The Last First Birthday Party.

Today was Jack's birthday party. The last first birthday party we will plan.

We kept the party small, in comparison to years past. Lots has been going on with our extended family lately, and stress levels have been high. A small, low-key party was what we all needed.

Jack seemed to enjoy himself, which was the goal of the day. He decided he was having so much fun, he went from taking an occasional step here and there, to walking a good 10 steps across the room. He was so proud and loved the cheering from the crowd.

These two are going to get into trouble together someday...

Thanks to much to our family for helping us celebrate. Jack is one lucky little boy.

Next up? A certain little girl is going to be FOUR in just one month. Yikes, time flies.

*****

Edited to add a picture comparison of all four of my babies on their first birthdays...

My baby is one.

Dear Jack,

Well, my dear, we made it. This past year has often seemed like time has stood still. But, 365 days have passed, and today you are one. Even though many of the days have seemed long, looking back at pictures, I remember every detail of the night you were born, including the intense feelings of joy and amazement when I first laid eyes on you.

I often say, I should have known. You were born at 12:43AM, and moments after birth immediately started crying and didn't stop until I was able to nurse you. You latched on like a champ...and didn't want to let go, for THREE hours. I remember looking over at your daddy, realizing he was sound asleep and thinking to myself, wait a sec, when do I get to do that?

It turns out baby boy, 12 months later, I still have the same question. You definitely have kept us on our toes these past months. You love being held, you prefer me (mom) to anyone else, and you are still hard to please when all isn't right in your world. At almost 1-year-old, you are the first of our four children to crawl after me through the house saying "mamamamama...." over and over until I stop and pick you up. For months, the only way your daddy could make you happy was to wear you in the baby carrier. Hours on end you would spend strapped to him, the only way you wouldn't scream the entire time I was at work.

But despite all the challenges this year has brought, I would do it over in an instant. Because you my little Goober, are worth every sleepless night and every minute of crying. You are truly the perfect final piece to our family.

Your siblings have a love for you that I can only describe as unconditional. All three of them squeal with excitement when daddy brings you down from your crib in the morning. Katherine usually has her hands around your neck, hugging you the minute she sees you. Charlotte shouting, "Goobie, hi Goobie! Smile!", while Will fills your tray with cheerios from his bowl. One year later, they are still completely enamored by you, and show it every chance they get.

I look forward to seeing what the next year has in store for you. Here's to today and many more happy birthdays to come my sweet boy!

Love,
Mamamamamama

Meet Me in St. Louis.

A few days before the kid's spring break was to start, Mike & I discussed our plans for the upcoming week. A big vacation wasn't in our plans, but we were craving a change of pace. Fast forward an hour; we had a destination, hotel reservations, an idea of what we could do when we got there. We decided to go south, as the idea of warmer temperatures was incredibly appealing; we also knew it had to be in a comfortable driving distance since Jack has proven to be the world's worst traveler. 

Six hours south, a reasonable, decent hotel and a host of family friendly activities. St. Louis bound we became!

The weather was perfect (mid-70's and sunny), the kids were for the most part near-perfect, the car ride was manageable, and heck all 6 of us spent three nights in one hotel room we actually all got some sleep. Amazing. 

Descending the arch in the "pod"

Happy Spring break!

Swinging into Spring.

Charlotte is feeling much better. We are happy to have her surgery behind us, and Charlotte back to her old self. She lost a little bit of weight due to her limited diet during recovery, but overall, it wasn't too bad. She is a tough cookie. 

Spring came to Wisconsin for a few days, and then left again. We are hoping it returns soon; I pretty sick of waking up to snow. 

One of Charlotte & Jack's favorite spring activities....

Hoping for more spring weather soon!

No Kay.

Charlotte is doing okay. We are coming up on a week since her surgery, and while she isn't back to her old self, she is powering through. With the exception of some weepiness, refusal to eat and/or drink at times, and not really knowing what she wants when we ask, she has been okay. Her new favorite word is "No Kay" ...a combination of no and okay, meaning maybe I want it, maybe I don't?!

We have been watching a ton of movies (thankfully she is off her Frozen kick and onto "Wreck it Ralph,"), and keeping her busy with all the great get well gifts she received from family and friends. We are grateful. 

Today we decided to get out and enjoy the nice weather by visiting the zoo. I thought a ride in the stroller would be good for Charlotte. However, she had other ideas and did not want to sit back and relax in the stroller and preferred to walk (which normally I encourage, but considering the heavy duty meds she is on and the little bit of food in her tummy, I figured riding would be a better option).

Luckily a train ride cheered her up.

However, when the ride was over, tears started flowing and it was time to head home for naps.

Thanks for checking in. Hopefully she will be back to her old self in no time. Special thanks to my parents and aunt for taking over her (and Jack's!) care tomorrow so I can attend a Special Education Law and Advocacy conference in Madison. I am looking forward to a whole day of no one "needing me" and learning some new things too!! I'll let you know how it goes.

Done.

Surgery is done, and Charlotte is doing well. She is currently felling pretty good thanks to all the pain meds they gave her in the OR. 

We are settled in our room where we will stay tonight. Right now Charlotte is napping, and we may try a Popsicle when she wakes up. The nurses all tell us what cute, polite girl we have (not many kids thank them for taking their blood pressure apparently). 

More updates to come....

Before:

After:

Not a fan if all the junk on her feet. They couldn't get an IV started in her arm (she is a tough stick, and is covered with poke marks now, ugh) ....

Bab-baids and Popsicles

We are going to try this tonsil/adenoid surgery thing again. Charlotte is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning at 9:30AM. Knock on wood, Charlotte is healthy, not even a runny nose. 

Today we went to Target and stocked up on post-surgery necessities; ice cream, popsicles, a new magna doodle, and bab-baids (bandaids...Charlotte's cure-all for everything, I am sure she will be requesting them after surgery).

I think we are ready. I'll post an update tomorrow night from the hospital. Thanks for thinking about us!