Mom, How do you spell....

Eli loves to learn to write names. His attempt at "Jack" (cousin) and "Jessie" (cousin)

Eat Your Veggies

The kid that won't eat a veggie to save his life (Chase!) is feeding spinach to the kid that eats raw spinach directly from the container for an afternoon snack (Eli!).

Smiley

Chase's Cardiology Appointment

Our day started out crazy, but ended pretty good. After having Children's change Chase's appointment multiple times, when we arrived today, not only did they tell us that we didn't have an appointment, they also told us that Chase's doctor was out sick today. I was very frustrated, but it really turned out to be a blessing. We like Chase's cardiologist, but today we were able to get a second-opinion without really trying.

Chase had an EKG and an echo today in addition to seeing the doctor. We were successful with the echo without sedation which was an answer to prayer. Chase did very well during the echo...he just watched a movie and really didn't complain. The results were very positive. His valve is still leaking, but the leaking has not increased and may have decreased a bit. Chase's heart rate was higher than normal today (I'll get to that later), and the doctor said that Chase's heart seems to function better with a higher heart rate. All of his pulmonary veins looked very good and the doctor was pleased with the echo. She said that she did not see a need for the valve replacement surgery anytime in the near future.

Chase's heart rate was elevated today which could be related to a number of things....he was running around the waiting room before the read and very active during the entire appointment. He also has some congestion. Regardless, they sent us home on a monitor that Chase will wear for 24 hours. They want to watch his heart rate at different times of the day including when he is sleeping. Below is a picture of Chase wearing the monitor. He has not complained about it at all. He is such a trooper!!
The first report on his EKG was normal; however, a couple of hours after we got home the nurse called and said that they want to do another EKG. A couple of other doctors looked at it and compared it to his previous reports and apparently there is some concern. I'm not sure about the specifics, but I will be talking to the doctor in the morning to get more information. He will have another EKG on Thursday morning when we return the heart monitor. We are praying that the EKG on Thursday is normal and that today was some sort of anomaly.

Something New

Reed tried the exersaucer for the first time...he was really amazed by it! I feel like I have to use it since we bought it when Eli was little and it has barely been used. This is DEFINITELY one of those things that first time parents feel they have to buy, but it is COMPLETELY unnecessary (in my opinion).

You're Getting Sleepy

I LOVE pictures of my kids sleeping!! : )

Melts In Your Mouth....

....not in your hands. Yeah, right!!!! : )

Mid-Day Shower

Eli wanted to take a shower with his clothes on. I couldn't think of a good reason to say no, so there you have it! : )

Chase opted to take his clothes off

My 3 Sons! : )

Reed was not in a smiling mood...which is very odd for him....he usually smiles all the time! : )

Guess What?!?!?!

...Chase is learning to use the potty!!!! Go Chase!!!!

Daddy, Elephant & Army Commando

My Little Pumpkin

Operation Christmas Child

Eli and Chase helped Granny (my mom) fill some Operation Christmas Child boxes. Together with their church, Granny and Ga-Ga are filling 500 boxes this year. Eli really enjoyed helping Granny.

Chase enjoyed inspecting all the matchbox cars that were going in the boxes! : )

Another Sleeping Picture

Reed......

Treats!

Our neighborhood is doing a progressive Halloween party. We are a "treat house" so we are making some fun treats to share with our neighbors. I am doing a trial run today and these treats are SO easy to make and are turning out really cute! Thank you, Southern Living magazine (from a couple of years ago)! See, now I can show Hunter why I save all my "crafty" magazines! ; )

They are Little Debbie Marshmallow Pies on a stick and then we decorated them with icing and sprinkles. We are going to chill them and then cover them in clear plastic lollipop bags with a cute ribbon or tie.

Costume & Pumpkin Patch Day at Preschool

Today was costume and pumpkin patch day at Eli's preschool. Eli was so excited....so excited that he forgot his backpack today! It was ok though....I was able to take it to him when I went to see him at the pumpkin patch. It was so cute seeing all the kids in their costumes. The teachers at his school have done a wonderful job of teaching the kids about why we wear non-scary costumes. And any special snacks, clothes, etc. should only have things that God made (i.e. pumpkins, spiders). No ghosts, witches, etc. I like that!! : )

Eli's Preschool Class

Eli's class and his teachers. Eli is so shy in groups....he just slides in the back of the picture. He is next to the teacher in the OSU jersey.

The special pumpkin Eli selected

He's A Sleeper!

Reed is a wonderful sleeper!! This morning, he slept until 9:15. I don't know if it will last, but I am enjoying EVERY moment of it right now!! I am so thankful for this precious blessing.

Eli & His Robot

Cooler Weather

Finally cool enough to wear pants/jeans to church.....but that afternoon it was 85 degrees! C'mon Fall....we are READY!!!!!!

Chase & Baby

Chase "nursing" his baby

Fall Cookies

Wednesday was Eli's day to bring snack at Preschool. I gave Eli several choices of snacks to bring and he decided on the Candy Corn Sugar Cookies. They were super easy and fun to make!

Orange, Yellow and White Sugar Cookie Dough
Cutting out the cookies

Cooking

The final product - some looked better than others, but they were all yummy! : )

Mummy Dogs

Eli and Chase LOVE looking at Halloween decorations. I don't mind the fun stuff, but I am not a fan of the super scary stuff that is at some houses. Eli and Chase just stare at the super scary stuff...I don't think they really understand it. And really, I don't either. Anyway, we focus on the fun stuff. Today, we made mummy dogs. They are supposed to be made with crescent rolls, but we used biscuits (because that's all we had). They still turned out OK and Eli and Chase loved making them and eating them!! : )

Eli Quotes

Eli: Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a fire fighter....or an astronaut.

Mom: That sounds great, Eli.

Eli: Mom, what to you want.....wait, had you already been something?



Reed was sucking his fingers like he was starving and I said, "Reed, you are going to town on those fingers." Later I overheard Eli say, "Reed, you are going to college on those fingers."
(Eli has been very interested in the concept of "going to college" lately!)

Reed - 4 Months

Reed is 4 months old today! He is such a blessing to our family. We love him so much and it is so fun to watch Eli and Chase play with their little brother. Chase loves to hug him and Eli loves to hold him. Reed is growing alot. He rolls from his tummy to his back and is close to sitting up. He is a great sleeper and nurser! He sleeps tucked in bed next to me and we both get tons of sleep! We love you, Reed! : )

Trying to sit