Our Miracle Boy

Too Cute

2012-01-31T09:08:00.001-07:00

John has the most amazing, loving, caring and talented music therapy teacher...her name is Ms. Amanda! With that being said, Hope just told me her whole name is....Hopie Ms. Amanda!!!!!!!

Love my little girl!!!!!!!!

Love AZ Winters

2012-01-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

The weather here has been amazing. We spend our weekend days outside riding bikes (John rode all the way to school and back) and our evenings out back by the fire roasting marshmallows.

Can't beat that!!!

My Baby

2012-01-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

My baby feeding her baby:) Right after I took this picture she flopped her baby over her shoulder, patted her back and said, "burp!"

You are too stinkin cute Hopie girl!

LOVE Them

2012-01-17T15:51:00.002-07:00

I love these two crazy kids more than anything in the world! I just can't get enough of them.

Anyhow, I looked out the back window yesterday and saw the two of them dragging the patio cushions across the backyard, lining them up, laying on them, using a beach towel as a blanket and looking up in the sky at all the clouds. Simple fun! I love it!!!

In other news...

Johnboy lost his third tooth, received another perfect report card and tells everyone that will listen to him that his Dad's favorite song is, "I'm sexy and I know it!" Love, love, love him.

Hopie girl is full of energy. She loves to dance naked before bath time, wake her brother each morning and call her BFF/cousin, Paige on the phone numerous times a day to tell her she loves her. She makes my heart so happy!

Another Two Year Old

2012-01-09T15:10:00.002-07:00

This past weekend we had a small birthday party with the family to celebrate my sweet little niece's 2nd birthday!!!!!

Happy birthday Paigie Poo. We love you to the moon and back!!!!

Wordless Wednesday:)

2012-01-04T19:18:00.002-07:00

The Day After

2011-12-31T09:30:00.003-07:00

If the day after Christmas isn't depressing enough......Johnny had a dentist appointment on top of it. It was all good news though....no cavities and his permanent tooth is coming in perfectly white!

Christmas Morn 2011

2011-12-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

It was a WONDERFUL Christmas in the Birtch household!!!!

We were awoken (WAY before the sun) to the sweet sounds of our little boy. All we heard was, "OH MY GOSH!" And the tearing of wrapping paper:) Yes, John dove right in.....all by myself. We had to go wake Hopie because there was no stopping him:)

Johnny and Mommy bought each other the SAME gift.....ELF microphones:) Boy are we having fun with them!!!

About an hour after opening our gifts and stockings we noticed our silly little elf hiding in the Christmas tree with a note from Santa. The note read, "Look outside! Love, Santa"

Look what we found outside!

The rest of the day was spent playing with all our new toys.....and an evening with family at Grams and Papa's!!!!!

Twas The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

We had another fabulous Christmas Eve at Grammy and Papa's! After the festivities ended we made a quick stop at Daddy's friends house then raced home to get cookies and milk ready for Santa.....and cover the front lawn with carrots and zucchini for the reindeer's:)

The kids were beyond excited for Santa's arrival. Luckily they were exhausted and fell asleep quickly.

Little Ladies

2011-12-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

I love my little ladies...and LOVE that they hold hands!!!

*Hopie is sitting with me as I write this post. As soon as she saw these pictures she said, "I miss Pagie poo poo!"

Christmas Baking

2011-12-23T17:58:00.001-07:00

I am certain I've gained ten pounds this Holiday season but baking is just too much fun with these two.

If any anyone needs Christmas cookies you know where to come! They all go in the garbage after this weekend because Mommy has no willpower:)

A Special Santa

2011-12-22T07:20:00.003-07:00

Yesterday the kids made their annual trip to the NICU to see a very special Santa. It was magical....as always!!!!!!!

Peaking through the NICU door cracks waiting for Santa's arrival:)

John insisted we bring Santa some milk and cookies

Bribing Hopie with a cookie

Counting the M&M's

Tis The Season....

2011-12-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

...to be jolly!!!!!!

This is seriously the happiest time of the year and I love that my kids LOVE Christmas just as much as their Momma!

So far we've gone to the movies to see Aurthur's Christmas, searched for our silly Elf on The Shelf (Ernie) every morning, decorated our tree and EVERYTHING else inside and outside of our house, decorated gingerbread houses, ventured out on two separate evenings to look at Christmas lights, made/ate tons and tons of Christmas cookies and so much more!

Still up.....MORE baking, MORE gingerbread houses, family parties and a visit to the big guy in red!

Best Friends Forever!

2011-12-10T09:47:00.003-07:00

I love, love, love that Hopie says (daily)......."Paige's my best friend!" And, I LOVE that my family is finally all in the same state......and that we get to watch Aunt Alli on TV EVERY morning. The kids think it's super cool too!

Our very own Christmas miracle!!!!

Holy High Fever

2011-12-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

And the winner goes to (drum roll please)......Ms. Hopie with a 106.9 fever. Sorry Johnboy.....you've got her beat on surgeries but she definitely takes the cake on this one!!!

Unfortunately we've got another confirmed case of strep throat in our house. My poor baby girl feels rotten:(

Christmas 2011

2011-12-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from the BOTTOM of our hearts!!!!!!!!

Poor Hopie......the grass was itching her bottom:)

So Proud

2011-12-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

This six year old took 30 steps ALL BY HIMSELF yesterday!!!!!!!!!!! I wish everyone had the drive and determination that he has.

Sooooooooooo proud of you Johnny!!!!!!! And Hopie we are just as proud of you too.

6th Birthday!

2011-11-30T20:10:00.001-07:00

John's birthdays are always a bit emotional for me.

However, today on my big guys 6th birthday we are going to celebrate......celebrate ALL of his accomplishments, the NUMEROUS obstacles he's overcome and the MANY lives he's touched and changed for the better. I love you Johnboy more than you'll ever know. You've made me a better person.....a better Mommy and I'll be forever grateful that God choose me!!!

Today we are also celebrating my parents 43rd wedding anniversary and my Dads very last day of work before retirement!!!

November 30, 2011 is definitely a PERFECT day!!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

There are soooooooooo many things that I am thankful for this year......of course the health and happiness of my children, hubby and family are top on my list! BUT I am extremely thankful this Thanksgiving that after 15 years away my big brother, sister n-law and sweet niece are finally back home!!!!!

I LOVE this time of year!!!

First Class!

2011-11-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Today my baby girl started dance. She is the cutest little ballerina I've ever seen.

I think we've found her calling!!!!

6th Birthday Party

2011-11-21T13:28:00.001-07:00

We celebrated John's 6th birthday this weekend and boy was it fun! All of his cousins, friends and almost his entire class came (they are such a sweet group of kids.) We played in the park, had a kickball game (it was the funniest thing I've ever seen,) ate hotdogs for dinner and baseball cupcakes for dessert. The day couldn't have gone any better.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. He had the BEST time and is still smiling about it!!!

Heading off to play with Auntie Alli!

Cupcakes!!!

Hopie and her BFF, cousin Paige!

Paigers doing tricks on the walker:)

Making our teams for the kickball game.

Birthday boy is first up to kick!

Uncle Craig and Hopie pitching!

Kurt and Hopie pitching!

Cousin Ashley!!!

Hopie making snow (sand) angels on the pitchers mound.....in the middle of the game:)

John and Grammy

John and Nana

Taking a walk around the park.

John and his good friend, Kaycee.

Dinner time!

And, singing time!

Making his wish!

Opening up presents.

I cannot believe he's 6!!!!!!!! Well, almost:)

No Privacy

2011-11-18T20:39:00.003-07:00

Poor John can not escape these two. He can't even go to the potty without them following him in there:)

Future Sun Devils!!!!!!!

2011-11-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

Love my little ladies!!!!

Eventful Weekend

2011-11-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Well, we definitely had an eventful weekend......not what we had in mind though.

Mommy was sick all weekend but thankfully recovered just in time for Johnboy to come down with a 102 fever early Sunday morning.....followed by a trip to urgent care and then an evening in the ER. The diagnosis was a SEVERE case of strep throat......his first encounter with it. Go big or go home, right? I'm pretty certain that's John's motto!

Oh and to top it off....Tiko (our furry nephew) was jumping up in down with excitement because Jamie had bought him a dog bone and jumped right on John's face (he was lying on the ground) and knocked his tooth out (it wasn't a loose tooth either.)

BUT, on a positive note.....John enjoyed grape popsicles and playing with Mommy's iPhone at the hospital, staying up way past his bedtime and another visit from the tooth fairy!!!

Never a dull moment in the Birtch home!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-14T12:59:00.002-07:00

I better get a move on this Halloween post.....as I already have my Christmas decorations up and I'm in need of a blog post about Johnboy's ER visit last night, a post about the dog kicking out his 2nd tooth and his upcoming 6th birthday party!!!

So, here goes.....

As you scroll through the pictures you can tell we all had a blast! We carved pumpkins, colored pumpkins, hit up the pumpkin patch, made an early stop for trick or treating at Desert Ridge, partied with our friends and trick or treated with our besties and our cousins.

This goes down as a PERFECT Halloween!!!!!!!!!

Oh Sissy!

2011-11-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hopie, thanks for making our family complete.....and for always making us laugh!

Another Milestone Met!

2011-11-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

On Friday November 4, 2011.....John Craig lost his very first tooth. He said it just fell out onto his desk:) He was so excited to put his tooth under his pillow that night and when he awoke Saturday morning he found 25 quarters in place of his tooth (I think Mr. Tooth Fairy had a little too much wine that night and was feeling extra generous.) Nonetheless, Johnboy was beyond excited......and plopped those quarters into his piggy bank and announced, "I'm totally rich!!!!!!!"

My big boy is growing up way too fast......PLEASE slow down!

A Sundae Celebration

2011-10-30T11:22:00.001-07:00

In honor of John's PERFECT first report card......in regular mainstream Kindergarten....we had a happy meal dinner and ice cream sundae celebration (all his choice of course!)

I know I am repeating myself but I could not be any more proud of my kids.

And for the record, I cried like a baby when I read his report card (Grams did too!)

A double thumbs up for my super smart, super sweet, super handsome Kindergartner!!!!!

Sissy wasn't waiting a second longer......spoon or no spoon, she's digging in!!!

Cookies

2011-10-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

Today we had a Halloween cookie decorating play date with our besties, Lily and Olivia.

John used the entire container of orange sprinkles for one cookie and Hopie ate spoonfuls upon spoonfuls of frosting:)

Definitely a fun day!!!

My Loves

2011-10-24T18:03:00.001-07:00

I LOVE these three!!!

John, cousin Paige and Hope....heading out to the school family picnic!!!!!!

In other news....Johnboy has his first biofeedback session tomorrow!!!!!! It feels like Christmas Eve....I'm that excited about the possibilities.

Stay tuned...

Pick Your Battles

2011-10-23T11:32:00.002-07:00

There comes a point where you have to pick your battles and if that means letting your two year old go to music class in a tutu and lobster slippers....so be it!!!!!!!

And for the record, these were her fifth pair of shoes she tried on that morning. Love her sense of style!

Been Busy!

2011-10-18T04:39:00.003-07:00

We've been busy.......

Playing with our BFF, Bailey!

Catching up on sleep! Have I mentioned that full day Kindergarten and five therapies a week is exhausting? My poor little man is beat:(

Picking flowers daily!

And being silly!!!

What else is new...

*My sis-n-law and sweet little niece have been here since last Tuesday. The girls have a love/hate relationship. I am blaming it on the fact that they are two:)

*John's teacher told his class that she was having a baby! He came home that night and said, "Mommy, Mrs. H has a baby in her tummy!" I said, "How exciting! She's going to be a Mommy." John then looks at me and says, "Or a Daddy!" Love this kid!!!!!

*We are going to have to forgo hippo therapy this season. There just aren't enough hours in the day and I think my big guy has enough on his plate. He'll sure miss riding his horse though:(

*John's seeing a new Dr./therapist on Tuesday....hoping to help with his sensory issues to noise. I'll update on that after our first session. I am excited about it though.

*Hopie is a dancing machine. Anytime she hears music she'll bust out in a dance......and shake her little rear end (saying booty, booty, booty....the entire time!) She's starting dance class next month!!!

*The kids are going to be a doctor and a nurse for Halloween. They seriously could not look any cuter.

*The kids already know what they are asking Santa for, for Christmas. And Santa has already starting making their gifts (shopping.) It's never too early for Christmas!!!

Ok.....I think I am all caught up now.

Love!

2011-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

Man I love these kids!!!!!!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-10T16:25:00.010-07:00

This may go down as the best visit to McDonald Ranch ever! The weather was so nice (we usually are dripping sweat,) the crowd was minimal (we went late afternoon opposed to midday like we've done in the past,) and some of our best friends joined us!!!!!

Sooooooooooo happy fall is here!!!!!!!!!

Daddy lassoed Johnboy:)

Sissy slept through the first part!

On the hayride.....heading out to the pumpkin patch!

Sissy found her pumpkin!

Family photo!

My favorite boy and his pumpkin!

My babies!!!

Heading back to the ranch!

Weekend Fun!

2011-10-03T10:49:00.001-07:00

We had an extra fun weekend......fall break (no school Thursday or Friday,) Mommy's birthday and to top it off cousin Ashley stayed with us the entire time. The kids were in heaven!!!

We did A LOT of eating.....out to dinner, take out at home, a first time visit to Rainbow donuts and the best birthday cake ever.....Costco Pumpkin Pie!!!!!!!!!

Life is good!

My Alarm Clock

2011-09-26T15:26:00.001-07:00

Isn't this the cutest little 5am alarm clock you've ever seen?

We are making progress though....if you remember correctly she was waking me at 4:30am! And, we even had two 6:00am wake up calls last week!!!

My Kind Of Saturday!

2011-09-24T15:14:00.003-07:00

ASU attire in preparation for tonight's game, horsey rides in the kitchen, Halloween decorating, visit to Grammy and Papa's house, In and Out lunch date and Conner's birthday party at the park!

And the greatest part of the day was John PLAYING kickball with the rest of the kids at the party (and joining in the relay races....on moms back!) It sure made this Mom and Dad proud. The smile on John's face (and on our hearts) was priceless!!!!!!!

Makes Me Smile

2011-09-23T13:21:00.004-07:00

I love randomly finding silly pictures on my phone or camera that John has taken. I don't even know how he creates half of these things.

LOVE the birthday cakes he put on her ears!!!

Good Start

2011-09-19T12:27:00.002-07:00

The kids slept great last night, woke up happy and hungry and ready to start their day. I have a feeling it's going to be a good week:)

And since I haven't really updated much about John's progress since his SDR surgery, here goes....

He's doing fabulous. His legs and feet are much more flexible. He is 100% more sturdy and get this....he's gained 6 pounds. Can I get a woot woot?!?! Prior to surgery his weight stayed around 33-34 pounds for what seemed like forever. His pediatrician said he was burning so many calories fighting against the spasticity in his legs. So now that the spasticity is gone his muscles aren't working as hard and he's packing on the lb.'s. He's still one of the smaller ones in his class but he definitely isn't a pip squeak. I think he's just perfect!

Love my 40 pounder!!!!!!!!! And my 25 pounder too!!!!!!!

I swear my baby boy looks like he's ten years old in this picture.....how did that happen? Time, please slow down!!!

Oh Sissy!

2011-09-18T20:02:00.002-07:00

Love this girl...

Tonight while sitting on the couch I said, "I love you Hopie!" Hopie says, "I lub you too and I lub John!"

Love my kids!!!

Happy Monday

2011-09-12T09:23:00.001-07:00

Now that John is off at school all week long, I sure LOVE the weekends. Let the count down begin....five more sleeps until we get to do it again:)

Even though we miss Johnny terribly, sissy and I are enjoying our one on one time. She's my little sidekick and loves shopping. Every time we are at a store she'll point to things and say, "Hopie likes!"

Ohhhhh and I think fall is in the air. It's going to be in the 90's this week....brrrrrrrrrrrr!

The Things He Says

2011-09-09T19:38:00.002-07:00

As you know, we were told that John would never talk due to the severity and location of his brain bleed. So as you can imagine, every word out of his mouth is music to our ears.......and boy is he funny. I absolutely LOVE his sense of humor (he got that from his Papa Lindley.) I have no idea where he comes up with these things.

At any rate, I need to write down some of the things he says so I never forget them...

John: "Mommy, repeat after me."

Mommy: "Okay!"

John: "I totally rock!!!"

Mommy: "John, do you know the difference between a boy and a girl?"

John: "Ya, boys wear a hat."

Mommy: "John, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

John: "A doctor so I can make people feel better. Sissy is going to be a hammer so she can work just like Daddy."

He also told me this morning that his music teacher is not mean or mad. Hahahaha! And my all time favorite was tonight.....it literally made me (and my BFF) tear up.....

Auntie Brittany was sitting on the couch with John talking about his day and what not. John mentioned that his Daddy ordered him two new smurfs and Britt said, "Wow, your Daddy is super Dad." John said, "No, he's not super Dad. He's just Dad." And then there was a pause and he looks at Britt and says," And he's my best friend."

Eeb Up!

2011-09-04T14:10:00.003-07:00

Sissy's new thing is to yell, "WAKE UP" as loud as she can when you are asleep. I had to record it before she figures out the "w" sound!!!!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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Love

2011-08-31T21:45:00.001-07:00

Love my munchkins!!!!!

On a side note, I think we may have a loose tooth. We wiggle them often and I finally think I felt one move......barely:)

Lazy Days

2011-08-29T21:05:00.001-07:00

We had a very uneventful weekend.....and loved every minute of it. John was beat from a full week of school (plus OT, ST, PT and MT) so we decided to watch movies and go swimming all weekend long. A perfect ending to a LONG week.

I took these pictures last night. Our nightly routine consists of baths, books, prayers and bed. We alternate rooms (for books and prayers) each night....last night was John's night. He always says prayers for all of us and they usually go something like this...

"Thank you God for my Mommy and my Daddy and for my Mommy and my Daddy and I love you God. Amen. " Then I chime in and say, "What about sissy?" And he says, "Oh ya, and Hopie and Paige (and whoever else he feels like mentioning. For example, his toys, TV shows, teachers, therapists, iPad, etc. He giggles the entire time too.) And we lived happily ever after. Amen. "

Last night after he said Hopie and Paige, he added.....and Mrs. Holman and the gummy bears she gave me.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this kid....and sissy too!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday:)

2011-08-24T13:10:00.002-07:00

Siblings

2011-08-23T17:48:00.001-07:00

Even though they kick, hit, bite (Hope's new thing...uggggg) and yell, they still love each other and have soooooooooo much fun together (most of the time.) I LOVE hearing the two of them giggling.....it's the GREATEST sound in the world!

God has blessed me beyond measures. And even though at times my life is crazy, stressful and/or hectic, I wouldn't change one thing about it.

Sissy's Sad

2011-08-22T10:59:00.003-07:00

Poor sissy is so sad with John in school all day. Numerous times throughout the day you'll see her with her bottom lip out saying, "I miss Johnny."

Thankfully my big guy is loving Kindergarten though. The kids are so sweet to him....encouraging him, comforting him, including him and bringing him tissues when he's sad. Makes my heart smile. My biggest fear was that the kids wouldn't be kind to him.....thank god they proved me wrong.

His class is huge but they are in the process of hiring another teacher....hopefully by next Monday his class size will be MUCH smaller. We can't wait....and I am sure his teacher feels the same way!

TGIF

2011-08-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to have my boy home for two whole days! Even though he is thoroughly enjoying Kindergarten......I miss him sooooooooooo much.

1st Day Of Kindergarten

2011-08-11T11:21:00.006-07:00

You were six months old and full of fun,

With a blink of an eye, you suddenly were one.

There were so many things we were going to do,

But I turned my head and you turned two.

At two, you were very dependant on me,

But independence took over when you turned three.

Your third birthday, another year I tried to ignore, but

When I lit the candles, there weren’t three, but four.

Four was the year that you really strived,

Why, look at you now, you’re already five.

Now you are ready for books and rules,

Today was the day, you were anxious to go,

We walked to the school, going oh so slow.

As you stepped inside and waved goodbye,

There was a lump in my throat and tears stung my eyes.

Time goes so fast, it’s hard to believe

That just yesterday you were home here with me.

So I’m holding these moments as hard as I can,

Because the next time I look,

You’ll be a grown man.

John, there are no words to describe how incredibly proud I am of you. You have defied ALL the odds and have shown everyone that miracles do happens. I love you with all my heart and could not have "hand picked" a better son. God has big plans for you....I cannot wait to see what the future holds.

"Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!"

My Baby's Two

2011-08-08T17:17:00.003-07:00

I cannot believe it has already been two years since my little girl made her early arrival......and completed our family. I love EVERYTHING about her.

We decided to forgo a big birthday bash this year and instead have a fun play date and BBQ with our besties. It turned out perfect.

The morning started with birthday gifts and chocolate chip muffins......yummmmm! After our bellies were full we packed up the car and ventured up to Anthem to spend the day at the water park with two of my BFF's and their kids. The kids enjoyed the sun and the sugar.....krispy kreme donuts AND snow cones (thanks to Auntie Brittany.) However, the fun didn't stop there......we rushed home later that afternoon to prepare for more of our BFF's to arrive for a BBQ.....turned dance party!

Thank you to our amazing friends for making Hopie's second birthday so special.

Unfortunately ALL of my pictures were deleted:( I managed to get these few from Daddy's phone.

Auntie Brittany took Hopie down the slide.....and then made Mommy go down the really big one:)

My sweet little girl parked herself right at the cupcake table.....and ate her way through two cupcakes before being caught. Little stinker!!!

Hopie's Two!

2011-08-03T21:00:00.001-07:00

Here's a little video to tide you over....a real birthday post is coming soon.

Look closely during the dance party....Hopie's jamming out in the police car!

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Good Bye WA!

2011-07-28T20:02:00.002-07:00

On our last day in WA, Hubs and I enjoyed one last morning run (in the nice cool weather,) the kids enjoyed their morning walk with Grams and Papa (Hopie fell asleep as she did every morning) and we made a quick stop at the Space Needle before heading to the airport.

Thanks Mom and Dad for a memorable week. It was fun.....the flight home was not:)

Day Seven

2011-07-27T19:19:00.006-07:00

Our last full day at Birch Bay was spent playing at the beach and enjoying an early birthday celebration for Hopie.

The kids and Grams made some yummy cupcakes....and after eating spoonfuls of batter John declared, "I'm the best cupcake taster."

Day Six

2011-07-26T22:46:00.001-07:00

Wrestlemania at the beach...kids vs. Papa!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Day Five

2011-07-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

On Day five we ventured over to a dairy farm to indulge in the BEST ice cream ever.....more bubblegum ice cream for John and birthday cake ice cream for my soon to be birthday girl. Did I mention this was the best ice cream EVER?

We also waved to Canada from across the bay. Mommy slacked on getting our passports so these pictures are the closest we were able to get.

We also learned how to skip rocks into the water today. John LOVED it!

Hello Canada!

Day Four

2011-07-22T21:35:00.001-07:00

Day four was a sun shinning, beach playing, sand dollar finding, bubblegum ice cream eating, clam chowder devouring kind of day!

John said his favorite part of vacation was when he walked way out in the ocean (when the tide was out) with Grams and Papa!

Day Three

2011-07-21T21:15:00.000-07:00

Day three was super cold.....there were no complaints from these Arizona visitors though. We're enjoying every bit of this chilly weather.

The day included...Kids day at the park, pirate ship rides, hotdogs, donuts, snow cones, reading and walks along the beach.

Another fun day in WA!!!!

Day Two

2011-07-20T22:01:00.002-07:00

We woke up on day two to a cold and rainy Seattle day.......and LOVED it! Our first stop was Starbucks (of course) and then onto the Seattle Aquarium. It was definitely the BEST aquarium we've ever been too.....and the kids had a blast. After we tired them out at the aquarium we hoped in the car and drove two hours north to Birch Bay......to our cute little beach condo.

We LOVE Seattle

2011-07-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

A quick recap of our first day of vacation in Seattle!!!

*Three hour flight to Seattle (first flight for Hopie.) It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either. My lap child did not want to stay on my lap.....and screamed a few times. However, we did get two compliments from two other passengers on how well the kids did. Little did they know that I was either threatening or bribing them the entire flight.

*First taxi ride for both kids. As John was climbing in the cab he said, "Hmmmmmm. I'm not so sure about this. I've never been in a yellow cab before."

*Fancy Hotel (as John would say) and yummy restaurants.

*Pike's Market and throwing fish!

*Dancing little girl to Blue Grass street musicians......all the tourists were videoing her.

*Tired little girl who napped for two hours while we enjoyed Starbucks.

*Lots of yummy fruit from the market.....including itty bitty grapes (which were the kids favorite.)

*Mariners baseball game

It was a PERFECT day and a PERFECT start to our vacation.

Thinking Positive:)

2011-07-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Since we always try to think positive and make the best out of everything........I guess I can thank my early (4:30am) riser for allowing us to enjoy the awesome early morning Monsoon!!!

Shopping With Dad

2011-07-11T05:55:00.003-07:00

As you can tell by the pictures, John had a good time with Daddy at Sports Authority.

Man, I just LOVE that little face (sissy's too.) I seriously kiss my kids on the lips a hundred times a day.....no joke!

Other News...

*Hopie HATES swim lessons and screams bloody murder the entire 30 minutes:(

*Johnny is eating like a champ. For breakfast today he had one mini muffin, three pieces of turkey bacon and two gogurts. Woot Woot!!!!

*My sweet little girl does not like to sleep. She wakes up once a night and then is up for the day around 4:40am! I keep telling myself, "This too shall pass." Hahaha!

*John is gearing up for Kinder.....and Mommy is freaking out. How can he be old enough for Kindergarten? He's my baby! I am so not ready for this:(

*Hopie's second birthday is right around the corner......and we'll be celebrating with an Elmo themed party! Still in shock that my little girl is almost two. Life is moving way too fast!

All in all, life is good. We are enjoying our summer and looking forward to our up coming vacation.....and to get out of this heat! Wish us luck on the plane ride:)

Wrestle Mania!

2011-07-10T10:50:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Firsts

2011-07-06T12:46:00.002-07:00

Hopie got her first mani and pedi.....courtesy of Mommy! Now, she insists I paint them everyday.

She also had her first real (not Mommy and Me) swim class today.....she was NOT a fan!

My Favorites

2011-07-01T19:19:00.001-07:00

My two favorite little people.

Glad my boy had fun camping but SOOOOOOOO glad he's home!!!

On The Mend

2011-06-30T16:54:00.001-07:00

I think my Elmo lovin cowgirl is finally on the mend.....after five long days of this crud!!!!

My Poor Baby

2011-06-29T06:23:00.003-07:00

Poor baby Hope has been sick as a dog:( First we thought it was the stomach flu, then ear infection with possible strep throat (urgent care diagnosed, ) now we're thinking stomach bug again. Whatever it is we hope it's over soon. I hate when my kids don't feel good.

You'd think the 115 degrees weather here would kill off all these icky bugs!

Dream Vacation

2011-06-28T06:15:00.004-07:00

John said his dream vacation was to go camping with Grams and Papa (at my Aunt's cabin).....when told he was going he said, "My dream came true!"

We got him all packed up yesterday and off he went. I think he was more excited to go camping then he was for Christmas. He kept saying, "Are we leaving yet? I want to go so badly!"

Love my little man and LOVE my parents (and in-laws) for all they do for us and our kids (and for making John's dream come true!)

I miss him so much.........and he hasn't even been gone for 24 hours yet. And. sissy keeps saying, "Where John go?" I think we all miss our favorite little man!!!

Daddy

2011-06-19T07:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Daddy EVER!!!! Our kids are blessed to have such an amazing, loving, caring, encouraging and supportive Daddy like you.

I'll NEVER forgot the day in the NICU (day 9 to be exact) when the Dr.'s sat us all down and told us everything that would be wrong with John and then encouraged us to take him off life support. THANK YOU for cutting them off mid sentence and telling them to do whatever it takes to save our son. THANK YOU for reminding me daily that no matter what the outcome, he was OUR son and he would be loved unconditionally. THANK YOU for supporting me (and taking care of John) through a very rough pregnancy with our little girl. THANK YOU for giving me the two most PERFECT children in the world. THANK YOU for being you and for ALL you do for us!

We love you Daddy and hope you have a wonderful day!

Take That.....

2011-06-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

My boy if OFF his feeding pump at breakfast.....and eating all by himself!!! We are still supplementing for lunch and dinner but who cares, the kid gets the healthiest blend around....I'm in no rush to get him off completely:)

So, take that you darn feeding pump!!!!!!

Sibling Love

2011-06-11T19:27:00.001-07:00

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Been Busy

2011-06-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

We've certainly been busy this summer. Lately, we've been playing with our friends and enjoying new bedroom sets. John said, "This is the coolest bunk bed EVER!"

John now has a desk in his room.....to do his homework (yikes!)

John took this picture and text it to my mom...ALL BY HIMSELF!!!

Summer Time!

2011-06-01T19:57:00.002-07:00

Summer is in full effect and we are lovin it!!!!!!!!! Our schedule is jammed pack with weekly activities, therapies, play dates and vacations......no time to get bored over here (hopefully!)

It's Official

2011-05-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

We officially have a Kindergartner in the house!

My little boy is growing up way too quickly. I told him tonight that I was going to stop feeding him so he wouldn't grow any more:) He giggled, wrapped his arms around me and said, "Momma, that would be so silly!"

I did good at his performance and graduation (only because his AMAZING teacher is moving up to Kindergarten next year and John will be in her class) but the tears came today when he said to me, "Momma, after school I am going to be a big boy because I am going to be in Kindergarten."

Wow! I just can't believe that in a few short months my little man will be off to full day Kindergarten. It seems like yesterday I was praying over his isolette...begging God to let him live. We have worked so hard to get him where he is today and I could not be any prouder of him (or his baby sis.)

She is so ready for preschool!

My little graduate!

Excuse the naked baby Hopie is holding up:)

This is the best family shot we got.....at least one out of the four of us is looking at the camera!

Hopie thought she was part of the program too:)

Freeze dance

Best teacher EVER!!!!!!

There is nothing better than a good teacher who truly loves and cares about her students.

Cookie decorating time!

Under The Weather

2011-05-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

One of these adorable kids has a 103 fever and the other wants to be just like her brother!

Gone Camping

2011-05-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Johnny (as Hopie calls him....and I love it) has been camping out in his room! He thinks it's the greatest thing in the world.....I over heard him talking to himself and he said, "This is the GREATEST camping trip ever!"

We gave him the option of keeping his bedroom furniture or giving it to Hope and he could pick out new stuff. Of course he voted for the new stuff....and insisted he get a blue bed with yellow sheets:)

Anyhow, in the mean time Papa pitched a tent in his room as a special treat. But now I think our furniture shopping is put on hold....I am never going to get him out of that tent!!!

Just Like Us

2011-05-17T22:10:00.003-07:00

John and Hope remind me SO much of my brother and me when we were little.......I wanted to do anything and everything he did, followed him everywhere and cried when he got in trouble:)

This picture cracks me up! John was sent to timeout for pushing Hopie.......so she decides to put herself in timeout too (so John doesn't feel sad.)

Of course I had to take a picture:) I tiptoed over to them but they both heard me and immediately turned and said, "cheese!"

RIP Ronan

2011-05-16T07:05:00.005-07:00

Last night John and his BFF, Lily, released balloons up to Heaven in honor of a courageous and brave little boy who lost his life to Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. They both kissed their balloons and watched them float up to Heaven......and then proceeded to pick all the flowers out of the neighbors yard:)

Love these two.

They have sooooooooo much fun together.

Happy Hour

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

Friday night happy hour isn't what it used to be.......but honestly, it's a lot more fun!

John and his favorite girls!!!!

Haircuts!

2011-05-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

Last week Grams and I took the kids to get haircuts.....it was Hopie's first!

John was an old pro....walked in, picked out his movie and sat nice and still for the entire cut. Hopie didn't do too bad either. However, she preferred to stand the entire time and continuously yelled, "Help! Help!"....as if she were being tortured:)

My handsome little dude!

The before shot

Yelling for help!

Both of their cuts turned out super cute. Unfortunately, little miss doesn't sit still for long....and I couldn't get an "after" picture.

All Aboard!

2011-05-09T19:39:00.003-07:00

Love, love, love my little boy and little girl!

Today Johnboy put on his conductor hat and said, "Momma! All aboard the Polar Express!!!"

Now sissy keeps saying, "Choo Choo! Ah a bow!"

Perfect Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T19:10:00.002-07:00

Today was perfect! I got to sleep in until 8:30am, went on a family jog, swam and played in the backyard for two hours and had both our parents over for a Mother's Day and Papa's Birthday BBQ.

For some reason Hopie has banned shirts:)

John swam (in the real pool) with his cousin Ashley for two hours. It was super chilly...hence the blue lips.

Cupcake frosting moisturizer?

Little girl ate the frosting off two cupcakes and then ran in circles (literally) for thirty minutes on a sugar high!

Summertime!

2011-05-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

As much as I LOVE Christmas time.....I think I might just love summertime a tiny bit more!

Swimming all day and night, BBQ's and watermelon and afternoons at the fountains with our BFF's.....what could be better?

Mommy's Helper!

2011-05-07T05:45:00.000-07:00

Hopie LOVES the mini grocery carts at Trader Joe's!

Easter

2011-05-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter....woke up to baskets and an egg hunt, went to church with both sets of Grandparents, followed by lunch at my parents and another egg hunt!

My pretty little girl. She loved her Easter bonnet.

Hopie and Papa

Grams with two out of three of her grand babies!

My handsome man

Mommy with her favorite little man

Papa wearing John's tie!!!!!

Grammy egg hunting with one of her eleven grand babies!

We had M&M's EVERYWHERE.

I guess that's what happens when the Easter Bunny brings you candy dispensers:)

Egg hunting and candy eating is tiring!

Note To Self

2011-05-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Do not buy brown organic eggs for your kids to dye the night before Easter.......brown eggs don't color:) Thank God my kids love stickers. And thank God for Grams who brought over WHITE eggs for them to dye a few days after Easter!

Seriously, what was I thinking?

Easter Morning

2011-05-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

Easter morning was filled with lots of smiles and LOTS of chocolate!

Operation "Big Girl" Bed

2011-04-29T09:42:00.006-07:00

Well, it happened MUCH sooner than it did with John......and I totally was not prepared for her to be out of her crib at only 20 months but Little Miss wanted no part of it....and she has the bruises to prove it.

Night one was rough.....no sleep:( Night two was better and by night three she had it down. The only problem is, she's sleeping on the floor.....but hey, she's sleeping!

Oh ya....there is one more problem. She wakes up SCREAMING and POUNDING on her door. Yelling, "MOMMA! MOMMA! MOMMA!"

My little girl has a set of lungs on her:)

That's What Friends Are For...

2011-04-24T21:41:00.005-07:00

To lay by your side and do exercises with you!

We love you Grace and Ruby. Thanks for being great friends!!!

When It Rains It Pours

2011-04-23T21:11:00.002-07:00

There is definitely not a dull moment in our household and I continue to remind myself that God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.

So, to make a long story short (and get caught up on my blog)....Jamie was taken to the hospital via ambulance (I called 911) the evening before March for Babies. He was having severe chest and arm pains and when the paramedics arrived and did a EKG it showed he was having a heart attack. After being admitted to the hospital that night and poked and prodded for the next four days we finally got some answers. His heart was perfect (no heart attack or blood clot) but he did have a very serious case of myocarditis (infection around his heart caused by strep.) The doctors told us they weren't sure which way this was going to turn out (live or die.)

Thankfully he has been home for two weeks now recovering and will head back to work on Monday.....with a clean bill of health.

God is good!!!!!!

Anyhow, as mentioned, Jamie didn't have the best timing:).....nor did the weather. I managed to squeeze a few hours of sleep in before heading downtown the next morning to honor my little man in March for Babies 2011. Despite the lack of sleep and the freezing cold rain.....Team John was another huge success.

I am always taken back by the generosity and loyalty of my friends and family. To see them all standing in the rain, wearing their "Team John" shirts and supporting us, is truly humbling. I'd be lost without them and feel blessed to have each and every one of them in my life.

So Much Fun!

2011-04-15T12:39:00.001-07:00

Have no fear.....while we were spending the day with Cinderella, Hopie was having her own magical day with some pretty special people.

She had a fun filled afternoon with Grams, Katie, Grace and Ruby. The day included a trip to the Railroad park, Happy Meals, train and carousel rides, and lots of duck feeding.....or in Hope's case, lots of bread eating. Crazy girl ate the entire roll....she didn't share one crumb with the ducks!

Thanks Mom and Kate for making Hope's day just as wonderful as John's!

A Magical Day

2011-04-13T18:36:00.003-07:00

Last Thursday, Disney on Ice partnered with Hope Kids and the March of Dimes to make wishes come true!!!

Disney on Ice Princess Classics was in town and Cinderella invited some very special princes and princesses from Hope Kids and March of Dimes to join her for a once-in-a-lifetime enchanted afternoon. The afternoon began with royal makeovers for the girls and the boys getting magical hair-do’s at the US Airways Center. The kids were then picked up by ten stretched limos and taken to a royal luncheon at the castle at Ashley Manor. They exited the limos on a red carpet and were greeted by a butler. They entered the castle where they found their own version of Cinderella’s ball... any ball wouldn’t be complete without Cinderella herself arriving via horse drawn carriage to greet them. The children then were treated to a delightful lunch and escorted back to the US Airways Center where they later enjoyed the opening night performance of Disney on Ice Princess Classics.

And to top it off, my BFF and her two adorable girls came to visit and joined us that night for the performance!

Mommy and John in front of the limo.

We got to ride in the limo bus!

No worries...we were a tame bunch and refrained from using the stripper pole!

Arriving at the castle

Getting his boutonniere

The dessert table

Cinderella!!!!

John said to me, "Mommy, she talks!!!"

John and Grace...all dressed up and ready for our date night!

These two had the BEST time. Grace pushed him everywhere.....and she's a crazy driver. I cannot even count how many times they crashed into things....and then laughed hysterically. We even over heard Grace say to John, "I am so sweaty. I am doing all the work and you just get to sit there!" Kate and I laughed so hard. I seriously think that was one of the funniest things I've ever heard.

Love them!

John with his two pretty girls, Grace and Ruby.

It was definitely a memorable day!

My Girl

2011-04-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hopie found one of her birthday presents in the garage. Yes, I know we have 4 months to go before she turns two but I like to plan ahead:)

Anyhow, I think she likes it!!!

Back In Business

2011-04-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

At just six weeks post op my little man is back at school (and out of the wheelchair).......he couldn't be happier!

I have to admit it's been nice having him home for the past six weeks.....not sure if he feels the same way though:) The days and weeks flew by and were jammed packed with more physical therapy than you can imagine but we are making progress and couldn't be happier.

Keep up the good work, John boy! We love you and are so proud of you.

Date Night

2011-04-03T08:29:00.025-07:00

Last Monday Daddy took Hopie on a date and Mommy took John! It was so much fun to be able to spend some quality one on one time.

Daddy and Hope hit up the ballpark for one of the last Spring Training games. They had tons of fun and were both beat when they got home.

John and I decided to head to the mall to look at the puppies in the Pet Store, build his first Build-A-Bear (he made a dog and named him Rudolf) and fill up on some sweets at the candy store.

A fun day was had by all. Can't wait to do it again!

Free Ride

2011-03-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

Sissy is lovin the free rides her brother gives her!!!

John continues to impress us. However he is getting tired of his exercises.....I am trying to make it fun but am not always successful. I've found bribery is the best incentive....and I am not afraid to admit it:)

Long John

2011-03-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Look at how tall my boy is! And look at those beautiful straight legs....only four weeks post op and he's back to doing almost everything he did previous to surgery (just doing it better...and easier!)

He's still going strong with PT five days a week. You can definitely tell he's tired by Friday but he never quits. Proud is an understatement!

And, drum roll please...

Headaches are all gone!!!! He hasn't had one since last Saturday and when I asked him if his head still hurts he replied, "No Mama! The pain is alllllll gone!" We are still going to get the MRI if they ever schedule it (getting VERY frustrated with them) because after talking to other PT's that are familiar with this surgery I've learned that the headaches are not normal.....plus he was overdosed (not sure if that has anything to do with it.) Again, better safe than sorry.

And my beauty queen.....sporting her brothers socks!!!

One Month Post Op

2011-03-21T07:27:00.002-07:00

I love how much Hopie loves her big brother....he can not escape her:)

Anyhow, we are just two days shy of being one month post op. His back is completely healed, he is able to crawl on all fours, sit criss cross applesauce (which he couldn't do comfortably before,) stand with assistance and walk with assistance without any scissoring. Can I get a woot woot??????

Unfortunately we have hit another bump in the road.....hoping it's nothing and just part of his body healing. At about two weeks post op he started getting these massive headaches. A lot of times they come on when he moves too fast or if we stretch or turn him a certain way. Sometimes they come out of no where and have even woken him up at night. His PT says it's normal and his neurosurgeon doesn't seem too concerned.....however, they are freaking me out! He has never had one headache before this surgery so I know it's related. So, we are going in for an MRI....hoping it shows nothing but better safe than sorry.

Frosty Jakes

2011-03-15T21:08:00.002-07:00

Could these little faces be any cuter?????

My Dad snapped these awesome photos for my Uncle who's opening a custard shop down in Tucson......and needs cute custard faces for his advertisement! I know I'm biased but I think he choose the three most adorable kids in the world.

Anyhow, if you're ever in Tucson swing by Frosty Jakes for some yummy custard.....and to take another look at these kissable faces:)

Spring Time

2011-03-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

Spring has arrived, Uncle Craig and Paige are here and we're all happy and healthy.

Life is good!

My happy boy!

LOVE this face!

And this face too!

Ahhhhhhhh! I am a lucky girl.

I can't decide which I like more.....my adorable girls with their flower heads or John's expression in the background!

Don't you all watch TV sitting on the remote box on top of the coffee table?