Catch Up #274

Another catch up posting...
Jack has finished his 2nd year of Montessori school, Ellis has finished her 1st. When I picked them up on the last day, after they had watched the Kindergartners graduate to the 1st grade and had had a pizza and cake party, I cried. My kids are growing up so fast! Maybe the truth was, I was crying about spending the summer with the kids with no school. They are going to be all mine 24/7.
Oh joy of joys.

J and E are finishing up another session in swimming. J is in the pool with 2 other kids and a teacher. He is putting his face in the water and has no fears. E is still swimming with other kids, a teacher and her Dad. She just isn't the best listener and hasn't figured out the dangers of water. That said, she goes under water, holds her breath and thinks she is a fish. She doesn't always want to do what is asked of her, but E is E whether it is in the pool or on dry land.

My Mom just returned from Barcelona and a 7 day cruise in the Mediterranean. She was gone a total of 11 days, and I'll tell you what, that is a long time for me to go without talking to her (considering I usually talk to her 2x a day). I am thankful she is home and had a great time with my Godmother on her 1st European adventure.

For Memorial Day weekend, we were blessed to have Nana, Papa, Tom, Jena and Beth here for a quick visit. J and E didn't pull out one toy while they were here, all they wanted was for T, J and B to chase them around the house and show off their newest tricks. On Friday T, J, B and Paul all went whitewater rafting on the Arkansas river. No sun, freezing cold water, light rain... Hhhmmm, I stayed home with the kids. Nana and Papa drove to Aspen for the day. Saturday was spent in Estes Park and Sunday we hung out in Boulder before we said, "Good-bye". The visit was short, but it is always good to have family in our home.

Our 1st week of summer started out slow as I began to put the house back together. We have done some additional gardening and had a great play date with some friends from school. It is finally getting warm WITH sunshine. I'm ready for summer... I think!???

Happy Birthday Tess

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Tess,
Happy Birthday to you!

We love and miss you, more than you know.
Smooooooooooooooooch!

A minor brag

Paul is in CA and Jack is doing better, this however is not my brag.

Tonight at dinner, Ellis asked if she could skip her mashed potatoes and only eat asparagus. She ate about 7 spears - Jack ate about 5. At least I have my kids liking vegetables going for me. Minor victory. Now I just have to get some planted in my garden and wait 3 years for my first crop.

Goodnight all.

Paul was planning on traveling, so you know what that means...

...another trip to the ER and an inpatient visit. This time it was Jack. He spent most of last week struggling with pain in his arms and legs. After many sleepless nights and too much Advil, we finally took him to the ER at Children's Hospital. They kept him overnight for observation and IV fluids. By Sunday morning he was MUCH better, but of course, we have no true explanation - some ideas. He is continuing to do better and we hope when more lab results come in, we will have more answers. It is sad to watch you 4 year old get poked for and IV, scream in pain, ask for his Harry and then have your 3 1/2 year old cry because her big Brother is crying. It turned into a major cry-fest. Jack did say one funny thing when we were driving to the ER, we told him he was going to Children's Hospital and he said, "Oh yeah, the Network of Care". If you are from CO you know that that is their tagline.
On Sunday morning, he was sad because he wanted to go home to go "Eastering" (looking for Easter eggs). All was better when Ellis brought his Easter bucket to him in the hospital.

Today, Monday, things are looking better. Jack seems painfree, Paul is in Vegas for the week and the sugar buzz of yesterday has worn off.

A little late, but Congratulations to Gabby on her Baptism. We love you and we are sorry we weren't able to celebrate with you. Please always know that you are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers - along with the rest of your family. We love you all!

Everything is a changin'

A few changes with the B's...
At the end of February, Jack gave up his night-night (pacifier). He sent it to his newest baby cousin, Gabrielle. Or at least that is what he thinks. The first night was kind of rough, but smooth sailing since then.
In the middle of March, Ellis came out of diapers, finally! She has done really well, with minimal accidents. She is still in pull-ups at night, but we're working on that too. It is amazing how much girth a diaper adds to a little girl. Without a diaper on, Ellis is straight up and down - No butt.
If I can get rid of all sippy cups, all signs of 'baby' will be out of my house. This is a good thing!

Grandma was here for two weeks in March for Spring Break. She was a great help with Ellis and potty training and Jack in general. The kids loved their time with her; as did I.

After having 70+ degree days and more snow in the month of March than we have had all winter, I am finally getting my garden in the ground. It feels so good to put my hands back in the dirt.

I am looking forward to Spring!

Congratulations to Syd and Tess

With great pride, we are pleased to announce the birth of our latest Niece Gabrielle Joyce
Weighing in at 7-5, 20" at 1:21 this afternoon.
We can't wait to meet you. We love you all!
Sleep well tonight Gina. You deserve it!

All is quiet, once again

Life at my house has slowed down.

It has been great to have Paul home. It sounds like he had a great time in Australia - I wish I could have shared it with him. Ellis is back to her old self - not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. It is hard to imagine that 2 weeks ago she was so sick - the Dr said that with her O2 rate, she should have been blue.
Jack has just loved having Grandma here. In the morning he comes into my room to tell me he is going downstairs to wake up Grandma (he could skip the part where he wakes me up first.) The 2 of them have a close and neat relationship. It reminds me of the times I got to spend with my own Grandmother. Miss Minnie, I miss you! Grandma flew home this morning. The house is always so quiet without her in it. I do have something to look forward to, she will be back in a month for Spring Break and potty training Ellis. Wish us luck.

Thank you Mom for all you do for this family. We couldn't do it without you!

A little late, but Happy Birthday Sydney! We are sorry we weren't there to celebrate with you. I too remember the day you were born. Paul and I had been trying to get pregnant and I was sad that I wasn't pregnant, but happy to have you in my world. Little did I know, I was already pregnant when I held you for the first time. It really was a great time in the B's life.