The back-to-school count down... D Day

First Day of School, D = Delightful

I didn't plan to take pictures because I didn't want to interfere with the delicate balance of Eden's emotions. As it turns out, she was high spirited and full of energy. She had an amazing drop off (which is usually the problem) and transition. Wheeeeeew! We were so relieved.

All of these things crossed my mind:
"Of course, she did great. We did everything right!"
"She is so old and mature now."
"Maybe it actually wasn't so bad last year."
"What was I worried about?"

Second Day of School, D = Dreadful... Disaster... Drowning in tears

I don't even know what to say. I have felt so Defeated all day. I guess we should have explained a little better that she would continue to go to school after the big First Day. For now, our plan is to keep a smile on our faces and never ever speak negatively about her preschool experience. (And we've got a few more tricks up our sleeves when and if they are needed.)

Thanks for all of your support this last week. I know you've been cheering her on too. Oh, and if you think of it, at about 8:15am (mountain time) we could use all the positive energy you can spare.

The back-to-school count down... Day 1

Murphy Family Back-to-School BBQ

On the eve before her first day back, we decided to have a very special dinner. The honoree helped choose the meal (kabobs and corn on the cob), wore a homemade crown bearing her new title at school "pre-K" (K is for Kindergarden), and blew out the candle on an ice cream sandwich. If only all of this celebrating could actually create a joy for her return to school. :)

Wish us luck tomorrow!

The back-to-school count down... Day 2

Day 2 = The Last Hoorah!

Tonight was the first annual Murphy Family Last Hoorah Outing (to be celebrated the last weekend before school starts every year). Eden decided she wanted to go to a Carnival after seeing a picture in a magazine this week. For lack of a true carnival, we chose the Lakeside Amusement Park which is fairly close to home and (unbeknownst to us) perfect, perfect, perfect. I am still amazed at this treasure - a charming, old-fashioned, family-friendly park. We had a wonderful evening, shared with friends, good laughs, and yummy treats.

Oh, and if you can't tell by the pictures, Eden had the time of her life... (which really could have gone either way)! On the car ride home she listed every person she knows and why they too would love the amusement park. Zachary. Campbell. Whitney. Ali. Hudson. Weston. Wilson. Brooks. Vincent. Ben. Nathan. Anna. Sydney. Mackenzie. Colton. You get the idea. :)

The back-to-school count down... Day 3

Day 3 = Farewell to the Babysitter

Eden has had the same babysitter since about the time she started walking. And although she hasn't seen as much of her since she started school last year, she still loves this woman with a passion. Nicole (a.k.a. Nic) has cared for Eden through the worst of her ailments and the best of her triumphs. At times, she has been like a third parent; a savior for Brian and I. She was the only other person with whom Eden would be left alone and the only person that could get her to eat well.

Not to point fingers... BUT she is probably personally responsible for Eden not liking preschool. I mean, who would rather spend the day at school when you could be with someone who will allow "upside down day". Today, she helped Eden put her legs through the arm holes of her t-shirt and pulled her skirt up as a top (after Eden declared it was upside down day).



Although this wasn't really goodbye, it was more like "see you on the next day I play hooky from school", we did want to make a special effort for Eden and Nicole to get some time together. Nicole will also start helping us with August this fall. If he only knew how lucky he is!

The back-to-school count down... Day 4

Day 4 = Visiting School / "Play-date"

We decided that another special way to get Eden ready to go back to school is to remind her of all the friends she will get to see. Today we visited Eden's preschool, said hi to some of her teachers, and then brought her classmate, Ashlynn, home with us for a play-date. Eden showed surprising interest in returning on Monday... we'll see!

Since I didn't bring my camera to school with us, I will show you what else we did today. Back to school clothes shopping - 21st century style! This is Eden's imitation of what she saw me doing on the phone with my mom. Man... I leave the room for a second and she has taken over... talking to her imaginary mom about tights vs. leggings and whether or not 'this' will match with 'that'.

P.S. I'm starting to get really nervous. Is all this preparation still going to lead to total meltdown?!

The back-to-school count down... Day 5

Day 5 = Neighborhood Fun

Today we loaded up the stroller and took to the neighborhood. We hit the local park, coffee/ ice cream shop, and even checked in on some friends.

One of Eden's least favorite parts of going back to school is her lack of freedom. She loves making her own schedule (or so she thinks!), moving at her own speed, and the familiarity of her surroundings. I mean, what kind of school is going to allow naked water play?!







In case you're wondering... August has been joining in on our week's adventure... when he's not sleeping, that is!

(Lindsey and her son Tate, in the pool with Eden)

The back-to-school count down... Day 6

Day 6 = Summer Album

Today we decided to design a photo album of our summer. Eden loves looking at pictures on the computer so we spent ample time reminiscing...

Seriously... Where did the summer go?

The back-to-school count down... Day 7

Our glorious days of summer are coming to an end.
Eden will be back to pre-school in exactly one week.
She is dreading it with every ounce of her 30 pound body. (I'm rounding up!)
And so am I...

So, we're going out with a bang!

Day 7 = Spa Day

Which included facials, manicures, and pedicures. Gotta look good for school!

Skinny minis

We're in the market for a double stroller...



...until then, we're taking advantage of the only bonus for having skinny kids.

P.S. Thanks for your concern; August seems to be doing much better. Who knew that he could sleep for 10-11 hours when void of coughing and pain?!

Elephant in the room

August has had a never-ending, reoccurring, no good, nasty cough for about 7 months. Luckily, he is the happiest sick baby on the planet (except when you try to give him medicine!). It was all very bearable until he added several new symptoms this week - like vomiting so much that his car seat was dripping.

Here are a few images of the first three seconds of a 30 MINUTE breathing treatment:

"You think these bags are going to distract me?"

"I prefer to chew on this part, thank you"

"Now I'm starting to get angry!"

This session ended with every tube and strap ripped off at least once and medicine all over the floor. I just hope he is getting enough in his system to make it all worthwhile.

P.S. This ordeal is to be repeated three times a day.

P.S.S. Did I mention the two other meds we are choking down his throat? Who invented the dissolving tablet for babies?

P.S.S.S. Now imagine chest x-rays.

Celebrating 8-6-08 to 8-6-10, in other words, LIFE!

What do you get when you add seven super-heroes...

(Wilson, Weston, Eden, Colin, Cooper, August, and Brooks - Hudson, not pictured)

A Super Heart Fairy...

(my cousin, Kate)

Heart Birthday Cupcakes....

Two proud parents....

and one amazing little girl?

A Super-Hero Heart Birthday party!

Here's to two more years with this wonderful girl!

Our real life Super-Hero!

He's done it again!

For the love of this girl, her new heart, and the amazing doctors that have kept her in our lives - Brian endured the Courage Classic, a 3-day, 175 mile bike ride to raise money for The Children's Hospital (in Denver).


Brain has turned himself into quite the cyclist these last couple of years. Although athletics come fairly natural to him, his training has been inspired by Eden's annual heart transplant anniversary - which happens to fall just after this event every year. I can't wait for the year that we are able to do this together (I'm secretly jealous because I always thought of myself as the cyclist in the family). Maybe we'll even get strong enough to pull the kids one year!




But this year we just joined him for the last night and met him at the finish line...

and we celebrated... aaaagain... (that's the jealously coming out :)

We are so proud of you, Brian (Daddy)!

Fourth of July Make-Up

We spent the Fourth of July in Denver for the first time in years. Turns out it's a pretty fun place to celebrate! We filled our day with the Cherry Creek Art's Festival, our neighborhood parade, and dinner and fireworks with my brother Aaron, Leslie and Grandma Nene. As you can see, Eden partied strong all day long!