Still giving thanks

Although I'm late at posting about our Thanksgiving we are no less grateful for the time spent with family.




The weekend came and went in a blur. We decorated, cooked, ate and visited for four fun filled days.




Eden was in heaven... claiming Thanksgiving is better than Christmas ("because Santa doesn't come into your house in the middle of the night").



She had all that she was thankful for within arm's reach.



We were so grateful to have Brian's grandma, Shirley, travel so far; Aunt Kristina help with the cooking; Grammy Susan on clean-up; and Tia Erin and Kurt on babysitting duty. Oh, and the selfless bird who lay down his life so that my little girl could have double helpings of turkey!


If only I would have known which end goes up!

Too big for her britches

First, she told her dad to "zip it" last night (she was defending me, so I couldn't exactly scold her!).

Then while being wrestled by her brother, she asked him "what time do you think it is, bang thirty?"

And last, (in this photo) I am asked to leave the living room because she needs peace and quiet in her work space.

Remind me... is she 4 or 40?!

10 Months

Dear August,

You are now 10 months old - well actually, 10.5 because I am a couple of weeks late on writing this letter to you - and you have officially been out of my body as long as you were in it. This is a crazy insight, as it seems that you have been in this world so much longer.

As I sit down to write, you are playing at my feet, quite content, with my computer cord and the vacuum attachments (why do we buy toys?). You are Mr. Curious. You grab, pull, shake, bang, throw, and taste most anything within reach. We have had to "baby-proof" so much more than with your sister and you still manage to find trouble on a daily basis. You love the dishwasher and the refrigerator with a passion. I have developed an instinctual arm guard to fend you off as I grab a quick drink or put a dish away. I have also been known to open one of these to provide you brief entertainment while I finish a quick call or task.

Although this curiosity has lead to a few falls and torn books, I am quite certain it will also provide a great foundation for growth and learning. This is what I tell myself. Your dad is the best at letting you explore - they say you two are similar so he must relate to your need for adventure. I, on the other hand, am having to learn to let go. The first big test came this month when your dad and I left you and your sister with Mimi and Pops for four days. It was my first nights away from you and really challenged my need to control every second of your day. Since we've been back I've realized that you are already doing a good job of that yourself. You decide if you are going to eat, sleep, crawl or be held... as much as I'd like to think it is up to me, it's not. You are actually VERY strong willed. Again, I am coping by hoping this will serve you well in the future.

You've had a few more health issues this month. I hate to even complain/comment on it because we really are so grateful for the wonderful health you do have. We are so thankful that you show no signs of Eden's heart condition, but are learning about the triangle of conditions that you seem to struggle with - Airway disease (early asthma?), skin sensitivities, and allergies. You first began breathing treatments several months ago when your persistent, wheezing cough lingered for weeks. Now, as soon as you show signs of a cold we hook you up to the nebulizer. This is not your favorite 15 minutes... shocker... and I dread this part of the day. Then, your chest started breaking out, followed by a nasty diaper rash, both obviously very irritating as you would immediately scratch either area when given the opportunity. Let me tell you, this has made changing your diaper quite an event, not recommended to the reflex impaired. You were already super squirmy, now add itchy, grabby, and twisty. Impossible. Thankfully, you have been responding well to all of the cream, oral, and inhaled treatments and your attitude remains unaffected.

Of course, you continue to learn, grow and advance. This is almost happening faster than we can manage. You went from crawling to the bottom stair and banging on it... to climbing up all fifteen in a matter of days. If we don't have you strapped into your highchair just right, you are often found standing in your seat, with the occasional escape onto the kitchen table. You can work your way around a room, with a sporadic step taken in between furniture. And you will push or carry an object that almost equals your weight without hesitation. You love your pacifier with a passion. You hate every milli-second that it takes to wipe your nose. And you are very generous with your affection - often described as the most cuddly boy around.

In her own words

Eden has been in a Catholic Preschool (Blessed Sacrament) for two weeks. She seems to enjoy some of the ritual, but has already decided to change a few things... hope they don't mind.

"In the name of the Father,

the Son,

the Mother,

and the Daughter.

Amen."

P.S. "When do I get the gifts that we are about to receive?"

Haircut #2

I left the room for a second (to grab a comb and spray bottle) and Eden decided to begin August's haircut without me.




Yes, I let her continue so I could get a picture.

Yes, it is just hair and will grow back.

Yes, we all had fun.

(Yes, you may say I am a bad mom.)

Mr. Busy Body

is climbing...

is taking some steps...

and is in to everything.

Sick again!

Eden has a little cold, a poor appetite, and a bad attitude...

August has a rash, a rash, and a rash (hives, eczema, and yeast)...

Mom has chronic exhaustion...

and Dad has chronic optimism... (Thank God!)


On the bright side, Eden has started taking Yoga (mom too!). There is seriously nothing cuter than 10 2-5 year old's barking in downward dog pose.

Preschool Blues

After almost a year and a half of crying we decided to take the plunge and switch Eden to a new preschool. She was thrilled to learn that she didn't have to go back to her old school - she didn't even hesitate when we went in to say goodbye - she loved the new school so much that we had trouble getting her to leave after the "trial" visit. We thought we had it made! Unfortunately, the newness has worn off and the crying has begun again. We are still hopeful that this is just a temporary reaction to the transition. Cross your fingers...


Here, we are celebrating her first week at the new school with a chocolate milkshake, of course.