A fun Friday...

This afternoon the boys were full of energy and the weather was beautiful so we went outside and they climbed trees, looked for frogs and played in the "forest."

"The forest" is the area of our back yard beyond the fence that Sam has started to clear. They like to pretend that there's wild animals back there. We actually saw a cute baby fox out there one night last month.

After a few hours outside, I bribed them in by promising to play Zoobs.

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We built a "castle" for our princess, Gabby.

She liked it. However it took over an hour to build and less than 2 minutes to tear down.

MOPS Thursday

Today was a "MOPS day" and now that Zach's preschool schedule has changed, he's attending the Moppets program. For those of you unfamiliar with MOPS, it stands for Mother's of Preschoolers. During our meetings we get a much needed break from our kids and enjoy brunch, a craft and fellowship. This is where we release some of our 50,000 words a day that I spoke of in an earlier post.

Notice that Zach just makes himself at home there. You wouldn't have known it was his first day since it's the same group of caregivers that work on Sundays.

After MOPS we decided last minute to go out to lunch and I was actually able to enjoy a meal without holding a baby in my arms. (Thanks, Vanessa!) Check out Gabby's sweet little smile. It's great to see her feeling so much better despite being so congested.

Gavin always enjoys going out after a "tough day" of preschool. He's learning the letter "T" this week and I think he has it mastered.

After American Idol Gabby had her first "big girl" bath. She has quickly outgrown her infant bathtub and afterall, she is 6 months old. Each time I took a picture, she would cover herself with her little yellow duckie. I guess she's a little bashful!

A trip to the doctor....

Gabby hasn't been feeling her best for over a week. I finally decided to take her to the doctor today for congestion and a chronic cough. Although she hasn't had a fever in over a week, he put her on antibiotics since it's only been 8 weeks since her surgery. I'm not a big advocate for antibiotics without an absolute need, but in this case I'm glad they were prescribed.

Of course when the boys heard that we'd be going to the doctor, they wanted to play "sick" and get all bandaged up. Check out Gavin's finger and Zach's forehead.

Then we made capes out of paper towels and staples. Doesn't everybody do this? (Gavin was so excited about his "great idea" that I couldn't shoot it down.)

Zach enjoyed playing dress-up too. This is why Sam can't find his boots in the mornings!

A busy day at home followed by a Mom's Night Out!

This morning we dropped Gavin off at preschool and ran some errands. After we came home Zachary actually asked to hold Gabby! (This is huge progress in his adjustment to losing "baby status.") Look at those faces... he was so serious and Gabby couldn't have been happier to have his full attention.

Then it was time for the maid to clean house.... (in case you're wondering... that would be ME!) You see, I made a rule for myself that I wouldn't blog unless my house was clean so you can guess why I didn't blog yesterday. My floors were out of control. In my defense, Play doh vacuums up much better after it's dried. After I finished cleaning, I was rewarded with a ring of my doorbell. Yes, my new computer arrived!



and the day continued getting better. Sam even came home early so I could enjoy a night out.

We sat and talked about how hard it was to lose the "baby weight" as we indulged in Mexican entrees, endless chips and salsa, and fried cookie dough. As you can guess, we didn't major in Nutrition, but it was a fun night out!

Let's do this again soon!

Slumber party in Zach's room

Last night I went upstairs to check on the kids and found the boys asleep on Zach's floor. The boys tend to go, go, go and then they just crash. In fact, just minutes earlier it sounded like they were going to fall through the ceiling.

Gabby wasn't in her own bed either, but that's an everyday occurance. I used to say that I'd never have a child in my bed this long, but what I've learned from that is to never say "never."

They all woke up very happy this morning. Zachary enjoyed some bonding time with Gabby before Gavin woke up. It was so cute to watch because he hasn't been all that interested in her (likely due to his age). However, Gavin dotes on her all day long.

and finally.... my favorite picture of the day is taken of the boys in front of a Ferrari. I was a little apprehensive about parking next to it. I told the boys not to dare touch it or even breathe on it. In fact, for a moment Zachary thought he was supposed to hold his breath.

Finally some sunshine!

We spent most of the day in the backyard... enjoying the 70's weather.

We had to come in for a little while to work on Gavin's "homework." He's having a little trouble mastering his letters, but he's getting there.

I guess Gabby was exhausted after a long day in the hammock.

Another rainy day....

Due to rainy weather, we spent most of the day inside.

Some moments they played well together.

and other times they didn't!!!

Here they are fighting over a new Play Doh toy!

I should have been the one screaming... I sustained a paper cut while opening the box and it was very painful.... (just another occupational hazard of being a stay-at-home mom)

Of course Princess Gabby always plays nicely. Joia and Prince Keenan stopped over today and here is Joia holding the happy little couple! It looks like they may be holding hands :0

Sam came home early and we went to dinner and then to Children's Place to shop their 99 cent racks. I got all of these shirts for next year for a total of $23!!!!

(and by next winter I should have them all embroidered :) )

For a fun snow video, visit Kimmie's blog

No more meds for Gabby!!!!

Gabby had a cardiology appointment this afternoon and he discontinued her cardiac meds! The fact that she doesn't need them anymore is great news, but it will also be so much nicer not to go through the daily "process." Giving her meds is the way we've started and ended each day and she really fights taking them. I told the pharmacist that she needed a different flavor or a new and improved scent because I generally end up wearing most of it. (Thankfully that's no longer an issue!)

She weighs 16 pounds which means she's gained a pound since her surgery 7 weeks ago. At this point, the doctor doesn't anticipate that Gabby will need any further surgery. He also said that she'll be able to take dance, gymnastics, and play sports just like any other child. Her incision is healing very well and he said that it may be almost invisible in about 5 years. We don't have to go back to see him for 2 months.

The weather was awful today. It rained nearly all day, but the boys always enjoy wearing raincoats and jumping in the puddles. It drives me crazy, but I try to remind myself that it's part of being a boy.

The problem with rainy days is that we get bored inside and start inventing things to do. Today we turned envelopes into "pirate hats." Gavin was so proud of the one he made for Gabby.

The boys are playing very well together these days. Tonight I found them looking through toy magazines talking about what toys they wanted for Christmas. It was so cute that I didn't have the heart to tell them how long their wait was going to be.

Gavin turns 5 next month and instead of more toys, we're giving him my computer. (I have a new one on the way!) Gavin has been wanting to go to some of the educational websites, but I refuse to let him play on a computer that stores all of my digital pictures. He's pretty excited about the idea. It's kind of funny because I didn't have my own computer until my junior year of college. It's amazing how things have changed!

50,000 words a day.....

I’ve received 4 calls and/or emails regarding my “blog break” yesterday. Well, I’m alive and well. I was just a little stretched to find something to “blog about” yesterday. I’d even considered talking about the visit from my pest control guy. That’s when I realized that I probably should take a day off.

I don’t know where this figure comes from, but it’s been discussed among my “mommy friends” that women need to speak at least 50,000 words a day (and not solely to our kids). So I guess that’s why we get so excited when the bug guy or service technicians come to our house. I knew I wasn’t the only mom that felt this way when I read this paragraph in my friend, Loree’s Christmas letter:

My kids' favorite hobby seems to be disintegrating me into a screaming maniac these days. I've discovered a new 'escape' though - I lock myself in the bathroom and pretend the pounding on the door is a passing car with a good sound system. I've read a lot about 'Cocktail playgroups' and so I'm thinking of starting one in January if I can muster up enough energy. With all my 'free time' as a stay at home mom, I've started reading a new series of books without pictures, in between watching Oprah and eating bon-bons, much to the envy of my working friends. My new best friend, the pest control guy, stops by once a month for a chat about 'grooming insects vs. non-grooming insects', which is the highlight of my adult conversation as long as you don't count the postman. Mine just returned from three weeks of sick leave. I really missed her. The replacement guy just isn't friendly. Well, I have to go now, Oprah's almost on, and I need to brush my teeth and get dressed before the kids and my husband get home, I may even start dinner if I can find the phone number for the pizza guy.

(I'll update later after Gabby's cardiologist appointment.... hopefully that will make up for yesterday's "blogless" day!)

Cure for the Common Life....

Last night I lacked the energy to journal on my blog so I continued reading a new book instead…. Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. It talks about “living in your sweet spot.”

In the beginning of Chapter 2, Max Lucado says: “You were born prepacked. God looked at your entire life, determined your assignment, and gave you the tools to do the job.” That statement spoke powerfully to me. I say this because there have been times I missed working. In fact, there were times before Gabby was born that I even thought of going back to work full-time (much to Sam’s chagrin).

However, since Gabby was born I haven’t had the desire to work outside my home. I’ve also begun to understand why God put me through 4 years of nursing school and many more years of working in surgery. To top it off, only He knew I would also need a few years caring for post-op heart patients to give me the confidence to care for Gabby.

I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Gabby was referred to Orlando Regional for surgery where I happened to work for most of my nursing career. He knew I needed a familiar place where I had a support system and a place I had already witnessed many miracles occur. Not to mention an enticing place (Disney) for my sister and family to visit…although I know she would have traveled anywhere to be there for us.

On a lighter note, I can also find purpose in some of my other career experiences and I will share those also. However, I must preface it by saying that I truly respect and admire surgeons. In fact, after Gabby’s surgery and healing I have gained a whole new respect for doctors in general.

But I can’t resist the humor in explaining how working with surgeons has prepared me for being a parent and full-time stay at home mom. So here are just a few parenting skills I acquired while working in surgery.

I gained experience in dealing with whining, yelling, tantrums and occasional flying objects. My experience “gowning and gloving” surgeons helps me to get my kids out the door in their winter gear in record time. I’ve learned how to effectively offer my children a less desirable substitute for what they really want by offering them what’s actually available. (I can even do this while making them think I’m doing them a favor.) I’ve also been able to teach my kids that they can’t always get their way and that things don’t always start on time and to “get over it.” Finally, I’ve taught them that the world doesn’t revolve entirely around them.

On a more positive note, I’ve learned that through God’s power, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Gabby’s success story is just one example of that. I'm also beginning to realize that the "work" I'm doing at home is just as important as the work I did before.

Happy Monday

I hope you've had a great day!

Sunday News: Sam uses golf clubs today!

Okay, he didn't actually use them for the intended purpose, but at least he was able to use them.

He's actually retrieving two helium baloons that I bought the boys for Valentine's day. The foyer ceiling is the spot that all helium balloons eventually end up in our house.

Normally I would have left them there, but since our house is unofficially on the market tomorrow for one showing, we decided to remove them. We don't want to draw attention to the fact that you have to hire a contractor to change a lightbulb.

In other family news, Gabby is now back in her excersaucer and off "sternal precautions." It's amazing how fast the 6 weeks has passed.... if only the time prior to her surgery would have passed that quickly. She's doing amazingly well. She has another follow up with her cardiologist this Thursday and I'm hoping he'll discontinue at least one of her medications.

The boys had a good day. Here's a picture of them this morning in the playroom playing rather nicely together....(yes, this happens on occasion and when it does, I try to have my camera handy.)

and finally... my favorite picture of the day

(Zachary taking a nap on the couch!)

My sister started a blog.....

and I stole her poll question!!!

(Please check out the margin and don't forget to vote.)

T.G.I.F.

This is what life looks like here at this moment. Gabby has enjoyed being in my arms most of the day so my arm is enjoying a much needed break.

I received a few interesting phone calls over the past few days. The first was from the realtor that listed our house last summer. As you know, we had it on the market for about a month before Gabby was born with the intention of moving to Huntsville. Well that all changed, but apparently there's a buyer interested in our home so we've agreed to show it on Monday afternoon. I honestly don't think anything will come of it, but if nothing else we'll have a really clean house by Monday morning. (Not a bad thing, huh?)

Another call came in today offering a 3 day preschool position to Zach. He's currently only attending 2 days so that call was certainly a blessing.

The weather has warmed up again so the kids and I spent some time outdoors today enjoying the 70's weather. Here's a picture of Gavin. Zachary didn't want his picture taken and I'm choosing my battles these days! Have a great weekend.