The Johnston Family

Ty - 9 Months

2011-12-31T22:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Ty,

I'm sorry... 9 months... really? I can't stand it. You're growing up SO fast! It feels like just yesterday you were a little lump of baby asleep on my chest and not doing much more than that. Now you are 9 months old and everywhere! Here's what we learned about you at your 9 month appointment, in addition to the information that you are supposed to understand the word "no", which I can tell you is NOT the case:

Weight 21lbs 10.8oz (82nd percentile)

Length 28.75 in (67th percentile)

Head Circumference 46.75cm (92nd percentile)

Sleeping: You are sleeping better. You still go down around 8:30 and you've been making it to 6, which the doctor tells me is a reasonable time for you to get up. Clearly medicine has come a long way since he graduated. 6 AM definitely does NOT feel reasonable to me! You are usually pretty good to stay in your crib and play with your glowing seahorse and your mobile, which I am pretty sure isn't even supposed to be in there anymore since you can stand up and make it spin all on your own. Who needs batteries? Dare I say that I miss the days when you would get up at 4 or 5 and go back to sleep until 7? Would it be wrong to encourage this behavior???

You still take 2 naps each day. Your first nap is around 10 and lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. Your second nap is at about 2 and you usually sleep until almost 4 sometimes even later if you think Mommy needs to be extra productive on that day.

Eating: You are eating about 1 to 2 jars of baby food 3 times per day and drinking 3 (ok... 4) bottles each day, two of which are 8 ounces now. I was trying to cut down the number of bottles by increasing the amount in two of them from 6 to 8 ounces. That backfired because you're still drinking the same number but getting more at two feedings. We'll figure this eating thing out at some point!

The doctor has cleared you for table food... or people food... or whatever you're supposed to call the food that isn't blended into liquid anymore. I told Daddy that Dr. Freeman said this at your appointment and when I came home from being out late that night Daddy informed me that you really like Dilly Bars. I'm guessing that isn't what Dr. Freeman had in mind but good to know. You've had bits of crackers, cheerios, puffs, yogurt melts, anything else Daddy has hooked you up with that I don't know about, and who knows how many sheets of paper. That's right. You must have some sort of deficiency in your diet because you LOVE paper. Cardboard, ruled, computer... doesn't matter. You love it all!

Toys: You love your walking toys! You also like playing with anything that will aggravate your brother because he is already playing with it. "NO, NO, NO, Tybee!" is what we hear over and over again anytime you get within 10 feet of whatever Case might be playing with. Odds are he's right. You are usually headed that direction to "help" him play. Right now he can fight you off but I'm pretty sure those tables are going to turn when you really get good at biting. Yes, biting. You might turn out to be a cannibal. I should probably be putting this information under the food heading but here we are. You tend to go at stuffed animals and people the same, with your mouth wide open and your 4 fangs just ready to clench down on anything you can get them around. Most recently you were playing with Daddy and bit his nipple. I'm not gonna lie... it was HYSTERICAL (not that I'm encouraging this behavior). I'm pretty sure the days of being kicked out of the church nursery and child watch at the YMCA are getting VERY close!

Back to your favorite toys... you love to play with my phone. You also love to play catch by yourself. I'm not lying. It is entertaining to watch you throw something, crawl over to it, pick it up, and throw it again. You're so funny!

Clothes: You'll be happy to know that things are getting better in the clothes department. You got hooked up at Christmas... you were past 9 months at Christmas and that information shouldn't be on here until your 10 month post you say? This is reality kiddo. Your mommy doesn't have very good time management! You do finally have quite a few of your own, not hand me down, actually fit, clothes. 12 to 18 months seems to be your size right now but some of the pants are a little long. Turns out you are 12 to 18 months around but not the vertical measurement.

New Things: Wow! I didn't realize how fast you've changed until I just went back and read your 8 month post. So in one month you went from crawling with your belly off the ground, pulling yourself up and starting to walk along things to taking steps! It is wild to me how fast you've taken to walking. I should only be reporting that you've taken a few steps but again I'm late with this post and a lot happened in 2 weeks. You are now walking the length of a room. You aren't super steady but you can make it. I LOVE how you stick your belly out to walk. It must help you balance or something. You are just so stinkin' cute I don't know what to do with you!

Your two top teeth made it through and the one to the right of your top teeth has just started poking through. The one to the left isn't far behind.

You've also had an ENT appointment since your last post. After having a double ear infections for pretty much 2 or 3 months straight the doctor thought it was time we saw the ENT. He wanted to try one more antibiotic before going to tubes. It looked like it was getting better after 4 days at your 9 month appointment. We see the ENT again next week and you have a cold again so we'll see if the ear infections are back or not. If so I'm thinking we are headed for tubes. I just hate knowing that everything has sounded muffled to you for so long (except when Case is doing his VERY high pitched squeal... then I'm just jealous). And the pain? How in the world did I now know you were having these infections??? You are just a good boy and have a high pain tolerance I guess. They seem to be bothering you more now though. I think you've had enough!

When we were at the appointment where Dr. Freeman referred you to the ENT he asked how concerned I had been about your breathing. WHAT??? I was there because I thought you had an ear infection... clearly I wasn't concerned enough! You have had this weeze every morning for months. I told them about it but they had never heard it until that day. Suffice it to say, you had a breathing treatment before we left that day and a nebulizer was delivered to our house that afternoon. It is just an as needed tool and you really haven't needed it that much but I'm glad we have it. There's a possibility we might be headed for asthma. I hope not but if you're reading this then you already know how that turned out.

So here's a look at you my love...

My little turkeys on Thanksgiving

Ty and Daddy on a tree hunt

Ty was a fan of the Christmas lights and preferred them
on the ground to on the tree!

Turns out you aren't opposed to the
taste of tinsel

Love this boy!!!

Ty with his buddies, Case and Drew

Having dinner with Bob the Dog

I love you Tybee! I can't wait to see how much you've changed by your next post... yes, yes, I know we're already halfway there so maybe the changes won't be quite as drastic :-)

Love,

Mommy

Naptime Production

2011-11-29T17:00:00.000-05:00

Tracey and I are both fairly new to sewing but love doing it and trying new things. One of our friends has an etsy shop and told us she was doing some craft fairs. This totally peeked our interest. I used my brother's fused glass as an excuse to take some of my own things to a craft fair just to see what would happen. Tracey loved the idea and wanted in too. And so Naptime Production was born.

So far we've had some of our stuff at two craft fairs. We definitely did better at the second one but from what I understand this is just how craft fairs go. You just don't know how you will do until you get there. Here's a look at some of the things I've made...

Looks great in a frame on baby's wall!

See something you like but want it in a different color? Just let me know and I'll do my best to make it happen! One of the great things about our shop is that we never charge shipping! Check us out on Facebook for more pictures and pricing info. Facebook.com/naptimeproduction

Case's Birthday Party

2011-11-28T17:00:00.000-05:00

Case,

We had so much fun at your 2nd birthday party! Here's a look at your day...

Muno party bags

We got my parent's playroom done literally the
night before!

New easel for the playroom

Your birthday banner (Grandma got a Cricut Machine
and this was my first project)

Your amazing cake and cupcakes! You're so lucky to have
a talented cousin because if I was in charge I promise
it wouldn't look like this!

Muno pretzels... again thank your cousin!

The easel was a hit!

I made the whole family participate in your Yo Gabba Gabba theme

It's not Yo Gabba Gabba without a Party in Your Tummy!

Food table

One of the decorations I can use from year to year since your
birthday is on Halloween. You might be 20 reading this today
and I will bet that this was at your last party:-)

Yo Gabba Gabba decor

gifts table... well soon to be gifts table

goodies

seeing everything for the first time

We had soups and probably will every year! It always goes
so well... wait... can I say "always" when you've only had
2 birthday parties?

Lots of food!

Opening presents

Yes, that's a 5 candle on your cake. Let's pretend your mom had it together and had candles for your cake or better yet let's pretend that was a number 2 instead of a number 5.

Yep... you wanted a fork. You eat everything else with your
hands so I don't know why you wanted a fork for this.

You thought having so many different snacks at your fingertips
was the bees knees!

Daddy and Tybee after your party :-)

at the end of the day you just wanted to play with my old
Barbie car :-)

Thanks for another day full of fun memories! I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Case is 2!

2011-11-27T17:00:00.007-05:00

Dear Case,

The past two years have gone by SO fast. It sort of takes my breath away when I look back at how quickly the last two years went. I know that before I know it I'm going to be sitting in a church watching you get married. I wish there was a slow motion button!

I've watched you grow and learn so much in the last two years. You amaze me everyday with what you learn and yet somehow I'm pretty sure I've learned even more. You've taught me to love on a whole new level. It is so difficult to describe my love for you and Ty. It's the kind of love that makes me want to laugh and cry all at the same time; the kind of love that makes my heart stop when you get hurt; the kind of love that makes me want to keep you by my side at the grocery store even though I know you're going to be SO fussy just because I hate to be away from you.

There are SO many things that I love about you!

I love that this is what you do when you are sick

I love that you have to help give Ty a bath

I love that you love to learn

I love your sweet smile

I love that you have to run around the house yelling "I naked"
when you get out of the bath (my apologies to Rody for this one)

I love that you know Daddy needs your help putting things together

I love that you think empty tubs and laundry baskets must be sat in

I love that the first time you saw snow this season you
said, "Messy! I ceen (clean) up!"

I love that you are SO silly

I love that you always want to be outside

I love that you don't think any of the baby toys are too
small for you

I love that when you hug someone you just lay your head
against them (of course that doesn't work with Mommy:-)

I love that you still fall asleep in the car

I love your sweet innocent face

I love that this is what you look like
when you first wake up

I love your fashion sense... pretty sure that
came from me :-)

I love that you love your Mommy

I love that you like to share your snacks

I love that you like to read

I love to watch you line your cars up

I love that you have such great friends

I love that you pile your cars on the trashcan,
push the foot step, watch them fly, and yell "Oh nuts!"

I love that you want to be just like Daddy
(washing your hair in the sink)

I LOVE to hear you make Tybee giggle

I love that you aren't scared of anything

Here's a "snapshot" of you at 2...

2 Year Stats
36.5 inches (94th percentile)
30 pounds 4 ounces (77th percentile)

Eating: You LOVE to snack. You would prefer to just snack all day long but you're willing to sit at the table too. You just usually don't eat quite as well. You love all things sweet. Fruit snacks are like a drug to you. You have just discovered the wonderful world of chips and you are a huge fan! You call Meijer "Cookie" because you can hardly contain your excitement about getting a cookie while we shop. You like grilled cheese, as long as it isn't too stringy, mac and cheese, chicken, bread, ketchup (that's right... it's a food on its own because you'd eat it with a spoon if I'd let you), green beans, all fruit, rice, noodles, and the list goes on. All of these foods, with the exception of sweets come with a disclaimer though... if you've had them a lot lately you probably won't eat them again until you've had a break. It's quite the food cycle you're on! You drink milk and water. You love juice but I don't give it to you that often.

Sleeping: You are a GREAT sleeper! You take one good nap each day, usually around 2 and it will last about 2 hours. You go to bed between 8:30 and 9:00. Mommy and Daddy aren't strict bedtime enforcer yet. We will let you stay up as long as you are happy. You wake up between 7 and 8 each morning.

Toys: You LOVE cars! It is so much fun to watch you drive your cars and even make sounds now. You are SUCH a little boy. You also like your Thomas the Train cars. You enjoy building with blocks, playing on the computer or with your iphone. When Daddy or I lay on the ground you LOVE to climb on us! You also love squeezing into toys that are much too small for you, like Ty's exersaucer.

TV: Sadly this gets its own category... you like Yo Gabba Gabba (your 2nd birthday theme, and your Halloween costume), Curious George, Super Why, Thomas the Train, and this baby show we stream on Netflix that I can't even tell you the name of. You don't sit and watch whole episodes of anything usually but you like to have it on to watch off and on while you play with your toys.

New Things: You've learned to run and jump. I love that when we get to a curb you won't step off you have to jump and you'll usually say "big jumpin'!" You amaze me with all that you know and learn each day. You're vocabulary seems to grow everyday. You know all the uppercase letters, your colors, most of the single digit numbers, you understand many opposites like in and out, you know most animals too. I love to watch you learn! You enjoy painting more than coloring. You love playdough.

You go to Andrew's house for school once a week and Andrew comes to our house for school once a week. I think you both have learned so much from each other!

You are getting your 2 year molars. None have popped through yet but they are getting close. The dentist said you are not going to have room for all your teeth. We'll see what that's going to cost down the road.

Wow... listing all the new things is SO hard. There's so much!

Clothes: You wear 2 or 3T in everything now. You're very tall so we have to go 3T in some things. When we went to your appointment your nurse went to measure your height on the table slider but she said, "I don't have to do this very often with a 2 year old but we're going to have to go to the hall to measure you because you're too long for the table." So you marched to the hallway ruler in your diaper and were as happy as could be. The doctor said he predicts you'll be 6'1" (apparently you can predict this by doubling your height at 2 years old). Crazy since neither Daddy or I are very tall! I guess the day is coming when we'll be looking up to you instead of the other way around.

I know there are so many other things I want to remember about you at 2 so maybe I'll just keep adding to this list.

I hope that you have some idea how much Daddy and I love you! I pray that God will make us good parents and that you will grow to know Him above all else.

I love you Case!

Love,

Mommy

Baby Molly

2011-11-26T22:40:00.000-05:00

My brother and his wife waited a long time to hold this baby girl! I am so happy that Molly Marjorie came safely into this world on 10/21/11. She was 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches long. She was and is perfect!

This is the tiny slit of a window I stared through for hours watching for a sign that Baby Molly was here. You can barely see their room through this window. I got so excited every time I saw someone come or go from their room... as if they were going to hold up a giant sign that said she was here or something!

Congrats Ben and Court! Molly is perfect in every way and I'm so happy she is here! Love you guys!!!

Where Have I Been?

2011-11-26T18:13:00.001-05:00

I know I've been MIA for a while. It's been a crazy few weeks and something had to be put on the backburner... it came down to my blog or my sanity. I chose my blog.

There have been three big things going on that have taken on a lot of my time. First was our missions conference at church. Wayne is the head of the committee and therefore I am the planner:-) It was a weekend long conference and what a blessing it was to hear from these families that have truly dedicated their lives to spreading God's word in some VERY far away places like the Congo, Lithuania, and India.

Next was Case's 2nd birthday party. I had to do a lot in not a lot of time but it all came together. Watch for a post on this next week!

Finally there was the conversation Tracey and I had that turned into two craft fairs and a "mini" business. I took my sewing to a whole new level and was practically running a one man sweat shop out of my bedroom. It was INSANE! I was sewing tie onsies, burp clothes, and reindeer onsies like nobody's business! More information is coming on what has grown into Naptime Production next week.

So that's where I've been. Life's been crazy and great all at the same time! I feel like I needed the holidays to get here so I could slow down a little!

Ty - 8 Months!

2011-11-26T15:23:00.002-05:00

Dear Ty,

You are now 8 months old. We are getting dangerously close to the one year mark! The time with you seems to be way faster than it did with Case. This makes me sad because I don't feel like I always get to just sit and enjoy everything with you.

I can't believe how much you've changed just in the last couple of months. One thing that has stayed the same is your smile that can melt a room. You have the sweetest eyes and when you smile they are even sweeter. My heart just wants to burst when you look at me with your bright smile!

Here's a look at you over the last 4 weeks...

Sleep:

Sleep is SLOWLY getting better. You are still waking up at least once in the wee hours of the morning. I usually, ok ok, I always give in and feed you. It is usually around 5 am that you eat but you'll go back to sleep most of the time. Then you are usually up for good between 6:30 and 7. The good news is you wake up happy to play in your crib so I usually don't go in to get you until 7 at the earliest. You like to take a morning nap and a good long afternoon nap, which I can usually time so that you and Case nap at the same time and I get a little break... you know just to sit around watch tv and eat bon bons (I wish... I sort of wish I even knew what bon bons are).

Eating:

So here you are 8 months old and you still have not increased your bottles past 6 ounces. I can't help but be grateful for the money we're saving on formula but not before I worry about you getting enough to eat. I feed you food three times a day and you will eat anywhere from zero to two containers. Many times you find it most fun to spit your food leaving both of us with a lovely splatter print on our clothes. Sometimes it is a lovely shade of green and other times it's a beautiful fallish orange color. SO FUN! I've even given you some yogurt melts and mum mums neither of which can I decide whether you like or not. Turns out you aren't the world's greatest eater but you wouldn't know that by looking at the size of your thighs... which I LOVE by the way!

I think you were a little unsure of the texture

Clothes: Well this is a tricky subject. Your brother wore 12 months sized clothes in the wrong season for you. It's getting pretty cold now so I've started going through his 18 month winter clothes. Your wardrobe is mostly made up of 12-18 month clothes that are almost always too long but not so big around. Yes, that's right... you are 8 months old and wearing 18 month clothes. Why? Because they almost fit and your mommy is WAY too cheap to go out and buy all new 12 months clothes when we have tub after tub of 18 month clothes. You'll grow into them :-) Although you might be questioning it right now, mommy does in fact love you just as much as Case! I PROMISE!!! I do find it super fun to put you in all of my favorite outfits that Case wore. Maybe for Christmas we'll get you some of your own clothes.

My favorite pants of yours... could

you be any cooler? :-)

Toys: You love to play with anything that Case is playing with so your favorite toys change by the moment. You like to find tiny particles of things on the floor... luckily you haven't learned to put them in your mouth yet. You are starting to love stuffed animals. You always make me giggle when you growl at them but I start to get a little scared when it looks like you might take a bite out of one of their faces. You also love all the table toys that light up and play music. You pretty much love anything you can stand up and play with.

New Things: This has been another big month for you! Your bottom middle teeth came through and you have the cutest smile with those sweet little teeth showing. Your top two middle teeth look like they are going to make a serious grand entrance once they pop through. They are SO swollen!

Your tongue is ALWAYS hanging out of your mouth! This isn't really a new thing but it is something worth documenting. I wonder if you are going to be one of those people that has to have your tongue sticking out of your mouth in order to accomplish anything (like your Daddy is).

You have started crawling SO fast with your belly off the ground now... you know like normal people crawl. And even bigger news is that you are pulling up to standing on everything you can get your hands on!

Yes, those are the stairs that I'm going

to have to block ASAP!

You will even walk along things some. I can't believe we are already here! I'm afraid you're going to be another early walker because, like your brother, you get a little obsessed with holding our index fingers and walking.

A little static for your already crazy hair :-)

LOVE this Halloween costume!

Shout out to Andrew for letting

you borrow it!

There it is... that's the look that

totally melts me!

You were having a hard time falling asleep and

you literally just bent in half and went to sleep.

You're crazy flexible!

Silly fun with Daddy (he's a tiger and you are normal:-)

Pretty sure this is Daddy's favorite napping

position!

Did I mention your hair is a little on

the crazy side?

You are so much fun Ty! I LOVE every moment that I get to spend with you. I'm so grateful that God has given me the gift of staying home with you and Case. You boys (and Daddy) bring so much joy into my life!!! I love you more than I can explain!

Love,

Mommy

Sneak Peek

2011-10-24T07:56:00.000-04:00

We had Case and Ty's pictures taken by Sarah with Bliss Photography. LOVE her, LOVE her pictures!!! I am always amazed that I can actually enjoy having pictures taken because if you are a mom and you have small children, then you know how stressful it can be. Sarah makes if fun though! I didn't leave feeling like I needed a nap... ok that isn't entirely true... Case is still two and while Sarah is amazing she couldn't temporarily take that out of him but we still had fun! Here's a peek at a few of the pictures...

FAVORITE. PICTURE. EVER!

Joshua and Caleb's bears are even in it :)

Case with his Case tractor and a huge smile

My favorite picture of Ty... I love this wall!

Case (and his snack)

us.

Love my little man's blue eyes!

Thank you Sarah for the amazing memories!!!

Court's Baby Shower

2011-10-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

My mom and I threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law. Her and my brother are expecting their baby girl this weekend. Needless to say we are SUPER excited! I am also thrilled to have some team pink to buy for! The name is down to two so I've combined them and I call her Slolly (Molly or Sloane).

We had it at Trader's Point Christian Church (for all you local people it is a great deal and the facility is awesome).

A look at the room... it was plenty big!

I always think "oh it will be cheaper if we just make that... (just fill in the blank with anything vaguely crafty)." Not so... but it is more fun! I had a blast working on all the decorations with my mom.

onsie banner

This was my first attempt at a diaper cake. I found a great tutorial here. I love how she does this because the diapers aren't rolled and rubber banded. They are just laid in the cake. I think they look nicer and the recipient doesn't have to unwrap each diaper along the way. No matter how you do it I don't think there is a mom out there that isn't happy to receive free diapers! So the longer I look at this picture the more I think I shouldn't include it. It looks like it might fall over or something. Well I did say this was my first attempt and perhaps a nearly life size Minnie Mouse wasn't the best idea for a topper. Again... let's just focus on the free diapers! :-)

These are burp cloth bouquets, which was an idea I found here. She has a tutorial posted now... before it was just a picture so I was on my own... needless to say she had some tricks that made it easier than the way I did them.

No shower is complete without good food! I used a lot of Tastefully Simple stuff. Everything, especially the beer bread, turned out pretty good.

My cousin made the cake and cupcakes. She's awesome! You can see her other creations here.

Nothing brings people together quite like food and babies:)

My attempt at Mickey Mouse shaped rice krispy treats

playing the "guess which tv/movie mom is on your back" game

It was totally silent while they did the Disney word jumble!

Court

Yep, that sure does say "Trophy Playdate"

Court getting the Minnie Mouse outfit I had my friend's

sister make for the baby. Can't wait to see pictures

of Slolly in this one! Here's her Etsy shop... she's amazing!

It was such a fun time! I am so happy for Court and Ben. This has been a long road for them and I pray that sweet Slolly will be safely in their arms by the end of the weekend. I can't wait to meet her!!!

Ty - 7 Months

2011-10-19T14:46:00.002-04:00

Now's probably a good time to discuss your hair issues! I have NO idea what to do with it!

Ty and Case at 30 weeks... if ever there was a day

when I thought you looked alike that day is gone!

Dear Ty,

You are 214 days old (make that 217 days old... Mommy is slow to post... again)! I can't believe we've reached the 7 month mark already. It feels like I just finished your 6 month post... probably because I did since I was so late with it (too).

You continue to be so much fun. You are still my laid back little man. You seem to just roll with the punches still. I guess that's because you've always had this "demanding" older brother (no Case this doesn't mean I love you any less it just means you are almost two and living up to everything they say about the "terrible two's").

Sleep:
Mommy's been wanting to talk to you about this. I need more of it! Your sleep is maybe a little better now. I don't always have to go in or send Daddy in to get you readjusted anymore so that's good but you are still waking up really early to eat. Usually between 5 and 6. This just ain't ok! The good news is that you usually are happy to go back to your crib after eating and you usually fall back to sleep but I'd really love it if you would maybe consider just sleeping until 7 or 8 or maybe you and your brother could team up and sleep until say 10! That would be amazing :-) I still enjoy our snuggle time early in the morning even though I am usually nodding off during it.

Eating:
You are starting to eat a little better sometimes. You still haven't gone past the 6 ounce mark but there are times you'll actually finish it now when you aren't sleeping. The norm is still that you don't though if you are awake. We pretty much tried almost all the level one foods. You are still anti-anything green. You don't seem to love peaches either... weird. You will only eat real food once, maybe twice, each day, although I try three times. We've gone to level 2 foods now and you'll eat carrots, sweet potatoes, pears, squash (sometimes), apples, and bananas. I guess it's time to start venturing out a little further into the level 2 world.

Clothes: You're pretty comfy in 12 month sizes right now. Your pajamas are almost all 18 month sizes though... probably not because you need 18 month sizes yet but because I only have one pair of 12 month pajamas. I can't really explain this because your brother did in fact wear 12 month sizes at some point but I guess I just skipped straight to 18 months for him because I'm cheap and knew he'd eventually need 18 month jammies... I'm guessing even if you are old enough to read this that doesn't come as a big surprise to you.

Toys: You love to jump in the jumperoo and play in the exersaucer still... not really sure what people did with their kids before these were an option. You also like to just sit in the middle of the floor and be surrounded in toys. When you are on the floor you always look for anything that is too small for you to play with, i.e. lint, crumbs, string... etc. You are quite the cleaning critic! Your brother is still your favorite toy though! You absolutely light up anytime he looks your way.

Case is always eager to feed you... you don't seem to mind.

Case also loves to use you as a pillow and you also don't

mind that. You just love when he's close and the fact that

he has something to eat in his hand didn't hurt things either!

I post this picture more so that you can tease your brother...

check out his boots and pajamas ensemble!

New Things:
This has been a big month in the "new things" department! You are starting to babble using lots of new sounds. Daddy likes to point out the da da da sound you love to make. If only he spoke baby he would know that da da da in baby talk actually translates to Mommy. We can't expect him to know everything I guess:)

You are officially mobile... not fast... but mobile nonetheless (update... it is two days later and I haven't gotten this posted yet... you are much faster already!). You sort of look like a wounded solider but if you see something you want you get there. You usually scream the whole way but that stops as soon as you get your hands on whatever it is you are after. I think you are pretty close to pulling yourself up too. It won't be long but you aren't quite there. I'm predicting that will be part of next month's post.

You had your first haircut on October 3rd (I'm sure there will be a blog post about this if I ever get my act together). You'll notice in the pictures above that a haircut didn't really help things. It was getting really long around your ears and neck though so it needed to be done. I just don't know what to do with it now that it stands straight up on your head and not in a cute "fohawk" sort of way. I'm probably going to need to break out the gel I guess.

You also have a tooth coming in! You are getting your bottom front right tooth and the one to the left isn't far behind it. I wouldn't say you've been particularly fussy but it probably does explain a few otherwise explainable outbursts.

This has been a big month for you. I didn't realize how big until I wrote it all down. I can't believe we are already talking about teeth and crawling!

I love you so much little man! I hope that there is never a day where you question that. I will cover you in hugs in kisses everyday that you'll let me just to make sure :-) Thank you for being such a fun little boy and for being so eager to flash that perfect smile! You have no idea how much happiness you and your brother bring me every single day!

Love,
Mommy

Indiana State Fair

2011-10-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a little behind (yes, I know this is putting it mildly). The fair was in August and it is now mid October and I am just getting to this post. It was just such a big day for Case I decided I couldn't let this one go by without having these memories written down.

Ty on his first cow ride :)

Case on what I'm almost certain was the fastest

and quite possibly the longest carousel ride ever.

Case with Grandma on his first real fair ride

Case and Grandma... I love this picture!

Case meeting his first "carnie"... that's probably not

the most appropriate or preferred term but I don't know

her name so I wasn't sure what else to call her. She

was super nice took extra time to make sure he wasn't

scared.

Ty was a little upset that no one brought him

anything from the Dairy Bar

Why yes, my son did go down this giant

slide (with Daddy) and he LOVED it!

Look at that face!

coolest dad ever!

Take two on the slide. Case couldn't stop at one!

I know it's blurry but could he possibly be happier?

Sidenote on the giant slide. When I think of the state fair back, WAY back, in the day when I was a kid the giant slide is what I think of. I can totally remember going down this slide (yes, I realize it probably wasn't this exact same slide) sitting in that burlap sack with my dad. It is one of those great memories that is SO easy to go back to. I hope Case grows up with this memory too!!

Uncle Ben practicing... his day is coming

VERY soon!

The chicks were almost enough to put Grandma's

iPhone down for... almost.

Aunt Coco, Uncle Ben and Grandpa waiting for

Case to finish on the slide.

Check out #4... yep that's Case and Daddy on the

BIG ferris wheel...

...and yes that is my husband pulling a Michael Jackson

and practically letting my kid dangle out of the ride (yes

I'm exaggerating... a little).

Case on another ride! He loved this!

Wayne and me... at least this self-portrait took one of

my chins out!

Me and My Ty

Self-portrait #563... finally got all 4 of us in the picture

My mom, Case and Me

(Why do I insist on self-portraits like we didn't have

4 other people with us that could have taken the picture?)

Oatmeal

2011-10-13T15:16:00.000-04:00

Do you know what happens when you leave your nearly 2 year old alone while you take care of the baby? Oatmeal happens. You know, the "used to be full container now empty all over your kitchen floor" kind.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T15:30:00.000-04:00

Unofficial 6 Month Photos

2011-10-04T16:52:00.001-04:00

Ty's real 6 month pictures are scheduled for next week but I tend to get a little camera happy since my boys are so cute. Biased? No way! :)

The Lengths I Will Go

2011-09-27T14:37:00.001-04:00

So I will do a lot of things to save a buck... just ask my husband. I haven't had a haircut since about a month before Ty was born and then I had a gift card. I'm not all about paying for haircuts! Ty is VERY into hair pulling though. He used my hair as his own personal handle/chew toy and usually once I put him down a handful of my hair went with him. I weighed my options... be bald by his first birthday or cut my hair. I decided to cut my hair. I didn't want to go the Great Clips route... I've been down that road and it doesn't always have a happy ending. I wanted to go to a nice salon and many of them will give you a discount if you donate to Locks of Love... so I did. I cut about 9 inches of my hair off so that I only had to pay $15 for a haircut instead of $30 and so that I might actually get to keep some of my hair. So here I am... then and now.

It's short but it will grow back (hopefully after Ty is through his hair pulling phase).

Ty - Halfway to One Year

2011-09-26T15:35:00.001-04:00

Here's a look at you... 6 months old...

6 Month Stats
Weight: 19 pounds 7.5 ounces (83rd percentile)
Length: 27 inches (66th percentile)
Head circumference: 45 centimeters (91st percentile)

Ta-da! I'm 6 months old!
It sort of seems like that's how
fast it happened!

Sleep: So the 6 month paper the doctor gave us said that you should be sleeping through the night. You clearly canNOT read yet! You usually wake up between 2 and 3, at which point I wake Daddy up and he goes in gets you situation because you've usually gotten yourself into some sort of a predicamit in the corner of your bed. He puts you on your belly and you go right back to sleep. Then you wake up again between 4 and 6 but this time you want to eat. This is Mommy's job. You go back to sleep while you're eating and you stay asleep until maybe 8ish... just depends on the day. You want to take a nap in the morning but our schedule usually doesn't allow it so you sneak quick catnaps in the car then you take a good long nap at the same time as Case around 1 or so. You favorite way to fall asleep... eating!

Just waking up... so cute!

Eating: You have officially started solid foods. You're aren't great at it but you've started. The first thing you had was rice cereal. You seemed to really enjoy it at first but then it got to where you didn't want to keep any of it in your mouth. You are very messy with it and my favorite place to feed it to you is in your bathtub.

After rice cereal came bananas, avocado, sweet potatoes, green beans, peas, and oatmeal. Sweet potatoes and oatmeal are the only things you are good about eating out of all those foods. In fact green beans and peas make you literally gag. Need proof? Here ya go...

Safe to say the green stuff isn't your favorite? Sometimes I sneak a spoonful into your oatmeal and get you to eat at least a bite but you seem to know it is in there. You, believe it or not, still have not gone up in the amount of formula you take at a feeding. You are still at 6 ounces and that tends to be a battle that takes place over an hour or two unless you are falling asleep. You take a bottle about 4 to 5 times a day and I offer you solid food about 3 times each day.

Trying bananas for the first time... what kind of kid
doesn't like bananas?

Clothes: You are getting pretty comfortable in 12 month size clothes now. A lot of it is still pretty long but it sure isn't too big around!

Play: You still love your exersaucer and your jumperoo. You are also a BIG fan of your brother's toys, much to Case's dismay. Let's just say he isn't so good about sharing his toys or your toys with you! You probably think Case's nickname for you is "NO!". What can I say? He's almost 2! Case do you see what happens when you go to bed? Ty is surrounded with your toys! This is what Ty calls, revenge!

All toys still go straight into your mouth. You are just so happy to play with pretty much anything you can pick up and put in your mouth. You LOVE playing with Case! You giggle more for him than anyone else. I sure hope Case turns out to be a good kid because I'm pretty sure you're going to do your very best to do everything your big brother does!

New Things: You are definitely sitting up now! You're pretty advanced... doctor's words not mine! He saw you sitting up and said that is more of a 7 month skill. I just smiled and explained that you are gifted and that you most likely got that from your mom:) You are really very steady and love to sit in the middle of the room and watch Case play, especially if he is going back and forth doing something.

You are really interested in the tv still. You pay attention to it longer than Case does I think. You don't seem to be picky about what you watch but the more colorful the better.

A little Yo Gabba Gabba in Mommy and Daddy's bed

Your winter/fall hat

Grrrrr... you're a tiger :)

Wearing Mommy's headband thanks
to Case!

Bathtime!

So cute!

Snuggles with Daddy! One of my favorite pictures!

I can't believe you are already over halfway to your first birthday. I wish I could slow time down and snuggle with you a little longer before you become totally independent! I love the time I get to spend with you. You are such a laid back kid and you don't ask for much. You are such an easy baby... have I said this a hundred times before? It is still true. God blessed me with the "easy" kid second (sorry Case it's true)! I am so blessed to be your mommy!!! Thank you for your patience and your smiles. You bring me so much joy!

I love you Tybee!!!!

Love,

Mommy

Love and Joy

2011-09-22T15:52:00.000-04:00

I have no words... just love and joy that is overflowing inside me!

Honeycrisp Time!

2011-09-07T21:41:00.000-04:00

Even I find it strange that I have a bit of an obsession with honeycrisp apples. I didn't know a honeycrisp from a granny smith until last fall when Baby Jam took a tour of an apple orchard. Is it possible I didn't blog about this trip??? I just spent forever trying to find the link to it and it doesn't exist... I only thought I was good at documenting things! Anyways, the guide explained how popular honeycrisp apples were so I, of course, had to see what all the hype was about. They were right... those are some good apples. Now are they "obsession" good or are they "everyone else likes them and they tend to run out so I better get some" good? I don't know but either way I felt the need to rush to the nearest (actually not the nearest) apple orchard to get my hands on some before they were gone. They are good apples but when I look at them sitting next to the Dorothy Lane brownies sitting on my counter I'm not sure I remember what the excitement is all about. At any rate we made a trip to the orchard with Andrew's family (one of Case's Baby Jam buddies) and while the apples are good I think the memories are WAY better! We had a blast (even though there should probably be some rule against picking apples when it's 95 degrees out)!

Case and Andrew hunting apples

discussing strategy

apparently Andrew didn't agree and Case
felt the need to defend himself

hunting Case :)

Andrew and his apples... don't even
think about messing with his apples!

Daddy making Case SUPER tall to pick the good apples!

Case, sharing with Ty

Ok... hold on... Ty's only had rice cereal a couple times!

I guess Ty isn't content with just the rice cereal anymore!

Us! Try to overlook the sweat pouring
down my face!

We'd be dangerous if we could all look at the camera at the
same time!

My Case :)

A very happy Ty!

Two of my favorite boys

Sitter!

2011-09-07T08:01:00.001-04:00

Ty is officially sitting!

Last week he started and got better each day. Now he rarely falls over, unless he wants to get on his belly... he is almost graceful doing this! I can't believe how fast he's growing already!!!

Three Years Ago

2011-09-06T15:12:00.000-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Joshua and Caleb

Three Years ago yesterday I got the most devastating news I've ever received. It is news no parent wants to hear but it was given with such compassion and sympathy by two of the most amazing medical people I've ever met (others entered the picture later in this trial). In a second I can take myself back there. It is amazing how something that happened three years ago can so quickly feel like it happened this morning if I let it. Dr. Fenoughty and Brandi told me my twin baby boys no longer had heartbeats. I can remember saying, "Both of them?" while barely breathing and Dr. Fenoughty saying, "yes." I can remember feeling my whole world crumble and for a moment my husband was still living as if nothing was wrong. They offered to call him but I knew that was something I needed to do. I remember hugging Brandi, while both of us sobbed. Then in a moment I was back in my truck picking up the phone to make the most difficult phone call I've ever made. I remember having to repeat myself several times to Wayne... I don't know if he couldn't understand me or if he just didn't believe what was happening. I remember going home and sitting in our partially done nursery for hours. I spent a LOT of time in there for the next several months. I needed to be in there.

Three years ago today I met my twin boys, Joshua and Caleb. I went to the hospital to be induced and deliver my boys. It is such a strange feeling walking onto the maternity ward carrying the same things the other women carry when they come to deliver their babies, yet I knew I wasn't leaving with a baby. You still walk in the same way though. I stopped at the desk and gave them my name. This is when the most amazing nurse ever entered the picture. Mar took us to a room in the corner and never left my side. Within minutes of meeting her we were both sitting on my bed crying. Do you know how much someone else's tears can mean when you are in the middle of a crisis?

Joshua was born at 10:04 that night and Caleb came at 10:34. They were born silent. Many of my family members still came to the hospital just like the families' of other mom's down the hall, but they came knowing it was the only time they would see my boys. My breath was taken away over and over as so many people that love us came and met our boys with such love and respect. This day wasn't all negative. Mar, Dr. Fenoughty, Bobbi, Martha, and my family showed Wayne and me such compassion and love that I can look back on this day and see not only the pain but the beauty. God surrounded me with those people. God gave me a husband that never once questioned the constant tears that flowed. He gave me a man to stand by my side that had such strength and compassion for me... a man that I only grew closer to throughout this trial. God gave me blessings on that day. God knew the ending before it began. God ordained this. God has continued to carry me through my life. He showed me blessing after blessing throughout this trial. It is SO easy for me to look back and see God's control on this experience!

You can read Joshua and Caleb's complete story here or watch their video here.

Happy 3rd Birthday Joshua and Caleb! Mommy and Daddy love you just as much today as we did 3 years ago! We are SO grateful for every moment we had with you... there is not a moment I want to forget! We love you and miss you and will see you soon!

Yesterday my family was complete. Wayne, Case, Ty, and I spent some time at the cemetery. Case, who doesn't easily give up his toys, so kindly set two toys on Joshua and Caleb's headstone.

He also enjoyed climbing all over it... typical Case form. I'm sure his brothers wouldn't want it any other way!

We also played in this big open grassy area at the cemetery. All of this probably sounds so strange and maybe a little morbid to many of you and if I hadn't lived through the past 3 years of my life I would have been right there with you but the cemetery is the only tangible thing we have of our boys. We live with certainty that our boys are in Heaven and that we will see them again someday but the cemetery is what we have while we are here. It's ok if you find this strange... in a way I hope you do because that probably means you haven't lost someone that you didn't think you could live without. For us yesterday was beautiful.

All my boys!

Our family :)

I can't tell you how my heart wants to burst with joy when I
get to the boys' headstone and find flowers that we didn't
put there. Someone left these for my boys and I have no
idea who it was but it means the world to me!

I had bought a kite because I thought Case would get a kick out of it and the cemetery has a great open area and the wind was perfect. Now granted it was a $2 kite but I didn't figure it needed to last long... I just wanted to play with it for the day. That was A LOT to ask of a $2 kite. Good thing McGuyver, I mean my husband was there. One wreath stake (yes the kind that you find sitting at headstones but these were in the trash pile) ,one wreath ribbon, and a couple rocks later... oh and probably an hour or two, Wayne got that kite to fly... for about 15 seconds. Funny how things can seem like such a good idea in your head!

Wayne trying so hard to make that kite fly!

Defeated by the $2 kite!

Regardless of whether that kite flew for 15 seconds or 15 minutes the day was perfect and our family was complete!

Thank you to all of my boys for a beautiful day that I won't forget! And most of all thank you to God for surrounding me with such amazing blessings!!!

Case 22 Months

2011-08-31T08:16:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't 20 months have been a good round number to post about... well your mom is a big slacker and is just now getting around to this so here is a look at you at 22 months!

Talking: Wow! Everyday you say more and more. I never thought it would be so amazing to watch someone learn to talk but I stand in awe of you and all that you learn each and every day! I can no longer give a count of how many words you say. There are WAY too many now. The good news... you are FINALLY saying Mommy and you say it so clearly! I LOVE it!!! You will come up to me and pat my chest and say "Mommy" and you'll do the same thing with Daddy, oh and you also do the same thing with our cars. So cute! I love that when I go into your room to get you out of bed in the morning you say "Hi Mommy!" just as clear as can be. You try to carry on whole conversations but usually we only understand one or two words in your rant. You are even starting to put some sentences together, like "I see monkey." I LOVE to listen to you talk! You have the sweetest little voice, even when you are using it to say "toot" and "burp" (which totally cracks both of us up by the way)!!!

Clothes: You are wearing size 7.5 wide shoes but you also haven't been measured in a while and I think some of your shoes are too small so we might be getting close to 8's now! Your clothes are now mostly 2T or 24m. I have stopped cloth diapering you. I decided you poop too much and you do NOT sit still during diaper changes... it just became too much of a battle that wasn't worth fighting. I bought you a bunch of disposable diapers in size 4 but after the playground debacle where the diaper didn't totally cover your butt therefore causing most of the poop to land in your jeans and us to go home not long after we got there I think I need to rethink this size and maybe move up to a 5 (wow... was that the world's longest run-on sentence?). Speaking of poop (this is a segway everyone enjoys right?) now when you poop you'll point to your butt and say "Poop!"... might mean we are getting closer to potty training! I don't know if I'm dreading this challenge or looking forward to it. I guess we'll see.

Nursery/YMCA Child Watch: I'm SO happy to report that you are now happy to go to the nursery at church! We started going to the new YMCA at the end of June and I put you in intense drop off and pick up training for a couple of weeks while I worked out. At first you would cry every time I dropped you off. Then you got to where you would cry but through the tears you would still hold your arm out so they could put your wristband on and you would walk through the door without any sort of a struggle. When I picked you up though I would watch you playing happily until the moment you saw me and then you'd totally lose it again. It was as if you were totally doing this for my benefit... "Mommy I've missed you and cried the entire time!" Well, eventually it got to where you couldn't fake it anymore... now you've figured out how to open their door and you can't even wait for your wristband but you still put on quite a show when I pick you up. There are no tears but you totally light up and run to me yelling "Mommy! Mommy!" I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!! I hope you never stop doing it!!! Yes I know it will be a little akward when you are in 7th grade running out yelling "Mommy! Mommy!" but who needs friends anyways:-)

Eating: You still eat a pancake and an egg every morning for breakfast. You've also eaten oatmeal and you seem to like it too! You are getting better and better with a fork but I am not the best at remembering to give you one every time you eat (this is probably a subconscious, cant' stand the mess move on my part). You drink about one cup full of milk each day and the rest of the time it is water, with the occasional juice or watered down juice (especially when Daddy is in charge of meal time). You don't seem picky about your drinks. You have been eating really well this week; however it won't surprise me to see you go back down to one good meal a day next week. You still love fruit and pizza but I think your first real love is fruit snacks... they are sort of like crack for you. Once you have one you can't get enough! You will also eat green beans, peas, turkey, chicken, avacado, spaghetti, broccoli, and mac and cheese off and on. You seem to get to where you want something at every meal and then you need a break from it. You would really just prefer to pilfer through the pantry at your own leisure. You frequently stand at the pantry door yelling, "snackie!"

TV: Well you have gone from not really caring too much about the tv to being totally obsessed with Yo Gabba Gabba. Today marks a big day in the Johnston house because Netflix has released more episodes of Yo Gabba Gabba so we no longer have to watch the same 20 episodes over and over and over and over and over again. I was so excited when I saw this that I had to call Daddy at work. I don't know what to say about this show other than it is probably the worst show ever and yet you totally love it. I wish you had gotten attached to something a little more educational but here we are, watching wierd characters with names like Fufa and Moono under the strict supervision of a giant DJ Lance Rock. You have decided that you like Super Why, which is way better for you, well as far as tv goes. I do try to limit your tv time and usually you are pretty good with that but sometimes you want it on just as background noise even though you aren't watching it.

New things: Somehow you gave up your paci. This didn't result in an all out drag out fight leaving you hating me. It just happened naturally. I'm SO SO SO glad I didn't try to force this issue when that nutjob pediatric dentist tried to get me to. Instead just a few short months later you showed me that you were ready to let the paci go by throwing them out of your crib on several occasions. You've always liked to throw them out but you would usually keep one in bed with you... not anymore. You have been so amazing to show me when you are ready to do things and I just need to trust that I'm reading your behavior right. When I do everything seems to work out. So you are now pacifier free pretty much on your own.

You now know several of your letters. I'm so amazed when I work with you on something and it actually sticks (that never seemed to happen when I was actually getting paid to teach). You also know some colors like green, blue, indigo (yep... indigo... I'm not even sure I know when I see indigo but you have a book that has an indigo page and you always say the color), and purple (although it is usually pink or red when you say purple).

You have pretty much mastered Grandma's iPhone. You know how to unlock it and slide from screen to screen to find the games that you want to play. I think it has really helped you learn your animals. You've gone from accidentally getting the occasional question in your games right to intentionally getting them right. You just keep learning and learning and I'm enjoying every minute of watching you!!!

Teeth: You have 4 molars now! The rest of your teeth are in or on their way in (at least I think they are however you aren't the most cooperative when I go digging in your mouth to count teeth).

Sleeping: You are a great sleeper!!! You take one nap each day now. It usually starts after lunch sometime between 12:30 and 1. You will usually sleep until about 3. You go to bed about 8:30 each night. It usually takes you about 30 minutes to actually fall asleep though. You wake up about 7 or 7:30 each morning but you always wake up happy!!!

Big Brother: You are a pretty good big brother! You think it is SO funny when you make "Tybee" laugh. "Tybee is your nickname for Ty, which was a huge relief because for a long time I was trying to figure out how I was going to explain to Ty that you called him "Debbie"... I'm glad I finally figured out that you were saying "Tybee". You've gotten a little territorial with your toys now. You want to tell Ty "NO!" a lot. You're so cute when you try to help us burp Ty... you are even gentle. It was funny when you were choking on something that had gone down the wrong pipe the other day I saw you patting your own back... SO CUTE! I absolutely LOVE to see you with Ty (especially when you aren't telling him "No!"). I think he is going to learn so quickly watching you... this will have it's good and bad moments!

And now here is a look at you in pictures from 18 months to 22 months...

Your first trip through the spray park
at the zoo! You were so cute!!!

You are now obsessed with lining your
cars up and pushing them in a train;
however when they don't push right
look out because there are probably going
to be cars flying!

Eating your "snackie" and watching Gabba

Trying to relive your early year

playing in your toybox

Going in to wake "Tybee" up

Who needs a paci when you have your favorite Christmas
ornament to sleep with?!?!

No, I'm not kidding... you love to have this in bed with you.

The first time you "held" Tybee... I think he
might actually be big enough to hold you!

You and me before Daddy and I went out for our 9th
anniversary

Your favorite garage toy... you love to
"work" in the garage when Daddy does!

Your first Happy Meal! It's like a right of passage or something!

You're like a stunt driver already!

You can now open all doors... knob or
lever... nothing is keep you out except a lock!

You have incredible fashion sense!!!

You make me smile more times than I can count each day. You are so special to me and I cherish all of our time together (even the not so easy times). You amaze me in how much you learn each day and how quickly you've turned into a little boy. I love you SO SO much Case!!!

Love,
Mommy

Shopping Cart

2011-08-30T07:57:00.000-04:00

Ty went on his first shopping cart ride sitting in the seat. What a perfect place too.... Lowe's. He loved it and looked like such a big boy!

This was pretty much his first big trip out since his virus started over a week ago. So the update on that... I was in communication with the doctor twice last week and both times he was saying virus. As of yesterday (not sure about today... he is patiently waiting for me to get him out of bed right now) he still had diarrhea, which seemed pretty crazy to me because this is a kid that usually only goes every 2 or 3 days. He also has a rash on his face and is still not sleeping great at night, although he doesn't seem quite as restless. I took him to the doctor yesterday and he's still saying virus. He's the doc... I need to just trust that God is giving me all the details I need and keep praying that there is nothing more to this. He has been much happier, not totally back to himself but getting there, so that is making life a lot easier again!

Born to Eat Real Food

2011-08-29T19:03:00.000-04:00

Ty got rice cereal for the first time on the day he turned 5 months old. Unfortunately that video got deleted so here is a look at his second attempt with rice cereal. Yep I've shared a 2 minute video of Ty eating rice cereal. It's 2 minutes you'll never get back but it was interesting to us! He's SO good at it! Wayne had a hard time getting the spoon out of his mouth at times. I can remember Case not being nearly as good with the rice cereal as Ty is but perhaps that is because we had to start him on it so early since we were out of bottle space so early on.

Out of Control

2011-08-24T10:11:00.001-04:00

Life is feeling very out of MY control right now. Ty has been puking off and on since Saturday night and he has some serious diarrhea. Yesterday Case fell down the stairs... there was blood but he is fine (I'm not gonna lie... it was a little scary). I am hosting a shower this weekend... luckily it isn't at my house but there is a lot to do for it. Life is hard right now because I don't know what is going to happen in 10 minutes or 10 days with Ty. His puking has been so sporadic (Sat. night, Monday night, Tuesday overnight) that I am walking around with a towel in hand (I just had my carpet cleaned on Monday afternoon). I'm worried about him. I don't know what causes this off and on puking and all this diarrhea. There's been so much diarrhea that I've typed it so many times between now and when it started that I've actually learned how to spell it without the help of spell check. That's a LOT of diarrhea! I'm scared that we're missing something. I called the doctor yesterday morning at 8 and didn't hear back until 5:30 yesterday evening. Now I will let this slide because it was the actual doctor that called me back. He wasn't worried yet. Of course he assumed that since Ty hadn't puked again since Monday evening that he was done... he was wrong! When I got him out of bed this morning both him and his bed were covered in vomit. This seems like a long time for a stomach bug to be going on and so far no one else in my house has caught it.

I'm worried. I'm worried that there might be something more to this. This is what I do. This is what I need to stop doing! Every trial God leads me through has a reason. I'm pretty sure the reason for this trial is to remind me that I am NOT in control, nor am I supposed to be in control. Why is it such a struggle for me to put my faith in Him and just let it all go? God already knows how all of this ends so why on earth do I think me being in control can somehow change that??? His word says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God -Philipians 4:6." I've been doing some serious petitioning to God. Every once in a while when things seem so hard I get this moment of clarity (obviously from God) that reminds me that there are people going through so much worse than this right now. I know someone that is saying a final goodbye to a parent, another that is laying her grandfather to rest, I follow blogs of parents with babies that they are just trying to keep alive, those holding their breath hoping the heart their daughter received isn't rejected and here I sit fighting tears because my little boy has some sort of a virus. It's the unknown that scares me. It's the out of control that I don't like. I pray that God will continue to remind me of how blessed I am, and that He will heal my baby and protect my bigger baby and my husband. This has been a hard week but not nearly as hard as it could be, as it is for some friends. I am so grateful that even though I'm completely out of control, He is in total control and hasn't faltered for even a moment.

Thank you God for my babies and my amazing husband and help me to keep my perspective centered on You!

Baby Jam Moms

2011-08-22T15:01:00.000-04:00

I got to go out for a Mom's Night Out last Friday night. One of the Baby Jam mom's is about to have her baby so we always celebrate with a "last night out for a while" for the moms that are about to be blessed with baby number 2. I can tell you these ladies are a big piece of why I am still somewhat sane! Congrats to Megan... can't wait to hear that baby is here... oh and thanks for the excuse for to have a night out!

So ladies... who's next... I'm going to need some more nights out to look forward to!

Comparing

2011-08-20T17:42:00.000-04:00

I'm sure I'm breaking one of the first rules of motherhood with this but I love to compare the boys. It is fun to look back at what Case was doing as Ty reaches each monthly milestone. There's been a lot of controversy (I'm talking Fox News worthy) about whether Case and Ty look alike so here ya go... you be the judge...

Ty- Five Months Old

2011-08-17T16:05:00.000-04:00

Dear My Sweet Baby Boy,
Here we are 5 months out from the day we met. I can remember being so scared during the first couple weeks of your life. I was devastated that I'd ruined Case's life and that I'd never love you as much as I did him. I was wrong... on both counts. You have brought so much joy not only to Daddy and me but also to your brother. He loves you SO much... he can't say it yet but he sure does show it when you see his face light up because "Tybee" is awake! And as for loving you as much as Case... I do! I can't put into words how much I love both of you boys! You, Case, and Daddy light up my life!

Here's a look at you... 5 months old...

Sleep: You are doing pretty good with sleeping. Most days I can get both of you boys napping at the same time at least for a little bit. You go to bed around 9 and usually wake up between 5:00 and 5:30 each morning to eat. The good news is you usually go back to sleep for another hour or so. You can Case wake up at nearly the same time each morning. I'm not gonna lie though... Mommy is tired and if you want to sleep for a full 12 hours each night that would be ok with me... oh and perhaps you could teach your brother this trick as well. I really can't complain about sleep though... you've come a LONG way in 5 months!

Taking a snuggly snooze in Mommy and Daddy's bed... no,
we don't allow this very often!

You even look laid back in your sleep!

Eating: Oh boy... eating?!?! I still get a little frustrated in this department but I'm quickly learning to just let you guide it and I'm letting it go. You eat close to 6 ounces at each feeding still. Usually the full bottle at 5:30 in the morning and then your next feeding, around 9:30 you will only eat 2 or 3 ounces. The remainder of your daytime feedings seem to be around the 4 ounce mark unless you are falling asleep and then you are happy to finish a 6 ounce bottle. You are truly a nighttime eater. You might go through 14 ounces between the hours of 6 and 9. Somehow you keep gaining weight and I sure don't look at you and question your nourishment so I am working on not worrying about how much you eat. Some of the books say that if you watch us closely when we eat it might be a sign that you are ready for solids... well I don't think you could be more interested. Your eyes follow every bite I take. The doctor said you need to have started solids by 6 months but he gave us the go ahead when you were 4 months. I'm honestly just not ready for that mess!!! Again... I think it is time to let it go and give rice cereal a try and that way you should be pretty good at it by 6 months when we're going to expect you to try other things as well. I wonder what kind of an eater you will be.

Clothes: You are comfortably in 9 month clothes (I'm not sure about pants... they might be a little long yet but that hasn't been an issue since it's been about 100 degrees all summer). You can still wear some 6 month stuff but I would say time is running out!

Play: You have now mastered the jumperoo! You love to sit in it and just go to town jumping up and down.

I promise you are usually much more excited in your jumperoo
than this but I didn't have good photographic evidence!

You also like your exersaucer and have become really good at walking it in circles when we leave it on the kitchen floor (it has a stationary post that you can walk around). You just look so big in these toys! I doesn't seem like you should be ready for all that yet but you are a pro! You love pretty much any toy we give you at this point! My hair continues to be one of your favorite toys as well... I would just chop it off but I'm not sure it would do much good because even when it is pulled back you manage to grab it at the root, which is WAY worse! You also LOVE to play with Case and you just light up anytime he gets close to you!

This is your with your new buddy Michael, the next
generation of Baby Jammers!

New Things: Rolling has become a piece of cake to you. It is pretty much your mode of transportation at this point. You can roll across a room no problem! You are giggling more and more (this usually results in hiccups... I should look up the science behind this but you and I both know I'm not going to... we'll just ask Daddy). You seem to be responding to your name or perhaps it's just our voices... either way you are all ears! Your legs are getting stronger and stronger and you are getting close to sitting up but you aren't quite there yet. You still never cry... this isn't really a new thing but it is definitely noteworthy. Sometimes you fuss but it usually doesn't go much farther than that. Your lack of tears is amazing to me!!! I love that you are so laid back and such an easy baby!!!

Your mattress is so high that as soon as you wake up and lift
your head you start chewing on the rail... I guess I'm going to
have to invest in some rail guards when those teeth poke through.

Case sharing his toys with you... nothing like hard sharp
blocks in your bed!

You have a VERY busy tongue... it is frequently sticking out!

LOVE that big smile!!!

Waiting patiently for your brother to be done playing.

I wish I could slow time down some. You seem to be growing up even faster than Case at your age. I love you every second of every minute of every day Ty! You are one of the three loves of my life!!!

Love always!
Mommy

Hendricks County Fair Trip

2011-07-30T12:01:00.001-04:00

We went for a quick trip to the Hendricks County Fair last week. I say quick because it was WAY too hot to stay for very long. I think Ty goes into hibernation mode when it gets too hot. He just sits so still and kind of zones out. He's not a fan of the heat!

Does the steam in this picture capture just how hot it was?

Case had a great time seeing the animals and just being able to walk around. The heat didn't seem to slow him down at all; however I was so covered in sweat it looked like I had just gotten out of the shower (probably didn't smell that way though)! I tried to volunteer to be the dunkee in the dunk tank but apparently they don't let just anyone do that!

Pointing to the goat... just in case we didn't see it :-)

Case thought that goat was hillarious!

Tails are made to be pulled, or so Case thinks. I can't believe
that he is big enough to stand on the fence! He is turning
into a little boy WAY too fast!

Daddy and Ty... Ty in his "zone"

Poor chicks never even saw Case coming

Case's eyes lit up like saucers as he looked
around the midway but unfortunately he
was only hitting the 35" mark and needed
to be 36" to ride. Apparently the carnies
practice more discretion than the go-cart
operators! Who knew?!?!

I LOVE making memories with my boys!

Ty - Four Months Old

2011-07-29T09:12:00.000-04:00

4 Month Stats

Length: 25.75 inches (69%)

Weight: 17lbs 4.5oz (81%)

Head: 43.5 (92%)

Dear Ty,
You are 4 months old! Here's a little bit about you right now...

Sleep: You have become quite the napper when we are at home! You usually take two pretty good naps each day. You've been a little better about sleeping at night but it was pretty rough there for a few weeks. You are usually going to bed around 8 and Daddy or I wake you up around 10 to eat one more time. This seems to be the trick to get you through most of the night. You'll wake up one other time during the night and then you are up for the morning around 7. Hopefully we'll get you sleeping through the night here soon!!! Mommy is tired!

Eating: UGH! That's all I can say about eating. If you look at pictures of yourself it doesn't look like you have missed many meals but you are NOT the greatest eater. You eat up to 6 ounces at a time. The only time you empty a bottle is when you fall asleep eating. The rest of the time you might only take 2 ounces and be done or if I have the time and patience I'll continue giving you sips over the course of an hour or so and you might take a total of 5 ounces.

Clothes: Somehow despite the eating issues you are still ahead of the game in clothing. You are wearing 6/9 month clothes easily now but I think you might be getting closer to the 9 months side of that! I've finally gotten you into your cloth diapers so you wear those a least a few times day. When you wear disposables you are in a size 3! I can't believe how fast you've blown through the diaper sizes!

Play: You are awake a lot more now and you are SO much fun! You love to lay on the floor and play under your little gym.

You also like to play with (eat) your feet.

There's my feet!

Almost got 'em!

You still love the bear that hangs from your carseat.

Somehow you got big enough to use your exersaucer! You really like being in it. Case loves to "help" you play in it too!

Could you be any happier???

You (just like Case did) LOVE to talk to the snail!

You also love to watch Case. Your eyes follow him all over the room! I think you are going to learn more from him than anyone else (this could be good or it could be bad... time will tell)!

New Things:
You have rolled both directions now, though you don't do either regularly. You are starting to giggle, which I LOVE, although it gives you the hiccups almost every time. Your feet are definitely something you've found this month and they seem to spend more time in your mouth than not. You are a HUGE fan of the TV and anything electronic already. You'll maneuver yourself around on the ground so that you can get in position to see the TV. This is probably not the best thing but at least you already know what you like!

You are looking a LOT like your
Grandpa Johnston here!

Falling asleep... not sure what to say about your choice
of fingers!

NO MORE KISSES GRANDMA!

You have such a sweet smile!

There are so many things I love about you! You are at one of my favorite ages now! I love your sweet smile, your giggles, the way you look at me like there is no one in the world you'd rather be with. I love that you are SO quick to smile at almost any stranger (yes, even the weird ones that think they need to touch you or kiss you... seriously... hands off people!). I take you to "Child Watch" at the YMCA, while I workout and rarely is there a time when I pick you up and someone doesn't tell me what a good baby you are.

You are such a happy baby and SO patient with your momma and your brother! It is rare that you cry for very long. I love our middle of the night feedings. It is just you and me and no other distractions. I treasure that time with you (even in the midst of my exhaustion). I am having SO much fun with you and I pray that God gives us many many many more years of fun together!

I love you little boy!

Love,
Momma

Fashion Faux Pas

2011-07-21T16:33:00.000-04:00

Don't you hate it when you show up at the playground only to find out that one of your friends is wearing the exact same shirt as you? You can tell that Case and Andrew were really affected by this...

Epiglottis

2011-07-14T21:40:00.000-04:00

"Epiglottitis is a medical emergency that may result in death if not treated quickly." This is the first sentence in the illness that the doctor mentioned about Case when I took him today. I'm SO glad I didn't use my Google MD to look at Case's symptoms before I went to the doctor because I probably would have been in an all out panic.

Before anyone else starts panicking... he is fine. Monday night he woke up in the middle of the night screaming and trembling. He was sweaty and seemed SO scared. I thought he'd just had a bad dream. After a restless night of sleep he woke up Tuesday morning with a fever. It got as high as 101.9 (rectally... yeah... I'm that mom that demands accuracy when it comes to fevers and still finds it necessary to pin my almost two year old down for a rectal temperature reading). He started drooling. Now let me clarify that Case has never outgrown drooling... I hope that one day he will learn to close his mouth when swallowing, otherwise mommy's dreams of his future as a surgeon are probably out. So he is a drooler... especially when he is really concentrating or teething but the drool that was literally pouring out of his mouth today was NOT normal.

Right??? You can even see it pouring out!

There were times today where it was covered from the neck to seam at the bottom of the shirt. I thought I was going to have to get scuba gear for the poor Paul Frank Monkey on his shirt. I treated his fever until 3 this morning and when he woke up at 7:00 it seemed to be gone. He was obviously not feeling well though. He would all of a sudden just start sobbing for reasons that took me a while to calculate. I finally figured out (post doctor's visit of course) that his throat was for sure hurting. I had suspected it all along but wasn't sure.

I took him to the doctor. After the nurse passed on the screening notes he came it and his first words were "how's his breathing?" Ummm... well so far that was one thing I hadn't worried about but I went ahead and added it to the list. Since his breathing sounded fine (even when the doctor took him and purposely got him upset to listen to his breathing when he was under stress), and he didn't look like a kid that was so sick he needed to go to the hospital, he said he thought it was nothing more than a virus. At first he wasn't going to treat him but then we discussed it further and he explained his concern... Epiglottitis, he decided to go ahead and do a round of meds. Now he didn't go into detail on how serious this could be but I gathered that it was not something you want to sign your kid up for. By the end of the appointment he told me he was going to give him a week on antibiotics (sidenote... he clearly picked the most expensive ones he could find at $50 after insurance... it also didn't help that I was buying one of everything from the toy aisle in hopes that it would make him feel better) and told me to watch his breathing.

We've since researched this illness a little further and I don't think he has it but you can bet I'll be making hourly visits to his room tonight to listen to his breathing. I am confident that there is a sore throat though because he's been chugging water all day (of course he's thirsty since he's wearing most of the liquid in his body) but when he took a sip of juice on two different occasions today he started sobbing again. Juice burns... water doesn't. Now beyond all that he's been acting fussy but still playing. I'm wondering if it isn't strep or something like that but the doc didn't look in his throat (remember this wasn't a symptom I was confident of until we got home) so if he is worse tomorrow I will give them a call and update the symptom list. Either way this antibiotic should treat whatever it is. So I'm just praying (please go ahead and jump on this bandwagon with me) that there are no new symptoms, especially the scary ones, that the antibiotics kick this quickly, and that no one else catches it, especially Ty and our visitors yesterday.

What a day! So grateful for my boys tonight and for my mom who left work so I could leave Ty with her and then stayed all afternoon to help!!!

Best Buy, Drugs & Police

2011-07-05T12:36:00.000-04:00

What do Best Buy, drugs, and police all have in common? My new refrigerator!

Wayne's dad and stepmom gave us a refrigerator as a wedding gift 9 years ago. On our 9th anniversary it went kaput. Happy Anniversary to us! Rather than spending the evening eating the yummy dinner I had prepared the day before we had to go out refrigerator shopping (with two small children... always fun!). This turned out to be our most interesting anniversary by far. Some of the best memories come from foiled plans and this is for sure a memory we will never forget.

We are H.H. Gregg people so we wanted to buy there but they just couldn't compare to the deal we found on a scratch and dent model at Best Buy and since we didn't have an emergency refrigerator fund we couldn't be too choosy. The salesman at Best Buy told us what a great fridge this was and explained that it was "brand new" but was marked down due to a dent in the door. I am for sure understanding of a minor dent in the door for a $300 discount! Still trying to save money and the fact that we currently did not have a working fridge at our house so time was of the essence we decided to load it up and take it ourselves. My dad brought his Ford Explorer, which my minivan quickly put to shame, when the fridge didn't come close to fitting. We had to move both kids car seats to the Explorer to make room for the fridge... you can imagine the chaos happening on the Best Buy curb at this point. Well let me just tell you that the chaos only got worse from here.

We finally got the fridge home. While I tried corralling a VERY inquisitive 1.5 year old and a sleepy/grumpy 3 month old my dad and Wayne got the broken fridge out and the new fridge in (this entailed the removal of fridge doors as well as our front door and garage door... quite the ordeal).

We finally thought we were good to go and then I hear Wayne say, "What is this?!" He had opened the freezer door only to find a baggie containing 7 pre-filled syringes hanging halfway out of the ice maker. Yes... that's right, syringes! Did I tell you this was a day to remember????

Apparently these shifted in transport... glad we found them
right away!

After we processed the craziness of this situation I got on the phone to call Best Buy and explain two things to them... 1. this refrigerator was NOT new obviously and 2. there are DRUGS in it! By this time it was 8:45 and they close at 9... plenty of time for a phone call, right? Wrong... apparently they quit answering the phone early because we had three phones trying to get through and kept getting the same "there is one person in front of you" message until it was interrupted with "we are now closed". SUPER!!! We have a USED refrigerator with DRUGS inside and no one to take care of it!

Wayne called their corporate office. We told them that these drugs did not have a prescription label but did have "Cortosyn" written in faded permanent marker.

We had NO idea if that was indeed what was inside or not and didn't want to end up in the middle of a giant drug bust only to find out it was heroin or something. Some of you are familiar with my neighborhood... this isn't out of the realm of possibility and if you've been paying attention you've no doubt learned that a drug bust might not be the strangest part of this day. Corporate agreed that we should call the authorities in order to get these out of our house. So onto the next part of our evening... calling the police. I was exhausted and Wayne offered to let me go to bed and let him deal with it but I said no way... this time we weren't peeking through the blinds of our bedroom wondering what the police were doing... we were in the middle of the action! No way was I going to bed!

I called the police and no they didn't "send someone right over." We live in one county but the Best Buy is in another so we had to talk jurisdiction. They suggested I take the refrigerator back to Best Buy because that is where the drugs came from and their county police couldn't cross county lines to come to my house (I live ON the line). I explained that she was totally off her rocker if she thought we were loading this monster back up to get it across the street. She put me on hold and talked to a detective who then said they would send an officer from our county to get the drugs. Wayne thought this whole thing was funny... he said if someone smuggles drugs in from Mexico I'm guessing they deal with him where they find him... they don't make him go back to Mexico first! So police were on their way and we could finally sit down and eat our Jimmy Johns (almost as good as the chicken manacotti I had prepared for our special anniversary dinner). The officer showed up about 11pm and could do nothing more than laugh and shake his head about the strangest call he received that evening. He was super nice and took the drugs and left a case number for us to share with Best Buy, who would be hearing from me first thing in the morning... assuming they would choose to answer the phone at that point.

It took about 3 attempts, each one with me sitting on hold for at least 10 minutes before I finally got a hold of someone at the store. I have a REALLY hard time believing their phones are THAT busy! The first girl asked if I wanted to bring it back to the store... ummm NO... I want to talk to a manager because I WILL NOT be moving another fridge! The manager was a little more reasonable and totally flabbergasted by the entire situation. She called me back and offered a different brand model that her appliance manager claimed was better but needed my answer right away to get me in line for delivery the next day. I explained that I would need to look at it before making that decision and with two kids in meltdown mode had to hand the decision making off to Wayne at work. Turns out the refrigerator they wanted to give us as a replacement was a lesser model and did about half the things this one did. That wasn't going to fly. They finally agreed to deliver a BRAND NEW version of the fridge we bought at the scratch and dent price and pick up the old "new" one.

So by 4:00, two days after this entire saga started, I finally had a NEW fridge in my kitchen! Oh and the manager did let me know she checked the "history" (something a NEW fridge shouldn't have) of the fridge and found that it was originally at an animal hospital so the drugs probably were what the baggie said they were!

How's that for a memory making anniversary?!?! Let's just say Best Buy is lucky we aren't the suing type because I'm guessing we could have made quite the case against them! I'm just thankful Wayne found the drugs and not Case who thought it was SO fun to play in the new fridge!

Just another day in the Johnston house! HA!

9 Years Ago Today

2011-06-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

9 Years Ago Today...

My Dad walked me down a very long aisle

Where I found you

We vowed to love each other forever

You made all my dreams come true 9 years ago today

Dear Wayne,
3,287 days... that's how many days we have been married (yes, I even accounted for leap year). Happy NINTH anniversary!!! If someone had told me back in my Freshman year of high school that I would be here with that lanky, semi-mullet wearing, brief boyfriend of mine I NEVER would have believed them! But God knew... He knew this is where we would be and He knew every moment of laughter and love we would enjoy along the way, as well as all the bumps and bruises we would get traveling this road. God knew and I'm SO grateful. This is one of those moments when I can really relate with Garth Brooks and "Thank God for Unanswered Prayers" (yes, I know Garth probably didn't coin this phrase but he did in my world so you go ahead and google where it really originated and report back to me:-).

When I think about how long 9 years is, that day just doesn't seem that long ago! Or maybe I just don't feel that old! I mean seriously, how could I possibly be old enough to have been married for 9 years?!?! It seems crazy to me! But when I look at everywhere we have been and everything we have been through it seems like it should probably be longer. Though, out of those 3,287 days I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade one of them! They weren't all easy and they weren't all filled with snuggles and kisses but they were responsible for bringing us where we are today and not one of them went by without me loving you.

In 9 years we have gone from this...

...to this...

This may not look like much to some people but it is everything to us!

God has carried our marriage through more trials than I ever thought I would see but the point is He has carried us. He chose you for me... He knew what He was doing! Every night when I sit in Ty's room I can't help but be totally overwhelmed by the amazing family He has blessed me with. I am married to you, the only man that I want by my side everyday until God takes me home. I have watched you go from husband to godly husband to godly husband and father. What a transformation God has done in you! I am blessed beyond words that I get to wake up with you by my side each and every day.

I know that I don't always make life the easiest but even on my worst days I still know that you love me. Thank you for putting up with me and for making me feel loved. Thank you for being such an amazing father and loving all of our boys the way you do! Thank you for working hard so that I can stay home with Case and Ty! Thank you for always supporting me no matter what crazy decision I am in the midst of making!

Thank you for the last 3,287 days and here's to at least 18,629 more (I'll save you the calculator search... that's another 51 years).

I love you Baby!

Love,
Me

Sleeping Baby

2011-06-27T10:57:00.000-04:00

Is there anything sweeter or more peaceful than a sleeping baby???

A rare occasion where Ty fell asleep flat on his back

No place this Momma would rather be!

Ty - Three Months Old

2011-06-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, I realize he is actually 3 months and 2 weeks now but I did actually start this post on time, I just couldn't get it done until now! Oh the life of a busy mom!

Dear Ty,
Wow! We're already 3 months into your life! This is SO hard to believe. I thought time went so fast with Case but it seems to be going even faster with you! You are at one of my favorite ages now! You smile so much and you are tracking me more and more. You are still such a laid back kid, except when I've missed getting you to sleep in the small window of time that you give me between "I'm getting sleepy" and "I'm screaming so you can just forget it!" During those times there is some MAJOR crying but those are really the only times so I'm not complaining!

Sleep
You are doing really well with sleeping these days. We usually put you to bed after your last bottle, which is somewhere between 8:00 and 9:30, and then you sleep until 4:30 (sometimes even until 5:30). Then you go back to sleep and wake up around 7ish. This morning you had a little trouble falling back asleep and ended up rolling to your back and watching your mobile until you fell asleep, which is how you are still asleep right now and how mommy is able to work on this post (it's nearly 8!). That is SO unusual for you but not that you're getting more and more control with rolling I guess you will decide how you want to sleep on any given day.

mid roll... notice your tongue hanging out of your mouth...
just like Daddy!

Eating
You are still eating 5 ounces about 6 times a day. You are kind of a finicky eater in the morning, like you can't decide if you want to eat it or you don't. You eat the best during your nightime feedings! I keep thinking you're going to move up on the number of ounces you eat but so far you seem content.

Clothes
You are wearing 6-9 month clothes for the most part now. Yes son, that is correct, you are 3 months old but wearing the clothes of a 6-9 month old! Your brother was the same way! I guess this confirms that you are doing ok in the eating department and I probably shouldn't worry about it!

Play
You LOVE to have someone play with you! I think watching faces is still your favorite "toy". Case is starting to make you smile more and more. You love to watch him! It makes my heart just about burst with joy when I see you just smiling at your brother. On Wednesday morning I saw the first glimpse of you guys really being brothers. I had you sitting on the couch and Case climbed up next to you, held your hand and sat and watched TV for a few minutes. I even got a couple pictures, although they don't quite capture how cute this really was!

You still like to just lay on the floor and you are SO laid back most of the time. You are starting to bat at things with your hands. You have a toy you lay under at Grandma's that has a beach ball that hangs from it and I think it is your favorite toy to bat at. You also LOVE the bear that hangs from your car seat. It cracks me up to watch you with him because you have a VERY serious look on your face and you are just talking away. If only I knew what you were saying to that bear because he seems to be in trouble a LOT! I also enjoy listening to you talking to him while I'm driving. You are SO funny!!! Your brother still can't stand to not be under the activity gym with you. I'm not sure who likes it more... you or him!

New Things
You are now able to sit in your Bumbo seat.

You don't last too long and your body starts to slump to the left but you can sit in it for a little bit. It makes you look SO big! You are also rolling from your belly to your back pretty consistently now and you're getting SO close to rolling from back to belly but you always get stuck on your side. You've had your first bad cold and I think you are starting to get over it now. You haven't had a fever but you've been so congested and it sounds like you are hacking up a lung when you cough... you really should cut down on the smoking:)

Ty, Mommy loves you SO much!!! Thank you for all the smiles!!!

Love,

Mommy

MUST BE 3 TO RIDE

2011-06-24T15:12:00.001-04:00

Rules??? They were made to be broken! We went to the rec center two nights ago so that I could hit softballs. For the record... I am still capable of making contact with the ball! When we were getting ready to leave we walked by the go-karts. When Wayne and I saw that the car had two seats we knew it was time for Case to go for a ride. I asked the guy if Case was too little to ride and he said, "he's 3 right?" I said no and I didn't offer his age but the guy quickly said he'd be fine so I didn't have to. So my not even two year old hopped in the go-kart with Daddy and off they went...

Now can we take a minute to talk about what a cool mom I am letting my not even two year old ride a go-kart?!?!

Future Wife???

2011-06-08T07:00:00.002-04:00

Case has been spending a lot of time with Sage lately. They go on lots of walks together as well as trips to the park. Last week they also went on a trip to the zoo together. Could there be a future for these two? I can tell ya, I wouldn't hate for Case to marry into Sage's family! I love them!!! I should get some say so right?!?!?

Sage and Case sharing a stroller at the zoo

Case probably teasing Sage... she looks irritated. Boys
always tease the ones they like!

Sage trying to explain the importance of a whole grain diet...
typical wife behavior!

Holding hands... so sweet!

Apparently Sage got a little to clingy for Case... I still think
there's a future for these two! :-)

Memorial Day Weekend 2011

2011-06-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

What an amazing weekend we had! There is nothing better than having not one but TWO extra days with my husband being home (well, except maybe having more than 2).

Here's a look at our weekend...

Case got a new pair of rain boots, which he
wants to wear ALL the time!

Ready to go play in his new boots!

Case and Daddy camped in the backyard

Case went swimming with Daddy in Grandma and Grandpa's
pool (this smile was short lived)

Case got to meet Uncle Don and Aunt Lydia's chickens
(he wasn't real interested in holding or touching them)

Ty hung out on a blanket while Case played with the animals

Case meeting Aunt Beth's kittens... he wasn't really a fan of
these either... not scared just not real interested.

Wearing Grandpa's motorcycle goggles

Ready to take off on Grandpa's Harley!

Ty got to sport the onsie his Aunt CoCo brought
him from Disney World. It has Mater on it and
says "who backfired"... this is funny for SO many
reasons! Could this kid be any cuter?

It was such a fun weekend!!!

Sweet Dreams

2011-06-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Ty is the cutest sleeper ever!!! He is always smiling in his sleep...

I love him!!!!!!

Firehouse Pickle Bucket

2011-06-06T07:00:00.003-04:00

I wish there was some sort of contest that Firehouse Subs sponsored where they looked for the most unique use of their pickle buckets, which you can buy for $2 (The money goes back to the firemen so it's a good cause), because I'm pretty sure I could win! Here is how we used our $2 pickle bucket...

Yep, it's been turned into a diaper cleaning bucket (this is only helpful if you have a sprayer attached to your toilet for diaper cleaning)! A friend had bought something like this and I thought it would make cleaning gross cloth diapers (which apparently is all that a 1.5 year old knows how to make) a LOT easier but they are expensive. So I had this idea to make one and my handyman (Wayne) carried it out. He cut and glued a funnel to the hole he cut in the bottom of the bucket. He put a hook at the top to hang the diapers from and ta da... you have a "Clean Your Really Gross Cloth Diapers Without Touching Poop" bucket. I challenge anyone to come up with a more unique use for their Firehouse Pickle Bucket.

Sidenote... it might be worth the extra money to buy an unused bucket because it turns out there is NO way to get the pickle smell out so now when I wash the diapers there's a not so pleasant pickles and poop smell in the air.

Easter 2011

2011-06-05T14:17:00.000-04:00

Yes, I'm just now posting Easter pictures. I'm going to go ahead and use the 2 under 2 excuse again and dare anyone to challenge me on it:-)

Here's a look at all my handsome boys before church on Easter...

And after church...

Case loved his new ATV and please note that those shorts are STILL white!

Hunting eggs

My cousin and her family were there too so Case got to hunt eggs with Nolan! So much fun to watch those boys together!!!

I think the "Easter Bunny" got a little carried away with the
quantity of eggs and the Grandma's had to take over!

Case and Nolan with their eggs

Case was SO confused by there being two babies... he just
kept looking back and forth from Ty to Eli. I think he was
a bit concerned we had added another baby to the family.

Case loving on his brother

Ty, Case, Nolan, Eli

My boys :) (Who wants to give me an award... those shorts
were STILL white at the end of the day!)

Ty and Eli... poor kids. This is what happens when us
momma's only have boys... somebody has GOT to get
dressed up!

What an amazing blessing this day was for our family! God has given me SO many amazing gifts but the true meaning behind this day is the best gift of all!!!!

Ty Talk

2011-05-28T22:04:00.000-04:00

Ty has been such a vocal baby from the beginning. I can spend hours watching him work so hard to make sounds. He is SUCH a sweet baby!!!!

Stinky

2011-05-28T18:57:00.002-04:00

Case is saying something new everyday now. One of his new favorite words is "stinky"... that's a typical boy for you I guess:-)

Show us Your Life - Desserts

2011-05-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

I've never joined in on "Show Us Your Life" at Kelly's Korner but when I saw desserts as the topic I HAD to participate! If you need a new dessert recipe head on over there because TONS of people have participated!!

Fruit 'n Brownie Kabobs

This recipe can easily be adapted to include so many different ingredients but I'm pretty sure the highlight will always be the brownie pieces!!! I think this is a perfect summertime recipe!

Ingredients:

1 box brownie mix, prepared
4 cups fresh pineapple chunks
5 cups halved fresh strawberries (whole strawberries make great tops and bottoms to the kabobs)
10 large bananas
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
21 bamboo skewer sticks (10 or 12 inches)

Directions:

Prepare brownie mix following directions on the box. Let cool completely and cut into 1.25 inch squares.
Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. Alternately, thread 3 brownie squares, 2 pineapple chunks, 2 strawberry halves and 2 banana slices on each skewer. Place kabobs on waxed paper. You can change this up however you want to!
In small bowl microwave chocolate chips and butter uncovered on high for 1 to 2 minutes (I think I only left mine in for 45 seconds). Stir until chocolate is totally melted. Drizzle over kabobs.

Same Daddy?

2011-05-27T09:17:00.000-04:00

We had Ty's 2 month well baby visit yesterday. My mom went with me to help corral Case... I'm thinking there should be a state law requiring a ratio of 2:1, adults to Case. He's a handful and seems to be even more so at the doctor's office. While there he learned to say "Oh no!" and then continued yelling it throughout pretty much the entire visit. Dr. Freeman said, "I think it's funny but I'm guessing you guys won't agree by this evening". Agreed! It is funny how dramatic he sounds when he says it though.

So after we survived the visit to the office Ty was starving... I guess shots will do that to you. We were sitting in the foyer area of the building and I was feeding Ty, while my mom was bouncing around like a pinball chasing after Case. This lady came up and couldn't say enough about how beautiful she thought Ty was. She asked if he was my first and I explained that the crazy kid training for a future in track was mine too. Then she told me how handsome he was too followed by a comment about how different they look. Next she said, "Same Daddy?" I started laughing... who asks that??? I said well I guess you do have to ask that these days but yes, believe it or not they do share the same daddy! Oh the fun comments and questions you get from complete strangers when you have little ones. I'm always entertained!

Ty - Two Months Old

2011-05-18T10:32:00.001-04:00

Dear Ty,

You are two months old today! I think this is going faster than it did with your brother if that is possible. We don't have your 2 month visit until the 26th of this month so I'll have to update your stats then. So much happens in a week though so I didn't want to wait to post.

Coming soon, your stats... (updated 5/26/11)

Weight: 13 pounds 13 ounces (78th percentile)

Length: 24 inches (82nd percentile)

Head Circumference: 41.5 centimeters (96th percentile)

Sleep: Yes, please! You aren't doing too bad with sleeping. You are definitely getting better! I would say 5 out of 7 nights you will do one long 6 to 7 hour stretch between feedings. The other nights you don't seem to make it past 3 or maybe 4. I prefer those 5 nights... just putting that out there in case you'd like to take that behavior up full-time! You still nap A LOT too! Sometimes I think I should just wake you up to hopefully help with the night sleeping but I usually just let you sleep. You take a pretty good nap between most feedings throughout the day still... I'm sure these days are numbered!

I actually moved you to your crib on 5/2/11 but that was short lived because you caught a cold and you've yet to kick it. You are SUPER congested and need to sleep upright so you, like your brother, have become very comfy sleeping in the swing.

If you ever get to the other side of this congestion I'm want to get you back in your crib but I dread it a little because I don't think you'll sleep nearly as well... at least not at first. So this lucky mom gets to transition you to your crib not once but twice!

Eating: You are still eating 5 ounces at each feeding. On a rare occasion you might need an extra ounce or eat a little less but 5 ounces is your norm right now. We still have you on Similac for gas and fussiness, mostly because that's what we bought a bunch of. Maybe we'll try regular again once we run out. You are a gassy little boy though! I often call you Tootie!

Clothes: You are pretty much into 3-6 months clothes now. It seems so strange that I've already packed newborn stuff up! It seems like I just got it out! There are a few 0-3 month outfits that I've continued stuffing you into, mostly because you hadn't even worn them yet. I know, I know... I'm such a good mom! I had to snap a picture of you and your brother in this outfit because they are two of my favorites but you were both equally uncomfortable and out of room in them!

They are sort of capri rompers at this point but still cute!

Someday maybe I'll actually get BOTH of you smiling AND
looking at the camera

A comparison with your brother... you seem to be starting
to take on your own look now I think.

Play: You still like the activity gym and your brother still thinks he needs to help you play in it by shaking it with all his might.

Look at your brother's face... it's the "yea I know I'm not supposed
to do what I'm about to do but I think I'm gonna do it anyway" face

Let the shaking begin! Sorry Ty... I know I should have put the
camera down when I saw that look in his eye but I thought maybe
you'd like to have evidence of all the mean things your brother
did to you for evidence later.

You LOVE Case's activity bar. The funny part about that toy is it grows with you so it has been set up like a desk in Case's room. It's sort of weird to have a need for both extremes of that toy but that's mommyhood with 2 under 2 for ya!

New Things: You are starting to track us with your eyes. This makes me happy because that whole crossed eye thing seems to be completely or almost better now that you're tracking. You still have the goopy stuff going on... I'm not optimistic that it will be going away without intervention. You hate tummy time but apparently not quite as much as your brother did because you haven't figured out how to roll out of it just yet.

I love your sweet little face!

Thank you for the past two months little man! Daddy and I love you SO much! We can't wait to see who you become but there's no rush... in the meantime just keep those sweet whole face smiles coming!

Love,

Mommy

Random Life in Pictures

2011-05-17T17:14:00.000-04:00

Ty got his first "out of the hospital" shots at his 1 month visit...
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say he wasn't a fan!

Daddy sporting his birthday present... no one can wear
this quite like he does :-) I love my nerd!!!

Ty with the world's best OB... Dr. Fenoughty

See... he smiles!

Gotta love the effects of a good car ride!

Case giving Ty love

Case making sure the world knows where Ty's mouth is.
Has anyone noticed how big Ty's eyes are every time Case
is near him in pictures???

Case is obsessed with feeding Ty right now... that would be
fine if he could actually hit Ty's mouth and focus long enough
for Ty to get anything more than a milk mustache, beard
and chest hair.

Grandmother's Day Gift

2011-05-17T16:30:00.001-04:00

Case loves his Grandma SO much that he painted her a picture for Mother's Day.

This was Case's first experience with a paintbrush and paint. He did really well!

After the first stroke or two he thought maybe that paintbrush was the equivalent of a spoon so he started to take a bite but after stopping him once he didn't do it again. I was really impressed that he would dip the brush and keep it (mostly) on the canvas. He even told me when he wanted to switch colors... granted this was in the form of whining at the top of his lungs until I chose the color he wanted but he told me nonetheless!

Case's first masterpiece... look out Picasso!

Grandma with her two grandbabies on Mother's Day...

Case's shirt: I love grandma Ty's shirt: me too!

Mom

2011-05-08T08:26:00.002-04:00

Mom and me

Today is the day I get to celebrate someone who has always been there for me. When I say always I mean ALWAYS... through every stupid decision, through every tear, through every smile, through every job, through every dumb boy, through every bad grade (yep... there were a few), through every sport (I don't think she ever missed a game), through every birthday (well all except that one... other than that she has a perfect record:-). Today I celebrate my mom.

She really is the world's greatest mom and grandma. She's given me the best Mother's Day gift ever besides that of loving my children and me... the gift of sleep. Since Ty was born she has stayed at least once each week at my house to take the night feedings so that Wayne and I can sleep. AMAZING!!! She even woke up this morning (probably a couple of times), her Mother's Day, to Ty... why? Because she loves me and she loves my children and she wants them to grow up knowing her and they do (well as much as Ty can know anyone at this point). She knows my children as much as I do and I think she loves them as much too (if that is possible:-).

This is my mom...

Always there to pick us up when we fall down and trust me we fall A LOT!

Always there to help us no matter what the chore

Always there to comfort us when we don't feel good

Always there to make room for one more

Always there to make sure we don't feel left out

Always there to laugh at our jokes (even when they are about her)

Always there to remind us to be more loving

Always there to be interested in whatever excites us

Always there to make us feel safe

Always there to fill the seat next to us... even when it's a toddler swing!

Case loves his Grandma SO much. He absolutely lights up when he hears her voice on the phone or sees her walk into the room. She is for certain one of his favorite people! She goes out of her way to make sure that she visits Case and Ty at least every couple of days and if she goes any longer I'm pretty sure her and Case (and soon enough Ty) both get the shakes. Not to mention her (at least) weekly sleepovers so that she can have some Ty time (and I can sleep all night).

Here's a glimpse at Case waiting for Grandma to return from a long cruise... the longest they had ever been away from one another...

(I know I've shared these before but I think they truly display the love Case and Grandma share so I am sharing them again... it's my blog... I can repeat if I want to:-)

Waiting for Grandma... sign in hand

Watching for Grandma on the escalator

There she is!

Finally home!

Mom, I can't begin to thank you for all that you do for me! Thank you for being my example... for teaching me how to show my children they are loved. You are an amazing woman and I am so grateful that God has blessed me with you!

Happy Mothers Day!

Case - 18 Months Old

2011-04-30T15:04:00.000-04:00

Case,
I can't believe you are 18 months old! Time has gone so fast! A lot has happened in our world since my last update. The biggest change... you've gone from being the baby to the big brother! Your little brother Ty joined our family on 3/17/11. You've been such a great big brother already and I have a feeling that isn't going to change. I hope you and Ty will continue to grow closer and closer together the older you get. It already melts my heart every time I see you loving on him or trying to help him when he is sad.

meeting Ty for the first time

You were about 2 weeks shy of 18 months at your 18 month appointment but I had to schedule between your 18 month and Ty's 1 month so that we only had to make one trip to see Dr. Freeman. Talk about a strange appointment for Momma having two kids but not to worry I called Daddy in for reinforcement so we all made it!. The doctor checked your brother out first and while he was jotting down some notes you and I were playing and the doctor commented on what a great laugh you have... AMEN TO THAT! I can't think of a better sound than your giggle! Here are your (two weeks shy of) 18 month stats...

Weight: 27 pounds 7 ounces (76th percentile)
Length: 34 inches (95th percentile)
Head Circumference: 48.5 cm (75th percentile)

You are my TALL boy! I think you are the tallest baby in Baby Jam and you seem to be keeping up with most 2 year olds. I'm not sure where you get this height from but let's hope it gets you a basketball scholarship someday! I read an old wives' tale the other day that I had never heard before... they say that if you double your height at 2 years old that is how tall you will be when you are full grown. I wonder how tall you will be at 2!

Talking: The "Paper" (you know the one with all the development info on it) says that you should be saying 20-50 words. I'm not thinking we are there yet but it seems like just in the last week you've started saying a few more. Here's a list of what you are saying so far (I'm sure I'm forgetting some):
hi, bye, please (not without some bribing though), no, Ty, Daddy (you'll notice Mommy is STILL not listed here!), CoCo (for your Aunt Courtney), here you go, Scott (Grandpa would prefer you call him Grandpa but after making such a big deal out of not wanting to have a "silly" name we're all getting a kick out you calling him Scott), see, bird, go, bad, hot, got it, cookie (you know... the essentials), dude. Last night I had my first night out with friends, while Daddy stayed home with you and Ty and he said you stood at the bottom of the stairs yelling up "BaBa", which he is convinced is what you call me. At this point I don't think you'll ever say Mommy so I'll take it!

You are wearing size 7 wide shoes (I think you got Uncle Ben's wide feet but the length of your feet is probably as big as Uncle Ben's right now:-) and mostly 24 month clothes but can still wear some 18 month pants as long as you don't have a cloth diaper on. We are still cloth diapering you and Mommy is about to take on Ty in cloth diapers as well. We'll see how all that goes. When you wear disposables they are a size 4 but I think you're ready for a size 5 (we have several 4's though so you'll be in those for a little while longer). The doctor says you probably won't be ready to start potty training until you are 2 or 3. He explained that it is important for you to go with Daddy and I when we go potty, I explained that Mommy hasn't gone potty by herself in at least a year!

You are NOT a fan of the nursery at church at this point. I hate it because I want you to like it there so bad. Last week you screamed (a VERY high pitch scream) for about 45 minutes when I put you in the nursery. This was VERY hard on Mommy because it was our first time to church with you and Ty and I was on my own because Daddy was working in the sound booth. I had to sit right outside the sanctuary so that Ty wasn't disruptive but then I could hear you screaming the entire time. It broke my heart! I hope that you learn to like it in the nursery soon! The good news is that when Daddy dropped you off this weekend you didn't cry at all so I'm starting to think that you think I might not come back or something.

Eating: You eat a pancake and an egg every morning for breakfast and you love when I put a handful of cereal on the table for you to just walk around and eat. You still drink mostly milk and water, however the doctor says it's time to give you a cup of juice each day. Some other sure things are Gerber meat sticks (DISGUSTING!), anything sweet, Cinnimon Toast Crunch, Gerber Yogurt Melts, Goldfish Crackers of any flavor, blueberries, bananas, Kiwi, Colby Jack Cheese, Num Num Rice Crackers, Mac and Cheese, pizza (I don't know where you get this) and grilled cheese. You are usually a really good eater at one meal each day and then the rest of the day is iffy at best. You'd much rather graze all day long! Anytime you are in the stroller you start begging for a snack... I guess you think it is like your second high chair or something.

TV: A whole new world of TV has been opened up to us now that I've started finding kids shows on Netflix. We watch Backyardigans, Leap Frog Alphabet Park, Blues Clues, Curious George, Word World, but Sesame Street (especially Abby's Flying Fairy School... again Daddy is so proud) and Cat in the Hat are still your favorites. You don't sit through a whole show of anything but you like for the TV to be on, I guess just for the background noise.

For Fun: You are a total climber! As I type this right now you have used one of your table toys to climb on then onto the top of the desk... I guess it is time to move that toy! I think you have climbed on every toy or item on the floor at one time or another. I have a label maker that you like to get down and stand on all the time. You are a very resourceful little boy!

You've learned to climb into chairs now too, which is

something you spend a lot of your day doing now!

You LOVE music still, which makes Daddy and I very happy! You love to dance and I think your dancing gets funnier and funnier the older you get. I LOVE it!!!

Ty gave you this MP3 player

You are ALL about electronics! I could kick Grandma every time she gets her iPhone out because you have an all out meltdown every time she puts it away. You love to play with all the phones and it makes your whole day when we get home and you hear the beep of the answering machine. You love to hit any button you can get your hands on (elevators, phones, stereo, etc.).

You LOVE to be outside! It is never a good thing when it is time to come in! Now that the weather is finally getting nicer we have been able to go to some parks. You are a huge fan of swinging and going down the slide. Grandma and Grandpa felt that you were being totally mistreated by having a backyard with no swingset in it so they fixed that. Now you spend a lot of time standing at the back door just staring at it when you can't be out there playing on it!

Daddy has you in training a little early... I
think mowing might rank higher than potty
training on Daddy's agenda!

You love "helping" me with the laundry. I usually take a basket into your room and sit on the floor to get it all folded. This has become your invitation to climb in and out of the laundry basket over and over again, all while handing me one piece of clothing after another, saying "herego". You are so darn cute!

Sleeping: You are still a good sleeper at night! YAY!!! You go to bed between 8 and 8:30 most nights and you sleep until about 7:30. You like to take your time waking up in the morning so I usually don't get you out of bed until about 8. You are in between 1 or 2 naps each day. It sort of seems like you are getting more comfortable with 2 naps again but it still depends on the day. We are outside quite a bit so I think that wears you out more than when we are stuck in the house. You are CRAZY when you don't get a nap! You are definitely a kid that needs his sleep! When you get tired I think you run through a mental checklist of things you aren't supposed to do and you do each and every one of them one right after the other!

Teeth: You are finally starting to get some more teeth! You've got at least 4 molars coming in right now and one of the teeth that the dentist thought might be missing has broken through! Yay! At this moment I think you must be working on at least 6 teeth. Poor guy! You seem to handle it like a champ though!!!

Case, you are such a fun little boy. I can't believe how much bigger you seem now that your brother is here. I still sit and watch you in awe as you learn new things everyday. I'm so thankful that God chose me to be your mommy! I love you Case Case!!!

Love,
Mommy

Ty - One Month Old

2011-04-26T20:50:00.003-04:00

This might be a more accurate depiction
of your first month (just kidding... kind of!)

Dear Ty,
I can't believe you are here, let alone the fact that you are already a month old! I know we got off to a rough start... that's Mommy's fault, not yours. Not to worry, life didn't start off easy with your brother either so you can rest assured that Mommy wasn't playing favorites!

We had your 1 month visit today (it was a little late because they wanted to schedule it so your brother could have his 18 month visit at the same time). Here are your stats as off today...

Weight: 11 pounds 4 ounces (73rd percentile)

Length: 22 inches (21st percentile)

Head Circumference: 39 cm (55th percentile)

You are sleeping as well as can be expected, however if you'd like to take up sleeping through the night you'll get no complaints from me! You usually do one 4 hour stretch (that's from the start of one feeding to the start of the next feeding and it usually takes about an hour at each feeding so if you're keeping track that's only 3 hours of sleep) from about 8 to midnight and from there you are up every 2.5 to 3 hours. Mommy and Daddy are SLEEPY! I think you are still getting your days and nights figured out at this point. You sleep on your belly (yes this is against all the rules but we have the Angelcare Monitor on you) in your bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room.

You started off eating about 2 ounces at each feeding and now you are up to 5 ounces. I had to give up breastfeeding you when you got jaundiced and decided formula was easier and that I was welcome to breastfeed you as long as there was a formula chaser. I had to give that up pretty quick because between you and your brother there just weren't enough hours in the day or hands on my body to keep up with multiple feeding methods.

You smiled at me (no gas involved) for the first time on 4/21/11 when you were 5 weeks old. I can't tell you what your smile does for me. It makes everything easier... the night feedings, the crying, the diapers... all of it! It makes me SO happy to see your perfect little smile, which by the way looks identical to your brother's smile. While, we're on the subject, you should know that at this point you look just like your brother, minus the head full of dark hair. Here's proof...

LOVE that smile!... I should have corrected those red eyes
before posting but I didn't get to it!!!

You seem to kind of like your activity gym when you can stay awake to "play" in it. Your brother thinks you must need his help to make all those dangly things shake though... sorry about all those things flappy in your face thanks to him!

Here's something that was new to me... you have thrush. That's super fun (Mommy is being sarcastic)! You were on Nystatin for almost two weeks but that wasn't working so Fluconazole was next and that seems to be doing the trick however you are NOT a fan of it!

You also have the same goopy and watery eyes that your brother had. I suppose you will eventually have to have the tubes put in your eyes as well. I'll keep hoping you grow out of it though! You might also have another reason to visit the pediatric ophthalmologist. I have been worried about how much your eyes get crossed since you were born. I know babies don't have a lot of control over their eyes when they are as young as you are and I think you're already doing SO much better than you were but the doctor agreed that it might be an issue down the road if it doesn't correct itself. Here's a picture of your eyes when one gets really crossed... yes, I know you are probably going to hate me someday for posting this picture but it is part of your first month so I thought I needed to share.

It's funny... I expected you to be so much like your brother but you just aren't. I feel like a brand new parent all over again! I'm having so much fun learning new things about you every single day! I love watching you and Case together and I pray that one day the two of you will be best of friends. Daddy and I love you so much Ty and somehow that love grows more and more each day!!!

Love,
Mommy

Baby Jam LOVES Spring!

2011-04-14T17:13:00.000-04:00

I had Baby Jam at my house yesterday. It was SO great to get to see everyone that could come. I had missed them all a lot! They are so great and wouldn't let me provide lunch so they provided it. DELICIOUS!!!! I'm so grateful for these moms and babies (ok... fine they aren't babies anymore).

The weather was beautiful so the kids (and moms) got to enjoy Case's new swingset. I think the baby swing was a huge hit!

Steph and JJ

Andrew loving the swing!

Andrew

Case

James focused on his cracker

James

Sage

Sage... love this!

Case

Case and James