End of February already?

Well, for it being the last week of February already, spring seems just too far away sometimes. We enjoyed several warmer than usual days this last week and now that it is back below freezing, it's a bit depressing. I even brought out the jogger and took the boys for a nice long walk. We still had to bundle up - but the sun was out, the snow was melting and it just felt good to be outside. Now the windchills make it hard to get out with little ones again.

We put Ty in the jump-er-oo for the first time this week. He has caught on quick and has a lot of fun with it. Drew seems to have fun also - and while he can be rough at times it's very heartwarming to see him actually playing with, entertaining or loving on his little brother. Drew is into giving kisses lately - with a very loud "Mmm-hua!" He'll even make that noise when he wants one from us too. It's pretty sweet. I even got a picture of him kissing Ty as well. Maybe they won't hate each other all the time! Drew is also enjoying his prayers. He has caught me a few times if I forget to pray before lunch - usually a meal when we aren't all eating together. But now he is asking to pray before naps as well as bedtime. I know it's just habit at this point, but if we can get into it now maybe he'll realize it's importance sooner rather than later. Both boys have been sick this week, but Ty definitely got hit harder. With his nose plugged up he's unable to breathe with his nuk in his mouth, and he panics. Drew seems to be getting better, but Ty is still quite sick. Unfortunatly they did give it to Pete as well - and he was just sick. He should have only one more week of his extra class so that will help with his schedule and he should be able to get more sleep again. He got A's on his exams so far, but has admitted he hasn't learned much new this semester. He hopes it will get more interesting soon. As for me, I didn't have physical therapy this week, but my hand feels the same. So far I haven't gotten sick and I'm really praying that I don't!!

We did enjoy a visit from my sister and her roommate this weekend. Celeste colored with Drew and he decided to color his face rather than the book. I asked Celeste if she got him a make-up kit, but they had fun. Celeste and Sarah watched the boys on Saturday night and Pete and I were able to go out for desert. It was a nice little break after a long week of sick boys! I guess that's all for now. Please continue to pray for Pete's dad as we wait for more tests to be done. Thanks! Over and out!

Happy Valentines Day!

Not that we will run our lives by a poll on our website, but we did have a big, nice dinner for Valentines Day. We had some friends over to join us, roasted a huge turkey and had a very nice dinner. Aside from a nice weekend, we had a really busy week. After getting home from Michigan for the weekend, Pete's parents stayed with us for a few days between doctor appointments for Pete's dad. Our van is still not safe to drive, so trying to coordinate appointments and fun outings with Pete's class/work schedule is frustrating at times. Thankfully a friend came to our rescue this week. She drove Minda to her appointment and watched Drew as well.

Pete is hanging in as best he can with classes, work, family and now trying to repair our van. He is already looking towards spring break - and after spending all day yesterday and most of the morning studying for an exam - who can blame him?

Drew is growing in volume lately and while many of you think that this is impossible, let me tell you you're wrong. He has been fascinated with bubbles lately. I let him play with a handful of bubbles while I am doing the dishes and when they are gone, he asks for more. Then he often runs through the house yelling 'Bubbles!! Bubbles!'

Ty has decided that he needs to make more noise to keep up with his brother. As he is experimenting with the different noises he can make he is progressing louder and louder. He is getting better at hanging on to things but still just loves to hold a stuffed animal to his chest.

I had physical therapy again this morning. While I feel better and have been able to do more things, they re-tested the strength in my hand and the numbers have not changed. Maybe next time it'll show significant improvement. Thank you for your prayers for Pete's dad. He has his next appointment on the 19th so we hope to learn more then. For now, over and out!!

Home again

So we are home again! Unlike past times, Drew did not dive-bomb the floor with excitement when we finally got home, but he was super excited to get back into his own bed! We had a busy weekend - and didn't have much opportunity for pictures. There were a lot of people who helped Pete get wood for his parents so the job was as big for Pete. He also got to visit with some people that he hardly sees anymore, so that was good for him. As we all expected, Pete did extremely well on his exam. He starts another class this week. It meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from six thirty to noon, and his second class runs from noon to five. So in addition to working nights, he will have a very full schedule. Thankfully this class only runs three weeks, but please pray that he can keep up and remain healthy through these next weeks!!
The boys and I took a trip to visit some friends on their farm this week. Drew saw the animals and was all excited. He did well playing with the other kids and didn't need a single time out!!! He continues to try more words and sounds and demonstrated this weekend that he has both Grandma's wrapped around his fingers.
Ty has his four month check up today. He is one big boy!! He's up to 15 lbs 12 oz. We won't even mention when Drew finally reached that weight! He is very healthy but we do need to take him for a consultation with a foot doctor. They probably won't need to do anything at this point, but they want to keep and eye on his feet. They turn out quite a bit and the doctor wants to be able to do something right away if needed.
I had to cancel my physical therapy appointment for this week. In addition to Pete's class taking more of his time, he also needs to fix the van. It sprung a gas leak this week. Not good. Good thing we do have two vehicles! Pete and I got a break from the boys to celebrate Valentines Day this weekend. Minda's parents watched the boys so we could go out for lunch on Sunday before we headed home. That was nice!!
Also, please keep Pete's dad, Charlie, in your prayers. I am updating this about Charlie. They did not hospitalize him, but he is back again today, Wednesday, for further tests. His kidneys are failing, as well as the heart failure. We all appreciate your prayers! That is all for this week - Over and Out!!

Another week has gone by. Time really seems to fly faster at sometimes and slower at others...but overall it goes by way to fast. Ty has discovered his legs this week. He kicks and kicks, completely amusing himself as he shrieks with delight. It's fun to watch him - and when he discovered he could splash in the tub - watch out...I got wet! He is also getting better at holding onto toys. He loves to squeeze a stuffed animal or wave around his snoopy rattle.

He is laughing more too - I posted a video of his laugh on facebook if you haven't checked that out yet. He is a very delightful baby and we enjoy him so much!

Drew is changing so fast. He tries so hard to communicate and is getting frustrated when he's saying something and we don't understand what he is talking about. He also has decided that he will now go downstairs standing up facing forwards instead of backwards and on his knees. With one hand on the wall he makes his way down the stairs. If he's in a hurry he will still turn around and practically slide right down. For the most part I have been very thankful that I've taught him some sign language, but this week when he signed please after touching the beets I wasn't so sure! I think his shirt is permanently pink! This week he has also paid more attention to Ty, bringing him toys, giving him his nuk and giving hugs and kisses. It's fun to watch their relationship grow. Ty responds with smiles and his eyes follow Drew around the room - when Drew isn't moving to fast that is!!

Pete is still feeling a bit sick and hasn't been sleeping very well. He's quite tired but still doing very well in classes. He wasn't too happy when he came out of work on Wednesday morning, in -15 degree weather, to find a flat tire. But then on Friday we were out enjoying 43 degree weather!! That was just enough to give Pete a bit of spring fever and he's wishing to be outside, but it's cold again. He'll just have to wait.

I am making slow progress with my hand at physical therapy. I was told the mass in my finger has been reduced to just a tiny bump!! I still have larger bumps in my hand, but progress is progress!

We all enjoyed the Superbowl this year. It was a really good game! Even Drew got into the excitement and danced to the music of commercials and clapped when there was cheering or clapping on TV. Pete took this picture while we were enjoying the game last night. This week will be another busy one as the boys and I plan on taking a trip to visit some friends and then we will all head back to the UP for the weekend to cut wood for Pete's parents. So, for now, over and out!