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!!