On the Mend

After a weekend of recovering, Andrew was back to his old self by Monday. Matthew on the other hand had a hard time recovering but by the end of the week we saw the old Matthew. I think Andrew is officially out growing his nap. He has napped longer than most kids because he wakes up between 5:30 and 6 every morning. But this week he has not seemed tired at nap time and makes it through the evening without any major melt downs. He did take a couple of naps this week so he's not totally done but close.


Molly turned 5 months old on the 18th, I can't believe it! She continues to be an amazing baby. She is turning into her own little person. She loves rolling around on the floor grabbing her toys and chewing on them . Thankfully she loves her exersaucer. When she is in that I can tend to the boys or make meals without worry about her. I thank God everyday for what a blessing she is!


Wednesday we went to Faust Park for Family Day at Andrew's school. Drew was able to take a few hours off of work and join us. It was the PERFECT family day. The boys played on the playground, then we took a walk around looking at Historic Houses, then we walked around the outside of the Butterfly House. After the first hour it was time for games that were set up by Andrew's teachers. The boys played soccer, bubbles, with a parachute, had sack races and played with hoola hoops. Then we had our picnic lunch. After lunch we headed over to the Carousel and the boys took a ride. Thanks Drew for taking time out of your busy schedule, not sure I could have kept track of everyone without you.









Friday Drew and I went to an event that Drew had for work. My wonderful parents watched all 3 kids and we had a wonderful night out. Saturday was a bit of a struggle because everyone was wiped out but I was thankful we had that day to recover. It rained pretty much all weekend so we decided to make it a game weekend. This was just the weekend we needed after all the drama we have been through.

What Doesn't Kill Us, Makes Us Stronger

I faced another fear this week, going to the dentist. It wasn't a great check up but I did it and will now deal with the work that needs to be done. Andrew continued to have some minor stomach issues as a result of his bug but we began to look forward. We started finalizing the plans for Andrew's surgery on Friday. We needed 2 adults at the hospital, someone to watch the 2 younger kids and lots a busy schedules to deal with. But we finally came up with a plan. Thursday, Andrew had his pre op appointment and was given the go ahead for surgery. I took him to school after his appointment to keep him in a routine. THEN on our way home, Matthew came down with the stomach virus! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I thought for sure we were over the hump...but no! I mean it was bad and I was driving. MAN! I calmed everyone down and begged Drew to leave the Cardinal game and come help. Of course being the great guy that he is, he came right home but he was no where near home so it took what seemed like forever. It was a nightmare, Molly was screaming, Matthew continued to get sick and Andrew was all out of sorts! Lets just say we had to rearrange the plan for Friday and I was praying for it all to end.

Today, Andrew, Molly and I went to my mom's and dropped off Molly with my friend Maureen. Then my mom, Andrew, and I headed to the hospital while Drew stayed home with Matthew. My mom went to relieve Maureen once Andrew was checked in and settled, then brought Molly up to the hospital so I could feed her. They left once the anesthesiologist came in with Andrew's "cocktail". The dentist was running about an hour late so Andrew was antsy and SUPER hungry but a TROOPER. I got some video of him when he started to get loopy:)






Andrew is home now recovering very nicely. He woke up very disoriented and MAD but once the anesthesia began to wear off he came around. Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes!

Drew emailed me this morning that Matthew woke up and they had this conversation:

Imagine Matthew talking in his really sweet, tired voice.

Matthew, "Sleep all day, sleep all day."
Drew, "what?"
Matthew, "Sleep all day."
Drew, "Is that what you want to do today?"
Matthew, "Yeah. Me tired."

Poor guys is so worn out from yesterdays events. We're praying for a drama free healthy weekend!

Call me CRAZY

Well Monday of our Spring Break got off to a great start. We met Drew's brother and his family at the OKC zoo. The kids had a great time running around and every now and then looking at the animals:) We got back from the zoo with some very tired kiddos. They took great naps and then Mike's family came back over to hang out some more.


About dinner time is when things began to go downhill. I came down with a stomach bug and then later that night Drew's mom did. A couple of other family members did as well. The reason I titled this "Call me CRAZY" is because my #1 phobia in life is vomit. I know it sounds crazy but it's true. Just like some people are afraid of heights or spiders, mine is the one mentioned above. Yes, it's hard for me to even write it. I realize this is not normal and I try very hard to deal with it but like any phobia it gets the best of me. I told Drew to imagine someone afraid of spiders being attacked by spiders the entire week, that's what it's like to me. Anyway, the men did a great job caring for the kids while I recovered. Poor Molly continued to refuse the bottle. I even tried formula when I was super sick because I knew she NEEDED to eat and I know I wasn't producing much at all. But she continued to stay stubborn and only nurse. Fortunately she did not get dehydrated which is what we were worried about.

The rest of the trip was very low key. Drew and his parents took the boys to the History Museum on OU's campus, Sam Noble. They came back in great spirits and the pictures are priceless.


The night before we were supposed to leave Drew came down with the bug. He rallied and was able to get us on the road by about noon even though he felt horrible. We just really wanted to get home. Not trying to be negative, just giving the facts but it was a HORRIBLE drive home. I spent the entire time on the floor between Matthew and Molly keeping everyone entertained and happy. Drew could barely keep his eyes open but he pushed through and we made it! We all literally fell into bed. EXHAUSTED.

Then about midnight we woke up to Andrew screaming. No details needed but he now had the bug...BAD. My WONDERFUL husband spent the night with him on the bathroom floor and I spent the night cleaning and a few hours of sleep on the couch. Friday we functioned and Saturday was better. Today we got some stuff accomplished and are feeling good.

Here's to a great week ahead!

Easter Saturday and Sunday

Thankfully everyone slept through the night in their new surroundings! Saturday was nice and low key. We hung out in the morning and then Drew's brother Mike and his family came over to play. It was a beautiful day so everyone played and played in the yard. We had a pizza lunch and naps and then played some more. Then we grilled some burgers and enjoyed being with family. The cousins got along great. Ellie Kate really seemed to enjoy being around the kids too and enjoyed having another girl cousin around. Everyone slept great after a busy day of playing.


Easter Sunday we woke up and the Easter bunny had stopped by overnight. The kids had baskets waiting and the boys hunted for eggs. Matthew was absolutely in heaven. The eggs had candy in them and all he wanted to do was line up the candy, pour it out, put it back in, carrying it around. It was pretty cute until the chocolate began to melt on his Easter outfit. Andrew was really excited about the Lego Police helicopter the Easter bunny brought him AND that he could eat chocolate again. After the hunt we got everyone is their Easter attire and headed to Drew's parents' church. After church we came home and took some family pictures. Drew's sister Jenny drove up from Dallas so the whole clan was reunited!




The rest of the day was spent eating and playing. The kids also had some down time and watched Meet the Robinsons. Everyone headed home about 7 and the boys had an early bath and bedtime since they missed naps with all the excitement and fun of the day. Once they were in bed I enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and chocolate!

Spring Break Part 1

Well we began our journey Friday morning. It was the prefect way to spend Good Friday, offering up a long car ride with a 4 year old, 2 year old, 4 month old and dog. Poor Molly could not get comfortable because she is used to sleeping on her belly. So she spent a lot of the time crying until she would get worn out enough to take a little cat nap. I ended up spending most of the ride on the floor between Molly and Matthew keeping them calm. Andrew was awesome. Of course it's much easier to entertain a 4 year old in the car. He had his Leapster (with a new game), a new Lego sticker book, and special car surprises I would give him every hour or so, he was set. We made one stop between St. Louis and Tulsa for lunch and gas. As soon as we got back on the road from lunch it started raining. It rained pretty hard for about an hour and then lighter for another hour. The good thing about the rain is that it put Andrew and Matthew right to sleep.

We got to Tulsa about 3:30 and headed over to Drew's grandparents' house. We had a great time visiting with them. They got to meet Molly for the first time, the boys went with Great Paw Paw on a walk with his dog, and Drew's aunt and uncle visited as well. It was a great visit. Next, we went to my friend Dani's house. Andrew and Matthew played with her kids Jace and Keely while the girls chatted over a (much needed) glass of wine. Drew's other grandmother met us there so we were able to visit with her as well. Of course Molly was a big hit because it was her first time meeting all these new people.

We ended up leaving Tulsa about 8. It was later than we had expected but it was hard to convince everyone to get back in the car for 2 more hours. Thankfully, Molly wore herself out enough that she slept most of the way to Norman. Andrew asked for his bunny and wanted to sleep but never did and Matthew fell asleep with about 20 min left. I knew it was not good for him to fall asleep with so little time left in our trip but I also knew he would scream the rest of the way if I didn't let him sleep. We opted for a peaceful ride in and figured we'd deal when we got there. We arrived in Norman about 10:15 and boy were we right about Matthew. He was not a happy camper. It didn't help that we still had to get the bags unloaded, kids in their pjs, beds set up and all the night time music etc set up. But thankfully everyone was asleep by about 11.

Day 1: Day of Travel....Complete

Spring has Sprung!

It's been a while since I've posted. We've had another blast of colder weather but are now enjoying the nicer weather. Nothing too exciting has been going on which is great with me. I had a night out with some good friends last Wednesday for my friend Mo's birthday at a grown up restaurant:) Drew has been putting in some LONG hours but it's because he's doing an awesome job and had some big meetings last week. I am so proud of him. He has already gotten a promotion and he's only been at his new job 6 months!

Our big projects around the house have been: looking for patio furniture, stripping the deck, and soon Drew will stain it. I got away for a few hours on Saturday too to have lunch with my high school friends. I came home so relaxed and ready to enjoy the evening with the fam. Unfortunately Andrew was having a hard day and the evening was less than fun but we survived and that's part of having kids. Drew went to the Michigan State/ Tennessee game on Sunday with my brother John, who went to Michigan State and they brought home a winner...Go State! Then the kids and I met them at Sunday dinner and had a special guest, my aunt Missy from Chicago. The kids were as crazy as ever and Missy got the full experience but she loved it.

This week I have been preparing for our big SPRING BREAK 2010!!! Well not exactly like the good ole days but it's going to be fun (if we survive the car ride). We are going to Oklahoma to visit Drew's family. We're leaving Good Friday and going to stop in Tulsa to visit some friends then on to Norman where Drew's parents live. I'm sure I'll have many interesting stories about our road trip so stay tuned!

Matthewisms: We were taking Andrew to school on Tuesday and Matthew has to point out EVERY truck we see which is pretty cute.
Matthew: What's that truck?
Mom: I think it's a bucket truck.
Matthew: Actually it's a crane.
I love that he said "actually". He's also obsessed with this truck that has been working by our house. I have no idea what the truck does or what kind it is. So I've been telling him it's a funny looking truck. But then one day I read the side and it says Ditch Witch. So I told him that and ever since he is constantly asking to see the ditch witch, and I do mean constantly.
He has recently started the "why" stage which is both cute and annoying...he's growing up!
And finally he can count to 14. It is so cute. I think he learned from our hundreds of games of hide and seek this winter.

Andrewisms: Sunday was Palm Sunday so we got palms at church. The boys were pretty entertained and Drew made one of the palms into a cross for Andrew to give to grandma. We were getting ready to head to Sunday dinner and Andrew asked, "Mom, do grandmas in Hawaii get palms on Palm Sunday like we do?" Very random but I guess that's what was on his mind.

Then on the way to my parent's house the boys were watching Shrek and Andrew said, "Mom you know there aren't really ogres, they were just trying it out for this movie and it worked out really well." I'm sure it was much funnier in person because of his inflection but again, it's what was on his mind.

Molly is still our sweet little girl. She's so happy and go with the flow, and still a great sleeper. I'm praying she continues this during and after our trip. She tolerates the car pretty well for short distances but I am a little worried about 8 hours. I mean I know I would go crazy sitting backwards staring at the back of a seat. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted! Oh, and she had her first ride in the jogging stroller and fell right to sleep, I have a new jogging partner.

I have a few pictures to post but need to do some packing, I'll get them on eventually.

4 Months, Already!

Last weekend it was cloudy and chilly, quite a difference from the weekend before. So the play set construction was put on hold for the weekend. BUT I had a very nice treat. Saturday, my friend Tracy and I went to get our nails done and to a nice adult lunch. I had a great time, thanks Tracy!


Not much else has been going on which is fine with me. I had a fun St. Patrick's Day with the boys on Wednesday. We did all kinds of Irish crafts. The sun finally came out Wednesday afternoon and we were able to enjoy the outdoors again.

Thursday Molly turned 4 months old! I can't believe it! She is definitely out of the newborn stage which is sad but of course I am thankful that she is growing and thriving. I already miss the fall asleep anywhere and everywhere stage. Like I keep saying she is such a good baby. She absolutely loves Andrew, her face lights up and she gives him the biggest smile every time he talks to her. She has also started really laughing. When she starts laughing I start laughing and it just makes my day. I dusted off the exersaucer and Bumbo this week. She's starting to like the excersaucer but the Bumbo may be a little too old. She only sits up for a couple of minutes before she slumps over. She'll get the hang of it eventually.


Her check up went very well (minus the shots). Dr. Bob said she looks great. Her weight has slowed down a little bit which is fine considering she gained 5 pounds the first 2 months. Here are her latest stats:

Weight: 13lbs 13 oz (55%)
Length: 25 1/4 in (85%)
Head: 40cm (25%)

She ran a fever last night after her shots and has slept pretty much the entire day today. It makes me sad knowing she isn't feeling great but she's a trooper.

Since we have cold weather and rain/snow moving in this weekend. Drew decided to take a half day today and is going to go in and work a half day tomorrow. SO this morning he finished most of the play set and the boys are LOVING it! (I am too.) Of course we'd rather Drew not go in to work tomorrow but it was nice having him around this morning since it was so beautiful.

And finally, Our good friend Anthony and his wife JoLynn welcomed a beautiful baby girl on St. Patrick's Day, Zaiah Joy Haskins. We are so happy for them and they are so in love!