Birthdaypalooza Weekend 2011

You know what I need? I need one of those wifi or bluetooth or whatever it is SD cards for your camera so that you don't actually have to even download the pictures from your camera to your computer. I think it just does it for you. That way I might actually be able to ever post pictures on this blog. But, right now I am upstairs, under the covers, and I just don't think I am going to be able to bring myself to get up, go downstairs, and get the camera to download all the new pics from all of the birthday festivities this weekend. So, when I get my act together, or just my butt out of bed, I'll put some new pics on here. I'm supposed to be doing some online shopping right now, so that somebody might actually get something for Christmas this year.

So it was birthdaypalooza this weekend in the Walker household. I now how an 11 year old, and tomorrow I will have a five year old! Can't believe it actually.

So, we spent Friday night celebrating Noodle's birthday at Monkey Joe's. Had a hoppin' good time! Then, took a group of boys to Myrtle Beach to Wonder Works, also referred to in our house as the Upside Down House, for the day yesterday. It was a really cool place, and the boys had a blast! That was followed by a sleepover, and 4 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast this morning. Cookie had Mexican twice for meals on his birthday today. We will just have to wait and see what Noodle requests on his tomorrow...


That's all for now... I can hear the dotcoms calling my name!

Back In The Saddle Again

Yee Haw.
 

Well, I guess I should say first off that this is for you, Jana. Honestly, I don't know if anyone else will ever even read this stuff, but I will really try to do this. I think I will probably do a lousy job, but I will try to do this. Like right now, it has been over two years, and we have even had a long awaited daughter, so you would think I would have all these really cool pictures to post of the kids. Nah. Not even close. I have no idea when I will have any good pictures to post, and to be honest, when I actually do post pictures, they won't be good. Not if I take them anyway. Whatever. I'm trying. Right? That does count. Jana, it better count!

So, anyway. A little recap of our life right now... The 18 month old lady of the house is currently having a stare down with me after I very convincingly tell her to get down from atop the table, where she has only just figured out how to climb up onto tonight. Lovely new skill. But, I digress...

Anyway, Cookie is now a FIFTH grader. Still into all things sports. He is gonna have to narrow down his choices one day soon. I am voting baseball and cross country. He is a born runner - just like his daddy, but hasn't grown to appreciate that God-given ability just yet.  Man, is he a hard worker! His ADHD really gives him a hard time, but he really works hard to overcome it. Sometimes we'd like to choke him for many of the symptoms he displays (impulsivity, impulsivity, impulsivity), but he has such a heart of gold. And he's darn cute too. Girls, look out!

Nosey is a THIRD grader now. Unbelievable. And he just changed schools about a month ago. Miraculously, he finally got into PACE! One of the happiest times of my life. Really. I know that doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but it is a real deal changer for him. It is an amazing place. The atmosphere is like nowhere else you have ever been. I am challenged to put it into words really. It's just that I know that he is getting the best care there. And the people who work at that school are there by choice, not because they can't find something better - real movers and shakers. They are cutting edge, and always going the extra mile for those kids. They are really making a difference in those kids' lives. He is already doing things that I wasn't sure he would ever do - like walking in a gait trainer. I had all but given up on that. I should have known better.

Tater Tot has now grown to be affectionately referred to as Noodle. He is in 4K, and is probably the funniest kid I have ever met. He has mad break dancing skills, and isn't afraid to break them out on a moments' notice whether it's pop music, classical music, or even nursery rhymes. He does not discriminate when it comes to dancing. He is learning French in school this year, and that is comedic in its' own right. Each word is accompanied by some action and usually very strong inflection and change in tone of voice. HI-larious! I love when he comes into our room in the morning telling us about all of the crazy dreams he had the night before. I never remember my dreams.

Now for the kid that didn't even exist last time I blogged ( I am so ashamed)... EClaire or Baby Girl. At almost 19 months, she is a pistol.  She has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. And her brothers for that matter. And she knows it. And she works it. Everyday. All the time. She doesn't appear to be the quiet, dainty type so far. Who knows, that may change. I don't see it happening, but who knows. She will begin ballet next year because she needs the training in gracefulness, in addition to the fact that I CANNOT WAIT to see her baby belly in a leotard. The chipped baby teeth are reason enough, but I do think she will be cute in a leotard and tutu. It has been a shear joy to dress her thus far. I look forward to opening her closet doors each day. Man, is that satisfying.

Let's see... That's kind of a reintroduction and a bit of a catch-me-up, right? Plus, I am sure you are sick of reading this stuff already. I mean, my kids are great and cute, but I am not even posting any pictures this time. And I haven't even told any great stories or anything, but I kind of feel like you know where they are at least.

Crap. I need to go Christmas shopping!

School's Out for Summer!!!

Well, it's that time of year again... The weather is beautiful, and the kids are free. I no longer have a 2nd grader and Kindergartner, but now a First grader and Third grader. Good grief! Where has the time gone?

We have had lots of fun in the one full day that school has been out - movies, swimming, tennis. The boys were completely exhausted tonight at bedtime. I am not much better myself.

This summer should be a good one. We don't have very many big plans, but we do have the dock this year, and the wave runner I got for Mother's Day! YAY! We have already been putting that to good use, and I know we will continue to. We aren't going to the Bahamas this year, and we haven't quite decided what exactly we will do for an official vacation, but my vote is a cruise. We will see...

In the mean time, Tater Tot has started talking up a storm and become a pretty good swimmer as well. You can't take your eyes off of him for one second. He has begun potty training, and is doing a really good job. The days big boy underwear fulltime are just around the corner!

Nosey also made a pee-pee on the potty this week. He spends some time on his toileting system everyday in the hopes that we can eventually train him and ourselves to get him at least somewhat potty trained. We have a LONG road ahead of us, but I am hopeful. We have also discovered a little artist inside of No-No. He has created many beautiful pieces of artwork which will soon grace the walls of our home. And on top of all of that he has lost lost another tooth!

Cookie is growing up so fast these days. He is such a good big brother- from being Nosey's buddy in Miracle League Baseball to playing with Tater Tot - he just makes my heart sing. He got a Nintendo DSi as reward for doing so well in school, and that is where his nose has been since yesterday. Other than than his second tennis lesson today. I must say, he is really good. I think he is a natural.

I have also discovered tennis here recently, and I LOVE IT! I am making no statement about my abilities in tennis, but it is so much fun! I would play everyday if I could. And, we (my friend Allison and I) started a book club. These things make me very happy. They may seem silly, but it is so fulfilling to focus on myself a little.

Chris has gotten into a good groove since the Grand Opening. He is looking forward to a good summer at both stores and at home. Finally...

Jana has less than two months left with us here, and not a day goes by that we don't think about how much we are going to miss her. Both her mom and dad, and brother have all come to visit. We have had such a good time with them while they were here. Good times, good times...

Summer is my favorite season and I am so glad it's here! Look out cuz here we come!

An 8 year old considers the current imminent pandemic...

So, today was a pretty eventful one for me. I had my first ever tennis lesson. I am not claiming that I was good or anything, but I DID really have FUN! I was really nervous, but it turned out to be great! I signed up for 6 months of lessons, so we'll see...

This afternoon No-No got new Ankle Foot Orthotics. I am still not sure exactly what I was thinking when I picked out the pattern. Luckily, we are going to be able to just try them out for a couple of weeks to see how they fit, and then we get to order some better looking ones. WHEW!

And this evening was the first ever Daniel Island Farmer's Market. I was so excited to take the boys, and go have crepes for dinner. Of course, by the time we were able to get there everybody was sold out of everything, so we ended up having to go get pizza on our bike ride back home. On our way out Cookie got some ice cream. It was one of those Sponge Bob popsicle thingys, and when he opened the wrapper it fell right on the ground. He freaked out, of course, grabbed it up and asked me what he should do - if he should eat it or not. I decided to apply the 5 second rule, and told him that he should eat it. He started to take a lick, and then froze right in his tracks... he looked up at me said," But what about the pig fever?" Get it? He was worried about the Swine Flu! To see the world through the eyes of a child is a beautiful, hilarious, wonderful thing.

Selling Chicken and the Toothless Wonder

Well, what can I say? I don't have any really good excuse except the fact that the longer I wait to write the more overwhelmed I am by what I haven't written that I just can't bring myself to sit down and do it. Yes, things have been extremely busy around here, but when are they not? That's not a good excuse. I keep thinking about this Stephen King novel that I read about 15 years ago probably where the computer or printer or something would type out your thoughts. All you had to do was think it and it would print it out. There were major implications for this in the book, as I am sure you can imagine, but it sure would come in handy in the shower.:)

What have we been up to? Let's see... Other than swimming lessons for P-baby, two boys in Baseball, and several house guests, we opened the second store!

The most important thing I have to say about the opening is how proud I am of my hubby. He is such a hard worker, and it is so nice to see him get recognized professionally for his efforts. He makes us all so proud. He has put in some really long hours lately, and things are going really well in Goose Creek, as well as in Summerville. Sure there are few bumps, but all in all, things are great. Despite the recession, people (at least those living in GC and S'ville) are still eating lots of chicken!

Another big even that occured about three weeks ago was the loss of Nosey's first baby tooth. He was so tough! He hardly even whimpered when Poppy pulled it. Of course, I was way too squeemish to pull it. I don't do ears or teeth. Check out his new smile. He was on the phone telling his daddy all about it!

So, last weekend my girlfriend, Amy, and I ran away to the big city. We got to take a girls' weekend in NYC. We had so much fun. With the trip and the time change, I am still recovering. We were so busy. I think we walked just about every square inch of Manhatten over those 5 days. O.k., well not quite, but it sure felt like it.

We arrived on Thursday and had lunch at Serendipity. MMMMmmmmm. Their frozen hot chocolate is to die for. I would really be in trouble if that was available on a daily basis. We also went to see Wicked that night. Great show! We had so much fun. We loved it! I would go again and again!

Friday we went down to the World Trade Center site. We visited a museum down by the site that has been put together with help from those affected by the events of 9/11. It was very touching, and really took my breath away. I had to keep a tissue handy the whole time.

We also got to take a tour of the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Amy's next door neightbor used to work there before moving to Chucktown, so he set the whole thing up for us. That was pretty cool. It didn't seem nearly as busy as I remember seeing it on TV. All everyone was talking about in New York was the economy, and this was an in-your-face example of it.



We walked through Central Park, and saw the remnants of the snow they had gotten the week before. We also saw lots of ducks walking on the frozen lake. We thought that was pretty neat.



Sunday morning we had brunch with a long lost friend from Amy's childhood who now lives in NYC. That was a lot of fun. They had only just recently found each other on facebook, and set the meeting up when Amy realized where she lived. Cool, huh?



We went to Caroline's Comedy Club to see Kevin Nealon too. His opening acts were much funnier. I'm not trying to mean - just sayin'. I think Nealon should stay on TV.

We ate lots of good food, and shopped all over Manhatten. Amy even let me sleep till about 9:00 every morning. Except the last morning we got up early so that we could be in the studio audience of Regis & Kelly Live. Kelly Rippa is just great - so down to earth.

Of course, while I was gone they had the best weather of the year so far in Charleston and they went out on the boat all weekend. So, they had a lot of fun too. Success all around.

Good times with a great friend. Thanks Amy!

Seminar 2009

Well, we got back yesterday from our week away for Chick-fil-A Seminar. We went out to Long Beach, CA for the conference, and stayed for a couple of extra days. We got to see my brother, Rick, sister-in-law, Bert, and my nephew, Kevin. 

The speakers at Seminar were pretty great. Jim Collins, a famous writer of business books, spoke. Also, Kirk Cameron was there to talk about the success of the movie Fireproof. We got a picture with him.

We also heard Rick Warren speak -- you know the pastor who gave the benediction at Obama's inauguration. Yeah, him. I took Chris' picture with him but I chopped off their heads. Here it is anyway...

The weather wasn't all that cooperative while we were in Long Beach. So, we only got to really get out out one afternoon. I took a really great nap the other afternoon we had free time.:) Anyway, when we did get out we took a catamaran over to Catalina Island. It's about 26 miles off the shore of CA.  We took a little tour of the city of Avalon, which is basically the only inhabited part of the island. We are glad we went, but probably won't ever return... Just not that much to do there.

After Seminar we spent a day in Santa Monica shopping around and visiting the Pier, and the 3rd Street Promenade.  I really liked Santa Monica. Chris also found the place where the E-Glide electric skateboard is manufactured. After giving one a test ride, he decided to have one shipped to Daniel Island. Add that to his list of toys. It is really cool, though. I think he will have a blast on it. And maybe me too-- if I don't break my neck.

We window shopped on Rodeo Drive, but didn't buy anything. We did see a 1,000,000,000 diamond necklace in Tiffany's, though. We didn't even get to touch it, though. I am about 99% sure that I saw the blonde Mormon guy from this season's Real World Brooklyn cast while we were in the Lacoste store. We also saw lots of Bentley's, Maybach's, and Rolls Royce's.

We had gotten tickets to the Jimmy Kimmel Live Show for Thursday, but after spending 2 and 1/2 hours trying to drive the 13 miles to get there, we were late and missed the taping . We were so sad that we just kind of stood outside of the building trying to figure out what to do next. One of the producers from the show came up and asked us if we wanted to be in the show. We, of course, said yes, and then got be in the background of a promotion they filmed for Subway. They wanted to compensate us for our time with Subway gift cards, but we asked them to get us into the show for the next night, and he did. The only time we were in the shot during that taping,  they edited it out. It was still a lot of fun, and Chris made friends with one of the Security guys who said that anytime we are back out there he will get us into the green room. So, I think Chris is already trying to figure out when he can go back. The guy, Dev Patel, from Slumdog Millionaire was a guest the night we got to see the show, and that was pretty neat to see.

So, I guess we had a pretty busy time while we were away. It was a nice break from life before the opening of the store in April. I amglad to be home. I missed the boys so much. The house is still standing, and everyone is all in one piece. I know they ate well while we were gone because did all of the cooking. Sorry I missed that.

Tomorrow is Nosey's 6th birthday!! I can't believe it still. He is getting so big, and actually has a loose tooth. That's my boy...

Where do I even start?!?

Well, I have put this off long enough. My computer has been a little screwy, so I haven't been able to upload any pictures to it. As  result, I have no new pictures to post. Let's just go ahead and get that straight. That's really the main reason that I haven't posted in so long. I figured nobody would really want to read what I had to say nearly as much as they would want to see the cute pics of the kids that I usually post. SORRY! I am trying...

Anyway, we had a great holiday season. The boys had a really fun break from school. It was very relaxing. Now, however, it is full steam ahead. The grand opening for the store is set for April 9th. Chris is extremely busy at work getting ready for the big day and the many busy days to follow. It was nice to have good quality time over the holidays, though.

Next week is Seminar. We head out to Long Beach, California on Saturday for a week. We had scheduled a trip to Hawaii on the front end of the trip and a trip to Lake Tahoe for snowboarding on the backside. Chris felt like he needed to cancel the trip, though, because the opening date of the store kept getting moved closer and closer. He just really wants to be ready for things. I am sad, but I get it. We will reschedule soon hopefully...

Just plugging along. Tater Tot is talking more and more, and you can even understand him sometimes now. He starts swimming lessons next week in order that he might learn some water safety skills before the summer. No-no is working very hard at school and really enjoying it. Although, at times I have felt differently about this, I really believe that he is well on his way to learning to drink from a straw. He is the happiest child, and I really feel lucky to be his mommy. And Cookie... let's see, he played his best basketball game ever last Saturday. He can now drop in on the skateboard ramp he got for Christmas - all by himself! 

So, that's it in a nutshell. I think we are caught up enough now so that I no longer need to feel guilty. YAY!

This is for you Leigh Ann!

O.k., so my friend Leigh Ann tagged me. I am supposed to go to my fourth album and pull the fourth picture and post it. So, here it is...

P-baby on Mommy's Mac.

Robbie, it's all you man. Well, anyone else could do it too I guess, but I don't know who you are because you don't subscribe to my blog.:)

Cookie and Tater Tot's Birthday Parties

I can honestly say that I am glad that this weekend is a lot calmer than last weekend. Last weekend we had two birthday parties and the store's Christmas party. And I figure if I am going to write anything at all about that then I had better go ahead and do it since Christmas is coming up.

Last Friday we headed out to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. We met a few friends there and celebrated Tater's birthday. It was a little hectic trying to get there with all of the traffic, but once we did we had a great time. Tater Tot ate cupcakes, took a train ride all over the park to see the lights, and made s'mores.  He thought he was such a big boy. And he is...

Saturday afternoon we had Cookie's party. We had a backyard full of boys! Thankfully the weather cooperated and they were able to stay in the backyard except for trips to the bathroom. He had a Mad Science party, and they all really had a good time. I think he had the all-time coolest cake I have ever seen. So, of course I will post a picture of it.

   

They did lots of science experiments, rode on a hover craft, ran around the backyard like wild animals, shot some hoops, skateboarded, and had a great time. I think it was the easiest birthday ever for me because it was at our house and someone else was entertaining the kids. NICE...

Next up...Christmas! Yay! The kids are out of school and we are almost finished shopping too. Miracles never cease. Hope y'all have a great week as we celebrate this holiday season.

I'm Gettin' Nuttin' fer Christmas

I probably won't be getting much for Christmas, and if I don't step things up quite a bit hardly anyone else will be getting anything either. I now have three wrapped presents under the tree. It's a miracle that we even have a tree, and that it's decorated!

I feel like this year I am just running in circles! Every year I run around like crazy juggling the boys' birthdays just before Christmas, but I can't seem to get things together this year. I feel like all I have done lately is SHOP, SHOP, SHOP. And I still have so much to do. There is no semblance of organization left whatsoever. Hopefully I will survive it all this year.

The funniest thing happened the other day while Cookie and I were in the car. He heard that song - "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." He listened for a few seconds and then started lecturing the singer on the radio on why it's not because of all the gifts that it's the most wonderful time, but because of baby Jesus' birthday. That's my boy!

I know I need to post stuff about the boys' birthdays, but I am too tired right now. I just want to go to sleep. So, that will have to keep till next time or sometime soon...

Drivin' In My Car

O.k., well when I tried to start this post I was riding in my car and decided to put my iPhone to the test and see if I could post from there. Either I don't know what I am doing (which is entirely possible) or it doesn't work. Chris tried to explain that it was a script and iPhones can't do that, but he lost me and I just gave up for the time being...

So, we drove to DC and met Richelle, Jamie, and Bobby for the day at the Museum of Natural History for the afternoon. We had a really great time. Cookie really liked seeing the Hope Diamond. When I called Gommy and told her thatshe said that he likes rocks as much as his Poppy does. Tater Tot growled at all of the dinosaurs, even the skull of a prehistoric rhino skull he saw outside on the sidewalk that he called Nemo. Jana took Nosey on a few rides in his wheelchair down the ramps throughout the museum, so he could get a few laughs.

We walked around the White House to show Jana. She said it was much smaller than she had thought it would be. Pretty much like everything in life, right? We drove around at the end of the day partly to show Jana the city, partly because we took a few wrong turns. It was pretty to see things at night. Chris had lots of interesting facts to share that he had picked up on his trip to DC while he was working on his MBA. You know that trip where he got to go into the West Wing and have his picture taken behind the podium in the Press Room? Punk.

So, this morning we have come down to the lobby of the hotel and had breakfast in our pj's. While I am typing there is a guy sitting next to me at the next computer singing his heart out so loud that he can be heard all over the lobby while we watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He is jamming out, and is totally oblivious to the rest of the world. GrandBob just came and picked Cookie up so that he could go play his new Mario Kart that they gave him for his birthday a little early.

I am looking forward to the rest of this lazy day. I hope you all have a great turkey day, and spend some time being thankful for what you have. I know I will!

Turkey Day is Coming!

I don't even know if I have anything to talk about really. I am realizing that I am just not very good at keeping in touch no matter the method. I wish I was. Some people just have the gift, and for me it is next to impossible. 

Just sitting across the room from Jana speaking in German to her mother on iChat. I have absolutely NO IDEA what in the world they are talking about, but it is always cool hearing another language spoken. Having Jana here has been so good for us in so many ways. It helps me see just how small minded I, as an American, am. I think a lot of Americans are this way, though. Jana knows so much about our country compared to what I know about Germany or most other countries. Not that I am much of a world traveler, unfortunately. I guess I am showing my world ignorance, but that's just me...

So, today is my mom's birthday. I feel very fortunate to have both of my parents in my life, and to have the relationship with them that I do. That doesn't happen everyday anymore. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I Love You!

So, next week is Thanksgiving, and we are going to Maryland. The family hasn't been in a while, and it has been even longer since I have been. When I started to think about it I began to realize that it been a LONG time since I was up there. I think the big boys are going to go skiing on Friday. It's opening day at nearby ski resort. I am going to skip those crowds and all of the grass and rocks that are sure to be still sticking through the snow on the slopes. That is how I know I am getting old. When I was younger it didn't matter about any of those things. I would have jumped at any chance to go snow skiing. 

We are also going to DC. I am looking forward to it too. Jana will get to see some more of America, so that will be good too. I haven't been to DC in a long time. The kids have never been, so that'll be cool. And, we are going to get to see Jamie and Richelle on their stomping grounds. I hope the drive won't be too awful. 

Next week the Kindergarteners are having a Thanksgiving Program as usual. And I just found out today that Nosey is the turkey in this year's program. There never was a turkey before, but this year the turkey's name is Nosey. I can't wait. I hope he feels better by then. He has a skin infection, so he is taking an antibiotic and it is making his tummy hurt. He is such a tough boy. Can't wait to see him in his starring role.

Trick-or-Treat!

So, here we all sit watching the election results wondering what the future holds for this country... I would be lying if I didn't say that I am greatly concerned. Chris and I waited a little over 2 1/2 hours to vote, so that we could make a difference as Jana put it. I am already trying to tune it out, though, by writing here. Even Chris keeps flipping it to the NASA channel every now and then-- I am not quite sure what that is all about... However, the most amusing part of this election has been listening to Cookie discuss politics. He says he knew he was going to vote for McCain when he found out Obama planned to raise taxes. LOL :) He is his father's son.

Soooooo, I wanted to just update everyone on our recent exploits. Halloween was a blast! The kids were so stinkin' cute! Cookie was the best looking Indiana Jones I have ever seen!

He put Gommy to work on his costume last month, and we were still finalizing the details the afternoon of Halloween. He had it down to the whip, hat, gun and holster. He even got 

a leather jacket to perfect his look. He was insistent on looking EXACTLY like Indy! I think he achieved his goal, don't you?

Now dressing Nosey up was my favorite part, but don't tell the other boys. He was a rock star. We always call him that, so it seemed fitting. He was soooooooo cute. He went all around school in his wheelchair carrying his toy guitar jamming out all day long. The blue hair, tattooed arms, and skull and cross bones earring were my favorite part of the costume. He had so much fun riding around in the golf cart while we were trick-or-treating because it was decorated with hanging lights.  He really is a ROCK STAR!

And Tater Tot... He was our Little Devil on Halloween. like most other days. He was so

 precious. He loved his costume, the cape especially. He also really enjoyed 

trick-or-treating even though it was very time consuming with him going up and down all of the front steps on DI. He was definitely working his costume, so people would give him more candy. It worked. He had quite the stash. His bag was bigger than he was, but that didn't stop him from dragging it from house to house, and you better keep your hands off or else he would let you have it! And after spending most of October trying to teach him to say "Trick-or-Treat" we had to finally settle for "Ween" followed by his devilish smile. Still very cute, maybe even more so.

Probably More Than You Want to Know

You know, so many wrestle with when to tell people they are pregnant. I really never thought I would miscarry, so when we found out that we were pregnant this time we shared with everyone very early--even Cookie. That was the hardest thing for me so far. Telling him on his level--not too much information, but just enough so that he could understand what had happened on a 7 year old level. He was so hurt.  He has such a big heart, and he is so transparent. I love that about him. He is o.k. with it now, but that really sucked big time. What a punch in the gut.

So, you know I was kinda banking on the fact that the odds of nothing bad happening that was pregnancy related were in our favor. I am not going out to buy any lottery tickets any time soon, let me tell you. I guess that's just not the way it is going to work for us, which I admit is very unsettling.

Seeing the heartbeat at the first appointment was reassuring, but I am thankful that my OB was so tactful that she was able to begin to prepare me for the possibility even then. But, that was one long weekend waiting for the follow-up ultrasound. Once we found out there was no heartbeat it was like someone had died, but we couldn't have the funeral. Having the D&C was such a relief that I am not sure I have been able to process much else since I got that behind me. I keep waiting on it to really hit me. It is definitely a process.

I am so thankful for what I have. I have thought so much about how much more awful it is for women to miscarry who have no children. I am so thankful for my family. The day of the follow-up ultrasound I just wanted to get home and be with my boys - to just look at them and hug them. The fact that life goes on is so good for me. To not be able to stop for too long is good for me too, I think. Focusing on what I do have is what I need to do. It's what we all need to do, right?

I am again thankful for my support system. The fact that my friends and family continue to stick by me, and don't run for the hills is such a good feeling. I have felt so loved by you all. The flowers, the cards, the phone calls, the prayers... the fact that you give me my space, but keep coming back to check on me. Thanks. I haven't forgotten how great my support system is since Nosey was born, but this has been a great reminder. My cup runneth over. Despite what has happened, I see how blessed I am. I have the best husband in the world, and the best friends and family anyone could ever hope for.

Baseball and Brotherly Love

You know, I love being a mom. Today I woke up with the same migraine I had gone to bed with. Luckily Jana was with Tater Tot, so I went back to bed, and when I got up I was so pleased to be headache-free that I whisked Chris away from his desk, and we went to the school to surprise the boys at lunch. We got to see Cookie and Nosey. And, it is so cool to see No-No at school. He is pretty popular, ya know. His assistant says she can't make it down the hall with him without being stopped by several students all wanting to say hello to him. He is cute, I know, but it really does feel good as a mommy to see that he has a special place at his school. He is known wherever he goes, and I am confident that he is well loved. He has been spending a good bit of time in the regular classroom for art and music. I know he has really enjoyed it, and apparently the other students have too.

So, Nosey had his first baseball game with the Charleston Miracle League and apparently made it into the Summerville newspaper. I have yet to get a copy of it, but it's hanging up at school already. He is a star once again.

Anyway, the game last weekend was priceless. They run that program like a well oiled machine. I expected to be impressed by my boy playing ball, but I was blown away by how well things ran. It was so much fun being there. All the kids were at varying developmental levels, and they made the game of baseball as relevant to each child as possible. Each child had a buddy that stayed with him/her the whole game. Nosey hit for himself the first time he was up at bat, but the second time up Cookie hit for him and even ran the bases with him. Cookie says that Nosey's baseball team is even cooler than his was last Spring. He is such a good big brother--it makes my heart sing!

I wish I had a picture, but of course I don't. I don't think a picture would capture the moment fully anyway. I need to have it on film. Anyway, yesterday when Nosey got up from his nap Tater Tot crawled up on his bed and kissed Nosey all over, and then started to tickle him. No-No was cracking up. He just couldn't stop giggling. It was the cutest thing to see their brotherly relationship. Words aren't necessary at all between brothers. Nothing could feel better than that to me.

P-Baby's Arm, The Miracle League, and The Cat's Out Of The Bag

Well, we took tater tot back to Pediatric Orthopedist on Wednesday hoping to get his cast off. So, we of course should have known better. One of the bones in his forearm has still not healed enough to take the cast off. It looks pretty bad still in the x-ray (which I, of course, have included). So, he is now on his third cast (this time it only comes up his forearm and not over his elbow) and this one should come off on October 15th. We'll keep our fingers crossed. Luckily, having a cast on his arm hasn't slowed him down one bit, as you can see from the picture I took of he and Jana playing at Gymboree the day after he got his new cast.

Well, this weekend a long awaited event will take place. Nosey is finally old enough to play in the Charleston Miracle League. I am so excited! He is a member the Cardinals, and his first game is Saturday morning at 10a.m. We went to the groundbreaking ceremony in Summerville

 yesterday where they are about to construct a field for players to use starting this spring. Anyway, they had an impromptu baseball game, and Nosey's buddy was a little cutie from CSU. Nosey was so adorable! He was such a flirt too. He had so much fun running the bases that everyone kept commenting on what a great smile he has. I was interviewed for a local paper, and the kids were all on the local news. Anyway, we are really looking forward to his first game. I am hoping it will work out for Cookie to be his buddy. I will be sure to take pictures, and update with them.

Lastly, but certainly not least... It seems that almost everyone knows this by now even though it is still very early on. Yep, we are pregnant with #4, and we are praying for pink, but assuming it will be blue. At least I am anyway. This time when we have shared the news with people it seems that the most popular comment sounds something like "We're happy for you if this is what y'all want", or some reference to how crazy we are. That begins to wear on you after a while, so we are still digesting the fact that we will have FOUR children as of May 23rd, 2009. Holy Cow! We are very excited. And thankfully, Jana and Grace are excited as well:). Still overwhelmed with the thought of it all...

Chris is a ROCK STAR!

Well, yesterday was the long awaited day...Chris got the call that he has officially been selected as the Operator of the new store in Goose Creek! YAY! Yippee! It has been a long road. I couldn't be more proud of him if I tried. He has worked so hard, and I am so happy his efforts have been rewarded. 

The store should open in the spring. The grand opening date has changed many times in the past, so I think it will probably change again before it's all over. Construction should start in December and it's supposed to open April 23rd. Mark your calendars (in pencil)!

On a sadder note, Nosey had an appointment with Ortho last week. I thought it was just going to be for a shot of Botox, and then on his way, so I sent Chris for the appointment. However, things went a little differently. He ended up coming home with a new brace that he now has to sleep in. The orthopedist said that things are going well overall, but that he would like to see the ball sit deeper in his hip socket. So, to avoid surgery again, we are going to try the brace that will keep his legs in a position that will be good for his hip development. It makes me so sad to make him sleep in it, though. This is the kid who giggles every time you put him in his bed. It is truly his favorite place on earth. He loves his bed, and to have to make him wear an uncomfortable brace while he sleeps just breaks my heart. We are easing into it. When he cries at night and can't be comforted by repositioning, we just take it off for the night. He is making it longer and longer. What a good boy...

This past weekend was a really relaxing one. Cookie had his first soccer game of the season. Most of the rest of our free time was spent at the dock. It was pretty hot and buggy, but it

 was great on the water. Chris took the boys kayaking. They all loved it, especially Nosey!

Tater has just one more week in the cast. He is scheduled to have it removed next week. I hope and pray that he is healing well under there.

Chris is traveling this week and next. And this weekend, he and Cookie are going on the Cub Scout Campout. I am not planning on going. I am a little sad about it, but they will have lots of big boy fun I am sure.

Oh, I almost forgot! Today I looked across the street and saw two men and a pregnant woman going all around from door to door. I thought it was a little odd. Then, the pregnant lady rang our doorbell and asked for a fire extinguisher. Turns out the room over the garage was on fire. Apparently, the gas lantern somehow caused the fire. So, everybody and their brother came out to see what all of the commotion was about. I took a bunch of pictures, and sweated while we watched the DI Fire Department put the fire out. One of my pictures may end up in the newspaper too. I hear they even pay $50. That will be the only time anyone ever pays me for any of my photography!!

The Storms Have Passed...Hopefully!

Well, thankfully, we didn't really get any real wind from Tropical Storm Hanna. We got quite a bit of rain, and we kept waiting on the winds to pick up, but it never happened.  So, all in all, we had a pretty event-less weekend.

An update on Tater Tot's arm...When we took him back to the Pediatric Orthopedist last week, they x-rayed his arm and found 45% of angulation in the break. So, they had to remove his cast, put his arm in traction, reset it, and recast it. He was very tough, but very mad about the whole thing. There is still about 30% of angulation in the break now, but apparently that's acceptable in pediatric ortho. Who knew? They say it will take about 4-6 months to straighten back out. So, we will see what his arm looks like when it comes out of the cast. I hope nothing like it did the other day! It gave me the heeby-jeebies.

So, the x-ray on the left is once the arm is set in the cast, and the picture on the right is the arm before it was set.

So, now Tater has a bright red cast. It doesn't slow him down a bit. Everyone keeps asking if he is using it as a weapon yet, and I have to say--so far, so good.  He has begun to use it quite effectively to climb on things, and even waves with that hand now.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, it has been quite a week! About a week ago, things were going smoothly - that is until Tater Tot woke up from his nap last Wednesday. He was very fussy, but still consolable. I was gone for pretty much the entire time that evening with Cookie to soccer and then to a team meeting. When I got home Jana told me that he had been very fussy all evening. The next morning he woke up with a swollen, misshapen arm. I called Grace to ask if she had any idea what had happened. The best we can figure is that he stuck his arm through the slats of his crib to reach something he had thrown out, but then fell, dislocating his right elbow and breaking his forearm in two places. It was a doozy. He was quite pitiful, but so tough the Doctors said they had never seen a child handle a situation so well. Anyway, we took him down to MUSC, got a cast put on, and hit the road.

So, off we headed that afternoon to Williamsburg, VA for the long weekend to see Chris' family. We had a really good time. We went to historic Williamsburg, to Busch Gardens, and really got to spend some quality time with the family. We don't get to se them that often, so it was great to be with them. Tater finally got to meet his Granny, and he just couldn't get enough of her.  Our family finally got to meet Baby Piper, and what a cutie she is! 

The boys had a great time at Busch Gardens. Cookie is such a good big brother. He helped both of his little brothers on the rides. I couldn't have a prouder mommy! Jana was right in the middle of it all. Chris' family treated her as if she had always been a

 part of the family. It was really neat.

This week it's back to school, aquatic therapy, soccer practice, and Tater is starting Gymboree (if Jana can ever find the place). It is a busy life, and all is well. We go back to the Pediatric Orthopaedist tomorrow to see how Tater Tot's arm is doing. I think he has started to pull the cast off. I wonder what they will do about that. He is such a hand full! 

Of course, as I sit here I hear the weather forecaster talking about four hurricanes that are brewing in the Atlantic. We think there may landfall here on Friday. I am not looking forward to that, to say the least. Keep us in your prayers as we head towards the weekend.