Happy Holidays!

Well, I know I have become very bad at posting regularly, but we seem to be so busy! We had a very nice Christmas this year and very action packed! Thursday mommy and the boys headed to Waterloo to beat the storm and spend time with gma and gpa and then my sister and her kids came up early too. The daddys met us up there the next day. It was so fun to spend so much time with my family! We stayed in Waterloo until Saturday afternoon and had such a great time. The boys were soooo tired! Christmas Eve we went to the church service and oh my goodness, my boys were so loud and did not do very well, but I guess everyone deals with that and kids with church at some point, lol. But, it was a reminder of why the boys don't go to church with mommy, however, I hope to change that soon and teach them how to behave. Then after church we opened presents with my family and it took forever. They got so much more than I can imagine and more than they need. Parker was so tired from all the excitement, he ended up crashing before opening all his gifts. Then Saturday morning we saw what Santa brought the boys and had dinner which was so great! I then proceeded to try and school my neices in their Wii Dance game.....haha....ya I sure lost my groove. Saturday evening we then visited Jeremy's mom and aunt and just hung around until we all crashed, which was early. Then, Sunday we Jeremy's dad's family Christmas and Santa (great grandpa) made an appearance which was classic!!! Payton couldn't hold in the squeals and was just jumping up and down screaming MOMMY ANTA!!! (SANTA). Then Santa gave Payton (and all the other little ones) a present and he was just glowing. Parker....not so enthused, lol. But, whats new? All of the little ones (there are six little cousins in this side of the family:one 5yr old, four 2yr olds, and a 1yr old) and Payton and his older cousin who is 5 were really the only ones to just be so excited to see Santa. It was so much fun though. We have so much to be thankful for this Holiday Season and I can't believe how blessed I am. Also, we have been really talking to the boys about how Jesus is the reason for the season and I really hope they grasp that in the years to come even though Santa is alot of fun.

In other news, Payton has really been talking better and is finally saying a few full sentences, it is sooo cute. I love it when he says I not know mommy, lol. Parker is even starting to talk, he says: anta (santa), mama, dada, uh-oh, hannah, nigh nigh (night night), and I am sure even more. He is picking up things so fast. The latest thing though in our house is the battle of the boys. They each think everything is theirs and will do everything in their physical power to get what they want from each other. I see many ER visits ahead in our future, lol! I am finally on break from school and I got an A in my class this semester and only have one more class until graduation in May!!!!!! Well, I will leave you with some pictures and hope to update more often as I am not in school right now. Hope everyone had a very nice Christmas! -Amy

Happy Thanksgiving!!

So I know this is a day early, but I have to work for twelve hours tommorrow. This year, I am thankful for:

-My Two Beautiful Boys, Payton and Parker

-A Loving Husband

-A Supportive Family

-Good Health All Around Us

-A Secure Job That I Really Enjoy

-A Roof Over Our Head (with much less stress than our last one)

-The Fact I Am Able to Work Part-Time And Go To Grad School

-My Two Sweet Puppies....Lily and Champ

-Knowing That We Are Financially Pretty Stable In Such A Rough Economy (although we always seem think we need more money, lol)

-Our Friends Who Keep Us Sane



........I know I could keep on going on and on but I need to get ready for the long day ahead tommorrow! What are you thankful for?

Happy Birthday Parker

So I am way late on this post but we have been so busy! I feel bad but none the less, here it is! As of November 15th, Parker is 1 year old! Oh my goodness! We have a one year old and a two year old.....CRAZY! I never pictured of things happening this way but am so thankful it did. Parker is such a great addition to our family. Tommorrow we go for the yearly check up so I will update with the boys stats then. But, Parker is pretty much done with the bottle and only takes one at bedtime right now, so not too bad. He is a walking machine, and is even starting to almost run. He loves to follow his brother around and laugh and laugh and laugh. You are also a great sleeper, which is just awesome! He is a snuggly boy and nothing is better then mommy or daddy, a blankie, and the thumb in the mouth. I love how you still like to snuggle and give loves and you have even started to give kisses! Your big blue eyes are mesmerizing and we can't help but love you to pieces!

Parker, you have changed our lives forever and for the best. You are your own little person and we wouldn't change anything about you! Love you always! -Mommy and Daddy

Dear Payton

Dear Payton,

Happy Birthday (sorry a day late), I can't believe you are two! Two years ago daddy and I were so excited to see you come into this world and it has been such a fun ride ever since! So much has happened for you in the last two years. We have moved, you've been in the hospital twice (scared mommy and daddy to death), you learned how to walk and talk (still working on that) and even begun pottying on your own potty, as well as many other things! You are so full of energy and are generally a very happy boy. You love following daddy around and helping him do things and then snuggling up with mommy when you are tired or just want some lovin. Your favorite things are choo-choo's and trucks and you can spot them from miles away. You love to read with mommy and daddy and look at books on your own. You are a very good big brother to Parker and even when it seems like you are annoyed with him you are always looking out for him and helping him out. Its crazy, I can't even remember what it was like before you were born. Well, I guess it was a little quieter....but sure not as fun. Happy 2nd Birthday and we love you so much and will forever.

Love, Mommy (and Daddy)

23 months and 11 months!

Update!

Payton: 23 months

• Likes to try and dress/undress himself, and don't ask if he wants help or else!
• Starting to talk more and become a bit clearer.
• Loves playing catch, and he has such an arm on him!
• Wears size 5 diapers, has miminal interest in the potty, but thats what we will work on next
• LOVES books and trains (choo-choos).
• Does not like people in costumes...yeah...Halloween should be interesting.
• Wears size 8 toddler shoes.

Parker: 11 months

• Has taken a few steps, stands on his own, but still thinks crawling is faster and/or easier
• Wears size 4 diapers (otherwise we have leaks)
• Says mama, nono, uh oh, and waves bye
• Doing pretty darn good at using a cup instead of a bottle
• Loves his blankie and thumb (like always)
• Is definitly a mama's boy, mommy can't leave the room without you going nuts!

Grad School

So, I feel the need to vent about Grad School. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE it, but the workload is so getting to me right now. Not only do I have a minimum of 30 page paper due (a proposal for my grad project), I have to teach three more classes of student teaching in which I develop ALL of the content, have a paper in my online class due and a major project, all before December 3rd! Aghh, on top of all that I have our two boys birthdays Nov 10 and Nov 15th and we are moving into our house this week and I have MAJOR unpacking and organzing to do. And everyone knows that I need and thrive on order so I will be working on getting all that done right away because I am not built to live in chaos. Oh, yeah....and I work three days a week too! Ughh....I just keep telling myself take it one week at at time and that I should graduate in MAY!!!! Three years of working on my Masters and I will be finally done....done..done....DONE. Well, that was my venting! Sorry!

Quick Update

Well as many of you are probably wondering, yes we are still in the hotel awaiting the remodling of our new house to be complete, but we are planning on moving in next week! I am so excited you have no idea. It sucks having to pay for laundry, it sucks sharing a bedroom with the two boys (they are noisy sleepers!), it is just not home. However, I am thankful that we were able to stay in such a nice place and have a home that is now safe,clean, and much much nicer for our family to live in! Payton was officially 23 months yesterday! OMG! I know, next month he is two and Parker will be 1!! I can't believe how time flies. Well, sorry I can't update more, I am sure I will have lots to say in the upcoming months as many changes are in store I forsee (hehe). But don't worry, I still follow all of your blogs...I am kinda addicted :)

Falling into place....

Things in our life finally feel like they are beginning to fall into place. We officially sold and closed on our old home...which I feel good about....and have closed on our new house. Jeremy already got all the flooring tore out upstairs, trim and doors off, and the bathroom gutted. So, as soon as we get our updates/fixes complete we will move in. My goal is to be in there by early October. Don't get me wrong, hotel living has gotten a bit better as the boys have adjusted somewhat, but its not home and I don't want to be here any longer than necessary! I can't find my connecter thing to upload pictures since we moved, I probably packed it, so as of right now I can't upload pics. But, I will as soon as I can! Payton's doing well, no big news on him, except he has taken to pushing Parker when he gets mad.....yea...we gotta stop that. Parker on the other hand has gone from my great sleeper to my wakes up and screams bloody murder twice a night. Crazy for a kid that has slept thru the night since like 10 weeks old. I don't know if its the enviroment, that he hears everything in the room, as we are all sleeping in one bedroom, or if its a phase. He doesn't seem sick or in pain, so I don't know....ugh. Makes for a sleepy mommy and daddy. In regareds to school...I will be teaching my first lecture at Mount Mercy University on October 4th and am really excited to begin actually teaching (I am student teaching). Nervous yes, excited yes! Jeremy has been sooo busy with closing up lots of deals lately and then having a Parade home he represents, so thats good, but we miss him home every evening! All in all, everything is good, teh days ahead look great, and thats all for now!

Home.Sick.

Well, we have officially moved out of our house and into the hotel awaiting the closing of our new house. Not ideal, let me tell you. If the stupid mortage company would have just closed on our new house before our old house closed we wouldnt be stuck in a hotel for the next six weeks awaiting the closing and necessary fix ups before we can move in. I am so frustrated. I have been really sad all of a sudden about not being in our house anymore and I think its just because a hotel doesn't feel like home, but I am excited to have our new house and put our personal touches on it all the while not paying out the butt on our mortgage like we were doing! Its just so stressful with two kids, school, work, moving, ughh...I am just stressed. At least our room has a full kitchen, living room and seperate bedroom, but we are still all sharing one room for sleeping which sucks. Our boys are loud sleepers which equals no sleep for mommy! In other news Parker now has 4 teeth in on top (and still only two on bottom), he took one step tonght and stood by himself a few times tonight as well...he is getting so big! Payton is officially 22 months tommorrow and I can't believe he is almost 2 years old! Both boys have had a little cold the last few days but Payton has been down right crabby the last two nights, which a change in enviroment can't help that I'm sure. I just hope we can find a routine and make this our new normal for awhile...I just have to tell myself this is for the best and our current living situation isnt' forever. Don't get me wrong if it was just me and Jeremy, this would be like a fun little vacation, but that is what I am going to tryyy and make it for all four of us. Well, enough whining....better days ahead!

10 Things I Love About Being A Mommy!

1) The big wet kisses and hugs I get when my boys see me after being apart!

2) The way Parker touches my face when he is drinking his bottle and snuggling before bedtime.

3) The way Payton wants me to be involved in everything...yes sometimes a challenge....but so sweet he cares so much that I am watching everything he is doing.

4) The way Payton nods his head yes when you ask if he loves you and then says wuv woo.

5) Parker's squeals when he sees me after a day at work and speed crawls to me.

6) The feeling of my boys falling asleep on me and being so relaxed.

7) Know I am teaching my children things and seeing them remember things we have worked on.

8) Being the one they want when they are sad or don't feel good.

9) Knowing that two little boys depend on me for everything and that we must be doing something right, they are pretty much happy all the time.

10) Knowing that no matter how hard or stressful things can get sometimes or when I feel sad about something, if I think of the boys, I instantly smile and nothing seems that bad anymore. Now thats a pretty good pick me up if I say so myself...


I know I could keep going on and on and on.....but for all you mommy's why do you love being a mommy?

Peace

Peace, thats how I feel at this time of night when both my boys are sound asleep and cozy in their beds after an evening of playing together as a family. This is the time where I lay in bed and my kids always drift into my head and make me realize how lucky I am to have the perfect family I have. It makes me think about how fast they are growing up and how I wish time would stop, but yet it makes me excited for the future. This is the time where I am able to catch up on things with my husband and really be able to talk to one another about everything going on in our lifes. This is the time were I can't imagine my life before my husband and children. This is definitly the time where I realize how much I love my life

My Big Boy Parker!

Well, I am two days early for this post but I had to make an announcement anyways. In two days Parker will be 9 months...you heard me 9 months! Tonight while playing with these walking/riding cars the boys have, Parker was standing holding onto it as he frequently has the last couple weeks and suddenly he let go and like stood by himself for like 10 seconds. Of course mommy got excited and he realized what he was really doing and went boom on his butt and thought the world was coming to an end but it was such a shocker!! Payton didn't do that til closer to 10 months and then walked around 11 1/2 months....Parker is well on his way to early walking I predict! Since I am posting now, and this weekend is jam packed with activities I think I will update you all on everything else Parker. He currently is in size 4 diapers...ya...I know...crazy, but 3's aren't long enough and he pees outta them. He is not liking his bottle much anymore and are lucky if he takes 16 oz a day of formula but still doesn't understaned the concept of the cup. He is eating 1-2 jars of baby food for meals and also has started sampling big people food when we have something he can have. He is a pro at crawling now and can really move fast when he wants to get somewhere and then he has to try and stand up to anything he can. Parker is now really into watching Payton and crawling at his heels. They are starting to play together more and it is so cute to see them interacting and just being brothers and best buddies! I have to say I LOVE having them close in age, I think it is really going to be awesome for them as they grow up, but don't get me wrong...it is exhausting. Parker is starting to voice his opinions more in his baby language and babbles mamamama and squeals when he gets excited. He sleeps thru the night unless something is wrong and goes to bed around 7:30 pm and gets up aroudn 6:30-8:00 am. (Lucky...I know!, Payton was the OPPOSITE for the first year of life). Well, thats the run down. This weekend are pictures with grandma Wendy, a family reunion, and playdate with Cousing Noah and Auntie Lisa. I will try to upload some pics from some of our fun later this weekend! Stay cool!

Happy 21 Months Payton

Okay well I am a day late...but yestereday we were so busy. Payton was 21 months yesterday and I can't believe it. I know it doesn't seem like much but it just means he is getting even closer to turning 2! Payton is definitly turning into a very happy opinionated little boy!! He knows what he wants when he wants and how he wants it....which isn't always a good thing, haha. He has been doing great since his tubes have been put it and no ear infections! He has been having so much fun this summer swimming at the quarry with his cousings, playing in the sand, being outside, and just being crazy! His talking is slowly picking up which is so nice....I love him being able to communicate with us. He has a new found love of tractors and choo-choo's as well! You should hear him when he sees one, its quite the sight! Next week mommy, daddy, and Payton are going to the state fair for a day, brother will be with gma (too long of a day outside in a stroller for him), and I am so excited. Its nice to do things individually with the kids to really appreciate them and have fun with them, I try to remember they aren't just "the boys", but two little guys with their own personalities and stages. Payton's other new things is calling Parker baby, it used to be brother, never has been Parker, but now he only calls him baby. Haha. Gotta love him!

Healthy Ears = Happy Boys

Well today was the tube followup with the ENT for both boys. The verdict is....the tubes are working great! She said she can see the tubes look healthy with no signs of infection and with both boys having minor colds, they are draining the fluid very well. This time a month ago we would have had two boys with high fevers and bad ear infections! I am soo happy we went thru with the tubes despite how nervous I was for them to be put to sleep. So minor for such major results! In other news, Parker is officially mobile. He is army crawling/real crawling all over the place and is constantly at our heels if we walk away from him. It is so cute to see how fast he can go when he really wants to get somewhere. He has also started cracking up at Payton's antics. I love seeing them develop a bond and love each other. My final year of grad school starts in like three weeks and that is on my mind so much...ughh...I am so ready to be done done done! I actually love school but it is so hard with being a woman that works, has two YOUNG boys, is a wife, and everything else in my life....laundry...dishes.....cleaning....it goes on and on. We are also still trying to sell our house so the thought of moving amongst school and everything else when it does sell really makes me nervous too! I was hoping to have this all figured out BEFORE school starts, but as we all know, life has its own plans. I go back for my first followup from my surgery on Wed., and so far I think things are better, but we'll find out more then. Well, thats all for now. Happy August!

Snack?

Haha.....nice title huh? Well, thats Payton's newest word and favorite word lately. He knows when he wants one ( a little to often) and where they come from! I have to say he is definitly picking up more words, he says juice now and puppy, and loves to make all the animal noises. I definitly know he understands so much because you can ask him anything and he will try to respond and shows his understanding.....his talking still hasn't greatly expanded but its nice to know he understands. Also, his memory is amazing, this little boy LOVES puzzles and can do one after just looking at it once. It is amazing. Parker, now 8 months old (omg, i know!) is on full on cruzer mode, he army crawls everywhere and is all about chasing mommy or daddy to wherever we are. Lately he will be playing in the living room with Payton and the next thing we know he is at our feet in the kitchen. He just cracks me up, he is still sooo smiley and is now making lots of loud noises and trying to imitate Payton when he yells. It is so funny. They are so cute together. Parker is always crawling all over Payton and Payton is hugging and kissing on him all the time. I love those boys! I had my surgery this week and all is well so far. I am really just extremely tired and just a bit sore. Each day it gets better. Dr. Rexroth said that everything looked okay but I will know for sure when some of the pathology reports come back hopefully next week. Well, next week Parker is getting his 8 month pictures so I will try to upload some new pics then!

Tubes

Well today was the long awaited for day....tubes for both boys. We arrived at the hospital at 0630 with two sleepy boys. I have to say, I was really suprised at how fast everything went. Parker went first and went at 0730, was out at 0740, Payton in at 0740 and out by 0750 and we were being discharged at 0815 and home by 0830! Parker woke up the happy boy that he always is with his little red cheeks (from the gas mask) guzzlin pedialyte for the nurses. Payton arrived quite grumpy as they say is quite common for toddlers with anesthesia. As soon as he woke up he asked for mommy....cute huh?! When they took him from us he freaked out and that was the hardest part of it all I have to say. Parker just smiled as they carried him back, haha. Ignorance is bliss. Both boys have been a bit more sleepy and slightly tempermental today but so far so good. We have ear drops for each boys for the next couple days but no big deal. Well, we will keep you updated...check facebook for pics.

I Don't Want To Be A Grownup Anymore :)

So I don't really want to be a big person anymore. I miss the days of my biggest problems being what to wear and what I was doing that weekend. Now don't get me wrong I love being an adult in regards to being a mommy and wife but being an adult brings alot more baggage with it that just that. This summer is supposed to be a fun relaxing break from school and stress but its not really turning out that way. Student loans hit for the summer, until I go back in the fall for my final year of grad school....let me tell you, when I graduate I will have KILLER loans. Yuck! Our house is still up for sale so we're hoping we can get that moved soon and then we still have yet to decide what we want to do when it does sell. Crazy I know, but I really just want a cheaper house payment especially now that Parker is in daycare with Payton and that costs us $332 a week right there! Parker recently got yet another ear infection so the day when tubes get placed can' t come any sooner! I am tapped on doctor visits and co-pays, ughh. July 12th will hopefully be the day we wave goodbye to frequent ear infections. Payton has really hit the toddler phase of development, he has recently been having outburts and hitting and yelling when he is mad. Time out....he laughs. But, how do you reason with a 19 month old or keep him in time out? Answers please?! I know he is really frustrated that he can't get across what he is thinking verbally but hopefully he will pick up soon. They say he isn't behind in talking but he definitly isn't as advanced as some at this point. On another note, he is really doing great with puzzles. He has mastered two that are for his age as well as a 3 year old puzzle! I just got him some more advanced ones and we'll see how he does with that. He loves them and it is so cute to see him work so hard at getting it just right. Parker is soooo almost crawling and I can' t wait to see him chase after his brother. With Payton I was nervous for when he started to crawl so that I would have everything safe for him, but everything is babyproofed/toddlerproofed already so bring it on! He is such a happy baby and recently he has been talking in his sleep which is sooo cute! Last weekend was USA Days in Fairfax, so we went out there to celebrate with all of Jeremy's family. That was a blast. We braved the heat on Saturday for the parade and Payton was so engrossed in it he sat in the chair sweating and all just in amazement. We watched his older cousins play kickball and then watched the fireworks Saturday night. Payton loved the fireworks and sat on Jeremy's lap yelling boom when they went off. Parker...."Mr. Excitement" fell asleep during the finale. I guess he wasn't impressed. Prior to crashing out he was watching them and seemed to like them. Well, here are a few pics from the weekend.

Things I Love...

( In no particular order)

1) The way Payton says "mama, mama" when he needs a snuggle.
2)The way Parker is starting to reach for us to be held!
3) Ear Tubes (hopefully we will love them!)....can you tell we are desperate for relief from ear infections?! haha.
4) The feeling of going home to my 3 boys at the end of a day.
5) Our puppies who are at my parents house while we try to sell our home.
6) Summer rain....okay, not all the time, but the night time showers are nice.
7).The feeling of crawling into bed at night and going to sleep.
8) Weekends...especially spending it with family.
9)Watching Payton hug and kiss Parker and try to pick him up to take him wherever he is going.
10) Summer barbeques.
11)Blogs....I am kind of addicted to reading them,haha.
12) The Real Housewives Series...pathetic I know.
13) God for giving us such an amazing family and life.

Well, thats my list for now. I will have to add to it because I could go on forever. What do you all love?

Oh July ...

So July seems like it will be an interesting but hopefully good month for us. Payton and Parker are scheduled for tubes both on July 12th. The ENT didn't even question the fact they needed them as soon as he saw their records. Payton gets ear infections so easily and Parker always has fluid in his ears. I have heard so many good things about tubes for kids with lots of ear infections I am really excited to get them in and done so we can move on. Really, 99% of ALL the illnesses we deal with comes back down to ear infections in some way. Don't get me wrong, I am scared for my little boys to get put to sleep for them but the doc said it was literally in and out with no IV and they are just put to sleep with a mask (no tubes).

I have been having some problems with bleeding since Parker was born (sorry if TMI) but I finally had a test done Dr. Rexroth my OBGYN wanted from awhile ago and it showed a polyp (what we are hoping it is) and some problems with my uterus. So on July 21st I get to go in for a D &C and hystroscopy and then they will also send everything to be tested to make sure nothing serious is going on. Both my doctor and I are very hopeful and pretty sure it isn't anything bad but just a reaction from having two pregnancies in two years and the high level of hormones that comes with it. The doc thinks just the surgery will correct all my problems and we can easily move on. I will be in and out the same day with a just a few days down recovering. So no worries, just anticipation. I mean come on, who likes the idea of any surgery as "minor" as it is?

Payton is officially 19 months old now! Oh my goodness, he is really changing each and every day. He has recently figured out how to tell daddy no (so far only daddy) and is really understanding what you say to him. He still isn't talking very clear except for a handful of words but I am not too worried at this point and neither is the pediatrician. I am hoping it will take off after tubes get placed in case he is having trouble hearing exactly how to pronuciate words. Parker is sitting up on his own and is getting such a personality. He is so happy but is starting to holler when annoyed which is funny. He makes the SAME mad face as his brother and it just melts my heart. Both boys are so snuggly lately which I love and I just am really enjoying them each and everyday. It is soooo hard to imagine how we lived before our kids. It sounds cheesy but its so true, and if you don't have kids one day you will understand. Now I realize why our parents worried when we were younger and stayed on top of us with things, they just wanted everything to be great for us. I totally see that and feel the same about our kids. Tommorrow we are heading to Waterloo for the night just me and the boys. Jeremy has some open houses on Sunday so I thought it would be fun to spend some time with my parents. The boys love going to grandma and poppa's house and hopefully we will go to the petting zoo if open and weather permiting. Well, I've rambled enough. Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. We hope to continue on illness free, spend time with family and friends, camp, and have some fun playdates (hint hint Merrick, haha).

Pictures

Summer Fun!

Well, I know it has been quite awhile since I sat and blogged but so much has been going on. Both boys had croup and ear infections recently which had us down for the count for quite awhile. Jeremy has been getting really busy lately with his job and I have been too. Payton is almost 19 months and Parker is almost 7 months. Payton still isn't talking as much as we think he should be but he definitly tries to be vocal. I think it has to do with all the ear infections and chronic fluid in the ears. Both boys go to the ENT for a consult this Thursday and I really actually hope at least Payton gets tubes, I think he will hear better and stay healthy! Almost all his illnesses seem attributed to his ears which get baaad fast. Parker has been doing great on baby food, he loves carrots and peas and definitly is a banana boy! He is now sitting up on his own and seems to be much more entertained now that he can see more of what is around him. Parker starts daycare with Payton and Monday so we will see how that goes. Recently Jeremy and I took the boys to Old McDonald Farm which we had never been to, and let me say they really enjoyed it. Payton and daddy really enjoyed looking at the animals and mommy and Parker just walked around watching all the excitement. I have to say we have been loving this weather lately (minus the rain), the boys have been swimming/splashing in their pool and we like to spend our evenings playing outside. I am having trouble posting pics right now but I will as soon as I figure it out. I will also post an update after our ENT appt. on Thursday!

Life. Is. Good.

With school being done for the summer words can not explain the big weight off my shoulders. It feels awesome to not be worried about getting work done while making time for my three boys and all the other daily tasks. This past weekend we went out for Kasey's bday and wow I haven't had that much fun in a long time and stayed up much past our usual bedtime..haha..I know, we are getting old, but two young kiddos will do that. Sunday we lounged around and then went to Waterloo to see my mom and dad. It was really a great mothers day. So, Payton turned 18 months old today...wow...and Parker will be 6 months old on the 15th. Payton is really starting the toddler stage where tantrums are coming full force. He definitly has a strong personality. I do have to brag about how smart he is, he can put most of his puzzles together by himself and do the shape sorter toy in like no time flat. Parker's first tooth broke thru today, you can't see it really but you can definitly feel the tooth has come thru the gum. He hasn't even really been fussy. He is such a mellow little man. Well here are a few pics from this past weekend. One is Parker being the smiley boy he is and the other is Payton on the batter powered John Deere which he actually figured out how to make go! More pics are on facebook.

Relaxation....

Ahhh...it feels so good to be refreshed and relaxed. I just got home from Florida yesterday morning after four days in Clearwater Florida sitting on the beach with my mom and sister. We laid out in the 90 degree sun, walked on the pier, swam in the ocean, shopped, and even rode waverunners out in the ocean. I saw so many dolphins it was so amazing, one even came up close to our waverunner! The sand was white and amazing, we even found really cool sea shells. It was such a nice get away. However, I have NEVER been away from my three boys for that long EVER. But, they survived...daddy really did a great job, I should have never worried. I just submitted my last paper for the semester and now get to enjoy a fun sun filled summer. Hopefully the only stress we will have will be moving into our new home. I will try to upload some pics when I have more time. But, for now.....bring on summer!

Can you say stress?!?!

Man, what a week it has been! Payton got another ear infection (in both ears) which caused him to run temps up to 104.5 for like the past three days and now Parker has ear infections too! I feel like I am so crazy getting my Masters, working, being a wife, and a mom to two under two (actually 17 months and 5 months).I am getting ready for school to end for the semester and get everything done before I go to Florida this Thursday. This requires a huge amount of work. And YES, I am going to Florida and not with any children! I just have to make it to then. We have been so busy with open houses and private showings of our house, I can't wait to sell, move and not have to clean deeeep every other day. It is exhausting when you have two little one's to clean up after (and a husband, haha). I am getting really nervous about leaving the boys for the extended weekend but I know they will be in good hands with their daddy. However, the control freak I am, I am stressing about everything from what they will wear to will he feed them what I would? I know he will take great care of them, I mean they are his boys too, but I have to accept there are different ways of doing things and thats okay. I guess I just won't ask for details, haha. It also makes me feel good that Jeremy isn't complaining about my girls weekend away (thur-sun) to Florida because man I really need it. This will be the longest I have ever been away from my husband since we have been married (3 years) and my two boys...scary! My goal though is to come back refreshed, less stressed, and ready for a great summer (off from school!) and just really enjoy myself...seeing as this is the first summer and birthday I haven't been preggo for, for the last TWO years! Well, enough rambling, I will update soon.

Happy 5 Months Parker

Well, to say the least I have become a blogger slacker. I have been so busy with the semester ending and work and the boys that this has kinda fallen to the backburner. However, I did remember to make a quick note tonight as today Parker turns 5 months! Can you believe it? I think I am in such astonishment every month....hmmm..I guess thats just the mommy in me?! He is rolling over both ways, and actually rolling all over the place. He is still on soy formula and taking around 5-6 oz every 4 hours. He is still on the prevacid for his reflux, and so far its still doing okay. He has started rice cereal and some days loves it others, he doesn't care. However, he is a slurpper when he sucks it off the spoon which is so cute. He is getting more and more hair. Smiling all the time and squealing when excited. He is very ticklish on his neck just like his big brother. His little temper has started to show. If he wants attention or something is not how he likes, he screams (not cries, but a loud yell)...its kinda funny. He is between a size 2 and 3 diaper. At his last weigh in this past week he was about 17lbs. Overall, he is doing very well and is such an amazing and sweet baby boy. We are definitly blessed with our two! I know I always say this....but when I have time I will try to get some pictures up here, until then check facebook as they are easier to upload on there and is more often the most updated location of pics.

So I have been in a bit of a blogging slump. So here is a quick update. We recently got the boys pictures taken. Parker is almost 5 months and Payton is almost 17 months! Both are doing well and healthy. Parker is rolling all over the place and Payton is well...Payton, haha. He is loud, in charge, and definitly opinionated. But, we love him for that! Both boys definitly have their distinct personality! I really hope they grow up to be close even though they seem so different right now in their personalities. We have been playing outside alot since it has been nice. Parker has enjoyed his stroller rides while Payton is loving the sidewalk chalk! He loves to color anywhere, and well anything. School and work have been keeping me quite busy as well as Jeremy with his new job as a realtor. We have had a couple bites on our home (which is for sale) so hopefully something will pan out. I hope to upload some pictures from Easter later this week when I have time. But, here are some pics for now!

Happy Four Months Parker

So I am a day late on posting, but none the less, my baby turned four months old yesterday! I know that doesn't seem like a big deal, but its huge to me. It seems like only yesterday I was huge and waiting for this baby to come, all the while being confined to bed with thoughts racing thru my mind of what would come. I can't believe how easy of a baby he has been and we are so blessed by his mellow personality and sweet smiles. He makes it seem easy to have a baby and a one year old! I will say, it does get challenging at times but mostly its his brother causing the commotion, hehe. Yesterday Parker went for his checkup and shots, and weighed in at 15lbs 3oz and was almost 26 inches long! His length is the same as Paytons at that age, but Payton weighed 17lbs 10oz's!! Big difference in babies! The doc also suggested starting rice cereal if he tolerates it because she thought it might help his reflux. Last night we tried some with him and he LOVED it, no choking, coughing, or gagging. He was smiling and is almost going to laugh. It was sooo cute. Enjoy the before and after pics of the feeding! Then today, welcome spring, we went for our first walk outside in the double stroller! Oh what a lug that is but the boys really enjoyed it! Happy St. Patty's Day (a day early)!

Almost Spring!

Oh can you feel spring coming? We can't wait! Things have been going well since the last post. Parker still has a bit of a cough but both boys are still doing great considering all they have been through! School is getting quite annoying for the fact that these papers really really suck! I am so crazy for going back for my masters with two little ones! Jeremy's been staying pretty busy with his new job as a realtor and still really liking it, so thats great. I am super pumped that in April mom, my sis, and me get to go to Florida for a few days of relaxation and margaritas on the beach...ahh! Hmmm..I better get ready for swimsuit season, seeing as I have been pregnant the last two summers, we got major work to do! Parker is just on the verge of laughing and gets talking so loud its hilarious. He is sooo smiley all the time and just is such a good baby I can't get over it. Payton is getting to smart for his own good....he knows where his snacks are and is banging on the cupboards when he wants something and if its not at that second he begins screaming and stomping his feet!! He isn't even two yet...oh boy...what is to come!? Well, our house will be up for sale by the end of next week and I look forward to building our new house. I think it will have a much better layout for us and it really feels cozy. I can't wait to decorate a new home! Well, I better stop procrastinating and be productive. Next time I will try to post some pics.

Friday Feelings

1) Happy: We are all going to Waterloo tonight to spend some time with the family and its is always so much fun to see how the boys act with their grandparents!

2)Excited: No work for three days!

3)Nervous: Got a huge paper due in like a week...hmmm...haven't really started it all that much.

4)Thankful: Our boys are finally healthy (at least it seems that way!)

5)Tired: Two boys ages three months and fifteen months....enough said.

Finally...some time!

Wow, so I am a bit behind in blogging but my goodness we have been so busy! Parker was in the hospital just overnight about a week and a half ago related to RSV, but did great and is now feeling almost back to par. Payton ended up with Pneumonia and horrible Ear Infections after his bout of RSV and Influenza he was in the hospital last Monday thru Thursday. All the while me and Jeremy taking shifts with Parker, work, Payton at the hospital....its exhausting. Well, Payton is starting to eat and drink better and is really starting to perk up so tommorrow is his first day back at daycare for a week, so we'll se how that goes since he was just getting into the routine, now we start over. I can't believe Parker is fourteen weeks old today! Wow, how time flies. It seems like yesterday that I was lying in bed on bedrest thinking when is this kid coming?! Haha. He is such a smiley baby I just can't get over it. Despite the sheer and utter exhaustion these two boys bring, I really say I wouldn't change a thing! Well, hopefully I can blog soon again and maybe include some pics.. but I did upload a few to facebook. Hope everyone else is doing well and staying healthy! Loves from the Wilsons!

I HATE WINTER....SNOW....SICKNESS...AND ALL AROUND BLAH

Well, needless to say its been awhile since I have had the time or motivation to blog. This winter weather is annoying and I am ready to get out of this sick season. Saturday afternoon Payton had a temp of 104 and we found out after a trip to the ER that he has RSV AND INFLUENZA...how do we do this?! Haha....well not funny. He is finally fever free after three days of up and down temps and is finally eating and drinking a little more like normal. Also, Payton started daycare last week....hmmm....connection? I don't know, I know kids get sick but it does suck for him to be around all those germs right now. Last year at this time he had RSV and was in the hospital. Luckily, gma kept Parker overnite and thru the day to keep him away from Payton and to allow us to give Payton the attention and loves he wanted every single minute. Now Parker is home and is smiling and cooing as ever. He even sat in his bumbo for the first time....but I don't think he will be in there much quite yet, his heads a bit wobbly yet. Well after wiping snot and being coughed on for three days now I have a horrible stuffy nose....can summer come so we can all decontaminate?! Well, Jeremys done well so far at his new realtor gig already with multiple deals in the works, lets just hope it keeps up. I love seeing him so happy every morning he gets up and is really staying very motivated. Finally he is doing something he really likes and I know he is good at. Oh yea...Sunday, Parker was 12 weeks old.......and he rolled over twice!! (tummy to back). I just can't believe how time flies, it seems like I was just planning Paytons birthday while trying to be on bedrest with the little one! Well, between work, school, being a wife and mommy my time for blogging is few and far between. I will try to be better though. Hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy! Included is a pic of Payton on Saturday when he got sick and a picture of Parker playing tonight!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well I finally had a minute to update this thing...I need to get better about it because I really do enjoying blogging...and reading others! Well, this week completes the first week back to work. Luckily I am only working three eight hour shifts a week 8-4:30 so thats not really all that bad, but man it kicked my butt this week. Jeremy has been volunteering to get up at night when I work the next day and that has definitly helped, how sweet huh?! Payton starts daycare tomorrow, and I do think he will really enjoy it and really pick up on some new things, hopefully good things. He needs the socialization and now Parker gets grandma's full attention, which will be great. Payton is doing great though, I can't believe he is almost fifteen months old already. Parker is eleven weeks old today and definitly being very social. He smiles and coos and almost laughing I swear. He has been soooo laid back, he sleeps, looks around, smiles, sleeps, eats, sleeps, haha. Hopefully he stays mellow because Payton takes enough energy to keep up with :) Well, I better get going, hopefully I can update more soon!

(Don't you love Parker smiling? Oh, and his brother was kinda shy after his bath...hehe)

Falling Into Place....

Well, things are finally starting to fall into place around here! Everyone is finally healthy and doing well. Its about time! Parker is officially nine weeks old today, which I can't believe. It seems like just yesterday I was huge and stuck in bed thinking about his arrival. Payton is definitly hitting the toddler phase and has started stomping his feet when he wants something right that second....which is always! But, he is just really taking off and starting to talk more and understand what we are saying more each day which is so awesome. He now says mama, dada, grandma, uh-oh, all done, milk, ball, and I am sure there are more I am not thinking of right now. Today cousin Noah came and played and it was adorable watching the two boys interact. They sure entertain each other which is awesome. Payton is so Noah's shadow when he is around and it is so adorable. They spent almost an hour emptying out the toybox and just sitting in it, haha. Parker has been doing great at holding his head up and is really alert and sure smiling alot! He also has been sleeping pretty good, only waking up once to twice a night MOST nights. Daddy did his first deal as a realtor this week and we are so proud of him and he has many promising clients coming in soon, but still pass the word! This will be my last week off from work and I have mixed feelings. I am so ready to get back into a routine and be around adults. But, I have really enjoyed being around my boys and husband so much. Plus I have been off since October since I was on bedrest, so I feel a little rusty and my department has moved, so there will be alot of new things going on. Oh, well. At least I am only part time and work three days a week, that I am thankful for. Well, enough for now!

A little peace and quiet please!

Well, what a start to our New Year. Parker made it home from the hospital this past Monday (day 5) and luckily has been doing wonderful. He is now 7 1/2 weeks old and has been smiling in repsonse to our faces and when he is being spoken too which is sooo sweet. He gave us our first real smile in the hospital....what a trooper huh?! Payton has started a hunger strike, which from what I read is quite normal at this age...wow, he his almost 14 months old. So, we just keep trying to offer lots of healthy foods and milk and hopefully his appetite will pick back up again. From what I read this is pretty normal because toddlers are more interested than being on the go than sitting down and eating. He also has begun his whining..oh lord, I know he is just frustrated because he can't communicate as effectively as he wants to but it is very tiresome listening to him whine. Both me and Jeremy are recovering from a nasty bout with the flu and are just hoping the boys don't get it. How gross would that be to deal with?! Even though 2010 started off pretty rocky so far I am so excited to see what it will bring (and yes, it will NOT bring more children, at least from us). Parker will change so much during his first year and I imagine Payton will keep changing dramatically too, we just need to really pay attention to all the little details because time flies! Hopefully as this year progresses we will fall into more of a routine, but I have to say so myself, this really isn't as scary or hard as I thought, I know, famous last words, it can change. But, so far so good! In fact I think I am handling two little ones better than I did when it was just Payton at Parkers age! Although Parker has been a drama king since was born. Both seem so different already and I can't wait to see their personalities develop even more! Right now we are working on Payton using his own silverware (something I need to get better at letting him try) and allowing us to brush his teeth regularly without a fight. Parker, well his goals are too just stay healthy and keep that laid back personality he has had so far! Well, enough rambling for now. Hope to post again soon! Lots of love, -the Wilsons

A little update.....

Well, what an exciting new years....hopefully 2010 calms down a bit for us! Parker was admitted on New Years Eve with Pertussis (whooping cough). He had stopped eating and was very lethargic....very scary for such a little one (6 weeks). Its unfortunate too that he hasn't had any vaccines yet due to his age, so his immunity is also compromised right now. However, last night went very very well....better than I think anyone thought. The doctor yesterday said she was just worried he will be getting worse before better and that he may not be able to keep his oxygen up with the coughing spells, however last night he hardly coughed and his oxygen was 94-100% pretty much all night and without oxygen! The doc did say yesterday he could be kept hospitalized for a few days to weeks depending on how he does and if he gets worse, she just isn't sure which way it will go, but we are very hopeful with how well he has been doing....he has even started to want to eat again and has been taking about 4 ounces a feeding...much better than the 1 ounce every four to five hours!!! This just goes to show me he is one tough little man and hasn't hardly fussed or cried. New Years Eve was pretty scary because he was pretty bad at that point but he definitly is going forward and not backward right now, we just need to keep it that way. All I have to tell parents though who question vaccine safety, still get them, if Parker was old enough to have had the vaccine we may not be in such danger of things getting bad and luckily Payton has had the first shot of the vaccine. It just is so not worth not getting kids vaccinated and see them get things that are preventable but yet dangerous....although Parker still could have got it even if he was vaccinated just like Payton has it too we are thinking, but we have him on the meds necessary to get over it and not be contagious. The sucky thing is, is that this virus can last months so we won't be out of the woods for sometime, we just have to keep a close eye on the boys to make sure they can handle the coughing spells. Well, I'll try to keep everyone updated as time allows and thanks for all the thoughts and prayers! Hopefully 2010 brings lots and lots of health and good times! Lots of love and Happy New Year...-The Wilsons