1st Broken Bone

Well, as a parent who would dream their child's first broken bone would be before their 1st birthday? Yesterday was a tough day at the Hopkins' Household. Evan was walking down the two stairs from our dining room into the living room, stumbled, twisted his ankle, hit the wall, and dropped Layton. The little dude landed on his back, slightly rolled towards his left side and whail, cry and bawl - oh poor little guy. 30 minutes later he was still crying and we were sitting in the Doctor's office, 45 minutes later confirmation of the broken collar bone. Not much to do for a broken collar bone on a baby (or anyone else either really), he has a figure 8 brace (material tyed into a brace) for the next 10-14 days.

Day 1 Layton and Evan were both in tons of pain (me too but not as much as the boys). Every time Layton moved it hurt him and he cried. Every time Layton cried Evan was almost pushed over the edge too. However, we all managed to sleep most of the night!

Day 2 All are doing better, Layton does really good holding his arm still and not moving it. He has forgot a couple times and tried to reach for a toy or wanted to crawl.

Before we were parents several people shared "your child in pain is the worst, most painful ordeal you endure"; yep it has been tried and true for us. You would do anything to change places and endure the pain for your child.

Fall Update

Fall is here! Fall Harvest (corn, milo and sunflowers) is in full swing and we have started a new chapter in our lives. We lost Tucker, our beloved black lab 10 days ago. Tucker was digagnosed with liver cancer and a week later he joined the angels in Heaven.

Tucker was an integral part of our family and it has been an adjustment to life withouth him. Parts of the house are much emptier where his bed, food bowls, and toys were; it's much quieter at night without his shuffling; we no longer rush home from town or farming to let him out, there is no wagging tail to greet us and all the small things we grew to appreciate in 7 years. Letting him go was one of the hardest things our marriage has endured thus far; but loving him brought so much joy.

We have shed many tears and a couple sleepless nights over the loss (Evan drove home 2 days early from Elk hunting to see him......).

Layton is doing good, he had a couple rough days with loosing Tucker too, but we are all getting stronger. Maybe after the first of the year we will be ready for a puppy....Layton does have a January birthday...hmmmm....something to ponder.

Tomorrow we go in for Layton's 9 month checkup and the 2nd dose of seasonal flu shot. He is the proud owner of 6 teeth, 4 on the bottom and 2 on the top! Layton is pulling up to everything and starting to cruise around the furniture; he is so much fun and a happy little dude.

Thanksgiving is almost here! Time to be Thankful and Joyful for all the blessing we have.