So Patriotic!

A few weeks ago Jonathan kept pointing out American and Missouri flags while driving in the car. Jason and I randomly asked him if he knew the Pledge of Allegiance and he immediately rattled it off starting with telling us that you "put your heart on your hand"...I guess you just need to know to ask the right questions! We are so grateful for all he is learning at Liberty Montessori Center!

Spring at the Kansas City Zoo

We had a great little short adventure to Africa at the KC Zoo today with friends and neighbors, Marie, Emily & Mason. The weather was perfect for late March!

And they all crashed even before we got out of Swope Park!

OUCH!!!

We've always been amazed by how steady Nicholas is on his feet...he's never been clumsey like his older brother and has escaped injury from falls. But not today! At break-neck speed, he runs only to fall onto his knees and the momentum of his body threw his head and face straight on the driveway! Got a big bump on the head and some road rash on his nose. Poor baby...but one tough little guy!

Spring Break & St. Patrick's Day

Ahhhhh.....spring! My FAVORITE season!My two littlest one's discovered that the cabinets (where we house the toys) serve as a great place to play!

Who says a woman can't do a man's job?

Jonathan and Jackson dancing to the Irish music and marching bands.

Jonathan and I made green cupcakes!

We celebrated early on Saturday by attending the Snake Saturday Parade in North Kansas City. It last over two hours, but the boys had a GREAT time. Kate stayed behind with Daddy to catch her morning nap....I've also had spring break with the kids and have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. It's been a lot of fun having playdates with friends and doing special things with each one of them.

Photography

Okay...I have a photography blog, but It's been so long since I've actually posted, I've fogotten my username and password!!! I recently upgraded my camera so I was really excited about this recent photography opportunity with newborn, Max. Max is six weeks old, but was born several weeks early. These are a few of the final products...newborns are tough.

As we expected...

Kate's stint removal was postponed until the 24th of March. Jason took her in only to find at that she was indeed too sick to allow for the anesthesia needed for the procedure. So we wait some more...

Snow and Hot Chocolate

Although it would have been nice to have had all this snowfall on a weekday so we could burn some of those unused snow days we have, I am glad Jason and I could enjoy the snow today with the kids. (And I got out of a 13 mile run this morning) So, here are a few pictures! :) We really wanted to make a snow man, but unfortunately, the snow isn't the snowman building type. Bummer. Maybe next year...for I am done with winter and ready for some warmth and green to return..for good.

Two milestones to celebrate!

#1: Nick is not only a big boy for sleeping successfully in his toddler bed, but for two weeks now, he's be BINKY FREE!!! We went COLD TURKEY and it worked! YEAH!!!!

#2: Kate woke up and decided last Sunday it was finally time to start WALKING!!! Here's a short clip (may have to turn your head, or your monitor sideways for this one...sorry!)

Why so quiet? Winters gifts...

Let's see...most likely a by-product of being a teacher and surrounded by very germy students who love to get right in your face and tell you just how sick they've been lately. I believe I infected our entire family! I was diagnosed with bronchitis and a sinus infection on Monday. I had been sick for almost a week before I finally got in to see a doctor. The first time in five years (non O.B. related of course), Jason was showing symptoms of the same a few days after me. I took the kids (Nick and Kate) for their well-baby checks to find out they they BOTH had ear infections. Kate has developed some wheeziness and coughing and soon Jonathan succombed with the fever and cough. So...we are alive and are on the mend and although we enjoyed the snow today, we are all ready for Spring!

Kate weighed in at 22 lbs (50th% height/50th% weights), and Nick, just a bit ahead at 23.5lbs (25th% for height and >5th% for weight). Dr. Lively was not concerned at all with Nick as he has continued to move along the growth chart at the same pace he's always been since he was born...just destined to be a little guy...but we are convinced he'll surprise us all one day.

Nick was not a happy boy at the Doctors office. There was no dignity in being in just a diaper...so he insisted he keep his coat on.
Kate had MULTIPLE shots...even more than usual due to her being to sick during her last check to have them all. Poor baby.

Kate had her follow-up with Dr. Gatti (Ped. Urologist) a couple of weeks ago. She had a sonogram and it did show that she still has dilation in her right kidney (to be expected) She has her final (we hope) procedure scheduled for Tuesday at Children's Mercy in Same Day Surgery. She will have her stint removed and will have to be put under again for it at 7am. We are not sure it will go as planned due to her latest illness....but are certainly ready to get this ALL behind us. She will have to have another VCUG done again soon just to reevaluate if there is any residual reflux into the kidney.

Will you be mine?

Our Valentine's Day was spent in Clinton. A last minute getaway and opportunity to get out without the kids Saturday (thanks mom & dad!). Our 18th Valentine's day was a walk down memory lane...a trip to El Sambre (where we had our first date) and a movie. Often when we go out together (just Jason and I...which actually isn't often), we find ourselves having little to talk about other than our three kids. This time, we reminisced about where we were sitting at the restaurant the first time. Jason remembers what I wore and what I ordered as well as what he gave me the first Valentine's day we spent (A big heart balloon with a face and accordion arms and legs). It's amazing how quickly 18 years can fly by and amazing where life has taken us.

Jason the romantic, took me for a cruise around the square 3 times...in our MINIVAN before our movie. We're cool.
Flowers from my dad...since the 1st grade, he has NEVER forgotten to give flowers to his daughters. It always means so much and I hope that Jason does the same for Kate someday.
Cards for Nick and Kate from Gaga....very cute!

All of Jonathan's Valentines. I don't know how many times I've had to read the names on the cards as he was so excited.