Nene's Birthday!

Lauren and Nene

Kristen and Jon!

Happy Birthday to You!

Aunt Claudia with K

Luke pretty much cleaned his plate of cake and ice cream!

After we left the Discovery Center yesterday we went to eat Mexican and then back to Jon and Kristen's for cake and ice cream. The kids did great while we were eating. We were there about an hour and Katherine didn't make one peep.  She just smiled, talked and enjoyed the attention.  We set Luke and Katherine between Paul and I.  We have not done that before. They did really well sitting next to each other and they kept their hands to theirselves which was nice.

We had fun hanging out at J&K's.  They have been busy doing things to their house so that was fun to see.  We had a great cake to celebrate Paula's birthday.  We planned ahead and packed the kids' pajamas.  Luke wanted Lauren to help him get ready for bed which was sweet.  Perhaps the highlight of the night was a naked Katherine breaking free from me and running through the house!  Everyone laughed and laughed which made her put on even more of a show!

Both kids fell asleep on the way home which gave Paul and I a chance to catch up on everything. 

Katherine is 18 months old today!  I am so thankful for our sweet girl and especially thankful she is walking so we don't have to go to physical therapy! 

Our day went by in a blur.  We went to church, then Subway for lunch.  Home for chores and naps.  We headed out to the mall this afternoon to make some returns and use some coupons.  It reminded me of why I do not go there on the weekends.  Lots of "interesting" people...

Another great weekend in the books!

Our Busy Saturday

Katherine playing peek-a-boo with Luke

Happy girl at Kitty's

Paul said the three of them went around in a big circle until Kitty got tired!

Visiting the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro

Katherine painting in The Home Depot area

Luke returned to the scene of the crime

Lauren and Katherine

Saturday was crammed full!  I had to work so Paul and the kids made the rounds.  They visited Memaw, Kitty and finished at Bill and Paula's.  Luckily, Katherine cooperated and walked for both great-grandmothers.  Paul said Katherine and Luke kept making a big loop through Kitty's living room, dining room and kitchen.  Kitty joined in!  It was time to go when she got tired of following them around!

They picked me up around 2 and we headed to Murfreesboro.  Paula decided she wanted to go to the Discovery Center for her birthday.  Murfreesboro is a good location since Jon and Kristen live there and it is pretty equal distance for us and Jim and Claudia.  We all met there and enjoyed watching the kids play.  Luke especially liked the water area. Katherine enjoyed the grocery store and Home Depot.  We couldn't leave there without having a mishap though.  Luke was watching some older boys on the crane.  Well, he got a little too close.  The boy swung the crane around and smacked Luke in the mouth. I freaked out because all I saw was blood coming from his mouth and he was screaming.  I ran to him, but made Paul look.  I am such a wheenie!  All I could picture were his teeth being knocked out.  Turns out he was fine.  Just busted his lip a little bit. He calmed down and in a little while later he was playing on the crane.  Kids are so resilient.  He pitched quite the little fit when it was time to leave, too.  That was somewhat expected though. 

Growing Up

Luke loves playing on the computer now

Katherine with her "purse"

Photo courtesy of Luke H. Troutt

Tonight was low-key.  This has seemed to be a long week at work.  So, we stayed in, cooked breakfast for supper and played until bedtime.  Luke got a hold of the camera and had a mini photo shoot.  It was quite hilarious.  He would tell us to scoot closer together, put our arms around each other, lean this way or that way.  He took several good ones of the three of us.  And, not to be out done when Luke put the camera down Katherine went right for it.  She imitated exactly what Luke had done, stood in the same spot as him and put the camera up to her eye and grinned from ear to ear.  It was adorable!

Katherine is finally walking on her feet more than her knees!  It is like one day she decided it was time and that was it.  There is no stopping her now!  This means she will change classes at school and church.  Hopefully they will both be a smooth transition.

Four Year Well Visit

I randomly ended up with a three-day weekend.  It just happened that the two girls helping me could both work today so that meant I had the day off.  I am going to try to keep to one day off a week while we are short staffed if at all possible.  For my sanity!  As ironic as it sounds I scheduled Luke's well visit when we were in for strep throat last week.  I knew he did not have to have any shots and this visit was more a formality but I wanted to take him.  At this age when something is wrong we usually just do the walk in clinic in the doctor's office so Luke rarely gets to see Dr. Patterson anymore. 

He did so good today!  His eye sight is "advanced" for his age - whatever that means.  All I know is I stood with him while he was reading the chart and I coudln't identify everything that he was.  And, I have contacts!  The one that got me the most was the shape of a moon.  When the nurse asked what it was he said " a crescent".  The nurses mouth dropped open as she said "you're right".

 I could answer a resounding yes to all the developmental questions they threw at me which is always reassuring.  Dr. P spent quite a bit of time with us just chatting about life and what he was in to these days.  I always get a kick out of the nutrition questions.  I know they have to ask the questions, but I always hate to hear what Luke might come out with.  When asked what his favorite food was he said mac and cheese.  He could not remember what he had for lunch.  I always try to make up for it by saying he eats a better variety of vegetables than I do.  We talked some about him not sleeping through the night in his room.  He still comes to our room at some point most nights and lays on a pallet.  She had some suggestions we are going to try.  We talked about school - public vs. private - a formal preschool program vs. his current childcare.  I always love how practical our doc is and value her opinion.

Luke By the Numbers:
Ht: 40.5"
Wt: 40# (with all his clothes on)

The nurse said he was almost a perfect square!  His BMI was right on so he is perfectly proportionate. 

After the doctor visit we went to Hobby Lobby and I let him pick out a craft to do since he was so good.  He picked a truck Valentine's mailbox.  We had fun putting it together.  I love my little fella!

Annual Picture...

We finally remembered to take Luke's picture in Paul's shirt.  We always mean to do it on his actual birthday, but that never happens.  It took some coaxing to get him in to the shirt and then we could not get that good of a picture.  When I get access to our other pictures I will post the previous years shots to see how has has changed.  I really hope we can keep this up every year. 

I picked Paula up after work yesterday and she went with me to pick the kids up from school. We then went to Nashville to meet Paul for supper.  We went to Jason's Deli which is always a good choice for the kids and I knew the would have plenty of things that Paula could choose from.  After supper we came back to the house and watched the kids play.  This was the first time Paula had really seen Katherine walk over a couple of steps.  Bill came and picked her up after his basketball game.  She is doing so well. Feeling good and enjoying get out and about.  We loved spending some time with her tonight.

What's the Secret Code?

After being at home two days we were all ready to be back to our normal routine.  I stayed home again with him Tuesday morning and Mom took the afternoon off to keep him.  They went to pick Katherine up so I could work.  I worked until about 6:30.  Luke was feeling great by Tuesday morning, but I knew the doctor said he didn't need to be in child care for another day. 

I am settling in to a routine at work.  We have two "as needed" dietitians on staff which is a blessing.  So, I will have help Mon/Wed/Friday and work alone Tues/Thurs.  So far, so good.  Luke was in rare form tonight - running around playing games. He loves to play school and tonight he was the gate keeper. We had to say the secret code to get upstairs.  It seemed as though the secret code changed a lot and never seemed to have any ryhme or reason to it.  I could never guess but he still let me in anyway.

That's Entertainment

As Katherine is getting older she and Luke are actually starting to play together. They still want whichever toy the other one has, but I know that is going to go on for a long time.  Tonight, Luke decided he wanted to play in the laundry basket.  He is really getting too big for this.  Of course, Katherine had to be right in there with him. They would get in and out and rock back and forth.  We didn't mind because it kept them entertained and allowed us to be productive. 

Some Good News and Sickness Strikes Again

Well, the good news is that Paula came home from the hospital yesterday morning!  We were all so excited about how quickly she has recuperated from surgery.  The doctors said she is doing great and was fine to go home.  I know she was ready to be home. 

Our fears over Luke not feeling well were confirmed with a trip to the pediatrician this morning.  He was pitiful all day yesterday.  He was whiny and clingy which was a sure sign something wasn't right.  He has been running a low grade temperature and complaining of a headache and sore throat.  Mom came and kept him so we could teach Sunday School yesterday.  He did not want us to leave.  He whined and cried which was so sad.  He did fine once we were gone and seemed much better when we got home.  Tylenol has really helped instead of Ibuprofen this time.

Since my boss is out indefinitely I was very concerned about missing work, but I worked it out to stay home this morning with him and Paul came home at lunch so I could go to work this afternoon.  After dropping Katherine off this morning we visited the Fast Track clinic at the doctor.  The nurse took one look in his throat and said it was strep.  I suspected this from his symptoms and also finding out it is going around at school.  The doctor did a thorough exam while we waited on the culture results.  It was positive.  So, ten days of the bubblegum medicine is in our future!  He has a pretty  bad case so the doctor told me he can't go back to school until Wednesday.  Even though he was feeling puny it was fun to spend the morning with him. He was so sweet and cuddly!  Here's hoping he gets well soon and that no one else gets it.

Saturday Shenanigans

This is really not a good picture at all, but it is the only one I have from today.  I worked today.  Mom kept the kids for awhile so Paul could do some things around the house and some errands. It gave Mom an opportunity to hang out with the kids and Paul was able to get a lot marked off his "to-do" list. Luke started saying he did not feel good while he was at Nonna's. He voluntarily went and laid on the couch and said he wanted to take a nap.  That is never a good sign...

I worked quite a while, but got home shortly after they did.  Paula is recovering really well.  We hope she is able to come home in the next couple of days. 

Another Answered Prayer

Paula's surgery was today.  I had been scheduled off today for over a month.  The dietitian that works when I am off on Wednesdays could not work yesterday so I switched.  Isn't it amazing how God makes the smallest details come together.  Paula was the first case this morning.  We were all praying that there would not be any cancer in the intestines.  She came through the surgery beautifully and it did not take as long as we thought it might.  I got to the hospital just after the doctors shared the news.  The cancer was not anywhere near the intestines!  The surgeon removed three small lesions and sent them for final pathology.  Everything else was clean!  We were all so relieved and so thankful!!!

When she came to the room from recovery she smiled and waved to us.  We visited with her and she was so alert - asking questions, etc. What a blessing!  We prayed and thanked God for watching over her.  She needed to rest so Paul and I joined Jon and Kristen for lunch.  It is amazing how much more relaxed we all were. I don't think any of us realized just how tense and nervous we were.  She will be in the hospital 4-7 days depending on the recovery process.  From there the doctors will allow her body time to heal from the surgery before she starts treatment. 

Tonight I also found out that my boss fell and fractured her pelvis.  She is going to have a lot of recovery time. Work will probably be a little crazy until we can get some sort of schedule figured out. 

More For Me, Please...

Some nights we will have an after supper treat.  Tonight Paul and Luke popped some popcorn,  Katherine loves it, but we just give her small pieces that don't have any rough pieces.  I went downstairs to do something and I came back later and the bowl I had been eating out of was just about empty.  Katherine had gotten to it without Paul knowing it and ate the rest of it!  It did not seem to bother her, but I still don't think she needs to eat the whole piece.  

Look at My Muscles

Luke can be so silly!  Tonight he was running around showing off his muscles!  Then, for a little more entertainment he and Katherine took everything out of the ottoman (this is the place where all the random blocks and toys get thrown in hurry) and climbed in for a little play time.  There really aren't too many dull moments with these two!

Bounce, Bounce!

Katherine loved it as much as the big kids!

Luke worked up a sweat!

She had to have her hat on!

The kids loved bouncing!

Hanne showing Katherine some love

Bill got a kick out of Katherine going down the slide

Luke requested a "Woody" cake

We celebrated Luke's birthday with his friends at the Hippity Hop Play Center today.  He invited several friends from school as well as some other friends.  He absolutely loved it!  He was more than wild and had to be calmed down numerous times.  He was just so happy everyone was there that he acted a little crazy.  It was nice to let the kids play while the parents got to visit.  We had the whole area to ourselves so there was no worrying about who else was there with the kids.  We all knew each other.  Mom, Bill and Paula came to see what the whole bounce thing is about.  The kids got to play for a little over an hour and then we moved to the party room for lunch, cake and gifts.  It really all went by in a blur, but I think everyone had a great time.  A couple of the moms commented that they were going to book parties there, too.  So, it sounds like we will be seeing a lot of this place!

We spent the rest of the day recuperating from the party!  We actually grilled tonight which was a nice change.  

Santa Did Good

The kids really are enjoying the things Santa brought them. They play with the kitchen every day!  Katherine will play with it for quite a while by herself.  She will bring us random fruits, vegetables or serving utensils.  She loves when we pretend to eat whatever she brought us.  The kids are both also enjoying Tidmouth Sheds.  Katherine is really getting in to playing with Luke's trains.  Usually she wants the same ones he does, but we tell him to choose some that she can play with and we try to stick with that.  Most every afternoon we come home the kids go upstairs and play with their toys.

Paula had her doctor's appointment today.  Her surgery will be next Thursday.  We are praying that their is no organ involvement and that the lesion is isolated.  We are all getting over the shock and reality is setting in.  She is a picture of strength as usual.

Late for His Own Party

Waiting for the Birthday Boy to get awake!

Katherine is still very selective about who actually sees her walk.

Good cupcake!

Luke had a "helper" when it was time to open gifts.

Classic Katherine...

A guitar!

Luke's birthday fell on Monday this year.  Since everyone had the day off for New Year's we decided to have family over for lunch.  Luke was so excited to have a party at his house. He is having a friend party this weekend.  While we were waiting for everyone to get here the Birthday Boy fell asleep in Paul's lap.  Paul laid him in his bed and he slept for almost an hour.  I can't tell you how this NEVER happens.  Normally we have to fight him to take a nap when we are all home together. 

We decided to eat while he was sleeping.  We just had chili and the fixings and some finger foods.  When he finally woke up it took him awhile to come around and warm up to the idea of it.  He reluctantly let us sing Happy Birthday to him.  He did eat some of his cupcake.  Opening presents did not even really get him that excited either.  I say this every year but it is so hard having his birthday fall so soon after Christmas.  He gets everything he could possibly want for Christmas and then there is nothing left for birthday.  He wanted more Thomas stuff but he has so much of it we did not do it.  He got swim lessons and all the goodies that go with it (bag, towel, etc) from Nonna, some gift cards, clothes, play dough and some other things. 

Unfortunately we also learned some unexpected news when his party wrapped up.  Paula went for a follow up scan last week and she received the results this morning.  There is a spot that needs to be removed with surgery.  We were all very shocked since she has been feeling so well and her energy level has been good.  It was a very upsetting time for all of us.  Thankfully the kids did not catch on to what was going on.  It was a blessing that we were all together and she and Bill could tell us all at the same time.  Jon prayed for strength for Paula and all of us.  We know God is in control and he never places in front of us more than we can handle.  So, Luke's birthday was bittersweet -- but God knew that.