Woohoo I remembered to post!

Well, all I can say is time sure flies when your having fun. I did remember to post before another month went by though. So 1 point for me. I guess for once I don't have much to update. But you know me, I can always find something to talk about.


So we have been BBQ-ing pretty much every day off Robert's had. He is such a people person and always goes for the "WOW" factor. He pretty much runs himself into the ground with work, over-time, the PD, house projects (thanks to everyone who helped with them) and BBQ's, but I think he thoroughly enjoys it. He definitely likes to keep busy.


I, on the other hand have been taking some needed "Rach" time and have been working on family history pretty much any chance I get. There is a lot of research that needs to be done, or at least pieced together. Much of it has already been done, there are just a couple small connections that need to be made. So that's what I have been doing.


Anthony is in charge of the fishing station at BSA day camp again this year. His knowledge of everything "fishing" pretty much blows most grown men's knowledge out of the water. The directer of the camp saw that his name wasn't on any lists, and called personally to beg, and I mean beg, Anthony to come back again this year. He of course said yes. What kid wouldn't want to fish all day. The camp is at the military base Camp Rilea which is an awesome place to have camp. Not only does it have room to run around, and a pond, and wooded areas, but sometimes the boys see the Army men and women doing practice drills and stuff. I think that's great for them to see. It kind of makes everything they hear more real for them, if that makes sense. So that is this Monday through Friday. It should be good for him.


Tyler is usually getting into something, and Chris is usually just smiling and observing the mayhem and chaos. Next month is going to be busy too! Our anniversary is on the 13th! Chris' heart surgery will be the week of the 18th. And Robert's birthday is the 27th! The boys are going to my mom's sometime soon too, so that should be fun for them. Maybe they can go swimming somewhere where it's not 55 degrees out. Anyway, other than that, I'm getting super excited for my little nephew who will be meeting the world at the end of September.


I am so thankful for everyone who reads this. I am thankful for those who keep our family in prayer, and everyone who has helped us this year and in years past. We couldn't have made it without the love and support we have received. I am so grateful to anyone who has contributed to our family monetarily, and all those who have put their "shoulder to the wheel" at our little house! It looks great! I will try to continue to keep you all up to speed on our adventures! Lots of love and I heart all of you!
Rach

Tyler Birthday Interview and last Post

So I don't know why the post from Friday didn't show until today, so sorry but you'll have lots of catch-up reading! I stole this idea, but it's a good one. And if I ever steal ideas they should be good ones. I interviewed Tyler after his 3rd Birthday and thought you might get a chuckle out of his responses! I think I asked a few too many questions for the little guy. Amateur! I'll do better next year! Enjoy

Tyler 3rd Birthday Interview

What do you like to do? Run around the house.

What do you like to do around the house? Run?

What is your favorite food? Sandwich. What do you like on your sandwich? Eggs and cheese and toast. (That’s what we had for breakfast)

What do you like to wear? Elmo and race cars

What is your favorite color? Nemo on my shirt. Do you mean orange? No just brown I guess.

Where is your favorite place to go? The store

What makes you happy? You (awe)

Who are your best friends? Hhhhmmmm you and Chris, and brother, and Daddy!

Anyone else? I think its Matt, maybe Vince and Kim.

What is your favorite book? Hhmmmm, Lightning McQueen race car

What is your favorite show? Thomas

What is your favorite movie? Cars and Little Toaster

What do you want to be when you grow up? Big like you guys

What is your favorite veggie? Peanut butter on my sandwich

What is favorite toy? Bumble Bee

What is your favorite game? The gun comes out! (Of the Bumble Bee toy)

What is your favorite holiday? Potatoes (takes after me) I originally explained Thanksgiving as eating turkey and potatoes, Christmas is when we get a big tree to decorate, Easter we color eggs, Halloween we dress up like someone else. I think he’s too young for this question. lol

What is your favorite song? How about Optimus Prime

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Hug you

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Love him.

Picture Festival! Resolution and Updating!

And now for some photos:

Well.....Here I sit, trying to remember all that has occurred in recent weeks. My memory isn't what it used to be. Therefore, I am going to try to start updating the blog at least once a week whether anything exciting has happened or not. As you will discover, if you continue reading this riveting post, a cornucopia of events have taken place since my last update. This may cause my already wordy post to be even longer than necessary. Which is why my newest resolution to date will be to update weekly or biweekly, but one thing at a time.

Chris' appointment went as well as can be expected. He has once again slowed down on weight gain, and we are faced with the challenge of fattening this little guy up prior to surgery. His second open-heart surgery will be at the end of July unless something changes. His tricuspid valve is still leaking moderately, which is expected when one valve doing the work of many. The sheer volume alone is tremendous on this single valve. Christopher's heart medications have been increased since his check- up to maintain pressure, etc. We made the decision to remove the NG feeding tube, as it seemed no longer necessary. He had been eating all his food from bottles and it seemed pointless to continue to maneuver around the tube. Once I removed the tube, however, he has simply no interest in eating whatsoever. My only conclusion is that he has had that stupid thing down his throat more of his life than not. It is a comfort and a normality for him, and if watching Toy Story 677 times has taught me one thing (other than talking toys are kinda freaky and epically fearless) it's that babies, and children like familiarity. I will persist for a few more days, at which time, I will decide whether or not to put the tube back down (even though he doesn't use it for it's purpose, ie, tube feeding).

If you watched the video I posted, you will see that weight is the only thing this little man is lacking. He is full of personality and moves all the time. He is quite the chatter box and is taking after his mommy already. And when he wants you to listen, you had better listen, or it seems like he gets louder to get your attention. He is discovering his hands and feet, and following that familiar trend of putting everything is reach in his mouth. He is rarely fussy and only until whatever is the matter has been remedied. he holds his head up well, but still jerks around a bit. he loves his big brothers and is all smiles when they come in a room as if to say "I'm over here, the little one in the pj's, come play with me!" He is always wide-eyed taking in his surroundings and this big world. He likes to go for rides in the truck and pretty much just wants to go where ever daddy goes. He is still sleeping quite a bit, but lets mommy and daddy sleep for 6 hours at night. He is a joy to have, and I feel blessed for him to have chosen me to be his mommy.

In other news, Tyler still shows no signs of jealousy. Shocking I know. He loves to help mommy, and even volunteers to take poopy diapers to the trash for me. He loves to tickle and sing to brother, and always wants to know when he will be big enough to wrestle. His favorite songs to sing are the "Milo and Otis" theme, the spring song from "Franklin" and "she thinks my tractor's sexy" although we are trying positive reinforcement to help him forget about the latter one. He turned big boy 3 on the 4th and got two different birthday parties. He had a pirate birthday party at Aunt Nikki's and Uncle George's with all the Vancouver family. Mommy made a chocolate cake that got devoured, and cousin Emily, decorated it with a scary skull and crossbones. Then he had a Transformer's party at home in Warrenton with his little friends Ismael (4)and Alisandra (18 months I think). We got the kids little Nerf dart guns to play with, but Alisandra is smitten with Christopher and just sings to him and wants to hold him. Mommy made a transformer cake with the Egypt scene from the movie on top. We tried to find little palm trees but no one in our whole county had any. I made sand from nilla wafers and pyramids from graham crackers, then we put Bumble Bee and Dino Bot on top fighting each other. The kids thought it was pretty cool. (The only drama was that mommy hid the toys for the top of the cake in the linen closet so Tyler wouldn't see them till we brought the cake out. She forgot that she hid them and blamed daddy for not knowing where he left them. Then mommy and daddy spent half of the party looking for them because mommy didn't want to do the cake without them!!! But daddy found them and all was well.) All in all I think Tyler is pretty pleased with himself.

Anthony can't wait for school to be out and summer to start. He has a big pool at his Grandma's that he pretty much lives in during summer. He finally got a haircut which makes him look about 5 years older (tear). He had a choir concert that dad went to and took video so mommy and the brothers could see it too. He will be a tough 8th grader this coming school year. He doesn't know if he wants to play soccer, but I'm guessing he will be in choir again since he seemed to enjoy it.

That's all for now folks. Much love to all of you!

Some video of Chris until I get a chance to update the blog...sorry.

I'm lame

So...sorry I never posted on Thursday after Christopher's doctor appointment. It was a long day, and we have been a very busy family. It's amazing how fast my boys are going and growing.



Christopher was 10 lbs on Thursday, which means he has been packing on the weight, 44 grams/day. He has been doing extremely well, and everyone is happy with how big he is getting (especially me). He is strong too and holds his head up very well. He smiles most of his awake time, and lately I've been able to play games and tickle him and get him laughing. He is a joy to have and rarely cries. I never thought I would have that many super good babies (all 2 of them).



Tyler just goes and goes from sun up till after sun down. He is getting a little cheeky from time to time, and I have been learning more about patience. He is a very loving big brother though, and always asks if he can kiss baby brother's little head or toesies. It always makes me happy because I was sure he would be totally resentful and jealous. Instead, he helps me and says brother needs to grow bigger and get well so they can be best buddies. He says he wants to share his room and his dinosaurs with baby brother, but not his cars. He will be big boy 3 this Friday.



Anthony is also growing like a weed, he is almost as tall as Robert, and getting quite strong too. Rob is always in shock at Anthony's strength when they play wrestle. I think Tony is permanently 9 to some of us. He will be 13 in September. He has had a rough 7th grade year, and is definitely ready for summer. I am hopeful that he will have a more positive 8th grade year. If I think back, 6th, 7th and freshman year were the absolute worst. I pretty much didn't really care to step foot inside the school doors. Kids are so mean, and have nothing to do in this little town but cause trouble and be hurtful. I am open to suggestions, but also know that we have to figure this out on our own, and customize our team efforts for what Anthony needs the most. I know he is a good young man, and Robert has been a great example to him, and our other boys.


Love you all tons and hope you had a great Memorial Day!!!

To the Doctor we go

Christopher has his three month well check tomorrow. Will keep you posted on his progress. He is getting fatter every day and more and more animated. He is quite a smiley little fellow, and has laughed a handful of times. He is also becoming quite vocal like his mamma. I have lost the camera charger so no more photos or videos until I round it up. So sorry guys. Anyway, I'll check back with ya tomorrow and let you know what's what. Love you all.

Hey guys! I added the tree frog for all the little cousins and families with kids that read the blog. Click the background to feed him some flies. Hope you all enjoy!