Big step

Yesterday afternoon during nap time, and while trying to discipline, Ayden figured something out. He found out that he could crawl out of his crib!

 We knew this day was coming, but we were trying to push it off :oP Anyway~ so for bedtime, we redid Ayden's room.

 He LOVED it. He was so so excited.

 He did really well, actually. He cried for 5-10 mins when we first left him in there. Then he did wake up about 4:30 screaming. All I had to do was hold him for a few mins., hug/kiss, and we didn't hear from him again until 8. Which is when he normally gets up.

It's hard to believe my little boy is getting so big. Seems like just yesterday we got the phone call.

Happy birthday Ayden!

What can I say about this dear sweet boy

Lets start with the facts. At 2, Ayden loves trucks, balls, bubbles, and his dad! Cant go wrong with any of those things. He is starting to get into t.v. shows more. He likes "Daniel Tiger Neighborhood" (thanks Heather! :o) ) and he likes "Guess with Jess". Much to Jared's dismay, Ayden is a cat lover. He gives the best kisses and hugs when he will give them. If you asked me a year ago, I would have said you're crazy, but Ayden is a champion eater now! He loves eggs, mac n cheese, mash potato with gravy, reeses (think he prefers the cups, but pieces is fine too), and marinara sauce. i say the sauce because he likes ravioli, spaghetti, and lasagna. Anyway~ despite his eating like a pro now, he's still tiny 

The dr. said that even though he's tiny, he thinks we're still playing catch-up from Ayden not really eating for a year- 18 months. Ayden has gained 2 pounds and grown 2 inches in 6 months. So the dr. said he'll see us in 6 months, and we'll see then how Ayden's doing. Ever since his cousin Landon came to visit, Ayden has started to talk a bit more too. I think I am still going to get him evaluated for early intervention though. He's right on the boarder of where he should be and being delayed.

I can't tell you how much I love this little boy. He brings such a fun spirit into our home. He can make me livid one sec, and then next totally crackin me up. He is so adventurous and loves to try new things. He is constant go go go and I love his love for life. And it's so cool and interesting to me to see how he goes from all boy to the next min. being so loving and affectionate towards his sister. He is so aware of when she's sick/ in the hospital. Amazes me how a 2 year old can be so in tuned like that.

I think of his bios. a lot and how we are so blessed that they trust us to raise this little man. They are the ones that allowed us to legally (And eternally) be parents. we could not have asked for a greater gift.

Happy birthday, Ayden!! We love you more then you'll ever know.

Domo's tailgate party

In Utah, there is what's known as the "holy war". It's during football season, BYU plays Univ. of Utah. This year is especially big because the two won't be playing each other for years. Anyway~ because they can, Domo (where Jared works) decided to have a tailgate party to celebrate the "holy war". Jared was busy doing his amazing snow cones, so it was mainly Ayden and I hanging out.

We started out with a treat

Played in an awesome bounce house

 Had to stop and find Dad a time or two

 Football toss

 Gotta play with the rocks!

 A local news station was there. The reporter got in and had the kids tackle him.

Sad times you can't really see Ayden in the video, but he was in there!

We had a great time, but really missed Bree. So, a update Bree: She's doing better. They pulled her IV yesterday. With the type of bacteria growing, we just decided to pull it. She'll get a new placed tomorrow and be able come home!! After a week, we're ready for her to be home! We miss our princess around here.

Grandma present #2

Yesterday Ayden opened his second present from his Grandma Shell. Grandma definitely knows how to make him happy :o)

I just still can't believe my baby will be two next week!!! Where has the time gone?

Another hospital stay

Unfortunately, part of Bree having SBS is frequent hospitalizations. I was told by the dietitian we're working with that it gets better after the first year. Anyway~ Bree has a really really bad line infection right now (as in she has 5 different bacteria types growing in/on her IV). She's been in the hospital since Sunday. On Monday, I decided to take Ayden with me to spend the day at the hospital with Bree. It actually turned out a lot better then I thought it would. Here are some pictures of our day

We started out by playing

Then, Breeann was tired so Ayden and I went to the toy room where they were making smoothies!

 We had a nap time

yes, she is suppose to be sleeping! The little stink

When Ayden woke up and Bree FINALLY fell asleep, we went back to the toy room and did some art

Jared joined us when he got off work, we decided to go for a walk. Ayden thought the stroller was for him. This was Jared's way of handling the situation.

By the end of the day, we were all tired. And I definitely couldn't do this the whole time Bree's inpatient. I try to do it a couple of times each stay though. They miss each other, and Ayden needs to know his sister is okay.

Hope this finds all you well!! Love to all

Grandma spoils

Ayden's birthday is in about a week and a half. While my mom was up here last week, she gave me some presents and told me to let Ayden open them before his birthday. I decided I'd let him open one a week. This was his gift this week :o)

He loves trucks/cars! So this was perfect. Another perfect present he's already gotten is from his fav. aunt lissa (aka my younger sis, Melissa)! I'll have to get pics of that too.

Randomness

here's a few random pictures with a few random what's been going on :o)

The day before Bree was admitted, my mom, sister, and nephew came for a visit. It was awesome having them here! Feel bad we were distracted/ busy with things with Bree and her illness, but gratefully they were amazing at understanding. Consequence of Bree in the hospital, my camera didn't come out much but I did get this cute pic. of the boys. They had so much fun! Landon is only 5 days younger then Ayden so peer pressure was on for the both of them- in regards to who eats more, who talks more, etc. :o) 

Yesterday and today, we had a couple of dr. appointments for Bree. They are taking down her IV fluid. YAYAYAYAY!!! It's now 20 hours instead of 22. May not be a big difference, but its a great step. You see, our ultimate goal is to get her totally off the IV. The fluid she has (which is full of all the vitamins and minerals she needs) will one day send her into liver failure-- which is fatal. SO! We celebrate baby steps here. 

Other then that, we're staying low key :o) We're gearing up to celebrate a certain little Ayden's birthday in just two short weeks!!

Hope this finds all well!! Love you all!!!

Happy birthday Breeann!!!

Today is little miss Bree's first birthday. How is she celebrating? In the hospital, of course. Late Thurs., she spiked a fever and got a admitted early Friday morning. It appears to be a virus. She actually should be getting discharged today! That really is a good present! We joke because she spent Jared's birthday, my birthday, and now part of her birthday in the hospital. Hopefully none of Ayden's will be spent there.

Breeann has been such a joy. She is such a sweet, tender spirit. Any time I tell her no she looses it. I thought I knew motherhood with Ayden, but she has taught me so much more about being a mom. The countless late nights, numberless cares during the day is totally made up for by her slobbery kisses and amazing cuddles.

 At one years old, she is just starting to get to be a full time crawler! She's so hard to stop now. I'll set her down on the floor, turn around, and then she's somehow half way across the room and I need to go move her bag(s). She loves her older brother so much. They have such a special bond. I love it.

We love you my dear princess!!!

All boy

Its things like this that remind me... Ayden is definitely all boy

Aydens first pinata

We had the honor of going to our friends and celebrating with them. They just adopted number 4!!!! Congratulations again you guys!!! Here's a few pics. and a video of Ayden going at the pinata! Enjoy :o) Oh~ And the top picture is changed, just for you Babe ;o)