Getting a smile

Earlier this year I participated in and shopped at the local semi-annual consignment sale here and scored a huge lot of Thomas trains and tracks and the boys were completely satisfied and excited.  It is that time of year again and this time I scored a few Imaginext play items they had long wanted (like the Batman Batcave).  The boys have been acting like it’s Christmas they have been so excited to play with their new toys.  And since Thomas (and Parker) just LOVE to dress up, Thomas was SO happy to see the new costume I managed to find for $8. 

Yep, that’s our own Mr. Incredible.  He was so excited.  He loves all the muscles it gives him.  Ha ha.

So that new costume surely did lead to many smiles from Thomas. 

As for Parker, every time he gives me an adorable smile I say, “That’s it!  That’s how you smile!”  You may have noticed that in many pictures he is squinting and giving a someone pained look.  He thinks he is smiling.  So we frequently talk about how to give a picture-worthy smile.  It’s not easy.  Here’s what we got today though:

Definitely improving!  He’s such a cutie.  And such a wild boy.  I know why he’s my curly-haired kiddo…it’s a symbol of his personality….wild, crazy, and ALL OVER THE PLACE.

While I was taking a few pictures of him, I got one that gives a little glimpse at how the back of his throat is doing these days.  I’d say that this (you may have to click on it to see it better):

…is QUITE the improvement from this:

His breathing has improved tremendously…I can’t even hear him breathing at night (or ever).  He is still waking at least once during the night most nights, but I’m hopeful that that will eventually improve.  If it does, that will certainly bring me a smile.