Christmas Tree

On Saturday we were finally able to go get our Christmas tree. Normally we go to Ames Christmas Tree Farm and cut one down from there, but this year my dad said we could go out to his new property and see if we liked any there. We said why not, it was free? We ended up choosing one from my dad's place. It definitely isn't the prettiest tree we have ever gotten, but it does the job!
Aside from being really really cold, the boys loved playing outside, running around. Plus, Grandpa gave them pieces of candy for going and getting our tree. Too sweet! Unfortunately due to Jon not feeling great last night, we didn't decorate the tree, but I did wrap gifts and put them under the tree, so I say that counts. I'll post more pictures when it's finished.

The boys trying to decide if this was the tree
It looks like a good one to Kenneth

Probably one of my new favorite pictures of KB

They had fun chasing each other

Another favorite - I think he was just too cold to move.

Helping dad cut it down

Seeing double? 3 of my most favorite people on earth!

Daddy and KB

My boys!

(disclosure: Drew refused to let me take his picture, that's why most are of KB)

Beautiful Heartbreak

Have you ever listened to a song that hit you straight to the heart? This one does. I am such a music lover, and I cannot get enough of this song. I have been playing it over and over and over again for the past couple days! What a fantastic message. I believe that at some point or another we are all going to have heartbreak (if we haven't already) and during those times we are tried to our extremes, it is what we learn and how we deal with those heartbreaks that can change them from being tragic and hard, to becoming something truly beautiful.

I absolutely love how this music video was put together. How different would we all treat each other if we each held a sign that helped describe why we are the way we are? To not be so judgemental of others. I appreciate this video and as Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I hope we all remember to be thankful for not only our blessings, but also our beautiful heartbreaks. Life is not an easy journey, but with love, compassion, forgiveness we can find the beauty within each day and each heartbreak as they arise. I am grateful for this song and the enlightenment I feel when I listen to it.

Test and Results.

Last Tuesday Andrew went in for his annual ultrasound and RNC (radionuclide cystogram) exam. He has to have these done each year because when he was 2 1/2 months old he got a UTI (urinary tract infection). He was further tested after having a UTI because it is really uncommon for boys to get them. With the further testing it was determined that he has vesicoureteral reflux. The worst part was that he was diagnosed with stage 5 VUR, 5 being the most severe case. It has since decreased to stage 4.

To explain VUR: "a child is born with a ureter that did not grow long enough during the child’s development in the womb. The valve formed by the ureter pressing against the bladder wall does not close properly, so urine refluxes from the bladder to the ureter and eventually to the kidney. This type of VUR can get better or disappear as a child gets older. As a child grows, the ureter gets longer and function of the valve improves." (courtesy of http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vesicoureteralreflux/)

With this condition there is serious possibilities for kidney damage and scarring, this is the reason he has ultrasounds annually, the VCUG test or RNC exams are to determine if the level of severity is going down. So that is what he had done on Tuesday at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.

I was really worried about him having these tests done again, it is not something you want to see your child go through (just trust me on this one)! The tests are really invasive for a little boy and the last two years he's had them done he's had to be awake and therefore remembers everything. This had led to a fear of doctors, and a fear of laying down in a doctor's facility.

I was hesitant to take him up, but he did GREAT this time around!!! I give a huge hats off to the ultrasound technicians, they were excellent! Andrew was very nervous, but when we walked in, the lady technician had toys for him (a disco ball with colors on it and when you pushed a button it spun -she let him be in charge of letting it spin), she also turned the tv on and let him watch cartoons, and the best part was they allowed him to sit-up for most of the exam. That is such a huge blessing, because he really doesn't do well in a doctor's office laying down. The ultrasound took a little over an hour, but Andrew was a champ. He hardly cried, he only did at the very end when they needed him to lay down to get the last couple pictures. The technician was so sweet and let Andrew touch the part that goes on his belly and also let him squirt the gel onto his belly (he loved that part). After allowing him to squirt the gel onto his belly, he was all smiles. When he was done with that they gave him a new car, stickers, and a pillow, it was a huge success and I am grateful for those two technicians who were extremely patient, kind, and understanding!

After his ultrasound we were taken into another area to wait for his RNC exam. This was the first year he had a RNC exam, the last two years he's had VCUG test, so I didn't know what to expect. One of the biggest (for a mom) differences in this exam is that your child gets to be sedated for the exam, the other difference is this type of exam leads to less radiation he is exposed too. (it also means the exam is not as in depth as the VCUG test, but it does the job) The worst part about this one is he has to have an IV to be sedated. He did great though, we had a little bit of a tough time when he acciently saw the nurse with the needle, but even with seeing it, he was such a little trooper.

Next we waited for the sedation pediatrician (who was running late). The Dr. ended up running about 20 minutes late, but as soon as the sedation Dr. entered the room Andrew was in, Andrew looked at him and screamed "I DON'T WANT IT!!!!" I don't know that Andrew realized who he was, but he was certain that whatever this doctor was going to give him, he didn't want it!

Next Andrew was taken into the exam room, where he was then given the sedation, and the exam proceeded. A couple minor complications in the exam room led for the test having to be completed after Andrew woke up from sedation, but overall they were able to get the pictures they needed and we were finally allowed to go home!

I couldn't be happier or prouder of Andrew, he was such a trooper and did such a phenomenal job with all the testing he had that day!!!

The following day we drove up to Puyallup to see his Urologist and receive the results of his tests. The Dr. explained that while there is no damage on scarring on Andrew Kidney's (blessing), Andrew's condition has not decreased in severity, he is still diagnosed at stage 4. This means, Andrew has to continue taking antibiotics (an even higher dosage) everyday, and he will also have to have these same tests done again next year. It also means, that if Andrew's body does not resolve the problem on his own he will need to have surgery next year to fix it. We are hoping for the best, but know that no matter what the condition will be resolved. Aside from that Andrew is a very active, happy, healthy boy and we LOVE him!

Andrew in the waiting room, waiting his turn for his ultrasound

The nurse putting numbing cream on

All better now that he has some toys to play with (waiting for his RNC exam)

Showing us all his lotion

Doesn't he look happy to be having these exams?

The towel is hiding his IV, but he's happier now cause they gave him a new truck!
I didn't take any pictures of the aftermath, because honestly we both just wanted to get out of there and go home

Got Corn?

We do and lots of it! To explain: My husband Jon is set on trying to become self-sufficient, which meant for this year, he wanted to plant a garden, which he did, and for the hard soil we planted in and the lack of experience we had, we ended up with a ton of successes. We were able to grow carrots, peas, strawberries (deer ate them), cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce, and corn! We also shared our little garden spot with my mom. She also had planted many of the same things, one of which was the corn. As the stalks started to grow (Jon watered and took care of them everday), Jon got more and more frustrated as he realized my mom's corn was growin thicker (the stalk) and her corn was bigger! He decided that because she didn't come out enough to take care of her garden and that he put in the effort to make sure her stuff survived, he was going to eat her first piece...which he did (and it was delicious - sorry mom).

Of course, my mom did find out and apparently came up with a cuter-than-cute idea. She came over on a friday afternoon to drop off a cute halloween decoration for me, and then said she had something for Jon, but it was going to take a while (Jon had just came home for lunch and my job was to keep him inside so my mom could do what she needed). I, at this point had no idea what she was talking about, but minutes later Jon went outside, came back inside, and told Andrew to get his boots on cause we had lots and lots of corn in the garden. The pictures below are what he found:

Our garden

He found some corn!

But it wasn't just any type of corn, it was CANDY CORN!!!

(Jon's smile says it all)

Mom look at all this Corn we found!!!
My mom had put together over 30 bags of candy corn, tied ribbon around them, labeled them with "Jon's Corn" and hid them all over in our garden, it was such a brilliant idea and so much fun for Jon & Drew!!! Thanks mom for helping us jump-start the Halloween season!

P.S. Someday I hope to be as creative as she is!

Look who can walk.

I know this post is a little late, but hey as they say it's better late than never right!?! To back up a little bit, Kenneth took his first steps at his birthday party on August 20th, it was very exciting! He just thought he would put a show on for everyone who came. Since that day he has perfected his skills and was full-blown walking by 13 months (Sept. 18th)! He hasn't looked back since. We are so proud of him and LOVE how walking has changed him into such a big boy. He is now closer to being able to keep up with his older brother! Seeing him walk makes my heart smile. Watch the video and I bet yours will too!

Like Father, Like Son

So, if you don't already know, I'll let you in on a little secret, my husband Jon is a WORK-A-HOLIC! It's not necessarily that he wants to be, but he has ambition and drive that pushes him to work extremely hard (and long hours) to not only provide for our family, but make sure we are successful, in other words, he doesn't want to be just mediocre. He wants to excel not only for our family, but he wants to make other's lives easier as well. With that ambition and drive to be extraordinary (which I already know he is), he also has a "to do" list longer than almost anyone I have ever met. With our ever-continuing-getting-closer-on-a-daily-basis-home situation he also tries squeezing in: siding his dad's shop, cleaning up our property, yard work, his regular job, our garage situation, scouts (he is Scout Master for our area), service, and our own family time, he is one busy man. This sometimes means the kids may have to go a day or so without seeing him (booo, I know). So, when Jon comes home from his regular job, I know he is headed in one door and straight out the other to fix and cross things off our own property "to do," list. When Andrew sees Jon come home, he knows he is going to head back out to work, which will usually result in Andrew saying, "Daddy I want to go to work with you, (this child gives up anything to spend time with his dad)!" So if Jon is just going outside to get stuff done, he will usually let Andrew come with him.

Which brings me to the point....A couple weeks ago we drove out to Jon's parents place so he could work on siding his dad's shop, and the kids and I were inside and had been for a while and then Grandpa comes in with a gift for Andrew! It was his own complete tool belt! Tools and all! Andrew immediately wanted it open and to put all of it on, so we let him. Once he had all his tools on he was ready to go! He was exstatic to be able to go outside and help daddy work, he had his own hard hat, hammer, level, tape measurer, ruler, chalk line, writing chalk, gloves, tool belt, suspenders, and goggles (he didn't wear those).
Andrew just could not get enough of his tools and being able to do things like his daddy does, what can I say like father, like son!!!!

love.this.picture

I know his eyes are squinty, but it just shows how truly happy he is to be working out with his dad.

and a HUGE THANK-YOU to my amazing husband who works so hard and diligent to make our lives the best they can be. I love you!
oh and p.s. The other day I asked Andrew if he wanted to go shopping with me (jon wasn't even home) and he said, " No, I wanna go to work with daddy." I wonder if this will still be true when he becomes a teenager?

Front Porch

Last December (yes almost a year ago), Jon and I decided we would like to build a porch to add a little bit of cover from the rain, because let's face it, we live in the PNW, where it rains 10 out of the 12 months a year, so it's kind of necessary. He did build it, and it was wonderful, however as soon as he finished, I looked at him and said "I think it needs to be longer, like all the way to the end of the house longer." Jon didn't get mad or annoyed or anything for that matter, he said he would extend it for me and build it just how I wanted. So last month he did and the only question I kept getting was, "Are you sure you don't want to extend it to the other side of the house too?" To which I responded, "Nope, I will like it this way." And I DO! He did such a great job and below are pictures of the before-building-Finished porch.

(p.s. if you click on the collage it will blow-up so you can see all the pictures better)
And finally Viola, the Finished product. I LOVE IT! Thanks to my husband who built me a porch in the first place, just to have a complaining wife say it wasn't long enough and then build it longer! I love you babe and am grateful to have such a handy husband!

Let's Talk Cuteness

I can not get over how adorable my kids are! I know I'm a little biased being their mom and all, but seriously, who could deny it!?! I love how much my boys' personalities grow with every passing day. They seem to get more and more fun as the time passes.
When I look at Andrew I can't believe he is only 2 1/2! He looks like he's 3-4 and acts like he's about 16. He always wants to drive, gets mad when you don't let him, and lately every morning the first thing he says to me is "Hey mom, Ashyton is my girlfriend." (Ashyton is my bro-in-law's gf) It's hilarious. He loves playing with his dad, LOVES it, he gets mad/really sad (cries mostly) whenever Jon has to go to work, and asks Jon if he can go and says he will help. He is my very grown-up boy. I watch my niece daily (& she is 3 months older than KB) and Drew will come in and tell me what "the Kids" (as he refers to them) are doing. I love how grown-up he seems to think he is and am grateful "the kids" have someone as great as him to look up too.
And we can't forget about KB! He has hit a huge Milestone...He is WALKING (will post more about this later). Now he can keep up with his niece and brother (well almost, he's still a little slower than them). He has such a laid back, calm personality. He can play by himself for hours and be completely content. He has finally "cut" his two front teeth, although they aren't quite in completely. He is really curious and loves to get into our cupboards. He loves climbing and standing in our window sills. I know I am going to be in a lot of trouble soon with two very active boys on my hands, but I have to admit it, I can't wait.
I told you they were cute! :) (seriously, who can deny spikey hair)

"Surgery"

As most of you all know, Kenneth has had a blocked tear duct since birth, and no matter how many hot wash cloths or rubbing he endured, it decided to stay blocked. So at his nine-month appt, we decided surgery would be the option to fix it. We went to two opthamologists and it was agreed he would had a small "surgical" procedure done to insert a probe (tiny tube) into his left eye which would allow extra fluid to drain down his nasolacrimal duct. I was told the procedure takes about 15 minutes, and that it was really easy. So his surgery (I use the term surgery lightly, because how can a 15 minute procedure where they don't even "cut" anything, be called surgery) was scheduled for Wednesday, September 7th. I woke KB up that morning and we got all prepped and ready to go, he was a trooper. We may've done a little photoshoot while waiting for his turn and the doctor to show up. Here he is all ready to go.

Checked in and waiting for surgery

The above pic just makes me smile

All dressed in his own special surgery gown

Happy Boy, Dressed and ready to go

Kenneth did amazing after surgery! He cried (like they said he would) after the anesthesia wore off, but was totally fine as soon as we got home. He's such a little trooper!
I didn't realize we would be able to see the probe, but apparently we were, it's right "there" in the corner of his left eye.

The aftermath - a little teary, bloody nose, and a purple dot on the left side of his forehead (this was to ensure the doctors knew they were inserting the probe in the correct eye)

So, we were told on Wednesday, September 14th by his opthamologist that the probe would be in for 3 months and was scheduled to be taken out on December 14th, however apparently our little man had other plans for us.....
Last night after putting the kids to bed, KB woke up crying at about 9:30pm, Jon went in to check on him and decided he must've been cold and put his blankets back on him. He fell back asleep, but about 15 minutes later, he woke up crying again. At this point, I just told Jon to bring him to me and I would hold him. As Jon walks into our room he says "I think Kenneth pulled his probe out...." Huh, wait, what? We turn on the lights and sure enough, our sweet son had rubbed his eye hard enough that he had pulled part of the probe out...oh my gosh! Neither Jon or I know what to do, Kenneth is screaming and I am freaking out a little.

Fast forward...a couple emergency doctor phone calls later, we are told we need to cut it and pull it out...I.w.a.s. s.h.a.k.i.n.g...the doctor wanted us to do what?
Restain a crying infant, stick some sort of cutting utensil to his eye, cut a tiny tube, and yank it out of his eye..."oh yeah this happens (says the doctor), it's not a big deal."
So carefully, I hold Kenneth still and we use tweezers to pull the probe out more (who would feel comfortable sticking something sharp that close someone's eye), just enough for Jon to be able to clip the tube and with one clean swipe, he yanks it out. After a quick cry, Kenneth is back to his happy self and ready to play.

Below is what was in his eye

The probe after Jon yanked it out of KB's eye (notice the knot, we didn't pull at the knot, that was in his eye, we didn't know there was a knot until after we pulled it out)

And now after nearly a $1,700.00 surgical procedure, here's to hoping his eye magically corrected itself in 8 days instead of the full 90......(only time will tell)

Almost a Year

I can't believe Kenneth will be a year in just over 2 weeks. My little boy, sure isn't so little anymore. Kenneth has been such a blessing in our home, we sure love him. He is crawling everywhere, he especially loves the stairs and has recently figured out how to crawl down them too, so proud. He loves to eat mostly anything, but it is still a challenge with only 2 bottom teeth, I keep waiting for the rest to show up...anyday now (at least that's what I tell myself - by Drew's 1st bday he had 13 teeth, so it's a big difference). He takes 2 naps a day, one around 11:30am, and the other at about 3:30pm. He loves to play with his brother, these two have great times together. He likes Little People toys - he could play with them all day long. Will stand by himself only if distracted, he doesn't trust himself yet, but if you give him a toy while standing he will stand for about 10-30 seconds until he realizes no one is holding onto him and so he will slowly sit back down. Looks like he will just turn away from the sofa and walk, but doesn't....yet. Is super smiley all the time, and a very calm little guy. Basically, he's awesome and I love him! Here are a couple photos to help get you updated on his super-cuteness.

Water Boy

Drew is my little water boy! This kid LOVES it! If he could he would spend all day outside spraying my car, watering the lawn, "cleaning" rocks, and on occassion get mom and dad all wet! Whenever we take him outside, he heads straight for the water spout turns it on and away he goes. On this particular day, apparently it was more fun to clean the inside of his boots than just spray the water.

Making sure he has a tight fit

Fill 'er Up When that's not fun anymore find a nice dirty rock and try to "clean" it (this happens to be one of his favorite things to do in water)

When that's not fun anymore, just throw the rock

Dentist

Andrew had his very first dentist appt on July 17th, and I have to tell you, he did A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I was shocked (and so was the hygenist). The Hygenist was great, she showed Drew all the tools she would be using, which was a big help to ease some anxiety, being able to understand that the tools she used made noise, but that they didn't hurt. She even let Drew squirt water in a cup and then suck it back up - that was of course his favorite part. With Drew sitting in my lap, we leaned him back and Dr. Kammack was able to get a full evaluation and all his teeth are looking fantastic. He also let the hygenist clean his teeth - without the toothpaste for reason 1. It tastes disgusting and 2. Drew doesn't understand how to wait and spit, he just swallows whatever is in his mouth, and we didn't want him ingesting that much flouride. I must say though, all in all it was a huge success!

Getting to squirt water into the cup

Letting the hygenist clean his teeth

Rinse and Spit