Costumes

So I realize you can't really see the boys costumes in the other posts, so here ya go!

and yes Tyler had to pose like a police officer!

Happy Halloween!

We had a fun, relaxing halloween around here. Instead of trick or treating at night, we decided we would go down to Old Colorado City instead. That way they could trick or treat during the day at the stores where its a lot safer, a lot warmer, and we can still go to bed on time. All pros to me! It was also a lot less crowded this year which was very nice. Tyler was a little upset we weren't going out at night, but got over it pretty quickly. While we were trick or treating Tyler didn't seem to enjoy it that much, although whenever we asked he said he was having fun. Eventually he said he was tired and wanted to go home. As soon as we were in the car however he was fine again. I am not sure what that was all about. Carter did a great job of saying trick or treat and thank you to everyone nice and loud. This was a great turnaround from the kid who was crying about having to put his costume on and go as we were trying to leave. Nolan got a lot of "awws" while he slept in the stroller in his bear costume.

Pumpkin Party

On Thursday the big boys had their pumpkin parties at school. For Carter's parents were allowed to come, while Tyler's was a little more low key and parents were invited to come for the last 10 minutes or so for pictures. This worked perfect for me as this way I wouldn't have to run back and forth between the two parties. They both wore their costumes to school (Carter is a zoo keeper and Tyler is a police officer) and their classes had a parade around the church. They then went to chapel to hear a Christian story about pumpkin and then had their parties. I met up with Carter's class at this time, along with Nolan who wore his bear costume for the event. The kids payed a few games and then decorated cookies. As soon as Carter was done with his cookie he wanted to go to Tyler's class. We went to Tyler's class where they were finishing up their cookies as well. I took a few pictures and then school was done. Both boys said they had a very fun day.

Rasslin'

Last week we signed Tyler up for wrestling. He was very excited and has enjoyed it a lot so far. There are 4 or 5 other kids about his age and weight that he practices with. Right now we aren't planning on putting him in any tournaments or anything - just letting him go to practice two nights a week. He is the least experienced there, but we have to start somewhere. At practice they stretch and warm up, then a a learn a few moves and then they play a from of dodge ball. This is Tyler's favorite part. The kids run across the mat while the coaches throw balls at them and the kids try to avoid being hit. So far Tyler has been really good about only wrestling at practice,and not at school.  Hopefully this, and his excitement for the sport, will continue. (Sorry for the blurry picture, Tyler is in the orange shirt and grey pants).

Nolan Talking

Nolan is smiling and talking all the time now. This is such a fun age! We even got out first laugh out of him last Sunday. Enjoy the video!

Celebration!

Since Nolan was in the hospital the morning of his birthday, we didn't get to do all the things we would have done for Carter's birthday. Instead once we were all home (and Justin ran to the store to buy them) Carter got to open his presents. He loved the race track we got him and the poster he gets to color from Nolan. He also like the Handy Manny workshop Tyler picked out for him.  We would have gone out to dinner for him, but we didn't want Nolan around people so I asked Carter what he wanted me to make instead. At first he wanted lasagna, but when Tyler complained he changed it to sausage and macaroni and cheese (he is always thinking of others). We finally did go out to eat at Red Robin on Thursday night. He loved getting sung to, but loved the ice cream even more. On Saturday he chose to go bowling as his special activity. After bowling 3 frames he decided it was boring and then just ran around the bowling alley. At one point he laid down under the table and declared he would take a nap. Tyler had fun at least. He then bowled his last frame of the game. He should have gotten to eat his Lightening McQueen cake that Justin made for him, but because of behavior issues that got taken away last night. Hopefully today he can enjoy his cake. While he didn't get to have a normal birthday he was very gracious and never complained. I felt bad about it, but Carter didn't seem to mind. Such a wonderful boy he is!!!

Parent Teacher Conferences

On Thursday both boys had conferences at school. Since I go to MOPS on Thursdays now I dropped them off at their class and Nolan and I went to talk to their teachers. First up was Tyler's teacher. She usually tells me everyday how he is doing, so I was pretty sure what I was going to hear from her. He is doing great! He is really coming out of his shell and is playing with other students. He shares in class and participates in all the activities. The only issue that comes up is sometimes he starts wrestling when he doesn't have something to do. However as soon as he suggests that he does something, like go play with the blocks, he is fine. As long as Tyler has structure and knows what he should be doing there are never any issues. Academically he is doing great as well. They are graded on each skill with a 1, 2, or 3. A 1 is he is not doing it yet, a 3 is he does it all the time and a 2 is progressing. The goal is to have all 3's by the end of the year. Right now he has mostly 3's! We need to work on his rhyming (he still does the first letter sounds, like moon and man), writing all his letters correctly, skipping, doing longer patterns, knowing his numbers, and knowing our phone number. I think he will be fine by the end of the year!

Up next was Carter's teacher. I wasn't as sure about this one, as at the end of every day all I hear was that he did great. I wasn't worried about the social or the following directions part at all and I shouldn't be as he got all 3's in those areas. I was more worried about the academic side, as I don't work with Carter as much as I worked with Tyler in those areas (I guess that's what happens when your the second child). But he is doing pretty well in those areas as well! I need to work on patterns with him, sorting things by size, drawing his shapes, galloping, and knowing more of his letters. His teacher told me that he is very kind in class and plays with all the other children  and that he loves the messy crafts (no surprise there) and he is very interested in learning. All music to my ears!!!

Both boys were also asked questions regarding their spiritual development. Both boys did very well in these areas as well. Some of their answers made me chuckle however. When asked where he could pray Carter answered "in the car, and in my bed, and when I see animals". When asked what things God made he answered " people, houses, and animals", I guess that covers everything! Tyler did well too, but I need to work on him that God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Besides that he answered all the questions right. I love that they are learning and growing spiritually at school as well as academically.

Croup, Ambulance Ride, Hospital Stay, Oh My!

This fun story starts on Monday morning while I was at work. I went to check on Nolan and saw that he was fussy and was sounding hoarse (like Carter was the week before). He also had a slight cough and just didn't look good. So I picked up Tyler and Carter, called the pediatrician and went home. We went to the doctor for his 3:00 appointment. The doctor said most babies this age don't get croup, and why he had something, he wasn't sure he wanted to treat it for steroids at his point and to just keep an eye on him. He showed me what to look for if he was having problems breathing (contracting right below the neck since he is trying to suck in air) and to look out for a fever. If he had either of these I was suppose to bring him back in. This doctor also thought it sounded like he had reflux so he gave me a prescription for Zantac if we decide we want to try it.

That evening we ran some errands so Carter could get cupcakes to bring to his class the next day and so that Tyler could pick out his present. Nolan seemed his normal self during this whole process, maybe a little more congested than usual. As we were getting Nolan ready for bed after his 8:30 feeding I noticed his breathing was a lot worse. He also felt warm to me. He had a temperature of 100.4, so a very low fever. His breathing didn't see to get any better and he was now developing a cough that sounded bad so I called the pediatrician. The triage nurse told me to just go to the e.r., so at 9:30 we headed over there.

When you have a 9 week old you don't have to wait to long at the e.r.. We were back in the triage room within 15 minutes. From there they took his temperature which was now at 100.9, gave him some tylenol and sent him off to x-rays for a chest x-ray. From there it was straight to a room. I must say all the nurses there were great with Nolan. Either a nurse was with me or a respiratory therapist the whole time. Now Nolan didn't like me holding him up for the chest x-ray, but things just went downhill from there. After that they had to check him for rsv, which meant putting a tube down his nose to suck out boogers, drew some blood, put an iv in for fluids and antibiotics and put a catheter in to check for a bladder infection. He did pretty well, and I could get him to settle down fairly quickly after each procedure was over at least. The doctor on call came in and told me they were going to admit us. Because his airway is so small they wanted to make sure his breathing was better before sending us home.

Lucky for Nolan, the hospital we went to doesn't have a peds floor so we had to go to the other hospital, which meant an ambulance ride. While we were waiting for the ambulance, he got a breathing treatment done, which he slept though and didn't mind at all. They also gave him some steroids before we left for the hospital. The ambulance guys were great. Nolan rode in his carseat strapped to the stretcher the way there and I got to sit in the back with him. They were playful and talking to him and he even started smiling some for them. When we got to the second hospital our room was ready for us, with the breathing treatment already set up (I gave Nolan his breathing treatments on the ride). They showed me where everything was, gave me some formula to feed him with, hooked him up to all the monitors, and we tried to get some sleep (it was around 2 am at this point).

To my surprise Nolan slept pretty well and woke up around 6. I slept pretty well on the little couch in the room all things considering. When I went to the e.r. I brought our van. So at this point Justin was home with Tyler and Carter (who was suppose to celebrate his birthday at school) with no carseats to get them anywhere. Leah was nice enough to go and get our van for us so Justin could take the boys to school and then come to the hospital.

That morning Nolan was sounding a little better, but still had a horrible cough. They gave him another dose of steroids and he pretty much slept all morning. Around 10 the doctor came in and saw him and with the second dose of steroids he was doing a lot better, only sounding bad when he got upset. The doctor told us we could go home and gave us instructions that we would have to come back to the e.r. if his breathing got bad again or if his temp went above 101, or we could stay another night. We decided we would go home, being that he was sounding better and smiling and cooing at this point. She gave us a prescription to continue the steroids at home as well.  It took a while to get all the paperwork and stuff, but around noon we got to leave to go home. This actually worked out great as that right when Justin was getting back from picking up the boys from school.

The rest of the day Nolan kept sounding better, eating better, and getting his color back. I was pretty nervous about the night so we had him in our room with us. He did great however! We fed him in his sleep around 10:15 and he didn't wake up until 5:45 and then feel back asleep til 7:30! He sounds and looks so much better today. When he coughs it still sounds a little congested, but he is breathing totally fine. I am so glad it wasn't any worse than what it was. I am glad he got admitted as I think that was the best thing to do at the time, but I hope we don't have to have another one of those nights for a very long time.  The first picture is of Nolan right after we were admitted to the hospital, the second picture is the next morning waiting to go home.

Carter's 4th Birthday Montage

Happy Birthday Carter!!

Carter James, Happy 4th Birthday!!!! It has been a great year and we have loved watching you grow up. You have had many first this past year - your first day of school, your first lessons all by yourself, and you became a big brother. I must say you did all of them wonderfully.

You are Mr Social, making friends very easily. We will go on walks around the neighborhood and you will say hi to everyone you meet. You will then say "those are my friends." You would rather be around people than playing with toys. You also say the funniest things and have very cute sayings. Its usually not what you say, but how you say that puts your dad and I in stitches. Such as when we drove by a full parking lot, out of the back seat from you comes " WOW! That IS a lot of PEOPLE!". Or when we go to the zoo and you can see the whole city you say "I can see the WHOLE WIDE WORLD from HERE!" You are also very complimentary. You will be the first to tell me that I look "beautiful" or that you think my shirt or shoes are pretty.

Along those lines you have such a big heart for others. You don't like it when others are upset and will go out of your way to help them feel better. Your big brother is usually the recipient of your kindness. If he has a toy or something you want, you will gladly give it to him to make him happy. You will be the first to share your food,, favorite shirt, or whatever else if someone just mentions they would like it. You have also recently started telling others when they are in the wrong. Because you aren't afraid to talk to anyone, when another kid cuts in line, or takes a toy you let them know they are wrong and to do the right thing.

You have some of the best fine motor skills I have seen in someone your age. You already color in the lines of pictures and you copy letters almost perfectly. You like to say that you are my little artist. You are doing great in your first year of school and your teachers only compliment on what a great kid you are. You also are a very fast runner, and you love to run, as long as there is a race involved.  You did great having swimming lessons this year without Tyler there in class with you. But your favorite thing to do is play with Tyler. You guys come up with such great stories and most of the time play so well together. Just recently your imagination has started flourishing when you play by yourself as well. You are usually playing superheros where someone comes in and "Saves the Day!".

You have become such a great big brother and you take such pride in Nolan. I love watching you take on this role. You love to show him off to everyone and you love to help me take care of him. You also love to give him hugs and kisses and to get your picture taken with him (one of the few times I can count on you smiling for the camera is if you are with Nolan).

We love your sweet heart Carter and your funny sayings and your big personality. They all make you who you are and we wouldn't change a thing. We can't wait to see what this year brings. I love you my Carter Bear!

Zoo!!

Last weekend the weather was beautiful so we took a family trip to the zoo. Once again we all had a blast. The boys got to feed the giraffes, feed the birds, ride the train and the carousel and watch the bears eat. Nolan enjoyed sleeping in his stroller. Here are some pictures from our latest zoo trip.

Two Month Check-up

On Thursday, when Nolan was right at 9 weeks, he had his two month check-up. I was very curious at what his weight would be and I was amazed when he came in at 12 lbs 4 oz (70th percentile)! He is measuring at 22.5 inches (50th percentile) and his head circumference is also in the 50th percentile. They don't think Nolan has reflux, because he is gaining weight and hardly spits up. The doctor thinks it may just be him and he doesn't eat much. They aren't worried that he isn't sleeping for very long stretches at night at this point either. If he continues to get fussier and starts eating less I am suppose to bring him in. The doctor also found that he has a little fluid in his testicles, but she assumes that will clear up in 6-9 months on its own.  He is a little behind on communication according to the assessment they use, but she thinks its an advanced assessment and he will be all caught up by 4 month (they asked if he was already laughing). Besides that he is perfect. She was amazed at how well he stands and sits up already. We go back in two months and then he will start solid foods.

Two Months

One Tuesday Nolan turned two months old. I can't believe its already been two months! He is doing well, smiling more and more everyday. He has also started making ohh and ahh noised and I think he is pretty close to his first laugh. He loves to stand up or sit straight up (he already has excellent posture). He also loves to be in the swing, as long as he is in the right mood. Nolan doesn't love tummy time, but tolerates it more and more. He started liking baths more and also started batting toys above him.  He seems to be fussier more this month and we are trying to figure out why that is. He isn't drinking as much and once he hits 3 ounces or so he thinks he is done and then fusses if you try to get him to drink even a little more.  I am not sure if its reflux, or because we had to change formula (his was recalled) or what. Because of this he is no longer sleeping very long at night. He usually goes 4 hours now. However when he is fussy its pretty easy to clam him down. He loves to be upright and getting his little bottom patted. He had his first few days in the church nursery with me and did very well. He must like all the activity there as he doesn't seem to nap for very long. Overall he is a very happy baby and we couldn't be happier to have him! 

Pumpkin Patch

We had a great time as always at the pumpkin patch. Tyler and Carter ran from pumpkin to pumpkin to find their perfect one, which they found pretty quickly. It was fun with Noah there as well, as he would find one, but then find another one he wanted instead. Finally they had all decided on a pumpkin and one for Nolan too. Of course their favorite part were the tractor rides to the patch and back. Always a fun time!!

Nana, Bapa, Noah, and Croup

This weekend Nana and Bapa came up to visit and brought Noah with them. The boys were so excited to see "their friend Noah"! When they got here we got a bite to eat before heading out to the pumpkin patch (more about that in another post). As we were leaving Carter's voice sounded funny like there was a frog in it. When we got to the pumpkin patch he was having a full on coughing attack. Once it was over however he seemed fine and we had a great time there. From there we headed back to Nana and Bapa's hotel where Nana watched Nolan and the rest of us swam. Tyler was pretty nervous in the water at first, but after a few minutes he was splashing all over. Carter had a blast jumping in and riding on Justin and Bapa's backs. They were both dead asleep when we got home.

In the middle of the night however Carter woke up to another coughing fit and with this one I knew he had croup . So in the morning we headed to the doctor. Luckily his oxygen levels were fine and he didn't have a fever at all. They gave him a prescription for some steroids and gave us the ok to have breakfast with Nana , Bapa, and Noah before they headed home and we said our goodbyes. Carter is already feeling better today, with no coughing last night at all. Even though Carter was sick, we still had a lot of fun with Nana, Bapa, and Noah!

Family Fun Night

A week ago the boys preschool had family fun night. They had pizza and ice cream, bounce houses, the cake walk, bean bag throws, and other games. The boys had a great time. They loved seeing all their friends too. Carter would point out everyone from his class saying "that's a friend!". Tyler, much to my amazement, would say hi to his friends on his own. Justin and I were scheduled to work the ice cream station at the end of the night. This actually worked out perfectly as the boys ate ice cream as I scooped and Justin fed Nolan. I was scooping with Tyler's teacher who told me how well he was doing this year. Always music to my ears! A very fun night!!!

Favorite Things

I haven't done one of these in a while. Here are some of my favorite things the boys have been doing.

• Tyler loves to pretend he is a police man directing traffic. When ever we are on a walk crossing the street, he holds out on hand and then waves another telling us we can go and the cars to stop. He also does this to Justin when he pulls into the driveway when he gets home from work. Last night he also did it when I was carrying a laundry basket downstairs - directing me the whole way. 
• Carter has such a sweet heart. He is always going out of his way to share his food, toys, or whatever else to Tyler. If Tyler wants something and Carter has it, he usually give it up without anyone asking him too. On the rare occasion that he does care and Tyler just takes it, when I get it back from Tyler and return it to Carter ,Carter will simply tell me "that's ok mommy, I don't mind anymore, he can have it."
• Nolan has started saying ohh and ahh lately. The best part - whenever he talks a smile is with it!
• Tyler loves to tell stories, however mostly to himself. I see him all the time pacing back and forth making up stories and explaining things to himself. I love his imagination!
• Another sweet thing Carter does if when it comes to bedtime. Even though we have bunk beds, Tyler still doesn't like to sleep on the top bunk. He is a restless sleeper and moves all over the bed he and Carter share. Carter knows this and instead of complaining he will just sleep on the floor with no complaints (we have made him a nice pallet on the floor because of this as well).
• Nolan still loves the changing table. Whenever he is upset you just need to set him up there and he gets all excited and started kicking his legs, moving his arms, and talking.

Air Show

Once again I am behind in the blogging. A couple of weekends ago we went to an air show. The boys had a good time seeing all the different planes before the show started. They also had a section called "touch a truck", where they had all different types of trucks from garbage trucks, to fire trucks, to cement trucks, to buses the kids could climb around in. That was by far their favorite part. Nolan wasn't to happy about eating outside so I had to go back to the car to feed him while Justin, Tyler, and Carter climbed around a C-130. After that the air show started which I think Justin enjoyed more than anyone else. The boys were more excited about the toy planes they got. Still a very fun time.