All Pics Blue Snowflake 2010

Noir Stars Christmas

Shop Shutterfly.com for elegant Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

1 Year Old Toy Recommendations

I always hear questions about what to get kids for Christmas, and even moreso, what to get the young toddler crowd that is too big for infant toys and not big enough for older kids' things. I thought I'd share a couple of things that Kadynce got for her birthday that she loves:



My Pal Violet by Leap Frog (My Pal Scout is the boy version.)
*We just exchanged a duplicate toy for this yesterday, and she LOVES it! It comes with a USB cable to connect it to your computer. Then, you enter in the child's name (and correct spelling), favorite food/color/animal, etc. The dog will say phrases and songs personalized for your child. And the dog can say Kadynce so I'm sure it won't have a problem with pronouncing names right. Target has it on sale for $17.99 right now.


Princess Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition (Red/yellow one for boys)
*My parents got Kadynce and my nephew this for their birthdays, and they both LOVE it. The difference in this one and the one my boys had (fire engine) is the "floor" that you can put in until they are big enough to move it on their own - Elijah used to always get caught under his b/c he would fall off the seat and slide down. There's also a cup holder behind the seat for sippies to fit into. Theres a cut out part on top to be used as a handle to push them - much better than trying to get your arms around the bulky roof! Kadynce LOVES being pushed in hers, but she also likes just sitting in it and going "rooooom!"


Fisher Price's Brilliant Basics Stroll-Along Walker/Brilliant Basics Baby's 1st Doll (Baby's 1st Bear is blue and could be for a boy, but I've only seen the pink stroller)
*Kadynce got her doll for Christmas last year as a newborn and has just started to show a little interest in it. She's so soft and has a sweet rattle inside. (My mom recently gave me my doll like this - pretty sure it's the newer version of it. Mine was pink and white plaid and Mom said it was called Lolly.) When I saw the stroller, I was in love with it (and still am). It's ideal for a first stroller because it is sturdy enough for those not-so-sturdy walkers (like my daughter ). Kadynce loves putting her doll i it and playing with all the little gadgets on it. It's a great walker for her to push around too. All of the other strollers I have seen are not sturdy and would fall with the child, but since this one is more like a walking toy, it won't fall. LOVE it!!!

Anyways, those are my reviews and recommendations. Hope they help someone!!!

Christmas Cards

Since we just entered November, my attention has now turned to the greatest task of the season...dum, dum, dum...Family Christmas Cards!  It has been a tradition for us - almost since Sean and I got married - to do photo Christmas cards.  It gives people an updated picture of the family - though I know they are more concerned about the kids than Sean or I - and in my opinion, is more fun to receive than a simple card with someone's name in it.  So, I already have our photography session booked with a friend in downtown McKinney for next Saturday morning.  The attire was picked months ago.  And so, I have now begun to search for holiday cards with that information in mind.  My first pick was Shutterfly, and I was amazed at how easy it was to find what I was looking for.  I went to the photo cards section and found a preference column along the side to narrow my search.  This was particularly helpful this year because our photo attire is gray and black with Kadynce and I in accents of hot pink.  Obviously, a typical card with brown or lots of red will clash.  Also, I want a card with a spot for a family photo as well as a spot for individual shots of each kid.  As always, Shutterfly delivered exactly what I needed.  While I don't want to give away the final product (which has yet to be created), I can give a preview of the card I found, which I believe will work perfectly for us:

(The name of the card is Snowflake Wishes Noir Holiday 5x7 Photo Card.)

I have ordered a few products from Shutterfly within the past year, and I have been very, very pleased with the products I have received.

If you are looking for Christmas cards like I was, you can visit: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards .  You can also find more generic, holiday cards at http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards .  As I mentioned, they have a wide variety of cards, and the sidebar to help narrow the search is quite helpful if you know what you are looking for. 

Last year, I ordered my dad a wall calendar for Christmas.  I had so much fun putting it together, and the quality of it was wonderful!  It has hung in my dad's office all year.  If you are looking to do something similar for the holidays, visit http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars .

I guess I'm singing the praises of Shutterfly this year! (Oh and hey, 50 free cards for this blog post isn't too shabby either!)

Mommy and her boys

When I was pregnant with Kadynce last year, I decided to implement "Mommy and Me" dates for each of the boys.  I knew their lives were about to drastically change by us adding a third child into the family.  I wanted to share one on one time with each of them before the big day arrived.  But, then Elijah broke his leg and put a kink in the plans.  A few days after Elijah's break, Sean told me to go ahead and take Nathan on his date because a lot of focus had been on Elijah and Nate really needed his time.  So, we went to do some pictures in Plano for his birthday invites and had lunch at The Purple Cow.  I remember that we also went to Target to purchase Elijah his red wagon so that he could be transported places easier.  Obviously, Elijah and I didn't get to do much of a date since he was in a spica cast and I was 8-9 mos. pregnant...and we couldn't go anywhere together without assistance.  Elijah and I did go to a local popcorn place called Mom and Popcorn (yum), but Sean and Nathan were with us.

One year later, the need for more Mommy/Me dates arose as Nathan started kindergarten - another huge change for all of us.  Nathan and I had our date the Saturday before school started - Aug. 22nd.  He got all spiffy with his new haircut and even picked out my shirt to wear:

Excuse the sun spots - Sean was in a hurry and not paying much attention.  He also didn't pay attention to my hair and the wind - LOVELY!

We made our first stop to our best friends' house...Nate's best friend started school the same day that he did so we dropped off a "First Day Survival Kit" for his mommy and a "First Day Celebration Kit" for Grant. Nathan thought that was really fun. Then, we headed to one of the local new McDonald's. He loved playing on the new play area. After lunch, we went for his surprise - Lunar Golf at Collin Creek Mall, which he has been begging to play for some time now. He was beyond thrilled! He was even happier that you get to play 3 rounds. Following a quick stop to visit my mom, we went to Mardel and found Nate a new Bible and a Christian tee to wear to school. That evening, I had a Scentsy party to attend in Plano so Nathan accompanied me to that as well.  I greatly enjoyed my time with my little man...who has grown up so fast and started kindergarten just a few days after our date.

Nathan has been in school for 2 weeks now...he just started his 3rd week.  We are all finally getting used to the new routine, and I decided it was Elijah's turn for a real date with Mama.  Our date was this past Sat. (9/5).  The first order of business was Mommy's haircut in Frisco - where Elijah sat very quietly on the couch watching (I was shocked).  From there, we went to Target in Plano and had our pictures done together.  Elijah did sooooo well during the pictures.  I really wanted to share them on here, but Target has changed their website and I can't figure out how to download them.  If you are interested in seeing the photos, please email me (krisinda@sbcglobal.net) your email address and I will share the album with you.  Once the photos were finished, we went to Elijah's surprise - seeing "Nanny McPhee" at the Studio Movie Grill (where we shared coconut chicken and sweet potato fries - yum!).  Afterwards, we went across the street to Yumilicious to get some frozen yogurt.  I was greatly impressed (pina colada - yummy!); Elijah was less than impressed.  We then went to US Toys, where he picked up a few goodies and I found some goodie bag stuff for the kids' birthdays.  We stopped by to see my mom since US Toys is around the corner from their house.  Finally, we met Sean and Nathan at Sean's mom's house in Frisco - they had been with family for a garage sale that day.  All in all, it was a good day - Elijah acted really good when he wasn't egged on by his brother.

Lest anyone feel that she is being left out...Baby Girl and I have a Mommy/Me date planned for next Sat. 9/18.  We are going to get Mommy/Daughter pictures taken around 1 p.m. and then she has a 1st birthday party to attend for a friend.  We might even stop somewhere for a snack in between. :)

Daddy said he needs to plan dates with the kids soon.  But, he takes the boys to Home Depot and Lowe's and then to breakfast most Sat.  He and the boys like to go to the dollar theater for movies, and I know that Karate Kid is there right now so I foresee a Daddy/sons date there soon.

One Year Ago Today

Most of you probably don't remember where you were on Wed., Sept. 2, 2009.  But I remember exactly where I was and vividly remember the horrible details of the day that still cause my chest to tighten. 

The morning started off with the potential for a fun day: I had a research study to do in Plano, and the boys were going to go play at McDonald's while my sis-in-law watched them.  Then, we were going to my mom's house for lunch and the boys were going to stay with her while I went to my 31 week OB appt.  Unfortunately, that's not how things came down, and the day was the complete opposite of fun!

From my diary one year ago...

Around 12:20, we were talking when we heard Elijah scream and saw him lying on his back in the middle of the play area. He was lying on his back with his foot/knees facing the basketball area. I am not a mom who typically jumps at every fall, but I immediately jumped up when I saw his leg. His left leg was bent to the side, and his left foot was up between his left elbow and shoulder. Once I got to him, I knew he was in pain. He did not have tears, but he was screaming and shaking holding his left knee/leg. I didn’t see what happened so as I headed back to the table to check him out, I asked the other lady in the play area if she saw what happened. She told me he tripped/fell over/with the basketball that he was carrying. I sat him on the table and tried to access his leg. He continued to scream and would not let me touch his leg. I did notice that he was not moving it at all. Since I am pregnant, Emily gathered him up in her arms while I got Nathan and the rest of our stuff. I could tell that people (other customers) were looking at us as we left because Elijah was screaming quite loud. We headed to the car, I got him buckled in his car seat, and he was still screaming and shaking...

I then took him to my parents' house, which was right around the corner, and called our pediatrician.  Elijah had an appointment at 2 p.m.

Our pediatrician, Dr. Newton, was not available to see Elijah so we saw his new partner, Dr. Wiser. Dr. Wiser came in shortly after we were taken to an exam room. She asked the details of the injury and then accessed his leg. Everything looked fine until she asked us to remove his shorts. Once we took his shorts off, it became evident to all three of us that his left thigh was swollen. Dr. Wiser felt around his leg for a moment and then informed us that he definitely had a break because she could feel it popping. She left the room to get us the info for the orthopedic doctor and returned shortly thereafter with the name of an ortho office just one medical building over.

I'm not sure why we were not given a wheelchair or anything....because my mom was carrying my very heavy 2 1/2 year old who screamed with every step she took because it jarred his leg.  That walk seemed like it took forever!!!

The (orthopedic) doctor came in shortly and immediately took my mom and Elijah to the next room for x-rays. (I could not go with them since I was 31 weeks pregnant.) They returned shortly thereafter, and the nurse pulled the x-ray up on the screen in the exam room. We waited for Dr. Diehl to come in to read the x-ray. At this point, I noticed that the x-ray on the screen was one from the knee down, but I assumed it was just one of a couple of pictures taken. When Dr. Diehl came in, I realized that this picture was the only one they took. I could tell that he was studying the x-ray trying to figure out where the break could possibly be. So, I simply said, “Now, you know that is not where they believe the break to be.” He then asked where the pediatrician thought that the break was, and I told him that they thought he broke his left femur. It was then that he said, “Ohhhh…well, we’ll have to take another x-ray then.” So, off they went again for another picture.  Once they finished the x-ray and pulled it up on the screen in the exam room, it became obvious that there was, indeed, a break in the femur. Dr. Diehl showed it to me and said that he was on the verge of needing surgery. It did not look like he’d need surgery but he would be in a spica cast from his hip down and rendered immobile for 4-6 weeks. This was, of course, alarming to me, since I was almost 31 weeks pregnant and could not lift Elijah as it was…moreless with a cast on half of his body! Not to mention the fact that my husband was in his third week at a new job and did not have any personal time yet to take off. He informed us that Elijah would have to be sedated to have the cast put on. Dr. Diehl then left the room to see when we could get this done. He returned noting that Centennial Medical Center (where they are located) did not have any operating rooms open until morning. Therefore, Elijah would be admitted overnight and the procedure would occur first thing in the morning. Shortly after this, Sean (my husband) arrived at the office, and Dr. Diehl filled him in. Since the permanent cast would not be put on until morning, they put on a temporary cast/splint with gauze and an Ace bandage.

I remember the room seemed like it was beginning to spin at this point.  The whole idea of him being in a spica cast while I was 31 weeks pregnant was almost inconceivable to me.  This is NOT how I wanted to spend the last few weeks of pregnancy.  Elijah was in better spirits once his leg was splinted, but he was still not a happy camper.  We got him settled in at the hospital, and he kept asking - "Where's Nate?"  Soon, family members arrived to see him...and my sister and brother-in-law FINALLY brought Nate up.  Nate laid in bed with Elijah and comforted him so sweetly.

Elijah’s procedure was scheduled for 7 a.m. on Thursday morning. Sean said that they came in to get them shortly after 6:30 a.m. Elijah refused the “cocktail” to calm him down so he was pretty upset when he left Sean’s arms. Mom and I arrived at the hospital around 10 after 7 and found his room empty. Sean walked in just a few minutes later to get dressed for work. He then walked us into the waiting room and headed to work around 7:30-7:40. We were in the waiting room probably about 10-15 min. when Dr. Maurer came in to report. He showed us the x-ray where they set the bone back in place and said that everything went fine. A few minutes later, the nurse from recovery called to let us know that we could come back to see him. As soon as we walked into recovery, I could hear him crying and yelling for “Mommy.” He was quite agitated at this point. I walked over by his head to calm him down and assisted in giving him oxygen. (tube blowing on face) They gave him some meds in his IV, which helped calm him and he was soon fast asleep. His cast began right under his ribs, went down over his hips, down to his ankle on his left leg and down to his knee on his right leg. We were back in his room by 9 a.m. The rest of the day was spent cuddling and spending time with him. He ate a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch without any reservations. We kept trying to get him to pee in the bottle (since he is potty trained), but he had trouble going at first. He finally couldn’t hold it anymore and peed on himself. Luckily, though, we had a towel handy that I threw over him (he told me that he was going). Two nurses came in to help change the pad he was lying on and assist in cleaning him and making sure that the cast did not get wet (it did not). The nurses were not any help, though, in telling us how to make him go in the bottle, how to properly hold the bottle when he went, positions to put him in to go in the bottle, etc. It felt like the blind leading the blind at some points. The nurse did show us how to properly use the bedpan so that was beneficial. Before leaving that morning, Dr. Maurer had come by and told me that once Elijah peed, he should be free to go home. So, he was discharged between 3 and 4 p.m.

And thus began the longest 6 weeks of my life...

Some of the "joys" we encountered:

- Needing a sitter anytime I needed to leave the house whether it be for a dr's appt. or just to go to the grocery store - I was pregnant and could not lift him so we were home bound.  I cannot express how thankful I was (and still am) for all of the friends and family who offered prayer/support, brought meals and helped watch Elijah during this time.  I would have fallen apart without you (I was quite a mess as it was).

- Keeping a 2 1/2 year old BOY still and entertained was NOT fun!!!  And yet again, we had friends and family who brought games and toys to keep a little boy still and quiet.

- Trying to figure out a way to cover Elijah's "private" area, which was left exposed with the cast.  Because of the cast's positioning on his hips, we couldn't get normal shorts up him as his legs were too far apart.  I praise God for my one of my best friends, Amber, and her mother who took measurements of my man's cast and constructed some make-shift shorts and undies for Elijah to wear - big boys' shorts/undies with the side seam ripped out and velcro or snaps in place.  I don't know what I would have done without them!!!

- Dealing with continual potty issues for a 2 1/2 year old who had recently potty trained and was now having to learn to pee in a bottle and poo in a bedpan - he peed on his cast too many times to count.  So gross!

- Refusal to eat the first few days in a cast - Can you say protest???

- Lack of sleep those first few days/week as E dealt with the pain and side effects from the medication - I remember sleeping on the couch during the week since S had to go to work (remember, I was 8 mos. pregnant; S took the weekends) with the TV on because Elijah would wake up in the middle of the night and not able to go back to sleep.  At least I got to sleep this way!

- Dragging around that big plastic Little Tikes wagon because there was no other way to transport Elijah once we got somewhere - he was quite heavy, esp. once we had to get his cast reinforced

- Planning/cleaning for Nate's birthday parties with a toddler in a cast...on top of being 9 mos. pregnant!

And then, six VERY LONG weeks later, he was free of that thing...but so skinny and unable to stabilize himself well to sit in the tub that first night.  It took him a few weeks to learn to walk again, and he limped for a few months.

But, here we are one year later, and he shows NO SIGNS of the injury.  To be honest, I'm not even sure he remembers it.  When I ask him which leg he broke, he doesn't know and often points to his right leg (he broke his left).  He was shocked when he saw pictures of himself in the cast the other day.  I think the only "memories" he has are from pictures he has seen and stories he has been told.  Now, big brother can tell you every detail of the day...  But, I suppose that for Elijah, it is best that he does not remember.  His 1 year check up is on the 13th.  We are believing for a positive report from the ortho and hoping that this will be our last time to see him ever.  Will give an update after that appt.

Photo courtesy of Bella Mia Portraits

First Day of School

Yes, I am about a week and a half late in posting this, but this new schedule is kicking my booty!  I think we are finally starting to fall into a routine, but I know it takes a month to form a habit...I guess we are halfway there. :)

The day before school started, I had my sister take a family picture at church.  It turned out really nice.

I needed it for Nathan's lunchbox.  See:

I know that some parents put notes in their kids' lunches every day, but my kindergartener can't read yet!  I thought this would be a nice reminder of how much his family loves him.  But, I wasn't sure if it would embarrass him, because, you know, he has a reputation to maintain.  He put all my fears aside, though, when the first thing he said upon entering the van after school was, "You put a picture in my lunch!" with a big grin.  Whew!  He even checked the next morning to make sure that I had left it there.  One and a half weeks later, it's still there and will probably remain there until we decide to replace it, it becomes ruined or I am asked to remove it.

I had a friend recently start an embroidery business so I asked her to make a "Kindergarten Rocks" shirt for Nathan.  It turned out AWESOME!  (Even Daddy liked it.)  Our little man was HAPPY to show it off the first day of school...after he had hoped right out of bed, scarfed down breakfast, and gotten dressed.

We got Nathan to school a bit early - around 7:30-7:40 a.m.  Because it was the first day, we were able to walk him in...and yes, we all 4 walked him in as Sean went in to work late that day so he could go.  Nathan was most impressed by his locker.

He strutted into class, and Sean helped him find his seat.  I snuck in for one last glimpse of my baby and a picture of he and his teacher, Ms. Cone.  Oh, yeah...and that one last glimpse...I was hoping for a hug, kiss...something!  I had to ask for a hug, and it was quite forced.  My baby is growing up!

I didn't think to get any pictures of he and I or he and Sean.  Let's just say that I was not quite myself that day.  I didn't cry...BUT when we went to the Coffee and Kleenex breakfast for new parents, one of the PTO moms asked me how it went...I felt the tears well up, and I couldn't speak there for a minute.  I was pretty much that way during the entire breakfast...heck, I was like that the entire day!  All someone had to do was get me talking about my baby growing up.

For dinner that night, we went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate OUR first day of kindergarten.

A week and a half later, Nathan is thriving.  His teacher told me that he makes friends with everyone - yep, that's my boy. (my politician)  He jumps out of bed in the morning and gets ready for school without too much prompting.  He gets in the van every afternoon talking about how much fun he had at school.  Nate is an older kindergartener - he will turn 6 next month; he was so ready to start school this year (but was definitely not ready last year).  As for me, I am getting used to the routine.  I LOVE hearing his excitement about school and becoming a big kid...and yet, I also love seeing his face light up and seeing him wave when he sees me in the carpool lane.  He might have made his first flight of independence, but he still holds my heart!

Meet the Teacher

Tonight, we got to meet Nathan's very first teacher - Ms. Cone.  I went into the meeting a bit apprehensive and concerned - afterall, she is going to have my baby longer than I will during his waking hours. :)  But, a few minutes with Ms. Cone put me at ease.  I feel like we are on the same page and are in this journey together.  Nathan was REALLY excited about his room and walked around checking it out with Daddy and Elijah.  However, he got all shy and put his head on the desk when I tried to get him to talk to the boy who sits across the table from him.  (I think Monday might be exciting!)

When we got home, I had a message from a friend of mine who made Nathan's first day of school shirt.  She brought it by tonight, and I LOVE it!  I'll leave it as a surprise for Monday, but my boy will be "rockin'."

As we inch closer and closer to Monday, this song keeps playin in my head (and goes along with my last post)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4NS7...eature=related

I know all I've been writing about is Nathan and him starting kindergarten, but...well...that's all we are talking about around here.  Here's a funny story in closing...tonight at dinner, Nathan was concerned that we wouldn't pick him up from school.  I assured him that I would never leave him at school, and then Sean and I both said that we loved him and couldn't live without him.  "Oh, you love ME, just not Elijah!" Ha!  Knowing Nathan, I am pretty sure that he is convinced that he is loved more because he is not the one always getting in trouble (Elijah pushes the boundaries).  We nipped that thought process in the bud; it had the makings for the Prodigal Son story to me!!!  :)

Here's a recent shot of all 3 of our cuties in the sunflowers, taken by Desiree Chapman of Bella Mia Portraits.  It's next to impossible to get 3 looking at the camera with cute faces so she did the best she could with what they gave her.  It's a great shot!

My Baby

Six years ago, I waited in eager anticipation for the birth of my firstborn.  I could not wait to become a mother!  Ten short weeks later, I met my Nathan Isaac face-to-face.  I loved spending one on one time with Nathan as a newborn and toddler.  But, as a first time parent, I was a bit too eager for him to reach the next milestone, the next stage.

Nathan has always been the typical firstborn - receiving attention from everyone (esp. his Uncle Sam).

As I watched him grow from a baby to a toddler to a preschooler...I was amazed at the blessing and gift God had given me in my son.  Sean & I always wanted children and being a stay-at-home mommy was always a dream of mine.  To see that dream become a reality, still leaves me in awe sometimes.

And then, even that preschool age faded as he turned 5 last fall.  FIVE?!  How could I have a five year old?!  I had babies, not children!!!  But, much to our chagrin, they do grow up.

With almost six years of motherhood under my belt, there are times where I wish I could go back and savor every moment of those one on one times I had with my firstborn.  I did not know how fast it would go by and how much I would miss it!  So, here we stand today...with our first hill behind us(infancy/toddlerhood/preschool years)...and our first cliff before us - where my baby will take his first flight (kindergarten)!  I pray that he does well; I know this is not the last flight he'll take as he has many more ahead of him.  Mama might shed a few tears, but I'll be his biggest cheerleader.  I anticipate what lies ahead of this young man.  I have known from the time he was in my womb that God's hand was upon him.  His name means "God's gift of laughter," and I know he will touch the world with that.  He has a very outgoing personality and a compassionate heart.  Shortly after his birth, it was prophesied that he would go to lands and do things that his grandfather and father only dreamed of reaching.  I cannot wait to see this come into fruition!

Nathan, as we stand here together just 4 days before your big first flight, know that you can do ALL things through Jesus who gives you strength (Phil 4:13 - the first verse you ever memorized).  May His love be the wind that allows you to soar through this!  I love you very much, sweetie, and will always be here for you cheering you on!

Book Sneeze

Giving this a program so you might see a review in the near future... :)

Our "Powder Puff Girl" is Rolling!

Let me clarify...by rolling, I do not mean that she is getting around by rolling across the room.  Not YET.  Come on, she's only 3 months old!  BUT, during the Super Bowl party at church last night, I put her on her tummy and watched her roll onto her back for the first time. :)  I think she is the first of my kids that I actually got to SEE do this.  Love it!  I tried yelling at my mom to look while she did it, but it was rather hard to hear in there with the game on.  (She did catch on and saw Kadynce on her back shortly thereafter.)  It won't be long before she'll roll from her back to her tummy - she can get to her side but not all the way over yet. 

And now for her new title of "Powder Puff Girl..."  We had MOPS this morning, and I was holding her during our group's discussion time.  At one point, I thought I smelled a dirty diaper.  She was sitting up on the table so I leaned her head on my shoulder and peeked at the diaper from the top.  As I opened the diaper, she let out a little toot and "poof" - out came a poof of baby powder.  It was hilarious, and the 2 other ladies at my table at the time got quite a kick out of it.  Thus, she has earned herself the title of "Powder Puff Girl." :)

Happy Valentine's Day from our own "Powder Puff Girl!"

Darn Wisdom Teeth

So...why do we have wisdom teeth?!  Very few people actually get to keep them or have room for them, and most people go through much pain with them.  I have often wondered what God's reasoning was in giving us these extra teeth since very few people can actually use them!  I am not one of those lucky people.  I have been battling with my wisdom teeth since high school, and the time has finally come for them to be removed IMMEDIATELY!

When Kadynce was about 3 weeks old (right before Thanksgiving), I started having some pain on the left side of my mouth.  Very soon, I realized that I was clenching my jaw/gritting my teeth whenever I slept.  Sean later told me that I was grinding my teeth at times as well.  The pain subsided for a few weeks around Christmas and New Year's, but it started up again at the end of Jan.  I finally broke down and went to the dentist last week.  I have a rather large cavity in my upper left wisdom tooth - which is fully in.  I am now finishing my last day of penicillin and will be calling an oral surgeon this week.  I was told that I need that tooth out ASAP...within the next 2 weeks.  So, we are working fast and furiously on that!  Blech!  I am getting all 4 done at once...2 will be pulled (top) and 2 will be surgically removed.

I am hoping to get this scheduled on a Friday so that Sean only has to miss one day of work to help with my recovery.  He will probably stay with the kids, and my mom will help me.  I am waking early every morning to pump as I suspect that even if I CAN nurse Kadynce during this time, I will not feel like it (thank goodness that she takes a bottle).  My sis is helping with this part of the endeavor (and I am eternally grateful) - I KNEW there was a reason we got pregnant at the same time. LOL

I will keep everyone posted on this...as much as I hate the idea of it! :)

Tissue...Kiss You...

Last Thursday, I had to go to the dentist so my mom watched the boys for me (Kadynce stayed with me).  Elijah said something to my mom...and having worked with children most of her life, she went to interpret what he said as a mispronunciation of the phrase, "Kiss You."  She immediately corrected him - "Elijah, say k-k-kiss you."  He confusingly obliged and said, "K-k-kiss you!"  Nathan finally spoke up on his brother's behalf and said, "Mawmaw, he needs a TISSUE!"  Apparently, Elijah had originally said, "I need a tissue," and my mom heard, "I need to 'tiss' you." LOL  How cute is that (on both parts)?!

Not the best picture, but it's the most recent one I have of Elijah on the computer. :)

"Is there chocolate in this?"

I do not know what I did differently with my 2 boys, but their tastes could not be more different when it comes to food!  Nathan is a rare little man.  He enjoys "healthy" foods (which I am grateful for).  His daily afternoon snack is an apple.  He LOVES salads, and his drink of choice is typically water (if chocolate milk isn't available LOL).  Granted, he loves sweets too, but he eats quite healthy for a 5 year old, and I don't have to force it down him!  Elijah, on the other hand, has always been a pain in my side, er rear, when it comes to food.  He was almost 2 before he ate meat on a regular basis; even now, he calls all meat "chicken," but hey, whatever gets him to eat it.  He pretty much refuses all veggies.  As you saw from the previous post, he doesn't like beans. :)  He would eat SWEETS and cheese all day long if I'd let him.  He prefers milk or juice and has just now started drinking water. *sigh*

So, today, I had fixed myself tostadas for lunch (boys weren't impressed with them last night), and Nathan asked for a bowl of lettuce (not a salad, just lettuce) when he saw me fixing some for my tostada.  Suddenly, I heard a conversation between the boys...

"Eat it, Elijah.  I promise - there's chocolate in it!" (Nathan)

"No, there's not!" (Elijah)

Then, Elijah approached me with a piece of lettuce and asked, "Is there chocolate in this?"  Holding in my laughter, I confirmed that lettuce contains no chocolate.  Elijah trotted off and proudly proclaimed, "See, Nate - there's no chocolate in there."

The boys and I at Babe's Chicken House on my birthday 1/2/10

**Ignore my hair - not sure what was up with my bangs!**