Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! Thank you for all that you do for our family and for me. You are the best daddy the boys could ask for and so much more of a husband than I deserve. I love you!!

Christmas with the Cousins

On Saturday we all headed over to Todd and Jessie's to have Christmas with everyone else. The boys were once again so excited to go play with everyone and of course all of their toys. They all did very well taking turns and opening presents without to much chaos. I mean for 8 kids 7 years old and under it was pretty tame. Tyler loves his new camera from Oma and Opa and Carter loves his new legos blocks. They both love their new playmobile toys. While all the kids played downstairs nicely all the adults got to have a nice game of password. We then had a great dinner and we all played some more before heading home. The boys were so exhausted they fell asleep around 6:15 on the ride home and went straight to bed once we got there. Carter didn't eve want to take his jeans off he was so tired. It was a fun time and so great to be surrounded by the family.

On Sunday we meet up with everyone for lunch before the boys had to say bye to Oma and Opa. They took it pretty well when they found out Toby was going to come over still and spend the night again. That night my parents took the adults only to a very nice dinner. Leah, Heather, and Seth come over and watched Tyler,Carter,Toby and Norah for us. We were told they behaved great and went right to bed. We had a wonderful dinner and it was very nice just to be with my brothers, sister in laws, and parents. At the restaurant we said goodbye to Oma and Opa. We are very excited that they will be back in April! It was a great week with them.

Merry Christmas!

The boys woke up around 6:30 and wanted to go right downstairs. We caught them in time and had them hang out in our room for a bit. We then read the story of Jesus' birth before heading down. We told the boys that we were going to wait for Oma and Opa before opening the stockings. They didn't mind one bit when they saw their new workbench from Mommy and Daddy got them sitting in our living room (only little presents in the stockings come from Santa). They had so much fun putting together planes, cars, and birdhouses. Oma and Opa arrived and we had some cinnamon rolls before going to the presents. The boys had a great time seeing what was in their stockings. When it was time for presents Tyler wanted Carter to open the present he got for him first - very sweet. Tyler picked out a police car for him, and Carter picked out a Buzz Lightyear for Tyler. I think we still need to work on what gift the other one would like, not what you would like part. They then had fun seeing all their new presents. Carter loved the dinosaurs and Tyler loved his new cars.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a hectic day, but fun nonetheless. The boys had a rough morning of disobedience and not listening, but they turned it around for a great afternoon. Oma and Opa joined us that evening and we all went to the Christmas Eve service. I asked the boys if they wanted to come to the service or go to the nursery and they both wanted to go play. However during the service I wished I had brought them in, as I think they would have really enjoyed it. After service we came home and had a few snacks. The the boys got to open one Christmas present. We let them each open their new ornament for the tree. Tyler got Snoopy dressed as a fireman and Carter got a bear coloring. We then went down and watched the Polar Express. The best part was when the kids were worried they were going to miss Santa. Carter calls out "Christmas is ruined!". Once it was established that all was well again Carter yells "Christmas is back on!". We put the boys to bed and Opa helped Justin out together one last gift. We said goodbye and went right to bed ourselves.

Telling my Fam

Justin and I decided we would tell Oma and Opa since they were out here. So on Christmas Eve, after the boys opened their one gift and we started a movie for them, we gave Oma and Opa a box. Inside the box was a picture of the ultrasound. They were very happy and excited for us and told us they wold be happy to come out in August when the baby is due. Today while we were all at Todd and Jessie's for Christmas I wasn't feeling my best. We decided we should probably tell everyone else because of that. So as we were all in the kitchen Justin tells everyone they need to keep their girl stuff just in case we need it. Once again everyone was very excited. We are still a little nervous and taking it one day at a time, but its hard for me not to look ahead and get excited for this new little gift of ours.

Heartbeat!

On Wednesday I had a doctor's appointment and ultrasound schedule. Oma watched the boys and Justin got off early so that he could join me. Once the nurse took us back we went straight to the ultrasound room. It seemed to take forever, but soon enough Doctor Andy started the ultrasound and we saw the heartbeat flickering away. The baby measured at 6 weeks 1 day, and I was 5 weeks 6 days, so pretty much right on. I was instantly relieved. He then did the routine first O.B. doctor visit stuff. My next appointment is in 4 weeks when I will be 10 weeks.

Oma and Opa are here!

On Sunday night Oma and Opa, along with Dickens, arrived. We headed over to Todd and Jessie's Monday morning to see them. They boys love playing with all their cousins and all their toys! That night everyone (Oma, Opa, Todd and Jessie's family, and Bj and Abbi's family) came over for a pizza dinner. Once again the cousins had a blast. They then got to all watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, which is always a treat. That night they also got to have a sleepover with Toby in their room. However around 9:30 when the boys were still awake we moved Toby out of the room so everyone could get a little sleep. For the rest of the week the boys had fun with their cousins and Oma and Opa. Oma and Opa were a great help watching Carter while I went to PT with Tyler (which we decided we would stop going and do exercises from home for now) and watching both boys while I had a few appointments. Always wonderful when family is in town!

Greeley Trip

On Saturday we went up to Greeley. Justin covered a wrestling tournament for the first part of the morning, so Heather and I handled the boys. After dropping Justin off, we went over to Mike and Alexa's house. The boys had fun playing with Jade's toys, especially her doll house. Then it was on to Roma's. The boys didn't behave that well since it was well past nap time at this point. We left Roma's and drove around some looking at how Greeley has grown and how the campus has changed - the boys slept during this whole time which was great. We then met up with Lindsay and Randy for some ice cream before picking up Justin. Once we were all together again we headed over to Kyle and Jackie's and got to meet their two nee little boys Isaiah and Josiah. The boys once again had fun playing with their toys and coloring. Soon after Ben and Rachel, with their new son Simeon and Jon and Heather also joined us. We all went to Alberto's for dinner before heading home. It was great to see everyone and meet all the new babies!

Pregnant!

On December 11th we found out that once again we were a family a five. We waited until I was really late this time. Today I had a doctor's appointment, which just confirmed the pregnancy. The due date is August 19th, but I am pretty sure it will be before that. I have another appointment on Wednesday along with an ultrasound. We are hopeful, but trusting in the Lord and taking one day at a time. I am plenty nervous, but trying not to stress.

Christmas Program

Tyler had his Christmas program today at school. Justin took off work, so all of us were there to watch him. He did a great job! After the singing was done he presented us with a gift he made. He of course had to put hair and toenails on his angel! Then Tyler and Carter got to decorate some cookies and have a nice snack before saying Merry Christmas and good bye for a few weeks to his teachers. We are so proud of how well he is doing in school so far! Enjoy the video.

Cookies and Fireman

On Sunday afternoon we did our annual tradition of making cookies and fudge for the fireman. The boys did a great job of helping me cut out the dough and then decorate each cookie. Carter had to wash his hands between each cookie because he couldn't keep his fingers out of his mouth. After a quick dinner we headed to the fire station. The firemen, as always, were very generous and gave us a tour. The boys loved climbing in the trucks, seeing the ladders and hoses and wearing the hats. They also got to see camera that shows heat so the firemen can find people. Of course ever since the boys are playing firemen constantly. We don't mind at all. I would much rather them playing heroes and saving people than Transformers or Spiderman (things they have gotten from church and school).

Christmas with Nana and Bapa

On Thursday afternoon Nana came into town and she brought their new puppy Max. At first the boys kept saying they wanted Max back in his cage, but after a little while they enjoyed playing with him. They also loved taking Max on walks with Nana. On Friday after school we all went to pick up Bapa from the airport. They boys loved watching the planes and seeing the snowplows move around on the runways. Nana and Bapa watched the boys that night while Justin and I went to Drew and Brittney's rehearsal dinner. We were told they did great, had a yummy dinner of mac and cheese and hot dogs, and watched a movie before bed. Saturday Nana and Bapa again watched the boys while Justin and I were at the wedding (which was beautiful). We were told once again they behaved pretty well. They went to the pet store to get Max some new toys, to Red Robin for lunch and had pizza for dinner. Nana and Bapa wore them out so much Tyler was falling asleep at the dinner table. Needless to say they went to bed right away. Sunday morning we exchanged Christmas gifts before heading out to breakfast and saying good bye to Nana and Bapa. The boys LOVE the new legos they got. All they have done since then is played with them. Thanks for a great weekend Nana and Bapa!

OT Eval

Last Wednesday Tyler had his occupational therapy evaluation. Justin got off work early so all four of us went. While I answered a sensory profile, the therapist tested him on his skills. He is at age level or above on everything she tested him on. Things like cutting, visualization skills, etc. She also though that Tyler wasn't very severe. We have noticed that in the past few weeks he seems to have been getting better as well. When we told her that we were thinking of putting him in a gymnastics class she thought that would be great. If we wanted to do therapy we could, but he doesn't necessarily need it. We told we would pass at this time and she gave us things to do at home and things to look for once he gets into school in a couple years to help him with that transition. Tyler and Carter loved playing in the Sensory gym while we were talking and they both did great during the appointment. I am glad to see how far he has come!

Love It!

Today was a wonderful day. Tyler was so helpful and caring all day. I got lots of "let me help you mom" and "mom I used my manners". I also got lots of "thank yous, pleases, and sorrys" things that have been lacking as of late. But the best part was getting the hugs, cuddles and kisses all day. I even got "you are the best mommy in the world" from Tyler. Love it!

Then tonight Justin was hanging up a towel rack in the bathroom. The boys and I were in there "helping". I told the boys that I had my favorite three boys in here. Tyler looks at me and says "and I have my favorite girl" and that I "was his girl". Carter then says that daddy "is his boy". So sweet. Carter then says "Jesus wanted you to be a girl mommy". When I asked him if he thought Jesus wanted me to be a girl so that I could be his mommy he says "yeah cause people need mommies". He then went on to say to say people need daddies and brothers and sisters. When I said but you don't have a sister and you are ok, he responds "yeah Tyler is my brother and my best friend". Life is good.

Tender Heart

We have a few issues with Tyler and having tantrums, whining, and saying he can't do simple things lately - like walk up the stairs or get dressed. Carter has shown how sweet his heart is through all this. The other day Tyler wanted to watch a television show. I told him no and a tantrum started. Tyler followed me upstairs along with the tantrums. I kept putting him in his room explaining to him that he couldn't come out until the tantrum was over - just like we always try to do. One of the times he came out he saw that Carter had a toy lion and cheetah. The tantrum then turned because he wanted the cheetah. As I was putting Tyler back to his room for the 1oth time Carter goes in the room with me to give Tyler the cheetah. Immediately the tantrum was over. I loved that Carter wanted to share with him and gave his toy to Tyler. However I didn't like that he got what he wanted by having a tantrum.

Last night it happened again. Tyler was suppose to be in bed (which getting ready for bed was an ordeal itself) when he came out crying saying he wanted his toy airplane. Justin explained to him that the plane was in his room and he needed to solve his own problems and look for it himself. Tyler kept going on and on until Carter found the plane for him and gave it to him. Tyler then again "lost" his plane and once again it was Carter who found it for Tyler. So sweet of him. Now to figure out how to keep Carter's loving heart in practice, while still getting the message across to Tyler that tantrums don't work.

Snow Day!

Because of the snow Tyler and I both got snow days today. We have had a nice cozy day at home. Tyler did a great job helping me with the laundry. First he sorted it all, then he out all the clothes away in the right drawers and then he even hung up every shirt for me! After we had finished some housework the boys and I went outside. Carter really wanted me to make a snowman. Unfortunately the snow wasn't sticking so it was a pretty pathetic one. When I asked Carter how it was he said "not good!". Once I gave it some arms, eyes, and a nose he liked it a lot better. I then started a snow fight which the boys loved. Carter just kept giggling and giggling. At one point Tyler though snow right into Carter's face. I thought for sure Carter would have a meltdown but he just said very nicely "can you please get this out of my eyes" and then went right back to throwing snow. Once we came in the boys wanted hot cocoa. I went down to check on them, and there they were snuggled up together sipping on their drinks and reading a book together. Now they are watching a Christmas movie before lunch and naps. Life is good.

Winter Weekend

Saturday was a gorgeous day for December in Colorado. It has been cold all week, so it was nice to have one warm day. We spent it running errands, doing some Christmas shopping, picking out our Angel tree kids, and getting our Christmas tree. Since we will be here this Christmas we went and got a real tree. The boys were so excited to see it go on top of the roof and then brought into the house. They were disappointed that we couldn't decorate it right away.

On Sunday the snow began. It snowed all day pretty much. When I got home from work, Bapa was here (Nana had came and left so she could try to beat the storm). We went out to lunch and then ran some errands while the boys and I napped in the car. When we got home the boys wanted to go outside and play in the snow. They didn't last too long, but had fun nonetheless. After dinner the boys and I finally got to decorate the tree. They did a great job putting the ornaments on themselves. Carter needed a little help sometimes and Tyler would ask for advice of where to place the ornaments, but they did a great job. They really liked finding their own ornaments that we get them every year. Christmas gets more fun every year seeing it all through their little eyes!

I Can Do It!

Carter has a new phrase - "I can do it!". He wants to do everything all by himself. He says he can because "I'm a big boy now". He likes to dress himself, which he can do everything but his socks. He likes to put his shirt on backwards on purpose, because he "is silly". He also undresses himself. We find him many nights fast asleep with no pajamas on. He also likes to go potty all by himself. He still however has accidents and will ask to wear a pull-up "because I am little still". Most of the time he can do it all without getting frustrated. If he does get frustrated he just asks for help. I am not minding this new independent streak at all and I can't believe how big he is getting.

Tyler updates

This was going to be an update about all of Tyler's doctors appointments, but his big, the occupational therapy evaluation was changed to next week. So before I forget I decided I would do a quick post about the other two.

On Monday Tyler saw an ENT to see what causing his hearing loss. Besides having a cold, his ears still look great. The doctor thought there were four possibilities. Number 1 - there was some fluid in there that was causing is it that our pediatrician didn't see. Number 2 - that there is some sticky fluid that is very hard to see in there without a microscope. Number 3 - that the bone is getting in the way causing the hearing loss (this is what my pediatrician thinks). Number 4 - that its caused by nerve damage (although this is the less likely). He wants Tyler to come back in after a months time to see if its possibility number 1 or number 2. He will also have another hearing test at that time. If there is still hearing loss we will probably wait another month before we move toward surgery or any other options that are a little more invasive. Since Tyler can hear fine out of his right ear and it isn't affecting anything the doctor is fine with taking his time. I am too.

Yesterday Tyler had another PT appointment. He was quite cooperative and did very well for his therapist. Which I was glad to hear because we had a very hard day at home. After his OT appointment next week we will determine if we will keep going with his PT or not.

So those are the updates. Besides that life is busy but good. We have our harder days with four year old attitude, but for the most part are boys are pretty great.