The Christmas Village

Every year the Christmas village at the park expands. Then, one Saturday it is closed to drive-through traffic and open only to those on foot - or stroller, sled, wagon, whatever the case may be! This was our first time going on the walk only day and I was surprised by how many people were out in the freezing cold. Large, extended family groups were everywhere and there were many tiny tiny babies bundled to the hilt too. I didn't know what a big tradition it is for some families! Santa and the Mrs. were there to greet children and give them a candy cane. This year Drew was still afraid of them, but Pete was able to snap a picture before he got too upset. This is the nativity scene in the park.

The soldiers guarding the bridge. I think the soldiers are one of my favorites. Pete and the boys crossing the bridge. All bundled up for the single digit temps!Santa and the Mrs with the boys and I. Santa tried to jingle his bells so Drew would be distracted from the scary Santa!Drew wanted to show Nana the 'noman'. Drew is really into the old Frosty movie right now. On the way home, Drew had to stop every few feet to pick up a new ball of snow. "Mommy, it's nummy!"

Christmas Parade

I have a couple of short video clips from the Christmas parade. I have one of Drew dancing along side the street. For some of you, it may be boring, but for you family who know and love Drew, it's cute! The little girl with Drew in the one video is my friend's daughter Leanna. She did a good job making sure Drew got some candy too!

Weebo III

Our ultrasound was on Monday this week. We ended up bringing Drew with us while a friend watched Ty. Drew was so excited to go in and he was yelling "See baby! Baby cute!" in the waiting room. Once we got into the room and he asked where baby was, I told him to look at the screen. The tech was very good about explaining to him what everything was and focusing on points of his interest to satisfy his curiosity. At one point I asked him if baby was cute and he replied "Nope!". But he saw baby waving hands, kicking feet, opening and closing the mouth and wagging the tongue. I'm really glad we decided to bring him. Now he often asks to look at the pictures from the ultrasound with us and pointing out where everything is. Baby was right on target size-wise, and we haven't gotten any phone calls that something was amiss. The next prenatal appointment is next week.

Another point of interest this week was the Christmas parade - and I'll post pictures and maybe a video later when I have more time. But for now, we were snowed in yesterday. Many places were closed - including some businesses, so after work Pete came home in the morning since his classes were cancelled. Drew was excited Daddy was coming home, but that soon changed to anxiety and worry once he realized the van was stuck in the snow. He was crying for "Daddy, clean snow! Van stuck!" Daddy did clean the snow and he was fine again. Now we are left with well below zero temps and are hibernating in where it's warm! :)

Into December we go!

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We sure did! It was nice to have more time with family than just a short weekend. We also had our fill of tasty treats! Drew was quite the helper in the kitchen and with his brother. Ty got his first haircut - Pete finally approved! Drew had his 2 1/2 year check-up. Now a whopping 29 lbs. - probably not enough to stay ahead of his brother for much longer! Ty walking with Aunt Lydia:

Ty - pre-haircut with NanaTy - again, pre-haircutThere we go! Look at that boy! Story time with Grandma Drew's tent - fun for hours! The many diaper pictures are due to extra warm temps at Grandma and Grandpas house - their wood heat is much more efficient than our gas is - thus we frequently had two sweaty boys and in Nov/Dec I didn't think to pack summer clothes!Two boys and a dog - enraptured by the heavy snows - it actually made us stay a day longer it was so fast and heavy!TV time with Papa - on one of the many mornings the boys were up before anyone was ready to see - or hear - them.Tomorrow we hope to take the boys to the Christmas parade. Then on Monday we get to go "see" our littlest one. A friend is willing to watch the boys so Pete can come too. In less than two weeks I have gone to a slight "pouch" to "big-belly". I think it should be a more gradual change...but baby thinks otherwise! Baby is also quite active - kicking, stretching and twisting - using every centimeter of space available! Pete continues to do incredibly well in his classes, but is still looking forward to the break! Thanks for your continued prayers for him! :) Over and Out!!

Throughout the day so many funny things happen and I think I should put that on the blog, and then by the time the kids are in bed and I have time to get on here, I've forgotten what I was going to write. Nice huh? Life has been crazy here - trying to avoid the flu bugs and keeping the boys amused at home. I love how they are interacting together so much more. It is so fun to watch them! My current battle is trying to remember how thankful I am that Drew loves his little brother so much he wants to play with him ALL the time and not get upset when Drew sneaks upstairs and crawls in Ty's crib to wake him up from nap time early so they can play. GRRR!

Another of Drew's latest acts is to hide in the coat closet in the hall between the living room and kitchen. He then pops out yelling "Come in Peace!" Where do they pick up on all these things? I'm sure it stemmed from some jokes Pete and I were cracking about his crazy ideas...but when and where I have no clue.

Ty has really grown a lot and loves to walk around holding our hands. Drew loves to try to help Ty walk, but often doesn't hang on tight enough. Then Drew decides he needs his turn - and it has become almost a nightly ritual to have their "walk" with daddy. By this age, Drew was walking already, but Ty is just doing things at his own pace.

We headed out to take care of the leaves this week. Ty had a rough morning and missed out due to an early nap, but Drew loved the leaves and the undivided attention!We used the garbage bin to haul the leaves to the back of the yard and dump them in the thicket. We were almost done and not wanting to take many more trips so Pete was really trying to pack them in. Drew loved the make-shift trampoline! Next week I have another prenatal appointment - two more weeks and we'll be half way to meeting our little one. I have really enjoyed feeling little movements the last two weeks - but at this point am still not needing maternity clothes. By this time with both Drew and Ty I was bigger...hmmm....so what does that mean? ;) I know you shouldn't compare because they are all different, but how can you not? After the appointment on Thursday we are headed up to visit family in MI. We will be gone until after Thanksgiving. Pete will be coming back during the week for work and classes but the boys and I will stay up north so it may be awhile before another update. Thanks for checking in! Over and Out

"Mommeee! Watch! Peeno!" (Mommy, watch me play the piano!)

Our house has been continually warmer as I remember to check the switches on the furnace and hot water heater each time Drew is downstairs with me. This is a good thing. However, putting the boys into the same bedroom, right before time change, is a bad thing. Drew keeps Ty awake at night, and Ty wakes Drew up early. This morning it was 5:30 when we heard the shrieks of laughter coming from their room. The neighbors, I am sure, were their biggest fans. Trying to tell them to be quiet and go back to sleep is like trying to tell a cement brick to move itself.

On the bright side, they do enjoy their times together morning and evening, even if we don't! They are getting more interactive all the time. Here they are doing their jamming. I did manage to get some video, but it's always better when neither is aware that I have the camera! They both are bouncing, swaying and laughing. It's great entertainment.Drew always has a car, truck or train in his hands. He doesn't go anywhere without them! Even though many of his favorites are Ty's birthday gifts, you will NEVER convince him they are not his!One morning, before getting breakfast and dressed - their diapers were changed, thus the half-dressed Ty and Drew's missing jammies - they were watching Sesame Street. Drew just found his way to cuddle up with Ty and though I couldn't get them to ignore the camera, it was still cute! Ty has also started to walk while holding our hands. Drew thinks it's great to run ahead, squat in front of us and call Ty. As soon as Ty gets to him Ty gets a big hug, kiss and tackle.

Pete continues to do well in his classes, he actually has an exam today. His schedule is much better now that he is done with his afternoon class. Sleep is a good thing! At Ty's one year check up, we were told he is in the 25% for his height and weight. I told the Dr that her percentages were screwy - Ty is one big boy!! He is 22 lbs compared to his brothers 28. Won't be too long and they will be an even match! Watch out Drew! Over and out!

Freezing

Many of you know that I do not use our clothes dryer. Pete has strung lines in our basement and I hang all our clothes trying to save on electricity - and thus money. Drew has loved spending time in the basement with me while I hang laundry; remember all the items hidden in the dryer? And many times he has turned off the hot water heater. For serious, whoever put the power switch, right in front, and bright red didn't have children. Well, we had a new experience today. It was quite cold in our house this morning; and I don't know anything about furnaces, so I gave the boys warm oatmeal, a warm bath and dressed them in sweatsuits, waiting for Pete to get out of class to see if he could do something or if we had to call and report it. When Pete called on his way home I explained about the heat and he said to check the power switch. I didn't know it had one - but sure enough, mounted on the back, in a little boy sized crawl space, there it was. Just like a light switch, sticking out and very attractive to small ones. I flipped it back on and the fan kicked in immediately. You do learn something new every day, but some days it's a bit more valuable than others!! Here is the guilty party sporting his new hair cut. Doesn't he have a great smile? This is his snoopy smile. He just got up from his nap and I told him he could watch snoopy so he was quiet while Ty slept. So as he says, he is "coeeez", or cozy, with his night-night.This last weekend we had a visit from my sister. Drew loved playing with Chauncey, her puppy. Watching the fun Drew had with him really made me wish we could have kept Rayah. He just loved having a puppy around again.Of course, more than that, Auntie loved having the boys around. The boys really warmed up to her and got all the attention, stories and cuddles they could.While I didn't get as many pictures as I wish I did, I did get a couple of her with the boys and each time, the smile on her face says it all!

Well, long overdue, we had a good party for Ty. Many of you saw the pictures on FB, so I will spare the repeats, but for those of you not on FB: a few of the cake, birthday boy, and birthday boy eating cake! Ty seems to be getting better, but still has not kicked the cold out completely, poor little guy. But he's still happy, quite content and such a joy. Drew's imagination has really kicked into gear and who knows what we will be from day to day. Yesterday, Daddy was a goat, Mommy was a goat, Ty Ty was a pig and Drew was a "ee-aww". He doesn't say donkey unless prompted. He also finds the most unusual things in his food - yesterday his sandwich became a boat - and a butterfly. Ask him what he had for dinner, he'll tell you "home-yay pitta"; or homemade pizza...but while eating it, it was transformed into a sheep.

As for Pete and I; Pete is doing well. This is his last week of his afternoon class and he is looking forward to more, regular sleep! I am also doing well. Had a Dr appointment last week and everything looks good with baby. The Dr and physical therapist both say I will have the same problem with my hand this time around, so I have an appointment with PT next week to get fitted for a brace to start wearing now, before problems start, so it MAY not get as bad. Please pray that it doesn't! I really need the use of my hand! I have been playing the piano as much as I can find time to do so before I can't again.

Our home will be filled with company this week - Pete's parents will be here tomorrow through Friday and then my sister will be here Thurs night through Sunday. It will be a good week. The boys will be spoiled with attention and love and maybe mommy will get a break! Over and Out!

Brothers and Birthday Prep

I am putting several pictures all similar up - I couldn't pick a favorite...maybe you can help. The boys, almost a full year later, are back in their matching winter pajamas. So snugly and cute!

We have been sick this last week. Pete, Ty and I all came down with it at the same time, Drew got it later. Strange thing, Ty seems to be the one still feeling the worst. Poor little guy. His fever this evening was 101.7.

Ty turns one on Saturday - where did the time go? We are talking a lot about birthdays, trying to help Drew feel included and understand that this party will be for Ty. This morning Drew was telling me it was his toy train's birthday, as well as Nana's birthday and his stuffed puppy! Drew picked out a toy so he could help wrap it and give it to Ty at the party. We'll see if that helps.

One of Drew's funny moments this week came when he got a doll. He was so excited about baby and sat next to me holding baby, feeding baby, kissing baby and pointing out baby's toes, tummy, nose etc. I thought it was sweet, but not very boyish. The next morning he undid all his kindness to baby. He grabbed baby by the arms, laid her on the floor and pushed her around making "truck" noises. Yep - that's my boy. Also, remember the mix up with 'please' and 'say'? Drew is now saying 'please' again - sometimes with a prompt first - that was a very hard habit to break. Well, now we have a new mix up. Instead of saying 'thank you', Drew says 'you're welcome'. Even when asked to say 'thank you' he STILL says 'you're welcome'. It's so stinking cute and hard to correct! And if we forget to say 'you're welcome', he will follow us around saying it until we answer. It is going to be hard to get away with anything soon! Over and Out

Busy Weekend

We had a busy but fun weekend. The weather was beautiful on Saturday so we packed a picnic lunch and headed out. Our first stop was the corn maze and pumpkin patch. Drew had a great time deciding which way we should go. We went in many circles! Ty's favorite part was the "cornbox", but I was so busy keeping the corn out of his mouth that I didn't get any pictures. Drew liked the duck races and pumpkin launcher as well and the boys both had their first hay ride. Our second stop of the day was out to a local hiking area. We had our picnic lunch, but Drew was so distracted by other hikers, birds, and wind-blown leaves that he didn't eat much. Drew rode in the pack just a short way - he hiked like a trooper. When we were climbing the last hill, a rather steep one too - he decided we had to stop half way up and sing "E I E I OOOOOO" before we could finish climbing. Ty didn't seem to notice the view from the lookout tower, but Drew liked seeing the water so far away. That boy likes anything water! Both boys were in bed early and slept hard Saturday night! Pete continues to do well in his classes and so far is holding up well. He has four more weeks left of his afternoon classes and then his schedule will be better for getting sleep! After he is done with the afternoon class he will be done at noon every day and will be able to get several hours of sleep before going back into work. Thanks for your prayers on his behalf!

I will leave you with Drew's story of the day: "Mama, skirrel? See Skirrel? Skirrel, are you? Dere he is! Dere he is! Ty Ty- skirrel! Ty Ty - skirrel! Dere he is! Skirrel run! Tree! Leaves! Skirrel hungy? Bye Skirrel!" And for the rest of the day, everything was about squirrels. Funny what makes them tick! Over and Out!!

The thing about routines, once you get it down, one would think I would have an easier time for getting on here. Haha. Go ahead, laugh with me. There are multiple reasons for not getting on here; but I do have pictures! Good ones! :) First off, by a special request, Drew sporting the proper NFL team apparel. Now that Ty is on the move it seems he is trying to make up for lost time. I just love the goofy grin on his face! All in one day, for the first time he: 1) went from a crawling position back to sitting; 2) crawled up several stairs before being discovered...oops; 3)pulled himself to a standing position, first on a toy and then in his crib, both times needing help to get back down. I was trying to find the pause button. Ty has also sprouted his top two front teeth. They have only been trying to come in now for the last two months!

Drew has a new level of jealousy developing since his brothers new found independence. He still has several of his own moments. Lately, stemming from his need for kisses for every little owie, we have been asked to kiss his tongue when his food was hot, and my favorite - kiss his bottom after he was naughty and needed a little re-direction. It was almost impossible for me to talk with him and not break out laughing.

And a little bitty bit of news - Baby Sandstrom #3 is on the way. This is by far the largest reason I have not been on here more. I have not been feeling well this time around and sitting at the computer is less than helpful! While the thought of having three children under three is a bit intimidating, we are very excited. Pete had to watch the boys, but I have been able to hear the heartbeat and saw the baby via ultrasound to get an accurate due date. So far, everything is progressing well! We would appreciate your prayers for us, and little "Weebo". Also, prayers especially for Drew as these changes will be hardest on him. We are giving him more time to adjust to his bed and staying in it before we move Ty in with him, but we hope to do so in plenty of time for them to be used to sharing a room before Weebo is born. Thanks!

That is our happenings lately, we hope you are enjoying your fall! Over and Out

Routines

Life as sort-of, maybe, almost settled into a routine again. Pete is holding up well so far, but only two weeks into school with a short week this week - it's a little early to tell how he is going to hold up. But so far, it's good! After hours of "tutoring" Ty is crawling. He is slow and uncoordinated, but he's crawling! :) He is improving fast - much to Drew's dismay. Ty likes to follow Drew around and when he catches up he grabs at his leg or pants and tries to get into whatever Drew is doing. Drew runs away screaming NOOOO and Ty begins pursuit again. On the really long days, the boys have a long bath time. They have fun and I get a break. I snuck this photo while they were oblivious and you can see how Drew has pushed the curtain out of the tub and why I had about three inches of water on our bathroom floor. Nice. Sorry the video is at a weird angle...I didn't want them to know I was there.

Anyway, that's our latest news. Ty is eating more real food all the time and Drew has been doing much better the last couple weeks attitude wise. Routine just may be Drew's best friend! We are expecting a visit from my parents this weekend. First time in a long time they have headed this way. Drew is already running around: see Nana? see Papa? Show trains? Well, for now, over and out! Enjoy your weekend!

School begins...

We packed just as much as we could into last week. The highlight for the boys was probably a trip to the children's museum. Drew had fun moving backdrops around for the "show" and making the sound effects. He also loved driving the car - anything with wheels!They both had fun - Drew especially had fun with the water exhibit. Who wouldn't want to splash in water? Ty laughed watching Drew spray the water guns at the spinners and chimes. Lately anything his big brother does seems funny to him.

Ty is getting so big and growing so fast! He is enjoying many more table foods and it's been fun to see different tastes coming out. He loves things Drew hated and vice versa. Keeps me guessing! He still isn't crawling yet, so it has been my self-appointed job to try and teach him. So far, no luck. He will move forward in a sort of belly flopping method, humorous, but not efficient.

Pete started his classes on Monday and has a very busy schedule this semester. He has classes Mon - Fri mornings and Mon - Thurs afternoons. He is done by five when he has afternoon classes, but with working nights he will be a zombie on Wednesday and Thursday. Both days he will have to go right from working all night to class all day. Please pray for him that he will have energy to do what he needs to and a strong immune system to keep him healthy. Ty seems to be adjusting to the changes well so far, but Drew has been more emotional and asking to "See Daddy?"

I don't know how much longer I will be able to have Drew wash Ty in one side of the sink while I do dishes in the other, but for now it is still working. Drew even pre-soaked my floor so I could clean it easier. Thoughtful kid. Good luck to all of you as you change back to your school/fall routines. Also, thanks for the comments and e-mails about the blog. Your encouragement is my motivation! Over and Out!!