Movin' on up...

Is it that time, already?



We arrived to pick D up at daycare on Friday to his teacher looking very sad. She broke the news that he was moving to the next room. It seems like just yesterday he was moved into that room. Either time flies or our boy is growing...and fast! j/j :)



Most everything will be the same...much like the room he is in now. Except that the chairs they sit in do not have belts and they learn and drink from a cup instead of a sippy cup. Craziness!



It's supposed to have more of a structured curriculum now that they are older, in that they don't just color and draw...he will learn his 123's and ABC's! Woo hoo!



I think he will love it! Although the first day of "transition" wasn't much of a "transition" as he spent most of the day in there...I guess that is a good sign...no holding back!



Sianara suite 150!

Cheese..!

Did it click like a light bulb...or seeing mommy take pictures and then look at the back of the camera help?

Not sure, but by the time we got home tonight and I was taking pictures of Daddy carving our pumpkins...I said "Dylan...Cheese" and low and behold he got over by daddy and squatted down and looked at the camera and said "CHEESE"!

Cutest thing ever!

Zoo Boo...

We've been dying to take D to the zoo for some time now...but what better time than leading up to Halloween and attending when they have all sorts of fun activities themed around this time of year?!

We of course, along with the Wright's thought it would be great to get there right when it opened so we could be in and out and on our way before the busy part of the day. Boy oh boy were we wrong! 5 mins after 9 am the parking lot was full! But to tell you the truth it really wasn't that bad considering all the people. Seeing all the kids in all their costumes and the one's they were wearing as it got hot, made me feel sorry for them. :(

But...we first headed to the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin for the lil ones. First 10 mins we were there and the lil ones felt as though they wanted their voice to be heard and thought we should stay in the pumpkin patch all day!

We had heard the lions were out so we headed on over that way...so did everyone else! From monkey's to bears, wild dogs, wild pigs, antelope, tigers and birds and more...all so much to see and smell and experience!

We mosied around and walked and pushed strollers and pulled wagons until we were all very hungry. A little power lunch and with the boys getting tired we knew we had a short amt of time to work with...plus it was getting hot!

We couldn't leave without seeing the elephants and giraffe's! It was great to see the expression on D's face when he would see the animals move or walk or voice their own opinions. It's even better now when he sees the pictures in books and actually gets more excited than he use to! I think it helped seeing those animals in real life as opposed to just two dimensional.

Good times were had by all...but once again we were all exhausted!

Jam-packed excitement!

Ok, so for a preview of what Halloween weekend might have in store for us...we had a super duper packed Saturday, yet AGAIN!

Of course how we had planned things to happen didn't in fact happen. Case and point, we wanted D to fall asleep at his normal time of 11:30 in order to wake up at 2 in time for the 1st event of he day, which was the pumpkin carving party. Well, Mr. D had different plans, he didn't go to his crib until 12:30 and was awake in his crib until he finally fell asleep at 1:30. That gave us 30 mins to get to the party, UGH! Ah well, the life with a toddler. Needless to say we let him at least get an hour sleep and woke him up at 2:30.

We headed out, bags packed and all for the rest of the excitement for the day...and headed to the Fenter's house. What a gorgeous day to have a pumpkin carving party. D took only about 5 mins to warm up then he was off to searching their house and seeing what kind of stuff he could get into. Of course he found Bryce's tool set and wanted to see how much he could fit in his hands at one time. Then it was having his first juice box and jambing to the monster mash on the stereo. He even got some b-ball time in before saying goodbye to head off to Colson's bday party at Pump It Up!

Wow...that place is a mega play land for wee ones and grown ups. We had a blast and so did Dylan. I don't think he stopped laughing the entire time. He was all about doing everything by himself. He went down the big slide all by his lonesome and made it about half way down until he started frailing like a doll. But to him it was hysterical happiness! Of course all the pictures I got he was face down, I couldn't get one single shot of that sweet happy face!

After that we were off to meet up with the Herron's for Chris' bday dinner. It was great to see everyone and D was an angel being it was passed dinner time. He played and amused everyone...and since we were too busy talking with everyone he decided to fall asleep on daddy's shoulder...then mommy's.

Good times were had by all.

Our little reader...

This boy loves to read...ok too young to read, but he loves to look at books, magazines, pictures...you name it.

So this morning, it was a commotion after he was done eating breakfast...he wanted to read the paper just like Mommy and Daddy!

Ouchy...

yep, this was not a self inflicted booboo. This was all daddy...just kidding. But I really think daddy was surprised how this happened...never seen that reaction before.

but holy moly...ouchy!

He was very sure he wanted everyone to see and wanted everyone to give his Bo Bo a kiss. No band-aid needed, not gonna happen! Of course then he was obsessed with picking at it and trying to open it...ewe gross!

Ahh...a kiss from mommy and much better!

Just like Mommy!

Ok, so to my surprise the other day...I was eating my favorite tomato and rice soup and D was not interested in what he was eating. So...I let him try some of mine.

"Mmmm...yum!"

No way! Did he just say what I think he said?! Never before have we gotten a reaction like that out of him. I mean the boy loves his food and most the time says "mmm" but this time there was a pause, a taste of the lips and then the cutest saying he's ever said!

He insisted he have more and as he watched me eat my soup and dip my crackers in my soup he proceeded to do the same. Pretty clever if you ask me!

So I guess I have to say I wasn't surprised (ok, I was) the other morning when I made us cream and wheat with blueberries. Da Da dum...the very same reaction. Of course he loved to pick the blueberries out and eat them...but my boy is eating cream and wheat!

Ahh...just like Mommy!

Sunday Funday at the Pumpkin Patch!

With the weather being so perfect and our approaching pumpkin carving party at the Fenter's house, we needed to get our pumpkins...I've also been dying to get D to the pumpkin patch. So off we went...a little later than planned. So of course, on our way there D fell asleep in the car.

Being I was determined to get a pumpkin and have this outing before next weekend we went anyway. He woke up by the time we were in the parking lot. He loved the pumpkins. He would run around them, push them, roll them, and somewhat toss the little one's off the trailer. Uh Oh!

We picked the hayride over the train ride. The boys were so serious on the entire trip. Of course the bad mom I am, I forgot sunblock. I didn't think it would be that bad, but boy oh boy his face was red tonight! Then we finally got to pick out our pumpkins. We think we picked the right one for Elmo's face and Daddy's skeleton. We shall see...that's for next weekends excitement!

Of course, I am not sure what was in the water today but D was very clumsy. We were at the store looking for some jeans that he desperately needs and low and behold he was running by and tripped and fell and hit his eye(brow) on one of the displays. Poor boy, I know that had to hurt. I was worried, it immediately turned purple and popped out. He finally calmed down but sure enough at the next store he hit the same eye on the handle of the shopping cart. He was not having a good second part of the day.

We all took a two hour nap and headed out for a bike ride. Needless to say we didn't get anything done productive around the house today but it was a great family day...besides the sunburns, bumps, bruises and tears!

Busy, Busy Saturday!

I think I need two days off from this past weekend! It was jammed packed!


We stayed up late on Friday night getting ready for the garge sale on Saturday morning. I was motivated to get rid of some of the leftover things laying around that we didn't need and to sell the rest of my MK stuff I have on hand. I need to not have any product at the house, just order offline.



So to bed at 1:15 am meant 6:30 came along really early and fast! We were convinced to close up shop by 11 so we could watch the big game against OU. But that didn't happen, finally by 12:30 we shut the garage came in and had lunch. Put D down for his nap and started to watch the game.



It was a stressful game but a win and that is all that matters. Needless to say we didn't get a nap and headed over to the Wright's for fajita night and baking party. Unfortunately I had no motivation to bake...so I never made my desert...better luck next weekend?



Feel bad but I ended up falling asleep on the couch. So sad...and sorry you guys! Total party pooper. But we were all tired from the long day.

Couples' Retreat

I haven't written in a while so I have a lot to catch up on. But last Saturday we went to a matinee movie with our friends: Mike & Katie and Jeff & Jen. That was an interesting time. We show up to the movies, the girls go to find a seat in the movie theater while the boys get food. And low and behold the movie was basically sold out. Nothing but up close and personal seats. So we headed over to the later showing at the other theater...popcorn we had purchased already and all!



The movie was a great show. Perfect opportunity for us all to get out and have a little fun. Needless to say we had a good time and didn't end up at home until midnight! Time flies when you are having fun!

18 months

Every day D is doing, saying or trying something new. It is truly amazing to see the things he picks up on the things he mimics and the endless things he can think of to get into, play with or even get creative.

He's 26 1/2lbs and 33inches long. He is in the 50th percentile in weight and 80th percentile in height.

He still eats like a champ (except broccoli of course) and his little vocabulary is just blossoming.

He can now open the doors in the house, thanks to the levers (what were we thinking?) but mainly the pantry and door into the garage. He is very obsessed with closing doors if they are open. So if it is a nice cool evening he loves to go and shut the door. Thanks dude...

He helps put his clothes in the dirty clothes, shoes in the closet or out of, pick up trash, wipe up something when it spills on the floor and going and letting the dogs out of the room when we get home.

Right now he is obsessed with the kitchen utensils. He will play with the entire bin of them, but he will let you know which one he does or doesn't want. And if the spatula from the day or night before is somewhere (we don't even know where) he goes right to it to get it. Great memory!

He's started to be a little bit more adventurous with the dogs. He knows Gunnar likes to play and Titan is for cuddling up on. He's very affectionate in that he will give you a hug if he accidentally hurts you (if you say "ow") and is quick to apologize.

He is officially running...and everywhere! To the point he gets going too fast and trips over his feet! Especially if you say "I'm going to get you" that comment turns into a giggle fest of running as fast as he can down the hall to get away from you.

New words: Football, Clock, UP and Down, Please, Bus, Stop/Go, and Elmo (pronounced MoMo)

He loves to be outside. He does what we call the happy dance when he is demanding that we go out. He also loves to go out in the yard, grab the dog toy and say "Go" when throwing the toy. Gunnar still isn't quite sure what to make of it. He loves to fetch but for some reason with D he is very careful. Good Dog!

He loves to squeal and see how long he can annoy us and loud he can be. And he loves to say "Hi" and wave or say "Bye" when he is ready to leave. We've noticed him being a bit clingy when in new places but give him a few minutes and he is ready to go.

My oh my, time does fly. Where has the year and half gone?!

18 Month photo shoot

We headed out on a cool but humid morning to meet with Mrs. Jenny to get some pictures in Old Town Spring. D wasn't very interested in sitting too much or looking up that often. But she managed to capture some fantastic shots! I think this is my all time favorite!

Of course we loved her idea of doing a "longhorn" family photo...especially on a big game day against Tech.

Enjoy the sneak peak!

Gone tubin...

So, we work up bright and early for D's 7:30 surgery.

The dude was unsure why we were all up so early and all together in the car. He was a trooper when we got to the surgery center. Very curious about everything. He grew very attached to the etch a sketch board and had to carry it to the back with him when they were prepping him.

We walked back to find a cute little teddy bear hospital gown, a teddy bear and all of his stuff to make him feel comfortable for our short stay there. He of course liked the blinking red light from the monitor they put on his toe...to the point he pulled it off. After they put on the hospital bracelets...he took those off too.

He finally realized the TV in the corner playing Disney channel with some program he was amused by. The anesthesiologist was very nice and trying to find out if he needed to give him something for separation issues...but later decided he would be fine. We met Christy, the nurse and she assured us that everything would be fine. When it was time for him to go, we tried to have him sit like a big boy on the bed, but he started to show hesitation. So a little bit of crying Mrs. Christy held him all the way to the back room. As we walked back to the waiting room we could see and hear that the crying had stopped and he was just fine.

After a 14 minute sit in the waiting room, the doctor came out to say he did very well but was mad at this point. He cleared out some junk from the infected ear (which after a week of antibiotics you think would be clear...and some clear fluid from the other ear). But all in all, he was good and the 4 minute surgery went very well. I was thinking to myself how do you know he is mad, already? Well, we went back to find that the recovery room nurse was holding a very hysterical child.

I had to sit in the rocking chair to hold him and he would not stop crying. I mean he was just beyond upset. Finally, the horrible parents we are (trying to keep him from not needing the "pacifier") we gave him the pacifier. He immediately stopped crying but was still having a hard time catching his breath. We tried to give him some juice and no such luck. Finally the nurse said we can leave. He was a very upset boy but was still out of it do to the anesthesia. On our way home he did get sick in the car.

By the time we got home he pointed to his bed, ok...he wanted in. He maybe took a 25 min nap and after that...he was ready to go. Hungry, thirsty and ready to play...my oh my!

National Night Out...Fun!

What else to do on National Night out than make our way to the community park to enjoy all the fun! From dunking booths, moonwalks, slip n slides and a petting zoo...we sure had fun. Besides it being extremely hot and humid, the boys couldn't stop. (That's not only the lil ones but the Dad's too).

We took the beep beep for it to be more enjoyable than the stroller. But the moment we stopped he wanted out and wanted to go! That boy was on the move the entire time. I think I was worn out just from chasing him all around.

When we got to the petting zoo, he was really unsure of it all. Which was rather surprising being he loves animals. But the moment you tried to set him down he would cling to you like a monkey. Braden on the other hand, he was enjoying every minute of it. Finally, we put D down and him and Braden were chasing the animals around.

Of course slowly but surely that got old. So we went to the blowup slide. Not sure it is meant for adults but the boys went down with the dads and loved every minute of it!

I think ultimately D's favorite part was the moonwalk. You couldn't get him out of that thing. Of course he doesn't realize with the big kids that they don't watch out for wee ones like him...but he didn't care about that.

We left tired, hot, sweaty and in much need of a shower!

A construction man, a baker or an adventurist?!

On a cool but somewhat drizzly day we relaxed a bit and then headed off to the fall fling at daycare! It was really crowded and they had lots for the kids to do. Of course, more for bigger kids than the lil ones...however D and Brayden managed to find something that much them just peachy! There is a place in the big kid room called "Imaginary play"...well they imagined alright. They played with a play set of pots, pans, utensils, food, a construction zone and a train set. They had a mighty good time and of course were just silly as can be! Who cares that in the same room there was cookie decorating, cake walk and lots of music playing. They managed to entertain themselves.

We did end up decorating a cookie, I do have to say the first time this kid has had a cookie (that we know of at least)! He had fun. He of course loved the icing and of course eating all of it off of the spreading utensil. Silly boy!

Finally we ended up over at the Wright's house for some dinner and fun. The boys continued to be playful and well, the moment one had one thing the other wanted it. That's the way the story goes, isn't it? Between tugging at the monitor cord and seeing how far they could stretch from end to end...to fighting over who was going to ride the 4 wheeler. Of course until we put them on together. That sure brought on a few giggles and squeals of delight. (Too bad D doesn't want a thing to do with his at home...but you go to the Wright's house and he is all over B man's. Ah well.

Creative fun and play...

While Mommy and Daddy were making/painting the homemade Halloween decorations...D was occupied with raking the beds, picking up trash, messing with the neighbors rocks and playing with the sidewalk chalk. I think I had more fun with the chalk than he did....but eventually he wouldn't give them up.

What a sweet boy!

If it is not one thing it's another...

After two years of dealing with our other baby boy, Gunnar, itching his way to misery...we decided almost 2 months ago to go see...the doggie dermatologist! Yes, that is right...the doggie dermatologist.

Looking back, I wish we would have started there sooner...might have saved a lot of time, effort and agony trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the poor dude.

She attempted to see if it was just food allergies, but we know we have tried every concoction known that it had to be something else. We had heard a lot about allergy shots and ultimately made the decision when we went to see the vet, that this was the route we were ultimately going to take.

In the beginning they offered a clinical trial...but that would take to long and to tell you the truth he was way beyond that. He had infections, upon infections...we had to do something now. We could also do medication for the rest of his life, but would cause possible complications further down the road. He's too young for that.

So finally last week we decided to go ahead and do the skin testing. Off to the vet he went today, and mommy and daddy forgot one important thing...don't feed him this a.m. Ooops! Yep, he spent longer time at the vet due to our forgetfulness.

The first phone call we receive...do you have cats? Huh? Why? Well, he is allergic to cats and if you have cats in your home we need to have that antibody in his serum. Um, negative. Oh but he is allergic to 16 of the 50 items they tested for...great! And of all things...GRASS! We knew it...we knew that would be our luck.

However the allergy shots work like this, they fill the serum with the things they are allergic to and you give it to him at different amts throughout a period to help him build antibodies to the things he is actually allergic to. Craziness! It could take up to a year to fully work, but she really believes he will be among the 80% effective ratio. I sure hope so...that means for the past 2 years and for however many more...we could have never figured it out and his quality of life would have been down the drain!

It's amazing what science can do these days!

I guess it is about time...

With a few random but consistent things happening with D these past few weeks we really thought it was just teething and it very well could have been.



However, when we picked him up from daycare on Monday to them telling us he freaked out at the lawn people mowing the grass, to the point he wouldn't stop crying until they stopped. Him not eating lunch that day, stumbling all over the place and with him continuing to grab his tongue. We figured it was time to call the doctor.



He went in to see Dr. E yesterday with daddy to find out he does in fact have yet another ear infection. This time only in one ear. But how, I asked? He never ran a fever! They say it is possible and that the stumbling gave it away. We felt horrible...how long has this been going on? Is he one of those kids with a higher pain tolerance?



Well, with the onset of his 4th ear infection since May the Dr. followed through and referred us to the ENT. Much to our surprise when we called to make an appt. they could see us the same day! Wow, talk about making things happen...we thought we would have to wait 3-4 weeks.



After a quick lunch, short nap and somewhat happy toddler running around the waiting room we went back for the hearing test. I was quite amazed at all the apparatuses they have and tests they do. They could not finish D's hearing test, he busted into tears. It has to be the low muffled noises with the pressure behind his ear that is causing the sudden outbursts.



Dr. N took a look and confirmed that he does in fact think tubes are the best way to go. He did say he has scaring on the non-infected ear right now from a previous infection. Ouchy! So off to another room we went to watch an educational video, sign paperwork and get put on schedule for surgery in a week! Wow...sure was a quick but long day of appts. and decisions!



All in all, he will be better and probably hear better too.

Have I mentioned lately...

how much our little one likes to help...clean that is?

His latest obsession....drum role....the vacuum.

I come home from work to find D talking to the vacuum and squealing in delight as he is on his hands and knees vacuuming under the cabinets.