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Story after Story after Story...

2009-03-30T20:02:00.007-07:00

Ok, so I'm quite behind on all the funny, amazing things our son has come up with, so I decided to write a post including the most noteworthy ones. I included the date they occurred. The only one I'm not quite sure about the date is the first one.

I put this first story in a post that falls correctly in the time line, so click on the link to see the post.

~January 21, 2009 - It All Started With A Christmas Tree

~January 23, 2009 - An Amazing Imagination

When I was putting Christopher to bed for the night, I decided to let him help me tell a story. I would say a few words and then pause to see what he would say. His words are in bold.

One day, there was a boy named Joshua. And Joshua wanted to go outside. Because he felt sad. So Joshua found his friend Joshua, a chicken. So Joshua the boy and Joshua the chicken went outside to play. And they went to school. And at school they played soccer. They played soccer with all their friends. And the best thing about school was everything. After school, Joshua and Joshua went caroling. And when they were caroling they sang Jingle Bells (and he sang Jingle Bells). Sometimes when they sang the people gave them money. When they were done caroling, Joshua and Joshua took their money and went to the doctor. They went to the doctor and gave him the money so he could make them feel better. And after the doctor made them feel all better they went home. And they went to sleep, because they were happy. The end.

So creative. I love to see his imagination at work.

February 15, 2009 - My Name Was Cleared Today

For months we haven't been able to find one of our memory cards for our camera. Supposedly (and probably rightfully so - since I didn't put it back in the camera), I was the one who lost it. I remembered setting it on the desk after copying all the pictures from it on to our computer, but it was gone. Well, I was copying all the information off of our old floppy disks on to our computer so I could throw them away. When I ejected one of them, the metal piece came off and one got stuck in the floppy drive. When Andy came home, I asked him to get it out. Along with the metal piece that he pulled out, along came our missing memory card. Ahh, Christopher. And of course, this was also the day Andy went to use the toaster and pulled a mini chip clip out of it. It now stays unplugged except when in use.

February 17, 2009 - Our Doctor

While in the car on the way home from my mom's house, Christopher mentioned something about helping somebody that was hurt or sick or something like that. I said, "You like to help people, don't you Christopher? You like to make sure everyone is happy, healthy, and feeling good, huh?" His response? I like to make YOU feel better, Mommy. Ahh...right to my heart. =)

February 18, 2009 - Our Builder

I rearranged the house today - we moved the playroom to the former dining room where there is a set of double doors leading out to our back patio. When Christopher woke from his nap, he noticed the change and asked me if I had done that for him. "Yep." I replied. "Do you like it?" "Uh huh. Did you build the window for you, Mommy?" "Well, no. Whoever built the house put that door there." *pause...thinking, thinking:* "I built the house for you, Mommy." "You did?" "Uh huh. And the roof for you, Mommy." "Thanks, Buddy. That was nice of you." "You're welcome."

February 19, 2009 - Our Rabbit

Christopher walked in to the kitchen today, pulling a few strands of hair on top of his head straight up - one cluster in each hand. "What are you doing, Christopher?" "I'm a rabbit!"
"Oh. Are those your ears?" "Yes."

February 26, 2009 - Popcorn

Christopher ate probably the equivalent of an entire bag of popcorn by himself tonight. Mama, Anna Leigh, Christopher, Kaela and I went to a Dizney on Ice show at Freedom Hall. (Andy was in Memphis) I've never seen Christopher sit so still for anything. At one point he was sitting on my lap, and I actually asked Anna if he was breathing because I couldn't tell from behind him - not a muscle was moving. Anyway, I bought him a box of popcorn - which he's never had before - and he sat on mine or Mama's lap the entire 2 hours, staring at the floor in a trance and, without looking at the box, shoving popcorn in his mouth until over 1/2 the box was gone. Wow! Guess he likes popcorn. We had a lot of fun.

Ah, what a guy. We never stop laughing around here, so if you need to laugh, come on over!

Three of His Favorites

2009-03-21T20:44:00.009-07:00

Christopher really likes the computer, Bob the Builder, and basketball...so why not have them all at once?

Trip to Nashville, Memphis and the ER

2009-03-20T18:55:00.009-07:00

Since Andy has been having to travel quite a bit for work, we decided to join him on a trip. He had to be in Memphis, TN on Monday and Tuesday - which meant we could leave Johnson City on Friday and visit Ballingers over the weekend in Nashville. It WAS a good idea. Christopher had a few sniffles and a little cough, but didn't seem really sick, so we went ahead with the trip and left Friday afternoon. The trip to Nashville went smoothly (much better than previously) and we arrived around 10pm at Bill and Amber's. Saturday morning, we lounged around the house and the boys worked on a "man" project. Kaela and I watched a movie since Amber had left for a conference.

Helping Bill attach something to his work bench.

Christopher and Daddy - proud of their job.

Well...somehow while the boys were working, Christopher found a marker and decorated the inside of the garage door. Oops.

After nap time, I noticed Christopher's cough had gotten much worse, and he wasn't coughing anything up. He had a slight fever and hadn't slept well in about 48 hours, so we called his doctor who said to take him in to see someone. Since Andy was supposed to pick up a rental car that afternoon before the enterprise place closed, and the clinic we found wasn't open much longer, Bill and Andy took Kaela to get the car and I left with Christopher to go to the doctor. While I was waiting to be seen, Andy called and said they were bringing Kaela because she was coughing too. Ever taken your kids to a doctor in another city away from home? Not too fun. Christopher of course didn't know him and was nervous. But we got through it. I explained to him that we were going to the doctor so he could help him get better. As the doctor tried to look in Christopher's mouth/throat, he suggested different things were in Christopher's mouth and he needed to see them and possible get them out. The doctor said Christopher sounded like he had a little bronchiolitits, and prescribed some antibiotics and some cough medicine for bedtime to help him sleep. Kaela sounded ok still, so nothing for her. About 1/2 a block down the street after we left, Christopher blurted out: "Mommy, he didn't." "Who didn't what, Christopher?" To which he responded, "The doctor. He didn't pull the cough out of my throat." Andy and I tried hard not too laugh hysterically at him. So cute. Then, when we pulled up to the drive-thru at Walgreens to pick up his antibiotic, Christopher shouted from the backseat, "I want a hamburger please. Yes, and fries." Not laughing was out of the question.

Saturday night we ate at the Ethiopian restaurant again. SO DELICIOUS!!!!! I love Ethi food.
The kids slept great that night and Christopher seemed to be feeling a bit better Sunday morning, so we decided to go ahead and go the rest of the way with Andy to Memphis.

We arrived to find the hotel we had booked was old and musty...after about an hour, we packed up and decided to find a new one since my allergies were already acting up from the mold in the vents. Finally, we settled in for the night at the hotel Andy normally stays in when he goes - Park Place. It was really nice.

Monday, we woke up to Andy's alarm. Right away I noticed both kids were wheezing - Christopher worse than Kaela. So as Andy headed out the door to work, I packed the kids into the van and headed to a hospital that I found on google! =) Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Even though we went through the ER, it was fast - no long wait to see someone. A nurse in triage saw the kids then sent us over to the doctor in a clinic on the other side of the hospital. Fortunately, they had little red wagons that you could use to transport kids around.

The doctor said both kids were wheezing and she wanted chest x-rays, so they had to put on little gowns...so cute sitting in their gowns in the little red wagon.

Sweet little girl.

Silly monkey - chowing down on cheerios.

Waiting to go get x-rays.

For the xr-rays, they had to sit on what looked like a little bicycle seat in the middle of a hole that had been cut out of a board mounted on 4 legs. Then we had to hold their arms above their head and the nurse buckled two plastic shields around them that held them in position for the x-ray. I thought they would freak out, but we made a game out of it and neither one seemed to mind much.

They were both so good - not one cry or whine out of either of them the whole time we were there except during their breathing treatments. Thankfully, the x-rays were clear and the RSV screen negative, so the doctor ordered a 5 day course of steroids and breathing treatments (inhalers). We had to place the inhaler at the end of a spacer (like a baby bottle) that had a mask attached to the other end to fit over their mouth and nose. Since you can't tell such young children to hold their breath, you spray the inhaler and hold the mask in place for 10 breaths. Yeah. That didn't go so well. My poor babies.

They responded well to the treatment, so we were released to go "home" - or back to the hotel. Instead of spending another night in Nashville on the way home to break up the trip, we went all the way home on Tuesday. The kids are doing much better - praise the Lord all it required was an inhaler and some steroids. We're thankful we didn't have to get admitted 8 hours from home!

Quite the adventure for our first "family business trip." Guess we won't try that again for a little while. =)

P.S. And no, I didn't take the camera with me to the ER - I used the one on my phone.

Jumping in the Mall

2009-03-12T18:56:00.009-07:00

We took Christopher to the mall to get a pretzel, and he saw people jumping on this and wanted to try it. Haha I thought. I was sure he would be a little scared when it came time to actually do it. But, after the lady told him he had to pay cash, he told me we had to get some. So we did, and we paid...and he jumped! Way to go, Christopher. We're so proud of you.

Supper With Aunt SaraBeth

2009-03-11T18:53:00.009-07:00

Andy went to Lexington on business on Monday, and came home yesterday around 7 pm. I worked from noon - 11:30 pm, so Laura Brown, Mama and SaraBeth all took turns watching the kids since everyone had something scheduled at different times today! Good thing our kids are flexible. =)

SaraBeth took Christopher out on our back porch for dinner. Of course, he thoroughly enjoyed eating outside.

Bravery Sets In

2009-03-10T18:39:00.009-07:00

Astonishing "fear" spread over me when I realized how brave and carefree Christopher has become. Yesterday, as we walked in the door from running some errands, I told Christopher we could go outside and play after I laid a sleeping Kaela in her crib. Without giving it much thought, I had already unlocked the back door...mistake. Literally, I walked up the stairs, laid her in her crib, and immediately walked back down the stairs in time to see my son disappearing around the corner of our sunroom, pushing his big tonka truck. I quickly, yet quietly followed him out and peeked around the corner to see where and how far he would go alone. I was surprised to watch him walk clear down behind the furthest townhouse from us, and push his truck down the hill. He then proceeded to push it back up and then down twice before he yelled: "Mommy. I need help, it's heavy!" He still hadn't even looked around to see if I was there. Yikes! Here are a couple pictures I snapped - they're from far away since he didn't know I was out there yet.

Going to retrieve his truck.

Strong boy - pushing it all the way back up the hill.

And down it goes again.

After pushing the truck down the hill several more times, we walked a few feet up the hill then Christopher rode the truck down to the bottom. He laughed so hard he almost puked. We had a great time together.

Aunt Dorcas and the Tolan Clan

2009-03-09T18:22:00.009-07:00

This past weekend, many from the Tolan clan gathered in Johnson City for a coming of age party for my cousin, Mark Cromer. It was fun to see everyone, eat lots of delicious food, fellowship and play games. And of course, Christopher LOVED all the attention.

Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Tolan with their great-grandkids, Kaela and Christopher.

Grandma is still spry enough to turn Christopher upside down over her shoulder - which he thought was great fun.

Giggle giggle.

Christopher really latched on to great-Aunt Dorcas for the weekend. Whenever she wasn't by his side, he walked around the house yelling, "Dooorcaaass! DOOORcaaass! Where are you, Dorcas?" They had lots of fun together, even riding in Christopher's wagon while Babu pulled them both around the driveway.

While walking to my parent's house for dinner on Sunday, Christopher started yelling her name from a block away as soon as he saw the house. Of course, she came running out to meet him - yes - he really can yell that loudly! =)

Christopher and Great Aunt Dorcas Cromer. Of course, she's always been a great aunt, he just made it official. =)

"I like your necklace, Dorcas."

Papa and Gramma drop in for a visit

2009-03-02T18:11:00.009-08:00

Mom and Tony had been on a mini-vacation just north of our place, so "on their way home" they stopped by to squeeze in a quick and much needed visit with their grandkids. It was too short, but fun to have them from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. Hopefully next time it'll be for a longer time! =)

Kaela has changed A LOT since Thanksgiving, so Mom and Tony were excited to see all her new 'tricks' and beautiful smiles.

Kaela showing Gramma some of her toys.

Kisses from Gramma.

Mom brought a bunch of her old preschool things down, and Christopher had a blast!

After learning all about different magnets and the games he could play with those, he drove cars around the "city" with Gramma for hours. His favorite thing was rolling his car over the bear's head (printed on the material) and giving it a headache! Hmm...

Throwing paper airplanes that Auntie Meg sent down for him.

Watching old videos of himself when he was younger with Papa and Gramma.

So...very short yet packed with fun. Thanks for coming!

7 months old

2009-02-27T05:44:00.009-08:00

Our princess is 7 months old today - wow! This evening, she decided to show us that she could sit now...I'll have to get a picture of that soon. Kaela loves to smile, and adores her brother. She always knows what she wants, and tells us pretty clearly. A little fuss to let us know she's awake and wants up; another little fussy noise and pushing backward until she's lying down in your arms to let you know she's hungry (or trying to nurse); trying to sit up when she needs to burp; spitting out her bottle when she's full; another little fuss when she's tired of talking to you and wants to play with her toys; and finally, a short little whine/cry when she's done and ready for bed. It's amazing how easy she is to take care of - and a blessing! She's always happy, and often talking to us, playing quietly with her toys or watching her brother. Kaela truly is our beloved sweetheart.

Here are a few pictures of our beautiful girl.

This smile rarely leaves her face when she's awake.

See my curly Mohawk?

I was working at the computer the other day, and Christopher was playing in his toy room with his toys, while Kaela was asleep upstairs. Suddenly I heard on Kaela's monitor: "Hi beauful Kaea. Hi. You awake Kaea? Hi beauful Kaea." I went running upstairs to discover that my son had learned to climb into her crib! He was straddled over her on his knees, his face about 1/2 inch from hers, alternating between talking to her and leaning close enough to kiss her. It was so adorable! (And of course, a little alarming. I put a handle lock on the OUTSIDE of her door so he can't get in.)

Today when I went in to wake her up , he climbed on up into her crib again - and I decided I needed the camera.

"Hi, Beauful Kaea!"

Kiss.

"Wanna make it go, Kaea? I fix it by you self."

After I took some pictures of Kaela, Christopher wanted his picture taken too. Of course, did he cooperate for a picture?! =)

What a goof!

Our sweet, rambunctious, fun-loving, creative, curious, joyful 100% boy!

What blessings from heaven!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-02-24T13:04:00.009-08:00

It seems this girl will sleep just about anywhere and through anything. Of course, she kind of has to with Christopher around the house...there's no such thing as "quiet time."

She's started spitting her pacifier out when she's ready to go to sleep, and sucking her thumb. It's so adorable...we lay her down in her crib and turn her mobile on for a few minutes. She watches it for a minute or so, then rolls on her side, rubs her eyes, and puts her little thumb in her mouth. What a doll.

(2/24/09)

Of course...she also sleeps in Daddy's arms...

(1/9/09)

Little hand - she loves holding a finger as she eats or falls asleep.

...and if Mommy isn't fast enough getting her into her bed when she's ready for her nap, she'll just fall asleep in her chair too. =)

(1/14/09)

Friends

2009-02-22T17:20:00.009-08:00

Isn't it wonderful to have friends. Christopher sure thinks so! Here are some pictures of his.

Isaiah spent the night with us one weekend, and the boys enjoyed a cookie monster pancake breakfast.

Sunny Roan and Christopher discovered that the best thing to load in Christopher's gigantic dumpster truck (Thanks Bill!) :) was...

EACH OTHER!

(2/6/09)

They took turns pushing each other back and forth through the dining and living rooms.

Then they really got smart...we wouldn't have to take turns riding if we both got in and somebody else pushed us, right? I'm sure that's what they must have been thinking. Too cute!

He really can get anybody to do anything...

Miss Nicolette and Uncle Tony following Christopher's cue.

(2/12/09)

And of course, his sister. He really adores her and enjoys playing with her now. When he's playing with his cars or tools, he often takes one of them over to her and offers it to her so she can play too.

Sharing a moment on Christopher's new rug in his room - he's so proud of it! We bought it together in the store and brought it home. As we laid it out, he excitedly asked, "A rug for you? THANKS, Mommy, THANKS!"

(1/27/09)

Lazy morning.

(2/5/09)

Christopher loves helping with Kaela. He's always so concerned if she even makes the smallest noise resembling a cry. He immediately lets me know that "Kaea's not happy." and I need to take care of her. If I don't respond instantly, he's off to figure out himself.

"Look Daddy, I'M feeding Kaela!"

(2/22/09)

And of course, let's not forget his best friend: Daddy! =)

Playing with his racetrack.

(2/22/09)

And one random picture because I forgot to pack this away with the Christmas stuff, and as I was getting ready to take it down I just had to take a picture. This was Christopher's first masterpiece arrangement of the kids' advent calendar that Sho Sho made for them this past Christmas season. He was so excited to put up a new thing each night.

Just Like You, Daddy

2009-02-18T12:46:00.009-08:00

During this past month, Daddy has become Christopher's idol. He worships everything Daddy does, has, says...everything! When Daddy's around, Mommy's suddenly not allowed to help with anything. =) So Andy's been feeding him, playing with him, bathing him and putting him to bed, because Christopher will have it no other way. Too bad Andy hates it so much! ;)

Andy hurt his neck awhile back and was having some severe spasms that were making him nauseated from the pain. Drugged up on pain killers and muscle relaxants, he spent the day on our couch...and Christopher never left his side except when Mommy forced him to take a nap.
I had bought some vanilla nutrition drinks for Andy, because he was having a hard time eating much and he needed something to take his pills with. Of course, Christopher wanted to taste it and finished Andy's whole drink! So the next time, I dug out a pediasure I had in the back of a cupboard and gave it to him when Andy had his. He was so proud to have a drink "just like you, Daddy."

(1/22/09)

One evening while I was at work, Andy kept the kids and he and Christopher made omelets.
"Wanna help you, Daddy?"

(2/3/09)

He was thrilled that he got to stir help cook the eggs, "just like you, Daddy."

And of course...they ate them, and Christopher had eggs on his plate, "just like you, Daddy."

Christopher, Kaela and I ran a quick errand to Kohls the other day. As we passed the toy section, I "lost" my son as he headed directly to play with them. So we spent a little time playing with the toys, and then he found a computer. He LOVES the computer and was very excited about the idea of having his own. It happened to be on a huge clearance sale, so we bought it and brought it home. As soon as Andy walked through the door, Christopher went running to him exclaiming..."I got a puter just like you, Daddy!"

Having Daddy play with him on his new computer wasn't enough. Christopher helped Andy get his computer out and then showed him where to lie down beside him on the rug so they could both work on their computers. I love it!

(2/17/09)

Sadly, we did end up returning the computer because the programs on it were a little too old for him and the screen wasn't backlit so it was really hard to see anything. But it was fun while it lasted, and fortunately he hasn't missed it...he took it back himself and we exchanged it for a small child-digital camera "Just like Daddy's." I'm so thankful there's so much love between them.

First Food

2009-02-06T12:50:00.009-08:00

Kaela had her first cereal on Sunday. She's been so interested in our food lately, watching every bite as it moves from a plate to a mouth. So we thought we'd introduce her to solid food.

First bite.

"What is this? I'm not so sure about it."

"But I'll open my mouth for some more."

We've tried a couple times, and although she seems to like it, she still has a little bit of a tongue thrust, so we'll just keep trying ever once in awhile until that's gone...then I think she'll devour it!

Snowball Fight

2009-02-05T13:11:00.009-08:00

Last time it snowed, SaraBeth came over the day after we had taken Christopher sledding in the back yard. She walked in and his first question was, "You wanna go sedding, SarBeth?" And they were out the door! =)

After sledding for awhile, Christopher enjoyed his first snowball fight.

Making a snowball...

...chasing Aunt SaraBeth...

...and throwing the snowball..."huh huh huh...I got you!"

...it was quite a bit colder than the day before, so Christopher's rosy cheeks and nose encouraged him to come in and get warm. Thanks, Aunt SaraBeth!

Quote of the Day

2009-02-04T19:18:00.009-08:00

Christopher got milk all over his shirt at dinner tonight, and so he learned how to take his shirt off, and this is how it went:

Christopher: (grins ear-to-ear) "I'm going to town"
parents: "You're going to town?"
Christopher: "I'm going to NAKED TOWN!!

NAKED TOWN!
NAKED TOWN!
NAKED TOWN!"

The end.

Kaela Laughs!

2009-01-24T17:34:00.009-08:00

Our sweet girl laughed for the first time on Thursday. Andy and I were sitting in the living room, and I made some silly noise and Kaela laughed. One, short little laugh, but it was so cute - adorable! She's been making some little "pre-laugh" noises the past week or two, so we knew it was coming. I'm glad we both heard her...she's always smiling, so it's fun to hear her laugh now too.

Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch feeding Kaela. When I sat her up to burp her, Christopher came over and leaned on the couch right beside her. Hoping she'd laugh so he could hear her, I started smiling and making more silly noises - and she laughed! Christopher thought it was great. He had such a big smile on his face.

Today, Christopher was playing with his car on the floor in the living room, and I decided to sit down and join him. Kaela sat on my lap. I picked up a car and pushed it toward Christopher and said "zoom." Kaela just watched. Then Christopher pushed the car back toward me, and as it crashed into my foot, he said "zoom!" Kaela belly laughed and Christopher's eyes lit up as he joined her. We pushed that car back and forth for at least 5 minutes. Each time I pushed it, Kaela just sat there, but every time Christopher pushed it, she belly laughed again. He was bouncing on his knees and laughing so hard, delighted that HE was making Kaela laugh. And so it begins - the entertainer and the entertainee. =) What fun!

It all started with a Christmas tree

2009-01-21T19:27:00.009-08:00

~January 21, 2009 - It All Started With A Christmas Tree
I took our tree down yesterday, much to Christopher’s dismay. While sitting in his high chair eating breakfast this morning, we had the best conversation. (Christopher’s words are in bold, Rachel’s in italics)

Mommy, where did the tree go, Mommy?
I had to take it down and put it outside by the garbage can. The needles were starting to fall off and make a mess.
I WANT it the Cwismas tree. I want it in here.
Well, next Christmas we can get another one.
Next Cwismas? It’s Cwismas now?
No. Not until December. Right now it’s January, then February, then March…then December. Do you like Christmas?
Yes. I got presents.
Yep. You got presents. It was Jesus’ birthday on Christmas, so we had a party and presents because we are happy he was born.
It was Jesus’ birthday?
Yep.
Where did Jesus go?
Well, good question. Jesus is in heaven, and he’s right here with us.
I don’t see Jesus.
I know. It’s kind of confusing, but Jesus lives in your heart.
He lives in your heart? Right in here?
Uh huh.
And Jesus lives in your heart? And Jesus lives in heaven?
Yes.
Where did heaven go? I don’t see him.
Well, heaven isn’t a person. It’s a place – it’s Jesus’ home.
Where did it go?
Hmm…well, heaven is in the sky.
Way up high I can’t reach it?
That’s right. It’s way up high – too high for us to reach or see.
Can I go on an airplane up high and reach it?
That’s a good idea, Buddy, but it’s even higher than we can go in an airplane.
And we can’t go there?
Well, right now we can’t go there, but someday, hopefully when you’re a little older, then we can go to heaven.
And Jesus is in heaven?
Yes.
And Jesus is in your heart?
Yep. He wants to live in your heart if you ask him to. Do you want Jesus to live in your heart?
Yes.
Ok. Well, you have to pray to Jesus and tell him that you’re sorry for your bad choices and that you want him to live in your heart and help you make good choices.
Sorry Jesus making bad choices. Help you do good choices. Can you live in your heart, Jesus? I love you, Jesus.
*cry* *smile* Great, Christopher. Now Jesus lives in your heart.
And Jesus lives in Mommy’s heart?
Yes.
Andy Daddy’s heart?
Yep.
And in Kaea’s heart?
Do you want him to live in Kaela’s heart?
Yes. Can you live in Kaea’s heart, Jesus?
That’s sweet Christopher – we can ask Jesus to live in Kaela’s heart too until she’s big enough to ask him.
And we can see Jesus?
Well, not right now – but sometimes he talks to you so he can help you make good choices.
And not make bad choices?
Right.
I want to get the cwismas tree, Mommy.

And so we went in circles about Christmas, Jesus and Heaven for about 20 minutes. What a wonderful, precious memory! Praise the Lord that he’s working in Christopher’s heart already. He has such a sweet, sensitive spirit. We can’t wait to see what God does through our little “Christ bearer.”

It snowed!

2009-01-20T11:00:00.009-08:00

Christopher was delighted yesterday when he looked outside and saw our "winter wonderland." It's so beautiful around here with everything covered in snow. This time, it stuck and there was actually enough to go outside and play. Sho Sho and Aunt Anna came over at lunchtime yesterday, and Andy came home from work. We all bundled up and went out in our backyard, which has a perfect sledding hill. Christopher had a ball, and the rest of us rather enjoyed it too!

Sledding down the hill with Daddy - he'd never been sledding before and he LOVED it!

Traipsing to the top of the hill so they can ride again.

Kaela Ruth - her first snow! Good thing her warm hat came in the mail this week! =) Great timing.

Kaela took a ride on the sled too - she went down with Mommy and her big brother, Christopher.

Sho Sho and Aunt Anna rode down the hill too...then Christopher even went down by himself! His laughter was catching.

We built Christopher and Kaela's first snowman on our patio out back. Christopher enjoyed putting the eyes, nose, mouth, hat, buttons and arms on the snowman.

Rosy cheeks.

This morning, the first thing Christopher asked was if he could go sledding again. Luckily, Aunt SaraBeth showed up just in time to take him out again. I'm so glad he's enjoying it.

We took more pictures and some videos, but not on our camera, so I'll have to get them before I can put more up.

Our Sweetheart

2009-01-11T11:50:00.009-08:00

Andy, Kaela and I spent some quality time together yesterday evening. Andy set up the studio and we had fun taking some mother-daughter pictures. I LOVE our little girl - she's so precious. Enjoy the pictures.

Sleepy Baby

Snuggling Mommy

My precious little one

Sharing secrets

Our beloved, Our Sweetheart

Welcome, Baby Ada.

2009-01-05T13:55:00.009-08:00

After hearing Thursday morning at 2:30 am that Lizbeth was in preterm labor in Lexington, Andy and I talked about heading up that way later in they day (after we got some sleep!) =) We found out around 5 am that Dave and Lizbeth were proud parents of Ada Grace, born at 35 weeks. Andy woke me several hours later saying they had had to admit her to the NICU because of some trouble breathing and with her blood sugar. Within two hours, we were packed and out the door. Knowing what it was like to have your baby in the NICU, we wanted to go up and help however we could. Praise the Lord that even by the time we arrived, Ada was already improved and back in the room with Dave and Lizbeth. We visited with them for a little while, then headed into Wilmore to stay at Justus and Ellen's house. Friday, Andy, Dad and Justus went to tour a distillery, while Ellen and I took care of the babies. After lunch, the boys took the kids and Ellen and I got some time to shop and visit with Lizbeth and Ada. A fun day. Saturday, we stopped by the hospital for a couple hours on our way out. We took Christopher over to the NICU to see his old doctor/nurses. There were about 6-7 people working that had taken care of him, and actually recognized him before we introduced him. They enjoyed seeing how much he had grown, and he liked flirting with all the pretty nurses. =) It was a great trip and fun to see some wonderful friends and welcome Ada into the world.

Ada, Rachel, Andy, Christopher, Lizbeth and Kaela, Dave.

The Whipple Family!

Cortny bought matching PJs for our kids, which are absolutely adorable. At Hunter's house, one night when I was putting Christopher to bed, he wanted Kaela in his bed too. So cute!

Vacation after Christmas

2008-12-31T17:51:00.009-08:00

Andy had to go back to work Monday - Wednesday after Christmas, but that wasn't too bad. Three days of work then another long weekend! We've had fun the last few days since Christmas. Here's a look at some of our activities:

Christopher helped me put Kaela's exersaucer together. He actually screwed in a couple of the screws. I was impressed! It was fun to "build" it with him, and Kaela loves it - especially when her brother is playing with the toys for her so she can watch. =)

One of our neighbors broke her foot just before Christmas and was in the hospital for awhile - now she's home with a walking boot. Her handrail for her front steps got run over by a lawn mower this summer, and now she really needed one to be able to get in and out of her house. So...we built one. Daddy came over and helped Christoper and I put up a rail for Ms. Mary. Or rather...we helped him. =) Christopher had fun and even brought his tools out so he could help Babu.

Now he proudly tells anyone around while we're outside: "I built that." Never too young to teach good lessons, right?! Always take care of the widows and the poor.

DeDa came to visit!! He arrived Monday after Christmas and stayed through Thursday.
Kaela enjoyed looking at DeDa's face and smiling a lot at him.

Christopher enjoyed having DeDa around, especially after DeDa gave him more tools for Christmas - they had fun putting together the work bench and playing with the tools afterward.

I realized the other day that Kaela was as old as Christopher was (5 months) when we took one of my favorite pictures of him. So I dug out the sleep sack and found a similar hat and we positioned her about how he was on our ugly orange couch...just to see if and how similar they looked. Definitely two different children - though equally as cute!

Kaela .......................................... Christopher

Kaela getting her hair washed - she LOVES having her head rubbed/scrubbed. It's so cute.

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T14:16:00.009-08:00

After returning home from the mountains on Tuesday, we spent Wednesday preparing for Christmas. Wednesday evening, we attended a candle light service at church. Christopher caught on to the true meaning of Christmas during the candle-lighting part of the ceremony. We were all holding our unlit candles. As they lit a few up front and then walked down each aisle lighting the candles of each person on the end of each row, Christopher saw them coming. He held his out and said, "Want some!" When mine was lit, I turned to light Andy's and Christopher held his out too. After passing it on down the row, we all held our candles up and continued to sing Christmas hymns. Christopher kept wanting to share his light with everyone, leaning his candle over until his flame touched another person's wick/flame. Our hearts melted and our eyes welled up with tears as we watched our "Christ-bearer" spread the love of Jesus on Christmas Eve. What a blessing it is to have children!

Andy and I had a memorable time wrapping our gifts that evening - it was fun to stay up late and talk.

Christmas morning we went over to my parents house for the day. We gathered around to read the Christmas story, sing some songs and pray.

Christopher explaining something to Sho Sho.

We also lit all the candles on the yule log, and at Christopher's lead, sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. Christopher then got to open the last pocket on the advent calendar and put baby Jesus in the manger.

Then we gathered to open gifts. It was so much fun this year to watch Christopher...he actually "got in" to unwrapping presents. He received his wish and got lots of stickers, though no yogurt video. =)

Getting ready to open a present from Daddy and Mommy.

Stickers! And...hmm...batteries...hmm...

He had to put the batteries in his pocket before opening the rest of his gift.

MOON! IT'S THE MOON! (Oh yeah, best parents in the world - we bought our son THE moon for Christmas! ;0 ) He was pretty excited. I found this cool night light on amazon that is contoured and designed to really look like the moon. It cycles through all 12 stages of the moon, and has a remote control that Christopher can use to change the cycle. He loves it.

We went into the hallway and shut all the doors so we could see the moon in the dark. After exploring his new remote and seeing what happened each time he pushed the button, he said, "Want to see it fly." So Babu lifted it up in the air for him. That night when we got home, he was half awake as we carried him in from the car and he said. "You want moon on your wall." You want us to put the moon up on your wall in you big boy room? "I'd really like that." Needless to say, it went up right away!

Aunt SaraBeth and Kaela Ruth.

Christopher showing Babu his new moon.

A big boy cup from Babu and Sho Sho with his name on it. He did great with it for the first few minutes before we ended up with a puddle of water on the floor.

Snacking on marshmellows while we cooked lunch.

For brunch, we ate waffles with blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, vanilla yoghurt, honey, cinnamon, bananas and raspberries on them. SO DELICIOUS!

Some grad students from Ghana joined us all for Christmas dinner, where we sat around the table enjoying a delicious dinner and wonderful fellowship.

A wonderful Christmas. Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Beautiful Sunrise, Amazing Photography

2008-12-23T17:37:00.009-08:00

Really, there's not much to say about these pictures, they speak for themselves. So I won't ruin them with comments throughout. I will say these two things: First, God is awesome! What beauty and creativity. And two, my husband is a great photographer. He had fun waking up early the last morning to try and capture the sun rising over the mountains. WOW!

As you view these pictures, think of these song lyrics:

FOR THE GLORY OF MY GOD
by DAVE CHUMCHAL

If the rocks cry out
I will sing along
Every knee will bow
I will be among them
For the glory of my God
When creation speaks of Your mighty name
I will join in voice and there proclaim
For the glory of my God

PRAISE THE LORD!

Tolan Christmas Vacation at Wolfe Laurel

2008-12-23T17:00:00.009-08:00

For Christmas this year, my parents found a great cabin in Wolfe Laurel, a ski resort near Mars Hill, NC. Our whole family was able to get together for five days and spend some great time together. It was such a blessing to all be together and be able to forget about work and chores at home and just relax and enjoy the Christmas holiday.

Andy found his favorite spot as soon as we arrived: a comfortable couch - and snuggled between his two kiddos.

We celebrated Andy's birthday with a delicious oatmeal cake with coconut icing/topping.

Christopher's favorite place in the whole house was a small closet off the living room. It was empty except for a few games on the top shelves, and it became his hideout. He spent HOURS in there, playing and eating...and ordering anyone nearby to come in there with him.

I think Babu may have spent the most time in there with him. One morning, they were in there for an entire hour! Whenever Christopher wanted out of the closet, if someone else was in there, he'd open the door just enough to squeeze out, look at the person and say: "Stay there. Be right back." and then close them in the closet and run get whatever it was he wanted. It was pretty funny.

The first morning, Andy took Christopher hiking for an hour or so. It was pretty cold out, but they had lots of fun. The next day, they went out again with Babu to go fishing and play in the water.

Christopher found rocks! And water! He's in "heaven."

Fishing with Babu.

Walking with Babu, hand in hand.

It was wonderful to get to spend extra time with my babies, not having to clean the house, pay bills...etc. I love them!

Christopher was trying to help Kaela hold a crayon so she could color with him.

We worked several puzzles together...I love puzzles.

Aunt SaraBeth, Christopher, Sho Sho, GiGi and Mommy.

Sho-Sho, Mollie, Si, Rachel, Kaela and SaraBeth all working on getting the edge together on a jellybean puzzle. Talk about concentration - that one took a lot of hard work and careful observation to get all those jellybeans in the right place!

We ate a lot of delicious food: mahi-mahi that Daddy caught in the Bahamas, indian food, thai stir fry (pictured below) and quesadillas. We each took a night cooking a meal, so that was fun, and allowed everyone not to have to spend every evening cooking.

(LtoR around the table) SaraBeth, Anna, GiGi, Daddy and Kaela, Mollie, Si, Andy, Christopher and Rachel. And I'm pretty sure my mom was in the picture - so either she got up to get something or she's hiding behind Anna's head. =)

It was great to have my grandma (mom's mom) there. She had a wonderful time with her great-grandkids, and we enjoyed hearing some of her stories from "the old days."

Each night, we sat in the living room, lit the yule log, and sang Christmas hymns, talked about old Christmas's and had a little devotional. Precious times.

Christmas cookies! Christopher was able to help make them this year, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Cutting out shapes with Babu and Aunt Anna.

Decorating them with icing with Daddy...oh what a mess, but oh what fun!

Babu and Christopher had there own little game where they crawled all around the house pretending to be bears. Christohper thought this was pretty cool!

Then they found a bear rug to wear while they crawled around. Christopher wasn't so sure about having it on his back, but liked it on Babu.

The gang: Si, Mama, Daddy and Anna; Mollie, Andy and Kaela, Rachel and Christopher, and SaraBeth.

I think we got one a little better than this - where Christopher was actually smiling - but it was such a silly smile with his eyes scrunched closed and Kaela looking away, that I thought I'd put this one up instead since it shows what it was like trying to get a picture. =)

Thanks Daddy and Mama! It was a lot of fun!

Christmas Photo Shoot

2008-12-18T18:19:00.009-08:00

We've had a lot of fun with our studio equipment this holiday season. Andy set up all the lights and back drop, I posed us, and then with a little help from a remote control, we took our first family portrait in our studio. It was challenging since there was noone behind the camera for Christopher to look at, but out of about 99 we managed to get 1! =)

Merry Christmas from the Didyks!

Andy took a couple more shots of Kaela and me.

And then one of Mommy with her kids. Christopher was giving Kaela a kiss.

Taking this shot of Andy and Christopher was a little easier since I was behind the camera for him to look at. And actually, the way I finally coaxed a smile out of our son was by "hitting" myself in the head with one of his toy plastic balls and yelling "OUCH!" And then snapping a picture immediately. Silly guy...so compassionate yet thinks it's hilarious when someone says ouch.

While Andy was in Memphis over the next few days, I attempted my first use of the studio lights and took some pictures of my siblings to use as Christmas gifts. We had a lot of fun, and I think they turned out pretty well. Of course, how can you go wrong with such beautiful/handsome subjects, right? ;)

Anna Leigh and SaraBeth.

My sisters.

Mollie and Silas.

And finally, Uncle Silas found a pretty cool present in Santa's bag!

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

2008-12-17T11:33:00.006-08:00

Andy is 27! Unfortunately, he had to spend all but the last 2 hours of his birthday in Memphis on a business trip. So we decided to make it fun for him anyway. I was able to get in touch with some of the people he was working with and tell them it was his birthday. One of them knew a restraunt in town that served his favorite dessert, so they took him there. I called ahead and ordered a dessert to be delivered to his table with a Happy Birthday from his wife.

I also found a place that would deliver flowers to the office he was in, so sent those along with a card. Check them out (the picture was taken once he got home).

When he came home at 10pm that night, the kids and I met him at the airport, then brought him home to open presents.

Though an unusual birthday, he said he still felt special. And he is! Happy Birthday, Babe! You're a wonderful husband and daddy and I'm so blessed you're mine. XO

The Cutest Thing You've Ever Seen

2008-12-15T18:31:00.006-08:00

Ok, so maybe I'm a little prejudice, but really...these next two pictures have to be right up there on the cutest thing you've ever seen. I think these are some new favorite pictures of our son - our little photographer! Andy and I had set up the studio to take some Christmas pictures, and when Andy walked away from the camera for a minute, Christopher decided he'd take over as the photographer. =)

Don't you just want to squeeze him?! So cute.

Here are a couple pictures he took later on using our smaller point and shoot camera.

A picture of our tree.

Self-portrait with Daddy.

And a picture of his sister sleeping in her carseat.

And finally, last but not least, (and not one of Christopher's pictures), our beautiful angel and her gorgeous smile!

Putting Up Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-06T18:39:00.006-08:00

We decided to go with a little tree this year, so we all piled in the van and drove about 1/2 mile to a parking lot where someone was selling pre-cut trees. The nice thing about this year was that it WAS actually cold AND SNOWING...so it made it feel much more like Christmas time than the last time we went out to get a tree in shorts and t-shirts. Christopher had fun running between all the trees saying, "This one. This one. Yes." And of course, having Daddy chase him all around the lot. The tree fit in the back of our van, so we loaded it up, brought it home and started decorating.

Christopher made it nice and challenging to string the lights on the tree because he kept turning them off and on, so it was hard to see where I had already put them and what areas might need more lights.

Look what I can do, Mommy! "Turn off. Turn it on. Look at the Cismas lights, Mommy. Wanna see them? Yes."

And in the end, we finally got them all on, hung our ornaments, and then stood and smiled at Kaela watching the lights that Christopher made blink for her on the tree. It was a little chilly, so Daddy wrapped a blanket around her in her bumbo.

Here's a picture of the "computer genius" I mentioned in the last post, scrolling through our blog. He LOVES it.

I forgot to mention that as I was packing for our trip to Fort Wayne, Christopher decided he would like to help Mommy get ready.

Oh yeah...ALL OVER the counter and him. And as soon as he saw me, he started pumping as fast as he could. What a guy!

Kaela sitting on the bed while Mommy packed.

Christopher's Anecdotes

2008-12-06T11:23:00.006-08:00

A few funny (or simply incredible) stories:

While riding in the back of Sho-Sho's van after picking up Anna Leigh from school, Christopher was listening to Anna talk about a power point presentation she had to make. After sitting quietly as she described it, he suddenly chimed in with: "What are you talking about, Anna?"

Our "computer genius" has, on his own, figured out how to navigate his way through our blog. He scrolls up and down, clicks on the videos to play them, and if he wants to see a picture a little bigger, he clicks on it - then hits the back space key to return to the blog when he's done.

A few days ago, he was counting to himself, and made it up to 25, messing up only two of the "teen" numbers!

While playing with Andy in Mom's living room in Fort Wayne, Christopher suddenly looked at Andy, pulled his shirt up, and yelled excitedly: "Let's get naked!!!!!!" Of course, everyone thought this was pretty funny by itself, but some nearly passed out with laughter as the situation progressed. Christopher wanted help taking his shirt off, then looked at Andy and said, "You get naked, Daddy." We tried to explain that Daddy didn't want to get undressed right then, but our words quickly faded into laughter as Christopher stood, one foot in front of the other as if he was getting ready to run, and with outstretched arm kept shaking his finger at Andy yelling: "Get naked, Daddy. YOU get naked. Get naked, Daddy. Clothes off, Daddy. Let's get naked. Daddy get naked."

Kaela was sitting (yes, sitting) in her bumbo on our dining room table as we were eating supper. Christopher climbed down from his chair, walked around to the chair nearest her and climbed up in that one. Then, in a high-pitched, sweet little voice, "Hi, Kaea. Beuful eyes, Kaea." Aww.

Christopher, what do you want for Christmas? Mmm. I want stickers. (nodding his head yes). Ok. Do you want any toys? Mmm...no. No toys. You don't want any toys? What about videos? That be nice. Want bideos shows. What kind of videos do you want? Gogurt bideo. That be good. You want to eat yogurt? No thank you. Want gogurt bideo. You want a video about yogurt? Want gogurt bideo. (nodding his head yes.) ...so, I guess it's stickers and a video about yogurt for our son this year! :)

"Let's play soccer team! Kick it Mommy. Wait. Back up. Kick it far." A new favorite is kicking the soccer ball with Daddy or Mommy back and forth in the living room or kitchen. He's got a great kick.

Christopher continually amazes us with how much he knows - that we don't know he knows. Sometimes while he's playing, he'll sing to himself or look at a book. He'll sing songs I don't remember singing to him for months. A couple weeks ago, he sat down beside Kaela on the floor and "read" her his Buzby book. So cute!

Christopher also now knows how stoplights and stop signs work. He'll see a stop sign from several blocks away and yell: Big stop sign, Mommy! Stop, Mommy! He also knows that the letters S*T*O*P spell stop. Or at a light, he'll tell me whether it's green and I should go or red and I should stop. Also, a couple days ago we were riding in the car and Andy was driving. The speed limit was 55 and as we were driving, Christopher said "Go slow, Daddy!" We laughed, and then were amazed when he glanced at the odometer and it was showing he was going 60mph. So we decided to see if it was just a fluke or not. Three more times Andy slowed down and the sped up over the speed limit. Each time he went above 55mph, Christopher would yell..."Go slow, Daddy!" Amazing...a great backseat driver! =)

Trip to Fort Fun for Thanksgiving

2008-12-05T16:40:00.006-08:00

We left Tuesday for Fort Wayne, and flew! We had two short flights - about 50min each on the plane - with a layover in Cincinnati. The first flight, we each had an empty seat beside us, so Christopher got his own seat. That was great! The second flight, poor Andy got stuck beside someone who was half in his seat as well and holding Christopher on his lap, so that flight was a little rougher for him. Kaela "enjoyed" her first flight by eating the whole time on both planes. She then slept most of the time on our layover, so she was easy to travel with. I was so thankful for the baby wrap, as it freed up my hands and kept her snug and warm and protected from curious people wanting to touch the baby.

Kaela on her first airplane, snuggled up against Mommy.

Christopher fastening his seatbelt for takeoff. He LOVED flying and was pretty excited about looking out the window at the cars, buildings, and then clouds.

Meg picked us up at the airport Tuesday evening. It was nice to leave Johnson City at 1 pm and arrive in Fort Wayne at 5:30 pm...a little nicer than a 10 hour turned xx? hour with the kids. We just hung out that night and had fun saying hello to everyone.

Wednesday was a lazy day. My grandparents drove up from Marion to meet Kaela Ruth and see Christopher...and maybe us...but I think just the grandbabbies! =)

Great-Grandpa Tolan, Kaela and Great-Grandma enjoy getting acquainted.

Kisses from Great-Grandpa.

The rest of Wednesday we hung out at the house, chasing Christopher and chatting with the fam.

Thursday was Thanksgiving at Dad's house. We went over around lunch time and just hung out for awhile. It was so nice to be able to relax for a few days and not feel quite so busy.

Aunt Jenny, Christopher, Auntie Meg and Kaela chilling on the couch - covered in blankets because as we all know...Dad's house is always cold! =) It actually felt nice to be a little chilly and get to wear sweaters and sweatshirts.

Deda and Kaela spending some quality time together doing "what Deda does best" (according to Deda) - sitting on the couch.

Dad cooked a delicious Thanksgiving meal for supper. It was fun to be with him and all the girls and catch up on "life." He told us some great news - the company that recently hired him decided that they needed him to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for 3 weeks! He left on Monday and won't be back until December 18th. Dad will be validating the book he just wrote on a communications shelter that was recently purchased by the Saudi government. Way cool.

Smiles for Mommy.

Friday we had a Didyk-Sobota family picture at the mall. I don't think the photographer liked us very much, or maybe she was just having a bad day, but we all had fun, especially for the last pose where we all grabbed several props and posed for a serious, very random, very funny family picture. Great tradition.

Saturday was Thanksgiving at Mom's house. A day full of delicious food, lots of lounging, and lots of laughing.

And here's the Gang: (from L to R)
Nichola and Zack, Megan, Tony Jr., Mom and Tony, Uncle Mark and Aunt Carrie, Allison and Jared, Stephanie and Josh, Kelly, Jenny, Andy, Christopher, Rachel and Kaela.

Naptime...snoozing with Papa.

Beautiful Kaela - all dolled up in her little dress.

Kaela trying out a sled that Aunt Jenny made in high school.

Auntie Meg - getting an early start on being the "favorite" Didyk aunt to Kaela...

...since she's already won that spot with Christopher. We all agreed it's because she's the only one willing to spend every waking minute of each day being "bossed" around by Christopher and doing anything and everything that he wants to do whenever he wants to do it. =) They had quite a bit of fun together.

Baking cookies - Christopher tried a bite out of each chunk of dough before putting it on the cookie sheet. So when the rest of the family went to eat a cookie and saw the cookies that looked like someone had gone through the whole batch and taken a bite out of each cookie - they had.

"Playing" Mario cart with Auntie Meg. I think he won, but we won't tell so Auntie Meg doesn't feel bad losing to a two year old. J/K.

Relaxing and visiting after thanksgiving dinner.

Friday late afternoon, a large number of us trekked out to the nearby Christmas tree farm to cut down a tree. Of course, Christopher was one of the ones to go and probably had the most fun of anyone. He was right in his element: outside with trees, sticks, mud and rocks! His favorite thing to do was hold Mommy and Auntie Meg's hand and JUMP over the Christmas trees. It started with little ones less than a foot tall...and ended with Christopher "flying" over our heads as he leaped over a five foot tree! We had fun and he was giggling constantly.

When we went to decorate the tree, Christopher went wild with excitement. He truly didn't know how to contain/express his joy. As Megan worked to put the lights on the tree, he danced and jumped around the room...bouncing off the walls...shouting "Good job, Meg! Way to go, Meg! Nice lights, Meg!" It was hysterical. We were all laughing pretty hard, especially when he stopped in the middle of room, put his arms straight out from his sides in the air, and started twisting back and forth at the waist, flinging his arms from side to side and cheering for Megan. I asked what he was doing and he replied "Helicopter dance, Mommy!" ]He was so enthralled with the "beautiful lights," especially when some of them dimmed off and on. He sat there looking at them, saying "Where lights go? Turn lights on, please. Here they come. There lights! Oohh!" Talk about entertainment for the evening.

Christopher trying on Santa's hat.

It was a great visit, enjoyed by all. We flew home on Sunday, Christopher slept part of the way on both flights and Kaela ate again both times, so it was a fairly easy trip home. Babu, Sho Sho and Aunt Anna picked us up at the airport, and Christopher began telling his "stories."

A happy holiday!

To Fort Wayne

2008-11-25T05:43:00.006-08:00

Just a quick update. We're headed up to Fort Wayne today for Thanksgiving. We're flying! Should be quite the experience with two little ones - we're excited and really looking forward to a break.

We had a fun weekend. Andy went camping with Silas on Friday night. Crazy boys - it was 17*F with snow on the ground. No thanks! But they had fun.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to hang out with my mom and sisters. They all came over for dinner, games and a movie, then SB spent the night here as well. In the morning we went to Panera for breakfast (all accept Mollie who sadly had to work). The kids were with me, but in sleeping most of the time, so we still had fun.

I've been meaning to post this for a long time. Here's a picture of Kaela in her bassinet. Mama made the bumper pad and sheet for her...I love it...so cute and nice and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving!

ROCK FIST!

Our Munchkins

Our Little Photographer

2008-11-17T12:12:00.006-08:00

Andy handed Christopher our small A-80 camera last week and showed him how to push the button and then look at his pictures on the screen. He LOVED it and didn't want to part with the camera. I think he took nearly 100 pictures...so here are two! =)

One of the light in his playroom.

And one of Mommy and Kaela.

Last weekend, Andy took Christopher on a date to a nearby park so they could throw rocks and play on the playground. That kid lives to be outdoors and always has so much fun.

Hmm...not so sure about the grasshopper, Daddy.

Andy took a few pictures of the beautiful oak tree behind our house. It just keeps dumping leaves! It has covered this yard 3 times already and they've blown all the leaves away...now it's full again and there are still leaves on the tree.

Christopher and I decided to surprise Andy while he was gone on a trip to Memphis. With some help from SaraBeth, Ryan, Anna and Joy, we transformed our living room (see the picture of Kaela and I above) into a restful sanctuary. It finally has color! We'll have to take a picture of the whole room put back together to post on here, but for now here is a picture and video of my littlest helper! And thanks to everyone else for the b-day $ and help painting. =)

Andy and I had fun on Saturday taking pictures of our princess. Andy got a few more backdrops, so we played around on white this time.

We started off in this basket - she was sound asleep and so cute, but by the time we got the lighting right...she was awake and not quite so happy! =) Still cute, though.

Peek-A-Boo.

Gazing at Daddy. She loves to look at faces now.

Later that evening, I tried unsuccessfully to get Christopher to pose for some pictures. He wasn't quite so interested, so I only got one before he was almost out of the bag and off to play. We'll try again sometime, because I think it would be cute. Also, notice the polo over pjs look - totally his idea. He's quite in to dressing himself these days.

Update on us: It's been a rough week. Andy was gone 3 days and has had some late nights and all nights at work...which leaves us both pretty worn out - him from work and me from having the kids all day and night. We're worn thin without much to give to each other right now, but we're still hanging in there and thanking the Lord for our beautiful, precious family.

My ultrasound at the OB doctor revealed nothing - everything looks normal, so still no answers as to what may have happened twice! He was able to start me on some medicine that is beginning to help with my post-partum depression - I'm feeling more energized and even happy at times - yeah!

Christopher is keeping us on our toes daily. From dropping his cup of milk into Andy's subwofer to sticking toys in the toilet...and then to singing to and calming Kaela, and singing with us on our laps before bedtime. What a wonderful child. He knows a lot of the books we read and can fill in almost any word we leave out of the songs we always sing at bedtime. It amazes me when he chimes in with words like "sufficient" "Messiah" "Intercessor" "Coming King" etc. How can we not smile?

Kaela continues to grow daily. She was up to 8 lb 9 oz when I weighed her last week, so I'm sure she's put on a few more oz by now too. She's awake more often during the day, and enjoys staring at lights, faces, and Chritopher as he runs around the room. I think her favorite is when Christopher kneels beside her and shakes her rattle and other toys and waves them in front of her face. Most of the time, she'll stop fussing whenever he goes over to her and sings, plays or shoves her paci in her mouth. A lucky little girl to have such a great big brother.

Fake Thanksgiving

2008-11-02T15:42:00.006-08:00

The 30th was my birthday. Earlier in the week, my brother and sister-in-law invited our whole family over to their house to celebrate, and also hang out with some friends that were in from out-of-town. We had a great time. Silas made Grandpa's BBQ chicken and it was delicious!

Christopher had fun playing with "Aunt Mollie's microwave" while we waited on dinner. He probably opened and shut that door close to 100 times!!!!! Then he discovered that he could play peek-a-boo through the glass when it was open. =)

My favorite - cherry chip cake - and Mama made an icing with real cherries to go on top. Yummy!

Everyone enjoying dinner. Thanks, Si and Mollie! It was our first visit to their new home. Fun!

Family Picture: Rachel, Christopher, Andy and Kaela Ruth

Whipples came to visit us this weekend for our annual "Fake Thanksgiving." (I know, I know...a terrible name because we ARE very thankful...it just somehow ended up being called this since it's never actually on Thanksgiving.) This was year four of Andy and Lizbeth cooking a huge thanksgiving feast while Dave and Rachel played video games. Ok, so this year with two kiddies...the video game part didn't really happen, but the feast did!

They decided to smoke the turkey on the grill this year - delicious!

Christopher discovered a new toy in Daddy's spray bottle for the grill. At first he sprayed it at the fire...then decided it was more fun to chase Daddy around the yard...

...and spray the windows. He thought it was hilarious and was giggling a lot.

Dave played a football video game for a little while - to entertain Christopher who really likes football. Every time a play was over and Dave had to do something else on another screen, Christopher would ask, "What happened? Where game go?" It was pretty cute. He was quite absorbed.

For dinner we had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn casserole, creamed spinach, cranberry sauce and rolls. So good. For dessert, Dave baked a pumpkin pie. Also very good.

Andy, Christopher, Rachel, Dave and pregnant with baby Ada - Lizbeth. Kaela was sleeping upstairs.

It was a great visit, and we were sad to see them leave. It's nice to have great friends that feel like family even when you live miles apart.

Well...we weren't really going to dress up for Halloween this year, but since we live in a community of townhouses full of elderly women that absolutely ADORE our son...they all had bought special things just for him and were asking what he would be and when he was coming by. So we participated! =) Christopher wore on old costume of Mommy's and dressed up as "Dr. Tolan" aka Babu. He then proceeded to perform wonderfully for his friends and charmed them all. He received animal crackers, apples and some candy. Of course, he knew where the candy dishes were in each house, so he made a beeline for those as soon as he was in each living room. So at 5 different houses, we chatted for awhile in the living room, Christopher listened to several heartbeats with his stethoscope, they gave him a treat, and then he hugged them all goodnight. It was pretty cute and they were all thrilled. I'm glad we went.

Snoozing with Daddy on a lazy Sunday afternoon - watching football.

Stories and Feelings

2008-10-29T09:18:00.006-07:00

Since I've been so bad at posting this month, there are seven new posts. You might want to scroll back and start at "Christopher's First Slumber Party" if you want to glance at all the new pictures and work your way back to this post. Actually, you'll probably have to click on the titles on the sidebar, because I don't think it scrolls all the way back to that one. Too many! =)

Sorry for the long pause...my goal now that I'm caught up is to have a new post up by Tuesday of each week. We'll see how that works out...but for now...sit back and relax! ;-)

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So that's an update on what we've done...here's an update on how we are.

Now that Kaela is three months old, I've officially been getting up 1-2 times a night for three months to pump or for the last 6 weeks since she's been home, Andy and I have been taking turns getting up to feed her and then I still have to pump. The good news is - at three months old, the baby should be able to sleep through the night. The bad news is - Kaela is three months old, but adjusted age just turned zero, so we have three more months to go before we can let her sleep all night long. =( Since she's done such a good job gaining weight, we have been able to drop one of the night feedings, so now we share getting up...one of us changes her and gets her bottle ready, then the other one feeds her. Kaela is getting much better at breastfeeding, but still gets worn out and needs to eat a little from a bottle at each meal, since it's easier. I've really started to try to push her a little harder now that she's officially full term - and I'm hoping by the end of November she'll be nursing and I can finally quit pumping and get some more time back in my life! Needless to say, we're pretty tired and worn down, but getting through each day happy to have two beautiful children.

Andy is doing well at work and enjoying his job. We're so blessed with wonderful jobs in a time of trouble for our economy, and we don't take that for granted. He's such a wonderful father and husband, and does so much to help me with the kids and around the house. I'm so thankful for him and for how much he cares for and works hard to provide for his family.

I'm doing well in general - I have so much to be thankful for. This past week, I realized I'm going through some post-partum depression. My emotions are pretty volatile, I feel depressed and worn down all the time and little things that I know I don't really care about make me cry (something I don't usually do very often.) I'm not motivated to do anything and don't have much of an appetite. All this makes it a little harder to chase a toddler, care for a newborn, keep up with a household and still have time for my hubby too. Andy has been so understanding and loving - we're working through this and I'm going to talk to my doctor tomorrow. My family has also been very supportive and my Mama has done so much to help me out. Thanks!

What really made me cry was a few nights ago, just a few days after I had told Andy about how I was feeling, he was putting Christopher to bed. They were saying a prayer when Christopher looked up at him and said, "Mommy sad, Daddy. Mommy not talking. Mommy sad." I had no idea a two-year old could express something like that - of course that broke my heart...the last thing I want to is affect my kids like that. I've worked really hard the last two days to lavish some love on him and smile and talk to him a lot. It's extra draining to put on a happy face when you're feeling down.

Of course, this makes everything harder for Andy too. I know he's tired and overwhelmed too, but he's doing such a great job pulling us all through this.

Tomorrow, we go to the doctor for a 3-D ultrasound of my uterus to see if a couple doctors can see anything that might be causing my early labors. Of course it will be good to know if they can find anything - but with feeling emotional already, I'm sure it's going to be a tough day.

So that's how you can pray for us right now.

On a lighter note, here are a couple funny Christopher stories that show his ever-developing mind.

Just before supper one time this week, he wanted some chips. Since I had to feed Kaela quick, I put about 5 in a little bowl and then sat down to feed her. He finished those rather quickly then brought me a different bag of chips and wanted more. I told him no because it was supper time and we would eat dinner soon. He seemed to accept that for a few minutes, before crawling up on the couch beside me where I had put the chips. In a pathetic little voice, he looked up at me with this puppy-dog expression and said "Cisser sick again. Need get all better." Then he opened the bag of chips and said, "Need more get all better. Cisser sick. Need more chips, Mommy." How could I resist? After each chip, he would look at me and say the same thing, explaining why he needed to eat each chip he pulled out of the bag. What a guy! What a mind!

Tonight, I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, when I heard something spill on the floor in the dining room. There was 1/3 of a bag of honey mustard pretzels all over the floor. I started to head that way, then decided to see what he would do. Normally he comes running when he dumps something to tell me that he made a mess and needs help cleaning it up. This time, I saw him peak over at me, then sit down and start cramming pretzels in his mouth as fast has he could. It was hard not to laugh. After a few minutes, I hear: "What you doing, Mommy?" "I'm cooking. What are you doing, Christopher?" A pause...then a whiny grunt...he didn't want to tell me. So I left him alone another minute or so then asked, "What are you doing Christopher, do you need help? "No. No need help. No mess." And pretzels were still being eaten as fast as a little hand could pick them up and as fast as a little mouth could eat them. Finally, I started to head into the room to see what he would do. He saw me coming and held up his hand saying, "No Mommy. No. No." and shaking his head vigorously with a panicked look on his face, knowing if Mommy saw the mess, she would make him stop and clean it up. So I turned back around. At dinner, he ate nothing - he was full of pretzels and there were only a few crumbs left on the floor to tell his story. Bad choice by Mom? Maybe - but it was too funny to stop him! Smart little guy.

Kaela Is Three Months

2008-10-27T12:19:00.006-07:00

Weighing in at 7lbs and 10 oz, Kaela turned three months old today. Amazing. I can't believe she's that old already, and we're so proud of how much she's grown. Thank you again for all your prayers for her. She's a very pleasant baby. When she's hungry or needs some attention, she just lets out a short little cry/yell. She does this 5-6 times, pausing for about 30 seconds or so in-between to see if anyone is listening. Only if you ignore her does she then start crying. When she does, Christopher has gotten pretty good at giving her a pacifier. He goes over, picks it up and says "It's okay, Kaea. Open your mouth, Kaea. Here's your papi. Open your mouth, Kaela." And he gently wiggles it in.

Kaela's doing great at learning to hold her head up, and she's beginning to track things really well with her eyes too. We all love her and enjoy having her as part of our family.

I took a few pictures of her for several reasons - one - to show what she looks like at 3 months. Two - to capture a memory of her wearing the same outfit that I wore when my parents brought me home from the hospital. And three - to show you all how much she looks like me! I included a couple pictures from my baby book of me, including the one of me in the same outfit.

Our beloved sweetheart...pretty in pink.

Rachel - a couple days old - wearing the same outfit Kaela now has on.

Pretty girl. Such big blue eyes.

And an adorable little mouth.

She's started smiling now - which is so much fun. I caught the end of one in this picture, but her eyes were almost shut. Oh well...next time.

Looking out the window.

Kaela Ruth. Just kidding...Rachel at 2 1/2 months.

Sho Sho and her Kaela.

And of course - can't forget our special Monkey!

T-Ball

2008-10-26T13:03:00.006-07:00

We spent lunch and the early afternoon over at Daddy and Mama's house. The whole family was there, so we decided to take a quick family picture since we didn't have one with Mollie and Kaela in it.

Mama was so excited to have 10 members now!

Anna, Mollie, Silas, Rachel, Kaela, Andy, Christopher, Cindy, Daniel and SaraBeth.

This morning, Christopher pulled out his t-ball set. Previously, he would try to hit the ball and barely knock it off, so he'd give up and just throw it. Well - he set it up in the kitchen while I was cleaning something up, and wailed it! I was so impressed. Against our better judgment, we let him hit it a few times in the house...Andy even allowed this:

Then we got smart and loaded it up and went over to play t-ball outside with Babu.

Christopher had been swinging with just one hand. Babu showed him how to hold the bat with two hands - then he really sent the ball flying.

I love the expressions on his face. He's so intent and always kept his eye on the ball as he swung. He rarely missed. I think between the basketball last a few days ago - perfect form without any coaching - and the t-ball today...we may have a natural born athlete! =)

Good follow-through too.

And of course the fall leaves are also a new fun thing to play in. When he woke up this morning after being gone all week, Christopher looked out the back window and saw all the leaves on our patio. He said: "What happened, Mommy? Leaves fall down. Leaves fall off tree." Then Andy showed him how to play in them - fun!

Playing in the leaves with Aunt Mollie.

Kaela's First Road Trip

2008-10-25T09:44:00.006-07:00

On Sunday we embarked on Kaela's first road trip. We left Johnson City around lunch and drove to Nashville, TN to visit Bill and Amber Ballinger. The 5 1/2 hour trip took us 8 1/2 hours! =) Gotta love traveling with a newborn and a 2 year old. Our stop in Knoxville to feed her lasted about 2 hours - at first she was hungry, then fell asleep and we tried to wake her up to finish eating...and of course...just as we gave up...she pooped...then Christopher pooped...then as we were putting them in the car, Kaela woke up again and decided she was VERY hungry. So we fed her. Again. And two hours after stopping, we were back on the road.

Christopher sleeping in his carseat - he's finally big enough to ride facing forward - the carseat says the baby has to be over one and 34" tall and 24 lbs. Funny - he didn't meet these requirements until now - at age 2! Skinny little boy because he's so energetic and constantly on the move. This picture captured one of the VERY RARE moments when he's not bouncing around. He's sleeping with his monkey travel neck pillow. So cute!

We arrived at Bill and Amber's in time for a late pizza dinner before bed. The next morning, Andy and the kids and I hung out at the house until 3 pm, when we drove Andy to Enterprise to pick up his rental car. We parted ways and I headed to the grocery store while he drove to Memphis for a few days. He had some business meetings Tuesday - Thursday, so the kids and I stayed with Bill and Amber all week. It was a lot of fun - we had such a great time.

Mornings were lazy, with Christopher laying in bed beside me, watching cartoons while I fed Kaela. He wanted her to lay with him one morning after I was done feeding her. Priceless! I can't express how much I adore my children - what a beautiful blessing from God.

Tuesday, Christopher, Kaela and I went to Opry Mills mall. We spent 10 hours there! It was so much fun. We shopped, ate, walked, had fun seeing the the fish in the Aquarium restaurant and the kids slept in the stroller for 2 hours during the afternoon.

Christopher found a Bob the Builder ride that he thoroughly enjoyed.

Bill met us for dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe - Christopher loved all the animals, trees, and even the thunder storms after he got past being a little scared by the sudden loud noise from the thunder. Needless to say, he didn't eat much - too many distractions.

It was such a blessing to have Bill and Amber helping out with the kids. I think it helped keep Christopher much more sane having another man around to play with in the evenings when Andy was gone. They were both so great with him and spent hour upon hour playing play dough, tools, cars and coloring. Christopher had a blast. Note the cat, Mollie in the left corner...one of two kitties...the other being Bob. Christopher had fun playing with them as well, and "sharing" their cat toys. I think he may have spent more time playing with their toys than with his. Funny.

Amber feeding our princess, Kaela Ruth.

Thursday night, after Andy came back, Ballingers had some friends over for supper and they brought their 18 month old, Ethan. Christopher had fun having another friend around his age.

Bill, Ethan and Christopher coloring in his coloring book.

Christopher drawing in their driveway with chalk. I think he got more on his face and hands than on the driveway! =)

Amber's turn to play play dough.

Mommy and Kaela.

Friday afternoon, Andy and the kids and I went back to Opry Mills - another 8 hours in the mall! We spent close to an hour in the toy store with Christopher, playing with several different toys. His favorite was this basketball and hoop. At first, he wasn't even getting halfway to the net when he was shooting the ball. By the end, he made 4 baskets in a row! Amazing! Enjoy the video.

That evening, we all went out to eat at a tiny Ethiopian restaurant in Nashville. It was SO DELICIOUS. There were 4 or 5 tables and no menu. You sat down, and about 30 minutes later...the chef brought out a LOT of freshly cooked food. A great experience and one I hope to replicate often.

On Saturday, before we left, Bill took Andy and Christopher for a ride in the wagon behind his tractor. Christopher LOVED it! He was so excited and very sad when it was time to stop.

Daddy and Christopher out for a ride.

Then, Christopher got to drive the tractor too! Thanks, Mr. Bill!

The trip home took an hour less than the one there, so we're improving. And we decided we're flying to Fort Wayne for Thanksgiving rather than driving. =)

Kaela is Zero!

2008-10-20T08:48:00.006-07:00

Praise the Lord for our little miracle. Our beloved sweetheart finally made it to her due date today. Kaela Ruth is now "zero." We're so thankful for the beautiful blessing of her life and the joy she brings to us all. Thank you, Jesus, for answered prayers. Thanks to you all for praying us through to this point. What a testimony of God's amazing love and grace.

Family Road Trip On the Blue Ridge Parkway

2008-10-12T18:30:00.006-07:00

Several weeks ago, we all got cabin fever and decided to take a day trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I (Andy) packed up all of my photo gear, and Rachel packed up the two kids and everything we would need for a day in the car. Surprisingly, that was a lot.

About an hour or so down the road towards Boone, N.C., we found a little pull-off by a beautiful creek. At first, we just thought that I would take Christopher down for a look. But as soon as his feet hit the shore, he immediately and without hesitation plunged right in up to his knees, even though he had pants on and it was only about 50 degrees outside! It was definitely a proud Daddy moment for me.

So we decided to picnic down by the water and enjoy the sun, the stream, and the changing fall colors.

Rachel fed Christopher bites of a sandwich in between his rock throws. If anyone ever needs someone to throw rocks into a creek 8-10 hours per day, he's your man.

Kaela stayed bundled up in her seat, happy to be getting some fresh air.

After watching Christopher for awhile, I couldn't resist getting in the water with him. Plus, he was already wet, so Mommy couldn't argue. =) Christopher stayed in the water for over an hour, and he still wasn't cold. I love the kid.

While we were parking, we ran into someone that told us that there was a hidden path to a waterfall on the other side of the road. Still only an hour into our trip, we decided it would be worth going to see. Christopher had soaked his shoes and socks, so he went barefoot in his dry clothes.

The four of us at Trash Can Falls, so named because when the water runs high some crazy people go off the falls in a trash can. Christopher was disappointed that I wouldn't go in the water with him again.

As a highlight, I had placed all of Christopher's soaking wet clothes and shoes on top of the van to dry in the sun, and we all forgot about them when we left...so Rachel had fun running back along the road picking everything up after we started driving away.

After putting some miles behind us in order to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway, we finally got on near Boone and drove around the back side of Grandfather mountain. Although we were a few weeks behind peak fall colors, there were some amazing shots to be had at the higher elevations, where the colors change faster. Here Christopher wanted to have his sunglasses on in the evening sunlight. He told us he was a "cool dude!" And he is.

This particular ridge was on fire with the colors of fall. We love fall here!

Shot with the wide angle. This is similar to the view at the top of Grandfather Mountain, but without the required climb. Kaela appreciated that.

And finally, on the way back, Christopher got to have his car seat turned so it faced forward! He was very happy to join the rest of the forward-facing community, and we were happy to be able to keep a better eye on him. Notice the bare feet because his shoes were covered in mud and soaking wet.

Christopher called Gramma and all of his Aunts on the way home, because it was Aunt Alison's birthday. It was kind of a strange phone call, because he would alternate between singing "Happy Birthday" and "You are my Sunshine" for everyone, and screaming "POOP! POOP! POOP!" at the top of his lungs while laughing his head off. I'm thinking he may in fact be a 50/50 genetic mix between Rachel and I, as many had feared.

We love everyone and continue to appreciate and feel your prayers as we continue to try to manage everything. Stay tuned...we'll get caught up soon!

Christopher's First Slumber Party

2008-10-10T11:34:00.006-07:00

This is the beginning of a series of posts where we'll attempt to get everyone caught up with what's been going on in our lives. Needless to say, it's much harder to find time to update the blog (or do laundry, go to work, eat, sleep, etc.) now that Kaela is home, and we have to deal with all of the needs of a newborn in addition to the crazy monkey boy (a.k.a., Christopher).

~Andy

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We had a really fun evening last night. Christopher had his first sleepover! Sunny Roan came over around 4 pm and we got to play all evening and then she spent the night. Christopher and Sunny had a blast together. Here are some fun pictures from the evening.

With two adorable subjects, Andy and I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures in the studio. Christopher and Sunny had fun climbing all over the stool and each other. They're both so photogenic and LOVE to smile for the camera.

Handsome Christopher Steven

Beautiful Sunny Roan

"This is fun!"

Usually it's Sunny playing with Christopher's hair...guess he thought he'd play with hers while he had a chance!

Two precious kiddies! We love them kabisa!

Coloring at the table in the playroom.

They even slept in the same room! I didn't think that would work very well, but it was great. Sunny went right to sleep, even with Christopher protesting loudly about having to stop playing and go to bed. After we left the room, Christopher stayed up until 10 pm talking AT Sunny, who slept through it all. Andy and I were downstairs cracking up and listening to him: "Hi, Sunny! HI, SUNNY! SUNNY! I see you, Sunny. Sunny sleeping. Christopher not sleeping. Christopher in crib. Sunny in crib. Hi, Sunny!" For two hours! Amazing child - and definitely his father's son - talk talk talk talk... ;)

They played happily in Christopher's crib so I could take a quick shower in the morning.

For breakfast, we made pancakes! Mmm...delicious. AND...

...they were ELMO pancakes. Christopher was SO EXCITED! He LOVES Elmo.

"It's Elmo, Mommy!"

Sunny stayed with us until after lunch, when her Mommy took her home. It was so much fun. We can't wait to do it again.

~Rachel

Playing With Daddy

2008-10-03T15:36:00.006-07:00

Proud Daddy with his two kiddies.

Daddy and Christopher make a tall tower with his blocks. Stretch, Christopher!

Christopher getting his first guitar lesson from Daddy. He got a guitar from GiGi for his birthday.

Sho Sho and Kaela watch Andy and Christopher.

Christopher watching Daddy's hands to figure out what to do.

Uncle Tony Visits

2008-10-02T17:12:00.006-07:00

Uncle Tony stopped by to see Christopher and Kaela (and us =) ) on Sunday and Monday.
He was on his way back to Knoxville for a few days between caricature artist gigs. We had fun going out to eat at Carino's, and hanging out at home. Christopher made his Daddy and Uncle Tony proud, and made his Mommy increase her prayers triple-fold. At Carino's, Christopher started talking to the hostess, since our table was near the entrance. He put on his little flirtatious face and voice and started sharing his crayons with her and smiling and batting his long eyelashes. She eventually have him one of those pagers to tell you when the table is ready and made it go off for him. She was really cool then. When we were ready to leave, she told him to come back and see her, and bent down and asked for a hug. He gave her one, then looked at her with his adorable face and said, "Kiss?" So Christopher won his first kiss from a strange woman at the age of 2! Look out, world! All the way home he sat in the back giggling and saying, "You got huuug. You got Kiiisss!" It was too funny.

Uncle Tony and Christopher eating breakfast and looking at Tony's mask.

Uncle Tony gets to hold Kaela for the first time.

I made a smoothie for Christopher the other day and gave it to him at lunch along with some kidney beans and scrambled eggs. We had them all neatly divided in a cup and a bowl. He decided he preferred them all mixed together - so he dumped the smoothie on top of the other food, stirred it and the ATE IT! =P Gag!

Fun Filled Days

2008-09-30T08:59:00.006-07:00

We've had lots of fun these past two weeks - here are some pictures of our fun times.

AUNT Mollie holding Kaela - an actual aunt now - yeah!

Kaela's first bath at home.

Getting her head scrubbed. She loves having her hair washed/head rubbed.

Christopher discovers play dough. The first thing he did was taste some, and decided it was yucky, but fun to play with. Thanks, Aunt Anna!

Christopher got to spend a lot of time with GiGi while she visited over the past 3 weeks. It was wonderful to have her here. And Kaela benefited by getting extra snuggle time.

"Worker hats" for GiGi.

Four Generations: Mommy (Rachel Tolan Didyk), GiGi (Great-Grandma Sue Steury), Sho Sho (Grandma Cindy Steury Tolan) and Kaela Ruth Didyk.

Kaela weighed 5lb 7oz when we weighed her last Thursday. She had gained 9 oz in a week! Grow, grow, grow!

Precious sleeping bundle.

Andy took Christopher "camping" in our sun room on Friday night. They set up the tent, loaded it with sleeping bags, books and a flashlight, and had a lot of fun. I heard them still laughing and talking shortly after 9pm. Andy said Christopher never stopped moving, even in his sleep. He'd lie it one spot for awhile, then stand up and move to another part of the tent and lie there for awhile before moving again. Andy said he was cold outside of his sleeping bag, but Christopher stayed warm even just sleeping on the floor of the tent - hot blooded child! At 4 when Andy got up to feed Kaela, he put Christopher in his bed and came to bed after feeding the baby so he could actually get a couple hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Christopher has been doing a great job feeding himself with a spoon - even yoghurt out of the container. So when I asked Andy to help me for a minute, he left him eating at the table. When we walked back in, we were greeted with "Yoghurt in hair!" and a huge smile.

We asked him how he got it in his hair, to which he proceeded to take his spoon, scoop some out onto the table, then put his hands in it and slick back his hair. Needless to say he went straight to the tub...after pictures, of course.

Andy and I had some more fun experimenting with pictures - we used just natural light from the window for these. Not too bad for our first attempt - good pictures, Drew!

Christopher has been doing well with Kaela. Yesterday, she was lying on the changing table part of the pack n play, and she started crying. As I walked into the kitchen, I told her not to worry I was getting her milk ready. A few seconds later, I heard: "It's okay, Kaela. It's ok, Kaela. Kiss." As I peaked around the corner, Christopher was on his tip-toes beside her, telling her it would be okay and trying to reach her for a kiss. She had stopped crying and was just staring at her. He then came running into the kitchen and said, "Mommy. Kaea stopped crying." I told her yes, he had been a good big brother and helped her stop crying. Then we heard her again and he went running back to tell her it was okay. This time he also said "Milk coming," then ran into the kitchen and said "Mommy get Kaela's milk."

Later she was lying beside me on the couch while I was pumping and making little fussy noises. He came over once again, crawled up on the couch, and proceeded to say the same things as before along with showering her with many kisses. I applauded his help and told him she also like it when we sing to her. So he laid his head down by hers and started singing: "Happy Birthday to. Happy Birthday you." SO CUTE! Last night, he walked over to her and said "I love you, pincess." I almost cried. Two kids is awesome! Thank you, Lord.

Christopher Turns Two!

2008-09-22T21:39:00.006-07:00

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I can NOT believe that our son is two years old!!!!! We had a birthday party for him on Saturday while Gramma and Papa and GiGi were in town, so that was nice.

Christopher's favorite part was playing with everyone with all the balloons that Sho Sho had blown up in the basement. He loved throwing them up in the air and over his head. We had to work hard to get him interested in opening his presents.

Christopher blew out his candles all by himself.

Mommy made a cake with tools on it since that's one of his favorite toys right now.

"Hmm. What's this?" His card for GiGi played "You Are My Sunshine."

That entertained him for another 10 minutes while he tried to figure out where the people were that were singing the song and how the card worked.

Piano from GiGi - thank you! I LOVE to sing, play music and dance to the beats.

Rolling around...expending energy...though I don't think he EVER runs out.

Bathtub letters from GiGi. Christopher passed them all out, sharing with everyone and most of the time, correctly naming the letter or number. Smart boy!

Oooh! Play dough! Christopher got play dough from Aunt Anna, complete with a bunch of tools to play with too.

A tricycle! Thanks, Babu and Sho Sho.

Babu and Christopher, putting his new tricycle together.

The funniest thing was watching Christopher pull his pants up every 30 seconds until someone finally rolled them at the waist for him so they would stay on.

Yesterday, Aunt SaraBeth picked up Christopher and took him on a date for his birthday, since she had to work during his party. They had lots of fun sharing a smoothie and going to the park.

For lunch today, Sho Sho, GiGi and Aunt Anna took Christopher to the mall to eat. He really enjoys going there and getting pretzels and lemonade. He's had a great birthday, even if he doesn't quite understand what a birthday is.

Happy Birthday, Christopher! We love you and are VERY proud of you.
Love,
Daddy, Mommy and Kaela Ruth

Gramma and Papa Visit

2008-09-21T21:27:00.006-07:00

Mom and Tony came to spend the weekend with us. It was fun to have them here and actually get to spend some time with them instead of being in the hospital! And of course, Christopher thoroughly enjoyed having more people to entertain and play with him...though I'm not quite sure that Mom and Tony didn't have even more fun than he did playing with their grandson and holding their granddaughter! Andy and I just hung out on the sidelines. =)

Gramma and Christopher playing with blocks.

Papa and Kaela getting acquainted...or sleeping?!

Kaela talking to Gramma and Papa.

Reading a book before bed.

Papa and Christopher eating breakfast outside so they could see the garbage truck.

Christopher Enjoys Quality Time With Kaela

2008-09-21T14:37:00.006-07:00

I thought I felt an overwhelming love when I had Christopher - then my heart melted again when Kaela was born. Yet nothing can even begin to describe the sheer delight and pleasure at seeing Christopher holding his sister, Kaela...so I'm not even going to try. I think in order to understand, you just have to experience with your own children. So for those of you with 2 or more kids, remember the experience of seeing your kids hold the new baby. Otherwise, the pictures are still fun too! =)

Christopher was eating in his chair and asked to get down and hold Kaela. We told him he had so sit on the couch, so he ran over there, climbed up, and again asked to hold her.

"Kaea's mouth."

Christopher gets a pat-pat from his baby sister.

Proud brother.

Hungry baby.

We were changing Kaela's diaper, and Christopher was watching. He wanted to lay with Kaela.

After a few seconds, he leaned his head over on hers to give her a kiss - unprompted!

Enjoying Being a Family of Four...

2008-09-17T17:19:00.006-07:00

...at home! We made it through our first 24 hours with two kids at home! =) Andy and I each took a shift during the night to get up with Kaela...leaving ourselves each with a potential 5 hour stretch of sleep. Needless to say, we didn't really sleep much anyway. Oh well. Such is life for a few months with a newborn, and we're just glad to have her home.

Christopher's had a rougher 24 hours - not so sure he likes sharing Daddy and Mommy, but overall he's doing pretty well. He likes to look at Kaela when she's in her crib or seat, just not when Daddy or Mommy is holding her - then he wants attention and nothing to do with her. However, when I took him to the store this evening, he kept saying "Go home. See Kaea. Go home. You see Kaea." (He refers to himself as you instead of I in most sentences). And he's held her a couple times, and tried to help feed and change her. It's so precious to watch him with her - he's actually pretty gentle.

We've found out that Kaela isn't as hot-natured as Christopher was/is. We've had her dressed in two layers of clothes, a hat, and wrapped in 3 heavy blankets, sometimes 4, to keep her warm enough...so she "weighs" an extra 10lbs! (Ok - overstatement...but seems like a huge bundle!)

Christopher "rock-rock" Baby Kaea.

Aunt Anna stopped by after school, and snuggled her nephew and niece on the couch.

Spending some time outside - Christopher, Daddy and Kaela get some fresh air.

"Face. Ear. Two ears." SMILE SMILE!

Helping feed Kaela.

Beautiful girl - look at all that black hair!

What a wonderful day. God is SO GOOD!

51 Days, 1 Hour, 4 Min, 2lb, 5 oz And Then...

2008-09-16T16:51:00.006-07:00

KAELA CAME HOME!!!!!

The NICU called this morning and said...bring the carseat...she's headed home this afternoon! We were so thrilled and surprised as the doctor made it sound yesterday like it would be at least Wednesday before she was discharged. But...no! We quickly pulled the carseat out of the closet, cleaned it, cleaned up around the house, bought a few last minute items, Andy wrapped things up at work...and we were off to the hospital for hopefully the last NICU visit.

Daddy holding Kaela...praying she passes the carseat challenge.

In her carseat...ready for her challenge...1 hour with no apnea or bradycardia spells.

And she passed! So the troops were called and Sho Sho brought Christopher to the NICU to help us take his baby sister home.

Scrubbing hands...one last time! (well...at least in the NICU - plenty more to come of handwashing).

After watching some videos, signing some paperwork, getting lots of instructions and talking with the doctor...we walked out of the NICU with Kaela in her carseat!!!

Christopher telling Renee and Jonathan that he was getting to take Kaela home.

Two carseats!

Anna, SB and Gi-Gi met us outside the house, and had decorated the door for Kaela's homecoming.

First time outside.

Christopher holding his baby sister, Kaela Ruth, for the very first time.

Happy Mommy!!!!! Both babies in my arms. =)

Aunt Anna

Aunt SaraBeth

Gi-Gi

and finally snuggling with Daddy on the couch for a nap.

Babu and ShoSho holding Kaela after dropping off some supper for us.

Christopher..................................... Kaela
51 days ...........................................51 days
4 lb 12 oz........................................ 4 lb 11 oz

Now we have two precious miracle babies at home!

PRAISE THE LORD! THANK YOU, JESUS! And thanks to all of you for your support and prayers. We love you all.

TWO NEGATIVES! PTL!

2008-09-16T06:03:00.006-07:00

Gi-Gi visiting Kaela in the NICU - she finally got to hold her first great-granddaughter.

There was a "back-up" of labs at the hospital due to them running out of the reagent needed to test for c-diff...so by the time they restocked, the NICU had sent two stool samples from Kaela down to be tested. Yesterday, at 2 pm, they both came back negative! PTL!!!!! The nurses immediately moved Kaela from her isollette into an open crib and out of contact isolation...no more blue gowns! Yeah! She looks adorable all bundled up, with no tubes, and in an open crib - we can pick her up whenever we want...and actually feel her skin again instead of rubber gloves. AND!...Kaela just has to prove she can maintain her body temperature while she continues eating and gaining weight...then we're headed home! SO EXCITING! The nurses said the crib test is for 24 hours - I think the Doctor might keep her a little longer than that just to be safe...which if fine...because we can wait DAYS vs. weeks and months! Yesterday was day 50 in her NICU stay - the day that Christopher came home. He was 4lb 12oz. She is currently 4lb. 11oz. and hopefully headed home soon!

Our beautiful girl.

All three of us went to visit Kaela last night. Christopher climbed all over the chairs, stopping once or twice to look at his sister and gently touch her face or kiss her head (SO CUTE!). We took clothes, hats and blankets in to bundle her up and help her stay warm so she can pass this test and come home. Christopher is also excited and keeps talking about Kaea come home and Chrisopher big boy room and Kaea crib. Kaea all better. Kaea home. We'll see how he does when she's actually here!

Christopher "helping" Mommy feed Kaela her bottle.

Daddy feeding Kaela the second half of her bottle.

Stay-tuned for more information as we "patiently" await a discharge date and time. Please pray everything continues to go well and she passes her crib challenge - 0h - and her carseat test. She has to sit in a carseat for an hour hooked up to a monitor and not have any trouble breathing or dropping her heart rate.

=) Happy Family! =)

Family Photo Shoot

2008-09-13T11:48:00.006-07:00

Finally got a picture of Aunt Anna with Kaela. She came to visit her with me on Friday and snuggled her for about 30 minutes - sharing all kinds of secrets - while Mommy went to pump.

Kaela is doing great! She has now taken 11 feeds in a row completely by mouth! PTL!!!!! We're so excited that she's getting so much better at it. One step closer to homeward bound. Still just trying to defeat the c-diff. She surpassed 2kg - weighing in at 4lb 8.2 oz.

Last night, Andy and I dropped Christopher off for a slumber party with Babu, Sho-Sho, Aunt Anna and GiGi. We enjoyed a relaxing evening watching movies, eating pizza, reading a book and talking with each other. Then we were actually able to sleep in this morning until 9 am. It was wonderful (THANK YOU!!!!!).

This afternoon, Andy and I had fun experimenting with the new studio lighting kit and backdrop he purchased. We had a blast - I think we could really get into this stuff as more than a hobby at some point. We both LOVE taking pictures...so fun. Here are a couple of our favorites - straight from the camera.

My handsome hubby!

"My wife's a model."

"Get down."

Just waking up from his nap.

Pictures, Pictures.

2008-09-11T08:03:00.006-07:00

Andy and I had a nice visit with Kaela last night. We took the camera with the macro lens and had fun taking pictures - we shot about 150, and I think I've edited down to 33 and only posted 6. Anyway...here are a few of them:

Andy's best shot of the evening: Kaela Ruth - 4lb 6oz!

Rachel's best shot of the evening: Adorable little fist - with Christopher, Andy used to call it "Rock Fist!"

Holding Daddy's hand.

Sleeping with Daddy.

Cuddle time with Mommy.

Snuggled in her blanket.

Silas Gets Married!

2008-09-09T14:01:00.006-07:00

My brother got hitched! Silas married Mollie Gingrich at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Christian Medical and Dental Association in Bristol, TN. It was a beautiful wedding and a really special day for all of us. We're so excited to welcome Mollie into our family and see what the Lord has in store for these two beautiful people who are so wholly focused on Him. It's fun to see two people that are perfect for one another find each other and fall in love. What a blessing from God.

Saying their vows.

Communion.

Mr. and Mrs. Silas Tolan!!!!!! Wow! Yikes! My brother is a married man!

They received an African blessing - it began to rain as they were walking down the aisle as husband and wife at the end of the wedding.

Andy, Christopher and I were all in the wedding - which was an honor to participate it. Christopher actually made it down the entire aisle as the ring bearer. It was priceless - he was walking with his cousin, Sophie, who is 7 and was the flower girl. At first, they held hands as they walked across the lawn. When they reached the point where she was supposed to drop her flowers, she let go of his hand to do so, and kept walking. He took a few steps beside her, then realized she was dropping her flowers. With a VERY concerned look on his face, he stopped and started picking them up. Holding one out toward her, he said "You dropped it. Flowers." She had to turn around and go get him. I don't think he ever quite figured out that dropping the flowers was what she was supposed to do! Pretty funny.

Christopher playing the piano at the reception.

I'll have to post a few family pictures from the wedding when I get them - all of the sisters were in it - which was fun...so we were all dressed up and had a great time together. Megan was also in the wedding - she played base in the band - so she came down early on Tuesday and was here all week. It was such a blessing to have "Auntie Meg" helping so much with Christohper. They had a blast together, including "marching" and "tiptoeing" around our dining room table for over an hour! What a good aunt.

One of my best friends from high school, Tina Okken Smiddy and her husband Nathan drove down to shoot the wedding photos. They stayed with us and it was a lot of fun to have them here and spend a little time Sunday and Monday catching up on life.

Tina playing in the "kitchen" with Christopher.

Dave and Lizbeth also joined us for breakfast Sunday morning - yummy pancakes! Thanks, Drew.

(L to R) Rachel, Megan Didyk, Lizbeth and Dave Whipple, Tina and Nathan Smiddy, Andy and Christopher.

Needless to say, with everyone in from out of town, Kaela had a LOT of visitors this weekend.
Friday morning, Si and Mollie came up to see her before they left for their wedding/honeymoon.

Uncle Silas holds his niece for the first time.

Hand off.

Snuggling with "Aunt" Mollie - one day before she's an official aunt. Yeah!

Auntie Meg gets to hold her niece. It's been so great to be able to take our siblings into the NICU this time around.

SaraBeth holding her niece for the first time.

Anna Leigh held her too - but I didn't have the camera - so picture of her with Kaela coming soon!

Snuggle time with Daddy - another late night visit after the wedding.

Beautiful baby girl, talking with Daddy. (I know - I already put this picture up once - but I love it!)

Great-Aunt Debbie Cain and Grandpa Tolan meet Kaela.

Great-Aunt Debbie Josephs gets to meet her great-niece.

Great-Uncle Dan and fabulously beautiful Great-Aunt Dorcas are introduced to Kaela.

Kaela meeting Dave and Lizbeth.

Kaela meets Ms. Tina. It was really special to be able to share this experience with one of my best friends. We haven't been able to see each other much since high school because of location, so it was a blessing to have her here.

Meeting Mr. Nathan.

Being the professional photographers that they are, Nathan and Tina snapped about 150 pictures in the short time we were visiting Kaela. The next 4 are some of the ones they took.

Holding hands.

Our sweet angel.

Precious girl.

Talking with Mommy.

The afternoon when I took Dave and Lizbeth and Megan in to see Kaela, I had taken the Whipples in first. When I came back out to let Andy and Megan go in, Andy asked me to take her in because he had a terrible headache. So I said: "All right, let's go Megan." Christopher heard me and said "I go. I see Kaea." So I decided to take him in again too. He didn't touch my neck the whole time! Yeah - so he must have felt more comfortable. When Kaela's alarm get going off, he said "Kaea paying music. Ding. Ding. Ding." And he matched the sounds with perfect pitch.

Then, last night, I was staying home to put Christopher to bed. We had just finished eating and Andy said "Kiss Daddy goodnight. I'm going byebye for a little bit." Where Daddy go? asked Christopher. "Daddy's going to see Kaela." I see Kaea. I coming. I coming. So we took him again. He was SO EXCITED! He was yelling SEE BABY KAEA in a very excited voice as we parked and walked in to the hospital. Then he ran to the elevator, and ran down the hall ways - he knew which way to go - telling anyone and everyone he was going to see baby Kaea. We wish we'd had the video!

Christopher visiting with his sister. He talked to her, helped Mommy sing to her, and prayed for her. Very special!

Andy feeding Kaela her bottle.

All three of us ended up visiting Kaela again this evening. Christopher and I weren't there long since I don't want him walking around or touching anything...and he just wants down...but it was still nice. He talked to her again, told her he loved her, and "kissed" her with his forehead on the top of her head. When I told him to say goodnight to her, he said "Bye-bye seet girl." I almost cried - so precious. We can hardly wait to get her home and be a family of 4.

Kaela had lost weight over the past 5 days, but finally gained an ounce tonight - PTL! Her c-diff came back positive =( so we still need two negatives to get her out of isolation. Please pray this will clear up quickly. She's doing well with the bottle...though still needs to work at it...but we don't want this infection to be what's keeping her in the hospital.

Well...that about sums it up for now.

6 weeks old

2008-09-08T23:40:00.006-07:00

Yikes! A week since we've posted - sorry. I thought I'd just put a brief update on Kaela up while I work on the rest of the post.

Our sweet Kaela Ruth is 6 weeks old, and she's doing very well. She's 4lb. 4oz. and looks beautiful!

The doctor actually said the word "home" for the first time today! He said "Well...we're waiting on those labs to be negative twice and get rid of the c-diff. And her feeds...really her feeds. She needs to take everything by mouth and then she'll do the crib and car seat challenge and hopefully she can go home soon." It was exciting to hear him mention home - we're so ready to have her in our arms all the time and be done with hospital visits where we have to leave her there when we leave.

We started bottle feeding Kaela on Friday - at first we're just offering her a bottle every other feeding time if she's awake. So far she's done wonderfully with that - yesterday she ate all 37mL from a bottle each time we offered it to her. PTL! Now she needs to build up some endurance so she can take a bottle during the other 4 feeding times too. We're allowed to offer her the bottle at every feed now and see how she does...so pray she chugs it all down and keeps gaining weight! We're guessing we have 1-2 weeks left, and trying not to get our hopes too high! =)

Negative

2008-09-03T18:40:00.006-07:00

Kaela's c-diff test came back negative today - they also sent another stool down to be tested, so hopefully that one will be negative too. If it is, then we can take her out of contact isolation.

She's up to 28mL of breast milk, and they d/c'd her TPN today. Now she's just getting dextrose with heparin to keep her fluid level up to 36mL every 3 hours and keep her PICC line open. The Dr. ordered a speech consult to be done on her in the next couple days to evaluate her ability to swallow to see if we can bottle/breastfeed. Yeah!

We're so thankful she's doing well and growing strong. Praise the Lord for his continued mercy.

Silas' wedding is on Saturday, so we're all busy getting ready for that and the pre-wedding parties! Tomorrow starts it all - should be lots of fun. We're really excited for him and Mollie - he's found a good one. =)

De-Da Comes To Play

2008-09-01T16:58:00.006-07:00

...at least that's what Christopher thought: De-Da came just to play with me! He really enjoyed having him here and showing him all his toys. Of course, what would a visit from De-Da be without tools, tools and more tools. Dad gave Christopher that tool set awhile back, but the hammer broke, so Dad brought more for him this time and Christopher was ecstatic about them. He and De-Da banged on a lot of things this weekend with the hammers.

Christopher opening his new tools from De-Da...this set even came with a tool box.

Andy took Dad to tour a helicopter plant on Friday - they had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

Saturday night, we went out to eat at a German restaurant. The food was great and Christohper was highly entertained by the couple performing live - singing and playing the accordian. After every song was finished, Christopher would hold up his hand to the man and say "Good Job!" The guy loved it. We had fun singing to some of the polkas that we knew.

Sunday, Christopher got to hang out with both his Grandpa's. Babu and De-Da took Christopher to a couple old warehouses downtown that are for sale, and he ran all around and played inside them...having fun and entertaining too. We all ate lunch together at an Indian restaurant - my favorite! So delicious.

After naptime on Sunday, Dad, Andy, Christopher and I drove up to Roan Mountain. Around the perimeter of the parking lot, there were a TON of blackberry bushes. So while I pumped in the car, Dad and Christohper watched Andy pick blackberries.

"Where Daddy go?"

"Der he is!" Surrounded by 6 foot tall blackberry bushes.

After pumping, picking berries and cleaning up a poop explosion that ended up all over Christopher AND Mommy...we finally began our hike up to the top of the first bald.
It was a beautiful day for hiking, and wonderful to relax and get some fresh air.

Onward and upward!

Christopher, Andy and De-Da at the top of the balds - I LOVE where we live.

Christopher wanted out of his carrier so he could hike around with his stick. He had fun beating the ground and climbing on rocks!

"Hiking stick!" *giggle giggle*

Mommy and Christopher.

Sharing secrets.

Three generations of Didyk men:
Andrew Steven, Christopher Steven and Edward Steven.

"Gorgeous!" as Christopher would say.

It was a great weekend and we were all really thankful Dad could come visit.

Kaela is doing well today. She's still tolerating her feedings and is up to 17mL of breastmilk each feed. They d/c'd her lipids today since she's getting enough fat in the breastmilk now. She weighed in at 4lb 4oz tonight. Grow, Kaela! Praise the Lord for His continued presence in our lives and for sustaining us through this - 5 weeks down... X to go?!?!

Kaela's Visit From De-Da

2008-08-31T20:26:00.006-07:00

Dad Didyk came to visit us this weekend. We've had a great time, of which I will tell you more in tomorrow's post since it's already midnight tonight.

We took Dad over to visit Kaela several times, and he was able to hold her twice.

De-Da holding Kaela for the first time.

Our "fat" little girl. She's up to 4 lb 2 oz!

Check out her beautiful double chin! =)

A late night visit from De-Da (10:30 at night).

De-Da, Kaela and Andy, all dressed in hot, sweaty blue gowns.

So far, so good on the feedings. She's up to 13mL per feeding, and seems to be tolerating it. And...they got a PICC line in last night!!!!! Yeah! And this one is in the correct position in her arm, so we're hoping it lasts awhile. We'll see.

Goodnight.

One Month Old

2008-08-29T19:07:00.006-07:00

Kaela was one month old on Wednesday - crazy - I can't believe she's that old already. She looks great tonight. They were not able to get a PICC line in last night, but her latest IV lasted almost 2 1/2 days, so that was a blessing. It was starting to infiltrate tonight, so they were starting a new one when we left. Hopefully with two antibiotics d/c'd (just one left) it will help the IVs last a little longer.

They started feeding her milk again today - just 5 mL every three hours starting at 1 pm this afternoon. In the morning they'll get another x-ray and really examine her belly to see if she's tolerating having food in her digestive system again. If all goes well, hopefully she'll be back to full feedings in a week and off of the IV fluids.

She is 3lb 15 oz! It's amazing what another pound will do when you're that tiny - she looks so different and even has a double chin. We'll get more pictures tomorrow.

Her hematocrit was starting to drop again and she was looking a little pale, but she was able to bring it back up today by herself without a transfusion. PTL! She's also been off her oxygen for a week, so they took her pulse oximeter off and just have her hooked to a heart rate monitor now. One cord gone at a time.

Thank you for your prayers for her this last week - it was definitely a long one for us, and we're praying that this bump is over and she'll do fine eating again.

More tomorrow...

Another One Gone Bad

2008-08-27T17:13:00.006-07:00

Unfortunately, Kaela got phlebitis in her leg from the PICC line, so they had to take it out. So frustrating - I feel so badly for her getting stuck all the time. They were able to start another IV easily and will try to get yet another PICC line in this evening or tomorrow. Please pray this one will go in easily and last for the rest of her NICU stay. Thanks.

Here is an excerpt from an email my Mama sent me this morning. Great verse, so thought I would share it with you all:

When I was reading this morning I came across this verse and it seemed just perfect for Kaela and her situation because I know many people are reading her blog and praying for her. Here is the verse:

“On Him we have set our hope, that He will continue to deliver us (Kaela), as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” II Cor. 1: 10b-11 Isn’t that perfect?

"Come On, Daddy!"

2008-08-26T19:15:00.006-07:00

We had a great evening. After a delicious meal at my parents, we headed home for a few minutes before going over to see Kaela. I called ahead and asked the nurse if it was quiet enough to bring our son in for awhile...just thought I'd try one more time to get him in again. She said sure! Let me tell you, Christopher went wild when I asked him if he wanted to go see Baby Kaela. "Go see Kaea." I told him we needed to change his clothes and get shoes on. "Shirt. Change it. Shoes on." As soon as he was ready, he ran to the door and stood there yelling, "Come on, Daddy! See Kaea. Shoes on. Come on, Daddy!"

Yesterday, when Christopher was looking at the pictures of Kaela in her incuabtor and you could see her PICC line. He said "Kaea owie. Need papi." He was so concerned. Well, on the way to the hospital, he remembered those pictures and kept telling us "Kaea owie leg. Need papi. Owie foot." We tried to explain to him that it didn't hurt and that it helped her get the food she needed. It was so sweet and sad the way he was saying it, Andy and I had tears in our eyes.

When we arrived in the NICU, Christopher entertained all the nurses while we scrubbed in at the sink. Then we walked into the room where Kaela was. He saw her and the first thing he wanted to do was open the doors - good memory, Christopher! Of course, since she's in contact isolation, we didn't let him touch any of it...just looking tonight.

When he realized we weren't going to open the doors, he started actually looking at Kaela. His observations were: "Naked. No clothes on. Diaper. See papi. Get it. (It was above her head.) Why no clothes?" I explained the doctors and nurses had to see her belly and legs to take care of her and help her get better so she could come home.

Then Andy donned gown and gloves to hold her for a little while. Christopher was intrigued and I think a little worried as Andy put them all on until we explained that Kaela had c-diff, a bacteria in her poop, and Daddy had to wear the gown so he didn't get poop on his clothes.

Our sweet little girl, bundled in blankets and a hat. And FYI - it is HOT under those plastic gowns! =)

Christopher remembered that her monitor beeped last time he was there, and he kept pointing to it and telling me "Beep. Beep. Beep." I explained to him everything on the monitor again, and what it was for...he listens so intently and really seems to take it all in.

The nurse was kind and took a family picture for us too!
Rachel, Christopher (23 months), Andy, and Kaela (4 weeks, 2 days).

We had explained to Christopher before we went in the NICU that Daddy or Mommy had to hold him or he had to sit in a chair like a big boy and not get down. So after a few minutes, he remembered and asked "Sit chair. You do it (meaning I do it). Big boy." So he sat fairly still and quietly in the chair and watched Daddy hold Kaela. He told her he loved her, sang "Deep and Wide" to her and gave her two kisses on the top of her head. It was a precious moment. He's going to love having her at home...look out any boys that get near her - I can tell already he's going to be very protective and caring toward her.

On the way home, Christopher kept telling us over and over "See Kaea. Naked. No clothes on. Naked. No clothes on. Get better. Get home. Get better."

When I put him to bed this evening, he just snuggled up against me, held my neck and then wanted to talk and talk and talk about the evening. Here is how our conversation went. Christopher's words are in italics, mine in bold:

(interrupting my singing): See Kaea. Yes. You went to see Kaea. Cute. Was she cute? Naked. No clothes on. Yep, she was naked. Get her out. Did Daddy get her out? Out crib. Daddy got her out of her crib and held her. Get out. Hold her. Poopy (I think he was referring to Andy wearing the gown to keep the poop off him.) Nurses. Yep, there were nurses taking care of Kaela. Sick. Get better. Get home. When she gets better, then she can come home. See Kaea. Yep, then you can see Kaela lots. Owie. Papi. Well, yes, she has an IV in her foot to help feed her. And she has a papi too. Naked. Hospital. See Kaea. Sit chair. Big boy. Yep, you sat in the chair and watched Kaela like a big boy. Mommy was very proud of you. Poud you. (Hehehehe - giggle.) Baby seeping. Yep. Kaela's sleeping. Now it's time for you to go to sleep." ... and then we went through that whole conversation at least 3 more times. His understanding of everything blows me out of the water - it's amazing. Several nurses that were there this evening also have two year olds, and they said theirs were barely even talking at all - his vocabulary and comprehension of so much amazed them too.

Anyway, it was a wonderful visit...hopefully we can keep sneaking him in a couple times a week at night when not many people are there.

Kaela is doing well...she is 3lb 8oz, so she has gained 1 oz short of half her birthweight! Now hopefully this week of antibiotics and not eating will help her gut rest enought to heal completely so we can work on feedings in the next few weeks. Thank you for your continued prayer and support.

NEC

2008-08-25T20:15:00.006-07:00

The doctor caring for Kaela today stated that it was his opinion that we should treat Kaela for NEC. He said he thought her x-rays exhibited findings suggestive of NEC and that it would be far better to assume she may have it and treat her for it even if she doesn't than not treat her for it and keep going in circles or let it get worse. So...the two antibiotics that were d/c'd this morning were restarted by another doctor who said he wanted to give her the full 10 day course and not feed her during that time either to make sure her intestines were able to completely rest and heal. PTL we got the PICC line yesterday! We're especially thankful for that now since she'll need an IV for at least 2 more weeks. She continues to do well off her oxygen (3 days now)! Andy and I both had a good visit with her at different times today and were able to hold and love on her for quite awhile. She's so precious!

Due to the TPN Kaela is receiving, her liver is doing more work with her nutrition since her gut isn't doing anything right now. This has caused it to enlarge and her biliruben has gone up some...the treatment is to stop TPN feeding as soon as possible! =) ARGH! One thing leads to another...

I went back to work today - just a short 4 hour shift. I plan to pick up a shift a week or every other week until Kaela comes home so I can take my "maternity leave" then. Since I work PRN, I'm only required to work 2 shifts a month, and I hadn't not done that yet - so the past couple weeks "off" don't take away from my maternity leave if I start work now. I love my job - so flexible!

Please say an extra prayer for us today: Andy is pretty swamped and behind at work, which is stressing him out; I'm feeling a little emotionally drained - it's somewhat frustrating and scary to have so many different doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners taking care of Kaela because you don't always get the same explanations and suggested treatments. (We've had 4 doctors, at least 3 residents, med students, 5 nurse practitioners and about 30 nurses in 28 days. There is a staff of 70+ nurses - so I'm sure we're not done meeting them yet). So, then Andy and I are trying to piece together everything we've been told and "manage" her care since we're the only ones who've seen her every day of her life - when really we don't know much about it all. I'm sure they're sick of - or at least approaching sick of - all our questions/concerns. Also, I think Christopher is feeling the strain - he's had a couple rougher days and seems to be feeling a little more insecure and clingy which comes out in being loud and beating on things...at least today. And of course, Kaela needs your prayers too.

Thanks for your faithfulness in keeping up with us and praying for us. We appreciate and love you all.

Here's a link to the American Pediatric Surgical Association regarding NEC:

http://www.eapsa.org/parents/resources/NEC.cfm

Contact Precaution

2008-08-24T19:45:00.006-07:00

Andy and I had a fun date over the weekend. Saturday afternoon/evening and on into EARLY Sunday morning, we attended the NASCAR Sharpie 500 race at Bristol Motor Speedway. It was fun to get out of the house and hang out together with other people from Andy's work and his clients. The race was amazing - intense at the end - and we had such a wonderful time together.

These two pictures show all the cars stopped because of a wreck that occurred on the speedway. I thought it was cool because they all stopped exactly where they were and it looked like someone had just frozen time because they weren't lined up or straightening themselves out on the track.

The stands were PACKED. At the beginning, they did the wave around the stadium of 160,000+ fans...it set a Guinness world record for largest "wave."

We found out yesterday that Kaela has c-diff - an infection that is in her bowels. Fortunately it is easily treatable with antibiotics, and she was already on the right one, so they're continuing that until it clears up. While we're not happy about the infection, it's nice to have an explanation of why her intestines were so dilated. Since this is a very communicable disease - she is now under "contact precautions" and everyone has to wear a gown and gloves to care for or hold her. Andy and I both were able to hold her today - a wonderful thing but VERY HOT as the gowns are plastic. Yuck!

Mommy dressed in her pretty blue gown and gloves holding Kaela, who, by the way, looks a LOT likd Christopher in this picture.

Kaela has been off her oxygen for 2 1/2 days and is doing wonderful without it! The nurse practitioner was also finally able to get a PICC line in the correct position, as the first one they put in on Friday went bad already yesterday. This one should last a few weeks! Hopefully no more IVs and blood draws for awhile. We were aware they were going to try again, so we lined up a bunch of people to pray and finally the 5th time over the past two weeks was a charm! Thank you Lord for anwswering our prayers!!!!!

Kaela is also no longer wearing a temperature probe, which means the bed doesn't adjust itself to keep her at a certain temperature. It's set at a certain temperature and she has to work to maintain her own temp - though it's still warmer than room air.

Here are a few pictures of Kaela, dressed in a little preemie outfit from Josephs that fits 0-3lbs. She is right at 3 lbs, and it's perfect - so cute!

Beautiful face - no tubes - no oxygen, no stickers, no feeding tubes.

I took a walk with Christopher this afternoon, and he ran about 1/4 - 1/3 mile! Part way there he told me he wanted to run, then as he ran several blocks, he kept saying "Run. Fast runner. Good runner." It was pretty cute!

Trip to the Fair

2008-08-22T19:57:00.006-07:00

Kaela is improving. Her bowels looked clearer today, and they were able to remove her suction tube this evening. They'll take one more x-ray in the morning to make sure her intestines still look ok without being suctioned out. So far all the cultures are negative. She's alert and active - trying to climb out of her isolette. Her IV went bad this afternoon, so they attempted again to put a PICC line in - the NP could only thread it as far as her shoulder, but they're using it for now. Hopefully it will at least last longer than a regular IV.

This evening, we took a break and took Christopher to do something fun: we went to the Appalachian Fair with Aaron, Faith and Isaiah. We had a good time. Christopher seemed to enjoy parts of it, but I think he was a little overwhelmed by the crowds...plus it was bedtime! =)

Here are a few fun pictures:

Jumbo corn dog: $5
Too sweet lemondade: $5
Ketcup to drink for Christopher: included in the $5
Facial expressions of Father and Son: priceless

Andy, Christopher, (Isaiah hiding behind the table in his stroller), Aaron and Faith Tolan.

After eating, we went to the petting zoo - the boys enjoyed that. Isaiah "dove" right in - no fear as he let the animals lick his hands. Christopher pet a couple briefly - mainly with one finger - and decided he liked just looking better.

Baby chics.

Little pigs - Christopher's enjoying seeing them dig in the mud with their noses.

Petting the kid.

Christopher was most intrigued with the baby ducks in the water "habitat" with a makeshift waterslide the ducks would go down. They lured them up the slide and then down it by sticking a tray of food just out of reach at the top so that as they tried to get food, they went down the slide. Entertaining for the kids...but...

"Hi, Mommy."

Showing Daddy the ducks.

Right before we left, we did let him "ride a horse" on the carousel. No smiles...so we weren't sure he really enjoyed it, but he cried and cried when the ride was over and begged to keep "riding the horse." Guess he did like it.

So, a fun family evening out...and now to bed! Goodnight.

Answered Prayers

2008-08-21T20:56:00.006-07:00

Well, it's been a late night. We just got back from the hospital...but the last news was good news so we can at least sleep in peace for a few hours.

When we went back after supper, Kaela's latest x-ray looked even worse. It was scary to see her bowels so distended and worry that they might rupture. We sat and watched her, talked to her, prayed with her for a couple hours. Also, we called our church and requested some of the elders to come pray over her as well. They arrived around 10:15 and laid hands on Kaela and prayed for her. At 11:15, her x-ray looked like a different child. It looked almost completely cleared up. Also, Kaela had gone from a restless baby with a scrunched up face as she moved around in obvious discomfort, to a peacefully sleeping little one. Thank you Lord for answered prayers! Over the next day or two, we'll keep getting culture results back from her blood, stool and urine and see if/where the infection is. She's already being treated with three different antibiotics...so whatever it is, hopefully it will clear up.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement - we feel and see the results. Thank you Lord for hearing all the prayers and answering them, for holding our baby girl in Your healing hands.

Thank you friends and family for all the care you've provided for Christopher today, for the laundry, food, hugs, tears, and support. We love you all!