Happy New Year from the Llorcas!

We wish you a joyous New Year--may 2007 bring you health and happiness! 

Halloween 2006, Go Badgers!

Just wanted to share some recent pics of the kids--Natalie is getting so big--already trying out for the Badger cheerleading squad! They are lots of fun, and Gavin is such a great big brother.

Gavin and his new baby sister

Gavin just loves to be a big brother--he is so affectionate with Natalie--almost to a fault! We have to constantly make sure he doesn't hug her to death!

Strike a pose

Here's Natalie at 19 days old! Quite the young lady already!

A scare with Gavin

Well, I finally have time to update you on some scary news about Gavin. 2 weeks ago, Gavin came down with a respiratory virus that made him pretty sick. We took him into the doctor 2 days in a row to make sure it wasn't pneumonia...and fortunately it wasn't, but we discovered something else pretty scary. The virus triggered an autoimmune reaction in Gavin's body, causing his own antibodies to start attacking his platelets. In the course of 24 hours, Gavin went from quite normal levels to critically low levels. We were only out of the hospital for 5 days after having Natalie, and here we were on the 20th, admitting Gavin for 2 days. His condition is called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). He received 2 infusions of Immunogammaglobulins (or IgIV) to help create more antibodies to allow his body to make more platelets without being attacked. The infusions took 6 hours each of him being hooked up to IV's and having his vitals checked regularly. It was not pleasant for a 16 month old who wants to run around and hates being held down. Overall, he became pretty bruised and full of petechiae (little red spots on the skin) indicating abnormal clotting. We were pretty fearful of him harming himself while in the hospital. At any rate, after 2 nights, we finally took him home, and prayed the infusions worked. After 48 hours, his body was at half the normal levels of platelets, and now, a week and a half out, he is soaring. We are so grateful, but it is not completely over yet. Gavin will have to be monitored for 6 months, weekly for the 1st month and biweekly after that, to make sure this is only acute, and not chronic. He is doing much better now, and we are finally getting to a 'normal' time with a newborn and a crazy, wonderful active almost toddler. Here are some pictures of our sick little guy in the hospital with his IV in (his 'paw'), and in his favorite place--the wagon. We must have walked around and around the wing 1000 times over 2 days to keep him happy!

Natalie's 1st bath

Boy, I guess we have some little fish for kids. This girl was screaming up a storm until we placed her into the water, then it was calm, cool and collected.

It's a Girl!!!

Natalie Marie joined us on July 13th, at 1:09 pm weighing in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. and 19.5 inches. She was good to her mommy coming into this world, and both mommy and baby are doing great, enjoying her first week of life on the "outside". More photos to follow, when we catch up on some sleep!

Where is the pot of gold?

We had a beautiful, full arch of a rainbow tonight, haven't seen one like that in years. I will be expecting Ed MacMahon to come knocking on my door anytime now.

Yummm, toasted cheese!

Mommy made me a new food today, and boy was it good! I think I ate more grilled cheese sandwiches than Mommy!

Ahhh, Spring!

Gavin & I had fun outside all day in the 70 degree weather, at last! Gavin decided to help Mommy garden, but he watered himself more than the plants! After he was wet enough, cars seemed to be more fun.

Funny pictures

Wanted to do a new thing...post one or two funny pictures every week...especially if it involves embarassing a family member! These two are definitely thanks to my brother and his crazy toy.

Dom comes to visit!

Our good friends came to visit last weekend with their son, Dom, who is almost 22 months old. Gavin and him had a blast...they look like they are drunk hanging out in Gavin's crib. We all had fun, and Gavin sure missed his buddy when he left!

Gavin's 1st Bike

He may not understand exactly how to sit on the bike, but look at that balance!

Galena, IL

We went to Galena, IL for my birthday earlier this month. We stayed at the Eagle Ridge Resort, which I highly recommend the accomodations, but eat off site! Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves, (meaning only Ray & I!), and we enjoyed walking around the grounds, and taking in the view from our room.

Check out Emma updates....

Check out my brother's site...he keeps his up much better than I do, and he has some great pictures of my beautiful niece, Emma, as well as some other pictures from Gavin's birthday party. maertz.blogspot.com, or just click on the link: News from Chris, Jill & Emma

Congrats Darcy & Ann!

Some good friends of ours had a baby boy, Benjamin on March 15th. He is absolutely beautiful! We are so happy for them and wish them all the best! We miss you guys!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's Birthday was March 20th, and Gavin was so excited to wish her Happy Birthday! you can wish her Happy Birthday, too at: kbondela@charter.net
We love you Mom!

Scott Co. Park

Here are some pictures from our little "adventure" to Scott Co. Park a couple of weeks ago. Gavin rode in the swing, had fun climbing all over the jungle gym, and enjoyed a hike on Mommy's back. He found more rocks to play with, as usual, and Mommy showed off her ever-growing belly! Daddy and Gavin had fun walking in the tall grass. It's a beautiful park with plenty of space to roam around, and plenty of playgrounds for kids to enjoy. Come visit!

Our Florida Trip

We went to Florida in February to visit Ray's dad, and also to go to Orlando and Sea World. We had a lot of fun taking Gavin on his first big trip, and he sure enjoyed the ocean!

Gavin's 1st Birthday!!!

Gavin turned 1 year old on 3/9/06. We had a party for him on 3/11/06. We were so happy and grateful to have so many family and friends make it in for his party--it was a lot of fun! (As you can see--Gavin had a blast, and he loved his cake!)