The Davolts

 Little Andrew is 18 months. I remember feeling like Nathan was growing up quickly, but this is kind of crazy. I mean, Andrew is the same age Nathan was when we left Portland, when we lived in the Vancouver apartment, and when we became pregnant with Andrew. And here we are! Andrew checked out just fine at his 18 month appointment today. He weighted 28 pounds even and measured 32 inches. He didn't enjoy the shots too much but recovered quickly when stickers and bubbles were presented. Unfortunately, he does have an ear infection in the right side.  Andrew has always been our busy boy. He chases Big Brother Nathan around, moving faster each day. He loves to do whatever Nathan is doing, whether invited or not. Be it building with blocks, playing with cars or some other invention of play, Andrew is right alongside Nathan. Andrew loves cars and trucks. He loves balls and will perk up at the mention of one. He loves pretend play, cooking at his toy kitchen and bringing pl...

In mid-October, an ENT specialist confirmed something I both expected and never expected: Andrew had persistent ear infections and would need tubes implanted. I had tubes put in as a child, so I anticipated that those problems might be passed on, but never did I associate Andrew's general grumpiness with ear infections. Without hesitation, or even a call to Jeff, I signed up for an appointment at one of my favorite places, Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland. Andrew was born at this hospital and the Randall Children's Hospital is beautiful. I felt guilty that Andrew had been uncomfortable for so long and the ENT (who I really do like) added to my guilt when he said, "he [Andrew] had probably thought the pain was supposed to feel that way".  And of course, the doctor warned that ear infections could affect language development. So, with a solution in sight, Jeff, Andrew, and I made our way to the hospital in early November.  Andrew had the first appointmen...