Griff Family Update

 There is never a dull moment around here!  This week was full of excitement and change.  To start the week, Hank and Max wrote their letters to Santa.  Hopefully they have been good enough little boys to get what they want.

 Hank's letter says--"Dear Santa...from Hank, I want a Darren Sproles jersey, ipod shuffle, not all the spy cars from cars 2, and madden 12."  He wrote another letter 2 days later when he realized there were other jersey's he wanted.  He stated he would like any of the following jersey's, Santa could pick, Roddy White, Andre Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Ed Reed, or Darren Sproles.  Santa may have been having a hard time finding a Darren Sproles jersey!

Mino had me write word for word he requests for Santa.  Here is the most random letter you will ever see!

 

 I couldn't stop laughing at the cool car with a cape in it!  Speaking of Max, he got his stitches out this week, only to bash his face against the coffee table a few days later.

 It's hard to see the magnitude of the injury in this picture but I'm fairly confident he will have a black eye when he wakes up this morning.

He really cried when it happened but then five minutes later he was ready for a photo shoot.

His beautiful face has really taken a beating the past few weeks.  He's still the most adorable 4 year old around.

Speaking of adorable...

Feast your eyes on this

 This kid may get kissed to death.  I can't control myself.  Nothing gets accomplished around here because all I want to do is make out with Sam!  Can you blame me?

Besides loving on Sam, I've been receiving acupuncture treatments for my face in Salt Lake from Dr. Ding.  He is very confident acupuncture will help my palsy clear up in 7-10 treatments.  I really don't have time to drive up to 33rd South and lay on a table for an hour with 30 needles in my face but I don't feel like I really have a choice in the matter.  It's been 13 weeks since I've been able to blink or smile.  I am seeing some small improvements.  Progress is slow but at least I'm moving in the right direction.  Acupuncture hurts by the way!  Dr. Ding says there is no such thing as pain in Chinese medicine, only excitement....whatever.

 Sam's not going to recognize me when I'm fully recovered!

Now for the biggest news of the week.  On Thursday, Hank got his insulin pump!  Grandma Jeri, Grandma Jackie, and Grandpa Curt attended the training with Randy and I.  It felt so great to have their support.  Hank was a little freaked out to have the infusion set put in.  There is a really big needle involved.  His amazing dad decided to put one into his own belly first to ease his fears.  He later told me it really hurt.  Hank wanted me to put it in so with the help of the trainer I nervously did it.  He did amazing!  Instead of having 5-7 shots a day he only has to be poked once every 3 days to change the infusion site.

 He loves not having his Lantus shot at night.  He also loves being able to tell the pump how many carbs he is eating and deliver the insulin by himself. 

This is the infusion site.  We will alternate between tummy, arms, and his most dreaded spot...the butt!  The pump trainer assured Hank that it would be his most pain free site.  So far we've had only minor issues with the pump.  I really feel like it will regulate his blood sugar much more effectively than the injections.  I got a little choked up when I gave him his last shot.  This disease is a roller coaster of emotions.  I am so grateful for Randy through all of this.  I couldn't ask for a better partner.  I am also grateful for Hank and his willingness to do whatever it takes to keep him healthy.  He is such an amazing little boy.

I don't think I've ever been so unprepared for Christmas as I am this year.  Hank informs me every day how many days are left.  Looks like I'll be a crazy Christmas Eve shopper!