pb&jtime

Snow way!

2012-01-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

As parents we get to do lots of fun and rewarding things with our boys. But, there are times when I find myself saying 'no' because it's the responsible thing to do even though I would rather say 'yes'.
But then I realize that is where grandparents and aunts come in! They get to bend the rules a bit.
So last week Auntie Kerry and Auntie Nancy had plans to play in the snow, but Brett was starting to cough and we had just gotten over bad colds and, although I hated to squash the fun, I said I thought it would be a bad idea for him to play outside.
That didn't stop their aunties.
Instead of taking the boys outside to play in the snow, they brought the snow inside to the boys:

The difference a day makes

2012-01-12T19:01:00.001-08:00

This was Wednesday - 50 degrees and sunny

This was Thursday - 3.8 inches so far. 24 degrees with a windchill that makes it feel like 11 degrees

Wednesday while I was working the boys were outside with their Auntie Kiki & Auntie Nancy playing baseball, football, soccer and riding on bikes and scooters.

This morning it began snowing around 9 a.m. and hasn't stopped yet. Hard to complain since it has been like spring here all winter ... until now. We played outside for a couple of short stints since it was pretty cold and windy

Granddad made this awesome ramp so we can get Brett out of the house in his wheelchair and not have to wait in the cold for his bus. It also doubles as a fun sled hill!

Peyton walked out the door and dropped on the ground. Apparently he couldn't wait to make a snow angel.

Jackson catching snowflakes on his tongue.

* Special thanks to Auntie Kiki for the fun blog idea!

My kids crack me up

2012-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

During the Christmas season we played a lot of I Spy in the car pointing out fun decorations and worked on our numbers by counting how many homes were decorated from one destination to another.

After Christmas the boys noticed there weren't as many decorations up or on and a few blocks from our house I noticed a house had taken down their Christmas decorations and already had a flag with red and pink hearts up. I said to the boys - "Look there's a heart flag, they're getting a real head start on Valentine's Day."

We drove about half a block and Jackson said "Mommy! Look at that house - they're already getting ready for Fourth of July." when he noticed a house with an American flag flying.

So funny.

When I explained that people fly their American flags all year round in honor of our country and freedom Peyton said very matter of fact: "I know we do the Pledge of Allegiance at school."

Happy 2012!

2012-01-06T19:40:00.000-08:00

For New Years Grandma, Granddad & Auntie Rhonda hosted a sleepover for the boys so Tate and I could go to our annual fondue party and sleep in - what a treat! They even did overnight breathing treatments for our coughing trio.

Here are just a few highlights of 2011. So many things this past year I can't go through them all but here's a taste:

- Jackson & Peyton gave up paci's without incident
- Jackson & Peyton transitioned from cribs to beds with little disruption!
- All three boys started preschool
- Brett started taking the bus to school
- Brett got his first wheelchair (though used and donated to us we are SO grateful)
- The boys had their first overnight in a hotel (and keep asking when they will go again)
- We got pretty good at the family meal (I think it has been a goal every year since 2009)
- We had ZERO hospital stays for any of us (a first since 2007)
- I accomplished one of my goals from 2011 to read more - not counting parenting, marriage or faith-related books I read at least seven books for pure enjoyment!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and blessed 2012!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season with three year olds (or as they will correct me 3 and a HALF year olds) is pure joy.
I can't tell you how many mornings the boys woke up and asked "Is it Christmas? Did Santa come?" The waiting was tough and in Peyton's words "I'm just waiting and waiting". My favorite was asking the boys what Advent means and they would say - Coming!!

Peyton was the champ at finding our Elf Ernie every morning - he has an eagle eye.

This year the boys asked for race cars whenever anyone asked what they were asking Santa for. They also mentioned a bed for their friends (stuffed animals). Santa brought these items and Jackson & Peyton also received scooters and Brett got the coolest Elmo that plays drums and guitar and sings.

We didn't take a ton of pictures this year. I asked Tate, who is usually the photographer, why he wasn't taking pictures and he said he spends time behind the camera and misses the moments so this year instead of making pictures, we made memories. I realize that doesn't make for a great blog post so I'll share what I have.

I had the pleasure of kicking off my Christmas season by taking my niece Caroline to her first Nutcracker performance. It was fun sharing one of my favorite things with her, especially since we get so little time one on one.

Caroline and I attended the Sugar Plum Fairy party after the performance. She had her picture taken with my friend Hannah who was one of the amazing ballerinas.

This year the boys got their own trees in their rooms. They loved decorating and it was so funny how they crowded several ornaments on one branch. Brett LOVED his tree so much. He would practically jump out of my arms anytime we were in his room.

I wish I could get video to work on my blog. This year the boys learned the words to a handful of Christmas songs with their favorites being Rudolph and Frosty. My favorite was O Come All Ye Faithful, which Auntie Kerry helped them learn. This is Jackson singing Jingle Bells using his Pez dispenser as a microphone.

Brett made this gingerbread house at school. The boys bugged me for days to eat it so I finally let them. The boys destroyed it one piece of candy at a time. Brett had a ball and while he loved making it, I think devouring it was even more fun - the giggling was so awesome.

Since the boys were tiny we have attended the Shriner's Christmas party at the invitation of Lisle, a friend of Tate's from work. They get to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and there are presents and activities for the family. This year was even more special as Brett has benefited from the amazing care at Shriner's Hospital for orthopedic and physical therapy services - at no cost to our family.

Brett helps make a cake for Jesus' birthday. I should have gotten a picture of the finished product - lets just say there were plenty of sprinkles on every piece!

One of my favorite Christmas moments was Granddad getting on the floor to join Brett in enjoying the train that goes around Grandma & Granddad's tree. All the boys love that train!

A Christmas miracle - the C family got a Christmas picture with everyone looking!

Post-Halloween thoughts

2011-11-02T05:41:00.000-07:00

I couldn't pass up sharing:

- The morning after Halloween the boys came into the kitchen and Peyton asked if he could have one of his Halloween treats. I thought 'Here we go'. But then he said 'Please, please, please can I have my apple from Grandma.' and Jackson jumped in and said 'Me too - Pleeeeese!' I was thrilled and loved that I could say Yes instead of No.

- On the way home from school I asked the boys what their favorite thing was about Halloween, fully expecting a one word answer - CANDY! Instead Jackson said 'playing with my cousins' and Peyton said 'I liked playing with my cousins and my aunties and everybody!' Awwwwww.

- Yesterday evening Peyton earned a candy corn for something he did all by himself (yes, just one:) He took it and came back and said 'Mommy, this one has no white. It's missing its white." It took me a minute to figure it out. His candy corn was orange with a yellow top, but was missing the white tip. He didn't want it and wanted a 'right' candy corn. 'I don't want a silly candy corn' he said like it was defective. Tate and I were trying so hard not to laugh!

Trick or Treat

2011-11-01T06:29:00.001-07:00

Duck Tales - woohoo! Peyton, Jackson & Brett aka Huey, Dewey and Louie. I'm Mrs. Beakley and Tate is Scrooge McDuck (use your imagination :)
I love Halloween and every year I think I enjoy it more. We have a tradition of hosting the Halloween party - everyone comes and dresses up and Uncle Jackie makes super yummy chili and it's loud and awesome!
I particularly enjoyed Trick or Treating - watching the kids get so excited and they are really starting to get it! My niece Sophie would run from each house shouting "I got candy!" like she couldn't believe it and it was so contagious and adorable.
Here are some photos from the party:

Peyton, Jackson, Brett and me.

A cowboy and his cowgirls - Auntie Nancy, Grammy, Poppy and Auntie Kerry.

Auntie Amy, Uncle Jackie, Caroline and Sophie as the Christmas tree, Elf, Little Cindy Lou Who and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
The photos below are the kids enjoying Trick or Treating:

Brett & Auntie Kerry

Peyton

Jackson

Brett - picture perfect

2011-10-31T19:52:00.000-07:00

Brett has gone to Easter Seals since he was an infant. He first went for services such as having his hearing checked and monitored and has received physical therapy, pool therapy, nutrition counseling, feeding therapy and speech therapy/assistive technology.
It is an amazing place for so many reasons - they have really awesome equipment, the therapists there absolutely rock, there is always a feeling of family and support. In addition to that one of Brett's favorite things about Easter Seals has been the photos up and down the hallways. They are pictures of children and adults who receive services at Easter Seals and are beautiful and inspirational. He has always loved walking the hallway and stopping at pictures - especially when they feature some of the people we've come to know through our Easter Seals involvement.
So when we received a phone call last year that Brett was nominated to be featured in the 2011 photo exhibit because (in addition to being adorable) he was a great candidate for the theme "Striving for Independence," we were all very excited.
Brett was photographed by a volunteer over the summer and last week a reception was held for the official unveiling of the photos. Brett's photo features him playing the piano, as he loves music. Brett seemed to be very proud and had a great time, but I think he mostly loved being surrounded by his loving family. Everyone turned out for his big night - Grandma, Granddad and Auntie Rhonda, Grammy, Poppy, Auntie Amy, Uncle Jackie, Caroline and Sophie, Auntie Kerry and Auntie Nancy and his brothers and mom and dad. Thank you everyone for staying out late on a weeknight to celebrate Brett. Although we were there to see his photo I know we were all celebrating so much more - God is good!

Brett is learning to use a device to help him communicate. It involves a "talker" or computer that displays pictures and he uses switches to shuffle through and select what he wants to say and the computer speaks on his behalf. Here he is talking to his cousins Sophie and Caroline.

Talking to Auntie Rhonda

Peyton (above) and Jackson (below) got all dressed up to honor their brother!

Big Boy Beds

2011-10-24T19:55:00.001-07:00

Brett has been in a big boy bed for about a year. Moving him to a bed in his own room was a big step, but the move was great and he started to sleep much better. Which meant Tate and I began to sleep much better. So although we knew Jackson and Peyton were old enough to be moved to beds we admittedly were enjoying our rest. It wasn't broke so why fix it?
Well they are almost 3 and a half so it was past time.
We already had the beds from when I panicked when they climbed out of their cribs and made Tate run around with me to buy them and immediately put them together only to realize that they weren't ready for beds yet.
We spent several weeks talking about it. Tate repainted their room while we were in Wisconsin. The day before they were to help Daddy change their room we went shopping and Jackson and Peyton got to pick out their own bedding. They insisted Brett get something new for his room too and picked out some really cute truck sheets for him.
It has been over a week and they are doing pretty well. They had a few nights of calling us into the room any time they stirred but seem to be settling into their new setting. Each of them falls out of bed most nights - but the beds are just inches from the floor and it doesn't even wake them up.
Although they love to play on their beds they don't get out of them until one of us comes to get them. I don't know how long that will last, but we are enjoying it.
I got all choked up when I walked in the room with the new furniture all set up. They really are getting so much bigger.
They even help make their beds every morning!

Here are some photos of the transformation:

Daddy and Jackson taking down the cribs

Peyton and Jackson help move pieces out of the room.

Jackson helps build the dresser.

I wish I had a better picture of Brett helping. He was so excited for his brothers and loved his new sheets. He helped build most of the dresser drawers with Daddy while Jackson and Peyton shopped for their first real pillows.

Peyton and Jackson tuck in for a test drive.

Fall fun

2011-10-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

We had started a tradition of going to Michigan to pick apples and attend a fall festival there, but found out about a month before that the fall festival and the place it was being held was closed. We were bummed because it was a place my family grew up going. But Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy didn't let that ruin the fun. They found us another place to stay in Wisconsin.
We were having trouble trying to decide how to mark Grammy & Poppy's 50th wedding anniversary and treated them to the trip. We had a really cool house to stay in and had fun discovering a new area.
We went to an Octoberfest complete with German food, music and dancing.

Peyton the tiger

Jackson's spider

Brett's snake

Jackson and Caroline climbing

Brett and Auntie Nancy

Peyton, Jackson and Sophie make a train

Grammy treated to ice cream (from left) Caroline, Peyton, Jackson, Brett and Auntie Kiki

We went apple picking and had the most perfect warm weather. Here are (from left) Caroline, Jackson, Sophie, Grammy, Jackson, Brett and Poppy

Peyton climbing an apple tree.

Sophie plays the banjo with Uncle Jackie while Peyton (left) and Jackson listen.

Labor Day

2011-10-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, another out of order post, but we visited Grammy & Poppy in Wisconsin for Labor Day and didn't want to miss blogging about it!
We spent a majority of the weekend playing outside. The weather was kind of chilly and Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy had organized a big garage sale so we spent a lot of time just hanging out and had a whole lot of fun.
We also celebrated a special birthday with Grammy!
Caroline helps Grammy celebrate her special birthday.

Jackson got a pie in the face

Papa Don and Mrs. Pat have opened their private beach to us affectionately known as Cow Beach. It was too cold to swim, but the kids watched movies, colored and ate plums off their tree and had a ball! Despite the rainy weather that day Brett snuck in a ride on the cow.

All the grandkids (from left) Brett, Caroline, Peyton, Sophie and Jackson.

Summer rewind

2011-10-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

So this blog will be a bit out of order, but I didn't want to skip over some of the fun we had over the summer.
We took our annual trip to Tennessee to visit family and had a blast.
We stopped halfway home with Grandma, Granddad and Auntie Rhonda, Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy and the boys stayed in their first hotel - they really enjoyed that!
Here are a few photos:

Peyton on the road trip - all the boys were so good on the long drive.

Peyton and Jackson play checkers at Cracker Barrel

Brett tries out a rocker at Cracker Barrel

Erin was just starting her first teaching job, but still found time to come play

The next photos are from when cousins Terry and Walt took us to the farm. They boys were treated to rides with Walt on the tractor and four wheeler. It was a highlight of the trip.

Brett

Peyton

Peyton and Aunt Delta

Brett and Auntie Kiki

Jackson

Terry and the aunts treated the boys to a Tennessee birthday. Even though they turned 3 in May the Tennessee family hosted a birthday party for them during their August visit - such lucky boys! Blowing out the candles are (from left) Jackson, Brett, Grandma, Peyton, Uncle Burt and Aunt Thelma.

The next pictures are from the boys' firsts trip to Dollywood. It was over 100 degrees. I thought we should still go. We had a great time, but it was a bit too hot.

Rhonda, Grandma, Daddy, Jackson, Peyton, Me, Auntie Kiki with Brett, Auntie Nancy, Aunt Thelma and Aunt Brenda.

Peyton and Auntie Rhonda on his first Ferris Wheel ride.

Jackson & Brenda on his first Ferris Wheel ride.

Peyton, Brett and Jackson in a cool ride.

Me, Brett, Jackson, Peyton and Daddy

We were all melting from the heat, but Jackson literally melted in the stroller a sure sign it was time to go home!

Our precious preschoolers!

2011-08-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

I can't believe how little I have blogged this summer. I will do a summer highlights blog soon, but didn't want to miss this milestone so...
The boys all had their first day of preschool!
Brett started at the end of last school year and although he knew what to expect and loves school, this year he will be riding the bus to and from school (insert deep breath from Mommy).
This is the first school experience for Jackson and Peyton. All the boys go to Sunday School, but they are in the same class. For preschool Brett goes to a school for children with special needs. But we also chose to put Jackson and Peyton in separate classes to experience life as individuals and not an identicals nobody (besides close friends and family) can tell apart.
Wednesday was meet the teacher day for Jackson & Peyton. Jackson was a little nervous and, I think, would have been fine. But, just as he was about to walk into his room the school bell went off right by his ear. He freaked out and started to cry and wanted to be picked up. Meanwhile, Peyton is repeating everything I say "Don't worry Jackson it's just a bell."
It took about 10 minutes for him to calm down and he felt better when the teacher assured him the bell was just to tell big kids to go to their desks and he didn't have to pay attention to it.
They were both excited to go to class, but we ended up with afternoon sessions and every 5 minutes from the time they wake up they want to know if it is time for school - uggh!
When we pulled up Jackson told me he was going to stay in his chair and rebuckled his car seat - multiple times.
I convinced Jackson to come out and he seemed fine until we put Peyton in his line and headed toward his. He was all tears and I don't want to go to school.
The best, though, was that Peyton lunged out of line toward me holding Jackson and shouted "Jackson, it's ok. It's gonna be fun!" and stepped back in line.
Jackson's teacher carried him in and while he was still crying he didn't struggle and didn't call for me. His teacher said he was fine once he was busy.
As Peyton's class filed into the school he ran out of line to me and I though "oh no" but he said "one more hug and kiss! I hope Jackson is going to be ok" than darted back to the end of the line. Every few steps or so he would turn around and wave enthusiatically, walk a few more steps and blow a kiss, all the way until I couldn't see him anymore.
All in all it went well. Truth be told I'm exhausted from the emotion of it all - and this is just preschool!

Waiting for the bus

Brett loves the lift on and off the bus. Much to our relief he loves the bus ride too. His driver says he giggles all the way there. We are so grateful! He loves a bumpy ride, but hates to be in the car so we weren't sure what to expect.

Stepping onto the school yard. Moments before meltdown.

Peyton

Jackson

An attempt at a group photo at the end of the first day.

The boys came home to fresh baked chocolate chip cookie bars (just like in the Berenstain Bear book - they are obsessed with those bears). They may have been a little worn out too!

At the car wash

2011-07-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

The boys love Wednesdays when Mommy & Daddy are both at work and they get to do fun things with their Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy.
They had a blast washing Auntie Nancy's car, but when I saw the pictures it reminded me of a line from one of my favorite movies - Uncle Buck starring John Candy (replace Uncle Buck with Auntie Nancy or Auntie Kiki - you get the idea).

"I'm earning my keep. Uncle Buck's got me bustin' my hump. He says hard work will put hair on my chest."

Fun on the 4th

2011-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on blogging, but I'm determined to catch up so this is an all photo blog from our Fourth of July celebration (above left to right Brett, Jackson & Peyton)
We've hosted for the past 10 years and this year we had new friends and family join us to make it extra special!
Here are some photos from the day - and yes all the boys were able to stay awake for fireworks and loved them!

Jackson and Peyton enjoy a jug 'o juice - a flashback to my childhood.

Auntie Amy helps Peyton with his batting stance.

Me and my niece Caroline watching the t-ball game.

Peyton rounding the bases.

Brett flying the flag.

Brett and I were partners in a water balloon fight.

Peyton apparently stunned he was hit with water balloons.

Jackson enjoying the water balloon "toss".

Summer fun

2011-06-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

A few summer time firsts for the boys:

Watching Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy play softball. My favorite was that both of them played the outfield and the whole way home the boys talked about getting to watch their aunties pitch and catch - so cute! (Don't know why we didn't get a picture with our aunties. We'll just have to go to another game).

BC (Before children) Tate and I used to love to go to summer festivals. So when our town put on its weekend fest we scrapped our usual bedtime and had dinner on the street followed by two carnival rides. The boys had a blast and we loved sharing this summertime tradition with them. The boys would have ridden the rides all night.

Parting with pacifiers

2011-06-23T17:59:00.000-07:00

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that Jackson and Peyton still had pacis at age 3. Even though they only used them to sleep we intended to get rid of them at least by 2.
The reason we kept them was kind of selfish. They slept well so we had a better chance of sleeping well and so we talked about it, but always put it off.
But maybe the time was just right.
We talked about it for awhile leading up to getting rid of them. We let them decide if they wanted to give them to a baby who might need it or turn them in at the store for a toy. Then we counted down on the calendar.
They were actually pretty excited about it, which made me think it was going too well. But it has been a week and they have been great.
The funniest was during nap time the first day without them. When I put them down for their nap Jackson said "I'm going to dream about my paci, ok?"
Then this was the conversation I overheard:
J: Where are our pacis Peyton?
P: They're in the cash register
Twice one of them has said 'I wish I had my paci' at bedtime, but that has been the extent of it!

Peyton's last moment with his paci

Jackson's last moment with his paci
They picked out a toy at Target. I'm so glad I didn't go with my original plan to go to Toys R Us, we'd still be there deciding on a toy!

The boys turned their pacis over to the cashier (who was great about playing along)

Jackson's Little People hauler

Peyton's Little People dump truck

While we were shopping Brett got to hang with Auntie Nancy (his day will come - Brett has trouble falling asleep and self soothing due to his spasticity so we aren't upsetting that apple cart just yet). Jackson & Peyton picked out a McQueen book for him that makes sound effects. I think it took longer for them to pick something for Brett than for themselves.

You know it's summer when...

2011-06-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

You hear the buzzzz

Peyton

Jackson

Brett (we gave him a bit of a Mohawk and paused for a photo)

Memorial weekend in Wisconsin

2011-06-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

I hate that it's so long between my blog posts, but we seem to have something going on all the time.
We kicked off our summer with a visit to Grammy & Poppy's in Wisconsin over Memorial Day weekend.
The weather was all over the place, but we had a great time.
Whenever we have been in the car for more than 10 minutes the boys want to know if we are going to Grammy & Poppy's because it takes several hours to get there.
Here are some photos from our trip:

Every year we try to get a picture of all five of Grammy and Poppy's grandchildren - this is the best of about one hundred attempts. (from left) Caroline, Brett, Sophie, Jackson & Peyton.

Brett looks adorable in this one, but apparently there are a lot of distractions!

Auntie Kiki and the kids helped plant some bushes and flowers around the house. Peyton talks to Auntie Kiki about landscaping.

Jackson helps dig a hole for a new bush under Auntie Kiki's supervision. All the kids helped, but Jackson really seemed to get into his job.

Peyton on the John Deere - they're growing so fast I'm pretty sure they'll be too big for this one at our next visit and will just move on to driving Poppy's

My parents' friends have a private beach on their property and are so gracious to open it up to us when we visit. They have a large cow statue near the beach and the boys call it "cow beach." It is always a highlight of our visits. This was the first warm day and the water was absolutely freezing. Here Auntie Nancy helps Brett take a dip and the water temperature doesn't seem to phase Peyton and Jackson.

Auntie Amy, Sophie, Peyton and Auntie Kiki in the paddle boat.

Auntie Nancy, Caroline, Jackson and Auntie Kiki take a turn.

Jackson and Peyton take their first ride in a kayak. They had a paddle, but they argued over who would hold it so...

Auntie Nancy helps Brett bury his legs in the sand.

Sophie jumps in to help.

Brett was getting over a bad cough and cold and didn't last long. He fell asleep for much of the warm beach afternoon.

Jackson and Peyton "using" their sleeping bags. I love this picture. They both start tucked in all snug in their bags (and wearing pants I might add) and every night there was some version of this.

Brett's first day of school

2011-05-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Brett started preschool on Monday. This is the before picture.

I didn't have the heart to take an after picture because it involved sobbing.
Brett wasn't the only one who was sad.
I dropped him off, told him he was going to have a great time, hopped in the van and had to pull over before I got down the block. I sobbed too.
I am so excited about Brett's school and his amazing teachers and therapists, but Brett had never been "on his own" before without a family member.
The report from his teacher was that he loved computer time and did well until snack time when he refused to eat and it all went down hill from there. She assured me it was on par for a first day.
His sobbing broke my heart. Although he has a new computer device where he touches pictures to talk - it's new. He couldn't tell me why he was unhappy or why he didn't eat his snack.
But then he came home and had lunch. He took a good nap. When he woke he was in a great mood. We walked through his notebook from school and "talked" about what was marked in his book about him working on the computer and music therapy.
While we were doing this it began to pour rain through the sunshine and I thought 'that's exactly how today felt.' It was as if God was acknowledging what a challenge the day had been for us and the mix of emotions.
Despite the fact that I know this will be something great for Brett, I couldn't help but cry.
Despite Brett being so excited to go to school, he too cried.
Despite an emotional and challenging day, we were happy to be at the end of it.
When we woke this morning Brett helped me pick out and pack his snack and on his second day he ate and drank every bit.
Before me, Jackson and Peyton drove him to his second day at school we read "Llama Llama Misses Mama" (a story about a Llama who is sad his mom isn't with him, but then learns he can love his mom and school too) and on his second day Brett's speech therapist said he'd had a great day!
I was relieved, but not surprised. I don't think a day has gone by that this little boy hasn't amazed me in ways big or small.
I pray that each day will get easier and more comfortable for Brett and for me as well.

Brett started preschool because he aged out of the state's Early Intervention when he turned 3. It then becomes the responsibility of the school district to make sure there are no "gaps in services" and that he continues to learn and get therapy.
So, Jackson and Peyton will begin preschool in a different program in the fall. I'm excited and hesitant just thinking about it. Do I really have to go through this all over again?

Walking the walk

2011-05-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday we participated in Easter Seals' Run/Walk for the Kids. Our family raised more than $1,000 for Easter Seals where Brett has received quite a few services and therapies in the last three years.
Aunt Amy and I walked two miles with Brett in the jogging stroller and Auntie Kerry and Auntie Nancy ran the 5K race.
We were so grateful the rain held off and it wasn't too cold.
The event was yet another reminder of how truly blessed we are to have such a supportive and amazing family!
Everyone showed up for the event/after party and it was a blast!

Brett and I have a pre-race pep talk

Brett celebrates with me, Auntie Kiki, Peyton and Jackson, Auntie Amy, Sophie, Caroline and Auntie Nancy. (Not pictured but in attendance were Daddy, Uncle Jackie, Grammy and Grandma and Granddad)

Peyton

Jackson

Caroline, Peyton, Jackson and Sophie warm up for the Kids Dash

Brett showing off his medal. Every day he is our champion!

The night before the event I asked Auntie Kiki if she had been training for the race at all (5K equals a bit over 3 miles). She said "In my mind" and added it had been a few years since she ran. Yet, she still earned a trophy for her age group!

Three x 3

2011-05-07T19:20:00.001-07:00

It seems like one week is busier than the next - but so is the life with three 3-year-olds.
Even typing that is strange to me.
The boys had a Bob the Builder birthday with very cool construction decorations courtesy of Auntie Kiki.
Last year I was in complete denial they were turning 2, but this year we have been so busy that the boys turning three seemed to fit right in.
- With three comes comments like: I can do it myself! and I'm not your baby boy I'm a big boy.
- With three comes more freedom to try new activities and outings because Jackson & Peyton can walk longer distances and all three boys are good listeners (most of the time:)
- With three comes major changes in our daily schedule - no more therapists coming to the house almost every day as Brett ages out of Early Intervention and prepares to enter preschool.
- With three has come the end of food sensitivities for Jackson and Peyton and a lot more food options!
- With three we have two out of three potty trained and saying things on the potty such as - I'm going to need some privacy.
- With three their toys consist of an odd contrast of Fischer Price Little People and Spiderman/Ironman action figure both played with equal amounts of love and imagination.
- With three comes debate. The boys are starting to come up with responses to our directives. For example: Me: You can play outside when you pick up your toys inside. Them: Maybe we can just put these away and leave these out for later, ok?
- With three comes a never ending string of funny things out of their mouths (I hope to blog about this soon!) Recent statements begin with things like: By the way Mommy.... and Actually Daddy...
- With three comes sadness about the baby days becoming more distant, but excitement about all the fun ahead!

Here are some pictures from their birthday! Can we celebrate? Yes we can! (A Bob the Builder reference for those without three year old boys :)

Close up of the cake. Have you ever seen such an amazing cake? Everything on it is edible - the bricks are made out of Kit-Kat bars. Aunt Gina and Uncle Dan baked and sculpted it. And it was as delicious as it is cute! The funniest part was after we sang Happy Birthday the kids started requesting, not a piece of cake, but odd things like - I want the cat's head! or Can I have a brick? or Can I have a piece of Bob's hard hat (this, of course, was all shouted at me simultaneously)..

Everyone was extremely generous and the boys received many great gifts. They each got a big boy bike and couldn't wait to test drive!

Brett

Peyton

Jackson

It's going to be an interesting summer

2011-04-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

After weeks of cold and rain we had a glorious weather weekend with temps hitting mid-80s on Saturday. We spent a LOT of time outside - doing things like this...

Top photo is Jackson, bottom is Peyton - one way or another they wanted to get those motorcycles up so they could ride them down. (Don't worry, like any good Mommy I told them no ... after I got a picture:)

This is Peyton, though I saw Jackson attempt the same stunt at Grandma & Granddad's the next day.

2011-04-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

Opening day

2011-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

(Click on the image to get a better look at our MVPs)
I hesitate to complain about the weather because my parents are still dealing with snow in Wisconsin, but it has been cold and crummy ever since the official first day of spring. Yesterday was opening day for the White Sox and even though they weren't playing in Chicago those of us excited about the first pitch got to look out the window to enjoy rain, snow, sleet and hail at different times throughout the day. None of it stuck around, but we are more than ready for good weather. Every time we pass a park the boys say "I wish it was warm and you would take me to the park."
I always feel like opening day is the real start of spring so here's hoping it looks up from here. With two games and two White Sox winners we're off to a good start!

3 + 3 = Fun!

2011-03-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with the boys we met another couple in a class for parents expecting multiples. They were having triplets, also having all boys and their guys were born just two months before ours.
Jennifer and I used to meet in the park to go for walks when all the boys were tiny. We later graduated to walking at the mall and having lunch in the food court.
Today the two of us took six boys 3-years-old and almost 3-years-old to a restaurant and a theatre production! Jennifer alerted me to a special deal on the tickets and invited us along.
Having another mom who understands the joys and challenges of triplets has been a blessing and I love that the boys have triplet friends.

We all had lunch at a choo-choo diner that was entirely train themed.

The train travels around the counter and delivers everybody's food. Jennifer's boys are on my left and my boys are on the right.

As a bonus, a balloon artist was at the diner and made the boys a balloon train.

The boys join hands for a photo by the sign for the play. Jennifer's boys were SO good sitting and watching the play. Jackson had a tough time sitting still so we gave ourselves an intermission :)

The boys all playing and being silly. They are starting to play together more and talk to one another and it is adorable!

To keep in theme with the play Jennifer treated everyone to a cookie picnic.

Thank you S Family we all had a blast!

Farewell February

2011-02-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

This turned out to be the snowiest February on record for the Chicago area with 28.7 inches.

Jackson and Peyton insisted on shoveling the last bit of snow - even though it wasn't much to shovel.

As you can see they did a great job!

This February we...

Went to get haircuts and nobody cried!!!

Had a Family Fun Day at Auntie Kiki's to celebrate Grammy and Poppy visiting

Vowed to play outside as much as possible. Even if only for 10 minutes at a time. Here are Jackson and Peyton on the last day of February playing in the last patch of snow. They wanted Buzz and Woody to make snow angels.

Farewell February

Miscellaneous winter moments

2011-02-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

We've had a string of really nice days. Last Thursday it was 6 below and this Thursday it reached almost 60 degrees. There was no way we were wasting these days so the boys got on their boots and got outside. It still felt cold and the wind here is brutal, but the sun was shining and in small doses we were happy to get some much needed fresh air.

With the change in weather we didn't know what to wear! Jackson and Peyton insisted on "shoveling" the few patches of snow left. We received more than 20 inches of snow this month and it was all gone by Friday!

Jackson & Peyton splashing around at Grandma and Granddad's on Thursday.

Brett loved being outside getting some fresh air at home Thursday.

February has been great. Nothing too exciting, but all good. So here are some miscellaneous photos and stories:

Jackson knocked his noggin again. This time it wasn't that bad and didn't send us to the emergency room, but when I went to the freezer for ice it apparently was a flashback because both he and Peyton screamed like crazy.
Later Jackson was talking about his ouchie and said "Mommy please kiss my forepile." I had him repeat it a few times and than just laughed and kissed his little forepile. He also refers to it as his floorbreaker (from a little rhyme from Grandma and Grandad).

Jackson's goose egg.

Maybe it's the recent sunshine, but I swear all of a sudden the boys are getting so big. Clothes they wore all winter are too tight or too short. And this is how Peyton started a conversation with me the other day at the breakfast table:
"When I was a little kid..."
Really? I know it's going by way too fast because Tate and I had our first meeting with the school district about Brett transitioning to preschool in May. Gasp! Jackson and Peyton will be starting in the fall.

Cuties cuddling before bed

Brett is back doing physical therapy at Easter Seals! This is the "spider cage". The bungees simultaneously help stabilize him and challenge his muscles. He was working on sitting and standing.

The boys received a set of four vehicle puzzles from Auntie Amy, Uncle Jackie, Caroline and Sophie for Christmas. After doing the 12-piece puzzles with them a few times they were doing them on their own. It didn't take long before they were able to do this 48-piece on their own. The puzzles have been one of their favorite things and helping us keep our sanity this winter.

Tate and Brett hanging out at the computer together.

Blizzard of '11

2011-02-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

Jackson, Brett & Peyton
I'm a weather sceptic. I swear they are so far off most of the time or give such a wide range that anyone could predict. So when they said blizzard I just shrugged it off. By Monday that was all anyone was talking about and by Tuesday morning everyone was whipped up into a frenzy. I made sure we had enough food in the house and made sure we had enough of the boys' prescriptions for their coughs etc., but that's it.
But they were right. It was crazy yesterday afternoon/night. It wasn't so much the snow, but the high winds. It was thundering and lightening by our house and that was downright bizarre. It took Tate several hours to get home when it should have been less than an hour. By 5 a.m. today Tate's work was called off and I already knew everyone in my division was working from home. Tate ventured out around 9 a.m. to begin digging out and after helping several neighbors got back into the house right around noon.
It's kind of surreal to watch it all from your window while reading stories of people being stranded for nine hours in the city.
We were fortunate enough to stay cocooned in the comfort of our home.
But with 20.2 inches (the third largest on record in Chicago) there was no way we were going to pass up the opportunity to frolic a bit!

Peyton

Brett

Jackson

Jackson & Peyton knee deep in it

A conversation with Granddad

2011-01-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

The boys have hilarious conversations all the time. I thought I would share this one that occurred during dinner earlier this week as it keeps making me laugh when I think about it:

Peyton: Granddad do you like mustard?

Granddad: Yes, I do like mustard.

Jackson: Do you like Gorilla Cheese (it's Grilled Cheese, but apparently this is how it translates to 2.5 year olds)

Granddad: I do like Grilled Cheese - sometimes I eat two.

Peyton: No Granddad you have to eat them one at a time!

Winter fun

2011-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm behind on updating my blog, but we've been busy.
Brett has about six doctors he sees and rather than have appointments all year round I jam them all in a two-week time period. He has to see most of them every six months so I feel a few busy weeks a year is better than doc visits all year round! So that has kept us busy. And great reports all around for Brett!!!
But we've been having a lot of fun too!

Before Grammy and Poppy headed back home :(We miss you) we took a trip to a pretty fancy children's museum. The entire museum is a miniature main street for children complete with a grocery store, car wash, nursery/child care, vet, library, sandwich shop, home under construction, music room, water room and a special Curious George exhibit. It's all their size and all hands on for development and learning. Poppy, Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy all came along and we had a blast:

Brett loved Curious George and practically jumped out of his chair

Brett got out of his chair for a closer look

Jackson and George are old buddies

Brett shows Jackson how to work the computer to play games in the "library"

Playing in the car wash/mechanics garage are (from left) Brett, Auntie Nancy, Poppy, Jackson, Peyton and Auntie Kiki

Peyton and Jackson cashier at the miniature grocery store

We've had some beautiful snowfalls in the last two months and while we are always thankful for our awesome aunties I am especially grateful when they come over and say "lets play in the snow". I am not a huge fan of being cold or cold and wet. But they get us out there and the boys LOVE it and I always end up glad we did it.

Brett making snow angels

Peyton waits excitedly for his turn with the snowball.

A rare family photo

Auntie Nancy and Brett

Auntie Kiki and Jackson

Santa and the P Family Christmas

2010-12-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

It was a great Christmas! The boys are at such a fun age.
One of my favorite parts of Christmas was Christmas Eve. We went to church and our entire immediate families were there all sitting in one long pew together - both sets of our parents and all our sisters, our children and our nieces - it was really cool!
When we walked in church the boys wanted to know where Baby Jesus was. There was a manger made of twigs at the front of the Sanctuary but Baby Jesus wasn't in the manger. I said "He's not there yet" and Jackson kept saying "He's coming? Baby Jesus is coming?" Which, of course, couldn't have been more suitable for Christmas. They all felt better when they saw Baby Jesus in a Nativity on the way out. They also wanted to know when we were having Jesus' birthday cake.
We spent Christmas Eve at our cousins home and added a twist to the traditional family grab bag that had everyone laughing and was perfect for our smaller crowd.
We woke Christmas morning and had a breakfast picnic on trays on the floor of Jackson & Peyton's room. Our main level is pretty open so we didn't want to spoil any surprises.
Santa did bring the Coo Coo Clock Jackson and Peyton asked for and once an hour it scares the life out of me when the monkey pops out and goes "ooh ooh ahh ahh" (Yes, our coo coo clock has a monkey instead of a bird :)

Brett hanging out on our bed waiting to see if Santa came

I joked I got a rubber room for Christmas, but really the boys got a bouncy to burn off energy! When Peyton saw it he said "It's a jumpy thing!!"

Another of my favorite Christmas moments. Santa brought each of the boys a Sesame Street Kinex - kind of like a Mr. Potato Head but each one is a Sesame Street character. They all wanted a turn on Daddy's lap while he built each one with them.

After Santa we headed over to Grandma & Granddad's. We had a delicious meal together and the boys had a blast. Unfortunately we don't have a picture of it here, but they received a train table from Grandma & Granddad and have been playing with it ever since. Here are some photos from our afternoon:

Auntie Rhonda helps Brett open his gifts

Jackson enjoying some of the gifts he received at Grandma & Granddad's

Granddad and Brett enjoying the Gorilla he got from Auntie Rhonda.

Jackson loving his jingle bells from Aunt Brenda and Uncle Steve. I think if there were a speech bubble above his head it would say "I think I can use these to drive my parents crazy tomorrow!"

Me with Peyton, Brett and Jackson opening a gift together.

Jackson: "Did you see all the cool toys I received?" Peyton: "I don't think I could open another package."

The C Family Christmas

2010-12-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas early with my side of the family. It was a great day. Despite skipped naps everyone held together. There were lots of smiles and excitement over really great and generous gifts and best of all everyone was together. It was an awesome day.

I already have the most perfect gifts!

All the kids were so good about trying to be patient and take turns opening gifts. I love how excited they all are over something Brett received!

Enjoying watching Grammy open her gift from her grandchildren.

Sophie and Jackson sharing a Christmas dance.

Brett playing with the new barn from Grammy & Poppy (notice he is sitting by HIMSELF!!!)

PJ time! Caroline, Peyton, Brett, Jackson & Sophie.

We celebrated Caroline's birthday (which was the day after this party) with a cake and singing. The highlight of the night was Uncle Jackie bringing out his guitar and the whole family dancing and singing Christmas and children's songs. Here's Jackson singing into his microphone while wearing Caroline's birthday hat.

The wonder of Christmas

2010-12-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

So we started the Christmas season with Jackson saying:
"Santa is just a pretend guy."
Tate and I were so shocked we could not believe it. We don't have the influence of older children around us so we don't know where that idea got in his little head. We, of course, explained to him that is not the case.
We also do Elf on a Shelf and our elf Ernie heads to the North Pole each night to report to Santa and returns in a new location each morning. One morning after the boys found him in a coffee mug in the kitchen Jackson says:
"Daddy puts him there."
Again - complete shock. Again, I explained the situation to him. I'm not sure he bought it. But he has been the one that has been telling Ernie to tell Santa he wants a train.

The boys enjoying watching the Santa train at Grandma & Grandad's

That is, until about a week ago.
I was preparing the boys for their upcoming visit with Santa and reminded them they had to tell Santa what they wanted. Jackson said: "Not a train, Christmas music" and then said "I'm just teasing - a train."
Then I asked Peyton what he was going to ask for. Until this point he never said anything. But this night he said: "A coo coo clock."
What?
I sort of laughed and said: "A coo coo clock?" and all the boys thought that was just hysterical and were all laughing and saying coo coo clock and giggling.
For the rest of the week if you asked any of them what they wanted from Santa - you guessed it - a coo coo clock.
So this past weekend we visited Santa and the boys all did great!

When Tate told them to tell Santa what they wanted Jackson and Peyton both said coo coo clock.
Santa, clearly a pro, looked at me and Tate and we both shrugged.
Santa diplomatically said "I'll have to look around my workshop and see if I have one."
So that afternoon I called a gift shop I remembered had such clocks many months ago and YES, they still carried them. So Tate rushed over and picked one up.
While he was out in the hustle and bustle on the Saturday before Christmas I was back home with the boys.
When Jackson woke from his nap he said: "we had to put away our Nativity." I asked why and he said, kind of sad, "because Christmas is over."
I was confused and asked what he meant. He said Santa came so, Christmas is over.
I said "did you think today was Christmas at the Santa party?" Jackson and Peyton both said "yes" and then Peyton said:
"I didn't get a coo coo clock, I got a firetruck. Oh well." And they went off and started playing with the little toy they had gotten at the party.
And there I was both surprised by their misunderstanding, thinking about the fact that I just sent Tate on a wild coo coo clock chase and in the end my 2 1/2 year olds are just as happy with whatever Santa has to give.
So I wonder, who is teaching who?

The quarterback sneak

2010-12-16T17:26:00.001-08:00

Much to our delight our boys love football!
When they realize it is Sunday they always want football on and after they wake from their naps they get to hang out in the TV room and watch football with Daddy.
We don't watch much TV but they love to watch and ask questions - what's he doing? why is his helmet off? what's that guy? he got tackled daddy?
Peyton especially seems to like football.
One night as they were getting ready to go to bed Jackson said he had to go potty one more time. Peyton said he was going to stay in the room and cuddle on a pillow until we came back to tuck in.
When I returned to the room - no Peyton.
Where did I find him? On the couch downstairs.
He said "I have to see this football mommy." - Really?
The boys have never gone downstairs after we've gone up for bedtime so I was shocked.
Similar situations have occurred almost every Sunday night since.
Last week Peyton was heading down the stairs when he got busted and he said "I forgot to say goodnight to the football guys."
Tate and I have been calling it the quarterback sneak.
Here are some pictures of Jackson & Peyton enjoying football. I am having trouble getting video on my blog, but someday I'll share some video of the boys playing tackle. It involves them asking you to play catch with a football, them throwing the football AT you and then rushing at you full blast to knock you down.
I am slowly learning, this is how boys play.

Peyton (left) and Jackson watching the Bears game with Poppy. Lately when Peyton watches and someone gets the ball and runs (no matter what team they are on) Peyton yells Go, Go, Go! I'm pretty sure they picked that up from Poppy.

Peyton giving a high five to a football figure Tate gave them to play with. This is a Miami Dolphins house so lots of orange and teal here!

Jackson was worried Ricky Williams was getting hungry so he is sharing his snack. Today he told me Ricky Williams had a fever and needed to go to the doctor. I guess football guys aren't so touch after all!

2010-12-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Thankful

2010-12-06T18:20:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Eve I intended to come home from work, put the boys to bed and write a blog about all the things I am thankful for while making some special stuffing for the boys. But, God had other plans.
Shortly after I got home Tate and I noticed Jackson's cough sounded kind of weezy. A few minutes later I asked him to sit in my lap and I could tell he was struggling to take a breath. I bundled him up and we headed to urgent care less than a mile from our house. By the time we arrived Jackson was having a hard time breathing.

A breathing treatment and a chest X-Ray later we found out he had pneumonia and they sent us to the hospital.
Jackson was feeling much better by than, but they wanted to give him intravenous steroids/antibiotics overnight and breathing treatments. Jackson, usually our dramatic one, just said "hey" when they stuck his arm to insert the needle- he never shed a tear or fussed - he was so brave.

Jackson insisted on sitting with creepy Ronald McDonald before heading up to his hospital room.
Jackson was the darling of the pediatric ward. He said hi to all the nurses (he called all of them doctor). He answered all of their questions and flirted like crazy.
He was enjoying the one-on-one with mommy, maybe a little too much.

Loving that they brought him the exact breakfast he asked for and he got to eat it in bed.

Playing with some toys.

Getting goofy
He was a chatter box and was loving the attention and I began to worry that he would think a stay in the hospital was "fun." But a few hours later when he was getting stir crazy and missing his brothers and Daddy (who was at home cooking the Thanksgiving bird) he broke down and decided he didn't want to be there anymore.

Here he is trying to change the clock ahead so the nurses would think it was time for us to leave!
We were released late in the afternoon and were able to spend some time with Tate's family and Aunt Peggi and Uncle John visiting from Georgia.

The next day we had a fun Thanksgiving hosted by Auntie Kiki, Auntie Nancy, Grammy & Poppy and celebrated Auntie Kiki's Birthday. (I must have been too tired to take photos - sorry :(
Little did we know that Jackson had picked up a nasty stomach bug either at the hospital or at the doctor's follow up the next day. The boys all got it (including Tate) than my sisters, my niece and parents got it. Tate's parents and sister got it. It spread like wildfire. It was unpleasant in so many ways. By the grace of God I never got it.
Everyone seems to be on the upswing. So as I reflect on this past Thanksgiving, despite all the bumps in the road, I find I am even more aware of my blessings. I am thankful for health, for the great care everyone gave Jackson, for family and friends and all the prayers and offers to help. I found myself realizing that sometimes it's in the midst of tough times that you realize how really good you have it.
This song by Christian artist Matt Redman has been tossing around in my head since Thanksgiving day so I wanted to share it:

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

We love our Veggies!

2010-11-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

Veggie Tales that is!
The boys went to their first live show on Friday. Auntie Amy, Uncle Jackie, Caroline, Sophie, Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy joined us for a live performance by the Veggie Tales. For those who are unfamiliar, Veggie Tales are a bunch of vegetables that sing and tell stories all with a Christian message. So Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber and their friends came to our church to sing and dance to some of their fun songs.
The boys haven't watched much of the Veggie Tales but love to listen to their CDs. You should hear Peyton spontaneously break out in singing "This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it." It always brings a huge smile to my face.
So the drawback was that the show coincided with nap time. We had a few whiny moments but the boys were mesmerized by the giant veggies on stage and were excited to see them. They clapped along and did a little dancing too. Brett seemed to enjoy it the most and they even performed a couple tunes from the '80s, which we parents enjoyed!
Several days later Jackson said to me "Thank you Mommy for taking me to Veggie Tales". It was so out of nowhere and oh, so sweet!
The boys weren't too cooperative with photos but here are some photos but here are a few anyway:

Jackson & Brett couldn't stop looking at their concert shirts (thanks Auntie Kiki!)

Peyton checking out the Veggie Tales poster before he knew Bob and Larry were actually there!

What we've got here is a failure to communicate

2010-11-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Brett using a switch to play music and activate a disco ball during a communication evaluation

This past week Brett had an evaluation for assisted communication - technically known as augmentative communications.
What is that?
In a nutshell It is technology used to help those with speech issues communicate with the rest of the world.
Brett has about a dozen consistent words that help him communicate through the day and he can say names occasionally and sometimes out of nowhere he will say a word as clear as a bell - like one night he said "Blackhawks" and he said it again the next morning and we haven't heard it again since. The brain is a mysterious thing!
There are many times when we feel bad because he will say the same thing over and over with the same sounds and inflection, but we can't figure out what he is trying to tell us. Sometimes it seems to frustrate him and most times it breaks my heart. The number of things that tumble out of my mouth each day with little effort - we take talking so for granted. But I think we've all felt that frustration when you couldn't make someone understand something you are explaining - directions, an idea...
Therapists all believe Brett's communication will continue to grow, but it is hard to know when it will all connect for him.
Until than we are seeking ways to help him communicate his needs and wants - basic things like "I'm hungry" or "I want to play".
We have a great friend who is a speech pathologist and she has recently helped us use a "switch". It is a big button that allows us to make a recording and he can hit the switch to say simple things like "Hi!" or"Amen".
So I was praying that Brett would have a good day during his evaluation. He is SO smart but just can't communicate his knowledge like other children his age. When he is having a bad day mostly he just communicates his unhappiness (don't we all :)
But Brett had a great day. He easily showed off all the skills he has learned and all the things he knows such as his animals and how to use his switch. The therapists testing him at Easter Seals put him in front of a computer where he used switches to scroll through choices. For example the computer would speak the nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty and then would say Humpty got back on the wall and he was hungry. Should he eat French fries, pizza or ice cream? Brett had to hit one switch to scroll through the choices and another to make his choice. Even though we've never done multiple switches at home within a few minutes he was doing it like a pro. They also put small switches on his chair next to his head and he was able to make the choices using his head just by moving his head slightly from one side of the chair's headrest to the other. I was skeptical of this at first, but within 10 minutes he had mastered the skill and was loving the computer games. Tears were streaming down my face as I watched him enjoy the games and communicate with the therapists in ways he's never been able to before.
He played "Brett says" (like Simon says) and had us putting our hands on our heads, singing songs and leaving the room and coming back. For two hours Brett amazed and delighted me over and over.
We are going to be getting him an additional "switch" so he can begin communicating with others more and the therapists made recommendations for several things from special communication devices to computer software. Please pray that the state will approve the recommendations and we will have them quickly. Brett will age out of the state program when he turns 3 and we want to have plenty of time to receive the equipment and be trained on the technology so we can help him expand his communication.

And while I'm bragging about Brett - check this out:

Brett has physical therapy in the pool once a week where he has began to kick his legs. Here he is walking over to me with the help of his therapist.

2010-11-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween Spooktacular

2010-11-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our Halloween Spooktacular! Everyone dressed up - it was awesome.
The boys are getting the hang of trick-or-treating even though they can't eat any of the treats - they don't know the difference. I think the kids also enjoyed answering the door and giving out the candy - which has always been one of my favorite parts of the holiday as well.
Enjoy the pictures and Happy November!

Auntie Rhonda, Grandma and Granddad with Peyton, Jackson & Brett

Brett, Peyton, Jackson

Peyton & Jackson

Jackson

Brett

Peyton

Auntie Amy, Sophie, Caroline and Uncle Jackie

Auntie Kiki & Auntie Nancy

Fall fun

2010-10-23T19:11:00.001-07:00

Trailer ride to the apple orchards Auntie Kerry, Jackson, Uncle Jackie,Peyton, Auntie Nancy, Brett, Sophie, Poppy, Auntie Amy, Caroline and Grammy

October is flying by. I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog entry! We are all doing well - just busy. October is one of my busiest work months so the blog went on the back burner.

Below are some photos from a weekend in Michigan. My family spent many summers there and we try to return every year in the fall. This year we rented a house (thanks Amy & Jackie for putting it all together). We celebrated big birthdays for Auntie Amy & Poppy and the boys had a blast. Unfortunately Tate and I were not able to spend the whole weekend there but we are grateful to Auntie Kiki, Auntie Nancy and everyone for taking great care of the boys so they could be part of all the fun.

Auntie Kiki helps Brett pick apples - which he loved! Peyton filling his bucket

Preparing the campfire!

Jackson trying on firefighter gear at Ciderfest

Auntie Kiki helping Brett through the giant inflatable obstacle course. He smiled ear to ear the whole time. She took each of the boys and the second they got off the giant slide at the end they said AGAIN!

Jackson's first (and hopefully last) ambulance ride

2010-10-04T19:50:00.001-07:00

I'll begin at the end so everyone knows that Jackson is fine.

Sunday Auntie Amy and Uncle Jackie were gracious enough to take Brett, Jackson and Peyton home from church for the afternoon to give me and Tate a break and me a much needed chance to catch up on some work projects.
As Tate and I were pulling out of the driveway to pick them up Amy called to let me know the paramedics were on the way. No nobody was hurt after playing on their new playset all afternoon - Jackson hit his head on a table and may need stitches.
Typically they would have just taken him to the emergency room themselves but with 5 children 3 and under (don't forget Amy & Jackie have two girls) they would have had to take everybody, which would require two cars and nobody to hold a towel to Jackson's bleeding head. Rather than take any chances since it was a bleeding head injury I gave the paramedics permission to take Jackson to the emergency room before we arrived.
So Uncle Jackie hopped aboard and kept Jackson calm (apparently he quieted when he realized he was in an ambulance with sirens).
By the time I arrived at the hospital he was dozing peacefully in Uncle Jackie's arms. The doctor came in and they decided since it was such a clean gash to just glue it together rather than do stitches. It only took them a few minutes to get it all set and Jackson mostly fussed from being held still.
Peyton and Brett headed home with Tate and I think Peyton was worse than Jackson crying hysterically not quite sure where his brother went and if he was OK. In addition to Daddy, Jackson asked for his brothers several times and when he walked up the sidewalk and saw Peyton waiting at the door said "I want to hug Peyton!"
We are extremely grateful it was just a minor injury and that he was in such good hands when it happened. The nurse at the hospital complemented Uncle Jackie several times on how good he was with Jackson! And Auntie Amy was so great and even had the great idea to pack snacks for Jackson who was hungry and very appreciative!
This morning this was the conversation between Jackson and Peyton:
Jackson: "I got to ride in an ambulance last week" (everything in the past happened "last week" in Jackson's world).
Peyton: "Ya, I was in an ambulance too"
Jackson: "NO PEYTON! Just me was."

Jackson received a special bear from the paramedics and lots of stickers for his shirt at the hospital.

The Potty Train

2010-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

As we have been preparing to potty train Jackson and Peyton we got a book out of the library about using the potty like big boys. At the end it says 'I'm ready to be a big boy - are you?'
I read the book to the boys and nobody answered.
So I said: "Are you ready to potty train?"
Jackson enthusiastically shouted: " I want to get on the potty train!"

Several days later after taking the boys shopping for potty seats and big boy underwear it was really quiet downstairs while I finished feeding Brett his dinner.
This is what I found:

Yes, those are their new underwear on the ground and on Peyton's head!

So, all aboard - we are starting tomorrow. Prayers are appreciated (and as the photo illustrates - clearly needed :)

By the time Brett is ready I should be an expert at this - right?

On the Road

2010-09-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

We spent the better part of the first two weeks of September "on the road". The first was a long weekend trip to visit Grammy & Poppy in Wisconsin. We were home for two days then packed into the car and drove almost 12 hours to visit Tate's family in Tennessee.
We had a great time on both trips. The landing has been a little rough as they seem to be taking turns teething their molars and still want to go "bye, bye" all day missing all the attention they had on the trips.

WISCONSIN

We were in Wisconsin with Auntie Amy, Caroline & Sophie (Uncle Jackie had to stay behind to work) as well as Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy. While we had visions of closing out the summer with some swimming at the beach and a ride in Poppy's boat Mother Nature had her own ideas. It was rainy and chilly most of our stay. But we didn't let it dampen our fun.
The first day we headed to Wisconsin Dells and Grammy led us to a great restaurant where we got our food delivered on a train. Attached to the restaurant was an arcade and indoor amusement park. While the boys were not tall enough to go on any of the real rides they LOVED getting on this little bus that "drove" when you put in a few tokens. They tried their hand as skee ball and did some bowling. There was also an indoor play area that kept them busy for awhile. Auntie Kiki, Auntie Nancy and Auntie Amy kept up with all the little ones and helped Brett climb and slide along with everyone else.
Another day we did a park crawl visiting a bunch of area parks and had lunch in the club house and Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy organized a night out at a local restaurant with a big outdoor patio. We had front row seats to the live band (a first I think for the boys) and we let the boys stay up past their bedtime to do some dancing!
A special thanks to Poppy for getting another bedroom finished. It was a good thing too since Jackson & Peyton decided they no longer wanted to sleep in Pack n Plays and climbed out the first night. We were able to close the door and keep everyone contained without bothering the rest of the house!

Sophie and Brett "in jail" (For some reason all my Brett pictures are blurry :(

The restaurant in the Dells was like an old Western lodge and every time the boys passed this mannequin Grammy would say "Hi Old Timer" and the boys would just laugh and laugh. Jackson liked shaking his hand.

Peyton on a motorcycle ride. The best part is these are video games, but the boys are too little to know the difference. They just like to climb up and sit - doesn't cost a penny!

Peyton driving the bus

Caroline "playing" a drum game

Poppy and the kids made doughnuts one morning and everyone got to help!
From top left Sophie, Brett, Peyton, Sophie Jackson & Caroline

TENNESSEE
Everybody thinks we are crazy to take a long road trip with three toddlers, but Auntie Kiki came along with us on her first trip to Tennessee and Grandma, Granddad and Auntie Rhonda help make it a smooth trip.
Except for a few moments when Kerry and I were trying to keep everyone in the car entertained, the boys did great!
The boys spent most of the trip hanging out with Auntie Rhonda, Grandma and Granddad, the aunts, uncles and cousins. As we were only there a few days I feel like me, Tate & Kerry didn't get to spend any time with family but quickly realized they are more interested in loving on the little ones :)
We were able to show Auntie Kiki some areas of Tennessee and spent an afternoon at Dollywood - which was so great - and gave us a chance to scope it out for future trips with the boys!
It has become a tradition to tailgate and go to a game at the University of Tennessee and Auntie Kiki got to see the amazing Tailgate Brenda, Steve & Jenny put on. We got caught in a lightning/rain storm and the Vols ended up losing the game, but we always have a great time and I think Auntie Kiki really enjoyed her experience down South.
A special thank you to Aunt Delta for hosting us and cousin Terry for sharing all the great toys and tractors that helped make the boys feel so at home. The whole way home the boys asked if we were going to see Aunt Delta and the cows or if they were going to Aunt 'Nita's (Juanita) to see her, Aunt Ramelle, Uncle Bert & Aunt Thelma. We miss everyone!

Aunt Ramelle cuddles Jackson & Granddad snuggled with Peyton

Unfortunately I didn't remember to pictures of the boys with the family while we were there but the boys got to meet Grandma's aunts (so that would be their Great-Grandmommy's sisters)

Bobbie,Mary, Maxine, Dot & Bill

Kerry at the tailgate getting her first taste of real moonshine! Every year when I write this blog I think that I should have taken better pictures at the tailgate - you wouldn't believe the spread - like something right out of Southern Living!

Adapting

2010-08-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed to be able to purchase special chairs and a stander through Early Intervention and to borrow a walker to help Brett. Despite all the products out there I find myself constantly saying "if we could only..." make that chair higher, make his car seat more comfortable, make it easier for him to play with that toy and the list goes on. With help from his therapists and our family we have learned how to "MacGyver" odds and ends to help Brett with everyday activities - a piece of Velcro here - a bit of foam there. But I wanted to share the latest. It started as an idea I turned over in my head for awhile. I shared it with Tate and he mulled it over and made some adjustments. Auntie Kiki added some feedback. Granddad cut some wood.
This is the result:

What made Brett smile so much?
Daddy adapted our Choo Choo Wagon so Brett could ride too! An old high chair seat, some wood, screws and a bungee cord and Brett can now ride too. I love our wagon and when the boys were big enough to ride in it I was sad that Brett wasn't able to sit in it. Jackson & Peyton have gone in the wagon while Brett was in a stroller and it always made me a bit sad.
On our inaugural ride Monday night Brett talked and giggled the whole time. He wasn't the only one with a big smile!

2010-08-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Honey Mamma

2010-08-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago when Tate was away for a few days Jackson and Peyton woke up and were suddenly calling me Mamma (Jackson) and Mom (Peyton) instead of their usual Mommy. It was out of nowhere and lasted for several days until Peyton too started calling me Mamma. At first I didn't really like it - I was so used to their tiny voices saying Mommy I wanted to correct them. But then Mamma kind of grew on me. I'm still not quite sure where it came from although, Brett has always called me Mamma. There seem to be a lot of mammas in the books we read. Who knows? But I love it.
Jackson also has, for the past few weeks, begun to finish a lot of his sentences with "honey". As in "Peyton - come play with me honey" or "Can I have some milk honey?" as well as his "hi honey" and "ok honey". We wondered where he go that and suddenly we are all realizing we say it all the time. I noticed right away that it comes out of my mouth at least a dozen times a day. Then Grandma said she too calls them honey as well as calling Granddad honey. Aunti Kiki who spends all day Wednesday with them realized that she says it all day long. So it really is no wonder.
But it is just so cute - see for yourself - watch the video below!

Bye, bye bottles

2010-07-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

For those with typically developing children the bottle is usually left in the dust around their first birthday. Brett, who has cerebral palsy, has had trouble with his suck, swallow and breath coordination since the day he was born. It used to take him an hour to finish a few ounces of a bottle at which point we would have to stop because he was burning more calories than he was taking in. But he is a really hard worker and while his brothers have been drinking from straw/sippy cups since they were one, Brett made the complete transition from bottle to sippy cup last Friday night!
He has been drinking fairly well from a sippy cup for the last few months, but he needed to be able to take at least 4 ounces per meal/snack and get his medications so we gradually replaced bottles with cups until Friday night. I fed him his last bottle Thursday night. While it is a major victory for Brett because he is drinking in an age appropriate way it is cause for celebration for me and Tate because, frankly, we will not miss the Dr. Browns bottles and all the pieces that go with them (although we are forever grateful to whoever Dr. Brown is for designing this amazing bottle that helped calm Brett's reflux).
When the boys were infants Tate and I made about 36 bottles a day and 2 years and just shy of 3 months later we are free of bottles!
Brett and I had some one-on-one time Tuesday and had a special celebration we ate chocolate pudding and he helped me clear the last of the bottles from the cabinets and throw them in a storage bin.

Earlier this month Brett also celebrated another milestone. He was turned to facing forward in his car seat. The law is that you have to be one year of age and 20 lbs. To be honest, I don't know if Brett has yet made it to the 20 lb. mark (although he was 19 and change at his 2-year appointment and I swear he feels heavier every day!) But Brett hates being in the car. He always has. When he was an infant and extremely colicky people would say to take him for a ride in the car and I would cringe thinking of how loud he would scream and cry in the car. He has improved as he has gotten older, but Tate and I prayed and consulted with his therapists and finally decided it was worth a shot to see if turning him around would, well, turn things around.
I would love to say it has, but it was not the miraculous change I prayed for. But he mostly just fusses and rarely cries, which is a huge improvement. We moved his seat so we can turn around and see him and he can see us and just that seems to calm him down when he is unhappy. He also has the world's most annoying mirror that lights up and sings. I dream some days of throwing it out the window, except I would rather listen to the annoying sing songy lady recite ":In the yellow house puppy's ready to go" (to the tune of "Up on the rooftop reindeer pause") than hear my little boy cry.

Brett's next big move will be to his own room. He used to sleep in the same crib with both his brothers, but that didn't last long as he began to stretch out and we later realized his kicking arms and legs were part of his spasticity. When he had infantile spasms at age 7 months he was moved into our room so we could monitor him more closely in case he had more seizures. Thankfully he has never had another. We tried putting him in the same room with his brothers, but he would wake up many times during the night and we were never very successful at sneaking him out without waking the other boys. After much effort we have gotten to the point where Brett will sleep through the night but wakes up for the day at 4:10 or 5:10 a.m. He has to stay in his crib until at least 6:15 a.m. which requires some musical toys to keep him amused. So, please pray for Brett to make a good transition to his own room and for me and Tate who will struggle with the separation and trusting that God will keep him safe through each night.

Celebrating a century

2010-07-30T19:24:00.001-07:00

Me and my amazing Grammy!

Last weekend we had the privilege of celebrating my Grammy's 100th birthday! Longevity runs in her family as her dad (my great-grandpa) lived to 105. My Grammy is an amazing women in many ways but as an adult I think I am most grateful for all the time she spent caring for me and my sisters when my mom was recovering from cancer surgery. She kept up with 4 teen/preteens in her 70s and made it seem effortless.
A party was held in her honor at the retirement community where she lives and the turnout of family and friends was amazing. God blessed us with a sunny day with a cool breeze so Grammy was able to spend the entire party outdoors in the gazebo. Since I was chasing the boys I didn't get a lot of time to visit with others, but loved seeing my mom's cousin's children's children (I think I got that right). Anyway many of them I haven't seen since we were young and, like me, are all grown up with families of their own.
The boys had a blast running around and playing with their cousins and my cousins' children. They loved giving kisses to Great Grammy. When you asked how old she was going to be on her birthday Jackson would say 1-hundred!!!
Special thanks to my Uncle Tom and his family and my mom and sisters (and everyone else who pitched in behind the scenes) for all the time and love you put into making the party so enjoyable for everyone!
Here are just a few of the pictures:

Grammy and her grandchildren

Great Grammy with her great grandchildren (except the newest addition who was born the day before!!!)

Cousin Becky keeps Jackson & Peyton smiling with her artistic skills

Jackson & Brett give Great Grammy birthday kisses

Peyton giving birthday kisses

Jackson & Peyton climb their first tree with the help of cousin Matt and his boys Peter and Mitchell

Jackson loving his tree time!

Say ahhh!

2010-07-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

We survived our first trip to the dentist. In hindsight it wasn't too bad. The visit really shows how very different their personalities are, which was kind of interesting to see.
Tate and I started talking up the dentist a few days before and immediately Jackson said "no dentist" he did not want to go and for the life of me I cannot figure out how he would even know what a dentist does. I don't remember encountering it in a book or TV show. Peyton joined the chorus of "no dentist" and somewhere along the line it turned into "no dentist come over". I don't know why they thought he came to the house, but we explained we were going to visit him and it wasn't until I said they had toys in the waiting room that they seemed ok with the idea.
All the books and magazines tell you to bring your child to the dentist at the eruption of the first tooth. This seemed a little early to me so I took them when they had most of their baby teeth. Plus I had a few concerns about the discoloration on Brett's teeth and the spacing between them. I had trouble finding a dentist with experience with children with special needs who was taking new patients.
We couldn't have been more impressed with Dr. L. His office called to tell us he was running about a half hour behind and had us come a little later. When we walked in the door we never waited. They greeted us at the door and got us right in!

The best part - 3 boys with 16 healthy teeth each!!!

When the dentist asked who was going first Jackson said Peyton and Peyton said Jackson. I volunteered Brett. He has been to a lot of doctors so most things don't bother him much. He did great up until the end when the doctor had to scrape his teeth a bit to get rid of some discoloration. But he started giggling when they put the water and suction in his mouth. He loved the sound and feel of the water suction!

Reluctantly Peyton went next. He was by far the best with the dentist. Once Dr. L. gave him a high 5 and showed him on his fingers how he was going to count his teeth Peyton was relaxed.

Peyton showed the dentist how he brushes his teeth and said ahhhh whenever asked.

When I stood up to get Jackson he said "I no want a turn" and tried to squeeze behind Tate's chair and said "I want to hide." The second I picked him up he started crying. He tends to be our dramatic one which is why I didn't want him to go first. But once the dentist started counting his fingers he realized everything was going to be ok and did a great job - although he did say "all done" about 5 times during his checkup.

Even though the dentist's office was on the first floor the boys wanted to take a ride in the elevator (or as they call it the alligator). They were so well behaved I couldn't say no. We went for two rides on the elevator taking turns pushing the button. Peyton was a little perplexed that it wasn't glass and you couldn't see outside the elevator. I told him that was the elevator at the mall he was thinking of and he kept saying "I can't see the mall" - so funny.

Since Tate and I were both off work for the appointment and the boys were so good we had a snack at a nearby park and played. Then Jackson & Peyton went to watch trains with daddy while Brett and I went to his swim therapy. Who knew going to the dentist could be so much fun?

Celebrating independence

2010-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Brett, Jackson

Peyton
Thanks for the super cute outfits Grammy - we miss you!

We had a great Fourth of July. Something so fitting about independence and toddlers!
The boys got to see Grandma & Granddad who just got home from a trip and Auntie Kiki, Auntie Nancy, Uncle David and Auntie Mo.

We let the boys stay up for fireworks this year. They have a 7 p.m. bedtime and there were more than a few times until the show started at 9:30 that I almost put them to bed, but their Aunties did a great job keeping them entertained and they really seemed to enjoy the show and to understand it was something special to stay up with the adults.
The downside is they woke up at the same time as usual (6:30 a.m.!) and started the morning off fairly crabby. The upside is Tate & I both had the day off so we were able to keep them somewhat happy until nap time (although I realized we might be more crabby than then are :)

The boys received motorcycles for their birthday and we waited to crack them out of the boxes and this was the perfect day for it. So the boys enjoyed playing on their new toys and playing "catch" in the front yard.

Brett

Jackson

Peyton

Jackson in awe of the fireworks

Nancy keeping Brett entertained to keep him awake!

Grandma and Jackson snuggling

Granddad and Brett celebrating together

Me trying to supervise some decorating - apparently they are more fun to wave around!

Brett helping put flags in the ground

Peyton the ham.

Jackson very focused on his task.

Our crew

2010-06-29T11:39:00.001-07:00

I've been saying for weeks that the boys need a haircut - short, for summer. So Sunday when they woke from their naps looking like little mops I said "Who wants to get their head buzzed like Daddy?" and Peyton said "Pey-ton does!"
As he was sitting on my lap waiting for his stylist (aka Daddy) to get started Tate said "I'm going really short - you're ok with this right?" I'm pretty sure I said right, but about three minutes in changed my mind. But, as you know, there is no going back once you buzz half their head. So, here are the pictures of the boys with their first crew cuts. I have to admit they are growing on me but it makes them seem so much older.

Peyton was the first up and was great! He was looking for the Blackhawks in one of Tate's magazines so he was distracted and he gave a huge smile when he looked in the mirror.

Jackson (left) was not so thrilled with the idea and even before his turn and without being asked once said "I'm good" (his way of saying I don't need a turn) and "I'm not ready." He fussed and cried, but he does that for all his haircuts. Tate did a great job considering how fast he had to do it.

Brett didn't seem to mind it and barely let out a whimper when his ear got slightly nicked. My favorite part was when I brought Brett into the playroom and asked Jackson & Peyton what they thought of Brett's haircut. There was at least 5 seconds of complete silence as they stared at him and took it in. Then, Jackson tilted his head to one side and said "Handsome!"

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T11:33:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful that I have a great dad, an amazing husband who is also a wonderful father and that my boys have men in their lives they can be proud to look up to.

Here are a few of my favorite moments with Daddy, Grandad and Poppy from this past year.

Tate cuddling with Brett and Jackson at bedtime

Peyton & Jackson "helping" Daddy fix the kitchen sink. They must have said "I fix it" 100 times. They crawled on top of Tate to see under the sink, poked him with screwdrivers and he still got it fixed!

Peyton & Jackson hanging out with Granddad on the couch.

Poppy doing "dee da deed da da dee da da da dum" (those of you not familiar think of the tune of Turkey in the Straw) for Brett

Congratulations Blackhawks!

2010-06-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it the Chicago Blackhawks took home the Stanley Cup with an exciting win on Wednesday! The boys were sleeping but the next morning I turned on ESPN so they could watch the highlights. They love trophies so I thought they would enjoy it. They especially liked the fighting (which is half of hockey) jumping and hugging.

My favorite though was when the players were taking turns hoisting the Stanley Cup over their heads. Peyton said "Garbage can? Dumping?" which made me laugh so hard.

While watching the parade and rally on television several days later the boys were bored quickly. They enjoyed the video montage but when Mayor Daley and Gov. Quinn got up and talked at the podium the boys kept saying Blackhawks? Blackhawks? They just wanted to watch a hockey game. I tried to explain that this IS the Blackhawks and they are celebrating but Peyton said "No Mommy MY Blackhawks."

Jackson especially likes the sport and during the finals it was often one of the first things he asked about when he woke up.

The Blackhawks are special to me too because Tate and I went on a lot of dates to Blackhawk games including the last in the old Chicago Stadium (man, that makes me sound old!) Later, as an adult, I learned from my Grammy that her first date with my Grandpa was to a Blackhawks game which I still have trouble imagining.

Tate pointed out something I think is so cool. All of our favorite Chicago sports teams have won a championship in our lifetime the Bulls, Bears and White Sox - that is pretty rare.

Here are a few "hockey" related pictures -

Ready for takeoff

2010-06-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

We had a rainy weekend, but we picked the perfect morning to go to our first airplane show at a nearby municipal airfield. It was sunny with a pleasant breeze and we spent a few hours looking at the planes and helicopters, watching them take off and land and watching people parachute out with Uncle David and Aunt Mo. Another big hit was the Greyhound dog rescue group. The boys loved petting them and we had to swing by and see them before we left.

Uncle David teaching Jackson & Peyton all about airplanes

Brett tells Aunt Mo how much fun he is having. He loved the noises and, for some reason, laughed every time the announcer spoke over the loudspeaker

Peyton - I could be a pilot - I've already got the cool shades!

Visiting 'sconsin

2010-06-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

We spent an extended Memorial Day weekend in Wisconsin visiting my parents. The boys love being up there playing outside all day and we had the best weather! In addition to me and the boys all my sisters and my two nieces Caroline and Sophie went too! We left home at bedtime thinking they would sleep in the car (which they did) and stay asleep and be carried to the house (which my boys did not). I was beginning to think it was a bad idea when Jackson was still galloping around the house at 2:30 a.m. and all the adults were weary and trying to sleep - he eventually fell asleep and thankfully things got better. With 5 children under the age of 3 it was hectic, but it was fun! I think we all knew a little better what to expect after giving it a try last year and now that they are older it feels like it is getting a little easier.
We played outside all day Friday, spent the day at the beach swimming Saturday - a special thank you to Pat & Don Dathe who were so kind to let us play on their beach! Sunday we went on the boys' first boat ride - a special thank you to Barb & Bob May who let us invade their boat and showed us around the lake. Then we went swimming again.

Tate stayed home so he could get some big projects done. Check out the photos at the end for the big surprise we came home to.

Here are some pictures from our adventures:

Grammy & Brett chill on the beach

Jackson

Me, Brett & Peyton - our boys are water bugs!

A family boat ride!

Brett was finally feeling better and the boat ride was so relaxing for him. He loves the wind in his face!

Sophie & Caroline

Peyton & Jackson joined Auntie Nancy to read the sports section. Jackson made her turn to the Blackhawks page about a hundred times.

A tea party

Auntie Kiki and Brett relax on the John Deere

Poppy and Jackson

Jackson & Auntie Kiki drive the John Deere

Brett "at the beach." He was not feeling well and wasn't able to go swimming so Auntie Kiki stayed home with him and they "swam" in the bathtub, cooked bread and played on the deck.

Auntie Kiki & Brett hanging out

Jackson & Peyton eat corn on the cob for the first time and loved it!

Jackson & Caroline helped Auntie Kiki and Poppy plant a new plum tree

While we were gone Tate remodeled the toy room!

Growing

2010-05-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

We had the boys' 2 year checkup on Saturday and here are their most recent stats:

Brett
Height: 32 1/4 inches
Weight: 19.6 lbs

Jackson
Height: 33 inches
Weight: 25 lbs

Peyton
Height: 33 1/4
Weight: 25.6 lbs

Peyton was our smallest at birth (4 lbs 2 oz) and is leading in height and pounds but only by a bit! We are really working hard to get Brett to 20 lbs so looks like more Cheeto Puffs are in order!

We also saw the GI specialist and he thinks all 3 boys are outgrowing their food sensitivities. We still have to be careful, but hopefully we can continue to add new foods!

Summer in the Sandbox

2010-05-17T08:38:00.000-07:00

When I was a girl we had a sandbox in our backyard. We didn't live in walking distance of a park so we spent a lot of time in the sandbox. Some of my favorite memories involve our sandbox. We didn't go to the toy store very often but I remember getting to pick out a new sand toy (maybe it wasn't every year, but that's how I remember it). We also had our sand delivered by a truck so you can imagine the excitement as a dump truck of sand pulled up and dumped off a bunch of sand for us! If you talk to any of my family members they will tell you about the Smurf village I made in the sandbox one summer. I literally spent all day on it and made an entire village and used the little Smurf figurines.

So, when the boys were baptised at 4 months old my parents gave them a sandbox that my dad built and my sisters painted for them. They were too little to enjoy it until this year. Auntie Nancy gave the boys sand for their birthday and they really enjoy playing in there (although I still haven't exactly figured out how to keep the sand in the box and not in the washing machine! I can't wait for nice enough weather for shorts and a hose :) We also have a really nice cover Auntie Amy, Uncle Jackie, Caroline & Sophie got us for Christmas. It fits perfect and keeps the water and animals out.

Tate doing some of the heavy lifting - we have three great foreman too.

Not only did Auntie Nancy buy the sand she really did the work hauling the sand and filling the box - thanks Auntie Nancy!

They all love knocking down anything you build in the sand and Brett loves having his feet buried!

Golden birthday

2010-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

The boys are officially 2! They had the most wonderful birthday. The weather was beautiful so the kids were all able to play outside for awhile. The boys had a ball and Tate and I ended the day feeling so grateful to be blessed with such wonderful family - we consider everyone who was here part of our family and to have everyone surrounding the boys on their special day was awesome.
It was their Golden Birthday - for those who aren't familiar with this it is when the date of your birth matches your age. We decorated with gold stars and threw in some Elmo for good measure.
Here are some pictures of their special day:

Isn't this the most amazing cake? My friend since first grade Gina and her husband Dan made it for the boys. I thought they would just draw Elmo on a sheet cake but WOW! The boys were so excited when they saw it and it got a lot of oohs and aahs from everyone! Not to mention it tasted amazing!

Singing Happy Birthday - one of my favorite moments was after we sang Happy Birthday to Brett and Jackson - Peyton pointed to himself and said Peyton? I think he was afraid he was going to be left out!

Blowing out their candles - Auntie Kiki made the special "golden" crowns and they kept them on!

Maddy entertains Peyton

Opening gifts and assembling toys was so much fun!

Auntie Amy gives Brett a go in the car

Jackson and Abbie climbing and sliding

The aftermath. Grammy's gold tinsel was a big hit and very festive! Plus she cleaned all of it up at the end of the party!!!

Brett tries on the goggles they got as part of a tool set (thank you Auntie Rhonda!) The birthday was a whirlwind and we spent the next day playing with one toy at a time and having so much fun!

The boys got these cool motorcycles (Thank you Aunt Maureen & Uncle David!) You probably can't see the details, but they customized them with their names and included an orange T for University of Tennessee! Every day the boys take their tools down to their motorcycles and "fix" them!

Top 10 things about toddlers

2010-04-29T19:42:00.001-07:00

On the eve of the boys' second birthday I am living in denial. I seriously cannot believe that their baby days are gone and they are full blown toddlers - all the books, Websites etc. call them preschoolers which just sends chills down my spine.
But after talking to a friend and fellow triplet mom last week (thanks Jennifer!) I got to thinking about how much I love this age! So I thought I would take the time to blog about some of my favorite things about toddlerhood. (Warning: This post is a bit long). There really are so many things big and small I had trouble limiting it but here it is:

10. Amazing progress. The amount of progress they have made in a year astounds me. Jackson and Peyton took their first independent steps on Father's Day last year and are now climbing, jumping, marching, running and walking up and down the stairs - I will miss them getting on all fours and turning backwards about two feet from the stairs and backing up the whole way until they reached the stairs - so cute! Although Brett's milestones are much different they are also unbelievable. He is now trying to scoot on his belly, can stand on his own when propped against a couch, can sit by himself - sometimes for several minutes - and is now beginning his own journey learning to walk. We are borrowing several walkers to try out and see what will work best for him. This is the first we have tried and he is doing an amazing job and loves it. Here is some video:

9. Their mastering of language. Jackson and Peyton literally say something new every day. They are beginning to speak in full sentences. Peyton is hilarious and will parrot anything you say. Some of my recent favorites are :
- Jackson saying "fighter, fighter" instead of firefighter
- Peyton saying "I can't see anything!" when you pull his shirt off.
- Both of them say "I wuv you" and "I meese (miss) you"
- Jackson & Peyton can spot a UPS truck a mile away and will call it out - which phonetically sounds like this "You peed us!!"
- Jackson cocks his head to the side and shakes it as if saying yes and will say "have it? peas?" (we find it very hard to say no!)
- Jackson saying "I seed it!" which he says after he sees something you point out or if he wants to see something - for example, fire truck - I seed it? when he wants to see one.
- Brett is adding words to his vocabulary list all the time. Sometimes you will hear a word come out of his mouth and you can't believe it, but then you won't hear it again for weeks. Some of his most consistent phrases are "all done" which he can say as clear as a bell when he is ready to get out of his crib! He has started to say Alleluhia! at bedtime after we sing out alleluhia song after prayers. My absolute favorites are that he has said each of his brothers' names once and he sometimes repeats after you saying "I love you" which just melts my heart.

8. Their little toddler body shapes. Brett is gaining weight but is so tall and thin so we have to get pants that are long enough with the adjustable waist, but they still sometimes fall down on him (which apparently is hysterically funny to toddler boys). Jackson and Peyton have what I call the toddler gut and butt. They have the belly sticking out one direction and their little bottoms sticking out in the other direction. Funny how this is only cute when you are 2!

7. Boys in pajamas. I don't know what it is about pj's but they all look so absolutely adorable in them. After a bath, smelling sweet, with their hair combed and their little pj's on - nothing is more adorable.

6. Holding hands. They will hold our hands when told, but also will seek out your hand for holding when standing outside or when they want to show you something. They will hold each others' hands too which is just so sweet.

5. Imagination. This is recently emerging and has always been one of my favorite characteristics of children. It is funny and perplexing what they come up with. One of their favorite things to do is "go shopping" They will put on their backpacks or grab one of the grocery bags and walk to the door and if you ask what they are going to get it is usually crackers and milk. Although occassionally they say peanuts and Cracker Jack (where did they get that???). Then they will turn around and say "I back". Peyton has recently started making his stuffed animals do things. He spilled his snack on the floor and when told to clean it up brought in Big Bird and used Big Bird's hands to pick up each grape. They also want to put diapers on Elmo and Curious George whenever they get a diaper change.

4. Laughter. I will never tire of hearing them laugh. More and more they really crack each other up. Sometimes I don't even know what is funny and they are all laughing. It is such a giggly, silly sometimes squealy laughter that you wish you could just bottle and open whenever you need a pick me up!

3. Seeing things with fresh eyes. It is amazing how many things you don't pay attention to until your children point them out. The boys can do a perfect imitation of a seagull - I never realized how obnoxious they can sound. I now notice every airplane, helicopter, mail truck, police car, bus and spider. Even if the boys are not with me I notice them and find myself wishing they could see them too.

2. Bath time. In their two years I think I have given two baths. It is something Tate took over and has been a special bonding time with him and the boys. But if you say the word bath Jackson and Peyton will head right for the stairs trying to strip off their clothes and Brett will kick his legs and wave his arms like crazy until it is his turn for a bath. It is such a pure joy watching them splash, blow bubbles and play with their beloved bath toys.

1. The uninhibited affection. There is nothing like your boy running at you full blast with his arms open to give you a hug and not letting go. Or hugging your leg while you are making dinner or the way Brett burrows his head into your shoulder when he is trying to get fully awake after a nap.

I would love to hear about other people's favorites too. I am sad they are growing so fast and trying to enjoy every moment. Yes, they have their moments when they can be whiny and push their limits (and mine) and I live in fear of potty training, but every day is something new and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us!

Take....

2010-04-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Monday we celebrated Opening Day with a White Sox win. They shut down the Indians winning 6-0 with an amazing play by Buehrle and Konerko.
It ended up being a beautiful day so we only watched a bit of the game and went outside to play instead!
Tate and I will try to capture the boys on video reading their "Go, Go" books (White Sox books - they nicknamed after the 1959 Go, Go White Sox!)
They love to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and whenever they want to sing it they just say "Take" and look at you and say "Take" and look at you until you realize they are trying to get you to start the song - it's so funny (especially because some days it takes me forever and a few "take what?"s before I figure it out).
Here are a few Opening Day pictures!

Jackson (left) and Peyton holding their White Sox bats and watching the first few innings

Brett and his "Go,Go" book

Easter Day

2010-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind on this but wanted to still share pictures from our Easter Day. We spent the afternoon at Grandma and Granddads and had such a great time. Despite the high winds the boys had a blast searching for all the eggs hidden in their yard (It sounded like Grandma and Auntie Rhonda had fun too trying to keep the eggs from blowing away while they waited for us to arrive!)
The boys really seemed to get the idea of finding the eggs! Here are some photos:

Grandma helps Brett search for eggs

Peyton finds an egg

Forget the little bucket - Jackson had a better idea

Jackson finds some eggs

Granddad takes Jackson & Peyton for a wagon ride

Jackson, Auntie Rhonda & Peyton enjoying Easter dinner. It was yummy!

Jackson & Peyton look through their Easter buckets from Grandma & Granddad

Jackson and Peyton "help" Brett look at his Easter bucket goodies

Brett and his bunny

Peyton, Granddad and Jackson watch some Sesame Street together

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

The boys were not afraid of the bunny. I showed them last year's picture and talked it up a bit. When I told them they were going to sit on the bunny's lap Jackson and Peyton asked - "Bunny? Lap? Book? Read?" Apparently they thought since they were climbing on the bunny's lap he was going to read them a book. I think they may have been a bit disappointed which is why no smiles :)
Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter!!

Jackson, Peyton & Brett

Egg-stra special day

2010-03-29T11:37:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Easter a week early with my family since Grammy and Poppy were in town. Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy took care of all the details and all we had to do was show up! Thank you for making it such a fun day for everyone!
Here are some pictures of all of the fun we had!

Our first egg hunt!

Grammy & Jackson

Auntie Amy & Peyton - did I get them all?

Auntie Nancy & Brett

Uncle Jackie & Sophie

Me & Caroline

Checking out the treasures!

Cracking into the eggs - Brett wasn't too sure about a piece of candy!

Egg coloring!

Caroline and her eggs in every shade of pink imaginable!

Smiley Sophie! She sang the whole time she painted her eggs!

Brett helps get the egg in the coloring

Brett waiting patiently for his egg

Brett and Auntie Kiki

Peyton liked to stir his eggs so they were in the dye awhile. He also wanted to taste the dye.

Jackson - he really got into it!

Jackson & Grammy. Grammy says she doesn't like to color eggs, but the two of them had a great time giggling and goofing around!

If you're happy and you know it

2010-03-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Who needs a new season of Dancing with the Stars when you have this? All the boys love their music, but Jackson really loves to dance.
You may need to turn up your volume the music is kind of quiet.

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its Way!

2010-03-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we made a trip to the mall to visit the Easter Bunny! Last year it was the first time the boys were in a mall and we were afraid about germs. So me, grandma and granddad got the boys in right when they opened, sat them on the bunny's lap took a picture and went home.
What a difference a year makes! This year we didn't even use the triplet stroller. Brett was in a single stroller and grandma and granddad held Jackson and Peyton's hands to walk in. They warmed right up to the bunny and took a cute picture (which I will share for Easter). But for the first time Jackson and Peyton went on the train in the mall. I wasn't sure they would be too happy about it, but as soon as the first ride was over they were saying "again?, again?" So they went a second time. We all look forward to the day Brett can sit up and get on the train too! We played in the indoor playground until we were overrun by "big kids". We ate lunch in the food court and by then everyone was worn out, but we had such a great day. The boys were well behaved. We had a few dozers in the car, but grandma got Brett belly laughing and imitating noises and it got everyone laughing along! Thanks for a fun day Grandma & Granddad!

Peyton carefully watching to make sure he doesn't miss his turn with the Easter Bunny while Brett waits patiently.

Jackson and Brett check out the water fountain while waiting for the bunny.

A picture with Grandma & Granddad (nobody wants to sit still!)

Jackson & Peyton on the train!

On the way out there is a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and there is this giant bear. The boys were giving him high 5's but Jackson didn't want to stop hugging him. I think if we let him he would have curled up on the bears lap and taken a nap!

Our little leprechauns

2010-03-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jackson, Brett & Peyton
Like any good Irish folk we kicked off St. Patrick's Day three days early with a yummy corn beef and cabbage dinner at Grandma & Granddads! On actual St. Pat's day I was at work and Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nancy brought the boys to their house where they cooked corn beef and cabbage and each got a pot of gold with gold coins and got to hang out with their cousins!
Here are some pictures of our little leprechauns (thank you Aidan, Connor and Liam for passing down your super cute shirts!)

Jackson

Peyton

Brett

Sneak peak of spring (updated)

2010-03-13T18:41:00.000-08:00

(If You previously read this post scroll to the end. We added a picture that includes Brett splashing in the water. Granddad captured it and I didn't realize it!)
There aren't any tulips peaking out of the ground yet and there are still mountains of dirty snow dwindling away in some areas, but we have had weather in the 40s and 50s this past week and it has been so nice to get outside!
The boys cry whenever they have to come back inside so I can see we are going to spend a lot of time outdoors this spring/summer!!!
So spring means rain and Thursday they were calling for rain and thunderstorms all day. But at 7:30 a.m. after they had breakfast it was 52 degrees out and the rain hadn't started. So I got everyone dressed, put on their shoes, put on their coats and as I'm zipping the last coat it starts to pour. The boys didn't understand why we couldn't go outside and I was just as disappointed. So we piled in the van and drove a few blocks to a nearby parking lot where there are a few dump trucks and snow plows parked and I drove past the trucks while the boys pointed and identified each truck and then said "again" and I would circle back and drive past again. Brett, however, does not like to be in the car so we headed home after a few laps and played in the garage instead.

Peyton practicing pulling the wagon

Jackson playing with dump trucks

We haven't pulled the outdoor toys out yet but the slide stayed out all winter and so did my garden statues which are all frogs so we played with the slide, a truck and mommy's "hop hops" as the boys call them. Until Daddy got home and then everyone wants a turn on his lap.

Jackson sending the frog down the slide

Brett tells daddy all about his day

Jackson getting ready to kiss his "hop hop"

Peyton hanging with Daddy and his frog

Friday we spent some time at Grandma and Granddads. They spent a lot of time picking up rocks and relocating them to various locations throughout the yard and having Granddad pull them in the wagon. But when they discovered the pool of water in one of the planters the real fun began. These photos do not quite capture the pure joy of boys splashing in the water. Peyton in green, Jackson in red, Brett in blue. Of course the air is still chilly so once they were soaked we had to go in. Thankfully Grandma had some backup clothes!

Three budding bakers

2010-03-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

As winter drags on I try to find new indoor activities for the boys to keep us all from going too stir crazy. I'm also trying to continue to vary their foods since they have food sensitivities to wheat, soy and dairy. I got into a breakfast food rut with them feeding them French toast sticks every morning and vowed I would change it up. So I found a special muffin mix that is allergen free and decided to make an afternoon of it. We read the book If You Give a Moose a Muffin and then headed into the kitchen to mix up some muffins of our own. Baking is one of my favorite things to do, but also one of the things I never seem to make time for anymore. I'm so glad the boys enjoyed it too. It was so much fun and they were quite delicious! Here are some pictures of me and my assistant pastry chefs at work.

Brett adding in his share of diced apples for the apple muffins.

Brett didn't want to let go of the bowl!

Peyton adding his apples while Jackson waits to stir them up.

Before I realized it Jackson dipped in and tasted the batter (who does he take after?)

After adding sugar sprinkles on top the boys couldn't wait for them to be done!

Our first snowman

2010-02-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Well it's been snowing here again and while it can be brutal on those of us anxiously awaiting spring it is lots of fun for little boys.
It was good packing snow so Auntie Kiki and Auntie Nanny came over on Monday and helped everyone get bundled up with a mission to build a snowman. Brett was still napping so I stayed in the house (see how that works out!) until he woke up and I fed him a snack. We got outside just in time to roll the head and put it in place! Auntie Kiki brought mini Snickers for the eyes (kind of a waste of good chocolate if you ask me!) and dug some rocks out from under the snow for buttons and the mouth, some twigs for arms and, of course, a carrot for the nose! The boys loved it. We made two faces - one facing out to the street for passersby and another facing our window. Every morning the boys are excited to say Hi! to their snowman.
We wrapped it all up with the boys making their first snow angel - cute but not a really big hit yet!
I may not be a fan of the cold, but I love snowmen and it definitely brightens up the long drawn out end days of winter to see their smiling snowman.

Auntie Kiki and Brett putting in the arm.

Auntie Kerry and Peyton put in another arm

Auntie Nanny and Peyton add the carrot nose

Me and Jackson putting the finishing touches on!

Auntie Kiki made a snow chair to help Brett sit

Over booked

2010-02-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

Some people dream about bringing their children to Disney World. Me - I've been dreaming about their first trip to the library since they were in utero! I'm a total nerdy bookworm and love to read and I LOVE the library. I have great memories of my mom taking me and my sisters to the library all the time when we were young (Thanks Mom - if only in my imagination books have taken me so many places!) I can't believe it has taken 21 months to get the boys there - I've thought about it and made a note in my calendar about various story times, but for one reason or another it never worked out. So today we had no afternoon plans and the sun was shining so we headed to the library!
The boys were so excited! They have a separate entrance for the children - an archway about 3 feet high - and the second the boys ducked through and came out the other side faced with shelves and shelves of books they kicked into overdrive. The first shelf they went to they found a book about trucks, a school bus and a fire truck. Jackson said "have it?" and I said yes he could pull it off the shelf. He plopped down right there on the floor and started checking it out. They were so excited in the little over an hour we were there they never heard more than a few words of a story. They would pull a book down, open it, look at the pictures, hear a few words and then run over to the shelf and pick another book. I was in my glory watching them but also exhausted chasing them around and trying to re-shelve books and explain the one book at a time concept.
Our library has an awesome children's section so there is so much there for the boys to do!
Here are some photos (sorry they are a little blurry I took them with my phone):

Just like there are displays in the adult sections of the library, our library has display cases at a level for children. The theme was collections and various children had their collections on display including snow globes, super balls, empty bottles and Pez dispensers.

Peyton taking in one of the books. This was seriously the longest he sat still - about 15 seconds!

Jackson chose a book, but was more interested in his brothers' selections!

There is a mouse house in our library - it's Miss Mouse's living room and it is where they hold story times and activities or where children can play and read when there aren't any scheduled events. It is absolutely precious and the boys look like they are walking around in a cartoon.

Brett gets comfortable on a child-size couch in the mouse house.

Peyton shows Jackson and Brett (off camera) the various trucks on the train table. In addition to trains and cars the library also has a barn full of animals the boys had a great time piling in and out of the barn.

After leaving the library we parked the car across the way by the railroad tracks and had a snack while the boys watched the trains - both commuter and freight - roll past. They loved the trains - the bells, gates and whistles. Jackson quickly said "in?" after seeing people get off one of the trains and then he and Peyton must have said it a hundred times afterward. Looks like we'll be taking the boys on a train ride soon!

Right up their alley

2010-02-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

If you are like me you are thinking bowling with 21 month olds???? When Auntie Kerry and Auntie Nancy invited us to bowl on Valentine's Day I thought they were crazy. First let me say that I am not a big fan of bowling - I'm not that great at it and never understood the attraction. But my family loves to bowl so...
Also they wanted us at the bowling alley at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Now, normally we are at church but we have taken a leave from the House of God (also known as Satan's petri dish) because of all the germs and sickness this winter.
So me and the boys met their aunts there as well as their two cousins.
It was so crowded! Not a few people but a ton - and they all seemed like regular bowlers. Apparently you either go to church or you go bowling - who knew?
So as we got our shoes and chose balls I kept thinking - five children 3 and younger - even with four adults can be a menace in a bowling alley. I couldn't have been more wrong! The children were all so well behaved. They seemed to understand that they had to stay in our two lanes and wait until the bowlers next to them were done. They never got up and ran around - and they loved to bowl!
Jackson would have thrown the ball down the alley all day if you let him. And Brett - you haven't seen a smile so big! Peyton enjoyed it but was a bigger fan of the snacks!
So, if like me you can't imagine toddlers bowling it is a whole new world. They have really light bowling balls the children could safely hold or carry. They have bumpers blocking the gutters that bounce the ball back into play and you wouldn't believe this awesome ramp they put up that allowed you to set up the ball and Brett was able to push it down the shoot and bowl too! An hour was about all the attention we all had for bowling - but they had a blast!

Peyton does the heavy lifting. Jackson had not yet learned to keep his fingers off the ball return!

Auntie Kiki and Jackson set up the roster

Me helping Brett launch his bowling ball

Brett and Auntie Kiki - he loved the sights and sounds in the bowling alley!

Auntie Amy helping her daughter Caroline

Caroline giving Jackson a big Valentine's hug

Afterward we headed to one of the boys' favorite places to hang out - Bass Pro Shop. By us it is a mega store with everything from boats to hunting gear. But it is a beautiful store. It has a giant tank filled with large fish, a waterfall, lots of taxidermy animals, an elevator, lots of tents set up for demonstration (or playing) kayaks and much more. Best of all - it's free. Tate loves to take the boys there and their aunties do too so they had so much fun running around with their cousins.

All the cousins on the cot!
Strangely their favorite activity was taking all of the water jugs off the shelf and dragging them around. It was in the far reaches of the store so it didn't bother anyone shopping!

We wrapped up the day with lunch! What a great Valentine's Day!

Looking up from here

2010-02-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying this blog entry is a little late in coming. Between life and some technical difficulties we fell a bit behind. But we are doing really well - - - now.
In mid-January Tate spent an overnight in the hospital after experiencing some tightness in his chest and trouble breathing. They did a lot of tests and the great news is that everything looks ok with his heart. The tough part is there was really no explanation for the scare.
Several days later Brett had his adenoids removed.

Brett pre-surgery

It was an elective surgery after specialists suggested it could significantly improve his quality of life especially in areas where he struggles - breathing, speaking, sleeping, eating and overall endurance. The surgery was a success and his adenoids were large - apparently they grade on a scale of 0-4 with 4 being the largest and his were a 3!

Brett post-surgery

Unfortunately he didn't weather the recovery well and instead of being an outpatient surgery they admitted him overnight. He refused to eat or drink anything so he came home with an IV in for hydration. By the time home nursing help came the next day his IV was no longer good, but she thought he was doing ok without it. By Monday he was struggling and coughing and a call to the ENT nurse said that discomfort is expected for up to two weeks and the coughing was likely related to dripping in his throat and the itching from healing.
Several days later when he broke out head to toe with hives we took him to the pediatrician to find out he had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics he was on post-surgery. He also was very sick - the cough had nothing to do with the surgery and he had RSV (a severe viral respiratory infection) and because they share everything - Jackson & Peyton had it too.
A day later Brett was still struggling to eat or drink so they admitted him to the hospital. Again only overnight.

Brett snuggling with Daddy - he cried when I left to go home to put Jackson & Peyton to bed and while crying actually said "I want Mommy" as I was leaving - his first sentence and it nearly ripped my heart out!

Once he had breathing treatments and steroids for the lungs and allergic reaction plus IV hydration he perked up quickly.

Brett feeling better

A week of breathing treatments every 4 hours x 3 seemed to do the trick.
Unfortunately we spread the germs and Grandma got sick and their cousins Caroline & Sophie got RSV too.
I also managed to get a sinus infection - my first ever and wow it can be painful!
The upside is that now that we have been well for more than a week the surgery HAS helped Brett. He is talking more - by this I mean a lot of babbling but also saying Mama, Daddy, Granddad, Elmo and Baba (bottle) on a much more consistent basis! He is eating more and taking his bottle in less time and seems to be doing better with a sippie cup too! So far no improvement in the sleep department (ugh!) but he is also cutting a few new teeth so we'll see.

Brett's first glasses

2010-01-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Brett got glasses on Saturday. So far he really seems to like them and hasn't been bothered by them. Jackson and Peyton have said "glasses" a few times, but otherwise seem to be oblivious to them. He needs them to see both near and far. So many times I wish I could step into Brett's shoes (especially when things are tough on him). I wish I could see things from his perspective now that he has better vision!

Below are some photos and captions from Tate after we took Brett to get his specs.

Checking them out!

Getting glasses will wear a boy out!!!

First sled rides

2010-01-07T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I don't have all the Christmas photos together yet so my posts will be a little bit out of order, but here's what we did yesterday!

Jackson, me, Brett and Peyton

Jackson & Peyton shoveling

The snow started falling late Wednesday night and although a light flurrying, it snowed without stopping all day Thursday. With the few inches we had on the ground from our white Christmas it's really piling up. The boys have stood out in snowfalls but this is the first time they really played in the snow. Auntie Kerry and Auntie Nancy came to help shovel (how great are my sisters?) and Auntie Kerry ran out and got some sleds and little shovels so we could all enjoy the snow. Our driveway is on a slight incline and was perfect for their first sledding experience. They cried when me made them go inside!

Thank you to Jennifer and her boys Liam, Connor and Aidan for passing along your snowsuits for the winter - they are perfect!

Auntie Nancy and Peyton capturing the moment on video

And here's some of the video to enjoy - - -

The first is Peyton, second is Jackson and third is Brett

A very Merry Christmas

2010-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

(Brett, Jackson & Peyton)

We had a really great Christmas with lots of good memories.

On Christmas Eve we went to church with the boys' aunts, cousins and Grandma & Granddad and the boys were so well behaved and really enjoyed all the music. We spent the evening at my cousin's house and the boys were so well behaved there too - even passed their bedtime - and kept everyone entertained.

My favorite moment was when the boys first came down to see that Santa had come they were excited to play with the large cardboard bricks that Santa brought but didn't wrap but instead stacked around the tree. Jackson & Peyton ran over and were playing with the bricks, paused, turned around to where I was holding Brett and said "here you go" and each gave Brett a brick to play with. I was almost brought to tears at their thoughtfulness. To stop in the middle of such an exciting moment to make sure their brother could be a part of it just amazes me!

Santa also brought the boys a fish tank. Unfortunately the fish didn't last long - I guess flying around the world with Santa was too much for them. So Tate is going to take the boys to pick out some new "fishys".

The boys enjoyed their gifts from Santa and in the afternoon we went to Grandma & Granddad's and had a great time there with them and Auntie Rhonda opening gifts and playing with them. So fun to see the differences where Jackson just wanted to play with what he had opened and Peyton was ready to tear into the next thing. Brett really seemed to enjoy grabbing onto the paper and pulling gifts open!

Jackson liked to take his time opening gifts.

Peyton got a giant apple in his stocking from Grandma & Granddad and didn't waste any time sinking his teeth in!

Brett loved tearing the paper!

The next day we hosted my family. The boys stayed in their PJs and their cousins Caroline & Sophie came in their PJs and it was adorable.

Sophie, Peyton, Jackson, Caroline & Brett

Caroline getting some Brett kisses!

We enjoyed breakfast and gift exchanges and just hung out and enjoyed each other's company the entire day while the snow continued to fall outside.

Sunday we celebrated Caroline & Sophie's birthdays at their house and really had fun playing with their toys. Their piano is a big hit and Brett enjoyed playing with a cow that moos Christmas carols.

We couldn't have asked for a more fun holiday surrounded by family. As we move into 2010 we are so thankful for all the blessings of 2009.

I have to share a funny story

As we are packing up the Christmas decorations we had the boys' manger on the kitchen table. Several times Peyton and Jackson asked "Jesus? Jesus?"

My answer - "We're putting Jesus away until next Christmas."

What? I know! The second I said it I quickly tried to recover by saying - well just the toy Jesus - Jesus is always in your heart. Just wait until they start asking the tough questions - boy am I in trouble!

New posts are coming

2010-01-07T08:19:00.001-08:00

Hi!

I'm sorry I haven't posted in so long. We've just been enjoying the holidays and I was off work for a week and spent as little time on the computer as possible!

I will get some Christmas pictures posted soon and we have some cute video to share too!

Happy 2010!

Santa Claus is coming to town

2009-12-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share the boys' picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus

We went to a Santa breakfast and Santa arrived just around nap time. While Jackson & Peyton didn't seem to mind, Brett just couldn't stay awake. He literally fell asleep as soon as he got on Santa's lap. Jackson & Peyton did OK although slightly freaked out. They continue to look at the picture and call Mrs. Claus Grammy - which I think is just so sweet.

Update on Ernie

I also wanted to share a funny story about our elf Ernie (see previous post). One morning we found him climbing out of the cereal box on the kitchen table. By late afternoon while the boys were having a snack he was starting to slump over the top of the box and ended up tipping the box over and spilling my can of soda on the floor and then landing in the puddle. I went to pick him up and the boys shouted (I have told them many times that you can't touch Ernie or he loses his magic and cannot go back to the North Pole). So I grabbed a paper towel and picked him up and ran his white collar and hat trim under cold water. Wrapped in a paper towel I then returned Ernie to the box on the table and Jackson said "Ernie? Time out?" Yes - the boys wanted Ernie to get a time out for spilling my soda!

This time I guess Ernie gets a check on the Naughty side of the list.

The itsy bitsy spider

2009-12-15T21:11:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit behind on my posts. This happened last week, but I still wanted to share it.

The boys love spiders. I don't mind them when they are outside, but the thought of them lurking in the night in the house does give me the creeps. But when I saw a spider crawling across the boys' bedroom floor I decided to point it out to them to see how they would react. All I can say is - that poor spider.

Here's some video Tate was able to capture:

Afterward I scooped the spider up from under the toy box walked down the hall and squished it in a tissue. Peyton must have asked "Spider?" a hundred times after that and I said I let it outside and he kept saying "Outside?" I'm not sure he bought my story.

He knows if you've been bad or good

2009-12-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we celebrated St. Nicholas Day and the boys woke up to find our new house guest for the holidays - Ernie the Elf.

For those of you unfamiliar Elf on a Shelf is usually an Elf who is sent by Santa. The elf hangs out and each night magically returns to the North Pole to report to Santa about how everyone is behaving. The elf returns by morning and can be mischievous so you never know where you will find him the next morning. There are lots of variations of the tradition, but that is how it plays out here.

So Ernie arrived Sunday morning - we explained that he was helping report back to Santa for his Naughty or Nice list and less than an hour later this is what I walked in on after taking less than 2 minutes to go to the bathroom:

And later that afternoon:

Because I rushed out of the bathroom when I heard the crash that brought the recycling can down I forgot to shut the bathroom door! Thankfully we were toward the end of a roll.

Needless to say there were a few things in the Naughty column on Ernie's first report!

The Name Game

2009-11-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

While those that see them often think Jackson & Peyton are very distinguishable others do have trouble telling them apart. I've always thought that someday they were going to try to really mess with people - switching on teachers and the like.

Well, it has already started!

I've always sung a song with the boys when getting them dressed that goes "stand up, stand up, stand up and tell us your name, your name" and in the last month they have been saying their own names. It is absolutely adorable. But Sunday Jackson started messing with us and it wasn't long before Peyton got in on the act:

You can tell they think they are hilarious!

The funny thing is that Jackson does not call Peyton by his name he calls him "P" - always has - and now we know he can say Peyton, but for whatever reason chooses to call him "P".

So Jackson and Peyton both call Brett baby even though they can both say Brett

Peyton calls Jackson "Sasson"

and Jackson calls Peyton "P"

Brett doesn't say his brothers' names yet, but this is sure to confuse him :)

Enjoying warm weather

2009-11-23T18:45:00.001-08:00

It's been awhile since I posted and we've been up to two things - recovering from nasty bugs and playing outside.

We started with pink eye and between the 5 of us had high fevers, sore throats, ear infections and congested coughs - a lot of it got passed around and we are finally on the upswing!

We are grateful that although November in the Chicago area can be cold it's been pretty nice. We've only worn our winter coats once so far! I am not a big fan of winter and being cold so I am soaking up as much of the outdoors as possible.

So I thought I would share some photos of our autumn fun!

Ok, not exactly the best time, but Jackson made the best of the doctor's office despite a double ear infection! He screamed when he saw the doctor who gave him two shots when he saw her for a well visit a few weeks before!

Grandma and Peyton go for a ride.

Peyton helping with raking!

Brett relaxing in the pile of leaves - he LOVED the crunching sound they make!

Jackson playing in the leaves.

Peyton (in stripes) and Jackson help Tate put up some Christmas lights. Brett was napping in the stroller. Tate took advantage of the nice weather to get the lights up, but we don't turn them on until after Thanksgiving!

Halloween

2009-11-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Sorry it took me so long to get Halloween pictures up. Hope you enjoy them!

Peyton, Brett & Jackson - the 3 Little Bears.

I know they look miserable, but it is only because they hate sitting still for a picture. They loved their costumes and have been in them a few times after Halloween.

Brett and Grandma Uncle Jackie, Auntie Amy, Caroline & Sophie

Peyton Trick-or-Treating with Grandma and running through the leaves

Jackson playing with a pumpkin and lugging around his loot!

Auntie Rhonda holds Peyton as he takes in Auntie Kerry & Auntie Nancy in costume - after just a minute to realize who they were the boys were fine as you can see as Peyton kisses Auntie Kerry and Jackson snuggles with Auntie Nancy.