New Year, New Hopes, and New Dreams

Welcome 2011! Wow, I can't believe it's already a new year.  Do you have new year's goals or resolutions? If so, what are they? 
I've been thinking about the goals for this family for the new year.  2010 was an awesome year- we added a new addition to the family, our 2 older children grew and developed, went on two vacations, and did lots of fun things throughout the year together as a family, and in December we found out that 2011 will bring a new addition to the family!  Can't get any better than that!  Yes, the Wickers will grow by one hopefully in early August.  A first for us, being due another month besides March.  So far it has gone well.  A few months ago, during the Summer, we felt God pushing us to give it all to Him. We weren't quite ready to add another member to the family just yet ( I mean I've been pregnant for 2 years in a row! :-) ), but we felt God saying that is should be in His time and not ours. So, we said "OK, your will is best so lets see what you have in store for us".  Now remember Bradley and Austin were fertility babies ( IUI and IVF).  We were about as infertile as they come before getting pregnant with the triplets. So, it still makes us laugh when we think we can get pregnant without the God-given technology.  But, this family is proof that God can and does work miracles.  And, God has definitely provided.  It's just amazing how God provides and only gives you what you can handle! So, I have to praise God when I say this pregnancy has been easy considering past pregnancies, still some sickness but just enough to know that all is well with Baby Wicker.  I love it not being a 100+ degrees like it always is when I'm at this point- since I'm always due in March, I go thru August and September very sick. So far no complications.  The cerclage was left in after Cameron, so that shouldn't have to be messed with.  My doctor is helping me work around Chris' schedule, so that Chris can keep the kids when I need to go to the doctor as it's hard to find childcare for 3 little ones so close together. My OB feels like, while I will be high risk, that everything should go well as it did with Cameron.  I saw the heartbeat mid December, and it was such a CHRISTmas blessing. It truly magnified the reason for the season this year and showed us how awesome God continues to be.  Some people think we're crazy, but we just think we're crazy blessed! 
So, now that the "cat is out of the bag" you know our "To Do List" has just expanded tremendously and there is a little more urgency with some of it. It's all good though, no worries here and just give it to God! We've started organizing the house.  We're cleaning out, and it feels so good.  I just love doing things like that!  Keeping life simple! I think going into 2010 we were hoping to move in the next couple of years, but now we've slowed down and realized that we should try to stay here and be thankful for what God has provided.  So, we have plans to do some minor remodeling.  We're hoping to make the small downstairs bedroom, now being used as a playroom, a mudroom.  We have 2 other rooms that we can choose to move the playroom to, and they're both bigger than the current playroom.  If we have a new mudroom, then I can use the old laundry room (which is more like a walk-in closet) for a pantry then the current pantry can be used as a broom closet for the vacuum, mop, and such! YAY! Love the idea, and I'm hoping we can get it done.  We have a lot of unused space in the house, and that is just silly.  We have a long "To Do List" for the inside and outside, but I'm sure everyone has the same.  To give you an idea of what ours includes in addition to the remodeling: finishing the storage building, extending our deck, working on the front flower beds, painting the rooms in the house that still need to be painted, etc. Who knows when this will all get done, but it's nice to have something to work towards.
We did very well this past year following the Dave Ramsey plan of paying off debt. I'm not sure we will pay off our huge debts sooner (house and medical school loan), but we've begun to pay down and pay off some other things.  And, we're going to continue to work on that. I think we may be halfway there. It sure does feel good, and I encourage everyone to read some of Ramsey's books too. We've cut back on spending, are eating at home more, and making lots of improvements in our financial decisions overall.  We're still working on making life simpler and have gotten off to a great start.  We feel God urging us to keep life simple, so that we can focus on HIM- so an organized, decluttered home; no debt; etc will help us work towards that.  With 3 little ones, 4 and under, and one on they way it makes you keep life simple by staying so busy with the kids.  It's a welcome busy though and so worth it.   I welcome ideas as to how you keep God in your life, every minute of everyday and first.  Chris and I are working on the book, The Purpose Driven Life. We're both reading the book and doing the study together.  My personal goal is to read something out of the Bible everyday.  I keep saying I'm going to read the entire Bible, but I've yet to actually do so. So, I really want to do that.  The more I study the Bible and the word of God the more changes I make to myself and my life; it's a continued work in progress. 

Here are some verses that I've found recently in my studies that  I want to remember this year and focus on. They have a lot of meaning in my life right now.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For it is God's will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.  1 Peter 2:15

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1: 9-12
 
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
 
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:27-31
 
Also, Matthew 6 has a lot of things in it that I want to live my life by, just paraphrasing the important parts to me:
- don't be righteous in front of others
-don't announce it when you give to the needy, keep it secret
- praying is an intimate time with Jesus, many words doesn't mean you're heard more- God knows your what you need before you speak of it.
-forgive other's sins
- when you fast, do it with gladness and don't speak of it for God knows what you're doing and will reward you
-do not hoard materialistic things, do not worship money
- don't worry about money, clothes, food, or anything as God will provide all to those who trust fully in Him

Christmas Eve

(Yes, Cameron is forward facing with the approval of her pediatrician since she is so big and has great muscle control- it's helping not strain my back so much when taking her in and out of the car)

Ready for bed on Christmas Eve in their pj's

Wicker Family

Christmas Day

Our ABC's

All comfy on Christmas night

Cameron's 1st Snow

Cameron is 9 months old now.  She is growing so well.  At her 9 month well visit she was in the 95th percentile for her height, weight, and head which is great because it means she is in proportion.  She is crawling some, but still rolls and does an army crawl a good bit to get where she wants quickly.  Cameron is also pulling up some and cruising.  Her favorite words are "Mama" and  "Nana" which I think stands for "No No" because she hears that a lot with her brothers.  Speaking of her brothers, she loves them very much and they love her almost too much (can be a little rough when loving on her).  She is eating well and has started giving herself some of her bottles, but still prefers for us to do it.  She takes abut 4 bottles a day which is right where they want her to be and eats 3 meals.  She will eat baby food still, but prefers our food.  The other night she enjoyed macaroni and cheese, green beans, and cooked carrots.  Another night she had Chicken and Dumplings with Green Bean Casserole.  I'm very impressed as I've never had another child eat this well.  She had tubes placed in December after her ear drum perforated.  So far, we don't notice any hearing loss, but she will have a hearing test at the ENT next month.  The procedure was simple and easy, and we've seen much improvement in her since getting the infections cleared up after the tubes.  Cameron is a great sleeper and still takes 2 good naps a day and sleeps through the night most nights.  She loves to be swaddled in her blankie still with her paci and that is perfectly OK with us, because she self soothes so well.  Our baby girl continues to be a happy baby and just goes with the flow. 

Austin's 1st time in the snow

Austin is 25 months old.  He continues to do well with his therapies and is progressing nicely.  His therapists did an evaluation around his birthday.  He is delayed in all areas from even his adjusted age, but it isn't by much (about 15-20% delay).  However, at 2 they start to test them by their actual age because they expect him to catch up.  There is quite a delay from his actual age (his birthday) in all areas including speech, motor skills, cognitive, to name a few.  Communication is his biggest delay with almost a 50% delay.  However, we are working on everything and they think he will catch up as he has started to decrease the gap.  His speech is growing, and he has started to say a couple of phrases such as "My Do", Here you go", and "My Go".  He is starting to talk more when others are around us which is part of the speech development.  And, he is babbling more which is all very promising and exciting.  He is stubborn though, so it can be quite a fight to get him to tell us what he wants.  He gets aggravated too which is understandable, because he can't communicate as well as he'd like.  A big help for us lately is that he is climbing up and down the stairs on his own! And, he wants to do it all by himself.  Austin's isn't eating great, but on most days I do get one good meal in him. I'm trying to fortify his almond milk with calorie supplement at least once a day.  We don't want to do it too often and keep him from eating.   At his 2 year well visit he was in almost the 10th % ( a 1st as he has never been more than 3%), his weight still isn't on the chart but it's back on his curve, and his head stays in the 50% which is great bc it means his brain is growing well.  Now we're trying discipline him more since he doesn't throw up all the time.  I've had to be more creative when it comes to disciplining him as he is such a stubborn little boy, but that stubbornness is part of the reason he didn't give up when he was born. So, praise God for that! And, Austin hasn't been sick since his last hospital visit, so the Synagis and our restrictions must be working.  We are so blessed that God has allowed us to continue to enjoy Austin here on Earth.

Bradley loved the snow and kept saying that it was going to snow on Christmas. Surprisingly it started just a few hours after Christmas ended.  Wow! Now how did he know that? He continues to surprise us with what he does know.  Bradley is saying that Baby Wicker is a girl and has correctly predicted all four of his siblings.  Bradley is definitely the most independent one in the house these days. He is able to dress himself, sleeps all night, feed himself, go to the potty alone, etc.  Sometimes he may need much encouragement with these things, but does well most of the time.  Of course, the older and smarter he gets we have to continue to work on what are bad choices and what are good choices and he knows that consequences will follow the bad choices.  We have been talking a lot about obedience and that God tells children to obey their mothers and fathers.  He even gave Chris a little speech telling him to obey recently.  He is such a loving child with such a kind heart which is quite a gift, and I pray he will use it very wisely.  It was a very special time while he was out of school as we all enjoyed having Bradley home everyday for the holidays.  Bradley continues to grow and thrive in all areas which is such a blessing to sit back and watch him soak up all of life's experiences.  Bradley will turn 5 in early March and while he is excited to "grow-up" I'm having a little bit of trouble knowing that it's imminent.  He is my oldest baby and has been such a blessing to us through good and bad times.  I pray for continued wisdom in how to raise Bradley in knowing and loving God fully and keeping our family close as our children grow.

What can I say? I'm very blessed by all of my children. We did miss Brayden and Lexi this Christmas, but I know they were watching over us.  I have no doubt they had a part in sending our family our special Christmas miracle gift, Baby Wicker.  It was a wonderful present to Chris and me.  I'm sure Lexi and Brayden had the most magical CHRISTmas celebrating with Jesus Christ.  I can't even begin to imagine what all it entailed.  Bradley, Austin, and Cameron are so special and I enjoy every moment with them.  I definitely don't take my gifts for granted anytime of the year and just thoroughly enjoyed this CHRISTmas season with them.  I can't wait to see what the New Year holds for our family. 

Stay tuned for the Whereabouts of the Wickers!

Thankful

I'm emotional this CHRISTmas season as I see God working in our lives.  No matter what we go through I can't help but think how blessed we are.  Two years ago we were going through the hardest time we've ever had to face.  We didn't know what the next second held for our family.  We didn't know if Bradley would ever get to meet his little brother who fought every minute to stay alive, so we waited a long time to tell him about Austin. There were many days that brought much anxiety that Austin may take a turn for the worse and never leave the hospital alive.  Everyday, we're feeling more and living more as we heal from that difficult time in our life.
We're enjoying the kids this CHRISTmas season.  We're very thankful to have a full mantle of stockings, children laughing and playing, and for all the other wonderful things this season brings when you have small children.  We're counting our blessings every minute of everyday.  We just feel such JOY over all of the little things we have to enjoy this season.  So, please be thankful for your blessings.  Be thankful for your healthy children.  Be thankful that your child may just have a cold or something easy to treat like Strep.  Be thankful that your arm is sore from holding your child all the time, becasue he/she is here for you to hold.  Be thankful for the sleepless nights caused by a child, because it won't last forever.  Be thankful that for a crying child.  Be thankful for the messes that you have to clean up caused by your children.  Be thankful for the diapers that must be changed.  Be thankful for the many meals you have to prepare every week.  Be thankful for all the simple things in life that you sometimes may find stressful.  Smile, because your smile may bring other to come and know Christ's love for us.  Don't complain, just be THANKFUL!

A meaningful song to remember as we prepare for this special season.  Just keep it simple, so you can appreciate the reason for the season! 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Awesome Austin

Anyone that has been following my blog over the years knows of the miracle that God has performed with Austin.  A 24 week triplet just doesn't do as well as him, but what a blessing he has been.  So, I started to let me guard down as he neared his 2nd birthday, the huge milestone that would allow us to stop being so cautious. . .  and then he started to vomit more often. Austin has always vomited a lot and I don't mean spit-up.  He definitely has put a new meaning to the word "vomit". He empties his entire stomach from the last 12 hours or so- it's insane and we've never seen anything like it.  So, we made an appointment and took him to the pediatrician who was a little concerned and ordered a good bit of blood work (celiac disease etc). She also found that he had a sinus and ear infection probably caused by the vomiting. So, we went home and waited for the labs to come back.  Over the next 2 days Austin continued to vomit more often, and the pediatrician decided  to admit him because the blood work showed he was dehydrated.  He was put on observation, fluids, and IV antibiotics.  He had an Endoscopy while in the hospital and the gastroenterologist thought he had a type of allergic esophogitis.  However, those results came back negative.  In the meantime we stopped all dairy and Austin stopped vomiting.  So, we took him to the allergist who did allergy testing and all of that came back negative. So, we're back to not knowing what is going on.  We have added everything back to his diet except milk.  We've done almond milk instead, and he hasn't thrown up in 2.5 weeks which is unheard of with Austin.  Who knows what could be going on.  The doctor did say it could have been a virus, but the problem is he has always vomited.  Needless to say Austin has continued to thrive and be happy through everything.  We have a new EI who will be seeing him biweekly.  And, his speech therapist has started coming weekly to hopefully help his speech delay.  Austin should be saying 2 word phrases and have at least a 100 word vocabulary, but doesn't do either of these things.  The therapists think he is capable as his cognitive abilities seem to be present.  So, we just have to wait for Austin to catch up.  We've seen the pulmonologist who was concerned with Austin's breathing.  So, he was started on an inhaled steroid which may help him gain weight if he was working so hard to breathe.  This is caused by his chronic lung disease that is very similar to a COPD patient.  The pulmonologist also, after much talk with the insurance company got him approved for another season of Synagis shots. He will get the first shot this Friday afternoon and have them once a month through March.
We did celebrate Austin's 2nd birthday in November with a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse party.  He loved it.  He had lots of friends and family help him celebrate. We enjoyed hotdogs, chili, slaw, baked beans, mixed fruit, chips,and a yummy cake.  He received LOTS of wonderful gifts.  He is one lucky boy. 
One thing that I need to add are the restrictions that we're going to continue this winter due to Austin.  The pulmonologist said that a cold could be really bad for Austin due to his chronic lung disease, and that we must still be careful with Austin.  So, if you will be coming to our home please remember these restrictions. Thanks for helping us keep Austin healthy!
- No shoes are allowed in our home.
- No smokers allowed in our home.  If someone is a smoker and wishes to come over they must shower, put on smoke free clothes, and refrain from smoking until after their visit is over.  Smoke can still be absorbed off someones clothes, so that is why we have to be so diligent.
- Please don't come over if you're experiencing cough, chest congestion, fever, runny or stuffy nose.  We did finally get an answer about allergies.  If someone has had a dry cough or clear runny nose for more than 10-14 days then we can assume it's allergies and should be OK around that person.  If the symptoms have just started, then there is no way to know what is going on. 
-Please use the hand sanitizer, in the foyer, after removing your shoes.
-No kissing our family or face to face contact.
After speaking with the pulmonologist we will continue to avoid crowded places where we may be for a prolonged period.  Obviously, Austin is a toddler and can't be kept contained longer than a meal in a restaurant or a run to the store.  In these places, we can sanitize and use the floppy seat cover to limit his exposure.  We don't allow strangers to touch him either.
Thank you all for being so understanding.  This is all such a learning experience for us, and sometimes we have to make decisions based on the individual situation and pray we're making the best choice for Austin and our family.  He is such a God-given miracle and blessing.  Two years ago, after we lost his brother and sister, we endured months of scares.  We didn't share a lot of it, because it was constant.  And, unless someone has been in our situation wouldn't have truly appreciated the journey.  We just want to avoid anything that wouldn't be best for Austin. 

 The Wicker Family celebrating Austin's 2nd Birthday

So much to do in so little time!

I just wanted to give a quick update to let everyone know that we are all alive and doing well. Chris has been working a lot more than usual I(as if his 60-65 hrs a normal week aren't enough :-)), and we've been busy doing some things around the house, inside and out.  I've been staying up until midnight or later lately in order to finish the necessities: laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc. That doesn't even include the sewing projects and other things I've always got going on.  I know some working  moms really miss their kids during the day, and have no choice about working.  However, I don't think some people realize what all I'm doing all day.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being home with my babies and wouldn't trade it for anything . . . just don't think some realize how much work is involved and what all it entails.  It's truly a labor of love that is well worth the sacrifices.  Let me get off that soapbox, because it's something I feel very strongly about and am very sensitive when I don't get the respect I feel I deserve. I keep reminding myself that God has called me to do this, and HE is all that matters. 
So, obviously we've had a lot going on as you can tell from my lack of updates on the blog.  I've been sewing (including making the kid's Halloween costumes and treat bags) and appliqueing, being team mom for Bradley's soccer team and getting everything ready for the end of year party tomorrow night, getting family pictures done, planning Austin's 2nd birthday party, doing some work in the yard, painting inside, finally getting some things done inside, changing around things in the garage to make room for a frig (bc the boys drink so much milk that we have to go to the store lots just for milk! they drink a gallon every other day!), and the list goes on and on.  All good things to be busy with- good thing we try to live a simple life and stick to the basics! :-)
The kids have been busy growing.  B is wearing regular 5 pants and size 6 shirts, even his feet seem to be growing fast these days.  He has always had small feet, but all of a sudden he is wearing 10/11 size shoes.   He is enjoying preschool most days this year. He still begs to stay home, but enjoys it once there.  We've seen a huge improvement in his soccer skills lately. B is running much faster too and staying more focused.  I've been working on reading and writing with Bradley.  He is becoming much more inquisitive about things, such as the planets, volcanoes, sharks, and season changes to name a few.  So, it's fun to do a little homeschooling here and there with him.  Bradley continues to be helpful around the house and enjoys doing chores and anything that will help us.  My goal is to have him responsible for things everyday; he already takes his plate to the sink and throws out his own trash.  We also continue to work on making good choices, and others often hear us ask Bradley if something was a good choice or bad choice.  We hope that will make him realize he is responsible for his own actions.  We pray that God will give us great wisdom as to how to lead our children the right way.
A has lengthened out a good bit, but he still doesn't even weigh 22lbs.  Most of his pants are 18m, but he can wear 24/2t shirts.  He just saw his speech therapist yesterday, and she is going to start seeing him once a week in hopes of increasing his vocabulary and improving other speech issues he has.  His pronunciation is good, but he should be saying two-word phrases which he isn't.  He is also going to be evaluated by Bright Start again, after some issues with Baby Net, to make sure he is on target for his actual age.  As far as therapy, Austin will officially lose his adjusted age on his second birthday, so they expect him to perform like a two-year old.  It's a little silly, but he will catch up eventually- hopefully by the time he starts school! I can't wait to see what percentiles Austin is in for his size at his two-year well visit; I'm hoping he is on the growth chart!  He has shown more lung issues this fall and is requiring the inhaler more often. . . . but I think that is just part of his lung disease.  All in all, he has come a very long way and has done far better than ever imagined. 
Austin's 2 yr well-visit and Cameron's 9m well-visit are scheduled for the same day in December.  I still can't believe I have babies that close together, but it's awesome! Cameron is weighing in around 21lb and is wearing mostly 18m clothes.  She has even worn some 24m/2t shirts which are still tight in the arms.  She is a chunky girl, and like all my babies I love it! Cameron is sitting up unassisted and rolling everywhere. She can even pull herself to sitting.  She is scooting some on her belly, so I'm not sure if she may do an army crawl. She can't get on all fours yet, and I'm not sure she will because her legs are so thick and chunky.  However, she is cruising some around the furniture and can stand for a few seconds on her own.  She is also saying "Mama" and waving some.  Oh, and she does this cute little face to make you laugh- we call it the "cheese face" and Austin used to do it. Was told by a therapist that being the 3rd child, and all being so close together, means Cameron's development will be much different than the average baby. She may take much longer to do things, so if that is true with her then I'll get to enjoy the baby stage much longer!
So, that is our whereabouts lately.  We have our end of the season soccer party and last soccer game in the next week. Austin's birthday party is this weekend, and I'm hoping to make some cute treats.  We are trying to finish up some things around the house, and I have some craft projects I'm working on.  We're thoroughly enjoying the gorgeous fall weather these days.  I'll try to post some pictures soon!

Finished Project







had to throw in one of all the kids- even if you can't see her shirt :-)

(her shirt needs to be ironed in this pic but you get the idea)

I finally finished my first sewing adventure.  I appliqued pumpkin shirts for the kids.  At some points, I was ready to throw the sewing machine and everything else out the window . . . but, alas I completed them before our montain trip which was my goal. Then, it was so chilly that the kids wore their jackets zipped and completely covering the shirts that I stayed up all hours finishing.  However, since I did pumpkins they should get plenty of wear (and picture opportunities) through Thanksgiving. 

Hey Y'all! We're havin' a ball in the Fall!

I thought it'd be a good idea to update on our whereabouts these days.  Posts to follow soon will include: new recipes, my fabulous' friends business Frills & Flowers , Cameron's 6 month pictures were taken by our sweet neighbors Paul and Kelli Gowder @ Gowder Photography, an update on my sewing projects that are getting there slowly but surely, and the Baby Reunion with Advanced Fertility.  These are links for all of the businesses above, so check it out in your spare time- awesome people!

We're going on a little trip to the mountains soon.  Our destination is Hendersonville, NC.  Our main goal is to pick apples while there and just enjoy some special family time.  Chris' sister and her family will be joining us for one night, so that will be extra fun for the kids to enjoy time with their cousins.  If anyone has any suggestions for family fun in the Hendersonville area please comment or send me an email. 

Bradley has started his last year of preschool.  It's so bittersweet as he won't have any idea what is going on next year when he goes all day everyday.  I'll miss that boy so much, but they all grow up.  And, I have no doubt that God will lead him to do amazing things.  B is doing great in school and has adjusted wonderfully.  He adores his teachera and the feeling seem to be mutual.  He is going 3 days a week from 9am-12nooni as  I didn't see any reason to make him go longer since this year is the last year for him to be home any. He does enjoy school, but if you give him the choice he'd prefer to stay home.  They are studying one letter per week. Last week was 'A', and learned how to make the 'A" sounds and had to take show-n-tell which had to be something that started with an 'A'. They also had to take 3 clues to tell the class, so that they could try to guess it before he showed it to them.  The clues were: 1.  I wear it in the kitchen. 2.  It can come in all different shapes and sizes.  3;  It protects my clothes.  Can you guess what it was?   . . . (the answer is at the bottom of this post)  This week was the letter 'B' and Bradley took his Daddy's childhood bear for a bear picnic on the playground.  Bradley brings me a flower almost everyday when I pick him up just like last year.  And, he always so excited to see us and tell Austin, Cameron, and me that he missed us.  Soccer season started a couple of weeks ago and we had our first game this past Sunday.  Bradley has improved some, but gets easily distracted.  We put him in soccer, so that he could learn to be a team player and good sportsmanship which he is learning.  Play your hardest, and whether you win or lose doesn't matter. 

Austin is doing well.  He is hanging out at 21 pounds, but has grown a good bit in length.  He still is only wearing 18 month and moving into 24 month clothes.  He'll get there though when God is ready.  He eats much better than he used to, so that is reassuring.  He isn't picky and will try anything once which is wonderful since his big brother is so picky.  Austin had his monthly speech session this past week.  He is progressing as far as his speech, but as he gets closer to 2 we should see him have about a 50 word vocabulary and stringing 2 words together.  He only has about 25 word right now, which these are words that he uses on his own without being prompted.  He says a good bit when I prompt him these days.  And, the last couple of days he has said more words on his own so that is wonderful. Austin did have a cold/viral thing last week and had some wheezing.  It was the first time he has done that with a cold in a long time, but we took him to the doctor and he is already much better.  Praise be to God! We still don't know what to expect from him when he gets sick, but have been told that he should start handling things better at 2.  He is 22 months now, and that is so hard to believe.  He is 18 months adjusted and does act more like an 18 month old with his tantrums and fits.  Mostly, though, he is sweet and very loving.  We're going to start planing his 2nd birthday party soon; that is so hard to believe! I still cry when I think about how far he has come and the odds that he has beat.  And, when he was sick last week his coughing would make him throw up so we just let him sleep with us a few nights and it was so precious.  He would get in between Chris and me and lay down on the pillow on his back and then pull the covers up to his chest like a big boy and smile so big. Then, once he was feeling better he would start saying, " Bu. . .ba  Bu . . .ba" over and over and we'd ask if he was ready to go back to bed with Bradley and he'd point to their room. Then, we'd take him back and he would go right to sleep.

Cameron Girl is growing, growing, growing.  At her 4 month well check she was 25 inches and 15 pounds putting her over the 95th percentiles.  Now, she is at least 19 pounds and is filling up 9 month clothes. I'm praying it starts to cool off, so we don't have to buy 12 month warm weather clothes.  However, if it doesn't hurry up and start changing we're going to be in trouble. She goes Monday for her 6 month well check; cant wait to see how much she has grown.  She is rolling well both ways and sits up well assisted.  She is definitely getting strong and can sit up a few seconds unassisted.  Cameron's leg strength has increased a lot over the last month, and she started to enjoy standing.  She seems to enjoy spending time in the exersaucer, and she likes to sit in her Bumbo seat on the island when I'm cooking.  Cameron is our best baby, by far, at taking her bottles and eating solids.  We're still doing 2 meals a day as there is no rush to go up to 3 meals.  Until 9 months baby food is just for practice, so I'm not sure when we'll add that 3rd meal.  Most days I feed her half a vegetable and fruit at both meals.  She will also eat any food I give her. That just amazes us as we've never had another baby do that before! Yay! Cameron is taking 2 good naps a day; her morning nap average 1.5 hours and her afternoon is at least 2 hours.  We start baths at night at 8:30, and she is in bed asleep before 9.  This past week she went until 7:45 one morning (and then I woke her up to give her a bottle because of her reflux medicine), but most mornings she goes until at least 6 if not 7.  I guess there is something to say for letting them learn to put themselves to sleep and letting them cry it out some. 

Well, it's getting late and we never know what the night will hold with Austin and/or Cameron.  So, I just want to say that we're thoroughly enjoying our 3 little miracles that God has blessed us with.  Life is crazy and busy, but it's all so welcoming.  This week we loaded up all 3 kids, after Chris got home from work, and took a picnic to the park.  Things like that are what life is all about for us and it's wonderful.  I hate to sound so happy because I know that others may be going through hard times, but we truly are that happy- and I hope that everyone sees God shinning through our family.  It give us faith that God may have trials, but if we just lean on Him we'll find out that He is preparing us for something incredible.  Have a blessed weekend; we're praying for cooler temperatures!



(Answer APRON)

I can talk talk talk!

Isn't it great That I articulate?
Isn't it grand
That you can understand?

I don't grunt, I don't oink
I don't even squeak or squawk
When I wanna say a something
I open up and talk

I can talk!
I can talk talk talk
I can talk!

That is the part of a song in one of my favorite childhood movies, Charlotte's Web.  And, I think about it when I hear my children talk.  Chris will make fun of me when he reads that!

Bradley talks constantly these days and has for a couple of years.  Now, Austin is starting to talk more and more and it's adorable! I LOVE there cute little words they make up for things.  I wanted to journal Bradley's first little words before I forget them. He had nicknames for a few things, and now I'm realizing how precious they were and am missing those sweet little words.  As his speech developed he replaced those words for the real ones: "Ah Ah" for Mickey Mouse, " 9, 10, 11" for a tape measure, "Gonka" for Uncle Michael, "Sockerwocker" for umm  . . well his boy's anatomy (he might be upset with me one day for sharing this with the world, but it's precious).  That last word it took FOREVER for me to figure out what he was saying, but finally one day he had a stuffed animal that he was playing with.  And, he had a diaper on it and as he changed it he mentioned the word and pointed and I finally understood. We didn't talk about it much, so I have no idea how he started saying that- but you know kids only have to hear it once.  When he would say that he was a little boy, which I had him say a lot because it was so cute  . . . he would say "lil lil lil boooyy" and drag the word out. M & M's was a cute word too, but I can't possibly write it out and wish I had videoed him more than the few times that I did. He rolled his tongue with this word and didn't really say much at all, but that is definitely what he was talking about.  When he would say "snack" he would scrunch his nose and say "naaack".  These days I love him to hear him say "I will" as he says it with a strong southern accent. He stutters a good bit, but the doctor isn't concerned.  She says it's just because his mind works so fast, and he gets so excited when he is trying to tell us something.  Bradley has always been a very verbal child and these days he talks from the time he wakes up until he goes to sleep (sometimes in his sleep too).
Now, Austin has started saying things. He says "bye" very well and "da da", and he is always walking around saying "Aaah mmmn" for Amen.  I think he is surely being grateful that God spared him and kept him here on earth to share his amazing testimony with the world. :-) I think Austin will be a preacher, so he has to get started early. Right?!!! :-) And he says "Austin" and pronounces it "Aaas tin" He also does a fairly good job pronouncing the following words: more, shoes, please, cheese, bottle, I love you, Mama, and Bubba.  I've noticed him saying "umpa" a lot and he pronounces like the Greek word "Oopaah." You know what I'm talking about? When Greeks are dancing and celebrating they say it? I've tried to figure out what he is saying, and I think it's his word for Mickey Mouse, which is his favorite show. I can't believe he has a favorite show as Bradley didn't even watch TV really at Austin's age, but what can I say besides that his big brother love TV and well you know how it goes. I limit their exposure TV, but it is nice to have when I have something I must do with Cameron or around the house.  Our little Goofy also walks around saying "Hup, 2, 3, 4" and trying to sing the "ABC's" as well as our "Night Night" song. He does pretty well with most of those and gets about every other word. 
Austin is going to be 2 before we know it; he is receiving monthly speech therapy.  At 2, with any therapy, they drop the adjusted age and expect them to perform at their actual age level.  So, we'll see how it goes with that.  His speech therapist is pleased with what Austin is doing.  He is making a lot more sounds and babbling more often.  Chris and I have been given directions on what we should be doing to help him which includes labeling things and activity's, singing, and reading are just a few things.  Austin talks more for Bradley than anyone else, and Bradley even works with him as well . . . TOO precious!
Cameron is turning out to be very verbal as well.  She likes to make this grunting noise and makes this other sounds like a growl- not sure about that one! She also has some sweet cooing and laughs too.  She laughs all the time. 
Speech therapy also includes feeding issues, so I'll journal that as well.  Austin has no problems with eating anymore, and it's wonderful.  His favorite foods are peanut butter and jelly, bananas, cheese, strawberries, and macaroni and cheese.  He will try almost anything.  The other week I put a PBJ on the table for myself and went to do something.  When I came back, Austin was in my seat (because he already had lunch and was down and playing) eating MY sandwich with a fork.  He will not let us feed him anymore and eats with a fork at every meal.  He is still taking bottles throughout the day; we just can't get him weaned since he see Cameron getting a bottle.  He drinks a lot of milk.  Bradley always has too, and the boys go through one gallon of milk at lease every other day! They are going to have some strong bones.  Bradley is probably the pickiest eater as funny as that is since he has always been so big (he stays in about the 80th percentiles).  Bradley's favorite foods are bologna, bagel bites, most fruits, peanut butter and crackers, and pickles.  Thank God for vitamins; the pediatrician says one day he will grow out of it.  We have tried everything to get him to try other things, but nothing works.  I'm open to any ideas that y'all may have!  Cameron has tried every flavor of stage one baby foods and will eat it all. She eats about 2 jars of baby food a day; one jar of fruit at lunch and about 1/2 a jar of vegetables and 1/2 a jar of fruit at supper.  She take her bottle better than any baby we've ever had, but she just takes the minimal amount most days.  Hopefully, she'll like milk as much as the boys!  Her size hasn't suffered at all as she is almost in the 100%! Big Girl! We'll see if she can hit 20 pounds at 6 months like Bradley; she has been about the same length as him all along.  Now, if we can just get Austin to move up on the growth chart that sure would be nice! Austin is in about the 3% for weight and 5% for height, but he did make it on there before 2- which is when they want them to catch up! He is on the go so much, and his lungs still aren't up to par.  So, he burns a lot of calories breathing.  He will get there eventually, and we are just thankful that he is here and has stayed so healthy. 
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend! We have a lot of fun things planned as a family.