April 2011

April has been a busy month around here. We celebrated Easter early with our church family. They had a preschool party that included an easter egg hunt, a visit fromt the easter bunny, games, craft and a snack. The kids loved it up until meeting the easter bunny. Billy would get near the bunny, but Bekah wanted nothing to do with the easter bunny.

For my spring break as I mentioned before we stayed at home. We had some adventures and just had some time as a family. One of the days we were heading out to the park to play with their golf clubs for the first time, but just as we were ready to head out, it started to thunder. Sure enough, minutes later it started raining. The kids were very disappointed that we were not going to be able to go to the park, but they played in the rain instead.

We weren't able to go to Deb's Graduation from WMU on Saturday because Bill couldn't take work off on Friday. Thankfully WMU broadcasted the graduation over the web. We were able to watch Deb's Graduation 750 miles away in North Carolina. Mom, I'm sorry we didn't dress up, I will admit we were in pj's and were playing with the kids through most of the ceremony. After the graduation we were able to Skype with all of the family that was there to celebrate her big day. Sorry we couldn't be there mom.

We were able to get to the park on Saturday. We took the golf clubs and a picnic dinner. The kids ran around and had a blast. At one point Bekah brought her red club up to us and said that it "doesn't match my shirt, I need a pink one" Bill and I lost it and tried to get her to repeat it on a video. Billy picked up on the golf really quick and Bekah did well, but was frustrated easily. We ended our park visit the best way possible with a trip to DQ for a blizzard. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Vacation

Yesterday was the last day of our vacation. We enjoyed a bunch of family fun activities including playing at the park, family pictures, going out to eat, picnic in the living room, movies, mall, shopping, miniature golf and sight seeing in Asheville. We did have plenty of rest time in there and just overall enjoyed our time as a family.

This was the first long period of time that Bill and I have had off of work and we didn't go to Michigan. It was difficult decision, but we really needed the time for our family and driving 12 hrs + each way is very stressful with a little girl that gets car sick. We are planning a trip in July and are looking forward to it.

Bekah is doing even better with potty training. She decided yesterday while we were in Asheville that she would do a great job and not having any accidents. Today she decided that she wanted to wear panties so I put them on her and she hasn't had an accident yet.

Billy still isn't very interested in using the potty, but we aren't going to push him. When he is interested, he will.

Life

As usual it has been a while since the blog has been updated. A few weeks ago Billy had an EGD done. It was hard watching our youngest little one go through it. It killed me to listen to him cry and cry when he was in recovery because he felt funny and had no clue why. Within 24 hours he was back to himself.

The Doctor was checking for Celiac Disease, Lactose intolerance and Reflux. Since he was diagnosed with reflux as and infant, we were pretty sure that it would show up. Sure enough when we met with the Doctor right after the procedure, he gave us a prescription for the reflux and said we would have the rest of the results at our follow up appointment.

We then waited 2 weeks for the results. Yesterday was his follow up appointment. The Celiac tests came back negative. I was so relieved. At this time we do not have to worry about a gluten-free diet. He will be checked again in 3-4 years due to the family history. He also tested negative with the Lactose intolerance.

Bekah also had her blood work results back and she was all in the normal range. We haven't had an EGD done with her because her blood work came back normal. Billy's blood work came back inconclusive, so we had to do further testing.

Bill and I became members to our local Y and have been going 3-4 times a week. We are noticing small changes but they are good ones. We knew it would be good for our family all around. The kids get to play with other kids (so thankful for their child watch program), we get to spend time together and be healthy. We have only been members for around a month and I'm laughing at what I can do now compared to what I could do on the first day.

The school year is getting into full stress mode. The big EOGs(end of grade test) are just around the corner in May. We haven't had a break since January since we had a snow/bad weather week. Since we missed 5 days we have had to use all of our work days between January and April to make them up. Kids are stressed and so are teachers, it makes for an interesting day.

I'm doing after school tutoring 2 days a week. It keeps me busy because I'm at school from 7:30-4:45 and working non-stop. I then pick up the kids from daycare and head home to make a quick dinner for them. Bill and I grab healthy snacks and hit the gym until 8pm. We bring the kids home and get them ready for bed. I'm thankful that I only tutor 2 days a week and that only one of the days fall on gym day.

Bekah is measuring in at 35 1/2 in tall and around 28lbs. Billy is measuring in at 35 1/2 in tall and about 30lbs. They continue to amaze us every day. Their vocabulary is increasing like crazy. Some of the things that they are saying make us so proud while others end them up in time out. I really don't know where they come up with some things.

Bekah is getting really good at making sure that we pray before every meal. Billy likes to pray but doesn't want to lead. Bekah loves to say the prayer, but it is difficult to understand what she is mumbling under her breath.

Billy is all boy, loving his trucks and his toy story figures. He knows the names and loves watching the movie over and over. He is the first one to point out a school bus, police car, fire truck or a "digger" (construction equipment). The pure joy that he has when he sees the vehicles is just beautiful.

Bekah is doing great with the potty training. Accidents are only happening at sleep times and when she is really involved in playing. Billy just isn't interested in going on the potty right now.

Happy Birthday Dottie!!

Michigan/December Pictures

We had a wonderful time with friends and family while in Michigan. Here are some pictures that highlight our trip.

Michigan Trip

We are looking forward to our upcomming trip to Michigan. We have been practicing all of the names of our family and friends. They know that we are going to be seeing family soon and ask about it often. Please pray for a safe trip and that the kids don't get too bored with the long drive. Please don't take it personal if we don't get to you over the holidays. We are going to try our very best to see everyone, but we don't want to stretch ourselves out too much.

Bekah is getting used to routines and was very cute this morning. Yesterday we were all home. Bill and I both had the day off. When Bekah woke up she said "go to church mommy?" She is so used to having Saturday at home and then going to church the next day. She made me proud. Yesterday while eating dinner she said "mommy... Jesus loves me!" Moments like these remind me of how blessed we are to be parents. I'm so thankful to have these moments, even the frustrating times of parenting are made a lot easier.

Billy has a double ear infection for the second time in less than 6 weeks. He was a good sport when we went to the Dr. He has been very sweet while he has been sick. Bill and I have both enjoyed the snuggling he has been asking to do. He loves making people laugh and having us name things for us. We are organizing the kids closet and found one of Bill's machbox cars. Billy has been having a blast playing with Daddy's car. When we find the rest of them we will get them out for him.

Please continue to pray for us with parenting and growing a Christian family. Everyday we are blessed with joys and new challenges.

Much needed updates

Sorry we have been MIA for so long.

September 24th-26th Erica and I went to a Women's Retreat. We had a blast! Our rooms reminded us of dorms and we wondered why we didn't room together in college.

On Saturday, October 30th we went to Dallas to trick-or-treat. We were able to see Aunt E (she was passing out candy) and Uncle Bob (he was working). The kids weren't sure what to do with all of the people and it was their first time out for trick-or-treating. We didn't stay long because it was very busy and the kids weren't feeling the greatest.

On Sunday we went to our friends neighborhood and they got the hang of going up to the doors. They were confused because some people put the candy in their buckets and others wanted them to pick it out on their own. It seemed that they did the wrong thing at every house. :) They learned a new word "CANDY" I'm not sure how we have been able to keep it out of their vocabulary this long, but it is now apart of our daily lives.

Sorry it has taken us so long to update. I will try to do a better job, life is getting very busy. Can't wait to see family and friends soon.

This Weekend

This weekend we went over to Charlotte to walk the mall and get some Donato's Pizza. As you can see from the pictures and video, Billy thoroughly enjoyed his pizza. At the 1:08 mark in the second video, there is a lady walking by with two pizzas and Billy notices. His reaction is priceless! We also got the kids Carolina Panthers hats to match their jerseys. They absolutely love them. The both wanted to sleep with them the first night and it was the first thing they went to when they got home from day care today.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Can't wait to see everyone at Thanksgiving this year!!

Our Saturday Morning

The kids decided they wanted to dance this morning....this was the result:


Bekah dancing by herself. You can barely hear it, but she's panting lol!


Both kids this time...when Billy falls onto the Lego box, you can hear him say "I fall down!" Crazy kido!


Billy getting knocked silly...he was spinning in circles and fell over dizzy. He bumped his head on the entertainment center, but was no worse for wear.


Billy is spinning in circles saying "turn around," even though it sounds more like "toe nail" lol. Oh, and Kaylee says Hi!


Needless to say Karrie and I were rolling! Have a good weekend everyone :)

August 2010

Boone, NC

2nd Birthday Party

Bekah and Billy celebrated their 2nd birthday with Mrs. April and at Market Street pizza with family. We had a wonderful day!