Our Twelve Days (or so) of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true loves gave to me...

TWELVE Christmas cookies (happily eaten by Santa...see #4)
ELEVEN cups of Via (my new favorite craving)
TEN days off school
NINE (or more) tournaments of Boggle- our new obsession
EIGHT toys for donating
SEVEN thousand more Legos (because we didn't already have enough...)
SIX new vocabulary words (including the cutest little "cook-y pees" you've ever heard)
FIVE (grand)parents visiting
FOUR extra pounds
THREE rounds of colds (and trips to the doctor)
TWO weeks+ of help and fun projects with Aunt Nee Nee
and...

A sparkly ring from a very proud five year old

(Next time I need to remember to take the picture before it rusts, breaks and scabs my finger...but the real gift was seeing how much heart Garrett put into shopping and how excited he was to give it to me).

Here's wishing you a happy, healthy and sparkly 2010!

Garrett 10 Months Post Surgery Update

We have good news and okay news. First the good news. Part of Garrett's recent round of testing included a VCUG to study his reflux (see "Have You Seen This?" for definition) and a urodynamic study which measured the pressure exerted by his bladder when he "goes" to make sure that was not contributing to his reflux. So, the good news: his bladder is normal. Phew! One less complicating factor in an unlucky streak of being in the <2% population. One other note of good news: Garrett does not have hydronephrosis, as I had originally thought. Apparently there is a difference between his kidney being saturated in urine (caused by his reflux) and his kidney being swollen and/or impaired drainage (which he does not have).

Which brings me to the okay news (I dare not say "bad" news, as it could definitely be worse). Garrett still has unilateral grade II reflux on his left side. This means his urine is still backing up to his kidney but is not applying high-grade pressure on his kidney (as it did with grade IV). This is still unusual following the type of surgery he had (ureteral reimplantation) and still not ideal, but, like I said, it could be worse.

His doctor felt that the best course of action at this point is no action. Garrett will go off prophylaxis (antibiotic) and we will "wait and see". The hope is that he doesn't develop any UTI's or kidney infections (which we will check for periodically) and we will reassess his kidney function and reflux in nine months. At that point we should have a better idea as to whether his kidney will either show further atrophy or potential for growth, which will determine what steps we take next. Keep your fingers crossed.

In the mean time, Garrett is happy (but I'm happier) to not have to worry anymore about taking his morning medicine. And he's especially happy about not having to be catheterized again for a "long time" (hopefully). And we can all sleep a little easier knowing that while we don't have all the answers we have a few less questions. We will keep you posted with updates.

Happy Birthday, Blake!

Seven years...how fast time flies. We remember the anticipation and excitement of Blake's arrival, our first born. We knew there would be diapers to change (and, yes, we took classes on how to do that), lots of feedings and plenty of crying. We read the books, learned infant cpr, and had all the modern conveniences for babies. We were set. We were trained in the science of parenting...but not the art. Like most parents, we quickly learned that parenting is always evolving and takes years of practice. And since Blake is our first born, well, he gets most of that practice. While we always have the best intentions, we have made plenty of mistakes (and learned from them), but Blake loves us anyway. We are truly blessed.

Blake was born an old soul and still is today. He prefers spending time outside, kicking around a soccer ball or hiking, enjoying the outdoors and just...contemplating. He's quiet (usually), kind (usually), exceptionally hard working, a good student and is the best big brother anyone could have. There is SO much for which to be proud and thankful. Happy Birthday, Blake! We love you!

A Week to Remember

After months of planning and weeks of excitement the "big boys" (Blake & Garrett), Brian and Renee (Brian's sister) made their way to the Arizona desert for a few days of visiting and some good old-fashioned camping.

The first stop was spending time in Phoenix and getting up close and personal with some amazing animals at a raptor rescue and rehabilitation center, thanks to "Aunt Nee Nee".

Barn owls

The boys getting to face to face with a Great Horned Owl


A Red Tail Hawk

Burrowing Owls

A Spotted Owl (currently on the 'Threatened' list)

After some time in the city, they headed off to their camping site at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. This particular park offers log cabins at the campsites (ideal in 25 degree weather) complete with electricity and beds. And while they didn't "rough it" in tents, the plumbing was across they way, so...still camping in my book.


One of the many highlights was getting to THE meteor crater. Come to find out, it's pretty spectacular. A crater two miles in radius, more than 500 ft deep and solid iron fragments weighing 1400+ lbs is pretty impressive. That, and the fact that it came from outer space.


Not too far from camp was the Montezuma Castle National Monument. These are the cliff homes of the Sinagua that were built right into the mountainside and required ladders to enter. It's amazing that what seems like archaic times still has people of modern day mystified. Apparently, we're smarter than we look.

There was plenty to do around camp too. There was hiking. A LOT of hiking.


And fishing. But not as much fishing as hiking...and even less fish.

THE fish.

There were trees to climb, a soccer ball to kick around, Legos to play with (yes...Garrett's obsession didn't stop just because he was away from home), meeting real cowboys, making man-made fossils, putting walkie talkies to good use

and learning the fine art of whittling. Blake earned his first big boy pocket knife and spent much of the time whittling a long stick which he ultimately decided was the perfect walking stick.
SO Blake.

And my little geologist didn't miss the opportunity to find a heart-shaped rock which was my prized souvenir.

The grand finale was passing the test and being sworn in as Junior Rangers.

Like I said, a week to remember. The bar was set pretty high on this one and somehow I think camping out in the back yard just isn't going to cut it in the future. As for the twins, well they are guaranteed an unforgettable guided tour of the Arizona desert....in about four years!

Giving Thanks

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for...
so many things to be thankful for.

My incredible family
My loving husband
who is amazing in every way
My health
and that of my family
Little heads nuzzled into the crook of my neck
and little fingers that won't let go
Garrett's artwork and Lego creations
Blake's drive and determination
and fascination with odd things
Garrett's singing and made-up songs
Ella's intimidating scowl
Chase's infectious smile and laughter
Blake's sweet, humble smile when he feels proud
Garrett's love of books, reading and learning
My piano
The happy morning greeting from well-rested babies
Chase's obsession with jumping
and Ella's obsession with dressing up
Brotherly love
First words that only a mother can understand
The uninhibited dancing of children
The excited wave that Chase gives everybody
When I only have to ask once
and unsolicited "thank you's"
Tender moments
Big family hugs
Another fall season (my favorite)
A small house (less to clean)
A warm, safe home
A full heart

Just to name a few...

Yeses and Noses

When I say that Chase is a happy baby, I mean that he's a happy baby. Even smiling in some...unusual circumstances. And he hasn't lost his sense of (potty) humor either.

Case in point. This week the babies and I have been battling a pesky cold. Nothing extreme, just the usual runny nose and juicy sneezes (most of which I end up wearing or they use to style their hair). Needless to say, getting a 15 month old to "blow" their nose is a not a simple task. That's if you can hold the Kleenex to their face without them ripping it out of your hand and making confetti out of it or shaking their head so fast that you end up smearing it across their entire face...a few times. Besides, the minute they see me coming with a handful of tissue they make it an instant game of tag.

Plan B. Using the saline drops and bulb syringe old school style. Ella squirms too much for this. She was, however, open to doing it herself...her way (which was to put the bulb syringe in her mouth which doesn't quite work). Then I noticed her mimicking me blowing my nose and she gave it a whirl...in her hand. Sometimes you just take what you can get. So my compromise with Ella now is that she blows her nose into her hand, then I wipe her hand. Probably just one of the hundreds of reasons NOT to put baby's fingers in your mouth...no matter how cute it is.

Chase isn't quite as squirmy as Ella but he's arguably stronger. He let me drop the saline...a little unsure of what was coming next...and when I got a good suction on the syringe and it made the "thwwwwwrrrp" sound he started laughing hysterically. My silly Chase who loves to laugh actually likes having his nose suctioned! Problem solved! Now...the minute I lay him down for a diaper change he's saying "that" for the saline and bulb syringe and a good belly laugh for both of us. I hope he is able to keep his happy outlook and silly, smiley disposition for ALL of life's unpleasantries!

"And now do you like my hat?"

"I do. What a hat! I like it! I like that party hat!"

If you've read this post then you already know how much Ella likes to dress up...with anything she can "wear". She still has a strong affinity for shoes (especially slippers and her crocs which she is able to put on herself- correct feet and everything!) and hats...or apparently anything that will stay on her head. She thought of this one all by herself...and insisted I leave it there. "Mama, hat!" she proudly repeated. If you can't make it out, it's actually an empty Ziploc box.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with when she can actually dress herself...or maybe I can. Given her independent nature, she will probably be expressing herself in the form of some very interesting outfits (which of course will be posted on our blog). But I'm not going to worry about it...unless- or more likely until- she tries dressing up her brother (which of course will be posted on our blog).

"Good-by."

Through the Eyes of A Child

Brian and the "big boys" had their first Cub Scouts Family Camp out this past weekend in the high desert. With years of Cub Scouts ahead of us, I'm sure we'll be going on plenty more of these, but this time I decided to stay back with the twins to keep my sanity (somehow camping with 15 month old twins just doesn't sound like fun...) and let the boys have their time.

"The Boys Camping"

Two days packed full of activities kept the boys very busy...when they weren't tossing around a football, playing with friends and TAKING PICTURES. One of our favorite things to do is give the boys a camera to see what they take pictures of. At first glance the pictures seem like they are of "nothing". But when you ask yourself what were they thinking when they took this? it gives you a whole new perspective. So...here is the camping trip through the eyes of Blake and Garrett (and my interpretation of it).

The Dad we look up to (literally and figuratively).

Home for two days.

The clouds look like they're exploding. Isn't the orange sky pretty?

Where does that path go? I wonder if that's how you get to that mountain...

No one ever said not to look directly at the sun...through a camera.

Cool rocks, maybe we can build something with them.

Mountains of rocks!? How do they not fall down?

Despite a few hiccups (like having to come home in the middle of the night because of Garrett's severe asthma), the boys seemed to have a lot of fun. Blake liked learning to use an army compass and Garrett thought the best part was the (what seemed like hundreds of) coyotes howling around camp. Fresh air, no "toys" and quality time with family...now if there was just a way to actually get a good night's sleep it would be an ideal vacation...

The Very Happy Caterpillar

From the moment he could hold a pen (without eating it) Garrett has loved drawing. And it's been especially fascinating to see the progression of his art with added detail and the design flair that is Garrett. It's hard not to love his "characters" made with such heart and intention...and given with love to me!

Here are some of his latest drawings.

Happy, smiling bugs put everything into perspective...at least for a moment.
And like any good artist, Garrett has a signature all his own.

Isn't five year old art work priceless?

Tricking and Treating

Blasting off and looking rosy. That pretty much sums up our Halloween. The boys (all three of them) were astronauts again this year (when they're not Storm Troopers) with matching costumes. Meanwhile, Ella was a perfect little rose, complete with rosy cheeks! Chella enjoyed their Halloween cruising the neighborhood mostly on foot but seemed a little confused by all the kids, costumes and commotion (and being denied whatever it was people kept offering them).

Here are the boys in action.

And Chella in action.

The crew.

Let the holidays (and holiday craziness) begin!