So last night Mr. Atticus did NOT want to start the bedtime routine (bath, brush teeth, etc.)… We had gone on a very fun family walk and were about to start our nightly routine when the stalling began…
Atticus: I want a popsicle
Dad: No, it’s too late for a popsicle.
Atticus: Mom, cook me bacon.
Mom: No honey, it’s too late for bacon, you ate a very big dinner.
Atticus: Fix me a ice cream cone.
Mom (trying so hard not to laugh): No honey.
Atticus: I need cake.
Mom: Honey - it is time for bath, let’s go take a bath.
Atticus: I’m thirsty! I want pear juice.
Mom: Okay - one cup of pear juice then bath.
We were trying so hard not to laugh during this entire exchange. Part of me wanted to reward him with what he was asking for with all of that language! Go Atticus! And, for the record, he’s never HAD an ice cream cone, only a bowl of soy ice cream so extra points for creativity. I love too that he “needs” cake.
It was such a funny moment but also a wonderful example of just how much he has progressed in the last year. Thanks to everyone for your prayers, love and support. 
We got home about 30 minutes ago and we’ve already seen marked improvement with Mr. Atticus. Just like Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home…” He is already eating a little more, drinking a little more and playing. He was so lethargic in the hospital and that is so unlike him. He is still very weak but his sweet smile and silly giggles have returned. Thanks so much for all of the thoughts and prayers!!
So the doctor came in and all of the labs and tests came back normal. We are very thankful for that.
Unfortunately little man is still feeling pretty icky. He had another big bout of diarrhea this morning. No more vomiting (thank heaven) but still feeling bad. To give you an idea: He is laying in the hospital bed by himself with an IV in his right hand and he is laying very still… As you know, this is not Mr. Atticus. But, hopefully he’ll be back to himself very soon.
The best news though is that he gets to go home as long as no more vomiting. We get to leave around lunch time if everything still looks okay. We’re hoping this thing will run it’s course soon and we’ll be back to swimming, playing at the park and eating. Thanks again for prayers and thoughts.
We had a fairly good night. Atticus had a nap during the day yesterday so he was not ready for bed when we were.. But, he did go to sleep around 11:15 p.m. I think he rested well considering all of the BEEPING from the IV machine and the nurses coming in to check his vitals. Justin and I both stayed with him and took turns sleeping in the bed with Atticus and the chair next to his bed.
He still feels a little warm this morning (maybe low grade temp, nurses haven’t checked it yet). His 2nd urine labs came back last night and they looked much, much better than when we checked in. He is definitely getting hydrated and his sugar levels are back to normal. On the downside he is still having diarrhea. He is also laying around balled up like a little turtle which is usually an indication his tummy hurts. He also doesn’t want to eat or drink - usually another indication his tummy feels bad.
The doctor is supposed to come by this morning and check him out, etc. We’re hoping we get a prescription of anti-nausea meds and can go on home. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks for texts, thoughts, & prayers.
So it’s been a while since we’ve updated. We’ve had lots of fun and exciting stories to share. Mom just hasn’t had a lot of time. Hopefully I can make a post soon and catch everyone up on all of the progress.
But… in the meantime I am certain my title got your attention. What is it about the month of June and hospitals (heart surgery anyone?)? Booo June. Well, not entirely - without June Mom and Dad wouldn’t have an anniversary… Auntie Lauren and Uncle Kenny wouldn’t have one either… So I guess June is okay. I should get to the point…
Atticus is in the hospital. Last night he had a fever that spiked 104, was very sick with all kinds of tummy troubles. Unable to keep anything on his stomach (including fever reducing medicines), his fever got very high. We took him in this morning and he was very dehydrated. There was some concern about how quickly he got sick and the severity. So we were admitted for dehydration and observation.
The IV helped with the dehydration. He has still had trouble keeping food down and has had several bouts of diarrhea. He is doing much better though and we feel like we’re in a good place. He has been a very sweet little man.
So far all of the tests have turned out fine and it looks like just severe dehydration from a bad stomach bug. We’re hoping he gets to go home tomorrow.
I will put updates on the blog to keep everyone informed. Thank you for the thoughts and prayers for our little man. We love you all.
RaDonna
So the week of 3/21 was a pretty crappy week for my family. On Monday, 3/21, Daddy underwent a very routine procedure (scope on his esophagus) and they accidentally punctured his small intestine. He bled internally for many hours before he went back to the hospital and was admitted to ICU in Nashville. I found out about 2 a.m. and left immediately in the middle of the night. I left Atticus and Justin here.
It was Tuesday night before I was able to talk to Atticus on the phone. Justin gave him the phone and said “Atticus, It’s Mommy…” Here’s what was said. And just so you know - longest phone conversation ever (without anyone telling him what to say). And - he has never asked a question before and not a very personal, empathetic one like he did that night…
Mommy: Hey honey, it’s Mommy!
Atticus: Are you okay?
Mommy(in disbelief, trying to make sure I heard correctly): Yes baby, I’m okay, are you okay?
Atticus: I’m okay, I miss you.
Mommy: I miss you too darling. Papa is sick and needs Mommy.
Atticus: I want Mommy.
Mommy (through a wave of tears): I love you so much and I need you to be a good boy for Daddy. Mommy will be home soon okay?
Atticus: Okay.
I was so amazed at what all he said. Justin sat on the other end just as surprised. It was the longest I have ever, ever been away from him.And the empathy and love that he showed was so amazing and so wonderful.
And, my Daddy is doing better. He’s still in the hospital but we’re praying he will be able to avoid surgery. Thank you for the continued prayers and support for our family.
So this morning as we woke up we started talking about the upcoming day. We could hear Atticus chattering in his room and shortly he burst into our room to see what we were doing. We were talking about the birthday party he had to go to at 12 p.m. and something we had to pick up at 4:45 p.m. And were trying to fill in the blanks in between. All of the sudden he said “I wanna play park!” “I wanna play park!” He had heard us planning the day and had some important input. Unfortunately the forecast for the day was 100% chance of rain. It was not raining at the exact moment but had been raining overnight. But he asked so nicely that we quickly ate some breakfast and he and Justin drove to the park. Justin even took some towels with him to dry off the equipment. They played for an hour until it started raining. I honestly think we would’ve played in the rain today, he asked so perfectly. Justin said he drove up and Atticus started yelling “yea park!!”
Today we decided to go to Boaz to visit the Unclaimed Baggage Store that is an extension of the one in Scottsboro. Justin and I are quite the nerds as we love our podcasts about science, entertainment, etc. We were listening to “The Sound of Young America” podcast with Jesse Thorn and he was interviewing Weird Al Yankovic. It was definitely one of the more entertaining interviews I’ve heard in a long time. I have always believed that Atticus soaks up every single thing around him and is aware and listening at all times. He is just not able to convey that he understands or is listening. On the podcast, they were talking about some of his first songs. They played a portion of “another one rides the bus” and Atticus cracked up - he was laughing so hard and said “bus! bus!” And we have listened to Queen a lot in the car (this song parody is based on an original Queen Song, Another One Bites the Dust). We’ve even caught him singing along to “We are the Champions.” So for him to laugh at this song at the right moment and comment on it - such an amazing example that he DOES understand.
So the Unclaimed Baggage was a dud… We didn’t find much and we left itchy and with one ant bite (thankfully only on me, but it hurt!). As we were leaving, Justin wanted to drive past the old outlet malls. Most of it is gone now and died out when the economy declined. However — someone has opened a bouncy place in one of the larger vacant stores. We were driving past it and Atticus saw it through the windows he started pounding on his door saying “I play, I play, please I play!” I went inside and unfortunately they were having a private party. I came back expecting a very sad child when I told him we couldn’t play. I explained that it was somebody’s birthday and they were having a party. Remember when you had your party and all of your friends came? They didn’t let anyone else jump when you had your party. And he was fine - no crying no fussing. Just looked at me and said “okay.”
As most of you know, Atticus receives ABA therapy most afternoons in our home. We have wonderful and talented therapists that work with him. He does a lot of his work in very fun situations, like on the swing, playing in the yard and his favorite - jumping on his trampoline. And I will tell you - he NEVER gets tired. Well this afternoon, Atticus gave his therapist a full workout. He was so talkative and so energetic. God bless her soul for hanging in there with him. After every session the therapists post on the private team blog so that we can all stay informed. Her post was so wonderful and entertaining that I’ve included it below so you can see all that he was saying…
Today, Atticus figured out how to keep Mrs. Liz from taking a break on the trampoline! Normally I tell him that I need and break and sit down and have to prompt him to ask for “liz to jump (instead of I want jumping).” After being able to take a small break (the prompting did not take as long as usual) he quickly began saying “Liz jump now,” “no break liz,” and “Liz jump please! ” I was super excited, but after about 45 minutes I was very beat (I think he saw I was wearing down fast). So, I told Atticus “I really need a break so lets count to 20.” I sat down and began counting really slow, he continued jumping but counted with me. When I got to 20, he quickly ran over and said, “Liz done break, liz jump please!” I was so excited! YEA ATTICUS!
We had to get out of the house today so Justin could take another test (and yes, he made an A). We decided to go to the mall and kill some time. We had a bag full of pennies that Poppie gave Atticus. One of our favorite activities is throwing pennies into the fountain. As I handed him the pennies I told him Poppie gave you these pennies - we need to call him and tell him “thank you poppie” in a few minutes. He looked at me and grinned and said “thanks poppie!” and threw in a penny. He repeated that about 10 more times and laughed and grinned every time. Thanks poppie! and threw a penny… thanks poppie! and threw a penny… So Poppie was thanked about 34 times that night. And we called him later to tell him in person.
