Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Remarkable March

We've had such a remarkable month of March!  Who knew we would have "spring break weather" in Wisconsin?!  We hit 80 today, breaking all kinds of records and it was wonderful!  In anticipation of the beautiful weather, we got out of the house early to run a couple errands so we could get right home and play outside!  We visited our friend, Katie, and brought her a special sign and latte for her birthday today.  Then we stopped for essential groceries and headed home!  We played in the neighbor's sandbox, went for a walk, mowed the lawn (pretend!), caught some bugs...and that was all before nap times!  We even set up for a special lunch outside, which the kids loved!

Of course, the bugs had to join Logan at his table.

We brought Bennett's chair outside, too and it was so fun! I think it was a little bright for him here!  I can't wait until next year when the kids can sit at the little table together!

After lunch and naps we visited our friends down the street...Logan loves (and I mean loves) their dog, "Mister".  We played some more in their sandbox and had a lovely time enjoying the sun.  Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and beautiful end to March!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Egg Hunt!

Today we got to have an Easter Egg Hunt with our Tuesday friends!  Our whole playgroup met and walked to the park where a couple of the moms had already hidden lots of eggs!  It was so fun!

Walking to the park.

Logan hitched a ride in Grady's wagon, while I got to stroll his big sister, Zoey!

We tried to get the kids to all line up for a photo when we got to the park...this is how that went...

Bennett was like "whatever, guys...its cold out here this morning!".

Ready, set, go!

These kids all knew just what to do!

The eggs were everywhere...

Logan had no problem filling his bag!

Looking for those last few eggs on the outskirts!

Way to go, kids!  Besides the unexpected chill in the air, it was a great morning!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Neuro Assessment

I'm posting this because we've had so many people asking how Bennett is doing.  Many people heard bit and pieces of what's been going on with Bennett the past two months, and I just thought I would write this to get everyone up to speed.  Before getting too worried and reading this, you should know that at this point, we expect nothing harmful to be going on with Bennett.  :)

About six weeks ago now, we noticed Bennett would involuntarily "shake" or "shiver".  It came on quickly and happened frequently at first.  However, it didn't seem to bother Bennett or even interrupt his play.  He would just have a "shiver" run up his upper body, like he touched something cold, and then keep on playing.  We knew it wasn't febrile seizures because he was not running a temperature or acting unlike himself.

We almost rushed into the ER the first weekend we noticed.  After some thought, we decided to wait on the ER - fearing unnecessary tests and trauma for Bennett - and waited to see our pediatrician.  While we waited for our appointment, the shivers became more sporadic and we got less worried, assuming it was just a "tick" that Bennett would soon grow out of.  We mostly noticed his shivers when he was upset or tired.  We tried not to do too much reading or research on our own, but some of what we read suggested an infantile tick - something the doctor would see and send us home with a clean bill of health for Bennett.

When our appointment came around, John and I both expected to be sent away with "nothing to worry about, its normal for developing infants" or something like that.  We were able to catch a couple episodes on video to show our doctor.  After seeing the video, our pediatrician was concerned and said we should get a neuro consult.  That made us a little scared because we weren't expecting to have to have any further exploration of the issue.  I was feeling a lot of guilt about the wait between discovering Bennett's shivers and the two weeks that passed until we could see the doctor.  Dr. Gilmartin assured us, however, that we did the right thing by not taking him to the ER in this instance and by waiting and watching his symptoms carefully.

Now we had to wait a couple more weeks for our neuro consult, but we finally had our appointment last week.  The head of the neurological department is the pediatric specialist, so we were in good hands.  He was great with Bennett and after a complete history from us, he observed Bennett and played with him.  Just as our pediatrician had assured us, Bennett is meeting all the developmental marks he should be for a nine month old, which rules out many serious disorders, etc.  The neurologist told us he expects it is something called "shuddering attacks", which he sees in only about 2 or 3 children each year.  Its a benign, neurological misfire in a young child's brain that usually disappears by the time they reach school age.  Just to be sure there is nothing else of concern, he ordered an EEG for Bennett.

Luckily, we were able to have the EEG on Friday.  We were happy not to have to wait any longer.  The EEG was tough, but Bennett is such a little trooper.  It was conducted in the sleep center at the hospital in a small room with a big chair that I sat in with Bennett.  Bennett had 24 electrodes attached to his head to monitor brain activity.  The process of attaching the electrodes was grueling: mark, scrub, glue, attach, dry with air gun, more glue, cover with gauze - for each electrode!  It took a long time and I just had to hold Bennett down while he screamed the whole time.  He was so exhausted after that, he ate a little and fell right asleep.  Unfortunately, they needed to monitor both awake and asleep activity, so I had to wake Bennett up after only about 30 minutes of sleep.  John arrived just before Bennett fell asleep and even got Bennett to smile:

Our little trooper!

We wait now for the results of the EEG, but truly expect his brain activity to come back normal - indicating no further tests or treatment necessary.  We've had a surprising amount of peace through this whole ordeal, feeling your support and prayers.  We know God is taking care of Bennett in whatever way he can.  He's such a little blessing.  We have a new respect for parents who watch their children deal with chronic illness, treatments, and testing.  Its so hard to wait and watch and have faith.

I will certainly update everyone when we hear back on Bennett's EEG results!  Thanks for your love and prayers!  They have made all the difference for us, and for BENNETT!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

King of the House

Logan went for a long weekend at Papa and Nana's, so that means Bennett was the King of this house!  It was great for everyone.  Logan loved his time getting spoiled by Papa and Nana (and the aunts and uncles), Bennett loved having Mom and Dad all to himself, and John and I loved being able to dote on Bennett the way we always did when Logan was his age.  We had such a great time working on sign language ("more" is the only sign that Bennett makes himself), playing with lots of toys (including some of big brother's stuff that B was just dying to get into!), and even sitting with us at the table in Logan's booster seat!  Thanks to Papa and Nana for having Logan and giving us some very special time with Bennett.

Bennett was loving Logan's booster seat at the table...I think its time to add one more!

Friday, March 26, 2010

So much fun at the park!

We originally planned to take a vacation this week, but with our crazy spring schedule decided it would be too much for us to handle.  As it turns out, we've had some great weeks of weather and haven't had to leave WI to see the beautiful sunshine!  And, I have to admit, I am glad to not be leaving town any time soon.  I'm enjoying the time at home, in our regular routine, with the boys.  John is the one who could really use a break - burning the candle at both ends with so many ministries to run, coaching track, and planning big fundraisers for spring.

We have been soaking up all the sun we can during the day!  This week I even ditched a few of our regular activities to stay home and play outside.  It made for happy kids, great naps, and a super pleased mommy.  :)  We went to the park (the Sherman Elementary school playground) almost everyday after school was out and I always wished I had my camera along.  But, I did snap a few photos of the fun with my phone.

Logan climbed all the way up this ladder to the top of the platform all by himself!  I was spotting, of course, but he was so proud!  Its been so fun to watch his new skills and new confidence this spring!

Going down the twirly slide!  In the past, it has taken Logan a while to warm up to some of the playground equipment, but this time, he just went for it!  At the top of the slide he yelled "Let's do this, baby!"  WHAT?!  Where did he get that?!  Hilarious!

Bennett lounging in his luxury rider, just taking it all in.  He got to go down the slide with me a few times...not too sure what he thought of that!  But, he sure does love seeing all the sights outside these days!


Mommy's Little Shopper

Bennett has been riding like a big boy in the shopping cart since we switched him into his big car seat two weeks ago.  He loves it!  Its like a whole new world where he gets to observe so much going on around him.  I remember that same feeling when Logan started riding in the cart.  Although, its a little tricky with two kids riding in the cart...not much room for groceries!  The day I snapped these photos with my phone, Logan was at school, so Bennett got to ride solo and flirt with all the noon shoppers.  :)

This day, Bennett was obsessed with this little plastic egg from the play food at home.  Not sure why it was so interesting, but it kept him happy!  Having fun in the cart!


That same day, we got to preschool early to drop Logan off and noticed the Xcel Energy trucks working on the power lines in the church parking lot.  I asked Logan if he wanted to go look at the trucks, since we had plenty of time.  Of course, he was excited to see the bucket trucks and the big tires.  As soon as the workers saw us coming over, one of them jumped out of the truck and walked over.  He told us all about one of their fancy new trucks, how the bucket works, and even offered Logan a seat inside to check it out.  Logan was too apprehensive to get in the truck, but he loved looking.  The man even gave Logan a special little magnet that lights up...he was thrilled!

Here he is trying to show off his cool magnet from the Xcel man...I couldn't get him to turn it around to show the front side.  

Thursday, March 25, 2010

House of Crumbs

Sometimes I feel like my floor will never be clean again!  Ahh...the days before children when my floors could stay pristine after a good scrub, vacuum and sweep.  Babies bring crumbs!  No matter how often I vacuum and scrub, I feel like the floors never stay clean.  If its not crumbs, its gravel, grass, or dirt.  But, let's be honest: I would much rather have this house full of busy boys than a clean quiet house to myself, so I guess its ok!

One reason we have crumbs!  Logan and Bennett having breakfast (and a little PBS) on the couch one busy morning this week!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ditto

Update Thursday, March 25:

Apparently, making a mess like George has not worn off yet.  After I went around the corner to my room to get dressed this morning, Logan found the tissues and decided to have Bennett help him remove every last one from the box!  What a couple of mischief makers!  The funniest part is that when I saw what they were doing and said, "Oh no!", Bennett just turned and looked at me with the biggest grin as if to say "Oh Mom, that was so fun...just you wait!".  Logan helped me cram the tissues back in the box.

Partners in crime!




If you follow my friend, Sarah's blog, you may remember this post from January.  Her adorable son, William, pulled the toilet paper off the roll after watching the movie "Curious George".  Well, it just so happens I let Logan watch part of that movie on a rainy day last week and yesterday I found him in the very same pose as William in Sarah's post!  I didn't have a photo to capture the moment, but you can just imagine when Logan says, "This is what George does!".

Monday, March 22, 2010

Treats

Logan sure is getting to be a good helper in the kitchen.  After our morning outing today, we came home and made Rice Krispie Bars.  It was fun and easy for Logan to help.  He was in charge of the cereal and the sprinkles!

Showing off the springy sprinkles we added...

Just had to add this: its Logan's "CHEESE!" face for the camera.

Shake!

Yummy, gooey, finished!

Right after making the bars, I had to change and feed Bennett.  When I came out, Logan had used his little Swiffer to get the spilled Rice Krispies into a pile and had moved his little stool to the counter to help himself.  Ha!


Friday, March 19, 2010

Look at this boy!

Wow!  B is playing with the big boys, now!  We stopped by to visit my mom quickly one afternoon last week while I was in town to visit my friend, Carrie, who was home from Michigan.  Bennett was so excited to sit in the car...can you believe his grin?!  So adorable!

Cars!

John took Logan on a special outing one sunny morning this week before work.  They went out to the towing company who has replicated Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater from the movie Cars!.  Logan is quite obsessed with the characters and was excited to see them up close.  We pass them each time we drive to the highway to go to the Twin Cities, but he's never been able to walk right up!








What a fun outing to start the day!  Thanks, Daddy!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

This Week So Far...

The weeks really seem to pass too quickly.  I have a list of "To Do This Week"...its been the same for about three weeks now.  Between running the kids around, running errands, keeping up with the house, and hosting friends (just like any other parent), I have a difficult time getting anything "extra" accomplished.  My list of "Want To Dos" (projects, crafts, other fun stuff!) has been growing since Logan's birth 31 months ago.  Ah!  John often says, "In 10 years, maybe we'll have time...".  I'm beginning to believe it!

We've had such a great week so far!  The weather has been amazing and I actually forgot how wonderful life is when we can all be OUTSIDE!  The boys LOVE it and we just can't get enough.  I've even let naps suffer a little this week, just to enjoy the sun while its out.  Here's what we've been up to:

We baked cookies for the Young Lifers on Sunday!  John has YL College on Sunday nights this spring and we try to make a treat for them each week.  The cookie tray I sent last week came back EMPTY, so I think we will have to make a double batch next time!  Logan, of course, was my willing taste-tester!

Bennett finally decided he is ready to crawl on his hands and knees!  Although we still see some army crawling, we know he has the coordination for the big crawl now!  Way to go, B!  He is also trying lots more table food and is loving it!  And, he likes to drink a little water out of his Nuby straw cup!  We have pretty hilarious times at the dinner table with Logan and Bennett...they always find something to get into a fit of giggles about.

We've been keeping up with our late afternoon walks and enjoying that tradition.  John is not usually home to join us, but the boys and I like the routine before baths and bed.  On Tuesday, the sun was out, so Logan had to have his "cool sunglasses" on.  Of course!  Last night when we walked, it was nearly dusk and Logan said, "Oh no!  The sun must not be working!"  Haha!

Kisses for B.

That's about all I have for photos so far...hope you're having a lovely, sunny week!



Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Luck!

Wishing you luck on St. Patrick's Day!  We had a great day and enjoyed a regular Wednesday, for the most part.

Logan was sure to wear his GREEN shirt to school today...and came home with a little GREEN paint on his nose!

Logan's beautiful GREEN masterpiece from school today.  When I asked him what he made, he said, "It's YOU, Mama".  Great...thanks buddy!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Special Visit

Last weekend, we got a special visit from "the whole family", as Logan would say!  Papa, Nana, Amy & Andrew, Kyle & Ali all came over for a fun day together.  Guys and girls took turns watching the kids while all got to spend some fun time together!  Then, after our guy/girl activities, we all made dinner together and hung out before bedtime.  It was a great day!

The girls got to shop in the morning and have lunch out while the guys watched Logan and Bennett.  While the guys were out and the kiddos were napping, us girls did some springy crafts.

When Logan woke up, he wanted in on the fun, too!

Bennett and his crazy nap hair!

Logan and Bennett kept Nana and the Aunties busy while I did some kitchen prep for dinner.  I guess the guys didn't take any photos while they were "in charge" (not surprising!).  We all had a great time and we loved having such a big group of visitors!  Thanks for coming!


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Matching

These cute photos are from one week ago, but I thought I would post them today!  The boys have these cute matching baseball shirts from Nana that make me think spring!  Logan loves when he and Bennett match!  "Mommy, our shirts are the SAME!"

I asked Logan to go over by Bennett for a photo of them in their matching shirts.  But, Bennett was not so keen on the idea (maybe because of the half-nelson Logan seems to have put him in)...

So then I said, "Why don't you just go play by Bennett and I'll take some photos?"  Much better.

I think Logan is really pretty good at playing with Bennett, for his age.  He does a good job of showing Bennett how things work.

Happy little Bennett playing on his own.  He loves playing with balls...this fun toy is his favorite to explore.

Bennett's hair is so funny.  I honestly don't know what to do with it!  Its really long and growing quickly.  Most days it seems to want to curl straight up.  Its also turning BLONDE.  Yes.  Mark my words: Bennett is going to be a little blondie.  He has amazing highlights right now as the roots and new hair growing in are much lighter!  CRAZY, huh?!

Hanging with Daddy!