them thar hospital gowns don't fit anyone!):

When they take your temperature under your arm, you cry loudly. When they stick needles into your arms for blood or IVs, you don't flinch, O, mysterious one.

You were very upset when the docs were talking to us. We couldn't really hear over your screaming. Classical WETA was the cure. Daddy says you fell asleep to it, too! This is what you looked like when Joey and I finally left. That's why I'm pretty happy right now:

I don't know if you're too little, but maybe you could offer up some of your suffering for the repose of the soul of the man who shot himself to death in the ER parking lot right after we were admitted :'-(. So many people are suffering and don't know how loved they are no matter their problems. I hope you are always a light to those people, Tommy Bruno.

Posted by Mommy at 11:55 PM | Permalink

You can barely walk without falling over, so we're taking you to the ER. It'll be OK.

Posted by Mommy at 10:30 AM | Permalink

Tommy, yesterday I took you to the doctor, because I thought you might have an ear infection. I've been very concerned about your "tipsy gait" for some time but every time I took you in, the doctor wasn't concerned. This time we got a different doctor, and he's really concerned. He's ordered you to have special doctors look at your head with fancy tools. Next week you will have to take some medicine that will make you sleep through the whole "photo session" and that makes Daddy and I nervous. We have lots of people praying for you, though, so you need not worry. Many angels and saints will be right there with you, not to mention God Himself. We're going to get to the bottom of all this, kiddo.

Posted by Mommy at 12:58 PM | Permalink

This is what you and your brother look like when you're waiting for Aunite Karen and Uncle Jim and Cousins Ryan and Mary to get here.

Posted by Mommy at 08:23 PM | Permalink

We went to the botanical garden today and saw:

Mr. Turtle swimming with the geese.

A butterfly.

A fake dragonfly.

Some sand.

A lady named Johnette Deere.

Posted by Mommy at 05:18 PM | Permalink

Well, today is the 2nd anniversary of the day you were baptised. You share this day, as you know, with St. John the Baptizer. Now, when you look back at these photos, I don't want you to think that you were suddenly an unhappy lad. You weren't. You aren't. It's just that you are suddenly obsessed with the camera and when I start snappin' away, all you want is to grab the camera and examine it. I guess the smiles will just have to wait. You took a 3.5 hour snooze today, so I'm smiling plenty--thanks!

Posted by Mommy at 09:41 PM | Permalink

Since everything's Made in China, or Hecho en China, our kitchen gadgets die early and often. It appears we will not have to buy you that fake kitchen at Costco, because you already have a Magic Chef microwave and a Cuisinart coffee maker for your playroom. I doubt many of your friends have stainless steel in theirs!


Spatula City right in our own house!


And coming soon: The Ladle Emporium

Posted by Mommy at 09:06 PM | Permalink

Below is what you look like when studying the Mt. Calvary image on the cover of the Magnificat. You love Jesus a lot!





Today you had a little conversation with this icon. I do not know what language you were speaking. You were giggling a lot, too.

Posted by Mommy at 08:57 PM | Permalink

This is how much you and your brudder want to help me. I really appeciate it, too. Notice all the different mats--themz to you know bust your head on the tile!

Posted by Mommy at 12:39 PM | Permalink

This is your funny brother trying to climb the stairs. He watches you and tries to imitate. You are the pioneer of the family, don't forget it.

And this is you not caring but reading a book. Are you going to be one of those fellows who runs into lightpoles because you're reading on your way to the bus stop?

Posted by Mommy at 09:36 PM | Permalink

Yo, dis is your new Irish shirt to replace anything Fighting Irish. Your Gramma G. brought it to you from Timbuktu.

Posted by Mommy at 09:21 PM | Permalink

This is what Joey looks like next to your foot and your gramma's foot. She went home tonight:'-(.

You and Joey read a lot of books tonight.

After you went to eat, Joey climbed into the bookcase to get more...

You showed him how to read about Eyewitnesses of D-Day (your new book)...

...and he read. You're a good teacher.

Oh, and just in case you can't remember, these are your brother's chubby buns 'n things.

Posted by Mommy at 11:36 PM | Permalink

Happy Flag Day, Tommy! We went to Arlington National Cemetery with Gramma G. tonight. This is where many of our country’s distinguished leaders and servants are buried. We came here to give them honor, to thank them, and to pray for them.

We’ve passed this cemetery many times but have never walked the grounds till now. It looks like the tombstones are a real curiosity to you and brother Joseph.

You and Daddy.

Joey getting ready to go.

I just liked the light in this picture. If your Godfather is looking at this, tell him these pictures were not taken with the Rebel but with the camcorder—not bad, eh!

Posted by Mommy at 11:56 PM | Permalink

Well, since you were born at 11:35 p.m. PDT, that means you were born at 2:35 a.m. EDT, which means that today is your East Coast birthday and so we celebrate again wearing your new Bruno's Tee that Becky and George gave you last night!

This is your makeshift lawn mower.

And here is Gramma G. and Brother J. laughing out loud!

Posted by Mommy at 09:31 PM | Permalink

You and Gramma G. who came all the way from Vancouver to see you turn 2 and even had to spend the night at O'Hare due to our incredible lightening storm.

You are such a joy, Mr. Tommy. I love you. P.S. This shirt was given to you by the Lakes:-)!

Posted by Mommy at 10:55 PM | Permalink

Grampa G. picked this nifty bike horn out just for you. He knew you'd love it, and you sure did!

He also got this dinger-ma-jig which you were also quite excited to receive! We'll put it on your Radio Flyer and you can honk 'n ding at all the neighbors!

Posted by Mommy at 10:46 PM | Permalink

Your favorite neighbors came over for cupcakes!

We are very simple birthday partiers, esp. since you dun't really care much about cake and attention.

Here you are getting a little tired but with your buddy Mr. George.

You and Miss Fran.

Miss Sema and Miss Becky totally cracking up your baby brudder.

Cutie Pies Miss Becky and Mr. Joe.

This Benedict icon was mailed to you from New York by your Godparents. Naturally, you fell in love with the images on the cross. Look atcha!

Posted by Mommy at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Your brother and I are in this picture, too, but our weird expressions got a croppin'. I love your little smile, so I couldn't just toss this one into the garbage. You're holding your latest favorite toy--the centipede. And of course good Bishop Nicholas is watching to see if you're bein' naughty or nice. Yes, from the knotty-pine room.

Posted by Mommy at 10:40 PM | Permalink

This is you, like, totally coming after the camera.

This is Joey, like, totally standing on the tabular table. And if you click here you'll see a one second clip of you talking to Sister Mary IntheChoir.

Posted by Mommy at 07:36 PM | Permalink

Really you fell on the closet door. No tears.

Posted by Mommy at 04:04 PM | Permalink

This is you on your daddy's 37th birthday.

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Posted by Mommy at 11:28 PM | Permalink

Four days ago you were freezin' your face off in the snow in this same yard; today your face enjoyed 75. Those golfers liked you. Golfers are like boaters--very friendly.

Posted by Mommy at 08:57 PM | Permalink

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This is what you looked like the first time you "played" in the snow. It seemed you would have rather been, well, anywhere else. Miss Becky's pulling you along.

Posted by Mommy at 02:36 PM | Permalink

Here you are just wishing you could twiddle your thumbs!

Posted by Mommy at 02:36 PM | Permalink

At least the view was pretty!

Posted by Mommy at 02:35 PM | Permalink

You were much more interested in using your Radio Flyer Super Snow Blower than you were sliding around on a disc. And since you just started walking at the end of January, we didn't get you any winter boots. Those green things on your feet are poohbags. Next year you can have real boots!

Posted by Mommy at 02:34 PM | Permalink

You love to work hard. That cap on your head is to keep the bright sun out of your sensitive eyes.

Posted by Mommy at 02:33 PM | Permalink

Totally obsessed am I with you.

Posted by Mommy at 02:32 PM | Permalink

Did I mention that you fell face first into the snow? No tears. Just some redness.

Posted by Mommy at 02:30 PM | Permalink

Sir Thomas, this is a common site for us, your parents. In this image you are shown examining carefully an old telephone base that we gave you as a toy. Often you will sit for minutes upon minutes studying objects.

Posted by Mommy at 10:23 PM | Permalink

I took you out to teach you to blow the snow with your Radio Flyer Super Snow Blower. Becky helped.

Posted by Mommy at 04:50 PM | Permalink

Soon enough you'll be mowin' the lawn!

Posted by Mommy at 02:49 PM | Permalink

Here's you and PopPop of Baltimore again!

Posted by Mommy at 04:44 PM | Permalink

Looks like a tornado hit this room, but it was just you!

Posted by Mommy at 04:43 PM | Permalink

Aren't PopPop and DeDe good sports!?

Posted by Mommy at 04:42 PM | Permalink

This is about what it looked like before you trashed the place. We have to teach you how to tidy up!!!!!

Posted by Mommy at 04:40 PM | Permalink

You've been to George & Martha's a zillion times, but this was Annalisa's first (and Joey's first visit "ex utero.") Can you see yourself peeking through your warm clothes? It was a chilly but beautiful day!

Posted by Mommy at 03:32 PM | Permalink

While Annalisa toured the mansion, we sought refuge from the cold inside Mrs. Washington's heated room. She was sad that "The General" had been out for many years guiding his troops, so when you and Joey popped in she was super cheery! She also fell madly in love with you boys and asked that we pop in regularly.

Posted by Mommy at 03:31 PM | Permalink

Your new glasses arrived on Christmas Eve. Daddy thinks you look like Ralphie. You're holding the bbgun Gramma sent. Moments later, you bam-bammed it into smaller pieces.

Posted by Mommy at 02:36 PM | Permalink

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That's a Coca-Cola, and it's full of high fructose corn syrup and other bad things. You are right to look upon it with caution.

Posted by Mommy at 02:34 PM | Permalink

Somehow your glasses got turkey on 'em, so they're off. You are really good about wearin' 'em, though. Thank you! Your eye will be straightened out before you know it!

Posted by Mommy at 02:33 PM | Permalink

We just buzzed all your hair off. You were none too happy.

Posted by Mommy at 07:57 PM | Permalink

Posted by Mommy at 07:56 PM | Permalink

We just found out that you are going to have to get glasses to correct your strabismus (crossed eye), so we are practicing with your little sunglasses. Later today we're going to cut your hair. Your life is changing dramatically, kiddo!

Posted by Mommy at 10:12 AM | Permalink

This is your favorite napping position of late.

Posted by Mommy at 03:23 PM | Permalink

If only you could reach your utility belt!

Posted by Mommy at 02:20 PM | Permalink

You want so badly to help Mama cook (I don't blame you--I need all the help I can get!)

Posted by Mommy at 02:20 PM | Permalink

One day we went to Costco and bought a set of brooms. I didn't knowit, but one would be yours and one mine. This is you working with yours just after a spaghetti lunch. See how happy you are to help out Ma!

Posted by Mommy at 03:26 PM | Permalink

Ever since Sarah Palin hit the national scene, I've wanted to be a hockey mom. Now I am! Someday we'll add a hockey stick to your stick collection.

Posted by Mommy at 03:25 PM | Permalink

One of your favorite sounds is the sound of the dishwasher opening, because it usually means that you get to help me load or unload it. Here you are in 7th Heaven.

Posted by Mommy at 11:13 AM | Permalink

Posted by Mommy at 11:12 AM | Permalink

We went for a stroll in the pretty cemetery by our house tonight. It was nice and toasty warm out, too. I think you're cute.

Posted by Mommy at 08:21 PM | Permalink

These are your teeth! You have six sharpies and some new ones cutting through. In this particular photo, you are taking a break from all your worries!

Posted by Mommy at 06:24 PM | Permalink

Here you are one year later listening to your daddy read a birthday card from your grandparents in V, WA.

Posted by Mommy at 10:34 PM | Permalink

You didn't want anything but toes this morning!

Posted by Mommy at 11:17 AM | Permalink

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Posted by Mommy at 09:16 PM | Permalink

Are you the stately president of a large country?

Posted by Mommy at 09:14 PM | Permalink

Your smile looks just like Auntie Diane's smile when she was a baby.

Posted by Mommy at 09:13 PM | Permalink

Do you think you look like a happy baby in this picture? You are such a happy boy.

Posted by Mommy at 09:11 PM | Permalink

This is my favorite Tommy face. Sometimes when you wake up from a nap you have this exact face on your face and I just stop and stare at it for minutes upon minutes.

Posted by Mommy at 03:36 PM | Permalink

You crawled all the way up the stairs and out the front door today!
APRIL FOOLS!

Posted by Mommy at 03:33 PM | Permalink

You weren't really sad in this photo. I had just asked you to look pensive.
You follow direction well, Kid

Posted by Mommy at 03:30 PM | Permalink

We had a photo shoot today on your first Holy Thursday on the outside. Here you are kickin' in the chair. That's Jesus and Mary above you. When you get a little older, you probably don't want to try this!

Posted by Mommy at 12:36 PM | Permalink

Someday you won't let me have photo shoots, so I'm taking advantage while I can.

Posted by Mommy at 12:34 PM | Permalink

I obviously couldn't take a picture of you taken your first step without letting you fall flat on your face, so this is not a picture of you stepping; rather, it is a picture of your left eye crossing. You have an appt. with the ophthalmologist next week to see if we can't correct that. Your eye just recently started to wander, sort of like my brain--hereditary no doubt. Daddy is secretly hoping you get a Dick Deadeye patch so that he has an excuse to sing from the H.M.S. Pinafore soundtrack!

Posted by Mommy at 09:37 PM | Permalink

You're probably not going to play for the Seahawks, but you are going to play on my team. You look ready to me, Kiddo!

Posted by Mommy at 09:55 PM | Permalink

Or Tummy Time.

Posted by Mommy at 11:20 PM | Permalink

That's your only toof, and it is sharp, lemme tell you!

Posted by Mommy at 11:34 AM | Permalink

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This is you modeling your Tommy B. Trousers just like Fred Mertz would have.

Posted by Mommy at 06:29 PM | Permalink

Snacking and camping in our empty Portland apartment. We're sleeping on an air mattress tonight. You're sleeping on your changing table pad.

Posted by Mommy at 11:38 PM | Permalink

We went to Augusta and watched the golfers today. Not really, but we should have! Cookie, the concierge, fell madly in love with you. I thought she was going to explode, she loved you so much!

Posted by Mommy at 03:45 PM | Permalink

You are three months and two days now. I just love you so much.

Posted by Mommy at 10:22 PM | Permalink

I love my little cherub lips.

Posted by Mommy at 09:25 PM | Permalink

This is you sleeping next to your daddy at the beach house. Look at them hairlines!

Posted by Mommy at 10:55 PM | Permalink

Daddy and I took you down to Mt. Angel tonight to pray Vespers with the monks. It was your first visit from the outside. There were about 25 monks and five or six layfolk. Naturally, you were quite hungry and started to fuss a little (if you ever fuss it's always just a little), so I thought I should get up so as not to disrupt the praying. Afterward, while we were chatting with Fr. Pius X and Brother Ephrem in the vestibule, one of the elderly monks approached and said that I should not have felt a need to take you out, as they love the sounds of children. Then he confessed that really he thought you were the cat who visitis sometimes. Now that's meow meow funny. Meow my sweets, meow!

Posted by Mommy at 11:00 PM | Permalink

Ahhh, you are such a delightful fellow.

Posted by Mommy at 02:01 PM | Permalink

A little tummy time on this hot August morn.

Posted by Mommy at 09:48 AM | Permalink

That's your newborn "tan" that I thought was really pretty.

Posted by Mommy at 02:41 PM | Permalink

That's Fr. Patalano feeding you salt. Well, sort of. I'll explain later.

Posted by Mommy at 09:03 PM | Permalink

This is what your face looked like on February 20, 2007. Can you see it? It looks like you are lying on your left ear. So precious indeed.

Posted by Mommy at 03:22 PM | Permalink

This is when Daddy and I got to see you for the very first time. We didn't find out if you were a boy or a girl, but I thought you looked an awful lot like your padre.

Posted by Mommy at 03:33 PM | Permalink

Hi Tommy!

Posted by Mommy at 03:31 PM | Permalink