Sledding 2009

We have decided to embrace winter:) This video was taken in mid-January when we got some nice fluffy snow. Our neighbor Betty had gotten a big chair for Christmas and offered us her cardboard box. Turns out it makes a good sled! I can't wait till Russell is big enough to join us.

My Sister

Most of you know my sister Rebecca. I can say that with some certainty because she tends to leave an impression. She is a loving, spirited, outrageously fun/funny, and in many ways she is my complement. Where I am weak she is very strong, and vice versa. She challenges me daily, and has helped me grow into a much better person since I began listening to her back in 2001. Because of our differences, we shared a volatile sisterhood. It has grown into a grand friendship. She tells me when I am being an idiot, challenges me in my faith, and loves me even when I don't deserve it. We became sisters at birth, but we became friends in Europe in 2001. Again, Rebecca to the rescue. (She historically has taken care of me, who is the older sister?) I had no plan after college, and Rebecca was in London. So, I went to live with her in 200 square feet, in a foreign country. We bonded, learned about each other (good and bad) and thus began our friendship. Since then, we have always lived apart, but managed to stay connected, trips to California, Dominican Republic (my high roller younger sister paid!), meet at the lake, bus to Boston/NYC, more trips to the lake, even a trip to Iowa. Countless phone calls which sometimes end in someone hanging up on the other, but most the time just sharing life.
Today my younger sister is 27. I wish I could be a super sister and go to NYC and take her to a spa day and a fancy fun night out. But, babies, budget, and Rebecca's work schedule preclude that. So, I blog about how fabulous she is. Therefore, the whole world will know why they should celebrate February 23 1982!
W orth-knowing
A ll about football
B eautiful
E nteraining
C ompletely fabulous
C hrist-loving
A ward-winning Aunt!

Grammy comes to town!

Mom came to visit for a few days. It was such a treat to have her here, to spend time with the boys and give me an extra hand during this busy time. She is a great guest, and the boys love to see Grammy. The only way it could have been better was if Papa could have came too.

I used to think: will I survive raising boys, now I wonder will they survive me?

When I delivered Quint the nurses joked that I would need to move next door to the hospital when I have the next one because they anticipated a fast labor. Well, Russell took his time, but I am starting to believe we should move closer to the hospital so I can keep my boys alive!
Sometimes in parenting I just want to lie on the floor and cry because they are getting the best of me, but recently, I want to cry because I worry how are they going to survive me as a mother! Don't get me wrong, I love the gift of being a full time mom, but with any challenge there is going to be ups and downs. Hopefully I will be a pro-momma in the near future, but right now I feel like a novice.
First, while I was changing Russell, Quint spilled/drank all the allergy medicine. I was freaking out, because some went down the drain so it was hard to decipher how much (if any) he ingested. Just so you know, a boy around 30 pounds can drink about half the bottle and be fine.
Second, I tried to go to Target which is always an adventure, but Russell leaned out of the stroller, slipped out and fell on his head. I was freaking out again. Picked him up to sooth him, and then thought oh my gosh what if i paralyzed him! We left Target (without the milk we desperately needed) and drove straight to the doctor. They almost laughed, and reassured me that it happens and just be glad it wasn't a flight of stairs. (I didn't tell them that happened to Quint last winter, luckily it was only to the landing and he bounced well).
Most recently, an ear infection for Russell and Quint and I were in the ER last night for a terrible fever and cough. I should have called earlier but I thought he was turning a corner till his temp was 103 degrees. Turns out he will be fine but I was freaking again.
What really worries me is they are only 2 years and 7 months, can they really survive me till 18. Better start praying for protection now!
Please don't call social services.

First ER visit

Quint has had a terrible cold, but I just thought it comes with WINTER. Last night his temperature spiked to 103 and he had a cough that was very concerning. We called the doctor and they told us to go to the ER. I was scared because his breathing was so labored. After being in the ER for a while Quint's Tylenol kicked in and he was flirting with the nurses. I felt ridiculous, but when he woke up at 3 AM screaming and coughing I was reaffirmed we made the right decision getting him checked out. I was very grateful for the inhaler and peace of mind given to me by the doctor at the Emergency Room.

Medical School Formal

Early in the fall, we heard that there would be a formal for the school. I was so excited. I envisioned a swanky event, tall cocktail tables, classy music, and adult conversation with BK's classmates and teachers. Well, it turned out to more like a well dressed frat party. I was a little disappointed, but then I remembered the majority of the students are 22, and that maybe I was just old. But, we got our first babysitter in Iowa, I found a dress on super sale, and I was not going to let it go to waste! It was great to get out, have some drinks, dance and spend time together.
The cutest part was BK got me a cortsage. He is a great hubby.

Lauren is my great mommy friend. Her husband (Tim) is in school with BK and she is a full-time mom as well. She has become a great friend in a short time, and I am so grateful. Usually, we are holding babies, changing diapers, and speaking in phrases between babies care. It was nice to have a grown-up evening together, although we both felt hanging with the babies is just as fun, and cheaper:) I guess I am getting older!

BK with his two of his new school buddies. Gabe and Tim add some sanity to the crazy experience of medical school. It was fun to see them laughing and (most likely not thinking about the next test...at least for a few minutes)