Love + Two

Where, oh where, did November go?? It's nearly Christmas and the kids have been a blast! Tyler really understands the magic of Santa and our "Elf on the Shelf" sent to us from the north pole, Elfred. Daddy thought of the cute name. In the past 3 weeks, I recovered from a bad case of strep throat, Avery had a bad cold and Daddy had his 3rd shoulder surgery. We are all recuperated, except Daddy. He can't lift anything heavier than and apple for 4 weeks. We hope this will be his last surgery, but the doctor thinks he will need a shoulder replacement around age 50....yikes. We are headed to New York to celebrate the holidays. It will be great to be near family.

Soo.... About Tyler... this week I finally had the opportunity to sit down and read Tylers Re-Evaluation Report for speech. It's amazing to hear the progress he's made so far. It's encouraging to read about his past goals and progress we are making towards those goals. On another foot, it is still extremely hard to read his new goals... answer "what" and "where" questions with 80% accuracy. His goals also include adding the plural "s" to the end of words and to include inside sounds (i.e. the "d" for the work inside). I never ever ever understood how I would feel seeing my little boy struggle. Being that he is only 3 years old, he doesn't know/understand why we go to 2/3 therapy sessions a week. He is such a sweet, caring and loving little boy... we are extremely blessed! About Avery... I think because we cherish every word that Tyler struggles with, we count our blessings at every word Avery says. Last night, we were at a...

Well, It's Sunday....we made it through another chaotically blissful week. It's 0600, Avery and Tyler are still fast asleep and I'm doing laundry and dishes. I like to wake-up early on the weekends so I can finish my cleaning/housework. That way the kids and I have the entire day to enjoy without squeezing in the cleaning/housework. I thought I would take a moment to "pause" while my next load is washing/drying. I don't have anything super exciting to post, but did receive some disappointing news this week. My mom and stepdad won't be able to fly up here to visit for Thanksgiving. When I got the news, I cried the instant I hung up the phone. It feels like I've had more Thanksgiving dinners without family than with family. It JUST isn't the SAME! Times like Thanksgiving are supposed to be crazily busy and filled with people who love you. Looks like it will be just the 4 of us....and that just makes me, well... I better get back to the la...

As I sit here...this beautiful "nearly fall" morning...sipping my coffee, I can't help but think. I've struggled for a long time with how to put this into words...but I'm going to try today. My hope is that once on paper (or internet blog that no-one but me reads), it will all make sense. I'm reflecting back to how much has changed over the last 3 years, with the additions of my 2 darling children. I'm always amazed at how fun life is...watching the world thru their eyes is more enlivening that I ever understood. On another note, and the one that concerns me, is how friendships change. I guess all relationships change/mold/morph...but I'm really shocked at the friendships that fizzle down to a nearly non-existence. I can't help but have a feeling of sadness when I think how close I used to be with some people (bffs)...and now its as if I'm the only one who cares. It seems the change happened shortly after having children, so my thought ...

Well, this year the anniversary of the tragic terrorism attacks against America fell on a Sunday. The kids and I listened to the reminder bells, reading of the fallen names, and watched the family members viewing the opening of the World Trade Towers Memorial. I could help feel a sense of peace knowing that this anniversary gave us the opportunity to pray in the Lords house on the day of remembrance. We didn't talk much about the attacks... rather Bob went to work after church and I reflected internally while playing with the kiddos. Right before going to bed, while saying our evening prayers, I asked Tyler to pray for all our fellow Americans who lost someone due to 9/11. With his big brown eyes and a serious look, he simply looked at me and said, "No fight." I couldn't have summed it up better!

We had the blessed opportunity to take a few days off work and travel to Kentucky for my cousin Alicia's wedding. We did the best we could to not interrupt the kids too much...but, they handled the car ride fairly well....minus a few cheerios showers and wanting to wiggle. All I can say is thank goodness for dvd players in the car! I wanted to take a moment to share a couple of pictures...I've been playing with black & white!

Here are a couple of pictures from July...I can not believe August is here! Tyler is full of imagination, funny stories, songs and laughter. Avery is talking in 3 word combos, playing with her brother, loving the pool and giggling at daddy & mommy! They both fill my heart with more love than I ever thought existed! Our great debate right now is how to get Avery to sleep in her own bed. I know, I know...she is still snuggling in our bed, but she is just so cuddly (as I hold her sleeping in my arms right now). Tyler is doing great sleeping in his bed..except when Avery cries. Within 5 seconds of her cry, he hops out of bed and in to check on Avery. I'm not sure how to "cry it out" when that will end with 2 crying babies. Summer has been filled with 3 weddings, a trip to NY, lots of pool-time, bike rides, flower planting...and lots of fun! I'm not ready for fall!

This past week we had Tyler's 3 year check-up and Avery's 1 year check-up. The doctor gave both kiddos a thumbs up. Even though Tyler only gained 1 lb over the past year, he's still in the 75th percentile for weight and 90th for height. Avery is still in the 75th percentile. I guess her refusing a bottle hasn't slowed her growth over the year...woohoo. This upcoming week is our preparation week to head to Florida. We are extremely excited to see Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and cousins too! Easter is fast approaching, so I'm trying to get everything ready for that fun day too. Happy Spring everyone! Here's a few cute craft ideas that I'm going to share for my kiddos teachers. I think we are going to use the peeps and create little baggies that say "Happy Easter to one of my favorite peeps." http://www.livinglocurto.com/2010/03/free-easter-printables-2/

As I hold my sweet sleeping Avery, I just had to document our current family status. Life is good, no, life is great. I cannot believe our little dear Avery Paige is one. We celebrated her special day with a gathering of fantastic friends and a special visit from Grammy and PawPaw. The "cupcake" party was a blast! Tyler is really turning into a sweet, active, joyful, funny little boy. Not a day goes by that we don't share a grand laugh. We are looking forward to spring, a family trip to Florida, and dare I say...celebrating Tyler's 3rd birthday. Wow, time flies too fast! If I could just freeze time...that would be great! We are blessed more than I could ever imagine!