Fall Recap

We have had a busy fall and I thought I would do a picture post to recap what we have been up to.

If fall means football, we've definitely been in the spirit. We've gone to the NLRHS home games and of course not missed a Saturday Hogs game!

 

Crosby can call the hogs and is very into "Football Game." He was a little confused during the World Series and when we corrected him that it was a baseball game on TV, he would say "Base-football Game!"

First donut ever. Clearly a spiritual experience.

Neighboring tailgate had a huge cake on a table. Bad idea on their part. Little hands found the red icing.

Crosby had a good check-up at the CF Clinic. All of his team members were impressed with his appetite and vocabulary! He really does talk all. the. time. My favorite is when he puts his head on my shoulder, then lifts his head, looks me in the eye and says, "Mommy's sweet baby?" Yes, little handsome, you are my sweet baby!

Our friend Addy turned 6 and Crosby went to his first skating party. 

Lance and I had a quick getaway to Savannah. 

The Breath of Life Gala benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was in mid-October. It was the largest Gala yet and such a wonderful evening. I believe the event raised over $175,000 for CF!! Huge thank-you to my friends who donated silent auction items! And thank you to the Aclins for your support - enjoy the dart board and your new closet!

Lance had his wisdom teeth out. I had my phone ready to film him coming off the anesthesia, but really all he did was sign-language.

Happy Halloween from the Smith family: Mugatu, Derek, and Hansel (she's so hot right now). If you haven't seen Zoolander, Netflix that before the sequel comes out. You won't be disappointed. 

This dad is a trooper and I have to give a shout-out to my BFF's costuming skills. Two different parties, same cutie pies!

Max had a very scary werewolf costume and Crosby was terrified of him! Crosby wouldn't get in the trailer for the hayride, so Max had to ride in the back of the pickup for trick-or-treating! 

We took a weekend trip up to see my Uncle Gill on the White River. Crosby mastered his rock throwing there and on at our Buffalo River stop on the way up.

We have had some wonderful family time and I am really looking forward to the Holidays.

Much Love,

Carmen

Hibernating

Dear Family, Friends and Fans of the Crosby Show,

Cold and Flu Season has begun!

I wrote a similar post last year, but I think this is an important message many families with CF kids and others with complex medical needs understand all too well. I know it is hard for friends and family to understand why we are so adamant about trying to keep Crosby healthy. This picture maybe hard to look at, but it is a reality and a great explanation of why we do what we do. (Disclaimer: This is not a picture of Crosby)

This is the time of year that Lance and I shut things down and do not take Crosby out much for fear of catching that cough or cold that others deem "harmless". Please, if you are feeling under the weather - stay home - you're less productive and more likely to extend the length of your illness when you don't take the time to care for yourself first. And if you find that you have to venture out, wash your hands of germs frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes. Your perceived time lost could be real time lost in the life of a child and their family.

There is NO such thing as "JUST A COLD" for CF patients. Please understand that we do not take Crosby many places this time of year and we do not allow sick people or any children in daycare or school to be around Crosby. Simple cold viruses can lead to hard-to-get-rid-of infections, and infections in small CF lungs could have life-long damage. 

I realize that colds are not a big deal for most people. Colds use to not be a big deal to me. I have someone super special to protect and I will do ANYTHING to help him stay healthy and stave off lung damage for Crosby.

Because so many of us have the attitude that "a little cold" shouldn't keep us from going to work or sending kids to school, it is very easy for all kinds of germs to spread. I am beginning to realize just how selfish those actions can be for those who have compromised immune systems or diseases like CF. For those people, a "little cold" could have life-altering consequences. I am also aware that unfortunately, way too many people have bosses or teachers who are not understanding or lenient when it comes to calling in sick. If you find yourself forced to go into work or school while sick, while maybe awkward, wearing a mask is a great way to keep from passing the germs on. As for other things like church, parties, get-together, even going to the grocery store... I do not believe there is any other obligation that is worth spreading germs to kids like Crosby or their care-givers. Please be considerate.

So please, please PLEASE be conscientious as we go into cold and flu season. Lance and I love all our friends and we love all our family, but as the Holidays are fast approaching, if you have any symptoms of a cold or the flu and we are going to be in the same place, please let us know. We don't expect everyone to alter plans because of us, but we do expect you to let us know that kind of information so that WE can make an informed decision on where we go and where we take Crosby. It is OUR decision, please let us make it by telling us if someone who is sick will be in attendance. We would certainly never shame or embarrass anyone for a cold, we will simply just choose to stay home. 

If you are sick, please do not come to our home. 

  

If you are sick and are going to be at a get-together where we will be, please let us or the host know. 

  

If you come to our home, please immediately wash your hands and use hand-sanitizer. 

  

Do not bring kids who are in daycare or school around Crosby during cold/flu season. 

  

Do not kiss Crosby or get in his face, whether or not you have any symptoms. 

  

And please, GET YOUR FLU SHOT. 

We ask that everyone who knows and loves us to PLEASE be sensitive to the other people around you who might have compromised immune systems or have family members who do. 

Your willingness to help keep medically complex children germ-free might be the only thing standing between them and the hospital this winter.

Love,

Carmen