Life as a Leach

When you're shopping for Caleb, you can't go wrong with Legos, Star Wars, knights, or war.  Any combination of any of those is just a bonus! This gladiator battle set has been SO much fun!  The kids play with it all of the time, and it has been an unexpected core workout for Abby's physical therapy! Star Wars and Knights Legos...and the boy is happy! "Abby" gave Caleb two new Wii remote/nunchuck sets so that he could have friends play at the same time when they came over.  

Three Calebs...all good friends...all soccer players...all Lego lovers! My Caleb has been good friends with both of these Calebs for a long time!  He has literally grown up with Caleb M. because we go to the same church.  Then he met Caleb W. when they were in the same kindergarten class.  Turns out, Caleb M. and Caleb W. were on the same soccer team together...so it all ties together!  Now, the three Calebs enjoy hanging out together:  playing Legos, running around outside, playing in the treehouse, etc. It's so great to have such good friends...but a little confusing when I call "Caleb" and all 3 answer!  :)

Cousin Shots! We are officially on Spring Break now, and looking forward to spending time with cousins! Other than that, Abby will be going to a few appointments, we are leading an activity at RMH, Matt and I are celebrating our anniversary by going to see Wicked, and we are having Easter lunch with my family.  In between there, I'm hoping to dye eggs, get some Ritas, discuss the Resurrection Eggs, do a few Easter crafts, and play outside!!   

Today, I'm thankful for my sweet little boy, who doesn't mind at all that I am over 2 months late loading his birthday party pictures!  But at least I took them...right?? Here are a few of the highlights from his laser tag party.  I'll be sharing more over the next few posts.  :) Friends! He loves having people sing "Happy Birthday" to him! Pizza and cupcakes! At the end of the party, one of the employees shoots a roll of toilet paper out at the group using a rigged up leaf blower.  The kids LOVED it!  I was a little sad at the wastefulness, but that's just me!  (and no, I did NOT go pick it up to use it again...)  :)

Dear Caleb Boy, I can't believe you are 8!  I still remember your birth like it was yesterday.  I was so scared, and nervous, and excited, and anxious...all wrapped up in one!  You took forever to make your appearance, but I remember the first time those sweet little eyes looked up at me.  All of the stress from the day melted away, and the reality of I am a mom!  set in.  You made me a momma!  I am so proud of the little man you are becoming.  You are a kind, compassionate, quirky guy who loves God,  Star Wars (perhaps it would be better described as an obsession!),  dancing,  and your family.   You're still quite a hugger, which I love, and you promise me that you will never be too old to give me a hug and a kiss goodbye!  I'm gonna hold you to it!   Our life isn't easy at times and I don't pretend that Abby's frequent hospitalizations aren't hard on you.  Bu...

My Sweet Abby Joy, FOUR years old!  Wow!!  Where has the time gone?!  I still remember the day we brought you home from the hospital like it was yesterday.  We were so very thankful...and scared to death!! You have changed from that tiny, frail little baby to a vivacious, energetic preschooler!  A lover of Frozen, princesses, Chloe, and your family (especially your momma!), your zest for life is so evident.   Your laugh is contagious--your big belly laugh is my favorite!  I can usually get you to break out with it when I tickle your trach hole! I love watching you when you are playing with Caleb.  Your love for each other is so pure and beautiful.  Your face lights up when you see him. Abs, you're facing a lot right now.  You'll be having surgery #8 in two weeks, and then at least 2 more by the end of the summer.  I know these are hard on you, but through it all you stay so positive and upbeat.  You ...

For Caleb's birthday, we decided to forgo the typical party and enjoy a different kind of fun at Dave and Busters with two friends.  He chose to ask Owen and Sara, so Amy kept Abby for us (Dave and Busters really isn't a place for a three year old!).  We had a lot of fun! The kids each got a certain number of points, and they could spend them on whatever games they wanted.  It worked out well, and everyone got to play just about everything they wanted! The favorite game was Fruit Ninja, which we played on a big touch screen.  Another fun one was a game where you shot at passing ships from your submarine.   The kids turned in their tickets and got prizes.  Caleb and Sara picked a cup with a crazy straw and some candy, while Owen got a Redskins football.   After we were played out, we went to Johnny Rockets for dinner and got some yummy milkshakes! The kids spent the night after taking turns jumping on our therapeu...

Happy 7th birthday to my first born...  My Bubba... The boy who made me a Momma! It's hard to believe that Caleb is 7 today!  I took a little trip down memory lane and found some pictures of a younger Caleb Boy. Caleb Boy, you are so compassionate and loving.  You stand up for what is right and strive to serve Jesus.  I'm so proud of your good character. Things you love: Legos, Wii, Chloe, playing with Abby, singing at the top of your lungs, long showers, dancing, Family Force Five Things you don't love: cooked vegetables, having to take quick showers, when your sister messes up your creations, shots I love you, Caleb Boy.  Thank you for being such a great son and big brother!

Happy birthday to my amazing momma! My mom is so great!  She is a fantastic teacher, and it shows in everything she does.  Her students are blessed to have her, because she never gives up on a kid.   She has always been there for my sister and me, willing to drop everything to help us whenever we need her.  She is such a big support for me! I think one of my favorite things about mom is that she is a problem solver.  If she has an issue, she figured out a way to fix it.  If I can't figure out how to deal with something, Mom always has an idea!  She is always thinking outside of the box! Love you, Momma!  Happy 29th birthday!! :)

The kids enjoyed their pizza... ...then we sang "Happy Birthday" to Abs.  Yep, those candles are in a pudding cup.  It's a Paula Deen recipe that probably has more calories per tablespoon than her Pediasure.  :) One day, I will be able to sing "Happy Birthday" to Abby without crying.  This was not the year.   Here's to many more teary-eyed "Happy Birthday" songs, Abs!

These three cuties, who are all just about the same age (they are spaced out about 2 months apart), loved playing in the Wind Tunnel that was at the bounce house.  We never paid the money for them to actually feel the wind; they just liked being inside of the big plexiglass door.  They had so much fun!!

Dear Abby, Today is your third birthday.  At exactly three years ago today, you came flying into this world and quickly stole our hearts with those big black eyes you had.   Three years old, little girl!  Where did the time go?!  You have SO much personality, and you are living up to your name.  You truly are  a joy to everyone you meet.  Even strangers who have no idea how much you've been through in the last three years comment on how much of a joy  you are.  If they only knew! It is amazing to me to see how far you have come.  Three years ago, my only prayer was for God to let us have you for a just a little longer.  No one thought we had much time with you, and I tried so hard to cherish every second.  I took so many pictures because I didn't want to forget your face.  I held your little hand and tried to fill a lifetime of love into those first few terrifying days.  I vowed that no matter how much time w...