Life's Little Adventures

9 months...

2011-12-30T16:28:00.000-06:00

Dear Cooper,

You are 9...NINE months old! NINE! Seriously...you need to slow down!

You now say "uh oh," "mama" and "dada." When I come in your room to get you out of bed you say "mama mama mama!" It's a great thing to hear...it makes my morning...and mid-morning and afternoon!

You weigh about 25.6 lbs. A pound more than Carinna.
You crawl like crazy and are in to EVERYTHING!
You LOVE cords...computer cords, t.v. cords, Christmas tree cords...any cord you can get you hands on! It's frustrating!
You pull up onto your knees and now you are trying your best to stand on your feet.
You got a walker from Santa and you tear through the house on that thing like nobody's business!
You love to do the downward dog yoga pose...not sure why.
You like to do patty cake. When you "throw it in the pan" you sometimes only throw with one hand and it cracks me up.
You love to give hugs...like squeeze-so-hard-you-can't-breathe-hugs. They are awesome!
I still rock you to sleep at night...because I can't help it...but you are starting to fight it.
I have yet to find a pair of socks that will stay on your feet.
You hate real shoes!
You keep trying to hold your own bottle.
Your thighs are so fat I can't even fit my hand around them!

You love to hang out in Caden's room. If I am unable to find you I always check there first!

So, of course this month's photo shoot took place there. While posing you found something on the floor.

It went straight into your mouth.

You thought it was so funny!

And that is where it stayed the whole time!

I yanked it out...which you thought was funny.

But you grabbed it right back and stuck it in your mouth again!

Happy NINE months my little Coop!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T19:13:00.000-06:00

Dear Kids,

As is our tradition, we started off the night of Christmas Eve by decorating our cookies for Santa! It is so exciting...and messy!

Carinna and Caden both picked a cookie to decorate for Santa (Cooper was already in bed).You two had icing, frosting and sprinkles to create your masterpieces for Santa!
There was much concentrating...and lots of eating of sprinkles!
The Christmas tree was Caden's cookie, the snowman was Carinna's and we picked the gingerbread man to represent Cooper's. I think they turned out fantastically! I am sure Santa has rarely seen such fine looking cookies!
Dad read the Polar Express just before we got ready for bed. Caden, you love this story...probably mostly because it centers around a train! The night before and throughout the day on Christmas Eve we read the nativity story in several different formats. This sparked many questions from Caden about how, exactly, Jesus went from Mary's tummy to the manger. I tried my best to brush over it...but Caden wanted specific answers. Dad and I were sweating it there for a while!
After dad finished reading the Polar Express we set out the cookies and milk for Santa and the carrots for the reindeer! Then it was off to bed to see what what Christmas morning would bring!
Santa went a little overboard this year on Christmas gifts! He brought some games for our family to play together. He brought Carinna a market stand, cash register, grocery bags, a puzzle and nail polish! Cooper got a walker and Caden got a Toy Story 3 play set, Cars 2 cars and a puzzle. Everyone got warm cozy jammies!
Caden and Carinna went right to playing...
but Coop didn't quite understand what was going on!
After watching you guys play for a while...
he finally went to check out his goodies!
Santa also left you lots of goodies in your stockings. Caden was a good big brother and got every one's stockings down for them!
Later we opened all of our gifts. You all helped each other and were genuinely excited to see what the other got! It was a sweet time!

Cooper still didn't really understand what was going on, but Carinna was more than happy to help him open his gifts! I am not positive he appreciated it though!
Later he snuck off and tried to eat my Peppermint Bark!
It was a good Christmas and I think you all enjoyed it very much!

I want you all to remember, though, that Christmas is about so much more than gifts...it is a time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is an important time for us to also show the love of Christ to those around us by being generous with our "gifts" to them...whatever those things may be. You guys are so young now and it is hard to keep that greed from taking over in your minds when you think of all the countless things you want for Christmas! I hope that you will always remember to celebrate Jesus by your actions and attitudes all year long...and be especially gracious and generous at Christmas!

Merry Christmas & lots of love,
Mom

8 months...

2011-11-30T16:22:00.001-06:00

Dear Cooper,

You are 8 months old! Wow! I keep telling you that you are my baby and must stop growing so quickly...but you just laugh at my desperate pleas!

You are growing and changing so quickly that it is hard to keep up! You have started saying "uh oh" which is just too cute. I would say that is officially your first word! Sometimes it comes out as "uh uh oh" but either way...it makes me giggle every time!
You have started eating puffs and drinking from a sippy cup. It didn't take you long to warm up to the puffs and I now find them all over the house from where they were stuck to your clothes and have eventually fallen off. I had forgotten how that happens!

In your sippy cup you just have some water. You only use a sippy while eating puffs...you still have regular bottles of milk like always. I think more than anything you enjoy chewing on the spout of your cup...I think it must feel good on your gums!
Speaking of gums...still no teeth!
You have also learned to crawl. You started out slowly...as is to be expected, but in a few days you had that knee/ hand coordination down! You are now all over the place! I had forgotten how much babies get into while crawling!
You weigh about 24.5 lbs now. Even to slightly more than Carinna. You guys are basically the same size except that her legs are longer. It is so very strange to shop for 24 month clothes for my 2 year old and 18-24 month clothes for my 8 month old!
You are still so very happy and easy! We all enjoy playing with you and making you laugh...which is very easily done! You are such a joy and we love you so much!

Happy 8 Months!!!

Fire Safety Day

2011-11-16T21:40:00.000-06:00

Several weeks ago we attended the city's Fire Safety Day...as if we could miss it! No offense to the fine firemen of our great town...but they really need some women to get in there and organize this thing a bit better!

Anyway, this year the kids showed an interest in the obstacle course...or maybe we just forced them to do it!

First, they listened to what the fire alarm sounds like...
Then they "rescued" the girl from the burning building...
Though, I have to say, that girl needed some girlie clothes! Poor thing!

Then came crawling through the smoke and stop, drop and roll.
This was the best pose I could get of the two of them. The girl was not pleased to be wearing the coat!
Next was the horrendously long line for the slide (or escaping the burning building). Carinna wouldn't do it, but Caden was all over it. He wanted to go again and Randy and I both yelled "NO" at the same time! Did I mention the line was long??
I don't know what this part had to do with anything, but there was one of these too!
Then, of course, we had to ride the firetruck!
By that time everyone was hungry and tired...and hot.
So, we went home!

Halloween

2011-11-13T21:46:00.004-06:00

So, the Halloween pics for this year are certainly a fail! Up until about 11 pm the night before, I was up barfing...so I was not feeling quite back to normal come trick-or-treating time! So, needless to say, I wasn't really "in" to the picture taking!

We started off our night...as is our tradition...by visiting Trunk-or-Treat at FBC. They handed out RIDICULOUS amounts of candy! Which is great...if you're a kid!

Carinna was Rapunzel from Tangled, which is her favorite movie that she would watch 10 times a day if I would let her! Caden was an Incredible...one minute he would be Dash and then the next he would be Bob...I guess it was based on his mood! Cooper was Charlie Brown. I'm not even sure why we decided to make him Charlie Brown, other than the obvious bald head...plus none of our kids even know who Charlie Brown is...but anyway, it worked well!
So here we are...the still greenish mom, Dash/Bob, Rapunzel and Charlie! The kids had a great time...and that's all that matters!

7 Months...

2011-10-30T15:05:00.002-05:00

Dear Cooper,

Today you are 7 months old! This first year of your life is slipping by at an alarming rate! You are at the age where you change and develop so quickly that you seem like a new baby every couple of weeks!

You are beginning to sit pretty well on your own. You still don't realize exactly what is going on, so you fall backwards every once in a while...if you aren't paying attention! You scoot around on your back and tummy very well...enough to get where you want to go! If something is out of reach...you will work your way over to it in record time! Your newest trick is getting up on your hands and knees and rocking back and forth. You think it is pretty nifty to do that! It won't be long until you figure out how to crawl!
You are still eating pretty well. You have tried most everything I know to give you and so far mangoes are the only thing that may have been a problem! We will try them again in a while. You are less enthusiastic about eating than your siblings were...but you still eat most everything. The next foods we will try are broccoli & pumpkin.
Your brother and sister are still crazy about you! They fight over who gets to talk to you and play with you. It's pretty annoying! Carinna thinks she needs to mother you all the time. She would feed, diaper and dress you if I would let her! I tried to let her feed you the other day...but she shoves the spoon a bit too far down your throat...you don't like it very much! Caden has started to wrestle around with you some. You laugh and laugh at both of them...and they laugh at you, too!

You now weigh 23 lb 10 oz...officially more than your sister....and are 28 in long. You are back on the growth chart coming in at 95% for height, 97% for weight and 70% for head circumference! You wear 12-18 month clothes and size 4 0r 5 diapers. I think you have begun to slow down on growth for now. I am hoping you will make it through winter wearing the same size clothes.
You are such a good baby! You are happy and easy going. You hardly ever fuss, so when you do we know you really need something! You love to laugh and play...and be tickled. Your legs and tummy are the most ticklish! You have some separation anxiety on occasion and relish one-on-one attention from anyone!

You are a precious boy and we love you so much! We are so thankful to have you in our family!

Happy 7 months!

The way things used to be...

2011-10-10T14:25:00.004-05:00

I used to sleep late.
We used to go to restaurants to eat.
I used to have time to myself.
I used to enjoy shopping for myself.
I used to use the bathroom without an audience.
I used to treat my dog like a child.
I used to sleep soundly without a care in the world.
I used to go to the movies and watch things not rated G.
I used to have a smaller car.
I used to have smaller hips.
I used to not deal with anyone's body fluids or byproducts except my own.

These days I am up before dawn...and sometimes a couple of times during the night. I am too afraid to venture to restaurants with 3 kids. I have 3 alternating constant companions. I rarely have time to shop for myself. I never go to the bathroom alone...except very late at night. I haven't seen a grown-up movie in ages...or even a grown-up t.v. show for that matter. I drive a mini van and spend my whole day wiping hineys, faces and noses (each with different wipes of course)!

But, the truth is...I wouldn't trade it for anything.
It's hard to imagine all the immense joy I would be missing without these guys.
What would our home be like without the belly laughs and screaming...and even the tooting? What a dull and boring life we would be leading.
No sticky hands and faces, bath tub full of toys, tiny socks on the floor...

No outdoor adventures, walking sticks, dirty boots, snail collections...
No monster trucks, trains, baby dolls, princess shoes, hair bows...
No bottles, burp rags, diapers, blankies...
No middle of the night cuddles, snuggles on the couch, tight hugs, wet kisses...
No, I don't miss the way things were...not really. The time will come again when our house is quiet...and clean. These little guys will grow up so quickly, move away and leave us behind. All this craziness is only for a season...and I am trying my best to soak it all up!

6 months!

2011-09-30T10:03:00.002-05:00

Dear Cooper,

Today you are SIX months old! Wow! How time flies! On one hand I am so glad you are getting bigger- showing more personality, sleeping, becoming more sturdy on your own, eating more...etc. On the other hand I am a little sad at how quickly you are leaving babyhood behind! In the blink of an eye you will be a year old!

You are the happiest little guy! It is very rare for you to really cry. You will squeal and fuss at us when you are becoming unhappy...but you are really upset if you actually cry! And 90% of the time you will stop crying when someone talks to you. I always know when you are ready for a nap if you don't start laughing when I talk to you. Tiredness causes you to lose all your sense of humor!

Lately you like to make this face....
Actually, you make this face ALL the time. You went to run errands with me the other day and I swear we ran in to at least 10 people we hadn't seen in a long time. None of them even knew you were here...or they had never seen you in person. This was the face you made to every.single.one.of.them! I kept making excuses for you... then I just laughed every time because it was as though you knew you were being a toot!
It's hard to believe you looked like this 6 short months ago! Who knew you would be a 23 lb 6 month old!
You have graduated to your big car seat! It's a bit of a pain when going to the grocery store or Target because you can't sit up yet and so I still have to drag the carrier along with us. But you are getting very close to being able to sit on your own. I think you'd have it if you didn't always lunge for your toys! That big head knocks you off balance!

Again with the face...
You have moved beyond rice cereal into foods. As with your brother and sister, your first food was avocado. You were off to a good start with it, but then you seemed to realize you weren't having cereal and your face squinched up and you shivered! Since then you have tried apples, peas, bananas, peaches, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes and pears. Sweet potatoes seem to be your favorite! Carrots are your least favorite! The first bite of carrots shot right back out as quickly as it went in. Next we will try acorn squash! That was Caden's favorite.

Your brother and sister absolutely adore you! You have started laughing a lot at both of them and they eat it up! Poor Caden has a hard time coming up with new material to make you laugh. He repeats "Cooper! Hey bud! I'm your big brother! You're so cute!" over and over. You stop laughing after a few minutes of it. Lately he has added "Look at that smile! Look at that smile!" to his repetitions! Carinna, on the other hand, will do any crazy thing she can think of to make you laugh. She also bosses you around all.the.time! I'm not sure how I could ever be an effective parent without her help! She is always setting you straight when you "misbehave"!

You, like your sister, are going to have sensitive skin! We are battling all kinds of issues with it so far. It's hard to keep things cleared up, but hopefully you will grow out of it soon enough! At least we already have the proper supplies to help you out...thanks to Carinna!

You still wear 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers. I don't have your exact measurements because you don't go to the doctor until October 20. I do know you weigh 23.6 lbs.

You are the sweetest little guy and you make everyone smile with your joyful personality! We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next month holds for you in your growth and development!

Happy 6 months Coops!

Grandparents...

2011-09-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

We got to spend the day with the "grands" and "great" on Pawcaw's birthday! The kids were so excited Grandma and Pawcaw were coming to visit...then I told them we were having cake & ice cream too and they almost exploded with excitement! It was like Christmas! A couple of them probably even tinkled in their pants with joy!
Our Mimi also came to celebrate the day! And she brought pudding! Woo-hoo! Caden thought he was in heaven with cake, ice cream AND pudding all in one day! Not to mention it was the world's best banana pudding!
I love this picture! Mimi is 90...not bad, huh?

Thanks for sharing your birthday...and cake... with us Pawcaw!

First Day of the 3rd year of preschool...

2011-09-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

As with anything in which I ask the kids to pose for pictures at the same time...these are not the best photos! Carinna is in a phase where she refuses to look into the camera. And Caden feels the need to be silly in every picture! So this is what you get...
Caden and Carinna began a new year of "school" earlier this month. Caden began his 3rd year and Carinna began her 2nd.
When they got home, I began going through their backpacks and emptying their lunchboxes. For some reason Carinna's lunchbox felt awfully heavy so I opened it up and found this...
Not only did she not eat her goldfish...it seems she also sneaked a few extra items into her bag before we left the house! That girl is BUSY and you never know what she is up to! It's actually a little frightening! I laughed (an cringed) about this for a long time...especially when I realized some of the things that she could have put in there! I was thankful it was just a car and bullet!

Here's a little recap of the past three years of preschool...

2009

2010

2011

5 months!

2011-08-30T15:09:00.004-05:00

Dear Cooper,

Today you are FIVE months old! Oh my goodness (as your sister would say)! You are growing too fast!

We had fun today taking your pictures! You have been in such a great mood today...but that is pretty typical! This has been a big month for you developmentally!
You are now able to roll over front to back and back to front. You kick your legs like a maniac and between the rolling and kicking, you are starting to scoot around! You are holding your head pretty steady...though you still get tired quickly. You have started sitting in the Exersaucer and you love it! You also now sleep on your tummy...which I hate.

You have started eating rice cereal two times a day! Just like your siblings, you are a pro at eating! I usually don't even put a bib on you because hardly anything ever comes back out!

You are still wearing 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers. You weigh 20.6 lbs. I am about to put you in Carinna's old car seat because I seriously feel like I am going to have a heart attack trying to carry your infant carrier! Phew!

Carinna has given you a new nickname...Coopie Cooper. I am pretty sure it came from a SpongeBob Squarepants song that says "goofy goober"...I believe those are the words. Goofy goober and coopie Cooper rhyme in her book. Anyway, you are usually just Coopie for short!

The other morning she asked "Where's bruh-yer?" I asked her which brother she meant and told her where you were. She responded "That's NOT bruh-yer...that's COOPER!" She's not catching on to the use of the brother/ sister terms!

Caden's favorite thing right now is making you laugh! I think he is a little afraid of making a fool of himself...so he is pretty timid in his attempts! On occasion he scores a smile and a chuckle...but I think that is mostly due to the fact that you think everything brother and sister do is pretty funny...and fascinating!
You are the sweetest and most laid back baby! We all love to squeeze on you as much as possible! I can tell you will be very well taken care of by your brother and sister by the way they dote on you! Well, at least until you start to play with their toys...I'm pretty sure they won't want anything to do with you then!

We love you so much!
Happy 5 months!!!

Our life...in iPhone pictures...

2011-08-29T13:37:00.005-05:00

My little chunky guy!

Carinna trying out her new nap mat!

Happy baby!

Torturing Cooper! He kept trying to look up to see what was on his head!

Brother talk.

"Mom, take my picture with Cooper!"

Ice cream cones!

My sweet, fat baby!

Carinna, the "bug fighter!"
She came in the kitchen that morning...armed with a golf club...claiming to be a bug fighter!
It might be challenging for her since she screams and runs from bugs!

Oh, the injustice...

2011-08-19T13:38:00.005-05:00

"Liliana" has a family now. I am removing the info about her to be on the safe side and not cause any issues with her adoption.

Dinner & a movie...

2011-08-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Caden's Party!

2011-08-12T09:12:00.005-05:00

Dear Caden,

This year for your birthday you had your first 'friend's' party! We decided that you could invite whatever friends you wanted! When I asked you who you wanted to invite, your list included Mrs. Julie, Mrs. Cindy and Mrs. Deborah...all teachers at preschool. I wasn't exactly thinking along those lines!

But you did invite your friends...and they all came...and you had a blast...for the most part!
We had the party in the party room at the Green Door...complete with a bounce castle thing and Cars 2 theme! It was great to be inside in the cooled air...since this has been a blazing hot summer and it was 130 degrees outside!
The bouncy castle thing had a slide and you guys went up and down the slide no less than 6 trillion times through the course of the 2 hour party!
I'm pretty sure that Matilda greased her backside before the party, because she FLEW down that slide like nobody's business! It was so funny!

Grant and Vivian spent the majority of the time catching up! They cracked us up because they stood around talking as though that hadn't seen each other in years!
Around this point in the party, you hit a wall...figuratively...and you had a pretty sour look on your face for quite a while. We aren't totally sure what happened to you, but it was pretty funny.
Once it was time to open gifts you began to perk up!
You got some great things...very creative gifts!
Ethan and Avery helped you judge the greatness of each gift as you opened them!
These are your besties! None of you would look at the camera at the same time! But you guys are the cutest!
After cupcakes you REALLY perked up! No more sour face!
It was a fun time and we really think you enjoyed it! Dad thinks we spoil you, which may be true...but I wanted it to be special since it was your first real party!
We hope you had a great day! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Caden!

2011-08-08T13:48:00.007-05:00

Dear Caden,

Four years ago today, you made us parents...for the first time! What an adventure it has been!
This morning at breakfast you said "when I was a little brother..." and I had to explain to you that you are the oldest and never were a little brother. I couldn't tell if you really understood, but you sure like being the oldest! And you are...usually... a really loving brother! You help your sister...when she will let you...and you love on Cooper as much as you can!

We love your sense of style. Over the last several months we have really let you go with your clothing choices. Sometimes it takes every ounce of patience I have to let you walk out the door in your chosen outfit! But I just remind myself that it really isn't that big of a deal...and if it makes you happy, then it's fine with me!
You are growing so much! Your body has lost all of it's 'baby' look...you are tall and slim...and all boy! You have become very independent and can do most anything on your own! It's refreshing for me, but at the same time I wish you would slow down!
Your hair is a little crazy! We have tried several different styles...but we have finally just decided to embrace your curls! I love them! Some day - in the not so distant future - you will hate your curls, but for now we are really enjoying them!
You love all things cars! You play with, race, crash and drive your cars around all day long. The only thing you love more is trains! We can often be found in the Farmer's Market parking lot watching trains go by! You LOVE it...your sister, not so much!
The other day, you walked into the kitchen and announced you had decided to become a fireman! You said you wanted to put out fires and rescue people. We all think that is a very admirable goal (especially Pawcaw)! Before that you wanted to drive a firetruck and a garbage truck. We will support you in whatever you decide to become!
You are a lover of music. I'm pretty sure you have never heard a tune you couldn't dance to! You love to play the drums and the guitar and sing and dance all day! I am very curious as to what you will do with this love of music!

You are a good helper! You surprise me several times a day by doing something for me that I didn't even ask you to do. Bringing the dishes (not just your own) from the table to the sink, helping Carinna, putting things away, etc. I am loving this side of you!
You are very literal! It really cracks us up...and sometimes it frustrates us. You don't always let us joke around with you, sometimes it makes you upset. You take things very seriously most of the time, but at lunch the other day you started telling dad some story...weaving a tale. When I turned to look at you, knowing you were lying, you raised your eyebrows as if letting me in on the prank. It was VERY funny! It's the first time I have ever heard you make up such a tall tale in order to fool someone else!
You are a lover of chocolate! What can I say...you are your father's child! Speaking of being your father's child...you are still absolutely crazy about dad! Most Saturday's the two of you set out for the day to run errands and go to work. Dad always gets you a special drink (Bug Juice or a Gatorade) and you have a blast hanging out all afternoon! Very often, you fall asleep in the truck on the way home for dinner!
You are learning to be a good friend! We have had a few teachable-moment-experiences this past year and I really hope that you are learning from them. We have talked a lot about being a good friend even when other kids are not. It seems that, at least in one instance, you have understood that everyone is different and how to accept them as they are. I am very proud of you for figuring this out so early in the game! My hope for you is that you can overcome peer pressure and have a heart for the people around you.
We are so thankful for you! You are such a good kid and we don't know what we'd do without you!
We look forward to watching you continue to grow and change into the boy you will become! We hope that you continue to be silly, adventurous, sweet and loving. We love you so much!

Happy 4th Birthday, Caden!!

4 months...

2011-07-30T17:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Cooper,

Today you are 4 months old!

When I took you for your check-up, your doctor laughed at how big you are and said babies like you were the reason that the regulations for car seats keep changing! I did have to order a new car seat for Carinna so that you could have the convertible seat since you will not fit in the infant carrier much longer!

You wear 12 month clothes and size 4 diapers! You and Carinna now wear the same size diapers! It makes diaper shopping much easier!

I LOVE this picture of you! It is so you! This is the face you make all the time! You are laughing and talking at the same time!

You are 26 inches long (80th percentile) and weigh 19.9 lbs (over 100th percentile)! You are a big guy, but we love every inch of you!
You have really started talking a lot! You are really experimenting with sounds and you crack me up! Several times a day I have to do a double take because it sounds like you have actually said a word. When you fuss you occasionally make the "mamama" sound...as though you are trying to tell me how pitiful you are! When you are really upset, your bottom lip sticks WAY out! I always know when you are seriously upset based on the bottom lip's position!
You are still working on holding your head up! But with cheeks that size...it can't be easy!
You are such a sweet baby! You are so easy and we can drag you around anywhere! You laugh and smile all the time and are such a joy! All of us totally adore you! We look forward to watching you change and grow!

Happy 4 months!

The Blankie

2011-07-07T21:29:00.002-05:00

Dear Carinna,

This is what you look like when I take your blankie away to wash it...

When I give it back to you...you are giddy...but you won't pose for pictures!

You also make me shake it around to cool it off before you will take it. You get mad at me if it is still warm when I give it to you. I hope you aren't always such high maintenance!! I love you anyway!

Mom

A pirate's favorite letter is RRRRRRRRRR!

2011-07-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

This week at preschool the kids had Pirate Day!

Pretty cute, huh?
No, I don't know what happened to Carinna's other shoe.

Yes, pirate's do wear Crocs...

...and have powdered sugar on their lips.

Arrrrrrrrgh!!

3 months

2011-06-30T15:18:00.005-05:00

Dear Cooper,

Today you are 3 months old! We are starting to see bits and pieces of your personality and it is so exciting!

For you photo shoot today I set you in the swing. You LOVE the mobile on the swing and refused to look at me because of the darn thing. You were smiling and happy...but not to the camera!

I tried to catch a glimpse from up high, but you were still mesmerized by the swing mobile!

So I covered it with a blanket...then you looked depressed!

You perked up when I started talking to you (holding the camera out to the side to get a grin shot)! You are such a happy little guy!

Caden is still crazy about you! He loves to feed you...though he only lasts about 2 minutes before he complains that his arm is tired. I love this photo because you are giving him the stink eye...you must have known he was going to interrupt your meal just when you really started enjoying it! You looked at him like this the whole time he fed you!

On Father's Day you and Caden dressed alike! Some day you will HATE dressing like your brother, but right now he thinks it's cool and you can't tell me to stop...so I bought you guys some more matching outfits!! Your shirts say "I dig my Dad!" Caden kept explaining to Dad that it meant y'all like him...not that you are digging in the dirt for him...it was really funny!

You are wearing a size 3 diaper and you weigh about 17 lbs and 6 oz. You can still wear some 6 month clothes, but 9 month things give you plenty of wiggle room! It feels like your growth has begun to slow a bit...but I'm not sure that is true! I am having a really hard time trying to figure out what size you will be when the seasons change! I am not sure if Caden's baby clothes will work or not!

Last night you slept from 11:00 pm to 7:45 am! It was awesome! I am totally hoping you keep it up, but it's no big deal if you don't...I don't mind our 3:00 am chats!

You have really started to smile and talk a lot. Below is a picture of you talking. You are probably telling me...ever so sweetly... to stop taking your picture and uncover the swing mobile! You are very expressive with your eyebrows when you talk and you get so excited about what you're saying! Your squishy little face is so adorable I could just eat you up!

You have several nicknames already, too! Your sister calls you "pooper" (although it sounds like poo-peer). She mostly says it because she can't say Cooper, but also because you do poop a lot! You are also called "Super Duper Cooper," "Cooper-dee-pooper" and "Super Duper Cooper Pooper!" Occasionally Caden gets upset and corrects the pooper part of your nicknames...he reminds me that poop is not actually a part of your name. Sorry son, but you really do poop a lot...pooper is very fitting!

This is what happens when I get wrapped up in our conversation while trying to capture your huge grins! That would have been an great shot!

By the way, I did uncover the mobile and let you get back to gazing at it. You sat there for another 20 minutes or so just smiling and cooing at it! I really don't know what is so fascinating about it...but I'm glad you like it!

You are such a good baby and we are so blessed to have you in our family! We can't wait to see how you change over the next month!

Happy 3 months, Cooper!!

End of school program

2011-06-14T22:24:00.000-05:00

The kids had an end of the year program at school. They each sang a few songs with their classes followed by the preschool graduation for the 4 year olds.

I was not sure how Carinna was going to do. She had been singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star for weeks before the program...but she did not even open her mouth during the actual performance!
She was pretty distracted by this little girl next to her!
Caden had been sick the entire last week of school and had not gone to class. He really wanted to sing in the program so we asked his teacher if it was okay for him to come anyway...even though he had missed two practices! It would have been strange for him to sit in the audience while we watched Carinna and not be able to get up there with his class.
He did a great job! He didn't know the hand motions, but he knew the words! The kids on either side of him are his besties...Ethan and Avery. They are quite the little threesome!
This was Caden's teacher Mrs. Cindy. My real camera had died at this point so this photo was taken with my phone. Mrs. Cindy was retiring this year and won't be back, but she was a great teacher and Caden really enjoyed her!

Carinna's Birthday...continued

2011-06-05T21:32:00.007-05:00

Back tracking a bit...I wanted to finish telling about Carinna's birthday parties...yes, as in more than one!

Here at home on her birthday we celebrated with some Elmo cupcakes. She was very excited about them!

Blowing out her candles was not an easy task! We had to force Caden not to help her because he had been sick all week. We didn't want him to share his germs!

Her first gift was an Abby Cadabby book. Elmo and Abby have suddenly become her favorite characters! It's a book about Abby using the potty...hint...hint!

Next was the BIG gift...

oh the joy...it's Abby & Elmo!
This girl did not stop smiling for hours! She was so excited about Abby!
The next weekend we went to Grandma & Pawcaw's house to continue the celebration! Everyone was in town to celebrate Mimi's 90th birthday so we were all able to get together! We started the celebrations at Jumpin' Apes with the cousins!

Carinna was pretty afraid of this place last time we were there...but this time she was all about it! It helped that daddy devoted all of his attention to her and took her on all the bouncers!

Later that night, back at Grandma & Pawcaw's, we had pizza and cake.

We shared the celebration with cousin Hope who was turning 16! We were glad we were able to celebrate both of the granddaughters together!
This little girl was about worn out from a long day of fun!!

Cooper - 2 months

2011-06-05T16:15:00.002-05:00

Cooper, you're two months old!!

You have really started smiling lately. Sometimes you just have a happy look on your face...especially when you are on the changing table! I don't know what it is about the changing table, but you LOVE it! You don't cry while laying on it, you just look around with your happy face. I often think about just leaving you there all day!
You aren't very fond of your sister! She's a little too rough for you and usually squashes your belly or slaps your head. It's pretty sad...she's trying to love on you...I think.
And sometimes your brother screams a little too loud! It makes you cry pretty hard. He's trying to stop screaming...sort of.
You are a pretty big guy! You weigh 14 lbs 12 oz...and you're in the 95th percentile for your weight and the 90th for your length. You are wearing size 2 diapers...though that may not last long. We practically skipped right over size 1...only using one box of them! I have even had to pull out 6-9 month clothes because you have jumped right over 3-6 month clothes!
We are so excited to watch you grow! We can't wait until you start to interact more with us!

Happy 2 months!

Happy Birthday Carinna!

2011-05-16T20:05:00.011-05:00

Dear Carinna,

Today you are TWO years old. I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone! Lately I have been trying really hard to remember how you were as a newborn...but I have to admit...it's becoming fuzzy! That may be because Cooper is only 6 weeks old and I'm sleep deprived...but part of it is because I haven't discovered how to remember every detail of your life.

I do remember how tiny your features were when you were born. I remember looking at your impossibly tiny face and wondering what you would be like as you grew. I remember almost being afraid to have you because our family is so used to boys and I wasn't really sure what to do with a girl! I also remember that it took you months and months to sleep through the night...but then again...I remember not minding too much since it allowed me to sit and hold you in the still darkness of your room and soak up the feeling of your tiny little body while I could.

These days you crack us up constantly! You are such a ham and so dramatic...but in a good way...usually. You copy everything that we do and EVERYTHING that Caden does. It drives him crazy! I'll notice at various times throughout the day that you are watching every move I make and mimicking it the best you can...especially when it comes to taking care of your baby brother! You wish that I would let you care for him yourself...but you settle for caring for your babies. You are constantly wiping their bottoms, strapping them in the car seat or loving on them. You are certainly a little mommy!

A year ago I predicted that you would be a real talker...and I was right on! You love to read books out loud...you don't want them read to you...you want to read them yourself! You also LOVE to sing and dance! Right now your favorite songs are Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes (thanks to Aunt Jill), Itsy Bitsy Spider and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. You and Caden dance to the Imagination Movers songs all the time. Dad and I absolutly love to watch you dance...there is nothing funnier!

You still love to snuggle...and I am so very happy about that! We snuggle in the chair every morning and watch Elmo...it's one of the highlights of my day! You love to wrap your arms around our necks and squeeze as hard as you can! It's the best feeling in the world! Every time dad comes home you practically climb up his legs...you can't wait for him to hold you and throw you in the air...which is easy to do because you are still so tiny!

You are quite a fashionista too! You love to dress yourself...which can be frustrating at times. The following conversation can often be heard coming from your closet:
Me: Carinna, do you want to wear this?
Carinna: NO
Me: How about this?
Carinna: Ummm, NO
Me: This?
Carinna: no
I've learned to just not ask. But whatever clothes I put you in, you always accessorize! Hats, belts, shoes, jewelry...anything you can find. It is always fun to see what you will be wearing each day!

You're such a wonderful addition to our family! I am so thankful to have a sweet little girl...though I think you'll be tough enough to handle yourself with your two brothers. They better watch out! You're going to be bossing them around in no time!

I love you so much and am so thankful for you! I pray that you will continue to be the sweet loving girl we know you to be. I hope you will keep your adventurous spirit, your strong will, your loving nature and your spunk! I look so forward to seeing what your future holds...I know that whatever it is will be amazing!

Happy Birthday sweet Carinna Grace!

What we've been up to...

2011-05-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

We've tried to protect Cooper's head from Carinna's "kisses"...which for some reason involve her forehead against his.
We've listened to many very long stories from the big brother. They range in topic from cucumbers to trains. Did I mention they were long...long stories? Many long stories.
We celebrated Cooper's "0" birthday! Cooper didn't care for the hats!
Big brother blew out the candle. Cooper didn't seem to like that either!

We've spent time in the swing...or at least Cooper has. The rest of us have been trying to make sure big sister didn't swing Cooper right out of the swing!
We've had meetings of the minds.
We've taken lots of photos!
Some of us have tried to wear pigtails...without much success!
We've eaten... a lot!
We have experienced new things...
...slept (some of us have)...
...snuggled...
...helped each other...
...smiled...
I would say, all in all, it has been a very successful month!

One Month...

2011-04-30T21:41:00.002-05:00

Today Cooper is one month old! The days fly by so quickly...which may be due to the sleep deprived haze I stumble around in!!

I had lots of plans for cute photos to commemorate this first month, but Cooper has been having tummy troubles all day. This was the best I could get from grumpy pants...
He still sleeps a lot. I can't tell if it seems like he sleeps more than the other two because he is actually sleepier or because I don't have the time to pay attention to his awake times!
His brother can't wait until he stays awake more. I know Caden will love it when Cooper is able to interact with him.
Cooper is growing rapidly! He is going to be a big boy! His feet are enormous! They are longer than my pointer finger. Most of our newborn socks don't fit!

Happy ONE MONTH birthday, Cooper!! We love you!

And then there were three...

2011-04-15T10:08:00.004-05:00

On March 30, 2011 at 7:03 am - we officially welcomed Cooper to our family! He was a bit early but everything checked out just fine! He weighed in at 7 lbs 4 oz and was 20.25 inches long... which happen to be the exact same measurements as his big brother!

It was a long and hard labor and for several hours the night before I was afraid they might just send me home! Finally around midnight we were officially admitted and began the long night of no sleep.

He was worth it though!

He was not a fan of his first bath!

Later in the morning he had the chance to meet his big brother and big sister! This big brother is particularly fond of little Cooper!

This big sister likes to touch Cooper's eyes. It can be rather frustrating! She can NOT be gentle with him... she just gets too excited!

Sometimes she has to get in trouble for poking his eyes... it's not pretty!

When we got home there was a welcoming committee in the front yard!

They couldn't wait to get their hands on him!

He's a great baby and is certainly loved! I think he will fit in quite nicely!

This...

2011-03-01T16:05:00.001-06:00

...pretty much sums up her attitude sometimes!

(And no, she does not take a paci... she found this and thinks it's funny to have it in her mouth.)

Imagination Movers Concert!!!

2011-02-15T18:39:00.004-06:00

For months now we have been answering the daily question of "Are we going to the concert today?" Finally (thank goodness), we loaded up the car and headed to Grandma & Pawcaw's house this past weekend. Then... on Sunday afternoon... we drove to the Verizon Theater... and witnessed the concert of the YEAR!! (Well, at least the concert of the year if you're a preschooler!)

Can you see the excitement in this little face?

He had no idea what to expect, but man... he couldn't wait!!

The lights went out... the kids went WILD... and there they were! The Imagination Movers!!

They also brought Warehouse Mouse...

and Nina!

So fun... but there was more to come!

After the concert we went to a little room with several other families and waited to...

MEET THE MOVERS!!!!

They walked around signing autographs and shaking hands with the kiddos.

Then they sang us some songs!

The Choo Choo Soul group was there too (we didn't know they were coming... but they were awesome!!) Caden got a photo with Genevive! Exciting!!

Then we all got a photo with the Movers!!

(I am not sure what kind of camera magic they used to disguise my enormous belly!)

I have to say that I have never seen... or met... such an appreciative group of performers. These are the nicest, most sincere guys. It was for sure worth the money and we would highly recommend their concert to anyone! I really can't speak highly enough about them!

Now the daily question is "can we go see the Imagination Movers again today?"

Discontent

2011-02-10T16:07:00.010-06:00

I want to be content.

Most of the time I think that I am. I don't need fancy clothes... or shoes... or handbags. Most of the things my family wears come from Target, WalMart or Ross.

I don't need fancy cars... though we are both blessed to drive very nice vehicles that meet our needs well.

Things in my life don't matter much. I have spent the last year or so trying to let go of material wants and focus on God's desires for me. It's not always easy. Actually it is hardly ever easy. There is still that monster in me that longs for fancy, trendy, brand new... instead I try to be content.

But the truth is... I don't think I will ever be content. I don't honestly think that God makes us that way. I think we can easily fool ourselves into thinking we are... or could be if only _____. And I'm not talking about clothes or cars or houses here... I'm talking about the the deep down feeling in our souls... content.

I, for one, have this passion. Every single day it breaks my heart. It makes me cry... sob. It makes me sick to think about. I fight with God on how he could allow such a thing, and in the same breath I praise Him and thank Him for the little tiny miracles he creates in the midst of such grotesque and horrific situations.

I don't know why I have this passion. I don't know what will ever really come of it. I live day by day in the sorrow of knowing it exists... waiting for God to reveal what my true role is... but doing what I can in the mean time.

And so you may be wondering what my passion is... if you don't already know. It is so hard for me to know where to begin in describing it. But let me tell you this little story...

This year for Christmas I wanted to do something that mattered. I get sick of the buying of gifts just to say you got something for someone. What a waste. So we sponsored several children... orphans, who desperately need families... in the name of different family members. Much to my joy and excitement each one of them has found a family... all except one.

I have been drawn to her for so long. I have so longed to have her in our family, but I knew she couldn't be right now. She was about to age out of the orphanage. About to be sent to the institution to waste away and die. Thrown out by her family because she was different, left to an orphanage because they would not live with the social stigma of having a Downs child. Adorable, sweet, precious girl with no one to love her.

She didn't find a forever family. She died.

What a waste.

And so I know I will never be content with this earth. With the prejudices, the judgements, the hatred, the ignorance. I am not perfect. But I will do what I can for these children, because they deserve a chance. They deserve a shot at being content and being loved. And I know that God is working awfully hard for them as well. I see it here...
in a Beautiful Transformation
in a Redeeming Love
in celebrating 9 months home
and most importantly here, watching each day as new children find their families... slowly but surely.

Maybe for Valentine's Day this year you could consider skipping the candy and roses and donating to make a difference for one of these children. In the grand scheme of things what is really more important... flowers or a life? Candy or feeling the love of a family? Junk that will sit around your house taking up space or rescuing a precious child from almost certain death? If you're content with the way things are in your world... then more power to you. For me, I am happy to struggle with the discontent... it keeps my life in perspective.

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The Blizzard of 2011...

2011-02-05T14:22:00.003-06:00

It finally hit... the blizzard of 2011. And of course by blizzard I mean it snowed... maybe an inch... and was mostly melted by that evening. But it was fun for the kids!!

After spending about an hour getting them dressed, we ventured out. Carinna was so excited but not so sure she wanted to walk in it or what to do with it.

Caden on the other hand had an agenda. That morning when I showed him it was snowing he said "Mom, I'm going to get my shoes on!" I then explained that it was way too early and that we would go out later. So then he said "Ok. But mom, first I am going to make a snowball and throw it at you. Then we can build a snowman." So. needless to say he went straight to the snowball making once we ventured out.

Carinna, taking his lead, started to grab a hand full of snow... then lost her balance and fell face first into it! This is her imprint... face to the left, arms at top and bottom. It was a real face plant! It went up her nose, into her mouth and covered her eyes... poor baby... she was mad.

She rallied pretty quickly! What a trooper! Then continued to look to her big brother for what to do next.

Her gigantic snowball! She wouldn't throw them at people, she just handed them from one person to the next!

He, on the other hand, was all about throwing! He is a boy after all!
Carinna only lasted about 20 minutes then we went in to have a snack (donuts! shhhh, don't tell). The dad and boy tried their best to build a snowman, but it just wasn't working! They took a walk around the block then came in for a nice hot lunch! It was a fun day!

The Cousins 2010

2011-02-02T22:45:00.001-06:00

He can sing!

2011-02-01T20:12:00.004-06:00

Last week Caden had another "program" at school followed by a parent lunch. This time he actually sang! Although, they only sang "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "If You're Happy & You Know It"... which he is pretty familiar with!

He's in the green shirt. Mrs. Cindy (in red behind him) is his teacher. She is really sweet!

I always forget to take the zoom lens, so my pictures really stink! I think this is the "stomp your feet" part of the song... and of course when you're 3 you have to actually jump to stomp your feet!

It's nice that they work hard to get the families together to socialize! The highlight of the lunch had to be the ginormous brownies for desert! I discovered that I can pretty much bribe them to do anything if they know one of those brownies is waiting!

Story time with Papa Chuck...

2011-01-26T22:41:00.000-06:00

Occasionally...

2011-01-25T22:34:00.000-06:00

... they really seem to love each other!

Introducing Cooper...

2011-01-24T22:21:00.000-06:00

I recently realized that we have not mentioned him on the blog yet... and since he is due soon, I guess we should hurry up and do that!

So here he is... the newest addition to our family...
The reason we are remodeling and frantically rearranging! The reason why I am tired and not always in the blogging mood! The reason we are washing tiny baby clothes and pulling out little blankets and burp rags... and pacifiers, bottles, bottle brushes... and so on! The reason I have HORRIBLE indigestion! The reason we are terribly fearful about how much Carinna LOVES babies and attacks them when she sees them (she's the reason we fear for his life). And most importantly the reason we have started 2011 with a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation.

We can't wait to see what new adventures he will bring to the family!

Excuses... excuses...

2011-01-23T20:45:00.003-06:00

So... I fully intended to really get back into the blogging again with the new year... but obviously that didn't happen. I could say that it was because I was without my camera for several weeks after Christmas. Or I could say that it was due to the fact that we have been remodeling for a couple of months and things are a huge, HUGE disaster that I am still trying to dig out of. But... those would just be my excuses... who cares about those!

This year we spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with just our little family doing whatever we wanted! It was so fun!!

As is our tradition, we kicked off Christmas Eve with baking cookies for Santa. Carinna had her own bottle of sprinkles... it was a bit frightening!

I think she liked decorating cookies!

So did he!

Carinna had to sample each one! I barely snagged Santa's cookie away before she got to it.

After cookies we read the Polar Express.

Then we laid out the cookies and carrots. We left Gatorade for Santa because Caden had been running fever and we were banning milk at the time!

I think Santa likes Gatorade... because there was not a drop left!

Santa's gifts were such a hit that we couldn't get the kids to open the gifts under the tree!

Carinna got babies... of course!

It was a great day! Such a blessing to spent the entire day playing with the kids, eating and making memories!

Pumpkin carving and a Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:48:00.004-05:00

The men did all the hard work!

Ewww!

It looks like she is enjoying this, but in reality she was totally grossed out!

Trunk or Treating!

The first house of the evening!

Carinna went a little crazy in the candy!

Randomness...

2010-10-14T09:43:00.007-05:00

I have been doing such a terrible job of keeping things in blog world updated! I just don't have enough hours in the day... or maybe I need a class on time management. Anyway...

I have a ton of random pictures that really don't fit into any category, but they are a great glimpse into our current life... (they were all taken with my phone- so please forgive the quality)...

Carinna is always in my stuff... for example Randy found some of my make-up in the fridge this morning. I never used to understand how people lost things in their own home... until I had kids. Here, she is sporting a headband... backwards.

Almost every day lately Caden has fallen asleep in the chair while I am prepping dinner.

Carinna got some new sunglasses.

Happy plate... easy to do on Chick-Fil-A Tuesday!

Every girl needs a little animal print in her life!

Good morning bedhead!!

Carinna and her frog hat. She made it at school and wore it until it fell apart for the millionth time!

Occasionally some strange pictures show up on my phone. The other day I was so pleased to see this picture of a toilet. Glad my phone stayed dry!

Carinna likes to read to her babies!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2010-10-04T18:11:00.005-05:00

I had to wait until we reached a point in the day when Carinna wasn't crying so much. We just barely squeezed it into this window! She is not happy today.

Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you!

Happy Birthday Pawcaw!!

2010-09-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

Now... it's time for the happy dance!

First day of preschool... sort of

2010-09-07T20:44:00.000-05:00

The kids just started to preschool again. Well, except for the fact that Caden went last year and has gone all summer... so really it was just the first day for Carinna.

Again, I have no idea why I even try to get photos!

The girl could not have been less interested in getting her picture taken!

Her shirt is all wet from brushing her teeth. It's her favorite thing to do, but it makes her drool a bit.

At least in this one they are both smiling!

Then they got distracted... so I gave up.
They both did really well in their new classes! Caden likes his new teacher, but doesn't understand why he can't go back to Mrs. Julie's class!

Catching up...again...

2010-09-03T19:57:00.007-05:00

Back to the boy's birthday...

We had a small party here at our house with some family.

He was so excited about everything he got!
Especially Woody!

I have no idea what the deal is, but this was the grin he was giving me... could it be any cheesier?
Icing mustache...
And we discovered that the girl does in fact like cake. I guess the problem was that her birthday cake didn't have any chocolate on it!
Later in the week we went to Grandma and Pawcaw's house. They have a great bounce house place just down the street. We went with some cousins and I think they all had a blast!
Then that night there were MORE presents! He got a Jessie doll this time. We have since learned that Jessie is way better than Woody. Caden often refers to her as "his girl"!
Then we had MORE cake too! What a great birthday! (And yes, that is a candle on the cake... we forgot to get birthday candles.)
Then the next day we headed to The Greatest Show on Earth!
Notice Jack's face... he had wanted a sword... he didn't get it.

Caden and Jessie watching the show! (The girl had to stay with Grandma and Pawcaw!)
He said he was ready to go home about 10 minutes after the show started! But I think he enjoyed it overall! The rest of us sure did!

Happy Birthday Caden!

2010-08-08T10:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Caden,

Today you are three years old! I just can't believe how quickly time has passed since we brought you home from the hospital! Those first few days with you were so hard! I had no idea how to be a mommy and you had no idea what was expected of you! It was exhausting!

We survived though... barely! I now feel like I can read you like a book... most of the time! But occasionally you totally catch us off guard. And you have kept us laughing for almost three straight years! You are such a little comedian... but really... we laugh at the little things that aren't even meant to be funny most of the time!

Your little chubby body has grown long and lean. You hardly have any reminders of babyhood in your appearance! Occasionally I will catch a glimpse of the little guy I remember, but more often than not I catch a glimpse of the boy you are quickly becoming! I am so excited to watch you continue to grow and change over the next year, but I am astonished at how fast the time is ticking away!
You and dad are the best of buds! I hope it always stays that way! Every day that dad is at work you ask at least once and hour when he will be home. As soon as he gets home you disappear with him into the game room not to be seen again for hours! Very often I have to go remind the two of you to go to bed. You mostly only need me to get your food and help you in the bathroom... but that's okay... at least you need me for something!
You have begun to make friends and your imagination has exploded in the last few months. Your preschool teacher tells me stories everyday of how helpful you are and what a good friend you have been. You amaze us with your compassion and gentleness mixed with 100% pure boy! It is a great combination!
I love to watch you love on your sister (and fight with her too). I dearly hope that you guys will be great friends. Currently, you want her around all the time... as long as she doesn't touch ANY of your stuff. Sharing has been hard for you!
You are handsome and smart too! Your dad and I laugh a lot lately at your negotiation skills. You work every possible angle to try to get what you want. Very often you throw some curve balls in the mix as though we are not smart enough to catch on to your game. We also often wonder where you learned to debate so early in life. I have a feeling you will keep us on our toes. I also have a feeling there will be many times when I will have to settle for saying "BECAUSE I SAID SO!" because I won't be able to win the argument.
We love you so much! I can't imagine life without you in it! You are such a joy! We look so forward to whatever the future holds for life with you! It will be an adventure for sure!

Have a wonderfully happy birthday sweet boy!

My Heart... and Glorious things...

2010-08-05T13:07:00.004-05:00

I like to write. I am not the world's greatest writer by any means, just mediocre at best. However, I often times find that I am much better at expressing myself through written word. It takes my mind too long to process what I want to say if I am just speaking off the cuff, writing allows me time to think things through, and to say it more accurately. In all honesty I should probably write more often and speak less.

Back in January when we lost our baby would have been a good time to have started writing, for example. I find myself now, six months later, realizing that my heart was impacted much more than I let myself think it would be. I realized a few weeks ago that we were rapidly approaching the due date of our lost child. At that time it hit me like a ton of bricks how much I had gradually shut down parts of myself as I secretly mourned the loss of my baby. For some reason I tried to convince myself that it shouldn't be such a big deal, I was only 12 weeks pregnant, it was just a miscarriage. And for some, those may be their honest feelings... but it wasn't for me... I was lying to myself.

I know that through this time God has been working on my heart... in many, many ways. Too many to mention here. But I have come to truly realize how precious life is... how beautifully and wonderfully we have been created by our Maker. Because of my miscarriage, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world... though I wish, at times, they hadn't. Through a long and drawn out process of "coincidences" my eyes have been opened to the suffering of children all around me. The suffering of orphans. And in particular, orphans in Eastern Europe.

I would give anything to be sitting here holding my newborn baby as I type this... I would almost rather be wrapped up in nursing schedules and the chaos of three children than to have a burden on my heart for children around the world that are thrown away by their families. My baby, you see, was "broken", incompatible with life. His little body could not survive or thrive no matter how much I would have done to make it so. But right at this very moment somewhere in the world someone is making the decision to terminate a pregnancy, or give their child away to an orphanage because their baby, too, is "broken."

In fact, in most Eastern European countries "broken" children are a burden... not to be kept or raised. Broken, to them, can mean diseased (Down Syndrome, HIV, HEP C, etc), disabled (cerebral palsy, dwarfism, arthrogryposis), deformed (cleft palate). They are to be given away to an orphanage where they will typically get by for their first 4-5 years... malnourished, unloved and lagging behind developmentally. But by their 5th birthday they will be sent to a mental institution... with the mentally insane. There they will live in a crib... with no toys... no school... little to no medical care... no mother or father to love them... with nobody to answer their cries... all alone... until they die. And the real kicker is that the majority of them will die within the first year due to abuse and neglect. And by majority, I mean over 90%.

More than 90% will die within the first year from abuse and neglect. Did you catch that?

I weep for these children. I look at their pictures and see their precious faces and feel sick that they are suffering away, day after day, with nobody to love them. I look at my own children and imagine how tragically different their lives would be if they were orphans. I want to bring all of them home.

What strikes me the most is that GOD made them this way. He had a purpose for their lives and He knew exactly what He was doing. He makes all of us in His image. Who are we to say they are less worthy, than we are, to be loved? To be held and comforted? To have a family? What makes any of us believe that we are better than these precious children just because we are "normal"?

Normal... what does that even mean?

The David Crowder Band has a song Everything Glorious which says:

You make everything glorious
And I am Yours
What does that make me?

My eyes are small but they have seen
the beauty of enormous things
Which leads me to believe
there's light enough to see that

You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
You make everything glorious
And I am Yours

These children are glorious. All of God's creations are glorious. And He created these children with love. They are, in fact, beautifully and wonderfully made despite the stigma placed on them by society.

Not everyone is in a place where adoption is an option for them. Then again, there are so many families out there that want so badly to adopt, but don't have the funds. There are so many kids out there that just need a family to love them.

So here is my point... what can you do to help them? Could you spare a little money to help one of these children find a home? Could you answer the call to bring one into your own home? Please start with a visit to this site, Reece's Rainbow, and pray about a way that you could help some of these children. Helping one of them would in fact be saving a life... literally.

They are glorious.

We are all glorious to God.

On the 4th... of July...

2010-08-03T21:59:00.004-05:00

For the first time in quite a few years, we were in Colorado for the 4th. There is nothing like a small town parade! It was so much fun!

We had to get there a little early to get a good standin' spot! The parade is a big deal and there were lots of people there!
Thankfully we were next to an adorable little motel with an excellent yard for the kids to run in! Carinna likes to run!
Finally it started...
And don't be fooled that the parade was short because it is such a small town... OH NO...
It was the world's longest parade... the longest parade I have ever been to... sigh. Probably longer than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade... well, maybe not... but close!
But we did have a great time! Hopefully we can be there for the parade again next year!

Where to begin...

2010-08-02T21:43:00.003-05:00

Hmmm... what to say. I have really been in such a funk about blogging. I can't really say why, but I have not been interested in spending the time on it. Honestly, I haven't even been taking many pictures of the kids. It has been a tough summer for me for several reasons... but let's just fast forward to the fun stuff that comes with summer! I will be catching up on several of the things I have neglected to post... so here goes...

First up... fishin'!!

We were lucky enough to spend some time in Colorado again this summer! And of course, with a trip to Colorado... comes fishing... lots of fishing!

Caden also got in on the fishing this year... and he caught one right away... which was great since he has the attention span of a flea!

Here he is bringing it in with his daddy.

Daddy had to take over! And bring it the rest of the way in. It was a good size one... for a 3 year old!
He was pretty excited... even wanted to touch it! After that, all he wanted to do was throw rocks in the water.
I spent the next hour trying to keep him from disturbing the other fishermen... and women. Randy finally caught his limit and we were able to leave! But it was a fun memory!!

UGH!!!

2010-06-29T11:10:00.001-05:00

Part II of the cousin's visit will have to wait! I am fighting with blogger to get my photos uploaded! I just don't have time for that!

The cousins visit part I...

2010-06-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

The cousins came to visit a couple of weeks ago. We enjoyed hanging out at the splash park one hot day...

The baby squat... so cute!

Caden's end of the year program...

2010-06-26T10:54:00.004-05:00

Obviously I have quite a bit of catching up to do. I have been in a little bit of a funk and not the least bit interested in blogging, but I think I'm back! so here you go...

At the end of the school year Caden's school had a program. It is always entertaining to watch preschoolers standing on a stage, trying to sing and do hand motions.

Most of the time he just stood there watching me and his daddy.

Some kids got more into it than others...

Our friend Madox sang too...

Our friend Matilda "graduated"...

And our cousins came to watch! After the program we went with the cousins to the Green Door to eat donuts! YUM!!

The Party...

2010-05-27T14:55:00.006-05:00

Lately, every time I try to update the old blog... I find that the internet has slowed to a snail's pace and my photos won't upload. I have so much to catch up on! Here is the girl's party!

Happy Birthday Carinna!

2010-05-16T22:23:00.005-05:00

Dear Carinna,

Today you are a year old! It seems like only last week we brought you home from the hospital! I know that the next 17 years will go just as quickly as this first year, and before we know it you will be leaving us to start life on your own... though I am sure we will still be helping you with laundry and stuff!

Before we knew you were a girl, your dad and I secretly hoped we would have a boy. I know that sounds terrible to say, but the only reason I can remember having for feeling that way was so that Caden would have a brother close in age. As soon as we found out you were a girl we were over joyed... thrilled... ecstatic (as were your grandmothers)! I remember realizing all the fun things we would be able to do together... just us girls. Going to wedding/ baby showers, painting our nails, watching chick flicks, playing with baby dolls... all things I would have missed out on if you had been a boy! You have evened out our family.

Your girlish personality has been obvious from the beginning! You are a little priss! You always hold your little hands up and out to your sides as though they might get dirty if you were to touch them to anything! It is a hoot! The way you talk, sit, crawl, walk, squeal, fuss and snuggle are so very girly. There is no mistaking it, you are most certainly a girly girl...and I am so glad about that!

We have already learned so much about your personality in this first year! I know that you are stubborn and strong willed. I realize this will cause your father and I several challenges as we parent you but part of me hopes you will always have a strong will. I hope that you will be a leader and not a follower. I hope that your will will keep you from many of the pitfalls of peer pressure and prevent you from giving in to situations that could bring you harm. I hope that you will be that girl that doesn't fit into the mold that society will set for you.

You are an adventurer too! You are not afraid of anything! You climb and climb until I think that surely your legs will give out from exhaustion! You love to explore and watch new things. I know that this will probably change and that you will soon reach that phase where you are fearful of many things... but I have a feeling that part of that adventurous spirit will stay with you!

You are so smart! It doesn't take long for you to catch on to a new concept! I use sign language with you, as I did with Caden, and you pick up the new words and signs within minutes. You seem to know just what I am talking about right away!

Did I mention you are stubborn?

I am constantly amazed at how vastly different you are from your brother. I know there are many factors that play into that... birth order, personality, gender... but you two are so different it makes me wonder if you will even be friends as you grow up! Your dad and I will help you two figure out how to deal with each other, but I don't think it will be easy!

You are a happy girl! Now don't get me wrong, you cry. You throw fits too. But overall you are just happy and easy going. When I go into your room to get you out of bed you immediately start jumping up and down and laughing. Then you begin to tell me things. I have no idea what you are saying, but you are adamant that I hear it... all of it. I think you will be a talker too! You talk all the time!

You are loving! You like to snuggle and sit close! You pat on your brother and the dog whenever you feel like they need a boost. You rock and hug your babies and kiss all over their faces all the time! Right now as I type this you are pushing your new shopping cart around with your babies in it. It is so sweet to watch your sweet and loving personality!

And finally I have learned that you don't like birthday cake. Yes, that is right... I could not get you to eat your cake for anything! You do not take after me or your brother in this department! But that is okay... maybe you will be able to keep your girlish figure by staying away from cake! I have no problem getting you to eat healthy foods, so I have no complaints!

We love you so much! You are such a blessing to our family and we can't imagine how things would be without you! I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! I pray that you will become a strong and confident woman. I think God has big plans for you and I look forward to what He has in store.

I am sad that this first year has come and gone and that you will not be a baby any longer. I know that your fat thighs will start to thin out and you will transform into a little girl soon. I know that it won't be long until you don't want to be rocked or held and you will start to get too big to be cuddled like a baby. But seasons change and we will move on to new adventures!

Happy Birthday Carinna! We love you!

The countdown...

2010-05-13T21:55:00.003-05:00

We have started counting down the minutes... okay, maybe not minutes...days... until we celebrate the big FIRST birthday!! So exciting! Her party is on Saturday so the next 24 hrs will be filled with grocery shopping, cake baking, gift wrapping, food prepping, family arriving and tons of excitement!

But until then I wanted to share a little of what has been going on here lately. This girl of ours is a hoot! She cracks me up! But you will probably notice that because I laugh in every single one of the videos I am about to share.

We have a Little People van that makes silly sounds when you press a button on the "dashboard". I noticed that she played with it ALL the time but the other day I suddenly realized that she was doing this...
(please excuse the poor lighting - you just gotta work with what you got)

I had a little sewing kit that came with this little measuring tape. Caden would always steal my real one, so I dug out this little version for him to play with. It didn't take long for the girl to notice it and take it over. She crawls all over the house with it like this...

Oh, there are so many more, but I will let this be that last one...

She has started WALKING!! But of course we couldn't get her to do it for the camera! Stinker. So this is what I think is the funniest of the attempts!

You can tell she is not the first baby since we laugh when she crashes hard instead of gasping!

The world's WORST bluebonnet pictures...

2010-04-27T14:02:00.004-05:00

Since the Bluebonnets were so abundant this year I thought getting pictures would be so easy! Well...I was wrong.

It all started on a warm sunny day with a ridiculous hike across a field. The grass around the edges of the field was about two feet high! Caden couldn't even walk through it without falling down every other step. Every time he fell down I was overcome with fear that a snake would be down there just waiting to get him! So I picked him up... the boy on one hip... the girl on the other and a camera around my neck and trudged through the field. That field... by the way... smelled as though a million cats had converged upon it and all peed at the same time! We were not off to a good start.

One of the first pictures... our bad start just kept getting worse.

I asked the boy to smile and to make his sister smile...
his solution to my request involved some tough "love"!

For some reason he thought squeezing the fire out of her arm would make her smile!
He has a lot to learn about girls!

Yep, this one was a good one... the old hand in the face shot.

The fake smile.

Not sure what this is.

Yep...

The allergies have kicked in. Sneezing fit begins.

Oh, wait... what was that?

And here I have totally lost all hope of getting anything decent!

The End.

Today she's 11 months old... sniff... sniff...

2010-04-17T21:08:00.006-05:00

Carinna,
Today you are 11 months old. I can't believe time has passed so quickly and that next month you will be having your first birthday! I am so excited to have your party... but I am also so sad that you are growing out of your babyhood so very quickly!

You are such a stinker, but you make us laugh every day! You are rotten too! I think I am okay with that though! You love attention and will do most anything to get it. If daddy walks by you without acknowledging that you are there, you will have a little hissy fit until he comes back to get you. You also love to snuggle! You will wrap your little arms tightly around my neck and lay your head on my shoulder when you are tired. It is the absolute best feeling in the world!
A couple of weeks ago you decided that you could crawl up the slide on the fort in the playroom. You worked really hard until you could get your little fat legs all the way up to the top. I think it is just fantastic... and I mean that as sarcastically as possible. I am not thrilled that I can't leave you alone in the playroom without worrying that you might fall off the fort! But you are quite stubborn and you will climb up there any time you feel like it... or at least that is how I read that look you give me when I get you down.
You now have four teeth... finally! You just got the fourth one a couple of days ago. You love to grind them which makes cringe every time I hear it!
You had your 9 month checkup at 10 1/2 months... I made your appointment 2 weeks before you were 9 months old and that was the soonest I could get you in. But anyway, at your appointment you weighed 18 lbs and are 27 inches long. You are in the 15% for height and head circumference and 25% for weight (it's those thighs... sorry to tell you)!
You are so happy! It doesn't take much for us to get you to laugh. You really think your brother is funny too. Sometimes in the car he will make you laugh so hard that he will start laughing. I love driving down the street listening to the two of you crack each other up!
Your brother loves you lots... unless you mess with his trains (we are working on that)! He always wants you to sit as close to him as possible when we eat. I have to keep your highchair pulled away from him a little because he won't eat and will just play with you if I let you get too close! You pretend like you are going to give him a bite of your food... but at the last minute you stick it in your own mouth. It's pretty cute!
You are starting to stand on your own. I thought you were going to take a step this morning, but you chickened out at the very last minute. But it won't be long! I bet you will be walking right around your birthday! You will walk while holding on to our hands... and it is so hilarious because you arch your back and stick your belly way out as your walk! We walk you around just so we can laugh at the way you look while doing it... it even makes Caden laugh!
We love you so much! You are such a joy! I look forward to watching you grow into the person you will become! Happy 11 month birthday sweet girl!

She did turn 10 months old... I just didn't post it...

2010-04-17T21:00:00.004-05:00

Yep, it's true... last month she was 10 months old. I didn't forget... I just didn't get around to posting it.

So... this was her a month ago...
She only had 2 teeth at the time...

Couldn't you just eat up that little face?

Easter...

2010-04-07T07:58:00.004-05:00

Trying to explain the real reason that we celebrate Easter to a two year old is really a lesson in futility! Crucifixion, death. rising from the dead, sins, blood... not things that are easily simplified into preschool terms. At least he has heard the story and has something to build on in the future!

But here is how we celebrated the secular side of Easter... :)

Caden got a new train from the Easter Bunny... I don't think he saw anything else in his basket after he discovered the train! He also got an expansion pack for his train tracks... which I spent twenty minutes putting together so they would work with his old set (switch tracks and all). He on the other hand, played with it for about 10 minutes then took it all apart! UGH!
The girl got a baby from the Easter Bunny... again, I am not sure she noticed anything else in her basket once she saw the baby!
It is so amazing how quickly gender roles set in. Carinna has always been drawn to babies... and Caden has always been drawn to balls and vehicles.
Then we loaded up the car and headed to Nana & Pawpaw's house for lunch. The cousins were there along with some other families. Caden enjoyed a game of football in the front yard before lunch.
Later in the afternoon we had another egg hunt. These are the hunters...
Carinna does NOT like grass! Aunt Lori tried several times to get her feet to touch the ground, but she was not having it! I did not get one single picture of the girl in her Easter dress. Nana had gotten her an outfit (the one she is wearing below) and so we changed her before the egg hunt began! But I will dress her back up and take some pics ASAP!
This was Caden's 3rd egg hunt... I think he was getting a bit tired of it! After he had picked up about 5 eggs he informed us "that's enough... I'm good." After a little encouraging he picked up a few more.

After everyone else left, the kids got some one on one time with Pawpaw. I think they like him... but I think the feeling is mutual!
On the way home Caden crashed! It had been a long and exciting day! More than likely it was more that he was coming down hard off of his sugar rush!
(Also note the muddy shoes and socks... it rained unexpectedly in Austin that morning... so the grass was a little soppy!)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

My helper...

2010-03-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

Carinna has a new hobby...

She does this with everything... books, toys... anything she can get her hands on.

"No, I NOT sleepy daddy!"

2010-03-17T13:04:00.003-05:00

After we left the circus and got the boy loaded into his carseat... the first thing out of his mouth was "Is I not going to take a nap?" It was after 4 pm when we left the circus and so we figured he would just skip that days nap. Two minutes later... he was snoring!

The Circus is in town...

2010-03-16T20:02:00.001-05:00

Saturday we took the boy to the circus...
Before the show started we were entertained by Leo the Clown. They also had pony rides & elephant rides!

It was during the boy's naptime, but he did very well!
During the intermission the kids had their pictures made with Leo...

Caden

Jack

Vivian

It was the perfect show for a preschooler. Nothing too complicated... not too much happening at one time.

On the way home he could NOT stay awake! But I think he had fun. He even had his first cotton candy experience! I am not totally sure if he liked it or not... he kept asking me to wipe his hands off.

In my bed...

2010-03-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

The other night when I went to get into bed I was greeted by these little faces...
They were all tucked in for the night. Boys...

The Difference between boys and girls...

2010-03-14T19:33:00.003-05:00

Having a young boy... and being stuck inside for the entire winter... is not the best combination. Needless to say, we have been VERY excited about the warm weather.

One day we ventured out to the backyard. When I set Carinna down in the grass she did this...
Her feet are not touching the ground...
It seems that Miss Priss doesn't care much for grass! She was very uncomfortable.

Her brother, on the other hand, was in his element! He ran, jumped, climbed, yelled and kicked.
Later her brother pushed her in the swing... she really wasn't too sure about that either. Although, if he were pushing me in the swing I would be nervous too!
When Caden was her age he would swing in that swing as long as you would push him. He LOVED it. I even have a picture of him asleep in it.

Snow Day!

2010-02-25T16:15:00.004-06:00

It actually snowed here the other day! We were quite astounded! So we kept the boy home from school, bundled everyone up and went out to play!

I was worried that it would stop snowing before I got the kids out to see it so I was rushing to get everyone out the door ASAP! The girl had to wear her brother's old snow suit. Poor thing looked like a boy the entire morning!
The snow was so wet it felt like rain! The boy was excited... not so sure about the girl.

It was coming down pretty hard most of the morning!
Caden tried to catch it in his mouth. I think he got one or two flakes. The white around his mouth is actually powdered sugar from donuts!
Poor little girl... looking very un-girly.
Randy made a snowman while Caden relentlessly pelted me with snowballs!
We ended up getting somewhere around 4 inches. This was just the beginning of the snowfall. About 2 hours from the time this picture was taken there was a great deal more snow on the ground.

Good memories and fun times... and LOTS of wet clothes!

9 months old...

2010-02-20T20:35:00.007-06:00

So, you may be thinking to yourself... wait a minute, today is the 20th not the 17th... and Carinna was born on the the 17th... that would have been her 9 month birthday...
And if you were thinking that... well... you would be correct. So let's just say that I may or may not have totally missed the 17th... I am NOT saying I did, but let's say... oh... for argument sake that I did. It's no big deal right? I mean I am posting the pictures now... who cares if it is a few days late? Right?

Ummm, yeah... so here you go...

Uh oh, I think she heard me say I forgot her 9 month birthday.
Oh that is just great.
Twenty minutes and one sign later... I think we are okay again. Nothing that chewing on a piece of brother's race track can't cure.
So anyway, she is now 9 months old. Time is going by so quickly I just don't know what to do!

She still has no teeth, though there are two just waiting to come through at any minute!
She would rather be standing than anything else.
She gets into everything she possibly can!
She loves to steal her brother's toys.
She only wants finger foods... baby food is for... well, babies.
She says mama, dada, and I am pretty sure she says hey.
She likes to throw herself backwards when she is mad.
She is very sweet.
And adorable.
And funny.
And I love her.

Happy (late) 9 month birthday little girl!!

Catching Up...

2010-02-11T13:43:00.008-06:00

I realized today how long it had been since I updated... so I figured I had some catching up to do!
So here is a rundown of what has been going on around here...

Caden got a haircut... his first real-not-from-a-family-member cut.
He didn't like it.

Then the church burned down... now we have Bible study here every week. Arson. Very sad.
The kids got new car seats! Very exciting! (Actually Carinna got Caden's old one... he got the new one.)

Even more exciting was the box it came in.

Well, mostly to the boy anyway...

The boy had a "program" at school. (As in they sang 3 songs... of which he did not sing one word... too busy looking for mom & dad in the crowd.)

It was family day... they served lunch after.

We've been learning to love each other and be helpful.

The girl started eating finger foods... which she LOVES! (PLEASE ignore the hand-me-down bib from her brother... poor planning on my part!)

I broke down and bought a Thomas the Train video. It was a HUGE hit.

The girl discovered my camera...

The boy discovered his pockets.

Well, I think that pretty much sums it up. We are just sitting around tonight waiting for the snow! I am not holding my breath that we will actually get any, but who knows! I would love to get a good snow so that the boy can experience it!

Carinna

2010-01-26T19:29:00.003-06:00

One of the girl's newest tricks is to make a terrible face when she is finished eating or drinking. It is her non-verbal way of telling us that she couldn't possibly eat one more bite!

It cracks me up... which is a good thing since half the time I feel like pulling my hair out by the time I am finished feeding the persnickety thing!!

In the mornings... oh the mornings... she insists on pestering her brother to death! She will NOT stay away from him while he is snacking on his breakfast and trying to watch his cartoons. This is what it looks like...

What you don't see is that immediately before I took this video I had moved her across the room for the 3rd time. She is fast when she is on a mission. I didn't even have time to get the camera turned on before she was back to his bean bag chair pestering him again. I hear "MOMMY, please move sister!!!" about 6 million times every.single.morning!!

8 months old!!

2010-01-17T17:30:00.004-06:00

I had to bribe her with the lens cap to my camera to be able to get a picture with the sign!

It worked for a few minutes! You may notice that she only has one sock on... I can't keep up with the socks. This girl is BUSY and all over the place in a flash... keeping socks on is the least of my problems!

You may also notice something else about her...
For the first time she FINALLY has enough hair to hold a little bow. It has to be right on top of her head... but it is at least a start! That is just pretty darn cute!
She has also started pulling up to things... thankfully she is only getting on her knees and not her feet!
Her brother is really starting to enjoy playing with her... well, except that he finds her to be his excuse to do all the things he isn't allowed to do. Now he just blames it on her! He hasn't realized yet that I don't buy it. For example, today he opened the door to the a/c closet and she bumped her head on the door and started to cry. When I went in there he tried to put the blame on her focusing mostly on the fact that she had the nerve to bump her head... NOT focusing on the fact that he had obviously opened the door.

This is how the sign looks after she has had her hands on it for a bit. Don't worry, I recovered all the pieces of paper... I think.
This is the pitiful face she makes when you take her sign away. Pretty sad...

Happy 8 month birthday Carinna!!!

Our little surprise...

2010-01-12T11:46:00.004-06:00

In mid-November Randy and I were shocked to discover that we were going to be having another baby. We had not been trying, or even thinking about getting pregnant at the time. We laughed at the idea that for a short while we would have 3 children under the age of three... and I began to strategize (is that a word?) on just how on earth I would work that out! We were excited. I felt like our family was becoming complete! We started to fret a little about where a new baby would fit in our 3 bedroom house and I decided that as soon as the morning sickness subsided a bit I would start a massive clean-out of all unnecessary junk to either make room, or get our house ready to sell! I went to my first OB appointment and had a sonogram and saw the heartbeat. We even excitedly told our families over Christmas... and greatly enjoyed the shock on their faces!

Last week at my 12 week appointment my doctor was unable to find a heartbeat. She did another sonogram and sadly informed us that the baby was no longer alive. She believed that it had probably passed away sometime around 8 weeks due to the measurements. As though this were not enough, the worst part was that my body was obviously not recognizing the death of the baby. Over the next few days Randy and I were faced with some very tough choices... impossible choices.

Last Saturday we said goodbye to our little surprise baby.

We are sad. I am sad. It is hard to understand things like this, but I know that God has a plan that is greater than anything that my little human brain can possibly understand... and I trust Him. It was a blessing to have that time, no matter how short, to nurture and love that little baby and I am grateful for it.

I don't know what God's future plans for our family are... and I am trying really hard to be okay with that... which is hard for me because I am a planner! We are so grateful for our wonderful family and friends that have showered us with love... and food... over the last few days. We will never forget your kindness and generosity! Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement and for the space to mourn the loss of our baby in private.

Just for fun...

2010-01-09T21:24:00.005-06:00

One of the boy's favorite movies is Madagascar 2. There have been several occasions when he has thrown a quote out there in the middle of a conversation and Randy and I have practically doubled over in laughter. This kid is funny! The other night, after a particularly terrible day, I was running his bath water and he came walking up to me and did this...

Alex the Lion Face

I laughed so hard I cried. I needed this laugh that day! I love this kid.

The girl discovered the game of peek-a-boo the other day. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen! Since then I can't get her to do it like she was that one day. Occasionally she will throw a peek-a-boo in there, but for the most part she just smiles at me when I try to get her to do it. Thank goodness I got a video that day!

Peek-a-boo

Christmas... (I'll warn you now, it's LONG)

2009-12-27T19:43:00.005-06:00

This year we had Randy's family join us at our home for Christmas Eve. It was so nice not to have to drag the kids around and rush home that night to get ready for Santa.

As is our tradition, we made cookies for Santa and then decorated them. Caden got his own rolling pin this year to help me out with the cookie making. He was pretty excited!

Fast forward an hour and here they are, ready to be decorated! Icing a cookie is not the easiest thing in the world for a 2 year old!

He only licked his fingers a few times, but that's okay... we've been told that Santa doesn't mind!

Then we topped them off with M&M's (or enimens, as the boy says it)! He did so well and did not eat them until the cookies were mostly decorated!

Tada... I think Santa will be quite impressed!

The next morning... the boy was a little hesitant to see what Santa had left him. I think that he thought Santa might still be in the living room... and that is a little much to take when you have just gotten out of bed!

And low and behold... Santa DID leave him a racetrack! Just like he had asked for! It is so nice when those things work out. The sister got a Jumperoo... and man does she love it!

Checking out his stocking...

After a yummy breakfast we opened the last of our gifts. The boy got dinosaurs...

The girl got a Sock Monkey-in-the-box...

Since then we have been trying to find a place for all the new toys... we may need a bigger house!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-20T17:31:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas &
Happy New Year!

We will see you again next year!

A Christmas Miracle...

2009-12-18T16:18:00.002-06:00

We took the kids to see Santa...

1) There was NO line! Sweet!!
2) Both kids actually smiled!

Caden was so excited to see Santa and tell him he wanted a racetrack for Christmas! After we got our pictures and were walking away the boy started yelling "Bye Santa!! Bye!!"

After our visit with Santa we went down to Hallmark to pick out this year's ornaments for the kids! I love Christmas traditions!

She's 7 months old...

2009-12-17T21:31:00.003-06:00

Dear Carinna,
Today you are 7 months old. I can't believe that it has been 7 months since we spent 4 short hours in the hospital waiting for you to arrive. You were so tiny and sweet. You had already figured out how to make a pouty face... which you still use quite effectively, by the way!
You have the fattest and cutest little thighs I have ever seen! I have to squeeze them every time I change your diaper and I am pretty sure you roll your eyes at me when I do! But that's fine with me, I know I should get used to your eye rolling! And it is 100% worth it just to squeeze those sweet little fat rolls!

You have really started getting around with an inch-worm-like crawl. If there is something you want you will get it! Especially your brother's toys. He has a fit when you try to stick his cars in your mouth... I think it grosses him out! You especially love the Christmas tree. The other day I walked into the living room only to discover you had eaten all the glitter off of one ornament!

You have now pretty much mastered the art of sitting. You still fall over occasionally, but I am beginning to wonder if you do it on purpose! Because you can sit up now I let you take a bath in the big tub! You loved it and splashed and splashed the entire time!

When I lay you in your bed to sleep you immediately lay your head down and start to suck your thumb. While you are eating you also suck your thumb after each bite. Sometimes you even put both thumbs in your mouth at the same time! It's pretty cute!

You are so funny! The faces you make crack me up! You are so happy and easy going, which is wonderful since I drag you all over town every Tuesday and Thursday while your brother is in school! But you don't hesitate to let us know when you are not happy! You also love to talk... you are such a girl! You always have something to say and your faces match your tone!

I have tried and tried to slow this first year of your life, but it just isn't working! It won't be long until we are planning your first birthday party! I love you and am so grateful for you! You are a joy! I look forward to having our first Christmas with you!

Happy 7 month birthday sweet girl!

The 2 year old version of Christmas music...

2009-12-07T21:14:00.002-06:00

The boy loves to sing along to any song he hears... even though he rarely knows the words! It was no different today during lunch while we were listening to Christmas music. He would mumble along trying his best to sing the correct words. Finally, exasperated.... he burst out singing...

"Bad boys, bad boys. Whatcha gonna dooooo..." (actually it was more like "fad foyz, fad foyz. Whaya donna doooo")

I, of course, died laughing. Which made him laugh.

Then he said, "Mommy, dat's fwom COPS." (As though I didn't know) "I yike dat song!"

His daddy was very proud.

My oh my... she's 6 months old...

2009-11-17T21:36:00.003-06:00

The sign thing is getting harder and harder to do...

These days it seems to look like a super fun toy.

She... just... has... to... get... her... hands...on it.

So, anyway... she is 6 months old now. See... she is trying to show everyone.

Oh forget the sign..

Happy 6 month birthday!!!! I just can't believe it has been that long since she joined our family! As that old saying goes... these days are long, but the years are short!

Weekend Fun...

2009-11-15T19:50:00.005-06:00

We started out the weekend by heading down to a local park that was built right next to the train station. As trains pass by they blow their horns over and over and occasionally the passengers (on the Amtrak trains) will wave. It is a great place for boys who love trains!

When we first got there... there was not one single train to be seen anywhere. None. I was probably as disappointed as the boy! But before we knew it there were three in a row. Someone was terribly excited!

Then we went on with the business of playing! The girl was not so crazy about the swings. If I would start to swing her she would suck in a huge gasp of air and her body would go stiff... but she didn't cry!

I am sure this is her telling me to get her the heck out of the swing. Oh and it was darn chilly that morning. It was supposed to be in the high 70's, but that did not happen until much later in the afternoon.

Before we left, an Amtrak went by. Oh the excitement!

On Saturday we hung out around the house. He has a rekindled love of his rocking horse. After he had ridden on it for a while I asked if the girl could have a turn. Surprisingly he said yes! Only after I put her on it did I find out that he intended to ride with her.

Look at her sweet little fat feet!

Eventually she was able to try it out on her own. She liked it!

At dinner that night we made tortilla faces... or should I say... the dad made them. By this time we only had one left, so we had to share.

We tried to get Chia to make a face, but she just ate it. Party pooper!

Caden sings The Wheels on the Bus

2009-11-14T13:27:00.002-06:00

Halloween Happiness

2009-11-02T07:37:00.004-06:00

This year's Halloween was so much more fun than last year! The boy still doesn't totally understand what it is about, but I think he had fun anyway!

We started off at Trunk-or-Treat at the church. It was packed this year!

He was Elmo.

Several people held out buckets for the kids to grab from... others just left their trunks open for a free-for-all!

For some reason the boy was crazy about suckers. If told to pick what he wanted out of the bucket of candy... he would always go for the suckers! He has maybe had one before in his whole life... apparently it made a good impression!

The girl just went as her cute self. And she was cute! At one point one of the teenage girls (dressed as a zombie) came up to talk to the girl... almost immediately the pouty lip came out as she prepared to go into meltdown mode. The poor teenager never did realize how her zombie make-up would be frightening to a baby. I quickly walked away yelling over my shoulder that we would see the teen girls later and to have fun... then ran... okay, walked briskly to join up with the dad and boy! All was well after that.

Then we headed home where I made them pose again for a sibling photo... I'm a mom... it's my job to make them suffer!

Then we set out in the neighborhood to trick-or -treat. The boy was so polite and said "Twick-or-tweat" at every house. And "thank you" when he got his goodies! I was glad he wasn't afraid... I guess that is a good thing.

The girl and I just stayed at the curb waiting on the boys.
Then we headed home to hand out candy... which the boy helped us with. He would give a review of all the costumes and let us know if they were "skawee!" Fun times! Now to find something to do with all this blasted candy!

He's a big boy now...

2009-10-25T18:25:00.002-05:00

Tonight at the dinner table I was helping the boy eat a banana... he has to eat them whole these days... I am no longer allowed to cut them up... he is after all, a big boy. Tonight we had the following conversation...

I asked him "Do you like bananas?"

"Yeah!" he answered.

"Do you know who else likes to eat bananas?"

"Um, I do!"

"I know you do. Do you know what animal likes to eat bananas?"

"No, mommy. Animals eat grass."

Since when did he start correcting me? And since when did he start talking so much? And furthermore, just where is he learning all of this stuff?

Well, he is a big boy now.

He has been sleeping in his big boy bed, for both naps and through the night, since Friday.

He is very proud of himself! And we are pretty proud of him too! The crib has officially been taken down. Soon it will be stored away. All the signs of his babyhood are quickly slipping away.
It is a really fun time in our lives, but sometimes it is hard to process that this is how much change occurs in only two years. It's going to be quite an adventure.

Oh, the secrets they will share...

2009-10-21T20:47:00.005-05:00

This afternoon both kids were playing on the floor in our game room while I was sewing. I could hear the boy telling things to the girl the whole time. He would tell her about his cars, ask her questions about her toys and just talk to her in general. At one point I heard him toot. I looked up in time to see him lean in close to his sister and whisper into her ear...

"Sister, I tooted." as quietly as his two year old voice would let him.

It was funny. But it was also a sudden glimpse into a future of many shared secrets between them that I will never be a part of... and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of envy that I won't be part of that world. But I am so happy that they have each other!

How to carve a pumpkin... by Caden

2009-10-20T17:01:00.008-05:00

First you have to put on matching shirts and get your picture made with your little sister. It is so annoying.

"Seriously, mommy?"

I had to keep telling sister to smile.

Mommy said something about it being a disaster so she made me switch places with sister. Then sister wouldn't look at the camera at all.

I was tired of sitting there by this time. I just started laughing... and nobody could figure out what sister was looking at. Mom finally gave up.
She settled for this picture.

Ok, so back to pumpkin carving. First you need to get your tools.
You will need one of these...
And one of these...
Then dad cuts open the top and you pull it off like this...
Be sure to inspect it really closely before moving on. I don't know what you should be looking for... just make it look really important.

Then you pull out the gooey slimy stuff.
At this point your hands should look like this...
And this...
Then you go play for about an hour to an hour and a half. During that time you might hear mommy and daddy say things like "carpal tunnel" and stuff. But they really seemed to enjoy it... daddy even said that carving pumpkins was a great idea and mommy said something about sarcasm... whatever that is. But they were laughing, so I KNOW they were having as good of a time as I was.

Then after you are all done playing you get to see your pumpkin. Guess which one mine is. Daddy said it looks just like me... I think that is a good thing.
Then your mommy will make you get your picture made again. Be sure to say "CHEESE" so you don't have to keep getting pictures made.
After all that hard work you will probably need a nap! Happy carving!!