Spring Break Day 1

We survived the first full day of Spring Break. We all went to the fabric store with my mom and each of the girls picked out fabric to make an Easter skirt. My mother is a phenomenal seamstress and has been convinced/pestered/cajoled into teaching them how to sew. I have to take Kean to the doctor's on Wednesday for some eye tests-- so my mom will be running her little sweat shop that day. I can't wait to see how the skirts turn out. She did the same with my nieces in Texas a few weeks ago. Pictures will be a comin'.
Tonight at dinner, we were using the old :"Never Eat Soggy Waffles" to help the girls figure out North, East, South and West. Reese followed up the lesson by asking us which way is Easter. Hmmm.
She also wanted us to explain what Love means.
And we're not talkin' tennis.

The Gig Is Up!

Life just got a little less magical. After intense questioning, we caved and told Holland tonight the truth about Santa Claus... which then in turn led to the truth about Leprechauns, Fairies, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, reindeer and magic in general.
How sad.
She sobbed.
I held her tight.
And I clearly remembered how I felt when I found out.
Getting old just flat out sucks sometimes.

Sweets for the Sweet

Reese had a play date today with her little friend, Taylor. Taylor broke her femur jumping on her trampoline so the girls wanted to make her a "get well candy letter". Reese was overly excited to give her the card-- she had some ulterior motives going. I think for her it wasn't so much giving as a chance to get some C.A.N.D.Y.

Hey Babe, how ya doin?

Kean is suddenly very aware of his surroundings (other than his very loud sisters). Check this out of him checking out the competition. We had a few "Reese-isms" today I thought I'd share. At dinner tonight, we asked her what she learned today in Primary (Sunday School for kids)-- she then proceeded to tell us about Daniel and the Sharks. The sharks had really big teeth and were trying to eat him. Finally, we were able to figure out what in the world she was talking about after Greer told us her lesson was on Daniel in the Lion's Den. Sigh.
She's also announced she's going to marry Baby Kean when she grows up. I spent about 5 minutes explaining to her that we don't marry our brothers. Five minutes may not sound like a long, long conversation. But trust me, when the little person in the conversation keeps saying "why" to everything you say--- five minutes is a loooonnnng time.
Oh, and finally, during church today-- right after the prayer on the Sacrament, she said quite loudly-- "Mom, how come no one up there (on the stand) was peeking?"
I tell ya, never a dull moment!

So do you want the good news or the bad news?
Okay, the good news is... Kean is doing fabulous in the therapy department. His mouth is sucking better, he's holding his head up longer, his stomach and chest muscles are getting stronger etc., etc.
Now for the bad news-- since he's doing so well-- today was Libby's last day. Mere words fail me when it comes to describing how wonderful, helpful and knowledgeable I find Libby. I adore this woman. She started coming to the house the first week Kean was home from NICU. So basically, she's been a huge part of his little life. Sure, I'll see her at the NICU reunion picnic and this summer when she comes to get berries from our garden-- but it won't be the same. I'll miss her weekly visits. (I still have Pat and Melissa coming to work with Kean).
This is Chelsea, a student therapist Libby is training-- she's delightful too-- but doesn't have that calming Grandma trait quite yet.

Oh, by the way, Kean at weigh-in today topped the scales at a whopping 14 pounds.

His sisters have been very busy after school each day. I guess our house isn't quite good enough. They've been taking all the tree trimmings from the to-be-burned pile, and creating their own lean-tos, tee pees or sweat lodges. I haven't quite figured out what to call them.

But so far, there are three of them leaning against one of the walls. They get inside and um, I don't really know. Maybe play house or sit or well, sit.

All I know is they weren't quite ready for the photo shoot. They tell me their homes are still under construction.

So if you come visit, make sure to tour the property. These three latest "haciendas" join all the other forts and playhouses around the place.

More power to 'em. I'd rather they be hauling sticks than playing video games or zoning out to the TV.

Inseparable

Reese and I have been battling a little cold this week. We both feel fine-- but I sound really froggy. I seem to be spending my entire day telling Reese to get away from Baby Kean. It's quite the impossible task. But so far we've dodged the proverbial bullet: Kean is showing no signs of catching it. His therapist told me today that RSV is out of control.
She said it is so bad, they have run out of beds for kids at the hospital. I thought we were past the crisis-- since the weather is finally starting to turn.

Last night we were invited over to our friends', the Angus's for a very yummy dinner. It was so nice to get out of the house, not have to cook and to enjoy some great company. A week ago, they picked up the three girls on a Saturday and took them (and another little girl) to a big magic show at the Egyptian Theatre downtown.

The girls loved their big day out (lunch at "Ol' McDonalds" was included). But I think Byron and I enjoyed the somewhat quiet house even more!

Top of the Mornin' to You!

We had a little night visitor. When we woke up this morning, there was a trail of shamrocks and a pile of chocolate treats on the girl's craft table. I find it highly suspicious he didn't leave any treats for Byron or me. Miss Holland had left "him" an elaborate welcome... complete with research about and questions for the Leprechaun. And guess what??? He wrote her back! Exciting stuff for a house full of little girls.

She wanted to know if he is a vegetarian and he wrote back that he eats clover. Who woulda known!?!

Byron and I were laughing over her "research". Holland's teacher had them answer a list of questions. I'll share two of Hollands answers:

1. What if leprechauns were pink instead of green?

A: The boys in my class would run around screaming.

2. What if leprechauns were real?

A: They are. You've just been tricked.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A Growing Machine

Oh man, just look at those rolls of fat on his legs and arms. My girls were (are) little hollow boned stick figures-- but he's got some real meat on him. He's giggling a lot more and even rolling over quite regularly. P.S. I apologize for my last post. I wasn't quite myself, eh?

Grrrrrrrr

Oooohh, I'm in a snarky mood today. Funny, how one thing can set me off! Byron told me this morning that last week at church a woman said: "What's up with your baby? How come you don't bring him to church when your wife has been spotted at Costco and the mall with him?"
So, allow me to vent for a moment!
I'd love for her to try and be stuck at home for six months straight on doctor's orders.
Yes, I've been to Costco twice. Yes, we took him to the mall twice. Heck, I've even taken him grocery shopping a couple of times and out to dinner! Gasp!!!
It was either that or check myself into the insane asylum.
Sometimes, errands just need to get done. And I already feel stupid asking for friends to come help babysit.
Plus, not that I need to explain myself, but I will-- taking him somewhere like the store where he is in his car seat and not going to be touched and oogled by people is one thing.
To sit in church for a few hours, surrounded by many, many people that we love-- I'd be stressed to the moon, listening (like I do most Sundays) to people coughing and then wanting to come up and see Kean.
Each week his therapists and Pediatrician give me a run down of how many babies they're seeing with RSV this year.
Okay, I'm done and I feel much better.
P.S. I'm staying home from church today (which is probably a good thing). Our Sunday babysitter, Dawn is heading back East. Her daughter is about to have twins. We'll miss her.

Plum Tuckered Out

Kean had therapy today and can you tell-- Libby worked him nice and hard. He's my first baby to like his thumb. It's kinda cute.

I got some nice news today. His Pediatric Oncologist, Dr. Chang called to tell me about his ultrasound (what the Radiologist had told me earlier this week)-- that since his Lypoma is not growing or causing any problems, we are off the hook for his visit next week. She will talk with our Pediatrician and the two of them will come up with a monitoring plan. So for now (and hopefully forever) no traipsing downtown to MSTI (Mountain States Tumour Institute)!

So another doctor crossed off the ol' list.

However, before I get ya'll too excited, we are adding another.

Last week, Kean's therapist, Pat noticed his eyes were involuntarily "dancing" back and forth-- a condition called Nystagmus.

A trip to his Pediatrician confirmed it-- but she thinks its just immature, underdeveloped muscles in the eyes and will correct with age. No biggie-- but I still have to see an "expert".

So we have that appointment at the end of the month.

Dang, I should have bought stock in the medical field.

Little Man

Yikes, he's 7 months now (nearly 6 adjusted age). Can you believe it? He didn't even mind the cheesy birthday hat. Whatta boy.

One more month until we can take him out. I'm getting so antsy!

Ultrasound Update

More good news. No strike that-- great news.
We survived Kean's ultrasound. Mr. Wiggles made me feel like I was participating in a bucking bronco rodeo event. I spent 55 minutes trying to hold down the little bugger. And for as hungry as he was, he hardly cried. (He has to fast 4 hours leading up to the ultrasound-- so I got him up nice and early this morning)!
The Radiologist came in to go over the tests and said that the Lypoma looks exactly the same-- meaning there has been no change and no growth -- again. So that's six months of no change. Yippe kai yay. The calcification spots on his liver look the same as well. And his backed up kidney is status quo. In fact, the Radiologist said he doubts we'll have to continue this routine testing-- of course it will be up to Kean's Oncologist-- but as far as he's concerned, we are in the clear.
We see Dr. Chang next week (the Oncologist) and I'm soooo hoping that will be the last visit. I really, really like her-- but not enough to keep seeing her. Oh happy day...

Doctor's update

We survived getting GiGi's stitches out and her finger looks great. My kids have this warped sense of reality about Doctor's offices-- they equate them not with getting better but with getting a lollipop.
Reese informed me while we were waiting and waiting for the doctor to come in-- that she had been very, very brave and deserved a lollipop.
I asked her how she was brave and she told me quote-- she was very brave playing with the toys!
Oh, and by the way, she also told me that when she grows up-- she wants to be a reindeer, Santa Claus and then a doctor -- in that order.
Oh to be 3 going on 30!

Six Months of Pure Love

I can't believe little Kean is about to start month seven in our lives. Someone once told me there is a bond that happens between mothers and sons that words can't begin to describe. I now get that.Kean is the sweetest little guy. He goes to bed at night with a smile on his face and wakes up with one. After three little bedtime terrorists-- I can say wholeheartedly-- I so deserve this.

He still has his crazy comb over-- but we're starting to see some fuzz on the sides and back of his head.

Much of our days are spent kissing his chubby, oompa loompa little cheeks. Can you blame me?

Greer gets the stitches out in her finger today and Kean goes in tomorrow for his follow up Ultrasound (liver growth). I love, love, love all these doctors appointments (if I tell myself that enough times, will it come true?).

Here we go again...

Oh my. She's at it again. Today, Byron and Craig left the office and came by the house.
Me: "I wonder why Daddy and Uncle Craig are home..."
Reese: "I know. Daddy brought Uncle Keg to play with our Barbie house in the garage."
Yes, I'm quite certain that's exactly why. But wait, there's more.
Yesterday at nap time, she wanted to know if Jesus has "magic powers". And if he likes us to laugh and if he likes to laugh with us.
Where did this all come from???
Finally, at bedtime the other night:
Reese: (all serious) "Mom, can I talk to you?"
Me: "Yes...."
Reese: "I don't want to be Carter's boyfriend."
Me: "Okay, you don't have to be."
Reese: "I want to be Derek's boyfriend."
Me: 'You're too young to be anybody's boyfriend (or girlfriend). Go to sleep."
Yikes... we're in real trouble when she hits her teens.

Congratulations to a real life Princess

The girls are starting to like piano lessons more and more (well, they're complaining less and less). Mostly, it's because they have the cutest teacher in the world -- my cousin's daughter, Shaleese. She teaches them piano and voice and best of all, she comes to my house to do it!
Shaleese won the Treasure Valley Junior Miss pageant over the weekend. We are soo proud.

Snow Bunnies

Byron-- bless his sweet soul-- took the girls out Saturday afternoon for a little trip to the mountains. I was so excited for the peace and quiet, but little Kean found it too quiet. He had a hard time napping. I can't say if Byron had all that much fun (I think it was a lot of work) but the girls had a grand time! Uncle Craig gave us an old set of skis and boots, so Holland and Greer took their maiden ski voyages.

Reese promised me as she left that she would be good and only cry "one time". True to her word-- she did. She took her gloves off (because Holland did) and when her hands got cold, she cried.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to flip this video right side up. So you'll have to watch it with your head cocked to one side. Sorry-- please don't send me any chiropractor bills.