Eric

Eric, this blog post is just for you. On Sunday, you will be 16 months old! How time flies! You are such an amazing little man. When I think about how the doctor is concerned about you developing slower than other kids your age, I can't help but think about what's going on in your little head. You are so intelligent and observant. You know exactly what's going on and how to get what you want. You take in all that is around you. You are starting to really look at books now. You love looking at pictures on the wall, especially those of Jesus, whose name you are starting to sound out. You recognize your grandparents in the pictures and even your grandfather who passed away before you were born. Sometimes Daddy and I think you remember him from your pre-existance. Yesterday, you pulled yourself up for the first time! Daddy and I were so proud of you. Today you did it again and walked two steps while holding on to the couch. I was so happy for you. Soon you will realize that you can get places a lot faster when you are walking or running. Crawling will be a thing of the past and your knees will get smooth again. I can't believe how rough they are from you crawling so much. They don't seem to bother you though so I'm not worried. Oh, and you do the funniest thing. When you and I are in a room together (like the bathroom or bedroom), you shut the door and kinda laugh. I think you like when it's just me and you together. I know you love playing with your brother and sister, but I know they get on your nerves sometimes too. Jenny's tantrums and Cameron's sirens. They would annoy anyone, believe me. Oh, and another thing you just starting doing recently- you give me your cup when you want more. It's so cute! I'm trying to teach you how to say "more" or "milk", but you will have none of that. You also are not interested in sign language which I have been trying to teach you, albeit not consistantly, since you were eight months old. I guess you just want to communicate your way. That's fine for now. It works for us. I love you so much little man. You bring so much joy into my life and into my days. When I am stressed out, you balance me. Your brother and sister can't say that. They drive me nuts. You are going to grow up to be an amazing person. You have so much spirit and fire in you. You are going to do wonderful things in your life. But for now, just continue being you. Stay young as long as you can and enjoy your innocence. Mommy and Daddy love you and will always be there for you. Keep brightening our days!

Potty Training Boot Camp- Day 5

Jenny is doing really well with her potty training. The only time she pees in her pullup is either during the night or when she first wakes up (I haven't determined that yet). She just having issues with the poopy thing. I'm sure it'll come with time. I was supposed to go visit my sister this weekend, but the kids are all sick so I'm going to stay home and make sure they are better by Monday so Cameron can go back to preschool. This will also give Scott and I a chance to get things done around the house. Our home is still in disarray from the flood. We really need to get Eric out of our bedroom. I think it'll be better for everyone. I'm bummed that I can't go to Jersey this weekend, but I'm hoping that I can go next weekend if I can find a substitute for my Sunbeams class. We shall see.

I had a really nice Mother's Day that I neglected to write about. Scott let me sleep in and brought me breakfast in bed. He also got the kids ready for church so I just had to worry about getting myself ready (we were still late). He made me a nice lunch of shrimp cocktail (my favorite) and antipasto salad. We all took a nap- Scott got up when the first child got up. I woke up with Cameron's arm around me which was really sweet. Scott took a picture, but I look really fat when I'm sleeping so I'm not going to post it. Then he made me a dinner of salad, bacon wrapped scallops, and rice. He got me my favorite Ben and Jerry's ice cream for dessert- Phish Food. And for gifts, I got the two things I asked for: the One Tree Hill soundtrack (that show is my new guilty pleasure, especially since Gilmore Girls is no more) and the Because I Said So DVD. I haven't watched it yet. Maybe this weekend.

I need to figure out what the kids and I should get Scott for Father's Day. We have to top what they did for me. Any ideas out there?

Potty Training Update- Day 3

Jenny is doing a fantastic job with her potty training! She went pee pee on the potty all day today-except for first thing in the morning. My only problem with her is the poopy. She has had problems with pooping for years now. She holds it in so we have to give her a prescription laxative. Now I haven't given her the laxative in almost two weeks and she's still leaking. So I find streaks of poop on things like my favorite fleece blanket and Scott's pillow. It's really irritating and frustrating and it's not her fault. I don't yell at her, but I know she knows I'm mad about it. So right now she has a pullup on and I'm trying to keep reminding her to go on the potty. Tomorrow will be the real test when we go out. And I'm going back to Jersey this weekend and I really hope Scott keeps up with it. Jenny and I can't afford to backtrack. I'm trying to keep cool during this potty training thing, but it's really hard and Scott isn't being very understanding. He's not home all day. He doesn't know what's going on here and he doesn't seem to care unless it affects him. I'm curious to see how he does this weekend. Apparently, I don't do anything all day, so I can't wait to see how he won't do anything all day. Last time I went to Jersey, he got called in to work all weekend so my mother-in-law watched the kids so nothing got done anyway. Let's see what gets done this weekend.

Potty Training Update

So after a somewhat frustrating day yesterday, Jenny is doing really well today. Cameron was sick yesterday and we finally brought him to the doctor last night (which kinda screwed up the potty training thing with Jenny). He was diagnosed with croup and was given steroids. We then took a trip to the store to get a humidifier and some cough medicine. He's still kind of blah, but he is feeling better. As for Jenny...this morning we left the diaper off and while I was in the shower, she went pee pee on her potty all by herself! Then she went poopy on it three times after that! Two poopies stuck to her butt, one was a good one and made it into the potty. She wanted to wear her underwear, so we put it on and within a few minutes she went over to the potty, pulled her underwear down, and went pee pee. It was really amazing. She then had an accident a short time later, but it's okay. She's doing really well. So as of now, we are keeping the diapers/pullups/underwear off. She's still not too happy about it, but she's handling it pretty well considering her personality. She's a tough one I tell ya. Wish me luck.

The New Babies!!!

What a cute family!

My sister, Angela, Pat, Anna and Eva

Potty Training Boot Camp

Today is Potty Training Boot Camp Day at our house. Cameron is home sick from preschool and I am not running errands today, so I figured this would be a perfect day for Jenny to seriously aquaint herself with the potty. She has sat on it before and went peepee and poopy in it, but never stuck with it. Today, however, is going to be different. Today, Jenny will not wear a diaper or a pull-up. She's going to go naked until she is able to listen to her body. That's what we did with Cameron a year ago and since they are a year apart, I figured that she's more than ready. She was a little upset about not wearing a diaper today telling me that her butt was going to be cold, so I gave her a towel to sit on or wrap herself in, but she was told not to pee or poop on it. Also, we hung her Care Bear underwear and My Little Pony underwear up above the TV so she could see what we're working towards. She also wants to go to preschool and gymnastics, but she can't go until she's potty trained so I'm hoping that those incentives will be enough to push her in the right direction. Jenny is a very headstrong little girl so I have to come up with creative ways to get through to her and motivate her. Oh, and we also have a sticker chart going too. When Cameron and Jennifer fill up their charts, they can get a toy. In addition to that, Jenny knows that once she is potty trained, she can go to the toy store and get anything she wants. Any one thing that is. Cameron wanted a crane in the worst way and when he was going pee pee consistantly, we got him one. A Tonka one from ebay because that's the only place I was able to find one. He still plays with it almost everyday. So anyway, we'll see how today goes. I'm really hoping it goes as well as Cameron's potty training went. I think there's something to be said about waiting until they are ready, or past ready for that matter. And waiting until I'm ready too. After all, I'm the coach right? Hopefully, she'll be in underwear by the end of the week. Dream big, I always say.

The Results Are In

So after two sets of x-rays, a bone scan, an MRI, and over two months of pain and frustration, the foot and ankle specialist finally gave me some answers today. The diagnosis: a stress fracture. DUH! The fracture is actually in one of my ankle bones and not my foot like the other doctor thought. So I can either wear the sexy boot or sneakers that are very supportive and I have to rest. It's going to take months to heal though. Fun. I guess this will be a summer of no flip-flops. Bummer.

Onto other things...Sunday was Fast and Testimony Sunday and I desperately wanted to bear my testimony, but I was in Jersey helping my sister. So for anyone reading this and for my children who may read this someday, I just want to say how grateful I am for the Holy Ghost. When I was teaching my Sunbeam class about the Holy Ghost, I explained to them that the Holy Ghost is also called the Comforter because Jesus wanted his disciples to be comforted after His crucifixion. When everything happened with my sister, I was so scared. I didn't know if she was going to die or if the babies were going to die or what was going on. But when I walked into her room and saw her, I felt the Spirit so strong and I knew that everything was going to be alright. I cried, but it was because I didn't want her to go through what she was going through. It wasn't because I was scared. Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father sent the Holy Ghost to comfort me and that is a feeling I cannot describe. I am so grateful for the knowledge and understanding that this Church has given me. And I am grateful to Heavenly Father for hearing my prayers and answering them in a way I can recognize. I know in my heart that this Church is true and that the Book of Mormon is true and I leave this testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Oh the Drama!

There has been so much drama in my life lately. First, a few weeks ago during our monsoon, our basement flooded. Since our bedroom and the playroom were down there, we were frantic trying to prevent the water from traveling to the finished side of the basement. Well, there's not much you can do in the middle of the night except pray and start moving stuff upstairs. So that's what we did. Our house is still in disarray. All of the toys in the playroom are pushed up against the wall farthest from where the water was. We slept on the couch for a week until we got things settled upstairs. Now we are in the master bedroom upstairs (where Scott was replacing a window at the time of the flood so now there's a new window, but no drywall around it) with Eric and the kids are in the small middle room. The extra room is full of dressers that won't fit anywhere else right now. So hopefully in the next week or two Eric and Cameron will be together and Jenny will be in her own room and Scott and I will be alone for the first time in I don't know how long. You may be wondering what has been taking us so long. After all the flood was a few weeks ago....

I got a phone call at 1am on the 23rd from my mom telling me that my sister was having an emergency c-section and the babies were in distress. I was up all night waiting for updates until 4am when I decided to go down to Jersey with my mom. Angela had to be airlifted to a different hospital because of major complications. There was a hematoma on her liver that ruptured causing her to bleed internally. Had she not gotten to the hospital when she did, she would have died. The babies, Anna and Eva, were born without heartbeats. They were both resusitated and after a few days on respirators, they are now breathing on their own. They are doing wonderfully and the doctors and nurses are optimistic that there is no permanent brain damage (from the lack of oxygen). My sister came home from the hospital Monday and is also doing very well. She is in a lot of pain still and is missing her babies. Once everyone is home and settled, I will call it a miracle. I have never prayed so hard in my life. So I'm going down to Jersey again tonight for the weekend to take care of my sister. She needs a lot of help.

You want some more drama? My brother-in-law, Dave, not Angela's husband, had a heart attack the day after the babies were born. And my other brother-in-law's, Angela's husband Pat, brother and his wife were in a car accident on the way home from seeing Angela. Everyone is okay now, but man, what a freakin week we had. I'm still recovering.

Oh and I had an MRI yesterday on my foot. I've been to two doctors, had two sets of x-rays and a bone scan and no one seems to know what is wrong with my foot. It's a big mystery. So maybe next week I'll have some answers or I'll just keep limping around for the rest of my life.

Bunny Prints and Harry Potter

The Easter Bunny came to our house Sunday morning and left some powder-white footprints in our living room and stairway. Cameron and Jenny were so excited about it. Cameron came into our room and whispered, "Mama, Daddy! The Easter Bunny came and he left footprints!" They got flashlights in their baskets so they shined them on the prints and investigated. "It's so mysterious," Cameron said. Jenny was more focused on her little baby that she got in her basket along with some candy. Cameron got a truck and Eric got a digger. They all seemed pretty happy. Even though they were excited about the Easter Bunny, we still talked about the true meaning of Easter- that Jesus Christ died for us so that we may live. It's really hard to get it into their heads when they're having candy thrown at them from every direction, but I think they got it.

We went to my sister's house Saturday to celebrate Easter with her. My dad came up with a new nickname for Eric- Harry Potter. You see, Eric has this obsession with straws. He will hold on to it for hours at a time, switching hands if necessary. My parents were amazed that he held onto this straw the entire day- approximately 8am to after 8pm. So my dad calls him Harry Potter with his magic wand. Eric's been really moody today and the only way I got him calmed down earlier was with a straw. I don't know. Cameron's obsessed with his blanket, Jenny with mommies and babies, and now Eric with straws. To each his own I guess.

Eric at 14 Months Old!

Eric is wearing his "My First Colorado Shirt" t-shirt that Nana Wahoo got him. Isn't he adorable?!

Happy Spring!

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful day it is! I told the kids this morning, "You'll need to wear your jackets this morning, but by the time I pick up Cameron from preschool, you won't need them. That's how warm it'll be." Well, they really didn't need them in the morning either. It had to be over 70 degrees. I was sweating in the sun! Can you believe it? It was snowing not even two weeks ago! So we spent a good part of the afternoon outside playing on the deck because it was still too muddy to play in the yard. Eric got bored in his exersaucer though. I didn't want him to crawl all over the deck because it was wet (from all of the toys that were filled with water that we had to dump out) and dirty and there was junk on it that I didn't want him to get into. Plus, it's hard. So I'll have to think of other things for him to do outside while the others are playing. Jenny is totally tuckered out. She's passed out on the couch right now.

Eric is 14 months old today. In the past month, he has mastered the art of crawling, said "uh-oh", and gives us high fives (actually low fives). He amazes me everyday. He is so intelligent and observant. He may be slow with crawling, standing, walking, etc., but I really think he is wise beyond his years. You know that phrase,"he's an old soul?" Well, I think that applies to Eric. You can just see it in his eyes and with the different looks he gives us. I have totally enjoyed the past 14 months with him. Watching him grow and develop and change has been so rewarding. I have definately savored every moment with him in his short life so far. And I can't wait to see what is to come in the next month.

Baby Shower and then some...

Ok, so I don't have any pictures yet (I was busy doing other things- I didn't have time to take pictures), but once my sister sends them to me, I will post them. The shower went well. Everyone had a good time and mostly everyone showed up despite the snow storm. The cake, you ask? Well, the cake was a disappointment to say the least. It was a double layer classic white with lavender frosting. That's the part I did. Because I ran out of time and patience, I had to have Scott write "Anna and Eva" on it and decorate it with two binkys and some candy. It did not come out as I anticipated. But it tasted good! My sister got a butt load of gifts and even more yesterday at her New York shower. I don't think she'll be needing anything for at least 6 months. And only then will she need bigger clothes for the girls and maybe some formula if she's done breastfeeding by then. Congrats Angela! You made out well.

Eric is officially a crawling monster. I knew he had to grow up eventually so I'm not too sad about it. It's extremely cute watching his little butt as he manuevers down the hall into Cameron and Jenny's room. He's so excited about it too. And so is Scott. As soon as he gets home from work and Eric hears his voice, Eric crawls over to the gate at the stairs and greets his beloved Daddy. It's adorable and maybe someday it will happen to me when I get home. If I ever go out without the kids.

Jenny is obsessed with babies and mommies. There is this mommy and baby girl at church that she just has to look at and be with. Then there's my friend, Devanie, who just had a baby girl last week. Jenny has to look at pictures of them at least once a day (usually more) and is determined to hop a plane to visit them. It's pure craziness. I mean, it's cute, don't get me wrong, but it gets a little annoying at times. I love her though.

Cameron had some trouble readjusting to preschool after our trip to Jersey, but he seems to be back to normal now. He's got his own little friends and makes cute crafts and pictures. He's so proud of himself and I am so proud of him. He's also been doing really good with going poopy in the potty. He had an accident today, but besides that, he's been doing very well. He's had such a hard time with this poopy in the potty thing. I'm so proud that he's finally getting it. I think my patience has payed off on this one. Now I have to work on Jenny...

Jersey Pic

The frozen canal behind my sister's house. You can't really tell that it's frozen from this picture, but it sure is pretty.

It's Snowing!

I love the snow. It is so pretty outside right now. Snowflakes of all shapes and sizes dropping from the sky. Life cannot get any better than this. However, my sister's baby shower is tomorrow so this lovelyness better stop soon. At least I have the whole day to stay home and prepare for party and bake the cake. But I am a little concerned about my hair appointment tonight. I haven't had my hair done in months and I really don't want this appointment cancelled. So I guess we'll see what the weather brings.

My trip to New Jersey was nice. It was great spending time with my sister and seeing and feeling her belly (it's really weird to see your sister pregnant), but it didn't help my foot much. I was probably better off staying home. At least at home I would've been able to stick to a routine and the kids would've had all their toys to play with and their beds to sleep in, etc. My sister tried to take care of me, but she's pregnant and she has her own life and her own things to do. It did snow, though, so that was nice. The canal behind her house was frozen which I had never seen before. So this week I've just been hobbling around the house, taking Cameron to preschool, and getting some shopping done for the shower. If I hold on to a shopping cart or a stroller, it helps my balance so I can move a little bit faster. The biggest pain? Having to take off the boot to drive and put it back on when I get out of the car. Picking up and dropping off Cameron is annoying as well as getting gas. Errrr. But this too shall pass and I'm dealing with it a lot better as I get used to being disabled.

So I'll let you all know how the shower went. I'm planning on baking an incredible cake, so I'll make sure I post some pictures.

My Aching Foot!

Isn't this boot sexy?

So my foot has been hurting me for about two weeks now. I don't remember doing anything to it- it just started hurting. I put off going to the doctor because I thought maybe it would just go away on its own. Plus, I didn't want the doctor to tell me there was nothing wrong, which is usually what happens to me. Anyway, the other day I just couldn't take it anymore. So I called the doctor and made an appointment. I dropped Cameron off at preschool this morning and Scott met me at the orthopedist's office to watch the kids. The doctor took x-rays and examined my foot. The diagnosis: a stress fracture. What?! How could this have happened??? I have no freakin' idea, but now I have to wear this huge boot for a month and use crutches. I have to stay off my foot as much as possible. Yeah right. I'm a mother of three little ones! How am I going to do this?! My wonderful, pregnant sister offered her services by inviting me to stay with her in Jersey. I'm considering it. Her house is one level unlike mine and she would be home with me more than Scott would if I were to stay home. Plus, she could make meals too. I just feel bad cause she's pregnant with twins. If I go down there, she's going to have to take care of me and my three kids as well as herself and her growing belly. What to do, what to do. Meanwhile, I still have things to do for her shower. Namely, shopping, which I must say is very difficult with crutches. Errrr. I know this has happened for a reason and I can't wait to figure out what that reason is!

Snow!

Ok, so anyone who knows me knows that I loooooove the snow. So far this winter, we gotten two dustings and one ice storm. Not very impressive. However, last night we got a real snow. Nice white, fluffy, covered the grass, snow plows came, schools closed real snow. I love it! Scott is cursing me now. "Of course you love it...you don't have to go out in it," he tells me. Well, yeah! Duh! So what should I do today to celebrate? With 2 out of 3 kids sick, I really don't know. Maybe I can bake cookies. But then the kids are going to want to help and I really don't want them sneezing in the dough. We can watch a movie, but it'll probably end up being one of the kid's movies that I have seen a million times. Or I can make a cup of hot chocolate and curl up with a good book by the window. That sounds good. I know, I'm a nerd. But that is really my idea of the perfect day. Onto other things, my sister's baby shower is in less than a month. I can't really get into details about it since she may check my blog. She knows the date and that's about it. I still have to get some prizes for the games. Any ideas? I have a few more favors to make and lots more shopping to do. Other than that, I'm just waiting for RSVPs. They are not coming in as quickly as I thought they would. I hope I don't have to start calling people. I guess we'll see. And I have another question...why are girls so dramatic??? Every time Jenny sneezes and boogers come out, she totally freaks out. And everything is exaggerated cause she's sick. So every little thing that isn't perfect just sets her off. Now Cameron, on the other hand, just kind of lays around and wants to be left alone. He likes the attention when I give it to him, but he doesn't go looking for it like she does. She's just really irritating me right now, but I love her and I do feel bad for her cause she's sick and miserable. I can only hope Eric doesn't get this sickness because he's miserable enough now that his two bottom teeth are coming in. I must go mediate between the sick ones now...

It's Official!

Eric on his 1st Birthday!

Eric got his first tooth! Yay! It's about time, really. He is almost 13 months old. And he is still not crawling or walking yet. I'm not really worried though. He scoots around and has his brother and sister bring him everything he wants or needs. I'm enjoying his babylike behavior. Besides, the faster he grows up the faster I'm going to want to have another baby. And, no, I'm not pregnant. I thought I was, but I'm not, which is fine because I'm totally not ready yet. Cameron started preschool and that has been wonderful for all of us. However, until Jenny gets potty trained and starts preschool herself, I can't even think about having another baby. Plus, we need to purchase a minivan. I love my SUV, but it's getting ridiculous in there! Nothing else new here. Scott's working, I'm homemaking, Cameron's in preschool, Jenny's psychotic (I say that with all the love in my heart), and Eric's our slow child (again, I say that so lovingly). I know I have been neglecting my blog, but once I get used to my new schedule, I should be a little more loving towards my cyber-friend. Til next time (hopefully less than a month away!)...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a pretty good day for me actually, except it didn't snow. I got some phone calls and e-mails and was serenaded by the missionaries from church and then by my dad. My kids were pretty good to me most of the day. Scott brought home Subway for dinner and then gave me my gifts: a lighted cow (like the reindeer that go on your lawn at Christmastime) which I wanted really bad last month, a beautiful cake pedestal with a cover, and a book that I really wanted. My sister came over the night before and brought me a cake and a gift card. And tonight we're going out to dinner with my parents. I think Scott has something planned for tomorrow night too. We'll see. So on the kids' birthdays this past year, we took them to get their pictures taken. Yesterday, Cameron said to me, "Today is your birthday and you're gonna get your picture taken and go to the store (like he went to the toy store on his birthday)." I was like, "Really? I get to go to the toy store?" I didn't go to the toy store, but I did take a late night trip to Stop and Shop to get dog food and some other stuff we needed to get through the day. So I picked up a soap opera magazine that I wanted and some chocolate. Happy Birthday to me!

Paninis and Princesses

I got a panini maker for Christmas and I absolutely looooooove it! Last week, I made turkey paninis with bacon, cheese, tomato, and avacado ranch dressing on sourdough bread. It was sooooooo yummy! Tonight I'm thinking about making Reuben paninis with corned beef, swiss cheese, saurkraut, and thousand island dressing. Or maybe a prosuitto and mozarella panini. I don't know. You can also make desserts too. So much fun!!! Onto other things...last night we took Cameron and Jennifer to see Disney on Ice. It was amazing! They were mesmerized, especially Jenny when the princesses skated with their princes. Mickey and Minnie were there with their gang, Nemo, the Incredibles, Toy Story, Pinocchio, and more that I can't remember. It was such a good time and such a good family experience too. I wish we could've taken Eric, but it was kind of late and he may not have enjoyed it as much as I hoped he would. So he stayed at my mother-in-law's and played with her. He missed us though. I think he's going through a separation anxiety thing now. He goes on a hunger strike whenever we leave him with a sitter. Poor little man.

Going Postal

So the other day I almost went postal. I was so tired from being up all night with Eric, who was coughing like a maniac. I was so tired of being puked on by two of my three children. And I was so tired of Scott having a headache and staying in bed all day while I took care of sick kids. So I left. I told Scott ofcourse, and then went to Target to get some stuff on clearance, went to Staples, and then went to my parents house where they fed me and made me feel better. I'm better now. My kids are done puking (at least I think they are), and Scott isn't mad at me anymore (at least I think he's not). On a lighter note, yesterday Cameron told me that when he gets as tall as me, he's going to help me clean the bathroom. I was like, "That's awesome buddy! I'm gonna hold you to that!" Seriously though, Cameron is a great little helper. He would just rather help Daddy outside than Mommy inside- unless I'm cooking. I can't believe he's going to be starting preschool soon. It seems like yesterday that he was snoozing on my chest in the hospital. Now he's a little man. ::sniffle sniffle::