I can not tell you how many times I hear that in a week regarding Nevin, my middle man. This past year I have even gotten a couple comments from people who think he is 18 months or a much younger 2 than he actually is. In the last couple weeks when people have asked me how old he is I have been testing the waters by saying, "Almost 3." Most people look shocked, say how small he is or just shut up. If you know us well and see Nevin I am sure you have had thoughts of his stature of made comments yourself. After a year of searching for answer to our little puzzle we have finally found the missing piece.
We started with a new pediatrician a little over a year ago. It was right when Nevin turned 18 months. He had grown fairly normally as a baby, developed on track (except he did not walk unassisted until 17 months or so) but he really only said mom. When we meet with our new Doc Nevin's speech was our first concern and also it seemed his feet rolled in. There was not much concern from our doc at first and we just sort of rolled with it. Figured everything would catch up, he was just a "late bloomer". When his second birth date rolled around though and he had not learned any new words we were concerned. Before new steps could be taken though Gavyn was born and we were whisked away to the hospital for 21 days, two weeks at home, 3 more days in the hospital, countless ER visits and doc visits. Life got crazy and we were not sure where to turn for Nevin. Thankfully our doc got a Speech Therapists appointment set up at Cardinal Glennon for him and after our initial visit she recommended we get him in First Steps with Gavyn. That was one of the best moves we have made for our family. The therapy that both boys receive is amazing and the 3 ladies who come to work with them are awesome. Progress with both has been slow but steady. Nevin's first ST suggested we take him to see a Neurologists just to rule out any abnormalities with his brain. At one of Gavyn's check ups I took Nev with me and talked with the nurse practitioner about him, she told me to make an appointment with Dr. Arun who is also Gavyn's neuro doc. I set up the appointment and as the time got closer we were getting more concerned. It did not appear Nev had grown much if any in the last year.
Dr. Arun was glad to see us and get an update on Gavyn. She had not seen him since he left the PICU in March and it was now December. We started going over the family history and Nevin's history. She did a physical, observed him as we talked, played a few games with him. The first fear with a child who is not speaking is autism and she immediately ruled that out. She wanted him to have an eye check, MRI and blood work done. Thankfully they could do the MRI and blood work the previous week but the eye check would have to wait until next year. When I asked what she was going to look for with the blood work she immediately said she wanted to check his thyroid. His slow growth and development and coloring all made her think there was something wrong there. I was surprised our pedi doc had never said anything about this since it seemed almost obvious to her and she had only seen Nev once for 45 minutes. We would have to wait for blood work the previous week though.
Next Wednesday I took Nevin and Gavyn to Glennon for his MRI. Everything went smooth and we even had a nurse we had had before who was super nice and remembered us. (Of course it seems we know someone in every department at Glennon now on a first name basis...)When we had the clear to head home I asked when I should call for results and was told that it usually took about 48 hours for the MRI to be read and that would be Friday and you can never get through on a Friday so I better call Monday. We headed home and crashed after a long early morning gone all day. At about 4 in the afternoon we were all huddled up on the couch watching a movie and snoozing when my phone rang. I was more than surprised that it was Dr. Arun with news! She immediately let me know that the MRI was completely normal (thank God!) but,
"Nevin's blood work is very abnormal."
Your heart and stomach drop about 10 floors to your feet.
"His thyroid levels are very low, I am sitting with the endocrinologist, Dr.Myers and she needs to speak with you immediately about getting medication for him tonight. I am passing the phone over now."
Your mind does a complete 180 and you are trying your hardest to keep up with everything they are saying to you. I was instructed to get medication picked up THAT NIGHT and start giving it to him the very next morning. I was told how to give it to him since it was a pill and not a liquid. I was told when to call the office and that we would need to set up an appointment the next week. That everything was going to be better now. I hung up the phone and did not know what to think. Excitement? Fear? How about a little of both.
I was amazed when I called the office the next morning and said, "My son was just diagnosed with a thyroid problem and I need to set up an appointment." The nurse said, "Oh yes, you must be Nevin Stanley's mom, Dr.Myers would like to see him next Wednesday." Fastest appointment with a specialists EVER.
I was very nervous the next week meeting the new doc. Would we like her? What would she say? Was everything going to be OK? I did like her. She had a lot to say. Not all of it was peaches and cream. The best news was that his growth would catch up and fairly quickly. Maybe in a year I won't have people saying, "My how small he is." All of the other things we ever wondered or worried about would also change. He would have energy, he would not be depressed, his color would improve, everything in his body would strengthen. The bad news, it did slow him in his mental development. Most likely the reason he has been so slow with speech. He did not score as low as the developmental therapists was expecting though. He is a tough kid that has really fought his whole life with no one knowing. I am scared for him but I am trying to be hopeful. When they explained how terrible he has felt physically (effecting him mentally) all his life to take a step back and look at everything he does do it is amazing. Most of us probably would not get off the couch. Yet Nevin has crawled, walked, climbed, communicated, is starting to run all before being on meds. I can not wait to see how strong of a little boy he will be in a few months of being on meds. There will be a lot of prayers for this little man who is not going to be so little for much longer.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
What a year
I am not going to lie, this has been the hardest year yet for the Stanley family. Each month (sometimes each week) seems to bring a new challenge to our family that we have to sort through and figure out. Yet, through it all, we have seen many blessings and miracles happen. It seems that most of our trials stemmed from Gavyn getting sick and ending up in the hospital. Yet, what blessings have come from Cardinal Glennon! He had a wonderful team of doctors and nurses there that cared for him and really did, "reveal the healing presence of God". If you read the history on the website there is a line that is so true, "Those who have come to know it well simply refer to it as "Glennon." They speak of the hospital as if they are talking about an old friend, and there's a warm feeling about the sound of that one word - "Glennon."" One of the many times we were at the ER a nurse started a conversation with my mom,
"Do you work here? You look so familiar."
"No, but we have lived here with one of our grandbabies that was so sick."
"Oh, I must have seen you then. Now you are just Glennon family."
Without the help of the doctors and nurses there I don't know where we would be right now! They are the ones who helped us get First Steps set up for Nevin and Gavyn. One of our other trials and blessings.
When we started First Steps with the boys we thought Nevin only needed Speech therapy and Gavyn would be the one needing much more. Without the wonderful team of therapists that we got hooked up with though we would have not known that Nevin needed help in so many areas. Nevin is such a sweet, fun loving, caring little boy that helps complete our family and whatever way he needs help we will get it for him, no matter the sacrifice. And my what the sacrifices have been! I read from Chambers this morning and one part of the devotion really stuck with me,
"An island in the sea may be but the top of a great mountain. Personality is like an island, we know nothing about the great depths underneath, consequently we cannot estimate ourselves." He goes on to talk about how God can though. That is how I feel most days. I can see the top of my peak but God keeps pulling the waters back to reveal more and more about myself. That I am stronger and can handle more than I would have ever thought. Never in a million years would I have used the word, 'Patient' to describe my personality. God saw something different though, that if I was made to work at it I could become that patient mother you see with 3 little boys. Nevin's speech delay has brought out the worst and best in me. I amaze myself sometimes at how I have come to communicate with him and teach him about communication. We are still trying to figure out all the pieces to Nevin. Some things are falling into place but somethings are still being figured out. He has seen a Neurologists, he is getting tests done, therapy each week... There are a lot of question marks for that little man but he is brave and strong and pushes through it with us each day.
My depression has come and gone a lot this year. My mom was able to take a leave from work early this year to help when Gavyn came home and before First Steps started. It was good timing for her to come and be with us every day. To help me figure out again how to be a mom on a daily basis after being away at the hospital for so long. I never had a normal life with 3 kids. There was never a normal adjustment. That time was the closest to a normal that we will probably ever feel. It was not long after she went back to work that our life started with OT, PT, ST, doc visits, neuro visits, neuro surg visits, preschool... It has been a hard road to hall and some days I just don't want to face the day. To try and figure out how to pay the bills and buy food. How to get Skyler to school on time and back in time for therapy. To try and have friends and not completely push everyone away from us. To learn how to watch other two-year-olds and babies develop and not compare my children and want to give up. To keep on keeping on with a plate that is past full. I have been blessed with a caring and compassionate husband that helps to bear the load, family who is always willing to help and friends who have come along side of me, walked with me, talked with me and cried with me.
God has always provided a way for us. There has always been enough work. There is always food on our table. Heat, water and light in our home. Extra money just when the car breaks down and sometimes from a random source that sent a check for just the amount we needed not knowing our car would break down. We have had people we don't even know be generous to us, giving money to a family member to pass to us, just because they wanted us to have it. Dropping money in our mail box to buy Christmas gifts for our kiddos. It never ceases to amaze me the ways that people can be generous. We could never thank them enough. And I pray that one day we will be able to do the same for someone else.
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is always a blessing with a trail. You just have to keep having faith.
"Do you work here? You look so familiar."
"No, but we have lived here with one of our grandbabies that was so sick."
"Oh, I must have seen you then. Now you are just Glennon family."
Without the help of the doctors and nurses there I don't know where we would be right now! They are the ones who helped us get First Steps set up for Nevin and Gavyn. One of our other trials and blessings.
When we started First Steps with the boys we thought Nevin only needed Speech therapy and Gavyn would be the one needing much more. Without the wonderful team of therapists that we got hooked up with though we would have not known that Nevin needed help in so many areas. Nevin is such a sweet, fun loving, caring little boy that helps complete our family and whatever way he needs help we will get it for him, no matter the sacrifice. And my what the sacrifices have been! I read from Chambers this morning and one part of the devotion really stuck with me,
"An island in the sea may be but the top of a great mountain. Personality is like an island, we know nothing about the great depths underneath, consequently we cannot estimate ourselves." He goes on to talk about how God can though. That is how I feel most days. I can see the top of my peak but God keeps pulling the waters back to reveal more and more about myself. That I am stronger and can handle more than I would have ever thought. Never in a million years would I have used the word, 'Patient' to describe my personality. God saw something different though, that if I was made to work at it I could become that patient mother you see with 3 little boys. Nevin's speech delay has brought out the worst and best in me. I amaze myself sometimes at how I have come to communicate with him and teach him about communication. We are still trying to figure out all the pieces to Nevin. Some things are falling into place but somethings are still being figured out. He has seen a Neurologists, he is getting tests done, therapy each week... There are a lot of question marks for that little man but he is brave and strong and pushes through it with us each day.
My depression has come and gone a lot this year. My mom was able to take a leave from work early this year to help when Gavyn came home and before First Steps started. It was good timing for her to come and be with us every day. To help me figure out again how to be a mom on a daily basis after being away at the hospital for so long. I never had a normal life with 3 kids. There was never a normal adjustment. That time was the closest to a normal that we will probably ever feel. It was not long after she went back to work that our life started with OT, PT, ST, doc visits, neuro visits, neuro surg visits, preschool... It has been a hard road to hall and some days I just don't want to face the day. To try and figure out how to pay the bills and buy food. How to get Skyler to school on time and back in time for therapy. To try and have friends and not completely push everyone away from us. To learn how to watch other two-year-olds and babies develop and not compare my children and want to give up. To keep on keeping on with a plate that is past full. I have been blessed with a caring and compassionate husband that helps to bear the load, family who is always willing to help and friends who have come along side of me, walked with me, talked with me and cried with me.
God has always provided a way for us. There has always been enough work. There is always food on our table. Heat, water and light in our home. Extra money just when the car breaks down and sometimes from a random source that sent a check for just the amount we needed not knowing our car would break down. We have had people we don't even know be generous to us, giving money to a family member to pass to us, just because they wanted us to have it. Dropping money in our mail box to buy Christmas gifts for our kiddos. It never ceases to amaze me the ways that people can be generous. We could never thank them enough. And I pray that one day we will be able to do the same for someone else.
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. There is always a blessing with a trail. You just have to keep having faith.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What's New With Who
What is new with the Stanley's...
Ryan just finished up a 6 week stint at MoBap college. He was blessed to get a freelance job redesigning their campus magazine. It was a good fit for him, good pay and he made good lasting connections for future work. Now he is back to regular freelance work and working from home.
I have been on a decorating kick and was able to make some simple changes to our family room and also painted our dinning room. My friend Becky drew an amazing tree on the wall that I am going to paint over the next week or so.
Skyler is super busy and excited about preschool! He loves his teacher, is making friends and learning so much. It is so great to see things we have been working on for the last year finally clicking with the encouragement of his teacher. Four is such a fun age, he is still so little and learning and but old enough to know so much! I love having conversations with him about God, Heaven, bugs, spelling ect. You can just see the wheels turning and clicking all day long.
Nevin is doing good with his Speech therapy. He is such a little clown and makes everyone laugh. Some therapy sessions go by so fast because he is cracking us up so much. He is also very into being a two-year-old and trying to make his own way. Stubborn does not begin to describe Nev. I feel like all kids are a puzzle you are trying to work out and he is a really hard one! I worry about him being so smart and silly at the same time.
Gavyn just started Physical therapy with his Occupational therapy. I love both of the ladies who come to work with him. They are good at what they do, good with him and so encouraging to me. His one therapist has a child with hydro as well, it has been a great bonding experience for me to have someone to talk to about things that she knows all about. I am his mom and I have my bad days of worry but in my gut I believe he will be fine.
We are busy but trying to have fun.
Ryan just finished up a 6 week stint at MoBap college. He was blessed to get a freelance job redesigning their campus magazine. It was a good fit for him, good pay and he made good lasting connections for future work. Now he is back to regular freelance work and working from home.
I have been on a decorating kick and was able to make some simple changes to our family room and also painted our dinning room. My friend Becky drew an amazing tree on the wall that I am going to paint over the next week or so.
Skyler is super busy and excited about preschool! He loves his teacher, is making friends and learning so much. It is so great to see things we have been working on for the last year finally clicking with the encouragement of his teacher. Four is such a fun age, he is still so little and learning and but old enough to know so much! I love having conversations with him about God, Heaven, bugs, spelling ect. You can just see the wheels turning and clicking all day long.
Nevin is doing good with his Speech therapy. He is such a little clown and makes everyone laugh. Some therapy sessions go by so fast because he is cracking us up so much. He is also very into being a two-year-old and trying to make his own way. Stubborn does not begin to describe Nev. I feel like all kids are a puzzle you are trying to work out and he is a really hard one! I worry about him being so smart and silly at the same time.
Gavyn just started Physical therapy with his Occupational therapy. I love both of the ladies who come to work with him. They are good at what they do, good with him and so encouraging to me. His one therapist has a child with hydro as well, it has been a great bonding experience for me to have someone to talk to about things that she knows all about. I am his mom and I have my bad days of worry but in my gut I believe he will be fine.
We are busy but trying to have fun.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Shopping
I remember when we were getting ready to be married and the one thing I was most nervous about was grocery shopping and cooking! Of all the things in marriage and those were the 2 things I was most nervous about. Over the last 5 years I have gotten much better with a buck and planning meals out. I still hate the actual process of going to the store and buying things (which is why I plan for a week and only set foot in the store 1 time all week!) but, I do love planning the meals and the time spent in the kitchen. Lately, I have taken to baking at night when the kids go to bed so that it gets done. When you are a mom of 3, you have to use every single minute as wisely as you can!
Tonight was shopping night, I spent $85 and here is what is on the menu...
Gavyn got Peas and Peaches this week. I buy fresh or sometimes frozen, cook it if I need to then, puree put in trays and freeze for the week. I also bought avocados just in case he doesn't like the peas!
.Fish Sticks (homemade not from a box!) with Mac & Cheese and Salad
.Oven Roasted Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots and homemade muffins
.Turkey Casserole with Broccoli
.Ranch Chicken (it is a Mexican dish with tomatoes, peppers, cheese...) and Chips
.Thai Chicken Salad and Rice
.Potato Kielbasa Skillet and Carrots
.Colorful Chicken Pizza and Salad
.Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake for Saturday morning
.New York Cheese Cake for Ryan's birthday
I don't normally do two big pastry items like that but with Ryan's birthday and being in a mood, that is what we get! It did make me spend a little more at the store than I normally would though. Most weeks I get out with spending around $70. I am sure coupon shoppers do better than that but with my crazy schedule I have not figured out how to sit down and incorporate that into my life yet. If it is a good week, maybe I will take pictures of our meals and post them with recipes.
Tonight was shopping night, I spent $85 and here is what is on the menu...
Gavyn got Peas and Peaches this week. I buy fresh or sometimes frozen, cook it if I need to then, puree put in trays and freeze for the week. I also bought avocados just in case he doesn't like the peas!
.Fish Sticks (homemade not from a box!) with Mac & Cheese and Salad
.Oven Roasted Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots and homemade muffins
.Turkey Casserole with Broccoli
.Ranch Chicken (it is a Mexican dish with tomatoes, peppers, cheese...) and Chips
.Thai Chicken Salad and Rice
.Potato Kielbasa Skillet and Carrots
.Colorful Chicken Pizza and Salad
.Cherry Cheese Coffee Cake for Saturday morning
.New York Cheese Cake for Ryan's birthday
I don't normally do two big pastry items like that but with Ryan's birthday and being in a mood, that is what we get! It did make me spend a little more at the store than I normally would though. Most weeks I get out with spending around $70. I am sure coupon shoppers do better than that but with my crazy schedule I have not figured out how to sit down and incorporate that into my life yet. If it is a good week, maybe I will take pictures of our meals and post them with recipes.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
What a weekend
This weekend was extra busy but wonderful! So many great things happened within two days.
For the last couple months, I have been going behind my husbands back planning a Surprise 30th Birthday Party. Like I did not have enough on my plate! But I love him and he does so much for us, plus he has not been looking forward to this birthday. I had lots of help from my wonderful parents and that made it possible to pull off. He was completely shocked, surprised, happy and grateful for the party. It was a great mix of friends, family, good food and lots of donuts. What more could you want?
Saturday during the party prep my little chunky monkey finally decided to roll from tummy to back and back to tummy! We have been getting very anxious about his lack of rolling seeing how he is now 7 months and had not rolled yet. We are hoping he keeps it up! He did it once more Saturday night and has been moving around a lot more when he is on his tummy.
This morning we woke up and got the boys ready for Pirate Fest. We made the drive to Saint Charles, stopped in to see my Aunt and Uncle for a short visit. Stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel then on to Pirates! It was cool and muddy but well worth the drive. The boys had a great time going on a treasure hunt all over the Festival, getting treasures from the pirates to put into their treasure chests. Grandma bought them both wooden swords, Nevin was super excited! He was the one who asked for them and is going to cause lots of trouble with it. My hubby did the axe throw and hit the dummy in the middle of the chest and the middle of the head! It was kind of scary, not going to lie, don't mess with my husband! It was fun to watch though. The boys got to see the cannons get fired, lots of people walking around in crazy pirate outfits and Nevin even petted a rat. What a crazy day! How many times do you get to say things like that in a blog?
Tomorrow back to reality... Preschool, Cardinal Glennon, therapy..... Gratefully for a short break over the weekend.
For the last couple months, I have been going behind my husbands back planning a Surprise 30th Birthday Party. Like I did not have enough on my plate! But I love him and he does so much for us, plus he has not been looking forward to this birthday. I had lots of help from my wonderful parents and that made it possible to pull off. He was completely shocked, surprised, happy and grateful for the party. It was a great mix of friends, family, good food and lots of donuts. What more could you want?
Saturday during the party prep my little chunky monkey finally decided to roll from tummy to back and back to tummy! We have been getting very anxious about his lack of rolling seeing how he is now 7 months and had not rolled yet. We are hoping he keeps it up! He did it once more Saturday night and has been moving around a lot more when he is on his tummy.
This morning we woke up and got the boys ready for Pirate Fest. We made the drive to Saint Charles, stopped in to see my Aunt and Uncle for a short visit. Stopped for lunch at Cracker Barrel then on to Pirates! It was cool and muddy but well worth the drive. The boys had a great time going on a treasure hunt all over the Festival, getting treasures from the pirates to put into their treasure chests. Grandma bought them both wooden swords, Nevin was super excited! He was the one who asked for them and is going to cause lots of trouble with it. My hubby did the axe throw and hit the dummy in the middle of the chest and the middle of the head! It was kind of scary, not going to lie, don't mess with my husband! It was fun to watch though. The boys got to see the cannons get fired, lots of people walking around in crazy pirate outfits and Nevin even petted a rat. What a crazy day! How many times do you get to say things like that in a blog?
Tomorrow back to reality... Preschool, Cardinal Glennon, therapy..... Gratefully for a short break over the weekend.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Granola Bars
We love granola bars around here but they can get expensive if you want the really good ones. I decided to do some searching for recipes and found a decent "base" for them and have made the recipe my own with tweaks. Today was my third time making them and each time I tried a new flavor and we have loved them all. Here is the recipe with my 3 alternatives that I have tried. Let me know if you make any changes yourself!2c. Quick Oats
1c. Flour
1/2c. Wheat germ
3/4c. Brown sugar
3/4tsp. Salt
3/4tsp. Cinnamon
1/2c. Vegetable oil
1/2c. Honey
1 Egg
2tsp. Vanilla
1/2c. Applesauce or Peanut butter
1c. Raisins or Chocolate Chips
Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 pan.
Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl.
Add wet ingredients (use 1/2c of veg. oil first, use the same cup for the honey and it will slip right out) mix until moistened.
Pat into pan and bake for 30 minutes.
I have done:
Raisins and Applesauce.
Chocolate Chips and Applesauce
Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Outings
Yay for the end of Summer! I say that with a bit of sarcasm. It seems this Summer was come and gone without me even noticing. Last Monday or so I woke up and realized it was not really Summer anymore (all the kids are going back to school) and we had not done our normal Summer activities. With Docs, therapies, sickness and getting used to 3 kids, plus Nevin's broken leg we had not done much. So, this past week I have managed to cram in every activity we would have normally done throughout the Summer. :)
One morning my wonderful friend Melissa called me and said she and Baby Vi suddenly had an open day and why not go to the Botanical Gardens? Of course! We scurried around the house and managed to get over to the Gardens within 30 minutes. (I am still not sure how I did that.) We had a lovely time enjoying nature, cooler weather and 4 wonderful kiddos.
Ryan had to work over the weekend and we snagged Grandma and Grandpa for a trip to the Zoo. We had not seen the new entrance and it was beautiful! The Sea Lion Show was so much fun and Skyler was brave enough to go down by the Sea Lions after the show for pictures. The Stingrays are always a big hit and Nevin really enjoyed watching them splash and stick their fins out of the water.
Today our friend Becky called and invited us to the Transportation Museum. That was another run around and get everyone ready in 45 minutes, crazy morning! Well worth it though. Skyler had a blast with his friends, Nevin got to ring the bell on the train and everyone had a great time in the playroom.
Uncle Matt came and took Skyler for a day. He was one lucky boy to go to the Science Center, McDonald's, visit his other Uncle at work and just hang out. I have managed one trip with all 3 by myself to the Discovery Room a couple weeks ago and it went good.
Preschool starts next week, yay! Nevin gets his cast off next week, yay! We have two hearing tests, 1 NeuroSurg appt., 1 Neurology appt., and a shots day as well all this month. I also realized that Nev and Gav's OT will most likely become my best friend shortly since I will be seeing her 1 or 2 a week for the next 3 years. :) Life is crazy.
One morning my wonderful friend Melissa called me and said she and Baby Vi suddenly had an open day and why not go to the Botanical Gardens? Of course! We scurried around the house and managed to get over to the Gardens within 30 minutes. (I am still not sure how I did that.) We had a lovely time enjoying nature, cooler weather and 4 wonderful kiddos.
Ryan had to work over the weekend and we snagged Grandma and Grandpa for a trip to the Zoo. We had not seen the new entrance and it was beautiful! The Sea Lion Show was so much fun and Skyler was brave enough to go down by the Sea Lions after the show for pictures. The Stingrays are always a big hit and Nevin really enjoyed watching them splash and stick their fins out of the water.
Today our friend Becky called and invited us to the Transportation Museum. That was another run around and get everyone ready in 45 minutes, crazy morning! Well worth it though. Skyler had a blast with his friends, Nevin got to ring the bell on the train and everyone had a great time in the playroom.
Uncle Matt came and took Skyler for a day. He was one lucky boy to go to the Science Center, McDonald's, visit his other Uncle at work and just hang out. I have managed one trip with all 3 by myself to the Discovery Room a couple weeks ago and it went good.
Preschool starts next week, yay! Nevin gets his cast off next week, yay! We have two hearing tests, 1 NeuroSurg appt., 1 Neurology appt., and a shots day as well all this month. I also realized that Nev and Gav's OT will most likely become my best friend shortly since I will be seeing her 1 or 2 a week for the next 3 years. :) Life is crazy.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What we have been up to
I have no idea where this Summer has gone! Every morning for the last month and half Skyler wakes up and asks if I am taking him to school yet. This morning I realized that we only have two more weeks and I will be taking him to his first day of school!! Where did the last 4 years go by the way?
I knew this Summer was going to be a big adjustment when I was still pregnant with Gavyn. Getting used to 3 boys was going to take time. Everything just naturally takes more time, getting dressed, breakfast, naps... We are getting into a routine but things change so quickly with a new baby that it seems once we get used to it being one way it changes to something new. I would have never imagined all the other new things in our routine I would need to adjust to. Gavyn sees a Occupational Therapist once a week, Nevin sees the same OT once a week and Speech Therapy once a week. More doctor appointments than I would have ever thought imaginable! Between 3 boys going for shots, regular wellness check ups, NeuroSurg, Neurology...
I am not trying to complain, it is overwhelming when I think of everything we do in a week. I am not sure how people with more than 3 do it, at least if they are this close in age.
We are all really excited for Skyler to start preschool. He is so ready and it will be so great for him. It is time for him to have someone other than mom telling him how to do things. It will be nice to have at least one of those 3 days to be with just Nevin and Gavyn. It won't be much time but it will be nice.
Nevin's leg is healing! We went back last week, they took the cast off and x-rayed his leg again. They could see the fracture and it was healing but he still had a limp. They put a shorter cast on him so he is able to move his knee. We have been working on standing and stretching with it on. He is doing better and better, such a trooper.
Mr.Gav has started to sit up! A couple weeks ago he was trying and could sit unassisted for about 2 seconds. Now he can sit up in his crib for more than a minute at a time. He loves to look at himself in his mirror and watch his music toy. We are working on reaching, grabbing and rolling. He is not much of a tummy kid and does not want to roll around. I keep reminding myself that he will get there and is doing so good. He turned 6 months on the 19th and is over 16 pounds, 24 1/2 inches long. :) We started the rice cereal and he is doing OK. The first time he really did not like it but, each time he does a little better than the last.
Crazy busy and growing Stanley family is still here and kicking.
I knew this Summer was going to be a big adjustment when I was still pregnant with Gavyn. Getting used to 3 boys was going to take time. Everything just naturally takes more time, getting dressed, breakfast, naps... We are getting into a routine but things change so quickly with a new baby that it seems once we get used to it being one way it changes to something new. I would have never imagined all the other new things in our routine I would need to adjust to. Gavyn sees a Occupational Therapist once a week, Nevin sees the same OT once a week and Speech Therapy once a week. More doctor appointments than I would have ever thought imaginable! Between 3 boys going for shots, regular wellness check ups, NeuroSurg, Neurology...
I am not trying to complain, it is overwhelming when I think of everything we do in a week. I am not sure how people with more than 3 do it, at least if they are this close in age.
We are all really excited for Skyler to start preschool. He is so ready and it will be so great for him. It is time for him to have someone other than mom telling him how to do things. It will be nice to have at least one of those 3 days to be with just Nevin and Gavyn. It won't be much time but it will be nice.
Nevin's leg is healing! We went back last week, they took the cast off and x-rayed his leg again. They could see the fracture and it was healing but he still had a limp. They put a shorter cast on him so he is able to move his knee. We have been working on standing and stretching with it on. He is doing better and better, such a trooper.
Mr.Gav has started to sit up! A couple weeks ago he was trying and could sit unassisted for about 2 seconds. Now he can sit up in his crib for more than a minute at a time. He loves to look at himself in his mirror and watch his music toy. We are working on reaching, grabbing and rolling. He is not much of a tummy kid and does not want to roll around. I keep reminding myself that he will get there and is doing so good. He turned 6 months on the 19th and is over 16 pounds, 24 1/2 inches long. :) We started the rice cereal and he is doing OK. The first time he really did not like it but, each time he does a little better than the last.
Crazy busy and growing Stanley family is still here and kicking.
Monday, August 9, 2010
A First
Nevin Lucas fell down 1 step on Friday morning. He would not walk on it all day. Of course we ended up in the ER at Cardinal Glennon. Even Baby George got a bandage.
George got a snack too.
We are all laughing because Nevin got into the bandages, unrolled one, blew his nose, and of course George had to blow his nose as well!
Such a good sport, still smiling after 9 hours in the ER, no dinner, no juice, no walking and it is almost midnight.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
If I stand
There's more that rises in the morning than the sun
And more that shines in the night than just the moon
There's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
Stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
So if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
And there's more that dances on the prairies than the wind
And more that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that's fiercer than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegence
I owe only to the Giver of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
So if I stand let me stand on the promise You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for home
Just heard this song on JOYFM and it made me cry, it reminded me that if I did not have struggles here I would be way to content and never long for my real home.
And more that shines in the night than just the moon
There's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm
In a shelter that is larger than this room
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
Stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance
I owe only to the Giver of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
So if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
And there's more that dances on the prairies than the wind
And more that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that's fiercer than the love between friends
More gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
And a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegence
I owe only to the Giver of all good things
So if I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
So if I stand let me stand on the promise You will pull me through
And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for home
Just heard this song on JOYFM and it made me cry, it reminded me that if I did not have struggles here I would be way to content and never long for my real home.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Donuts
"Let's get donuts."
That is a phrase I hear come out of Skyler's mouth quite frequently. If Ryan is around it is usually followed by,
"That is what I am talking about."
They love donuts. Who doesn't love a good ol' fried piece of cake covered in gooey sauce though? I decided to whip up some homemade spice donuts today. Yummy.
That is a phrase I hear come out of Skyler's mouth quite frequently. If Ryan is around it is usually followed by,
"That is what I am talking about."
They love donuts. Who doesn't love a good ol' fried piece of cake covered in gooey sauce though? I decided to whip up some homemade spice donuts today. Yummy.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Eating Out
We have had better weeks at the Stanley house but we have also had worse. I was pretty sick over the weekend and had to get some antibiotics to get me over the hump. Ryan had some job things not work out. Skyler got shots yesterday and has been whiny about it all day. Gavyn has not been himself the last day and half but good ol' Nev is doing fine.This afternoon we were out doing some errands and on our way home Skyler asked if we could go to the park. I told him we would have to pass because we needed to get some lunch. It gave me the idea later in the afternoon that we should
pack our lunch up and take it to the park. I take the kids on picnics all the time but Ryan never gets to join us.I made steamed broccoli, cheesey mashed potatoes and friend chicken. Wrapped everything up and put it into our little Stanley Clan food tote. Got the plates, silverware and water packed in another bag. We waited patiently for Ryan to get back from his meetings and off to Francis Park we went.
When we got there I wanted to get pictures of the fam and the boys had to make funny faces and
make dino noises! 'Everyone say Dinosaur!'It was so nice to sit in the shade, listen to the
change of scenery for us during dinner.
The boys ate good and were excited to get down and explore the park. There was a small creek right by us and Skyler started building a dam with sticks and grass. Nevin chased the birds and followed his big brother around. Gavyn laid on his blanket and talked to Mommy, he loves being outside.
It was a good night to remember that even when we don't have a lot of money we can still get out of the house and have a lot of fun.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Adventures of RyDog and MandaBear
When I was a little girl, like most little girls, I had my life pretty well planned. I would meet the boy of my dreams, he would sweep me off of my feet, we would have tons of fun, get married, have more fun, buy a house, have a baby, get a dog, go on vacations, have another baby... Everything would be perfect, like a little box perfectly wrapped. My life did not exactly turn out that way.
I had a couple relationships that did not pan out, had lots of friends around me though. Finally my friend Ryan asked me out. We had been friends for 4 years and over the years we had become very close friends. I had been teased about him when we first met and everyone thought he would ask me out right away. For some reason though we were both looking in other places. When he did ask me out I had already made up my mind that I was going to take a break from the dating scene. I wanted to work on myself and clear my head. I was honestly not expecting him to ask me out and it threw my plan for a loop! I had to take some time to think about it. At first we kept hanging out and had an absolute blast! Finally I told him I wanted to take a few days of not seeing him to make up my mind. It only took 3 days for me to call him and decide to start a relationship. The first part of my Plan worked out perfectly. He was the guy of my dreams, we had tons of fun and before long were talking of marriage. My pet name was Manda Bear and we always joked that it was, MandaBear and RyDog adventures! Around this time my plan took a turn.
While talking about when the right time was to get married we found out I was pregnant with Skyler. The scariest part of it all was telling our parents and knowing the disappointment would be there. Both parents were very gracious and loving towards us and were excited that we still wanted to get married and keep the baby bundle. Neither of us wanted to wait until after the baby was born to get married and I really did not want to be big a pregnant on my wedding day. It was already the end of July and we took a look at the calendar. I had always wanted an outdoor wedding and the window of opportunity was small. We picked September 9th, 2005 and had exactly 6 weeks to plan the affair. I loved our wedding day. It was fun, colorful, different, perfect. It seemed like a fairy tale was starting.
Right after we got married there was a lot of job trouble for Ryan. It was a scary time of being out on our own, expecting a baby, freelance work and me working at Starbucks. We hung in there though, we had good support and made it through. Skyler Chase was born March 29th in our little apartment in St. Louis Hills. Our little family had started and it seemed like things were going to be really good. I was going to stay home with our little boy and Ryan was working at an office in West County. Unfortunately Ryan was let go from his job 3 months after Skyler was born and we were out of money. Our best option was to move in with my parents until he found I job. I told myself it would be 6 months tops.
My Plan took another turn. We ended up being for a year and half and while there got pregnant with our second baby. We knew that even without a full time job we needed to try to get our own place before the baby came. Ryan had lots of freelance work and things were getting steady but it was a leap of complete faith. We found a cute house in Maplewood and moved out December 1st. On February 6th Nevin Lucas arrived on the scene, born at the home in Maplewood. Shortly after our church hired Ryan has a part time freelance worker and finances were steady! We knew it was our time, God had been faithful and things were going to be great. We were saving money again and making our plans. Maybe things would get back on track. We decided to buy a house and found our wonderful little home in South City.
2009, I was determined to get my plan going. We were saving for vacation and looking for that dog. Maybe everything had happened in a different order but it was going to happen! In January we found our dog, Peanut, a black lap mix that fit in perfectly with our family. My little baby Nevin turned 1 in February and that little itch of baby fever was coming back. We went back and forth, back and forth on what to do. June 12th we got that positive pregnancy result! I was so excited, everything was really coming together. We looked at each other and told each other this was going to be the happiest year of our marriage.
Exactly a week later Ryan called me, the giving at church was down by so much that his part time freelance position was cut. I knew in my heart we were going to be OK but I was so mad at God. Why did he keep punishing us like this?
The last year has been amazingly bad and beyond good. Baby Gavyn was born February 19th at our home again. He has brought us so much joy and should not be here right now. He was a fighter after 19 days in the Hospital and beyond count ER visits and a second 4 day trip to the hospital. Every time I look at him I am reminded how blessed I am. My life has not turned out how I thought. It is not my plan. It was God's plan. I still get mad at him sometimes for all of our financial trouble but then I look at my house, I look at my boys, I look at my husband that works so hard and allows me to stay home and I realized that blessings are not counted in the bank but on how many faces you see every day. I get to see 4 beautiful faces every day that make me smile. My plan was a good plan but God's plan made me a strong woman that I would not have ever imagined I could be.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Fireworks
Last night my parents came over to watch Gavyn while Ryan and I took the Big Boys to see Fireworks at Webster Groves. We left the house a little after 8pm, as we are driving down Loughborough I get behind this van going about 20mph. Skyler is chatting to himself in the back when all the sudden he says, "Why are we going so slow?!"
"There is an old grandpa man in front of us," I respond (I know, I probably shouldn't say things like that)
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Can we crash into other cars?"
Always a good way to start a night out, banging the other cars out of our way.
We got parked fairly close and walked down to the big hill on Elm across from the school. It was fun to sit on the ground with the boys and watch the carnival rides and the lights. Nevin pushed the stroller around the hill. Skyler tried to sit in it and went barreling down the hill for a minute. We waited for about an hour for the show to start and got all settled in. Nevin sat on my lap and Skyler lounged on Ryan. The show was not very long but that was probably for the best. It was way past their bedtime and I could tell everyone was getting tired. They enjoyed watching the fireworks go, "BOOM! Sparkle!" as Skyler says. Most of the show I watched off the reflection of Nevin's eyes. They were both mesmerized.
Here's to a good Fourth of July!
"There is an old grandpa man in front of us," I respond (I know, I probably shouldn't say things like that)
"Mommy?"
"Yes?"
"Can we crash into other cars?"
Always a good way to start a night out, banging the other cars out of our way.
We got parked fairly close and walked down to the big hill on Elm across from the school. It was fun to sit on the ground with the boys and watch the carnival rides and the lights. Nevin pushed the stroller around the hill. Skyler tried to sit in it and went barreling down the hill for a minute. We waited for about an hour for the show to start and got all settled in. Nevin sat on my lap and Skyler lounged on Ryan. The show was not very long but that was probably for the best. It was way past their bedtime and I could tell everyone was getting tired. They enjoyed watching the fireworks go, "BOOM! Sparkle!" as Skyler says. Most of the show I watched off the reflection of Nevin's eyes. They were both mesmerized.
Here's to a good Fourth of July!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Clean Less Play More
Since bringing Gavyn home from the hospital the second time, my Mom has been able to take Mondays and Fridays off from her job to come give me a hand. We normally do doctor appointments, grocery shopping and extra cleaning those days. This Monday though, our neighbors who are starting a cleaning company used our house as practice for FREE. It was totally awesome to go do all of my shopping that day with my Mom and come home to a freakishly clean house. This week it has been so nice to not have to worry about the bathroom getting out of hand or the kitchen going to pot, especially since I had some sick little boys on my hands. But, the days that they were not sick we got to play so much more! It really reminded me to not worry so much about those things and get on the floor and play with my little men while they still want me to.
Today was so great as well because all the shopping was done and all the cleaning. We hung out at my house until after lunch so the baby could get a good nap and I could do some piddly little things. Then we headed over to Francis Park for a few hours which is my new favorite place to take the kids. At first Skyler found a little boy about his age that was willing to play and they had a great time. Running up and down the play equipment, chasing each other around the swings, just doing what little boys do. Gavyn sat in the shade happy as could be with Grandma. Nevin climbed up on the biggest play equipment and just ran around and around.
When Sky's newest little friend had to leave 3 big boys (about 12-13) showed up at the playground with some bouncy balls. They planted themselves at the little kids play area since no one was over there and started throwing their ball. For some reason Skyler decided he wanted to join them at being their ball catcher! Totally not intimidated by these 3 rather large boys, just started running after the ball and trying to throw it back to them. I have to admit I was a bit nervous when I noticed him over by them but they were 3 well behaved boys who were really nice to the little guy. They wanted to know his name and were pretty encouraging when he would try to throw them the ball.
Eventually Nevin tired of our games and wanted to go check up with everyone else so we went and sat by Grandma. He watched Sky for a minute and then the big boys. All the sudden he got up, marched over to the play equipment, walked up the little stairs and just stood in the middle of these towering boys. They stopped rough housing and just looked down on him, not sure what to do. I went to go get him but he planted his feet as only Nevin can, put his arms to his side and looked at me like, "I got this Mom." I guess when your best buddy happens to be your 6 foot Uncle Matt these kids were not intimidating in the least for my little 2 1/2 foot toddler.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Not The Best Day
Yesterday Gavyn was just not himself. Sleepy, cranky and not wanting to eat as much. At first I thought maybe another growth spurt except for the eating less. This morning he had a tiny wheeze after he would cough so I decided to take him to the Doc. On the way Nevin let out a terrible cough as well. When we got there I asked if they would have time to look at Nevin as well and they said they could squeeze them both in.
You have to picture me doing this as well, by myself...
Baby not happy. Boys getting energy as the day starts. Me trying to get everyone dressed and fed and out the door. Get to the doc's office and park close by. Get Gav in the baby sling, hold Nev's hand, Sky walks. Make it to the door, Sky opens the door like a little gentleman since both of my hands are full. Sign in. Get called back. Nevin throws himself on the floor screaming because he doesn't want to leave the toys. Baby in the sling, Skyler walking back to the rooms, trying to pick Nevin up. Get back to the room. Set Nevin on the table and get his shoes and shirt off. Take baby out of sling and get him undressed. Carry baby out to scale and both boys take off in the opposite direction. The nurse takes Gav, I grab the other two. Get baby weighed. Nurse hands baby to me. Nevin won't stand on the scale. Pick Nev up and put him on the baby scale. Finally make it back to the room. Somehow the doc got both of them checked over, Gav screamed while he got checked, Nev yelled while he got checked, Skyler starred at everyone. Find out Baby just has a bad cold and there is not a lot to do but wait it out. Nev has a double ear infection and we need to get meds. Make it out to the counter, get stickers and cookies, out to the car. Once we got in the car I dropped the script off, got home, unloaded, fed the baby, loaded back up, picked up the script, got home, gave the meds, made lunch.
Oddly enough Nevin has been in a really great mood all day! He and Skyler have been playing together, building Lego's, crashing cars, watched the movie Cars. Every now and again the poor guy will grab his ears and let out a cry. After a short cuddle he is fine though.
Poor Gavyn is not doing so hot though. Back and forth from being OK to crying. Eating fine, crying and not wanting to eat. Sleeping and waking up. It wears a mommy out. On top of it I start worrying about his shunt not working right. I keep reminding myself that the NeuroSurg warned me this would happen, anytime something is wrong you will think it is the shunt and 95% of the time it will be something else.
Just another day at the Stanley house...
You have to picture me doing this as well, by myself...
Baby not happy. Boys getting energy as the day starts. Me trying to get everyone dressed and fed and out the door. Get to the doc's office and park close by. Get Gav in the baby sling, hold Nev's hand, Sky walks. Make it to the door, Sky opens the door like a little gentleman since both of my hands are full. Sign in. Get called back. Nevin throws himself on the floor screaming because he doesn't want to leave the toys. Baby in the sling, Skyler walking back to the rooms, trying to pick Nevin up. Get back to the room. Set Nevin on the table and get his shoes and shirt off. Take baby out of sling and get him undressed. Carry baby out to scale and both boys take off in the opposite direction. The nurse takes Gav, I grab the other two. Get baby weighed. Nurse hands baby to me. Nevin won't stand on the scale. Pick Nev up and put him on the baby scale. Finally make it back to the room. Somehow the doc got both of them checked over, Gav screamed while he got checked, Nev yelled while he got checked, Skyler starred at everyone. Find out Baby just has a bad cold and there is not a lot to do but wait it out. Nev has a double ear infection and we need to get meds. Make it out to the counter, get stickers and cookies, out to the car. Once we got in the car I dropped the script off, got home, unloaded, fed the baby, loaded back up, picked up the script, got home, gave the meds, made lunch.
Oddly enough Nevin has been in a really great mood all day! He and Skyler have been playing together, building Lego's, crashing cars, watched the movie Cars. Every now and again the poor guy will grab his ears and let out a cry. After a short cuddle he is fine though.
Poor Gavyn is not doing so hot though. Back and forth from being OK to crying. Eating fine, crying and not wanting to eat. Sleeping and waking up. It wears a mommy out. On top of it I start worrying about his shunt not working right. I keep reminding myself that the NeuroSurg warned me this would happen, anytime something is wrong you will think it is the shunt and 95% of the time it will be something else.
Just another day at the Stanley house...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
No internet!
Holy Cow we lost Internet for awhile and it was no fun! I think I had withdrawals from no blogging....
It has been a very busy week around the Stanley House.
Tuesday... Playdate with our good friends Melissa and her baby girl Violet in the morning. It was so nice to just hang out at the house, play with babies and big boys, catch up on things and talk about how Mom's don't seem to get as much credit and encouragement as they should. That night Ryan's brother and his wife Patty along with Ryan's parents all came over for dinner. It was really nice to have the whole family together. It seems like we usually see just his parents or just Andrew and Patty. I am one of those people who loves to have the whole family together and things to be sort of loud and crazy. I always thought I would have like 4 or 5 kids and when they were all grown they would all be married with 2 or 3 kids and Christmas at my big house would be loud and fun. Hopefully in 20 years we will have a bigger house so if all my boys are married with 2 or 3 kids we can all fit in the house together!
Wednesday was a nice break in the week. No one came over, we only ran out for about 2 minutes to drop off recycling. Just me and my boys playing at home and catching up on cleaning and laundry.
Thursday was a playdate at our friends the Biber's house. They have two little kiddos, Eli 4 and Grace 3 who just crack me up! They both say the funniest things and are just great kids. Skyler has so much fun playing with Eli and they are so excited to go to school together in the Fall. Thursday night we went to Kirkwood for the free concerts they have right by the old train station. The company my Mom works for just started a charitable group to build orphanages in Hatti. All the money raised that night is helping them make a difference in the lives of the kids down in Hatti. It is really awesome everything they are doing. The people that my Mom works for are just amazing people that have become a second family.
Friday my parents had a new shed built in the backyard. Of course I took the boys over for the day to watch the construction and play with Grandma, Pa Pa and Uncle Matt. They kept the 2 big boys while Gav had his 4 month check up. That night we co-hosted a Pampered Chef party that did awesome! I have to pick out all the free product I am going to get. Exciting!
Today brings Speech Therapy for Nevin, church tonight and a small group for marrieds this evening. And tomorrow is all about Pirates with a Pirate themed birthday party for one of Skyler's good friends and our neighbors are having a BBQ to celebrate the new pirate ship that Shawn built for their son Logan in the backyard! Eye patches here we come.
It has been a very busy week around the Stanley House.
Tuesday... Playdate with our good friends Melissa and her baby girl Violet in the morning. It was so nice to just hang out at the house, play with babies and big boys, catch up on things and talk about how Mom's don't seem to get as much credit and encouragement as they should. That night Ryan's brother and his wife Patty along with Ryan's parents all came over for dinner. It was really nice to have the whole family together. It seems like we usually see just his parents or just Andrew and Patty. I am one of those people who loves to have the whole family together and things to be sort of loud and crazy. I always thought I would have like 4 or 5 kids and when they were all grown they would all be married with 2 or 3 kids and Christmas at my big house would be loud and fun. Hopefully in 20 years we will have a bigger house so if all my boys are married with 2 or 3 kids we can all fit in the house together!
Wednesday was a nice break in the week. No one came over, we only ran out for about 2 minutes to drop off recycling. Just me and my boys playing at home and catching up on cleaning and laundry.
Thursday was a playdate at our friends the Biber's house. They have two little kiddos, Eli 4 and Grace 3 who just crack me up! They both say the funniest things and are just great kids. Skyler has so much fun playing with Eli and they are so excited to go to school together in the Fall. Thursday night we went to Kirkwood for the free concerts they have right by the old train station. The company my Mom works for just started a charitable group to build orphanages in Hatti. All the money raised that night is helping them make a difference in the lives of the kids down in Hatti. It is really awesome everything they are doing. The people that my Mom works for are just amazing people that have become a second family.
Friday my parents had a new shed built in the backyard. Of course I took the boys over for the day to watch the construction and play with Grandma, Pa Pa and Uncle Matt. They kept the 2 big boys while Gav had his 4 month check up. That night we co-hosted a Pampered Chef party that did awesome! I have to pick out all the free product I am going to get. Exciting!
Today brings Speech Therapy for Nevin, church tonight and a small group for marrieds this evening. And tomorrow is all about Pirates with a Pirate themed birthday party for one of Skyler's good friends and our neighbors are having a BBQ to celebrate the new pirate ship that Shawn built for their son Logan in the backyard! Eye patches here we come.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Monday, Monday
Today was a busy but good day! Mom has taken Monday's and Friday's off during the Summer from her job to help me make it through all the doctor appointments. Give me some help to catch up on things that are getting pushed to the back burner.
On the list today was grocery shopping with Skyler, Cardinal Glennon EEG test done for Gavyn, cooking dinner with Nevin.
Skyler and I left around 9:30 this morning to hit up Aldi for our weekly grocery shopping trip. We did not need a lot put once we hit the produce section both of us sort of lost control of the list! Everything looked sooo good and I love when Skyler asks to get fresh produce over chips and chocolate. It is hard to say no when he wants to try Cherries, Strawberries and Blueberries! Of course we bought them all, plus green beans, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, spinach and apples. And I can't forget the peaches!
Once we got home it was time for Gavyn to have his bottle and then lunch time for the rest of us. Skyler wanted to try the blueberries, he was talking about how Curios George loved blueberries and he happily popped one in his mouth. Unfortenetly George must have lied to him about them being so good because he got a sour look on his face and spit it into his hand."I don't like that!" he declared.
Oh well, here's to trying! Thankfully Nevin really enjoyed them and I love them so they won't be going to waste.
Next Gav had his appointment and that was a 3 hour trip to Cardinal Glennon but all seemed to go good. We won't hear anything for a couple days.
Skyler helped me snap the beans for dinner. Nevin sat on the kitchen table and "talked" to me while I cut up the strawberries, he was excited, they are his favorite. Ryan was excited as well, we had cheeseburgers and those are one of his favorite. I always season them with salt, pepper, basil and garlic. Oh man... dinner was good!
After you eat good food you must go work it off. Got my butt kicked at bootcamp while Dad held down the fort with the 3 boys. Everyone was happy and ready for bed when I got back home. I love all my little men. And so thankful for a husband who put 3 boys to bed, cleaned up the kitchen AND cut the grass tonight! Spoiled...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day Breakfast
I woke up at 6am (I normally do with baby Gav) this Father's Day morning and started to plan the breakfast fest.
Nevin sat on the kitchen table and watched me get everything ready for the Sugar-Top Coffeecake
He did not like the noise of the mixer though!
While the coffeecake cooked we started preparing the French Toast and eggs.
Sugar Top Coffeecake1 1/2c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 tblsp. butter, softened
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tblsp. flour
2 tblsp. butter, melted
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; set aside.
In large bowl using mixer at medium speed, beat sugar, vanilla, egg and 1 tblsp. butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in sour cream until well blended.
Reduce speed to low; beat in dry ingredients until well blended. Pour batter into greased 8x8 pan.
Use a small bowl and stir together brown sugar, cinnamon and 2 tblsp. flour. Add 2 tblsp. melted butter; mix until crumbly. Sprinkle crumb mixture over batter.
Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes or until cake is browned and toothpick comes out clean from center.
Cinnamon French Toast
3 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tblsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
8 slices of bread
In a pie plate mix eggs, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla and cinnamon until well blended. Quickly dip bread slices into mixture, turning to coat both sides.
Place toast on well-greased hot griddle. Bake turning once, until toast is golden brown on both sides.
3 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tblsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
8 slices of bread
In a pie plate mix eggs, milk, sugar, salt, vanilla and cinnamon until well blended. Quickly dip bread slices into mixture, turning to coat both sides.
Place toast on well-greased hot griddle. Bake turning once, until toast is golden brown on both sides.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Meet the Men in my Life
Skyler Chase is my oldest. I still have a hard time believing that he is 4 years old and not still my tiny baby riding around in the baby sling. He has a zest for life that is hard to keep up with. The great outdoors are his playground, he loves to go to his Grandma and Grandpa Stanely's house and run around in their woods and play in the creek. He gets his mechanical mind from his Grandpa Miesner, putting trains together, trying to fix things around the house, building towers. We are an artsy family and he has just taken to painting with water colors. He can sit at the kitchen table for long periods of time painting pictures in his coloring book. Our bathroom is magically turned into China on more than one occasion and his aspiring hero right now is to be the little boy from the movie Up and travel the world.
Nevin Lucas is my second born and a little cuddle bug. For a 2 year old who doesn't talk yet he sure can get a point across. He is learning to stand up for himself against his big brother but he is still a baby at heart. Cars, planes and trains are some of his favorite things. He loves to make your arm, head, stomach the road for his automotive. Animals are one of his favorite things. Our dog Peanut (a 50lb. Peanut!) is one of his greatest joys. We got Peanut when she was only 6 weeks and Nevin was almost 1. She was small enough to sit in his lap, now he sits in hers. They are a cute couple. Nevin is the most compassionate person in our family, he is always ready to offer a hug and kiss to make it all better. Yet he is still 2 and ready for battle and stubborn when he wants his own way.
Gavyn Elliot is my third born and 4 months today and already a little trickster. When I was pregnant I knew this was how he was going to be. On Thanksgiving I had some tiny spotting (I was due February 19th) and realized I was going to need to take it easy for this pregnancy. By the end of December I was positive this baby was going to come early and my midwife gave me very strict orders to take it easy. Of course being a young mom of two little wild men and a rambunctious puppy this was easier said than done. We did manage to cool our jets the best we could and by 37 weeks we were geared up for baby to arrive. Of course by 37 weeks Gavyn had cooled his jets and decided he wanted to stay put until his actual due date, he would be right on time!
These are my little men and I love them all more than I thought was humanly possible.
It's all new and fancy
You may already read my other blog: processinggavyn.blogspot.com This new fancy blog is more about our day to day lives and just whatever I feel like writing down. Keep track and try to keep up it is a crazy life at the Stanley's!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)