Week in Review ~ 3/23

Busy weeks and fun weekends are making it tough to blog about them!

On Sunday, Avery and Ned went to Sunday school then came home since Sam had been sick and was still fussy.  After naps we went to see my mom.  It was the first time the kids had seen my parents in forever because of everyone being sick.  Avery was so excited that she didn't know how to handle herself for a bit.  Mom is doing so much better and we had a good visit.  Sunday visits of course mean a stop at Panera Bread before coming home.  Avery slept on the ride home then rested while before we could get her up to bed.

Our week was filled with meetings, Bible Zone, dance, and more meetings.  We took away Sam's afternoon bottle and really tried to push table food.  Monday afternoon we were late getting home, so he was hungry, and dinner was a disaster.  We had to get him out of the chair once to calm down to even eat baby food.  Things did get better, but he is still eating one thing one day but not the next, eating 2 bites of something before being done, and my personal favorite, throwing the food on the floor.  He can at least entertain himself with dining items.

Friday afternoon we ordered pizza and had fun waiting for that and for Daddy.

After dinner I picked up Anna and we headed to Kristen's jewelry party.  It was a fun night socializing and shopping.  Ned was asleep when I got home, which I guess is payback for all the times he's come home from fires and meetings and I've been out of it.

Ned got up with the kids Saturday morning, and then I got up because he had a hunt club meeting.  Avery and I did a marshmallow bunny project from Amy's blog.  Marshmallows make anything fun in this house.

Once Ned got home I went to the store, then we got busy getting ready to have the Millers for dinner.

We had such a wonderful time having them over.  Avery and Camden played so well and really enjoy each other's company.  Avery has decided that Camden is her sister, which works out well around here.  They were able to play before and after dinner, Sam threw no fits while we ate because I stuffed him with puffs, and doubling my dinner without the appropriate size pots did not turn out terribly.  It was a great night and we can't wait to do it again.

This week is extremely busy but fun as well, and I'm counting down the days until Easter and spring break.

Week in Review ~ 3/16

I figured I better get last week recorded since this week is nearly half through.  On Sunday Avery and I went to Sunday School and Ned and Sam joined us for worship.  Avery's Bible Zone class sang, and the turnout was pitiful.  It is sad that a Monday night program doesn't carry over to Sunday morning.  I left right from church to go visit my mom.  I got lunch at Panera and took her some soup.  She was still in the hospital and working on her appetite.  Once I got home, it was our regular dinner and play routine.

Avery woke up with yucky eyes Monday morning.  I figured {and hoped} it was just extreme congestion because pink eye is such a mess.  She went to work with Ned spreading germs and we made an appointment for her after Sam's well-check that afternoon.  Sam got shots and a good report and Avery got an antibiotic.  We decided to have dinner at Fred's before we came home.

The middle of the week was just normal life with huge bears in the car, wasting water, and other shenanigans.  

Friday when I picked the kids up Sam's eye was gross.  Luckily our pediatrician was still in and just called Sam in the same thing Avery had.  We had all planned to go to a pancake dinner with a bunch of friends, and even though Sam would have stayed in the stroller and not touched anything, I knew people would not want him near their food.  He was a bit tired on the way home anyway.

Ned and Sam stayed home and Avery and I ate pancakes with our friends.  Avery was so happy to be eating pancakes and sausage beside Camden and across from Mason.  We got Ned a plate and picked up Sam's medicine before coming home.

Sam's eyes were a terrible mess Saturday morning and one was even stuck together.  Luckily Ned was home and up to help.  Ned left to help my dad plant trees on one of the farms, and the kids and I enjoyed a day at home.  I had to interrupt this at the end of nap time.

Ned got home late afternoon and I went to the grocery store.  After baked spaghetti for dinner it was bed time for the kids.

Everyone seems to be on the mend now, and we are counting down the days until spring break!

Happy Birthday, Sam!

We celebrated Sam's happy birthday on Saturday. One day I'll throw a party and not be in total scurry mode beforehand. I act as if our guests are coming in with the white glove test, evidenced by the cabinet dusting and wood polishing prior to the party. But once I tie the balloons to the mailbox to let everyone {our 7 neighbors} know that we are celebrating, it all becomes worth it.

I chose a red wagon theme for Sam's party. For a good part of the year I had been planning on doing snips, snails, and puppy dog tails but changed my mind when I couldn't get the right size red wagon outfit for next year {hangsheadinshame}. The theme was very general and I didn't do anything extra or pin worthy. I just thought it was a cute little boy theme.

As always, Sweet Birdie's Nest did the invitations and also a banner this year. They sent along the sign on the tricycle as a surprise. The tricycle seemed like a more classic approach than our off-road version wagon.

Mrs. Kitchen, who has done all my cakes for everything and 2 of Avery's, did the main cake.

We had to wake Sam up from his nap, but he was a happy boy watching the guests arrive.

Sam really could have cared less about his presents. He wanted to roll his fire truck back and forth. I shouldn't have been surprised; Avery got some ribbon early into the gifts at her first birthday and didn't touch another gift after that. At this party though? She was as excited as if it were her special day.

She and her good buddy Camden helped Sam open his presents. This picture tells it all. The girls are checking it all out and Sam's eye has probably been caught by something dangerous.

He got some really nice things from our wonderful family and friends, and he is enjoying them even if he didn't care to open them.

After gifts it was time for cake. Camden's mom Anna made a beautiful, yummy cake just for Sam to smash up. If you're local, check our her Facebook page for Lovin' From the Oven. I cut into it for him to get him started. He mainly did a lot of playing. Luckily we salvaged some for us.

I managed to get no pictures of of our buddies Emerson, Barker, and Cade, and none of our family and friends. I'm trying to be more in the moment and less behind the camera, so they are all there in our memory. We all enjoyed some yummy food and then the bigger kids played in the playroom. It was after 5:30 p.m. before everyone left, and we had two tired, hungry kids.

Sam is so fortunate to have so many people who love him and who were willing to celebrate his special day with us. We all deserved a grand celebration after all it took to get him here safely, and it was a wonderful afternoon. We of course had 2 big holes with Yaya and Poppa not being with us. My mom never seemed too aware that she was missing Christmas, but she certainly knew she was missing Sam's first birthday. She would have been the first one in the door and the last one out, more than likely after our traditional after-party pizza dinner. It is an odd feeling to have a heavy heart on a special day, but we know that we have traded this party for many more of Avery's and Sam's parties in the future. And even though I posted on Instagram that we'd be hitting up Chuck E Cheese next year, it wouldn't involve balloons on the mailbox, so of course that's out.

Week in Review ~ 3/9

I am trying to blog during commercial breaks during The Bible, so this will be short.

We stayed home from church Sunday since Sam had been sick.  It seemed like a morning at home together would be good for all of us, especially since we did not get one the day before.  I was unable to go see my mom because Sam had been sick.  I went to the store in the morning and then we were home the rest of the day.  I dusted kitchen cabinets once the kids went to bed, including the very tops that were possibly missed when we moved in.  We watched The Bible before we went to bed.

Monday was just a regular day for everyone.  Ned had an officers' meeting so Sam and I had to drop Avery off at Bible Zone.  Ned picked her up on the way home from his meeting.  Ned and I watched The Bachelor and did nothing else productive.

I had conferences Tuesday afternoon.  I didn't have many so I got some work done.  Ned couldn't get the kids so I hurried to get them at 5.  That put us really late getting home.

Wednesday was a crazy weather day.  It snowed all day long, enough to get our hopes up about going home but not enough to ever stick.  Miraculously my kids handled it pretty well.  I was the grumpy one because I wanted to go home.  Dance was canceled because they thought the roads might freeze.  I was happy to stay in because it was so cold and windy.

Sam turned one Thursday!  We planned to celebrate with my parents, but the kids were not allowed to see her in the hospital.  We celebrated at home instead with the delicious cupcakes Anna had made.  Sam tore into his cupcake immediately, went strong for about 30 seconds, and then was done.

We were excited to see Friday roll around.  I picked the kids up then went to pick up Sam's cake.  By the time we got home, it was time to turn around and meet Ned for dinner.  We did at least come home to a clean house which is always a treat.  We met Ned at Applebee's and had a good dinner.  It was time for bed once we got home.  I wanted to get a few things done for the party but found I had no peanut butter.  Ned got some from his mom so I was able to bake and get a few other things marked off my list.  We fell asleep watching TV, and it was too late when we went to bed.

Saturday was party day which of course deserves its own post.

One Year

Dear Sam,

Today we celebrate your first year of life.  How can that be possible?  In some ways it seems like just yesterday that you were placed in our arms, and in other ways it seems as if you have been a part of our family forever.  I think first birthdays are a milestone for the whole family, and we are so excited that it is you we celebrate today.

At your well-check you weighed 22 pounds 11 ounces and were 30.5 inches long.  Your clothes range in size between 12-18 months.  I recently measured your foot myself and determined that you were a 4.5, but when the shoes arrived today that proved incorrect.  Perhaps you are closer to a 4.  You wear a size 4 diaper.

Your eating habits remain the same, but we will soon be making the transition to whole milk and then cutting out the bottles.  I don't know how that transition will go.  You drink tons of water from your cup but aren't interested in formula in there.  I'm in no hurry for the bottles to go {especially your bedtime one} but it's time.  You continue to eat mainly stage 2 food.  I bought a few more stage 3 meals and have been waiting to make sure you felt better as stage 3 initially made you throw up.  You have tried a variety of foods, so I just really need to work harder at it.  Table food seems to take longer and it looks like you eat less.  Perhaps the issue is all the teeth.  You are cutting your 12th tooth, which happens to be your 4th molar.  Those have been kind of tough, causing some fevers and occasional fussiness.  Your sister had 4 teeth on her first birthday, so this has come as a huge surprise to me.

Sleeping remains the same with bedtimes, wake times, and naps.  These molars have caused several weeks of off and on early rising, but if we take you a pacifier you'll go back to sleep or just lay quietly.  We rock before naps and bed but you have been putting yourself to sleep for the longest time.

You continue to be busy and on the move.  You will crawl on your hands and knees but always go back to the army crawl.  You are cruising more and more now that you pull up on everything and will push walking toys for short distances.  You can stand for a few seconds but don't initiate it on your own.  You are climbing the steps, and I'm afraid you're going to be a climber.  You climb in Avery's PBK chair to get to the end table, and today you were trying to climb onto the table.  I think you will exhaust me but it's so interesting to see you becoming your own little person.  You seem to be becoming frustrated now when you can't move like you want to, either because you are not allowed or because you can't.  You give kisses on demand, wave goodbye when you feel like it, and have started clapping.  Hiding behind Ducky {or anything} and waiting for someone to say "Where's Sam?" has been a favorite game for months.  "Uh oh" is the only recognizable word other than babbling mama and dada, but you talk a lot and engage in back and forth conversation.

You play with anything and everything.  You really like the pots from Avery's kitchen and the bottles of orange juice and ketchup.  The castle was lots of fun for you, and now that we've taken it down for awhile, you are enjoying the tent.  You go in and out any opening you can find, or you just pull the tent up and scoot in or out.  I love to watch you inspect things, turning them over and over then giving them a shake for good measure.  I can't wait to see what the summer will bring with water tables, pools, and outdoor adventures.

If you are fussing we know something is wrong, because you're pretty content.  A pacifier and Ducky usually calm you right down if something is wrong.  I think you are the cutest thing with your pacifier, so don't worry about me taking it anytime soon.  I also love to see you loving Ducky.  You especially love to rub his tag across your face.

Sam, you have been such a blessing to us this year.  I thank God each day for choosing us as your family and also for allowing you to arrive safely and on time.  There was a time when we thought you might be coming much too early, so that answered prayer is never far from our minds.  Mommy, Daddy, and Avery love you more than you will ever know.  We all eagerly await seeing who you'll continue to become as you grow and change.  We'll be celebrating your life with our sweet family and friends Saturday, and I hope you never forget how lucky you are to have so many people who love you.

We love you to bits and pieces!
Mommy and Daddy

Week in Review ~ 3/2

Our week started off slow and then was pretty crazy toward the end.

Ned and Avery went to Sunday School Sunday morning then Sam and I joined them.  When we left Sam in the nursery he cried.  That's the first time he's cried, and I was so sad.  By the time they came in for the children's sermon he had stopped.  My dad did not want me coming to see my mom with my sinus infection, so I had my first whole weekend home in over 2 months.  I got a lot done by being home.  At one point Ned said we really needed to look into me staying home because I was getting so much done.  He's never told me that during the summer when I'm home for 2 months straight, but I didn't remind him of that.  We enjoyed Avery's family picture from church, even though we don't have a pet named Mickey.

I have no idea what we did Monday and Tuesday other than Bible Zone Monday night.

When I picked the kids up Wednesday, I thought Sam looked weak in the eyes, but I didn't pay much attention to it.  He was even quiet in the car.

He was so fussy and tired acting when we got home that I took his temperature.  It was over 103 degrees.  I knew someone else was sick at Jennifer's so I figured it was probably the same thing.  I was not excited when her mama told me they had done blood work to see if it was mono.  Avery and I went to dance, and Ned put Sam to bed early.  I think it was that night that he threw up in his bed when we tried to give him Tylenol when we went to bed.  That's the second time that's happened and it's no fun for anyone.

Sam's fever was high Thursday morning, so Ned took him to the doctor.  Our pediatrician was on her way out sick, but it worked out that the doctor who saw Sam's Jen-Jen buddy saw him too.  He said it was probably the same high fever, sore throat virus and that there was nothing to do but treat the fever.  He also said we'd all probably get it.  Meanwhile, I was teaching away at school when my outside line rang.  I just knew it was Jennifer saying Avery was sick.  I was Jennifer, but she needed to leave because her daughter had gotten very sick at school.  I found someone to put my kids on the bus, and another teacher and I went rushing out the door.  We sent Jennifer to be with her daughter and stayed until all the kids were picked up.  Then Avery and I had to go back to school to get all my things ready for me to be out Friday.  Avery likes school and has A LOT of questions about it.  By the time we got home, Sam needed another dose of medicine and was burning up.  I took his temperature and it was 105.5.  Of course Ned had gone to work to get a few things so it was just me there to completely panic.  Sam then threw up all over both of us and the dishwasher when I went to give him medicine.  Then about three minutes later our pizza arrived.  Luckily Ned was getting home and handled that because I had had enough.  I talked to the pediatrician on call, and it happened to be the same doctor Sam had seen.  They are so calm about high fevers.  We again woke Sam in the middle of the night for medicine.  He didn't get sick this time but he stayed awake again for about an hour.  If Sam's awake, I'm awake, and I knew I had a big day ahead of me.

On Friday I went to a Debbie Diller conference about math workstations.  I was excited to get away but not excited to be in downtown Richmond at 8 a.m.  I got to The Jefferson Hotel easily and in good time and seriously considered hiding there for a few days.  It is absolutely beautiful.  The conference was no good and did not match up with the title.  Lunch with women from one of our other elementary schools was definitely the highlight.  I left there at 3 p.m. and went to Hobby Lobby to get odds and ends for Sam's party.  On the way home I talked to my dad and found out that my mom had been admitted to the hospital for the stomach trouble she'd been having.  She's now being treated for c. diff. bacteria.  It is a tough illness but it is good to finally know what it is.  I got home just in time for dinner and a little playing.  Ned, Avery, and Sam had been home all day, and Sam was still running fever.  When we got him up Friday night we used an acetaminophen suppository to avoid the puking.  I only share that for moms who may not know they exist.  You have to ask the pharmacist for them.  He stayed awake in his bed again for quiet awhile.  Mama was getting tired.

I woke up Saturday morning and had no idea where Ned was.  Finally I vaguely remembered his pager going off so I figured he was at a fire.  Sam was running fever but perked up after medicine and a bottle.  Ned came home and went back to bed for awhile, then I had to leave for a hair appointment.  I also had to stop for what should be our last formula purchase for Sam.  I came home quickly and picked Avery up to go to lunch.  Mimi came to stay with Sam, and Ned had to set up for the fire department's installation banquet.  Avery and I had lunch at The Palm Tree because they were donating some of their profit to Anna's Team in Training goal.  We ended up eating with Anna, Caleb, Camden, and Anna's mom.  Somehow Caleb managed to pay for ours when I wasn't paying attention.  It was a fun time and the girls had a great time playing.  I cannot say enough how thankful we are for the friendships in our life.

It was nap time when we got home, and I participated also.  I decided not to go to the banquet because I didn't want to leave Sam feeling bad.  His fever was back up some that night and he was fussy.  I got the kids to bed and enjoyed an evening to myself.  Once Ned came home we talked and stayed up too late.

This week we have just prayed for healing and health for everyone and it appears that we are on the right track.  I'm cheering for snow this week to get a little break, then I'm cheering for spring!