Thomas's first ER visit...not the last time I would take a kid to the ER this year. Obviously

~September 23, 2010~

Since we spent today at the ER for Tay (for the second time this year), I realized I needed to post Thomas's incident as well since we were JUST there almost exactly two months ago. Geez.

The iphone just does not do the gash justice. It was pretty gruesome. Thomas was running through the house on his usual path. Around in a circle, living room to kitchen to living room to kitchen. Just as he was on his second or third lap, he went down right by the back door and caught the bar stool on the way. I had just experienced a similar instance a few weeks before, when Nathan was standing on one of the kid chairs, fell off, and caught the corner of the kiddie table on the way down. I was totally prepared and knew this was going to be an ER visit. Luckily, Niki had just pulled in our driveway with lunch, so I was able to leave Tay home and take only Thomas.

He was so super calm. He didn't want to go to the ER and told me he was all better and "not bleeding anymore, Mommy". Even still, there was no way I was leaving his eye open like that. Thankfully, they were able to repair it with dermabond and he was a total trooper the entire time. He didn't cry, he didn't panic, and he obeyed through every step. I was so proud and sad at the same time that he had to go through this experience at all.

I think despite the event, he just enjoyed having that time with Mommy all to himself. He was super silly and kept his spirits up the entire time we were in the ER. What an amazing little boy!

Yet another trip to the ER...for Tay

~November 19, 2010~

My poor baby. Today was supposed to be a leisurely day in our jammies. A not-going-anywhere day. Well, of course that wasn't the case.

Right after lunch, the kids were all wild and full of energy. They bolted outside and I followed them telling them to "calm down, you're getting crazy". They started swinging and seemed to simmer down a bit so I headed back in. Two seconds later, literally, Tay was crying like she was hurt. She came in holding her chin crying, "I'm bleeding!" Apparently, while swinging on her tummy she lost her balance and caught her chin on the deck. I couldn't tell how bad it was in the kitchen, so I took her to the bathroom. Um, yeah. It was definitely going to be a going-to-the-ER kind of day (the second trip for Tay). Mommy can't fix split skin. It had snapped right open. Amazing.

I was really hoping we wouldn't have to get stitches. This child came unglued last month when we got the rest of her 4-year vaccinations. She literally backed herself in a corner screaming, kicking, and hitting at me while begging the nurse, "Doctor, please don't give me a shot!" I did not want to repeat this. I know first hand that ER doctors and nurses will tie you down and strap you in a papoose in a heartbeat if you are that kid. I was that kid. Tay is SO that kid.

Thomas had stripped down to just a diaper, so I had to keep her calm while I threw some clothes on the kid. We got in the car and I explained that Mommy is not a doctor and needed a doctor to take a look at her ouchie to make sure it wouldn't get infected. This seemed to ease her mind a little. I told her there would be no shots, so she relaxed about that too.

When we got to the ER, the lady recognized me immediately. "Dear God!", I thought, "they are SO going to call CPS on me!" Perhaps I have this anxiety because we have been to the ER 3 times in the past 8 months. Four times including when we went with Nathan who happened to cut his eye open at OUR HOUSE! Perhaps it is because when I was little, I was that kid. The kid who always had to be rushed to the ER. The kid who had two ER visits within weeks of each other and told the nurse each time "Mommy pushed me down". They made my mother leave the room and questioned me. I somehow think it's Karma, but realize these are just my accident prone kids. True to form and true to my DNA.

While we waited to be called back, I snapped a couple of pictures with my iphone. There is no way the camera on my phone comes close to capturing this grizzly scene. It was gnarly.

The gaping wound.

Keeping it from bleeding while Mommy holds her tight.Life after dermabond. She was already so tired and the reality of the situation had her really emotional. Poor, sweet girl. This picture absolutely breaks my heart. It completely rips in half knowing my sweet girl is hurting.

After we got home, she had the option to take a nap in Mommy & Daddy's bed. She is still sleeping at 5:27 p.m. as is Thomas. I should probably wake them up, but feel like they need the rest after such a traumatic afternoon. Poor angels.

Mommy & Daddy's bed is the place to be!

~November 16, 2010~

This morning, we found two little cuddle bugs in our bed. Thomas has obviously taken comfort with Sissy the way he usually does with Mommy in the morning.Tay wasn't having it and removed his hand and turned her back to him. Such a beautiful sight. And funny one too. Both Mommy and Daddy sleep with mouths wide open.

Gobble Gobble! Turkey-hand pinecone.

~November 12, 2010~

Every year, I do a hand craft with the kids for Thanksgiving and make little turkeys. My favorite craft is the pinecone. I did this when I was a kid and think it's such a neat tradition. I like that I have a little keepsake of their sweet, tiny hands and making the memory together is the best gift of all.

Turkey Tango!

~November 10, 2010

Oh my goodness. It has been a crazy, busy, wild, and emotional year. We started ballet at the beginning of it and Tay has really loved it. She adored her teacher, her class, and made a sweet friend who could have passed as her sister to any stranger on the street.

Unfortunately, the teacher she adored so much was not a very nice person and had no business teaching little girls who are so impressionable.

I see now that the events pushed us to find the best ballet studio possible for Tay. It is such a great fit for her and her teacher, Miss Terry, is just marvelous. She told Daddy and I that Tay is "such a sweet gift in the middle of the semester". We couldn't agree more about her being a gift. We treasure her and want the impressionable people in her life to treasure her too. Miss Terry says she smiles from ear to ear the entire class through. I can see a huge difference in her passion for dance and am so proud of the way she handled the switch.

Today, she had a mini Thanksgiving recital called the "Turkey Tango". It was so adorable! The parents were all invited to come to the class and watch the girls perform. She lit the whole place up. They got to wear cute little brown tulle skirts with flower petals sewn inside and a gold tinsel headpiece. Miss Terry got all the girls ready and then invited the parents in. She's amazing!

Right before we were all invited in, Miss Terry had to step out and asked me to step in to look after the girls until she got back. I was delighted and excited to have the chance to snag some pics before the other parents got in. All the girls were seated so quietly and nicely. It was awesome. I asked if they would all let me take a little picture and say cheese. I thought it would be cool to share this with the other parents, until Tay stood up and announced she had an idea.

This was one of only three pictures I was able to get with my camera. Miss Terry was back in a flash and the recital started. Daddy accidentally hit the rewind button on the video camera, so he had to find his way back to the end of the tape and by that time, the dance had started. I got most of it on the video setting of our snapshot camera, but couldn't snap any pics during.

I thought I would make this little moment special since it was so special to me in so many ways. I'm happy now, that she stood up and stands out. She stands out to me all the time.

Sawyer's a boy!

~November 6, 2010~


I have been waiting for what feels like years for this appointment! Sawyer, I was so sure you were going to be a girl. I'm so sorry for referring to you as "she" and "her" and don't blame you for kicking me. If it makes you feel better, I have been wrong every single time. I called Tay "he" and "him" and referred to Thomas as a "she" as well. So there. You were not left out.

It was a HUGE deal for Tay and Thomas to be present for this appointment. Mommy scheduled it at Peekababy so they could definitely be included. Daddy, of course, was there. He wouldn't miss it for the world! Nik Nik, Mr. Jade, Nate Nate, Lorelei, Miss Kim, and Ashley Roommate also came to help us celebrate.


I am so excited you are with us, Sawyer! I absolutely can not wait to meet you and neither can your brother and sister. There are so many people who already love you. Every day I get to know you a little better. You are getting SO strong and SO big! You are active constantly and always letting me know you are awake. This makes Mommy a little nervous. I am a tiny bit scared you will never sleep once you are here. I have a feeling you just don't want to miss out on all the fun, but I promise you will not be left out. There is lots of fun around here for sure and I can't wait to share it with you! You are kicking me in the bladder as I type this. I wish you would give that spot a break. I love you so much, baby boy! Bake a little longer in Mommy's oven and I will see you soon!

Happy Halloween!!!

~October 31, 2010~

We sure enjoyed our Halloween celebrations this year. Everything was super easy and relaxing. Just the way I like it. Trick or treating was especially fun for two reasons:
1. We missed out last year due to a wedding
2. This is the first year Thomas has really gotten the concept. Let's face it, the kid loves candy and grasped the reality of the holiday rather quickly.

Our friends came over for chili, and then off we went to enjoy some door to door fun. Daddy painted the kids' faces just before we went out.

Five minutes after Thomas's face was painted, he asked for it to be wiped off. He kept rubbing his eyes and I think the paint really bothered him.
Tay enjoyed hers and wore it all night.

At least I snapped a few quick shots of them together as painted skeletons before Thomas's came off.

The reason I chose this wagon revolved around Halloween and beer. One of the benches lifts up and has a small cooler underneath to store at least 3 beer cans. I had visions of toting my kids around on Halloween night and sipping a nice cold beer. This year, I totally missed out. Obviously, Daddy did not.

Off we go!

Reservoir Dogs

He was so happy! The Mod Squad

They wanted to go to the spooky house. The lady was so impressed they made it all the way to the door that she gave them extra candy and commended them. They were ready to get the hell outta there!

Taking a break....

checking out their loot!

Score! Her fav!

Some sweet lady was nice enough to offer to take a family shot of us. My treasure and the best treat of the night. Thank you, nice lady, wherever you are!

My shirt was an absolute hit all over the neighborhood. Women squealed with delight when they saw it and immediately asked if I was expecting. As if it's not obvious!