Three Babysitters

Dearest Angels~

You two both slept in your own beds all night!  Woo hoo!  Way to go you two!

You all had a slew of visitors come by today.  Penny had to go to a funeral this morning so Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan came over to watch you two while she was gone.   The four of you all had fun playing together, but you two apparently put up a fight with nap time.  You two were finally going down when Penny was returning. 

Today was a hot day.  At one point, you two were able to play in the water table with your bathing suits on.  I'm sure that cooled you all off.  

I was home early .... around 6:15pm.  We played this evening and then you two had baths. 

Tomorrow's another work day for me, so you two will have daddy day.  I'll come home as soon as I can little ones!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Rain To Sun

Dearest Gifts~

What a rainy morning!  It poured on my way to work this morning.  :-P  We had some extra playtime this morning since I didn't have to be at work until 9am.  Since the new operatory chairs were installed yesterday, we had a meeting this morning as the assistants restocked the rooms. 

It ended up turning into a sunny day this afternoon.  So, you two got to have some outdoor play with Penny.  You two also had some art time.  Penny got you two some new finger paints with stamps and I came home to some beautiful artwork from you all.  :-)

I was home a little late .... it was around 6:40pm.  You two were both eating some applesauce.  I had some of the pot roast.  I started the crock pot before leaving for work this morning and it was good!  :-)

Daddy played the guitar for you all this evening and then you all had some art time with crayons before bed. 

Joshua, you messed with your diaper and peed all over yourself and the bed this evening.  Ugh.  Our best investment has been the vinyl mattress protector on your bed!  

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Deer

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Grace, you cried last night and ended up going to bed in our bed to sleep.  Little man, you ended up waking up at 3:30am coughing and coughing.  Daddy put you back to bed. 

Guess what we saw this morning during snack time .... a deer that was so close to the house it could touch our back deck!  It was so pretty!  Speaking of snack time, little lady, you did not eat your applesauce, but Joshua, you gobbled it all up!  :-)

Joshua, you had speech therapy this morning with Kim.  You imitated everything she was saying .... not perfect words, but you were doing sounds and inflections.  

We were home by lunch.  Grace, you ate your yogurt since you didn't eat the applesauce earlier.  You two helped me make my lunches for this week.  I have to cover the clinic on friday this week so I have a longer work week.  Daddy is watching you two on friday, so he has a shorter work week!  :-P  We're getting new chairs installed in our operatories at work (because of a grant), so the clinic is closed today.  Instead, the patients have been moved to friday and Dr. Rickert can't cover.  So, daddy took off so I could save the day.  ;-)

We only had a little bit of playtime before we headed out again to Rex Hospital to see Krista for Joshua's feeding therapy appointment.  You did well today man!  You ate half a hotdog, 4oz purée, and half a container (2oz) of yogurt.  Krista was impressed by your word imitation.  :-)

We were home by 3:30pm and did some laundry.  You two helped me prepare the crock pot for a pot roast tomorrow.  I'll start it before I leave for work in the morning. 

We had some leftovers for dinner.  Joshua, you surprised me and ate some of my corn on the cob!  I cut pieces off and you ate it right up!  Then, we played this evening!  

Tomorrow I'll come home as fast as I can!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Memorial Day

Dearest Miracles~

Happy Memorial Day!  Today we honor and remember all who fought and died for our country and our freedom.  You two have a lot of military personnel on my side of the family .... and they represent all the branches of the armed forces. 

This morning you two helped us clean the house.  We also had to prepare some of the food for our lunch cookout.  Then, we had some playtime upstairs.  We read and had some music time before people started to come over for a visit.

At lunch, everyone came to our house for the cookout.  We saw Gigi, Grandpa Jim, Uncle James, Aunt Katie, Uncle Brennan, Mimi, and Grandpa Mike.  There was lots of good food too!  We had corn on the cob, hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, squash, tuna salad, chili, cookies, and brownies.  I doubted if I'd even eat dinner.  ;-)

Grandpa Mike was back from his work trip to Asia and brought you all back some teddy bears.  Then, we walked up to the park with Grandpa Jim and Uncle James.  You two had fun on the swings, but we didn't stay long since it was such a hot day.  

Once we got back home, people were leaving, so we went upstairs and had a family nap time!  ;-)  That was much appreciated.  We played on the porch this evening as it got cooler and then you two both had a bath. 

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Relaxing Day

Dearest Blessings~

Guess what .... daddy made pancakes for us for breakfast!  Grace, you ate one and a quarter!  Joshua, you only had a bite.  :-P

Once everyone was fed, we headed to church.  Gigi was playing in the praise team, so we got to see her.  You two walked around some during the sermon though because you were getting restless. 

While we were out, we went to Shane's Rib Shack for lunch.  You two both ate well.  Then, we went to Target for some quick groceries.  You two ate a lot of cookies while there!  We're having a cookout at our house tomorrow at lunch, so we needed to pick up some things for that and some other groceries for the week.

Joshua, you went down for nap once we got home but Grace did not since napped in the car.  She ended up playing around as daddy and I did some chores around the house. 

We all had leftovers for dinner and then cleaned the downstairs to get ready for company tomorrow.  You two helped us vacuum, sweep, and wipe the counters.  :-)  We played downstairs after while daddy worked on some clogged drains upstairs.  It started to rain after dinner, so we watched it come down through the windows.

 

Overall it was a pretty relaxing day!  Hope tomorrow is as well!

 

Sleep tight little ones!

 

I love you both so much!  :-)

 

~Mommy

Hillsborough Visit

Dearest Angels~

For some reason this morning I woke at 6am and couldn't go back to sleep.  :-P  I ended up doing some work on the computer and read until the three of you all were awake .... around 7:30am.  

Once everyone was ready for the day, Gigi came over and she and I drove you two to Hillsborough.  Daddy stayed here to do some yard work and things around the house (plus there was no more room in the car).  :-P  Your Great Grandfather from Tennessee was in town with Rosemary so we all went to (Great) Uncle David's to see him.  Tomorrow, Rosemary and Great Grandpa are flying out to Europe for two weeks.  We also saw Kevin, (Great) Uncle Lawrence, and Cousin Mia.  

Gigi played the piano for people.  You two played and behaved yourselves.  :-)  We went on a little walk outside and saw (Great) Uncle David's neighbor's horses.  Also, the pond near him has geese.  We saw a mommy and 6 fluffy babies! 

We left around 2pm when you two were getting fussy for a nap.  We got home around 3pm and you two napped in the car.  I felt like napping too since I was awake early!  ;-)

We ended up having an early dinner with daddy and then we all played outside.  We saw a bunny in the backyard!  Then, we walked to the park and you two had fun on the swings and jungle gym.

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Out For Dinner

Dearest Blessings~

This morning you two helped me around the house.  We paid some bills .... boring.  :-P  Then, we organized a little upstairs and ran some laundry.  Joshua's diaper leaked everywhere through the night, so we had to run the sheets and pillow cases.  :-P

We read some books together this morning and then had snack time.  Joshua, you're getting a little better with your words.  I have you say some words after me as I read them to you and Grace.

After some snacks, we ran our errands.  I picked up Joshua's new prescription from the drug store and then we ran to Target for a few quick things.  We had run out of applesauce and milk.

We were home by lunch .... both of you two ate your puréed foods!  Woo hoo!  I ate a baked potato once you two were settled and playing.  However, while I was eating, Joshua ended up biting Grace on the back and boy did she scream!  I gave little man a pop on the bottom .... I'm getting a little tired of this biting phase you all are into! 

We had more story time after lunch.  I had Joshua repeat works after me for the story 'Hop on Pop' by Dr. Seuss .... he almost read the entire book!  :-)

Grace, you really fought nap time but you two were eventually sleeping by 1:30pm.  I felt a little sick this afternoon, so I laid down with you two as well. 

Daddy was home early at 4:20pm to start the holiday weekend!  Since we had some extra family time together, we went out for dinner for fun!  We went down the road to the 'Village Grill' .... you two had been there before but it's been a long time.  You all split some chicken tenders, fries, and a cookie!  ;-)  Once home, you two had a bath and then we all headed to bed.  

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Met Goals

Dearest Miracles~

Joshua, you slept through night again!  Woo hoo!  Grace, you were congested and in our bed again.  I hope you feel better soon.

You all had fun again with Penny today.  You all had some art time, play doh time, worked on some puzzles, and played with blocks.  

During art time, Joshua painted (he used finger paints) an American Flag for the Memorial Weekend!  Penny stated that he knew how to hold his little hand over his heart (or close to it) when she said the Pledge of Allegiance!!  So cute!!  Way to go man!

We're getting new operatory chairs at work (thanks to some grant money) over the long weekend so we had to clean and organize some things before leaving.  I got home late around 7:15pm.  But, as usual, you two were there to greet me with smiles and kisses!

The senior team of the organization came down to talk to us at lunch time today.  The dental practice and the pediatric practice were the only two sites of the organization that met and exceeded our productivity goals for the first quarter of the fiscal year!  We got plaques to hang up and I won a gift card!  :-)  Woo hoo!

Joshua, you worked on words and sounds this evening.  Then, you two had another bath.  You all whine each evening unless you have a bath.  I can't believe how much you both like the bath tub! 

Tomorrow's friday!  Yippie!  I can't wait to just relax and play with you all!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Big Kisses

Dearest Blessings~

Little lady, you were up again at 5am this morning all congested.  You fell back asleep next to me in bed, but it wasn't that much later our work alarms went off.

You two had fun with Penny today.  You all went to the park and played in the water table.  It's been warmer recently so we some sunscreen for you two to wear.  In the afternoon though we had a big rain storm .... we lost a few tree limbs in the backyard.  

Penny wrote down the funniest thing today that I have to share:

'Joshua had him a cougar at the park.  Long raven black hair pulled up in a long stylish ponytail, she was a doll.  Will be 3 in 2 months, an older woman.  Her name was Bridget.  He followed her around like a little puppy!'

Ha!  Funny! I guess we'll see if we run into Bridget in the future.  :-P

I got home around 6:30pm.  You two gave me big kisses when I walked in the door.  Daddy played the guitar for you all this evening and then you all had baths.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Worst Appointment

Dearest Angels~

Grace, you poor little thing.  You were congested all night and crying.  I gave you some Tylenol and you eventually slept, but not without waking everyone else in the house.  :-P

We got ready quickly this morning and were in the car by 8am.  We headed to the 'Child Development Services Agency' for Joshua's hearing test and for another speech evaluation.  The appointment was at 9am, but it was across town and I wasn't sure where I was going.  We ended up getting there a little early, but I'd rather be early than late. 

The hearing test was pretty quick .... I think we were done in about 15 minutes.  I held Joshua on my lap in a sound booth as he had to turn his head either right or left when he heard the sounds.  Then, the audiologist tested the fluid and pressure inside his ears.  He passed everything and the audiologist has no concerns about his hearing.  Woo hoo!

The speech evaluation was a different story.  It lasted for an hour and the scores were as excepted.  Your cognitive language score (what you understand when people talk) was a 95 .... which scored in the average range.  You ranked right at where you should be age-wise at around 2 years 7 months.  Your expressive language score (how you communicate with others) was a 70 .... which scored in the severely delayed range.  You ranked closer to someone of the age 1 year and 5 months.

So, now daddy and I have to make some decisions.  We can keep going along with the same appointments we've been doing and change nothing, or we can try to change therapists, or companies, if we think we're not seeing the results we should be seeing.  It's a hard call since you've been with Kim for so long.  

We were home by 11am for a quick lunch.  However, Joshua made it exciting by throwing up everywhere at the end.  Ugh. 

By 12pm we were back in the car again and on our way to the Children's Hospital at UNC.  Joshua, you had a follow up appointment with Dr. Freeman (the GI doctor) at 1pm.  The fact that I had to circle the parking deck several times should have been an omen that his appointment was not going to turn out ok.  :-P

I guess the clinics were running behind.  I forget what time the first nurse took us back to get Joshua's measurements.  You're 34.5 inches tall and weigh 26.5 pounds.  As a side note, I tried to weigh Grace at home this morning and she weighs 19.5 pounds. 

Anyway, we had to go back out into the waiting room since they had to wait for an exam room to open.  At this point Grace was getting a tad fussy in the stroller.  We finally got a room around 2:20pm.  Then, a second nurse came in and asked me a bunch of questions about what Joshua's been eating since the GI endoscope and how the medications have been working.  At this point, you two were screaming and completely misbehaving.  I had Grace out of the stroller so she could wander around and you two were throwing your sippy cups everywhere.  Joshua kept trying to go out of the exam room and pull on everything.  Grace ended up hitting her head on a counter.  It wasn't fun at all.

By 2:45pm, we still had not seen the doctor for our 1pm appointment.  Now, you two were in full force with your crying and screaming.  My nerves were up the wall and I could barely take it any longer.  I honestly just wanted to run out of there and scream myself.

Long story short, Dr. Freeman changed one of your medications and wants you to see the pulmonary specialist.  I made the appointments (she also wanted a follow up appointment) and had you two back in the car at 4pm.  I sat in the parking deck and called Gigi .... I was so frazzled.  Daddy wouldn't be home until 10pm, so I drove from the parking deck straight to Gigi's house.  You two finally napped in the car!

We got to Gigi's house by 5pm and had dinner there.  We also saw Grandpa Jim, Uncle James, and Lois.  You two had fun playing inside with blocks and drawing.  Then, Grandpa Jim and Uncle James took you two on a walk outside. 

By 8pm we were home.  I put you two in pajamas and brushed your teeth.  I gave Grace some tylenol since she's been congested.  We were in bed by 8:45pm.  I read you both two books (you each choose one) and then I put the ladybug nightlight on by 9pm.  I stayed with you two until you fell asleep.  I then took my shower and got into bed.  I think we were all three tired from the day.  Daddy was home by 10pm.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Up Early And Napping Late

Dearest Gifts~

Everyone was up early this morning .... you two were awake before 7am!  You know, we don't have any early appointments today ....  you could have slept in!  ;-P

After breakfast you two helped me clean the downstairs and vacuum.  As we were cleaning, we baked some potatoes for lunches this week.  Then, we did some laundry. 

Joshua, you had a harder time today with Kim for our speech therapy appointment.  For some reason, I think you were a little distracted.  You did well, but you didn't get all the words that we've been practicing.  We'll keep practicing at home.  We won't see Kim for a week .... tomorrow we go to UNC to see Dr. Freeman and next monday is Memorial Day so the office is closed.  

We were home by lunch time and Grace poo poo'd her pureed foods.  Joshua, ate 2 oz of yogurt.  You two both at 4 oz of applesauce earlier, so it wasn't a complete loss.  After lunch, you two helped me make my lunch for work this week and then we went upstairs to flip the laundry.  I decided to run sheets, pillow cases, and comforters.  

We all gathered in the play room for story time afterward.  We went over Joshua's words and alphabet sounds.  Then, you two fought and fought nap time.  I was pretty surprised considering how early you two both woke up this morning!  But, you two weren't snoring until 2:45pm!  Whoa!

Daddy was home a little early this afternoon.  So, we all go to play outside on the porch and in the yard after dinner.  We walked up the sidewalk to the stop sign and back.  It was a beautiful evening.  Then, everyone got their nails trimmed and a nice bath.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Iris Moon

Dearest Blessings~

Little lady .... you woke up crying at 2:30am this morning.  I went into your room and found you curled up in a ball in your toddler bed with your head down but crying.  I put you in our bed and you eventually fell back asleep but not before waking Joshua up.  Daddy ended up putting him back to bed.

We did some chores this morning after breakfast and you two helped me prepare a baked spaghetti casserole for dinner.  Then, we headed to church.  :-)

At church, we saw Gigi play percussion with the praise team.  We also saw Grandpa Jim and Uncle James.  You all walked around the church between services to stretch your legs.  During the service, you two drew and people watched.  :-P

Afterward, we made a quick trip to pick up paint for the downstairs bathroom and then home for lunch.  Daddy finished priming the bathroom already, so all we needed was paint to finish the job.  You two fought naps.  But, once you were down, daddy painted the bathroom and I baked the casserole.  We picked out the color 'Iris Moon' which is a light purple.  It looks really nice.  It's much better than the wallpaper that use to be in that bathroom.  ;-)

We all tried some of the casserole for dinner .... it was yummy!  Well, daddy and I thought so at least.  You two ended up with hotdogs in the end.  :-P  Then, we all played this evening and ran some laundry.  

 

Sleep tight little ones!

 

I love you both so much!

 

~Mommy

Pig Jig

Dearest Miracles~

I was up early this morning since I just couldn't sleep.  I did some things on the computer for an hour before the three of you all woke up. 

Once everyone was up and moving, you two helped us get some chores completed around the house.  We cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes.  Then, we swept the downstairs and then vacuumed the downstairs rugs. 

Little lady, I thawed the last snappy of frozen mommy milk .... I've been thawing a snappy about every three days since you've been weaned.  And, now we're all done.  You're growing up so fast little one!  ;-)

We had a treat for you two today .... we headed to the state fair grounds for the 'Got to be NC Festival' going on this weekend.  We were there from 10:45am to 2pm.  We walked all around and saw exhibits, animals, and rides.  Then, we went to the Pig Jig!  The Pig Jig is an annual BBQ competition of all the Mason lodges across the state .... all you can eat BBQ and sides and then you vote on the best one!  Surprisingly, you two ate a good amount of BBQ!  Woo hoo!  We had you two in the wagon and you all made a hush puppy mess in there!  Daddy hosed it down when we got back home.  ;-)  We saw Grandpa Jim and Uncle James while there.  It was such a beautiful day .... it was in the low 70's!  But, we still put sunscreen on you two and hats.  :-)

We were home by 2:30pm and we all ended up napping!  ;-)  Once everyone was awake again, we went to Target for groceries.  You two ate some cookies.  We were home for a small dinner .... we were still full from all the BBQ.  ;-)  Joshua, you were a pill trying to get you to eat your yogurt this evening.  Ugh.  Grace, on the other hand, loved it.  :-P

This evening we all relaxed and then you two had baths before bedtime.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Poopy Day

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Ugh!  I hate being congested .... especially at night which seems to be the case for me recently.  :-P  Every time I lean back to sleep I get clogged and can't breathe.  I wonder if the same thing is happening to Joshua making him cough. 
 

Guess what we saw twice today that we haven't seen in a while .... our deer in the backyard!  This morning, we saw 4 deer walking around and this afternoon we saw 3!  They're so pretty and they weren't that far from the house!  :-)

We played a little until our meeting with Anna and a preschool representative.  Anna and Tabatha were here at 10am.  They discussed the transition process and referral from 'Early Intervention Program' (what Anna does) to the 'Preschool Program' (which Joshua will transition to once he's 3 years old).  They were here for about an hour.  I mostly talked with Tabatha as you two played with Anna.  ;-)  We're going to have more appointments and evaluations over the next couple of months to get things in order by the time Joshua turns 3 and is eligible for the program.

Once they left, we had some lunch.  Grace poo poo'd the purees, but Joshua ate yogurt for me.  Once everyone ate and the kitchen was cleaned up, we headed upstairs for some playtime.

I have to say that today has been a poopy day .... literally!  By lunch I had changed 5 poopy diapers and then Joshua had one more in the evening!  I'll have to ask daddy if you two pooped at all yesterday or were holding it all in for me today!  ;-)

You two were napping by 2pm.  But, little lady really fought it!  At one point she just stood there crying and crying .... but you could tell she was so tired!  I laid with you two for about an hour since I was tired too.  :-P

Once people were awake, I read to you two and then we worked on the letters of the alphabet.  Joshua is getting better at saying the letters after me.  Daddy was home late, but I had made a pizza for dinner already.  And, you two ate really well!  Joshua, you ate about 12 oz total of pureed fruit and veggies today!  Grace, I think you ate about 3/4 of a pizza slice by yourself just at dinner.  :-P

You two had baths again this evening.  You all love being in the bath tub.  However, Joshua cried and cried when it was done .... so much so that he made himself sick and threw up!  Not fun little man.  

Tomorrow's saturday and daddy and I are going to take you all down to the fair grounds for some fun!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Work Surprise

Dearest Miracles~

I was so congested last night .... yuck!  I must be coming down with something.  You two slept better though!  I woke with clogged ears, a sore throat, and a runny nose.  I took some medicine before heading to work today. 

You two were awake and eating breakfast with daddy as I was leaving.  So, I got to kiss you both!  Grace gave me a wave and a smile.  Joshua, you gave me a wave and a 'bye bye mommy' prompted by daddy!  ;-)

Penny called me on tuesday that one of her family members would be in the hospital today, so we told her to take off.  Daddy then took off and spent the day with you two!  He said you both ate well today, especially at lunch.  Mimi came over and you all went with her and daddy downtown to run some errands together.  Daddy said that both of you ate your applesauce at lunch and Joshua fed himself from the bowl with a spoon!  Way to go little man!

Since you all were out during lunch, daddy stopped at my work so you all could come in and see everyone!  What a nice surprise!  Everyone enjoyed seeing you all!  I helped bring you up the side door so we got to surprise the dental assistants Judy, Novelyn, and Hilsy .... the other dentist Dr. Rickert .... and the office administrator Samantha!  What fun!  Grace, you were quiet around everyone, but you smiled and waved.  Joshua, you babbled and even gave Hilsy a kiss!  ;-)

Once I got home I gave you two kisses!  You two gave Mimi her Mother's Day photo book, which she loved.  Later, daddy played the guitar for you two as I took a shower this evening.  Then, you two got baths.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Squash

Dearest Blessings~

Little man .... you did it again.  At 3am this morning you got into a coughing fit and ended up throwing up.  :-P  Daddy and I cleaned the bed, and you, and put you back to sleep.  I hope this is just something temporary, like allergies, and not something serious. 

Penny was here today to watch you two as daddy and I were at work.  She took you both to the park for some outdoor play time.  :-)

I was home by 6:30pm.  You two gave me kisses as I came through the door!  You all always know how to make my day better and brighter!  :-)

Daddy cooked a spaghetti squash for Joshua to try.  Hummm .... didn't go so well.  We'll keep trying different things to see what you'll like.

This evening we played.  Penny won't be here tomorrow so you two will have a daddy day!  I'm come home as soon as I can!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Multiple Appointments

Dearest Angels~

Joshua, you came coughing into our room around 1:30am this morning.  Daddy pulled you up into our bed.  I ended up going to Joshua's bed to get some sleep across from Grace since our room was too loud for me to fall back asleep.  :-P  Grace, you slept until 6:50am. 

Since you two woke up early today, we all had our breakfast, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher, and made my lunches for this week (pad Thai), and were back upstairs by 8am.  We had some play time and then headed to Joshua's speech therapy appointment with Kim.

Joshua, you did well today.  We got more flash cards from Kim.  We were home by lunch and you two ate your applesauce for me.  Then, we packed up some food for Joshua's feeding team appointment in the afternoon.  We went upstairs and folded laundry and then played for a little bit.  By 1:15pm, we were on our way to Rex to see Krista.

Little man, you ate 4 oz yogurt with apple and sweet potato.  Then, you ate 3.5 oz of a new purée of pumpkin and banana.  Way to go!  We discussed your recent coughing in the night and throw up.  We see Dr. Freeman in one week (the GI doctor who did your endoscopy at UNC).  Krista was impressed with your speech therapy progress!  :-)

We were home by 3:30pm.  Joshua, you napped but Grace woke up as soon as I put her down.  So, she and I played until Joshua woke up.

Daddy got home early today!.  We all played after dinner.  You two also helped me clean the kitchen and downstairs before Penny gets here tomorrow.  Then, you both had baths.  Grace, you peed all over yourself once you were out of the tub.  :-P

Once you two were asleep, daddy headed out to a soccer game.  Joshua ended up coming into my room as I was on the laptop.  I pulled him into bed next to me and he fell asleep.  :-)

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Relaxing Day

Dearest Gifts~

Grace, you slept until 5:15am.  You woke up crying from your bed, so I put you in bed next to me and you fell right back to sleep.  Joshua, you got up at some point in the night, but I was so tired I didn't hear you!  Daddy ended up putting you back to bed.

After breakfast, you two helped me unload and reload the dishwasher.  Then, we did some laundry and played. 

Joshua, you had a speech therapy appointment with Kim at 11:30am.  You did well!  We're still working on words with two different consonant sounds.  And, we still have to prompt you.  You get frustrated at home, but I definitely see improvement.

We were home by lunch.  You two both had your pureed foods and then some crackers.  We came upstairs for some playtime and then Aunt Katie came over to visit.  You two were fighting nap time when she walked in .... my goodness!  Once you two were settled, we visited for a little before she had to go.  I continued to let you two nap as I finished some laundry.  I also turned the crock pot back on to reheat the leftovers from yesterday.  The pot roast turned out so good!  :-)

Once daddy was home, we all had dinner together.  You two pointed to the bath tub and so daddy gave you two a nice bath .... we stick you both in the tub together these days.  It's easier since you both want to get in anyway!  And, Joshua, you sure love to splash!  :-)

What a relaxing day!  Tomorrow we have two appointments .... another speech therapy and a feeding team appointment.  I'm sure you'll do fine in those.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Mother's Day

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Heavenly Father, as Psalm 127 states, children are blessings from You .... thank you for blessing me twice over! On this Mother's Day, I give thanks for them and pray for continued guidance from You to be the Christian mother they deserve. Thank you Jesus!

Happy Mothers Day!  Today we celebrate all the moms in the world .... both with us and those who have passed.  I said a prayer for you both this morning as I did my Bible reading quiet time.  I got up at 6am since I was congested all night.  If you two go down for naps, I'm sure I'll go down with you all.  :-P

On another note .... daddy and I graduated from college at UNC Chapel Hill 10 years ago this weekend!  UNC has their graduations on Mother's Day each year, and we graduated in 2002.  Wow!  It doesn't feel like 10 years have gone by!  ;-)

Daddy made pancakes and sausage for breakfast while you two helped me prepare the crock pot for a pot roast dinner!  I was looking forwarded to our pot roast all week .... we haven't made one in a while so I thought it would be something fun and easy to make so we could relax in the afternoon together as a family! 

Grandpa Jim, Gigi, and Uncle James came over for lunch.  We made a lasagna with garlic bread and they brought an ice cream cake!  Yummy!  Then Gigi and I opened our presents!  She loved her photo book we made for her!  And, I love my UNC mug, hot chocolate, and DVD's .... a recipe for a relaxing afternoon!  ;-)  We played and visited afterward and Grandpa Jim and Uncle James took you two to the park.  Daddy took down some dead trees in the backyard.  Once back from the park, Grace fell right to sleep.  Gigi rocked Joshua to sleep.  Once everyone left, daddy and I fell asleep too .... we had a family nap time and we needed it!  :-)

At bedtime, Joshua did the cutest thing .... he got into Grace's toddler bed and gave her a kiss goodnight!  He's also learning to say 'night night'!  ;-)

Thank you for a wonderful Mother's Day!   You two are the best gifts I could ever imagine!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you two dearly!

~Mommy

Bird House

Dearest Gifts~

I was so congested last night.  Poo!  I got little sleep and was up every two hours with a runny nose, sore throat, and hurting sinuses.  Yuck.  I wonder if something is going around and that's why Joshua has been coughing a lot too?  Speaking of whom, you woke up at 2am little man.  I put you back to bed and fell asleep next to you.  Grace, you slept in your bed all night and didn't get up until 7am!  Wow!  :-)

Once people were ready for the day, we headed out to do some shopping!  Penny's birthday is on the 20th, so I wanted to make sure we had something for her to open this week when she comes over.  We went to Family Christian Stores and daddy found the perfect little bird house!  It was painted beautiful colors and on it had the word 'Grace' .... so fitting!  We had to get it for her.  :-)

Afterward, we went to Shane's Rib Shack for some lunch.  Joshua, you were feeding yourself mac and cheese from a spoon by yourself!  Good job man!  Grace, you were inhaling french fries!  :-P  Then, we went to Target for our groceries.  While there, you two ate a cookie and we saw my coworker, Novelyn.  She gave you two hugs.  :-)

We were home before 3pm and you two ended up napping.  Daddy primed the downstairs bathroom as I wrapped Gigi's and Mimi's Mother's Day gifts!  We made them photo books filled with some of the funniest and cutest photos of you two we could find.  I'm sure they'll like them.  :-)  Grace, you woke at 3:45pm, but I was able to rock you back to sleep some. 

We played on the front porch a little before dinner.  After dinner, we played in the bonus room.  Then, you both got a bath.  :-)

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Spanish Book

Dearest Miracles~

At 2:30am this morning, you woke up cough and coughing little man.  At least you didn't throw up!  What a relief. 

Mimi was here by 8am.  I had an appointment this morning so she watched you two as I was gone.  You all went outside, had some art time, and she gave you all little sunglasses to wear and play with.  Joshua, your glasses have cars on them and Grace, your glasses have flowers.  :-)

After my appointment, I came back here and we all went to Andy's Burgers for lunch.  You two split a chicken strip meal.  Then, we walked over to a used book store and you two picked up some fun books.  Grace, you picked out the one book in Spanish!  I can't even read it to you!  Ha!  ;-)

Once Mimi left, we played upstairs.  Joshua, you ended up drawing on the window with a crayon.  Oops!  It easily came off with windex.  :-P  It was hard to get you two down for naps .... you two fought it, but you were snoring by 3pm. 

Daddy was home early .... a little before 5pm!  Woo hoo!  We had dinner together and saw lots of finches on our bird feeder!  It was such nice weather!  Then, we read some of your new books after dinner.

Joshua held Grace's hand all the way up the stairs this evening to help her .... it was too cute!  

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you two so much!

~Mommy

Art Work

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Poor little man .... at 3am you coughed and coughed so much that you threw up all over the bed .... again!  Daddy and I changed everything so you could go back to sleep.  Needless to say we were both exhausted at work.  :-P  On a lighter note, Grace stayed sleeping in her toddler bed all night long!  Woo hoo!  ;-)

You two had fun with Penny today.  You had some outdoor fun at the water table.  And, you had some art time.  I came home to some wonderful 'Happy Mother's Day' crayon designs!  They're beautiful!  Also, Penny left a little glass figurine for me for Mother's Day.  It's a little boy and a little girl and it reminded her of you two!  I put it on our fireplace mantel. 

I got home a little before 7pm.  I gave you two kisses when home!  This evening we all played together.  You two had fun with blocks and crayons.  

Tomorrow is friday .... woo hoo!  I can't wait to play all day with you two!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Heavy Rain

Dearest Blessings~

Joshua, you woke up at 3am and couldn't stop coughing.  In fact, you almost threw up!  Ugh.  I felt so bad for you little man .... are you coming down with something?

We had a huge rain storm around 5pm.  I was still at work since we see patients up to 6pm.  But, we had a good soaking outside!  I'm sure the trees and grass needed it.  Luckily it let up some and I didn't have to drive home in the down pour!  But, it did make the evening nice and cool!  ;-)

According to Penny, everyone 'ate, pooped, and slept' for her just fine.  :-)  You all also had fun together.  You two apparently had some nice outdoor play time before the rain came in.  I gave both of you all kisses when I got home .... that's always the high light of my wednesdays and thursdays.  ;-)

We relaxed and played this evening.  Then, we put you all down for bed.  Just when we thought you both were down, Joshua started to cough and cough.  Grace, you were sound asleep.  By 9:30pm, Joshua had coughed so much that he threw up.  Yuck!  I changed the sheets and pillow cases as daddy put you in the tub.  I gave you some tylenol .... I didn't know what would help.  Most of the vomit was liquid but it was more than saturday's episode (remember that?).  I don't know what to do at this point.  We see the feeding team again next week, so I've been writing down all the times you throw up.  And, we see Dr. Freeman (the GI doctor) at UNC on the 22nd.  I pray you feel better little man.  You went back to sleep once we got you settled, but you were still congested.

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Voting

Dearest Miracles~

Grace, you woke up crying and wandered into our room around 1am.  Joshua, you woke up coughing and coughing soon after.  :-P  I hope you two sleep a little better soon so we all can get one good night's sleep.  ;-P

We only had a little bit of playtime this morning before heading to the clubhouse to vote!  Today is the North Carolina primaries .... so you two got to see democracy at its finest.  ;-)  I had Joshua on my back in the carrier and Grace in the stroller.  Once we voted, we all got stickers.  Grace, you took all the stickers and played with them while Joshua was in speech therapy.  ;-)

Joshua, you did well with Kim again today.  You said your words with prompting, but she was able to start to decrease some of the verbal cues.  I'll try that at home, but I have a feeling I'll still need to prompt you for some things. 

We were home for lunch and play time.  I let you two run all around the house to stretch your legs before loading you all back in the car.  Joshua had a feeding appointment with Krista at Rex at 2pm.  Joshua, you ate all your yogurt, sweet potato/apricot mix, and a few bites of hotdog.  You did not eat my sweet potato that I mashed (was it too lumpy?) unless we mixed it with the Gerber purée.  And, like yesterday, you did not eat my mac and cheese.  I turned in your calorie sheet and you did gag some while there.  We're going to try to branch out laterally with puréed foods this week and really try to push you to take more so we can increase your calories.  At the end of the appointment, Krista was talking to you and she was so impressed with your words little man!  She saw a ton of improvement over the past two weeks with your words!  Woo hoo!

We were home by 3:30pm and you two had fallen asleep in the car.  I held Grace as she napped and put Joshua on a pillow.  ;-)

Daddy was home late from work .... it was almost 6:30pm.  We had dinner once he got here and then played on the front porch again .... we had another beautiful night!  ;-)

Tomorrow's another work day but Penny will be here to watch you two!  I'll come home as soon as I can!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Laterals

Dearest Blessings~

My oh my .... little man you didn't stay sleeping for long last night.  You were back up at 11pm last night and wandered into our room.  I had just fallen asleep.  :-P  I went back to your room and laid down next to you and fell asleep.  By 2am Grace had gotten up and out of her bed.  She wandered over to me since I was in the room.  I ended up just putting you next to me in the big bed.  :-P  Joshua, you poor little thing .... you were coughing and coughing by 6am. 

Oh, little lady, guess what .... your primary maxillary laterals are erupting .... teeth #D and #G!  Woo hoo!  ;-) 

The three of us played this morning and did lots of laundry.  By mid morning we went downstairs for snack time.  Joshua had applesauce and Grace had yogurt.  Then we stayed downstairs to play until it was time to leave for Joshua's speech therapy appointment with Kim.

Joshua, you did well with Kim.  We're starting flash cards with two different consonant sounds.  We still have to prompt you but everyone has said they've seen and heard improvements from you.  Kim isn't completely sure you have true 'apraxia' now that you're making more progress .... what wonderful news!

We were home in time for lunch.  You both ate a lot of leftover pizza .... but you both poo-poo'd my homemade mac and cheese.  Really?  Well, at least daddy likes it.  ;-)  I was able to catch up with some friends on the phone as you two played downstairs after.  :-)

By 2pm we were upstairs for naps.  Grace, you fought it, but you eventually fell asleep first.  You were both napping by 2:30pm. 

Once daddy got home, we had dinner together.  Then, we played on the front porch .... it was such a beautiful evening!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Bites

Dearest Angels~

Grace, you woke up crying and noodled into our bed at 5:15am.  Joshua, you slept in your bed all night!  But, you woke up congested and coughing. 

You two played downstairs after breakfast .... unfortunately, we weren't organized enough to make it to church so we just relaxed. 

By mid morning, you two played with blocks upstairs with me as daddy worked on the downstairs bathroom some.  He sanded the walls down and patched some holes.  We still need to prime it and then we can paint it. 

Joshua, you surprisingly ate a big lunch for us.  You ate 1 and 1/3 hotdogs, 4 oz yogurt, and french fries.  Whoa!  I guess you're feeling better than yesterday! 

We all played downstairs after lunch.  You two fought naps so I made a homemade mac and cheese casserole.  I found a recipe in a cookbook that I have so I wanted to try it for you two.  :-)

Joshua, you bit Grace twice today!  You got a pop on the bottom and time out.  You really need to learn not to bite.  

You two took very late naps .... it was around 5:30pm since you all fought it!  Mimi and Grandpa Mike came over for dinner.  Joshua, you were still napping when they got here but Grace was awake.  The brought a pizza.  Joshua, you didn't eat any solid food.  So frustrating!  Grace, you ate some pizza and some mac and cheese. 

We all walked up to the park afterward .... it was such a beautiful evening.  You two had fun in the sandbox, swings, and slides.  You two both got baths after.  I noticed after bath time that Grace had bit Joshua too!  I gave her a tiny pop on her bottom too, just to be fair.  :-P

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Multiple Throw Ups

Dearest Joshua David and Grace Elizabeth~

Grace, you never stayed in your bed last night, so you noodled into ours and slept there.  By 1am I heard Joshua coughing and coughing, so I went to lay down with him.  I tried to give him some water but he didn't drink anything.  Instead, he ended up throwing up all over himself and the bed.  Daddy put you in the tub little man as I changed all the bed sheets and pillows.  Grace then noodled out of our bed and started to cry.  This was not a good night/morning.  After Joshua got out of the tub, he wanted to go downstairs and of course Grace wanted to follow.  I think we were all sleeping again by 3am.  :-P

You two helped me with some chores this morning as daddy mowed the lawn.  Then he trimmed everyone's finger and toe nails.  I still can't believe how fast those things grow! 

Once people were ready for the day, we headed to Andy's Burgers for lunch for fun.  You two split a chicken strip meal, thought we had a little left over.  Then, we went to Target for our groceries.  Grace, you ate a cookie while there.  Joshua, you ate three cookies!  You also helped push the cart for us.  ;-)

We got home just in time to dodge the rain .... we had a thunderstorm!  We played as it rained.  You all ended up taking late naps.  Daddy and I fell asleep next to you all since we were all up this morning.  We all needed the extra sleep. 

We had dinner after, but Joshua apparently did not feel well .... he threw up again.  Ugh.  You two had baths right after .... Joshua's second bath of the day!  :-P

After baths, we put a movie on for you two.  Then, we all got ready for bed.  I hope Joshua feels better this evening.  We washed all the sheets, pillow cases, and pillows from early this morning.  So, there's a fresh bed in there for you little man .... I hope it stays that way.  :-P

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Buttermilk Waffle

Dearest Blessings~

Joshua, you woke up again coughing at 4am.  Grace, you woke up at 5:15am.  Daddy stayed with Joshua and I stayed with Grace.

Grace, you ate an entire buttermilk Eggo waffle this morning!  I was eating some and gave you a bite to see if you'd like it.  You ate an entire waffle!  We'll have to get more at the store this weekend.  Joshua, you ate one bite.  :-P

You two helped me with chores this morning.  We cleaned the kitchen and did the dishes.  We also swept and vacuumed the downstairs.  :-)

Anna came over this morning and had some paperwork for us to get Joshua started in the preschool screening process.  It was a quick visit, but you two had fun playing around while she was here.  Then we had snack time.  Once you two were content, I peeled and mashed a sweet potato for Joshua.  I added butter and whole milk for some extra calories.  We'll see if he likes it.  

You two took early naps.  I wasn't feeling well so I laid down next to you all.  Grace got up and started to play as Joshua kept sleeping.  She amused herself with her own mirror reflection, a rocking chair, and making noises with her tongue.  It was so cute.   :-)

We played outside late in the afternoon.  I put your bathing suits on and set up the water table in the front yard.  You all splashed around for an hour!  Well, Joshua, you really like to splash .... Grace splashed a little but also liked to wander around at the bushes.  :-P  Joshua was mad when we had to go back inside.  But, it was a hot day (mid 80s) .... so I only wanted you all out there for an hour.  

Once daddy got home we had dinner and then played the rest of the evening.

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

More Kisses

Dearest Gifts~

Joshua, you woke up coughing again around 2am.  By 3am Grace had woken up and noodled into our bed.  Joshua was still coughing, so daddy laid next to him and I stayed with Grace.  We were all tired when our work alarms went off this morning.  :-P

You all had fun with Penny again today.  You all played with blocks, play doh, and had more water play.  Also, Joshua, you're starting to say the word 'ball' independently.  :-)

When I walked in the door this evening from work, Joshua came up to me again and said 'hi mama' repeatedly!  My heart just melted!  You gave me a kiss little man and then Grace came up and gave me a kiss too!  So precious! 

We all played this evening and then went to bed early.  Everyone was tired from the morning wake up calls and I had a big headache .... ugh!  Can't wait to play tomorrow!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Hi Mommy

Dearest Angels~

Joshua, you were so congested last night.  I didn't sleep well since I heard him and was worried about him.  Daddy ended up stayed with you all night little man.  Grace, you did well in your toddlerbed and didn't get out until 6:30am.  

Vacation was over, so I had to head to work today.  I missed you two and was so glad to see your smiling faces when I got home!  When I walked in the door, Joshua came up to me and said, 'Hi mommy' over and over again!  It was so precious!  :-)

Today was a hot day so you all had some play time with Penny outside with the 'water table.'  Joshua, you also made an impressive block tower by yourself today!  Penny took a picture and sent it to me at work .... wow!

This evening we all relaxed.  Tomorrow is another work day, but then we have all day friday to play!  Woo hoo!

Sleep tight you two!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy

Last Day Of Vacation

Dearest Miracles~

Well .... tomorrow I head back to work and Penny will be here.  That means today is the last day of my little vacation.  :-P  But, at least I only have to go in for two days .... we can play all day on friday!  Woo hoo!  ;-)

Grace, you slept in your bed all night until 6:45am!  Woo hoo!  Then you noodled into our bed and continued sleeping.  Joshua, you, on the other hand, woke at 1am congested and coughing.  Daddy put you back to bed but you stayed congested during the day.  Poor little man!

We had little time this morning to play.  Since Grace slept in more than usual, I rushed a little to get you all out the door and on the road for Joshua's speech therapy appointment with Kim.  You had a good appointment little man.  You initiated 'bye bye mommy' by yourself in the waiting room and said 'bye bye' to Kim when the appointment was over!  Way to go!  ;-)

We made a quick Target trip after Joshua's appointment.  I initially wanted to go before the appointment, but again, Grace slept in.  ;-) 

We were home by lunch.  We had some downstairs playtime and then headed upstairs by 1pm.  You two were napping by 2pm.  And, you two were both awake and playing by 3:45pm.  ;-)

Daddy was home for dinner.  We cooked more food for you two for when we're at work the next two days, cleaned the kitchen, and ran dishes to get ready for Penny tomorrow.

You two had some playtime upstairs afterward.  Daddy played the guitar for you two as I took a shower.  Daddy left for a soccer game at 7:45pm.  I had everyone in bed with the ladybug nightlight on, teeth brushed, pajamas on, and fresh diapers by 8:50pm .... not bad for by myself.   ;-)  You were both sleeping by 9:30pm, though Joshua was very congested.  Daddy got home by 10pm.

I'll come home as fast as I can tomorrow!

Sleep tight little ones!

I love you both so much!

~Mommy