The Ward Family

Posted Date: 2010/10/21

Louie went back to the vet today. It has been 2 weeks since his last appointment. He has been on two different medications. One to treat an auto-immune disorder (not sure if that is what it was... but we were trying), and the other was an antibiotic trying to get his wounds under control. I knew he looked, and was getting worse. I did not think the news would be good this time. Louie has lost about 40% of his body weight since his last visit (even though he is eating and drinking well). He no longer has a good quality of life, so the OSU vets and I decided that it was time to let him go. They put him to heavenly sleep this evening (October 21). While my heart hurts and my eyes are full of tears, I know this was the best decision for him. I will always remember the joy he brought to my life.

I can't even begin to thank the OSU vet team for taking such great care of Louie and for all of the research they have done. I have decided (no persuasion from OSU - I actually talked to them about this a month ago) to let them keep Louie's body for further research. This way they can try to find out what was wrong with him, and it will actually be a reported case. Hopefully by doing this, Louie will help some other hedgehog.

I will never forget Louie tearing up a whole roll of paper towels. He unraveled it like a tunnel. He had fun with it for weeks!

More catch-up!

Below: Tad is in LOVE with football! He went to the Garber vs. Covington game and has been in love ever since. He recognized that there were football players on the front of the newspaper and got really excited.

Below: Tad had an open house at his Friday school. Ashley had to go early to help set-up and before she left the house she picked out Bryan and Tad's clothes. Bryan did not realize that Ashley had picked out matching clothes. I think it is cute!!

Below: The Antelope Valley church held a baby shower for Ben and Angie. It was so pretty and everyone had a great time.

Below: Ryan and I went to the 16th Day Celebration Parade in Perry. Ryan knew but didn't tell me that Alyssa and Grayson were going to be in the parade too!!!

Below: The boys must have had a lot of flat tires lately. Tad was pretending to change all the cars tires.

Below: Ben was teasing Angie and giving her a foot rub with gloves on. Ben had Tad come and give her a foot rub and all was fine until he saw Ben had gloves on. He then had to have gloves too!

Below: The Tad man jumps off of everything these days.

Below: One of my new favorite pictures of Tad. This picture was taken a couple of weeks ago. Tad really wanted to go swimming but decided the water was to cold and went with the water hose instead.

Below: He kept spraying his head! It was to cute!

Below: The Hunter Methodist Church held a baby shower for Ben and Angie also. Below is the happy couple.

Below: I asked Tad if he was going to give the kitty some love. His love is turning his head sideways and leaning in so you can give him a kiss. Here he is attempting to give the kitty some love.

Below: Having a good time at Grandma's!

Below: I bought a huge box of baby girl clothes from a couple in Hennessey. Tad was really into helping me sort through them. He accidentally fell forward and got stuck in the box!

Below: Whew... upright again.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!! Welcome Addison Sue Reinschmiedt!

Addison was born October 7, 2010, at 2:55pm. She weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 inches long. Everyone is doing great!!

Below are some pictures from Addison's birth day!!

Below: Ben and Angie before the big event!

Below: The whole gang of course stood outside the door waiting for that precious cry. Mom was waiting on Donna to go in first...

Below: Proud daddy showing her off!

Below: Everybody trying to get their first look at Addison.

Below: The nurse stamped Addison's foot prints on Ben's arm. Too cute! He looks so proud in this picture. I am so happy for them!

Below: Mom holding her precious little one with Grandpa Mike looking on.

Below: So sweet. Angie is going to be a great mom.

Below: Derek trying to sneak a peak.

Below: Grandpa Dale was the first in line.

Below: You can see the joy beaming from my mother's face.

Below: Grandma Donna and Grandpa Mike admiring their newest granddaughter.

Below: It was FINALLY my turn.

Below: Uncle Derek even took a turn! Don't let him fool you, he is a pro!

Below: Uncle Ryan got a turn too.

Below: They both look so proud.

Below: Addison Sue waiting to get her bath.

Below: Gigi and Poppa congratulating the new parents.

Below: We were waiting for Addison to get her first bath, so of course we had to find something to do to pass the time.

Below: Great-Grandpa Thralls came too!

Below: I think Tad was trying to pop the balloon. I just love the look on his face.

Below: Addison finally made it back to the room.

Below: Addison's credentials.

Below: Tad's first time to meet Addison. He did really well with her and was very gentle.

Below: Proud Daddy watching over his new little family member.

Below: Tad found some headbands in Addison's diaper bag and thought they were really cool.

Below: Gigi welcoming her first great-granddaughter.

Below: Poppa's grinning from ear to ear.

Below: Grandpa Thralls is a natural.

Below: Lisa (Assistant Grandmother in Charge) came to see Addison also.

Below: We were so happy Carolina could come too!

Below: This group could mean trouble later on.

Below: Ryan was so proud of her OSU bow.

Below: So perfect.

Congratulations again to Ben and Angie. I am so happy for you.

Until Next Time
Ju

I PROMISE the next post will have Addison Sue pictures. I feel the need to go in order. I am behind and still playing catch up.

Tad and I had a play date last week. He came over on Wednesday and played at our house for awhile. It was so much fun. He even wanted to go swimming! He stuck his feet in the water and that was as far as he got. IT WAS COLD!! He decided that the water hose would do and for the next 30 minutes he chased me around the yard with it laughing at me. To cute... little turkey!

Tad is doing really well with Addison. He is always gentle with her and seems secure with himself. Last night, Uncle Ben laid Addison down by Tad. Tad was so proud! Addison is doing great! Her tummy problems are gone for the most part, and everyone seems to be doing well! We are so happy to have her join our family. What a blessing she is. Can't wait for Bradlea!! Ryan needs to get the calendar up so we can start our pool. Bryan won with Addison. $5 entry fee... so he made off pretty good.

It is time again for October birthdays! This weekend we are celebrating Kirk's birthday in Stillwater. On Monday, we are celebrating my Grandpa's. Those are just getting the month started. Following is Megan's, Mom's, Dad's and Bryan's. Next year we will add Addison to the list!

Louie Update: Louie is still hanging in there. Not much progress, but he is not getting worse either. If this medication does not work, I am not sure what our next steps will be. The OSU vet clinic has been amazing. They have gone above and beyond anything I could have asked. I truly appreciate each and every one of them.

And now to what you really check my blog for:

Below: During our play date, Tad found last year's trophy. (Ryan won last year). By the way, if you win three years in a row you get to keep the trophy.

Below: Tad and I were playing in the car and he found my old lifeguard whistles. It took him a little bit, but I taught him how to blow the whistle... and then sent one home with him. :)

Below: Play time at Grandma's!!

Below: Tad was showing everyone his new skills!

Below: That horse zooms around Grandma's house now! It was not long ago that his little feet could barely reach the floor.

Below: Determined driver. LOL

Below: Tad climbed up on this bucket all by himself. He was so proud.

Below: Then Mom helped him jump off!

Below: Tad and Uncle Jake were cruising around Grandma's house in their tricycles. Tad just loves when Uncle Jake rides bikes with him.

Below: Posing for the camera.

Below: Tad has no fear. He jumps off of everything these days!

Below: In the series of pictures below, Tad had everyone come to him for his goodnight kiss. He doesn't have us wrapped around his little finger does he? Oh come on... WE LOVE IT!!!