tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23589717892310248142024-03-20T09:51:02.577-04:00My Cup Runneth OverAmiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-16234444028271123512012-03-23T16:11:00.001-04:002012-03-23T16:12:35.308-04:00Riding MY bicycle feeling so free.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtd-QXsDOHc/T2xhIu_eiPI/AAAAAAAACKQ/rXnEK6lMLcw/s1600/IMG_2291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtd-QXsDOHc/T2xhIu_eiPI/AAAAAAAACKQ/rXnEK6lMLcw/s640/IMG_2291.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>He was a late peddler, it was never something that came easy to him. He would struggle and struggle, and just had a hard time of it. It probably didn't help that our driveway way very hilly and there are quite a few cracks in it posing as obstacles to learning. But over the summer Jackson finally got really confident and fast with riding on his big wheel. He would fly up hills, down hills and would swirl out when turning corners. Made me miss my big wheel days, actually! Remember those? But as the summer turned into fall our little man was having one growth spurt after another. After a while he would have to position his legs just right so his boney little knees wouldn't hit the handle bars. It was time to trade up!<br />
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Grammy and Pop made this happen for Jackson's birthday when they got him his very first big boy <i>real</i> bike and helmet. What a special way to ring in the big 5! Jackson has rode on it every single day since he got it, minus a few rainy ones. Every night we go out on a family bike ride (Jackson rides while we walk quickly behind trying to keep up!) He has gotten SO FAST! <br />
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It is an amazing way for our wild man to burn off some of that energy of his. But it is also an incredibly cool (and incredibly cute for us) way for him to play pretend. While he is riding his bike waaaaaayyyyy ahead of us (a few driveways) he plays pretend doing his super heros, different voices and all. He feels he is alone, and no one can hear him. Oh how we love being able to eavesdrop every now and then. It is so stinking cute!<br />
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Now that he has had the bike about a month, he is definitely braver and loves to try peddling as fast as he can. Now we just need to work on braking. He refuses to try using the real brakes and just runs into the grass to stop himself. One of these days he will wipe out- yes I know, I know. Wipe outs- and lot of them are going to be plentiful in our future. I just hate for it to happen. I am such a mom. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMat2OxM1mY/T2zYwUz7kEI/AAAAAAAACLI/Ph07Q24Qggo/s1600/IMG_2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMat2OxM1mY/T2zYwUz7kEI/AAAAAAAACLI/Ph07Q24Qggo/s640/IMG_2292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-82860039722499017002012-03-08T23:26:00.002-05:002012-03-08T23:27:58.368-05:00The $70 Shampoo.I took Owen for his allergy test on Wednesday and wouldn't you know it, his skin is in such poor condition the doctor didn't want to do any testing on it. So he looked him over and sent us home with a handful of prescriptions, a page full of directions and a follow up appointment to come back in one month to do the testing then. The allergist is giving Owen a hardcore 1 month treatment to hopefully knock this all out of his system. I'm missing that beautiful baby soft skin that we should be snuggling on right now! Aw, my sweet angel. <br />
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So off we went to our Pharmacy for the 500th time this year- seriously at this rate we will be making our deductible by June. Well after a little gasp and an "Oh Boy"from Larry the Pharmacist, he gave me a slight heads up that Owen's shampoo was pretty expensive. By that comment I was guessing it was at least $25- maybe as high as $40. Never in a million years would I expect $70.90! And that was with insurance. If we weren't insured this would have cost us $287. For <i>shampoo!!</i> CRAZY. All of this stuff better work. Total pharmacy bill= $89.70.<br />
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Oh, and did I mention that we also need to give Owen a bath <i>twice a day</i> so we can butter him up with his steroid lotion at every bath. Use his shampoo 3x a week and then give him an oral steroid for the next 20 days. It is going to be a long 30 days. But we will get through it. <br />
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It is just too bad it costs so much for a <i>baby</i> to feel better. But you know what, I would go to the moon and back for him if it meant healing.<br />
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Whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed I try to remind myself that things could be so much worse. Through it all he is so happy. Itchy and scaly- but happy. <br />
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Day by day.Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-65599693968364210702012-02-28T14:00:00.000-05:002012-02-28T14:00:45.542-05:00My baby just can't catch a break.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XOQgHzYQO8/T00kAVPWuZI/AAAAAAAACFM/_ed_VYXun00/s1600/IMG_0826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1XOQgHzYQO8/T00kAVPWuZI/AAAAAAAACFM/_ed_VYXun00/s640/IMG_0826.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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The poor little guy. Thank goodness he is the happiest little kid, because for some this crap could really get you down in the dumps! Over a month ago Owen had a virus and broke out in a tiny bumpy little rash. It wasn't too big of a deal, but what the rash did <i>was. </i>It gave him a full on excema flare up. He had big dry, itchy patches of it all over his body. I did everything I could to get ride of it. We tried the prescribed steroid cream, which helped for a while but the itchy excema would come right back. I would try the cream again and again it would work for a few days and then come right back. I couldn't keep using the steroids on his little 15 month old body so lotion and lots of it was our next course of action. <br />
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Everyone in this house has sensitive skin so nothing but Cetephil for lotions and body washes and for laundry detergents it was free and clear all the way. No pretty lavenders or fresh mountian air in our house... It couldn't possibly be topical- but then again who knows. <br />
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Owen was happy, just super duper dry and itchy. <br />
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And then yesterday came. I got him out of his crib to start the day, lay him down to change his diaper and Holy Moly! My boy was covered in bright red spots! It looked like measles, but of course I knew it wasn't that. It looked similar to when he had an allergic reaction to the flu shot, only this time the bumps were raised. They were very itchy and you could tell he was just uncomfortable. They were mostly on his belly and moving up his chest. By the afternoon his entire truck was covered and they were moving around to his back. By this morning his whole head, face, neck, belly, back and arms are covered in these itchy, raised red bumps. <br />
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Back to the doctors office we go. Yes, they ALL know us by name now. This is getting ridiculous. <br />
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Dr. Drazdik believes that he has a food allergy. This was something I suspected but <i>really, really</i> hoped wasn't the case. But add in him being affected by the flu shot. Then the case of excema flare up that wouldn't go away and now this head to toe rash. The location of the rash indicates that it is most likely something he ate, not topical. So guess what. Owen is now off milk (and dairy), eggs, peanuts and strawberries until he visits an allergist. The poor little guy needs to get an allergy test done. I am so sad. I know how uncomfortable those can be. <br />
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He also has a yeast infection, and is teething. All in all he isn't a happy camper. <br />
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So much has been happening to my little boy in his short life already! Thank you Lord that none of it has been life threatening, or all that serious. But it still puts stress on his body and on his worrisome parents. <br />
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So now I ask all of you out there that deal with these particular allergies, any suggestions for alternative food products (so far he has taken to Soy Milk in place of the Whole Cows Milk). Places for good, and yummy recipes, etc? This will be a whole new way of me cooking for him so any advice will be helpful! What are some good dairy free substitutions that still taste good? He LOVES his yogurt, I feel so bad that he can't have it anymore. Or are there soy or dairy free ones? Blah. None of this is for sure until his allergy test, but I figure it won't hurt for me to start looking around.Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-85660429692332806112012-02-14T10:30:00.000-05:002012-02-14T10:30:19.905-05:00The Sick.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7TZcTn0CFE/Tzp9pgR4TlI/AAAAAAAACCE/BM6BKQjjXuY/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--7TZcTn0CFE/Tzp9pgR4TlI/AAAAAAAACCE/BM6BKQjjXuY/s400/IMG_2007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
What in the world? I thought we all shook this thing a week ago, but it is back. I have had a horrible stomach ache and nausea since yesterday afternoon, but had to quickly forget about it so I could take care Jackson. The poor little guy has been throwing up all night long- just about every hour or if lucky, two. This was the first time I ever had to spend the night sleeping on his floor so I could help him. Watching my baby wreathe in pain with dry heaves is not something I ever want to see again. His tiny little body shaking from the violent heaves his stomach was throwing on him. And each time, in a little voice he would say to me "Mommy, I don't like this. Why do I have to be sick?" I wish I had a good enough answer for you my sweet boy. Instead I would rub his back, kiss his forehead, and give him sips of water. <br />
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It was a night of constant bedding changes....over and over and over- unfortunately the bathroom is so far away from his bedroom he would never make it in time. So puking on his bed was the best option. Yuck, I know. But I got a system of towels, that made it not nearly as bad. <br />
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And after the hard work his body put him through, he was back to sleep in minutes. I on the other hand laid on the floor, in my makeshift bed and tried to quiet the thoughts in my head. I would pray, sing praise songs, and just try and get my eyes to sleep for I knew in just a short time we would be doing it all over again. 19 times to be exact. Wow, what a long night and now a long day for a mommy needing to care for a sick little boy, myself and a baby. <br />
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At 6 am it seemed impossible. I am embarrassed that I was crying to Scott about him leaving me for work. I asked (ok, maybe begged for him to stay home). At that hour after being up all night, I couldn't imagine being able to care for my Littles, plus do all the cleaning and disinfecting my household needed, and get the sleep my body desperately craved. But of course it was an important work day full of meetings for the hubby, so I was on my own. Jackson was already in a deep sleep so I moved to my own bed and luckily was able to get another hour and a half of hard, hard sleep before everyone awoke.<br />
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And surprisingly Jackson seems to be doing much better. The worst seems to be past him and I am feeling brighter and more positive. I still have a yucky stomach, but I pray that it doesn't get any worse- and most importantly, that little Owen doesn't get it. <br />
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This is the song that kept me company last night. I heard it last week and now can't seem to get it out of my head. I have already ordered it from the library so I can listen to it on repeat as often as I like :) I have a strong feeling this is an album I will be purchasing for sure. LOVE. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oyPBtExE4W0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-41307348555233256812012-02-07T23:13:00.002-05:002012-02-07T23:19:58.028-05:00Cutest. Patient. EVER.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last Thursday Owen went in to have surgery on his left tear duct to finally get the goop all cleared up. The poor little guy was born with both tear ducts completely blocked. After a sinus infection around 7 months the right side cleared up on its own, but this left side has remained pesky. At his 1 year doctor's appointment they strongly suggested we have it taken care of. She said that they don't like them to persist after one year of age because it can lead to further issues down the road. Boo. The thought of my little baby being put under was a scary one. But we braved it together and now he is goop free! Yay! <br />
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The surgery itself was crazy fast. When they were taking him away from me for surgery, the nurse told me to go have a cup of coffee. By the time I was done, he would be too. And she was right! Wow! They warned me ahead of time that children, especially babies when they come out of anesthesia, they will cry and be pretty hysterical. It is normal and not to worry. They will calm down as it wears off. Sure enough when they called me back to see him after surgery a nurse was holding him and he was crying like I never heard him before. They handed him over to me and I thought to myself- <i>Oh my goodness, what did I do to my baby.</i> His eye was completely swollen shut. It looked as though he was hit in the eye with a baseball. I did NOT expect to see that, and the tears came to my eyes. But I knew that wouldn't help anything and pulled myself together. I had a baby that needed me. So I just held him tight, rocking and singing Jesus Loves Me, You are My Sunshine and Trust in the Lord over and over again in between kisses, just so he knew he wasn't alone. <br />
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After a bit, when I noticed he was starting to settle down a bit and I was able to start seeing his eye through the puffiness I remembered I brought my laptop along. The nurses said it was OK, so I put on his beloved Elmo and all was alright with the world. He started to giggle more then cry, and his thrashes turned into snuggles. We were able to get him to nibble on a few graham crackers and he had a few sips of juice. Pretty soon the nurse told me that I could get him dressed that he was ready to go home. I was shocked. The entire thing took less then 2 hours! The doctor assured me that his swelling would go down and that he would look and act more himself by later in the day if not by tomorrow. I was a little doubtful, but OK. <br />
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Sure enough, by evening the swelling was almost all gone and we had to stop him from wrestling with Jackson. The following day there was zero swelling, only the under of his eye was a bit red. It looked as though he may have bumped it on something while playing. By Saturday, only 2 days after surgery he looked 100% like himself. No swelling, no redness, no nothing. Just a runny nose and a cough from all the drainage of fluids they had to pump into his eye and nasal cavity to clear out the blockages. Amazing. I am so, so, so happy it went as well as it did. I seriously had my doubts, especially after seeing him immediately after surgery. But he is a tough little guy and came right through with no problems. Thank you Lord. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>I just love that cute little diaper butt hanging out the back of the gown :)</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><i>Oh how afraid I was. I felt so helpless and scared that something terrible was going to happen to my baby. So I decided to hand it over to God and to trust in Him to hold my baby when I couldn't. I asked all the Prayer Warriors I knew of to keep Owen lifted up (and for a brave mommy too.) Thank you to everyone who prayed with us that day and the days leading up to his surgery. </i><i> I truly felt your comforting prayers! </i><i>As scared as I was, I knew God was in control. Oh how Great He Is!</i></b></div>
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<i><b>This is the song that played in the car on the way to the hospital. No way was this an accident. </b></i><br />
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<i>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? -Luke 12:25 </i><br />
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<i> Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
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Jackson is halfway done with his first year of preschool and just LOVES it. He will be 5 next month and will be in kindergarten (gasp) in the fall. I can't believe it!!! Such a big boy! How did it happen already?!! I honestly have no idea where the last 5 years have gone. I can remember carrying him in my belly as though it was yesterday. He made me fall in love with being pregnant. I just told Scott yesterday that I would make the perfect serogate (except of the handing over your baby to another family part...) He is our mighty super hero. Always planning who's going to fight whom- Spiderman vs. Dr. Octopus or The Fantastic Four against Dr. Doom..... we live and breath superheros. lol. It is his great passion right now, and thus I get to learn anything and everything about them as well. I must admit I am pretty well versed these days. haahha. He is such a wonderful big brother with Owen, always has been I guess. But it is even more apparent when you can see them play together. Did you know that there was a such thing as gentle wrestling? Me neither, but Jackson has somehow figured it out with Owen. For the most part anyways. Jackson HATES to hear Owen cry. When he is upset he immediately runs over to him and tries to distract him with reading him a book, showing him a favorite toy or being silly for him. It is so sweet and warms my heart every single time. <br />
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The boys can take a bath together now, as you can see! Do I really need to tell you how much they love it and the fun they have? It is a crazyfest in there! But there is no fighting baths anymore (Jackson) and the two guys love being silly together for sure. Water adds a whole new level of excitement and fun, for sure. They got a ton of brand new bath toys at Christmas, and out with the nast-o old ones. I have decided I never want a squish and squirt bath toy in my house again. Those things are the worst! I don't care how carefully you squeeze out the water the horrid "black stuff" still gets inside. I know that you can soak them in bleach water and all that to be rid of it. I did it. One time was all it took for me to learn very quickly I am never doing THAT again. Hard, plastic bath toys from here on out. hahaha. </div>
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Owen is our comedian, even though he is only just over a year old, he knows when he is being silly and loves every second of it. He is also showing that he is becoming quite sneaky and quite the trouble maker. We are going ot have to watch out for him I think. He is quickly reminding me of the antics of Sneaky Sophie when she was his age. If this keeps up we are in some trouble! hahaha. Second Child syndrome maybe? Is there such a thing? If not, there really should be! <br />
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Owen still isn't talking much with actual words. The same ones as before, but not a whole lot of new ones. The new ones will pop out here and there, but then we don't hear them again for months and months. But he has started this new babble that is very conversation like. He just wanders around, "talking" up a storm. I remember that when Jackson started this, he began talking with actual words very soon after. I hope so because I love his little voice when he <i>does</i> say something. I never taught any sign language with Jackson when he was a baby, but i did try a few signs this time with Owen. He picked up "More" really fast. The actual sign is hitting your two fists against each other in front of yourself. He says "More" by clapping. When he starts getting upset because there is no more food on his try at first he will scream at us. But all we have to say is "Owen, how do you say more?" and Right away he claps. Last night the boys were snacking on Nilla Wafers and clear as day we hear clapping and a tiny "More" come from the other side of the kitchen island. Of course we got all excited and told him good job and asked him to say it again. He didn't and now probably wont for another month. The stinker. <br />
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The poor little guy has this itchy bothersome rash all over his body. We are guessing it is an allergic reaction to something, but have no idea what that "something" could be. I just hope it isn't one of the biggies like dairy or wheat. I take him to see the doctor this wednesday, so we shall see. Fingers crossed..... <br />
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Speaking of doctors,<br />
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Both of my kids had always gone to a different doctor but at the same family practice as me. The one they usually see has always made me crazy. I always got the feeling that she and I could be maybe friends if I never met her in the office. But as a doctor of my kids I never really liked her. She just kinda rubbed me the wrong way. I mean, how many doctor's that deal with children don't know how to put a diaper on a kid?! Or never ask about milestones. Or really just seem flighty in general. OK, maybe we wouldn't be friends..... Anyways, I was in the process of looking for a new pediatrician at the same time I was going to start searching for a new GP for myself. Low and behold that is when Dr. D arrived at the office. She not only specializes in women's health, but children as well. If that isn't a sign I don't know what is. I officially moved myself and both of my kids to her today. *two checks off the BIG list!<br />
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Oh, I am so tired of going to the doctors office. We are there so often these days. Between all the kids Well visits, keeping up with their shots, random illnesses, and my headache disorder I feel as though they should come up with a Frequent Visitors Swipe Card, like at the grocery store. We could start collecting points and then use them for things like a "No CoPay Day" or a free box of Band-Aids.... Oh goodness. What am I saying?! lol. Either way, what I am saying is I am sick of the office! But that is a conversation for a whole new blog....<br />
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<br />Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-7145121000740940782011-11-15T22:58:00.000-05:002011-11-15T22:58:21.145-05:00Nice thoughts for the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WVxPEfVzHQ/TsMnMDyZi-I/AAAAAAAAB3w/FNW6kyYD0ic/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4WVxPEfVzHQ/TsMnMDyZi-I/AAAAAAAAB3w/FNW6kyYD0ic/s640/IMG_1414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">-Author Unknown</span></i></div><br />
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<i>A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. it knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Agatha Christie</span><br />
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<i>The greatest achievements were at first and for a time dreams.</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">James Allen</span><br />
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<i>Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Garrison Keillor</span><br />
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<i>Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Victor Hugo</span><br />
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<i>Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mary Anne Radmacher</span><br />
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<i>There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.</i><br />
-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Elizabeth Lawrence</span>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-45933491710976226972011-11-14T23:08:00.000-05:002011-11-14T23:08:38.263-05:00On the day that Owen was born<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFKjGcL4EB8/TsHgF4Blh5I/AAAAAAAAB3I/Y5upSKEkWw0/s1600/owen+12+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFKjGcL4EB8/TsHgF4Blh5I/AAAAAAAAB3I/Y5upSKEkWw0/s640/owen+12+months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"On the day that Owen was born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the day that Owen was born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the day that Owen was born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>the angels sang</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and they blew on their horns</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and they danced- they danced!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They smiled and raised up their hands </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and they danced, </i><i>they danced</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>on the day that Owen was </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>being born.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Right now someone somewhere is being born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Somewhere right now someone is being born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Right now someone somewhere is being born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And the angels are singing and their blowin' on their horns</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And their dancin', their dancin'</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Their smilin' and raisin' up their hands</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>'Cause right now somewhere someone is being born</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Raisin' up their hands...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the day that each one of us was being born."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>~Red and Kathy Grammer</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfEftzYeezg/TsHdt5dtSAI/AAAAAAAAB2o/UVLtrPGwg3s/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfEftzYeezg/TsHdt5dtSAI/AAAAAAAAB2o/UVLtrPGwg3s/s400/IMG_0405.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy birthday my wonderful, beautiful, incredibly happy baby boy! Goodness, I can hardly believe that an entire year has come and gone so quickly! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You are on. the. move! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A boy full of energy and wonderment- everything is an exciting new discovery just waiting to be understood. Oh how I love you so. Each day of my life is brighter because you are in it. Thank you for all of your sweet, juicy wet kisses, your hugs and wild laughter with each tummy tickle. And although I am the one to give you presents today, you gave me the sweetest of all- to hear you say "Mommy" perfectly in your little voice melted my heart and made the whole world OK, if just for today. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy first birthday Owen! Now, let the celebrations begin!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-74867963931284510682011-11-13T16:01:00.000-05:002011-11-13T16:01:40.760-05:00Jackson the Preschooler!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvkIhIWya_8/Tr_AGrQBACI/AAAAAAAAB1E/cMIXMUUlppU/s1600/preschoolherecome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvkIhIWya_8/Tr_AGrQBACI/AAAAAAAAB1E/cMIXMUUlppU/s640/preschoolherecome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>I am so proud of my little man. He has taken to school in the most wonderfully amazing way. He <i>loves</i> it. Loves it (almost) as much as he loves Super Hero's. Ok, maybe not that much- but goodness, it is pretty close! He is learning so much and is so, so proud of his new accomplishments. The alphabet letters that we have been struggling with for the past two years are now so easy, like this whole time he has been playing a trick on me and actually knew them all. <span id="goog_960610185"></span><span id="goog_960610186"></span><br />
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</div><div>This past monday I got to attend my very first Parent-Teacher Conference. I have to admit it, I was so excited. I knew he was doing well; after the first week of school he now tells me everything he does over the course of a school day (with hardly any prodding!) But I was looking forward to getting a little inside scoop on how he actually carries himself in school. Is he polite? Does he ever talk to the other kids? Does he help his other classmates and is he good at sharing? I know what to expect when I am around, but it means something entirely different when he is in a room full of people. Our little gabber jaws at home is very quiet and reserved in large groups. Ands his teacher confirmed that Yep, he is like that at school too. But although he is quite and an observer, he's got the smarts. He is already in the head of his class when it comes to gross motor development. Jackson has a perfect hop, skip and jump (Hey Mom, remember Bonnie with this one?! hahahahaha) and his teacher said that in all of her years teaching she has never taught a 4 year old child that can color and stay in the lines like Jackson can. They are amazed at his ability to sit still and the patience to get his pictures "just right". We are beginning to notice he may have a love for art just like his mommy. <i>So cool.</i><br />
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Jackson is growing in leaps and bounds and we are just loving seeing these exciting new developments. This is a whole new stage in life for all of us- but it is 100% a great one! </div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-38819533354867364592011-11-03T23:39:00.002-04:002011-11-04T07:27:22.292-04:00Almost 1 YearI sit here tonight in a quiet house. The Little's are all sleeping, Scott is at a friends house tying flies for an upcoming fishing trip and I get to blog in peace and enjoy a glass of wine. It's kinda nice. Thoughts have been running around in my head these past few days. Looking back on this last year, I honestly have no idea where it went. How on earth is it possible my little Owen is turning 1 in just 11 days? Life has been fun and exciting and a total whirlwind. I am sure it is also due to having a 4 year old (almost <i>FIVE</i>, don't even get me started on that one.... Mimi and Papa, where is that brick hat already??!!!) that is 100% boy to help keep me on my toes. But WOW, is all I can say. I love seeing all the growth and developments that Owen is making. It is awesome and simply amazing how much these babies can learn in just a years time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBK7poUGSVc/TrM4DRR-QHI/AAAAAAAABxM/5dzfUYdNnhM/s1600/IMG_0088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VBK7poUGSVc/TrM4DRR-QHI/AAAAAAAABxM/5dzfUYdNnhM/s640/IMG_0088.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
Even though I haven't been good about blogging here, I still have been keeping track of all of Owen's "First's". Not sure why I didn't just jot them down here... I guess when I "blog" I want to be able to write something substantial. But sometimes I just have a little to say and then it never gets said. So here I am turing over a new leaf. I will write here more, if even just a small update. So here is what you missed....<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7 Months - </span></b><br />
<b>What a difference a month makes!</b></div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg_vwsnsEF8/TrNNcYaTozI/AAAAAAAABxc/-goFQklSYNc/s1600/6vs7months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pg_vwsnsEF8/TrNNcYaTozI/AAAAAAAABxc/-goFQklSYNc/s640/6vs7months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><ul><li><b>June 12th </b>SO close to crawling! He's got the army-move down pat. And the past few days he gets up to his hands and knees and then doesn't know what to do from there... until he lunges himself forward onto his face.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Learned how to Crawl</b> <b>on Sunday, June 19th, Father's Day</b>, perfected it the next morning and immediately was On. The. Move.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>First Word (Mama) the following Tuesday, June 21st</b>. We have a 1st word!! During dinner, I just couldn't get Owen's dinner in his mouth fast enough. Impatiently Owen, very clearly says loudly "Ma Ma!" We all were shocked and squealed. About 5 minutes later he said it again! What an amazing week this has been for Little O- crawling, 1st haircut, and 1st word- all within 3 days of each other. So exciting! </li>
</ul><ul><li><b>First Haircut, also on Tuesday, June 21st. </b>Needless to say this week put me in a tizzy. I was a wreck. I lost my "baby" this week. He went from laying on his back with spiky, crazy black hair- to crawling, "talking" and being completely blond with a crew cut. He looked so different I admit it, I was super sad and emotional. It was one of those bittersweet moments as a mommy. Excited to see your children growing up, but yet not quite ready for so much at one time. <i>He hasn't had a haircut since.... although he needs it. </i><i> </i></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTiAe8Xj9Fc/TrNNQUq9VHI/AAAAAAAABxU/cAUUmn9lwgI/s1600/Owens1sthaircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hTiAe8Xj9Fc/TrNNQUq9VHI/AAAAAAAABxU/cAUUmn9lwgI/s400/Owens1sthaircut.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><i><br />
</i></div><ul><li><b>June 30th can now sit up independantly </b>(meaning he can go from laying or crawling to sitting up on his own without help. He is also enjoying Cherios, puffs and all that good stuff. He definitely prefers chunkier food then purees. I just can't get over all the milestones he has hit in just the past week!!</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8 Months</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bH-Cp4eKKw8/TrNTb8I5IAI/AAAAAAAABx8/GZ90NkSdgd8/s1600/IMG_1570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bH-Cp4eKKw8/TrNTb8I5IAI/AAAAAAAABx8/GZ90NkSdgd8/s640/IMG_1570.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><b>Owen is SO BIG! </b>He loves this game. You ask him "How big is Owen?" he then proceeds to throw his hands in the air and then claps at himself , so proud. Absolutely a-d-o-r-e-a-b-l-e. He also loves to show off by playing peek-a-boo and pat-e-cake. When he gets on a roll he will go from one trick to the next to the next, laughing and smiling and clapping at his accomplishments. </li>
</ul></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">9 Months</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uL4xTPihdw/TrNRR2UgpwI/AAAAAAAABxk/nH1e-Kc0fBw/s1600/Owen9months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1uL4xTPihdw/TrNRR2UgpwI/AAAAAAAABxk/nH1e-Kc0fBw/s640/Owen9months.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div></div><div><ul><li><b>August 19th </b>Separation Anxiety has kicked in FULL FORCE. I can not even walk out of the room without Owen screaming and crying until I come back and pick him up. And if he had his way completely, I would never put him down. Once I am holding him, if I set him on the floor the screaming resumes. I don't remember it this bad with Jackson. It is also to the point that he will crawl away from me out of the room, but if he turns back to look at me and I'm not there behind him, he screams. I've been using my sling a lot, except he is 9 months old and not the lightest little guy anymore (20+ lbs) Even with the sling, my back needs a break from holding him every now and then. The crying is just wearing on my nerves. He was NEVER a crier before. This is all so weird for him. I sure hope this is a faze. </li>
</ul><ul><li>We've got a cruiser! It didn't seem to take him long to figure out how to cruising furniture. Once he got the hang of it he is all over the place. </li>
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</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10 Months</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myc_5v9x8U8/TrNSea3gxiI/AAAAAAAABx0/RL6AGpvhJSM/s1600/IMG_1770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myc_5v9x8U8/TrNSea3gxiI/AAAAAAAABx0/RL6AGpvhJSM/s640/IMG_1770.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><ul><li><b>at 10 months 5 days old he got his first tooth</b>!! He is crawling everywhere, cruising furniture with a purpose- and fast! He can stand up on his own, and boy is he proud! But not quite walking independently yet. He can say Mama, Dada, Baba (for bottle and he says it for food in general) and More (sounds like Mah) while either clapping or hitting the table if the food isn't coming fast enough! lol. </li>
</ul><ul><li>He is definitely not into baby food anymore. Totally preferring table food, his favorites being pasta, brown rice, cheese toast, bananas, beans of any kind- especially baked beans, vegetable stew, Israeli Couscous and his absolute favorite- polenta! This boy likes food with flavor! Not crazy about applesauce, but if I sprinkle a little cinnamon on it he gobbles it right up!</li>
</ul><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">11 Months</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56NIlOr6O0s/TrNW3n88t3I/AAAAAAAAByE/2st5EGcq0bM/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56NIlOr6O0s/TrNW3n88t3I/AAAAAAAAByE/2st5EGcq0bM/s640/IMG_0068.jpg" width="424" /></a></div></div><ul><li><b>October 6 </b>so little Owen has a crazy rash of some sort. Worrying myself to death thinking it is rebella or measels. So not happy considering I am a mother who regularly vaccinates their children and out of no fault of my own Owen is suffering (he is too young for the vaccination). UPDATE: well it turns out Owen is allergic to the flu shot!! Weird, huh?! He has a really bad case of hives. So nothing too serious but he will probably never be able to get the flu shot ever again. At least it is nothing serious or contagious though!</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-rTYtGqsNU/TrNaH1JR3tI/AAAAAAAAByM/shL9DQ5PSTk/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-rTYtGqsNU/TrNaH1JR3tI/AAAAAAAAByM/shL9DQ5PSTk/s640/IMG_1915.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><ul><li><b>October 11</b> feeling burnt out today. It has just been a long two weeks for us. Me fighting migraines and a chronic sinus infection (which may be a huge cause of my headaches these days). Add to that Owen getting two new teeth, fever and fussiness from shots and an allergic reaction to the flu shot. He is not sleeping well or eating well and fusses almost constantly. It's been a long few days and i just could use a break. Oh how I hate being a downer. Sorry guys.</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>October 17</b> And we have a walker!!!! After two weeks of Owen taking 3-4 steps and then falling on his butt, last night he figured it out and now he can't stop! The proud look on his face is so cute. Love him!</li>
</ul><ul><li>Now that Owen has learned how to walk, that is his most favorite thing in the whole wide world to do. He just loves walking from one room to the next, looking at stuff, bending down to pick up a toy and proceeding on his way into the next room of the house needing exploration. He babbles nonstop and has developed a FULL set of lungs. No more quiet baby, that's for sure. Owen has stuff to say and wants to make sure you hear it loud and clear!! He also seems to have turned into a bit of a screamer. I think it has to do with the fact that he is learning so much and has so much he wants to communicate with us, but yet doesn't have a whole lot of words to say it all. He gets frustrated and in turn screams to make himself noticed and heard. We are all hoping the screaming faze will be on its way out once new words are on their way in. The separation anxiety isn't as intense as it was. He still loves to be held and has his times of day when that is all he wants (thank you again Leanne for the sling. It is getting a work out for sure with this one!!) But now that he can walk he has more fun being on the loose, so to say. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Owen loves to point. It is his new favorite thing! You scoop him up in your arms and immediately there is 100 things he wants to show you, pointing from one thing to the next "asking" what it all is. Everything is exciting and interesting and he wants to learn it all. </li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-On65V2kBsK0/TrNbpezAOVI/AAAAAAAAByc/j9HrYsWXsw4/s1600/IMG_1914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-On65V2kBsK0/TrNbpezAOVI/AAAAAAAAByc/j9HrYsWXsw4/s640/IMG_1914.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><ul><li>Owen's Words so far: Mama, Dada, Baba (bottle and food in general), More (sounds like Mah. He also still bangs his tray when he is ready for more too. We have a little caveman! haha), A-Da (he says this when he is asking what something is. He says A-Da and then points at the thing in question. Be sure you answer him or he will keep asking only it gets louder each time!), he said "kitty" once but hasn't repeated it again, can't really count it yet....</li>
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</div></div><div>So there you go! I think I have finally caught you all back up to speed on our Little O. Next is the Big Man on Campus, Mr. Jackson.... hold tight!</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-84928226780108848282011-07-07T08:18:00.001-04:002011-11-04T07:27:56.833-04:00Oh my goodness, life has just been HAPPENING!I don't know about all of you but life is just <i>good</i> these days. Summer is in full bloom; my boys are growing, busy and so very, very happy. There is a lot of joy going on in our household lately. And you know what, it has everything to do with our new little Owen. He was every bit the missing piece that our little family needed. I don't think I have ever in all my life met a happier, more peaceful or more content little baby. If you have spent any time with this little guy you would notice that he is the quite observer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swH_TJVhdxI/TbCPeTmQ_MI/AAAAAAAABcg/K3N-uEHNngo/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-swH_TJVhdxI/TbCPeTmQ_MI/AAAAAAAABcg/K3N-uEHNngo/s640/IMG_8421.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> a happy Owen, 5 months old</span></i></div><br />
He takes in everything around him, while just waiting patiently for you to make eye contact with him. Once that happens forget it- your heart has now melted from the ear to ear smile he just blessed you with. As he is growing more and more independent, studying all that is around him, he is truly finding his "voice". He isn't quite as quiet as he used to be, but he is definitely Mr. Mellow. He let's the world roll off of his shoulders- very much as I would love to be able to do from time to time. Owen is so much like his Daddy, it is amazing. I look at the boys and although I see Scott in Jackson's ever changing and growing features- his personality is me through and through! It is like <i>deja-vu</i> at times. And our Owen, my little face twin is his father's son. I see those personality traits that my Scottie possesses- those same ones that made me fall in love with him, right here in my littlest guy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCEUqaYLfmA/ThWemxxgK4I/AAAAAAAABjU/Ervmw79RLYk/s1600/IMG_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCEUqaYLfmA/ThWemxxgK4I/AAAAAAAABjU/Ervmw79RLYk/s640/IMG_9452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">6 months old</span></i></div><br />
It is amazing how you forget those super early days with your first child. I am so glad I wrote everything down with Jackson, because I am loving going back and reading all the firsts he had, when they happened and looking how Owen compares. They might be brothers, but their personalities are so different.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra9EssrtcOg/ThWfeJ4lDBI/AAAAAAAABjY/WccgjfoClMk/s1600/IMG_9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ra9EssrtcOg/ThWfeJ4lDBI/AAAAAAAABjY/WccgjfoClMk/s640/IMG_9436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">my wish- they will always love each other this much. Or more. </span></i></div><br />
When it comes to hitting milestones the boys have been pretty much right on track with each other. Jackson was an early developer and I see Owen is very much the same. I think a lot has to do with the fact that they just don't want to be left behind. Jackson as a baby was determined to be able to do whatever it was that his big cousins Anna and Sophie could do. And now we hear Owen loudly protesting when he works so hard to get to where the action is, just to be left behind when one of us walks into another room. I can almost hear <i>"Hey!! Wait up guys!!"</i> come from his lips. He is constantly reminding us- I will not be left behind!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9TZfzxPJOw/ThWhwAVTfiI/AAAAAAAABjc/06vcoaaOuJ4/s1600/IMG_9164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N9TZfzxPJOw/ThWhwAVTfiI/AAAAAAAABjc/06vcoaaOuJ4/s640/IMG_9164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Sweet angels, you two have a place in my heart- in my soul, that could never, ever be left behind.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjH63Ox19zY/ThWjTuQVEJI/AAAAAAAABjg/U7pEtjtX_6o/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjH63Ox19zY/ThWjTuQVEJI/AAAAAAAABjg/U7pEtjtX_6o/s640/IMG_0391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-57665164157965714572011-07-04T08:49:00.001-04:002011-11-04T07:28:11.132-04:00We've got a crawler!!<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pChuZeakbSc/ThG2achPqgI/AAAAAAAABi0/yVCo5d0mpO4/s1600/owenisonthemove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pChuZeakbSc/ThG2achPqgI/AAAAAAAABi0/yVCo5d0mpO4/s640/owenisonthemove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">On Father's Day, after a week of trying and trying, Owen finally figured out how to crawl!! The hand over hand while moving his knees at the same time thing is so tricky to understand. Sunday evening it started to click and he made a few actual forward crawling movements. But as of Monday morning I plopped him on the floor and he crawled right away from me like he has been doing it for months! Jackson and I erupted into cheers, claps and even some jumping up and down! Such an accomplishement. Now two weeks later and he is all over the house. The baby gate is now a permanent fixture as he will follow anyone (especially the kitties) wherever they go. He is our little explorer.</span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Owen's Favorite Enticers </b></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>(i.e. things Owen can't keep his hands off of while on the move):</b></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>cords-</b> all kinds. He seems them, he will beeline to them and immediately tries to figure out how to get them in his mouth. Really great, huh?! Time to figure out some new cord control...</span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Stereo and Electronic Equipment</b>- do they make screens to hide stereo buttons? Because that is the first place he heads. If Owen is in the living room, be prepared for the television volume to be turned off, stereo turned on (full blast and usually on AM fuzz- it sounds wonderful, let me tell you...) or all of the sound buttons pushed at the same time so you have no idea how to fix it until hours later....</span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>The Cats!!!!!</b>- Just like when Jackson was a baby, Owen just loves to follow the kitties. Memphis usually lets Owen get <i>just close enough</i> to touch and then he walks out of reach. This continues until one of them gets bored (usually Memphis). Ringo, the stubborn cat that he is, doesn't like to give up his house and has to be the center of everything. The poor cat is going to be hairless soon if he doesn't give in. Owen always has his fingers in his mouth, so they are wet and sticky. wet and sticky fingers + cat hair = gross.</span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>Jackson's Toys</b>- it doesn't matter what it is. If it is Jackson's, he wants it. And wants to put it directly into his mouth. Jackson has actually been surprising good at sharing and making sure nothing too tiny is on the floor where Owen can reach. I think the only thing Jackson really misses is being able to color in the living room on the floor. But Owen just wants to eat the crayons, so for at least a little while, coloring will have to be done at the table. </span></div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-68702195221961670822011-07-03T14:24:00.004-04:002011-11-04T07:28:26.792-04:00I think we have to loose the bumper...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evdgJ7dCTwY/ThCzT8wqg7I/AAAAAAAABis/g8W4932Y314/s1600/IMG_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-evdgJ7dCTwY/ThCzT8wqg7I/AAAAAAAABis/g8W4932Y314/s640/IMG_0945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think he hates it.... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-456hjh-f9As/ThCzqU8Co9I/AAAAAAAABiw/CiDv99dPdNM/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-456hjh-f9As/ThCzqU8Co9I/AAAAAAAABiw/CiDv99dPdNM/s640/IMG_0943.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but how am I going to sneak out of his room at bedtime if it is gone?! lol.</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-50275501891845646802011-07-02T13:22:00.002-04:002011-11-04T07:28:49.696-04:00May Catch Upok, so maybe not flooding.... ehhh, whatever. What can you do. Life gets busy and I get bad at blogging. But I <i>can not</i> forget all of the wonderful milestones that my baby is accomplishing- and so fast too!! Every day I am amazed at this little guy. He is growing in leaps and bounds. Bare with me, I am going to try and play catch up a little bit....<br />
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In May, Owen became a supported sitter, which makes life much more fun! But it also means we have entered the world of head bumps (Owen) and the heart stops (for the rest of us!!) Because of this, Jackson has become especially concerned that Owen is going to fall backwards and hit his head. So he has appointed himself the job of making sure the Boppy is safely wrapped around him for support. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z54qlAK5WBM/ThCs6qufF9I/AAAAAAAABic/EVZAoImcra8/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z54qlAK5WBM/ThCs6qufF9I/AAAAAAAABic/EVZAoImcra8/s640/IMG_0223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Aside from the head bumps, sitting up has proven to be super fun. I love watching my little men begin to play together! Jackson is such a good big brother, showing Owen how toys work and gently (usually, anyways) playing with and holding him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqf__TNeI9w/ThCuOFpga4I/AAAAAAAABig/Z6c8FmDh3b0/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zqf__TNeI9w/ThCuOFpga4I/AAAAAAAABig/Z6c8FmDh3b0/s640/IMG_0226.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A whole new world is opening up for him, and he is having a blast!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7wT5y1o_GY/ThCwrjTuseI/AAAAAAAABik/AcPz8i798ZI/s1600/IMG_0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i7wT5y1o_GY/ThCwrjTuseI/AAAAAAAABik/AcPz8i798ZI/s640/IMG_0229.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Probably the coolest thing for Jackson this month is that he has learned how to use the computer! We have been having so much fun learning about dinosaurs, practicing our letters and playing all sorts of games. He has gotten so good that he hardly needs me to even help him anymore. Needless to say, he feels like such a big boy.<br />
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My boys are growing up so fast!Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-39623919211628432522011-06-02T20:03:00.001-04:002011-06-03T08:21:30.506-04:00Time to Catch Up!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">February was my last post. Seriously?!! I'm so sorry. Well be prepared for catch up time! I am going to flood this blog with posts these next few days to try and get everyone back up to speed! Here is something I think is pretty awesome to hopefully make up in my lack of blog posts. Enjoy :)</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BKEEWqwODLQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a video of Jackson (4 years) feeding Owen (6 months) and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then sings him some of his favorite songs</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-41115101733990860212011-02-28T23:54:00.002-05:002011-11-04T07:29:07.395-04:00What Every Mom Dreams to Hear from her ChildrenThe other evening while I was giving Owen his bath, Jackson came into the bathroom to chit chat with us. He was talking to Owen and making him laugh, telling him all the things he will be able to do soon. "Owen when you are bigger you will be able to play with all my bath toys. I'll share with you. And Owen, when you get bigger we can take baths together. It is fun to and swim and play. And when you get bigger we can scoop and dump...." And then he turns to me and says "Mommy pretty soon Owen is going to be my new best friend." <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vC6VOrk75Wg/TWx6ZEMd9zI/AAAAAAAABSA/05_mJSPDR-U/s1600/IMG_7891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vC6VOrk75Wg/TWx6ZEMd9zI/AAAAAAAABSA/05_mJSPDR-U/s640/IMG_7891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My heart melted right then and there. And as my eyes were welling up, I scooped Jackson up in my arms and gave him a huge hug and kiss. I am so proud of the big brother he already is to Owen, how he cares and loves him- even though he is too little to do much back. I am so excited to watch their bond of brotherhood grow and develop in the years to come! <br />
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*sigh* <i>life is good. </i>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-48327368585547412832011-02-26T13:56:00.003-05:002011-11-04T07:29:36.188-04:00Owen Rolled Over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8GGW6ci_D38/TWlKaqcrYMI/AAAAAAAABOo/lweO6CdQ748/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8GGW6ci_D38/TWlKaqcrYMI/AAAAAAAABOo/lweO6CdQ748/s640/IMG_8240.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
For the last week or two, Owen has been on the verge of rolling over from his back to his tummy. He will lift his butt, hip and shoulder off the ground and lay completely on his side. But his arm gets in the way and he can't quite figure out how to get all the way over.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UA87qSk8s5M/TWlKW2tFIzI/AAAAAAAABOk/97IUF_ZcVEw/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UA87qSk8s5M/TWlKW2tFIzI/AAAAAAAABOk/97IUF_ZcVEw/s640/IMG_8238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Well yesterday while playing up in Jackson's room, I laid Owen on his belly for some Tummy Time. His head is getting nice and strong, he lifts it high up and looks all around him, taking in the surrounds from a different angle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-itxyJmrmCs0/TWlKpjviKfI/AAAAAAAABO4/siSQzkMqk9I/s1600/IMG_8244.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-itxyJmrmCs0/TWlKpjviKfI/AAAAAAAABO4/siSQzkMqk9I/s640/IMG_8244.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">J<i>ackson was entertaining Owen by showing him all the cool toys "he will be able to play with when he is bigger." </i></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Well while on his tummy, right before our eyes, Owen rolled himself right on over onto his back! Jackson and I started cheering right away, clapping our hands, and Owen looks at us with these wide eyes like "Holy moly, how did that happen?!" It was great :) Awesome job Little O!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWvsGQNcXq8/TWlKejKkqKI/AAAAAAAABOs/BHVJXbP02YA/s1600/IMG_8241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bWvsGQNcXq8/TWlKejKkqKI/AAAAAAAABOs/BHVJXbP02YA/s640/IMG_8241.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-62123633400317503722011-02-16T16:06:00.000-05:002011-02-16T16:06:12.710-05:00Featuring Junior Chef Jackson!If you are a regular on my food blog, <a href="http://myretrokitchen.blogspot.com/">My Retro Kitchen</a>, you know that my #1 assistant in the kitchen is always Jackson. Any chance he can get to help stir, pour, dump and sprinkle he does it! He is a chef in the making, and I LOVE it!! And I definitely know that this is the reason he is so open to trying new things. His new favorite statement (at almost every meal) is "Mommy, I like everything. I really like to eat everything!" How cool is that to hear from your kids mouths?!! <br />
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A food blog that I like top frequent is <a href="http://soufflebombay.blogspot.com/">Soufflé Bombay</a>. Colleen, the author of the blog is also a co-author to this brilliant cookbook called Picture Me Cooking. Not only is it a cookbook for kids, but also a scrapbook for you to add pictures of your own children to make it extra special. What an awesome keepsake! I know, it is one of those "Why didn't I think of that?!" <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj_8YqA_h0/TVw7txk52JI/AAAAAAAABKI/N-nqzqoHcFk/s1600/DSCF6361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Nj_8YqA_h0/TVw7txk52JI/AAAAAAAABKI/N-nqzqoHcFk/s400/DSCF6361.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Well be sure to head on over to the website for <a href="http://www.picturemecooking.com/2011/02/junior-chef-spotlight-jackson/">Picture Me Cooking</a> to see my own Jackson as their Junior Chef in the spotlight! I wish you could have seen Jackson when I showed him this morning. He was <i>so</i> excited!Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-43100574025395406852011-02-14T22:33:00.001-05:002011-11-04T07:29:52.714-04:00I am so in love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpre_XNvJdg/TVnzg5KoVEI/AAAAAAAABKE/jca8iJRJjB0/s1600/IMG_8017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpre_XNvJdg/TVnzg5KoVEI/AAAAAAAABKE/jca8iJRJjB0/s640/IMG_8017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you God for blessing me with the most beautiful gifts a woman could ever have. My heart breaks wide open just looking at these two angels. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love them, I love them, I love them.</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-28657263481247082112011-02-10T23:48:00.001-05:002011-11-04T07:30:13.161-04:00I'm a Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOUMAtL6AB0/TVS_e1M8uHI/AAAAAAAABJo/7S74yphT2DM/s1600/IMG_7918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yOUMAtL6AB0/TVS_e1M8uHI/AAAAAAAABJo/7S74yphT2DM/s640/IMG_7918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"why can't you see i'm a kid', said the kid.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Why try to make me like you?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Why are you hurt when I don't cuddle?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Why do you sigh when I splash through a puddle?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Why do you scream when I do what I did?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Im a kid."<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: center;">—<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="authorNameRegular" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/435477.Shel_Silverstein" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Shel Silverstein</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a class="bookTitleRegular" href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2501867" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Falling Up</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">)</span></div></span>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-78490857156432577432011-01-28T09:11:00.000-05:002011-01-28T09:11:52.641-05:00Hallelujah in Alaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is so neat. I hope you all enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LyviyF-N23A?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-11530246307150351532011-01-27T16:16:00.004-05:002011-11-04T07:31:02.724-04:00rough day today.Nothing major. Nothing we can't fix. Just that being a parent is a really tough job sometimes. These are a few wise words I wanted to be reminded of today.<br />
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"Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." <br />
-Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
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"Don't ever discount the wonder of your tears. They can be healing waters and a stream of joy. Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak." <br />
-William P. Young<br />
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"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." <br />
-John 14:27<br />
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"Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet." <br />
-Lucy Maud Montgomery<br />
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"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."<br />
-Matthew 6:34Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-66506909204912632892011-01-26T16:28:00.001-05:002011-11-04T07:31:28.848-04:00Well it is official<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TUCKW5DO3_I/AAAAAAAABGM/So9qS-0-7dY/s1600/IMG_7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TUCKW5DO3_I/AAAAAAAABGM/So9qS-0-7dY/s640/IMG_7675.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Our Big Guy is going to be a preschooler! Yesterday Jackson, Owen and I headed out to visit the Open House and register Jackson for preschool that will be starting in the fall. When we were in the car he told me how he was scared about going to the school and made me promise a hundred times at least that I would stay by his side the whole time. I promised and told him that of course it was scary because he has never been to Preschool before, but before you know it you will love it and have a great time. He said OK, but he still didn't think he wanted to go. We walk inside with his little hand glued to mine, hiding behind Owen's stroller, just two little eyes peering out at this new place. He was dying to see what it was all about, but still didn't want anyone to pay attention to him- just in case he was forced to talk to them or even worse... STAY. The women that we talked to were all so nice. They talked to Jackson even though he refused to talk back. That is until one asked if he liked dinosaurs. His eyes lit up and all of a sudden this lady was kinda alright. He answered with a very small <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"yes" </span>and actually made eye contact with her.<br />
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The director of the Early Education Department took us around and showed us what a classroom is like. At first Jackson didn't want to go anywhere near the door. <i>What if they made him go inside? </i> But after a few minutes, with the teacher explaining all the fun things he was going to be able to do in a few months he was more intrigued. It was now OK to stand outside the door and peek in. It was so colorful, with posters, artwork and crafts on all the walls. There were toys to play with and games to do. The kids were right in the middle of doing "Jesus Time" and he knew the story they were talking about. <i>Maybe this place wasn't so strange after all.....</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well the teachers asked if we would like to come back and visit a class during school time. i immediately jumped at the idea. With Jackson, the more aware of things he is the more accepting he will be in the long run. She told us that him and I could come for the day (or as long as Jackson was brave enough to do) and we were welcome to participate in any or all of the activities the other kids were doing. Jackson could do the crafts, sing the songs, have the snack... I felt a tug on my pant legs and in a loud whispering hiss Jackson says to me "I'm not doing <i>any</i> of that." I told him OK, we could do whatever he wanted to do. The teacher went on telling us more about the school.. field trips, gym class, chapel, the playground.... all with Jackson quietly listening by my side. Then it was time to leave, with an invite to come back on Monday for our preschool class day visit. <br />
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In the car Jackson was pretty quiet, just taking it all in. After a few minutes he says to me" Mommy, I think I might want to do the craft and have the snack at preschool on Monday." I told him that I was so excited because I was hoping to do the craft and have a snack too. I peer at him through the rearview mirror and he is sitting there with a huge grin on his face. His eyes meet mine and he says "Mommy. I think preschool is going to be pretty cool." Happy <i>sigh. </i>I am so proud. My sweet Jackson is growing up. As sad as I am about him growing up so fast, I am also so very proud and excited for the new stage in life he is going into. Normally Jackson is very shy about telling people things about his life. It can sometimes be like pulling teeth to get him to talk to others about stuff that happens in the day. Well not preschool! Every chance he gets, he tells people about it. He is so excited! I know it is a while until he will be officially starting, but this is an awesome first step in the process. Yay for Little Man!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TUCRwF01nQI/AAAAAAAABGg/qbL80rXDvlw/s1600/IMG_7670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TUCRwF01nQI/AAAAAAAABGg/qbL80rXDvlw/s640/IMG_7670.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-15740314043881047382011-01-20T16:42:00.003-05:002011-11-04T07:31:59.275-04:00Owen's 2 Month Dr. Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTinfq-JEEI/AAAAAAAABEo/DINCGv9gqsY/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTinfq-JEEI/AAAAAAAABEo/DINCGv9gqsY/s640/IMG_7643.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Owen 2 months old</i></div><br />
Today Owen went in to see Dr. Biglow for his 2 Month well baby visit. This little guys has been growing in leaps and bounds and I have been dying to see how much he has actually grown. Well he was the hit of the office, of course! No one could get over his hair- such a conversation starter. If I got a dollar for every time someone commented on his hair I would be so rich already! <br />
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He is in the 50th percentile all around for weight, length, and head circumference. He weighs a whopping 12 lbs 4 oz! This means he has gained 6 lbs since birth- great job big guy!! He also grew an inch and a half, measuring in at 22.5 inches long and his head circumference also increased to 40.5. The doctor says my children are the cutest little boys she has ever seen (like I had any doubt otherwise... proud mommy moment. hehe). <br />
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She said that he is in perfect health and that we didn't need to come back until he turns 4 months old. The bummer news is that he had to receive some vaccinations today- 6 in total! Thankfully they group them together so he only had to have two shots and one oral vaccine. But oh how I hate that cry. It brings tears to my eyes every single time. He was a champ though, he was able to calm down pretty quickly once he was snuggled in my arms. <br />
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Speaking of hair, his is growing just as much as the rest of him- and it is growing in blonde just like his brothers did! It is about a half an inch longer then at birth, you can tell by the blonde roots. Too cute. Our little rock 'n roller. Although in these pictures I think he looks more like a future line backer :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTisIeGb_AI/AAAAAAAABFA/_ZOpBZ3Z3-Q/s1600/IMG_7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTisIeGb_AI/AAAAAAAABFA/_ZOpBZ3Z3-Q/s640/IMG_7654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Especially this one!Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2358971789231024814.post-83979481408775649172011-01-19T16:56:00.001-05:002011-11-04T07:32:18.067-04:00"Mommy, you're the best!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTivLUjeeBI/AAAAAAAABFE/hIxOK869BVY/s1600/DSCF7218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gHxep0B716o/TTivLUjeeBI/AAAAAAAABFE/hIxOK869BVY/s640/DSCF7218.JPG" width="593" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I never tire of hearing this. Jackson, I think you're the best too! I love you my Little Man!</div>Amiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01682300095543726598noreply@blogger.com0