An Update/ Boys Stats.

Man, I have so many good ideas for posts to write but absolutely zero time to write them.  Believe it or not, I have drafts of posts sitting on my blog record but just havent finished them.

So, this post is to show that I am, in fact, still alive and to record the boy's recent stats.  Annual doctor's appt did not happen as punctually as normal.... again, speaks to our schedule.  But, they happened and boys are growing and healthy and pretty amazing!

Boys and dogs... doesnt get much better than this ... except for prettier cabinets and less mess in the background.  haha

I included doctor's stats and shoe sizes since I like to document trivial things. :)

Hunter- 12 years
Weight- 106 lb - 78%
Height- 5'4" - 97%
Shoe size- 10 mens

Ashton- 10 years
Weight- 61 lb - 17%
Height - 4'7" - 51%
Shoe size- 6

Shepherd- 8 years
Weight- 76 lb - 93%
Height - 4'7 1/2" - 98%
Shoe size- 6.5

Bennett- 5 years
Weight- 38 lb - 30%
Height- 3'6 1/2" - 42%
Shoes size- 13

Thankfully, Ashton and Shepherd were much better behaved than last year's doctor's appt... However, Bennett did embaress me by asking me why the doctor "does not have any hair up there (Bennett patted his head indicating top of head.)  If the doc heard him, he didnt say anything but I quickly shook my head and tried to start a different conversation with Bennett.

I have a post started to celebrate Moses' birthday that I hope to finish up soon, a post on my one year work anniversary that I am almost finished with, a post about basketball season, and one with some house updates.  And though I will not devote a whole post to it, we finally bit the bullet and bought a car. :)  So, life is good and full... very very full!

Hopefully my half posts saved in drafts will become full posts in the next couple weeks.

Ash and Shep- The Stats

First, let me say how thankful I am that my middles had another year of no health issues.

Second, let me say that I hate taking these two to the doctor together.  It is one of those humbling experiences.  They are sooo goofy, laughing over every little thing the doctor asks them to do.

Nurse- "Please undress to just your underwear. Would you like a gown to cover up with?"

Kid- "hahaha, ok."

Other kid- "No, I will just stay in underwear."

Doctor- "Any diarrhera or constipation?"

kid- "hahaha, no."

other kid- "what's constipation?"

Doctor grabs a glove and does the "cough" check.

Kid chuckles

Other kid full out laughs while it is happening to his other brother.
Both kids preface this experience with, "do we have to have a weiner check?"

Doctor "jump up and down ten times."

Kid - you would think he has zero athletic ability with the way he is jumping around the room

Other kid- making all kinds of weird faces while he jumps

I am so thankful they get us in and out quickly because by the end, I am about to die.  These boys are just too much.

The middles!  Love this duo. Yes, I cropped Hunter, Bennett and even (gasp) Moses out of the picture.

Ashton 

Weight- 56 lb (21%)

Height- 52.5" (46%)

Shepherd

Weight- 67 lb (94%)

Height- 52.75" (99%) 

***He is officially taller than his older brother.  We knew the day would come, but didnt think it would be when he was 7.  I went back and checked on Hunter at 7 as Hunt has always been tall for his age.  This puts Shep's size into perspective.  Hunter weighed 57lbs and was 51.5" tall at 7 so a good bit smaller than Shepherd.

After the doctor's appt, we met up with Olivia and baby Isaac for lunch.  I love her being so close to do quick meet ups!  I got to love Isaac for a little bit but he is already quite a momma's boy and wasnt truly happy until he was back with him mom. Thanks for meeting with us Liv.

March Recap

I dont exactly where the month of March has gone...

But here are the highlights.

1- Dad's birthday.  He happened to be up in my neck of the woods the week before so we had a mini bday celebration for him.

Mantis' bday "party"

2- New pine needles.  If you know me, you know I really like yard work and I really love fresh pine needles.  120 bales later and the front yard and most of the backyard is freshly needled!  Makes my heart happy.

3- Dentist appointments.  We all (minus Chad) went to the dentist. It was Bennett's first time and he LOVED it.  They just bragged on how well he did (and he really did a good job.)

Bennett's first cleaning.

 
   The dentist appointments kept on coming as I asked them to take xrays of Ashton's missing front tooth that he lost in December and the tooth still had not dropped.  Turns out, he has an extra tooth that is blocking the permanent tooth.  So, April 1, they will knock him out and cut it out.

In case you dont understand xrays- the left tooth is his permanent tooth that has already come down.  The tooth right beside that is the problem... an extra baby tooth that is blocking the other top permanent tooth from descending.  

4- Riggs comes.  Nolan went to Mexico because when you are single you can just take off like that.  I can only imagine.  So, Riggs came and stayed with us.  And much to my delight, Nolan paid by having a new large coffee pot sent to me (it happened to arrive on my bday so I count it as a bday present too.)

Riggs wants to be wherever the kids are- he even got on the trampoline this visit.

5- Play date/ Bible Study-  The last couple months, while our youngest kids play, a friend and I have been able to meet up and let the kids play while we talk and study the Word.  We have been making our way through I and II Peter.  Since moving here a couple years ago, I have missed girl/ Bible time, I have really enjoyed our weekly meet ups.

6- School programs are starting up.  It is so hard to take pics at these things especially on my phone.  Shepherd's programs hasnt happened yet, but here is a picture of Ashton.  Hunter's was today but I had to leave early to take Ashton to the oral surgeon.  Chad didnt get a picture only a video.

Ashton is in the top center

7- Soccer also started.  I am, again, coaching Shepherd's team.  We moved him up to U8.  Thankfully, our good friend, Jay Young, agreed to help me again.   Ashton and Hunter are still on the same team that I am, again, coaching as well.

8-  Wedding "Shower"- Chad's cousin is getting married in April.  Chad is in the wedding but was not able to attend the cookout but thankfully the boys and I were able to go.  We are looking forward to the wedding and officially adding Rebecca into the family!  (I did not take a single picture.)  : /

9- My birthday.  GrandmaDean has been having some ear issues so her ear doctor recommended tubes.  Mom came up to take her for the procedure which just happened to be the day after my bday so I got to celebrate with mom and GrandmaDean and the boys.

My men.

   I got some sweet/ funny gifts.  Though the boys (and I ) told him not too, Chad got me the t-shirt that says, "I love Jesus, but I cuss a little."  If you see me wearing it, just pretend it says, "I am a sinner saved by grace" because in reality, it kind of does.  Hunter got me a new phone case, Ashton a permanent marker (he always loses mine), Shep and Bennett got me candy that they then ate.  Mom brought me flowers, cake, and a bit of money, GrandmaDean gave me the "S" that I have been coveting on her door, and Aunt Christy made an appearance and brought some azaleas... add in a sweet card and cash from my in-laws and it was a pretty great few days.


So, March has been busy (but I also binged on Heartland on Netflix.) haha.   I fully anticipate April to move just as quickly.  On a side note, the boys all brought home wonderful report cards!!!  Super proud of how well they are doing this year.

A and S stats

Still havent moved docs since we moved a couple years ago...

So, doctor's visits turn into day trips, which is kind of fun.  Ashton and Shepherd were due for their annual check ups and we made a day of it.  Picked them up from school at 11:30 and didnt get home until after 6.  We stopped at Barnes and Noble and the outlets to get shoes.... so many feet in this house!

Both boys are so healthy and growing like crazy.

Ashton Stats

Weight- 50.3 lbs - 21%

Height - 50.5" - 50%

Shepherd Stats

Weight- 58.2 lbs - 94% (yes, he is almost 8 lbs heavier than is older brother)

Height- 49.5" - 98%

So, they both stayed on the same general curve, give or take a couple percentage points.

While there, the doctor asked about diarhera/ constipation issues.  Unbeknownest to him, diarhera is Bennett's favorite word right now and he just started singing about diarhera.  It was just great.

Shepherd and Ashton are so different from size to personalities.  Love these boys so much.  Just a quick funny from this week.  

The boys school does the Santa Shop for kids to come in buy cheap crappy gifts for people.  Both Shepherd and Ashton took $20 of their money to buy gifts (let me note that Hunter is wise and did not particiapte).  They immediately get in the car and start passing out these "gifts".  Ashton gives me a little purple ring saying he picked it because I love purple and because of Clemson.  I thank him, tell him I love it.  

Shepherd then proceeds to give the ring he picked out.... a huge, multi colored flower ring.  Again, I tell him thank you and I love it.  Ashton seeing that Shpherd's ring is much larger feels he needs to justify why his is smaller... he says, "I liked that one too but I didnt have enough money."  I assure him that I love the one he gave me.

I dont think this needs explaining... :)I have worn them the last two days and will continue to wear them until a)they break or 2) they turn my fingers black. 

Twenty minutes later, we are at home and Ashton unpacks his backpack and says, "look mom, I still had $4 leftover from the Santa Shop."  haha- so maybe he did have enough money but thankfully, I huge flower ring is enough.

I love  having boys!  :)

My Tumor Made it to Harvard

Last Monday, I had my surgery to remove the mass/ tumor on my forearm.  The hardest part of the recovery is obeying the doctor's orders of not lifting more than 5 lbs with my left arm for 3 weeks.  Chad went with me while my mom had the kids.  The doctors, nurses, and the hospital in general were wonderful.

Before 

After- This is 7 days post surgery.

Yesterday (Wednesday), I had my follow up appointment.  As I sit in the waiting room of a cancer center, I cant help but be a bit emotional.  I look around at all different types of people- young old, black, white, male, female, crazy, normal- cancer sucks.  I see a couple where the husband goes back and the wife sits in the waiting room just whispering "yes Jesus" every couple minutes.  Her husband comes out about 30 minutes later saying everything looks good and it hasnt come back.  They leave smiling.  I see two women waiting on their friend to get some results- laughing with her keeping spirits high.  I see a daughter sit with her elderly mother and constantly tell her to "shh, you are talking to loud" as her elderly mother confirms that it is the cancer meds that are "messing up her bowels" and the doctor recommended "doubling up on the stool softener."

I think a couple things as I sit...
1- Life is really a snippets of smiles and tears.
2- Hard times really do make the happy times that much better.
3- We are made to do life together.
4- Laughter goes a long way.

Onto the title of this post, as the doctor came in and looked at arm, he confirmed that the pathology report was not cancer.  Praise!  They were able to tell that this tumor began in the lining of a nerve in the nervous system of my arm which is SUPER rare.  They sent the tumor to Harvard Medical School, to a doctor who specializes in this type of tumor, to examine it and give them some feedback on what they were looking at. This doctor actually thanked them for sending him my "excision."  So, technically, I was accepted into Harvard.

Both of arms (again a week after surgery).  You think they had a hard time finding a vein for the iv?  

Basically, this tumor was a soft tissue perineurioma.  If you google that, the only thing that comes up is medical journal articles- no web md, no wikipedia.  So again, super rare.

The news gets even better from this specialist as he states that there was nothing in this tumor that was worrisome for malignancy, local recurrence for this type of lesion is very uncommon, and no further treatment is necessary at this time.  So, my tumor might be famous, who knows?  You may see him/ her/ it in a medical journal.  ha.

My incision is healing but is really tight where they had to pull my skin together after having to take a long strip out of it.  No complaints from me though.  I am literally going to have a permanent reminder every time that I look down at my arm to not sweat the small stuff.

So, All's Good.

All is truly grace.

Easter Break- Part 2- The Good and Bad

As great as our Easter Break started, it quickly took a turn for awful.

***This post is not for the weaker stomached people.

Let me back up.  The Tuesday before break (Mar 24), I had an appointment with a general surgeon for a hernia above my belly button that I have had since I was pregnant with Ashton.  I also wanted him to look at a "growth/ cyst" on my forearm.  This growth came up last September/ October when I was doing work in the shed.  In February, while shooting a bow n arrow, I grazed the knot with the string and noticed a few days later significant growth.

The original knot.  I thought it was a spider bite.  I marked it with a pen to see if it changed.  

Anyway, the general surgeon was not sure what it was and sent me to have a MRI that Friday.  I was then scheduled to see him again the next Tuesday (the 31st- during spring break week).  He, then, broke the news to me that he believed that it was a soft tissue tumor which he thought was probably soft tissue sarcoma (cancer.)  Based on the MRI, he thought the tumor was laced within my muscle and that I needed to see an ocologist.  He got me an appointment to see a cancer doctor on Monday, April 6.

Needless to say, I/ my family/ friends were shell shocked by this.  Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer and I had none of the risk factors.

A friend of ours has a relative who is a oncologist in Spartanburg.  A phone call to this relative, who then referred me to a great surgical oncologist who managed to see me and squeeze me for a biopsy on the Thursday of Spring break sped the "not knowing" process up tremendously. The whole process from hearing I may have cancer to getting a biopsy was 2 days.  I was and still am so thankful the waiting was not long.

This is the knot 2 days ago after the biopsy (the red mark and bruising is from biopsy).  But, you can see how much it grew from October to April.  You can also notice my nice of a tan I still had in October and how lily white I am now.

I got the results back from the biopsy on Monday and thankfully it is not cancer but some type of fibroma (derma something fibro something).  Surgery is still going to happen as the thing is quite an eye sore and it if it continues to grow it will hit some pretty important blood vessels and arteries.

You know, there are moments in your life where your perspective shifts.  Where you rearrange priorities and look at things differently.... this was one of those moments.  It reminded me to be more present in the now.  Make my words and actions count.  Focus on others.  The list could go on and on.

I want to thank...
~Chad for handling everything in just the right way.  He was (relatively) cool about the whole thing.  ha
~Mom for taking me to the last appointment and the comic relief
~Jay for calling your uncle
~Dr Hunter and Dr Nguyen  and Dr Freedman for taking it so seriously yet still giving me peace... for working me in on such short notice.
~All my sweet friends and family who sent encouraging words or Bible truths/ verses.  I should do a blog post on some of the words of wisdom that came in through email and text.  You guys all uplifted me and gave me peace that I know is found through people approaching the Throne on my behalf.

On a funny note, I thought it would be good if I semi prepared the boys for bad news.  If nothing else, I wanted them to be able to pray for me if they felt led.  As I was telling them that it might be cancer, Hunter turned his head from me and was really quiet. He then came back to me a few hours later and asked me some specific questions. Ashton looked surprised and then in the next 30 minutes was telling me repeatedly that he didnt want me to die.  Shepherd, during my serious speech, was singing "Its Raining Tacos." (Should you want to hear the song, just click on the title- I personally wouldnt click on it because it is beyond ridiculous). I dont know if the reactions were age based or personality based (or a mixture or both.)  But I found all three refreshing and comforting in a twisted kind of way.

To top off our magnificent (sarcasm) spring break, Chad got a NASTY case of poison ivy by helping his dad cut down a rotted tree.  I had no idea he was that allergic to the stuff.  He is on the mend though, still itching my crazy, but with his meds it is getting better.

An awful patch on Chad's side.  He had it everywhere.... and yes, I mean EVERYWHERE!

So, again, I say thank you to all those that prayed for us last week and into this week.  It was one of those weeks that I dont want to relive but is a great reminder that even if tough times, God is still good and I am still His.

All's Grace!!!

PS- I should add that during this waiting period, we kept quite busy with the remainder of our Spring Break.  Chad, Hunter,  and Ashton went to a Charlotte Hornets basketball game.  He watched a few innings of the Clover/ York baseball game, we went to Carowinds with friends on Good Friday (NEVER AGAIN), and we worshipped with our church family and had Easter lunch with GrandmaDean, Aunt Frances, and Nolan.  All these events did a pretty good job on keeping our minds off the C word.

The Big and The Little Stats

Hunter and Bennett were up for their annual physicals.  Again, we walk away so thankful that they are healthy and growing.

 

Hunter
Weight- 76.2 lbs (83%)
Height- 56.75" (95%)

Working on writing his second book.

Bennett
Weight 23.9 lbs (13%) --- Hunter and Shep were both over this weight at their 1 yr check ups
Height - 34.25" (48%)-  Moved up a good bit on the height chart. 

Gives me a quick grin before going back to watching VegiTales (speaking of, I am so glad VegiTales is playing again my house- I missed it)

My only concern with Hunter this time was that he is starting to get underarm hair and it is EARLY.  I mean he is only 9.  The doctor said that though it was early, things are happening earlier and earlier.  After Hunt's exam, the doc saw no other evidence that he was going through early puberty.  Though he is super tall for his age, he is on the same projection on the chart- no big spike or anything.  So, I guess Hunt can continue to be proud of his underarm hair... which he totally is.  So weird.  Also, his eardrum looks back to normal after it split/ busted last month.

According to the doctor, he wished he could have filmed Bennett's check up because Bennett was perfect.  He did everything the doc asked and in typical Bennett style was quite stoic and serious during the exam. The kid cracks me up. 

No shots for either just a little finger prick that Bennett handled better than Hunter.  The nurse had to tell Hunter 3 times to relax his balled up hand.  And then Bennett immediately wanted his band aid off and Hunter only removed his Band-Aid after he ate lunch and then cringed everytime he touched it to the table or on the car door.  Dramatic much?

The Christmas and the Crud- A Poem

There once was a family of 6 who were anxious for the break of Christmas.
The break began with such promise - shopping and wrapping in honest.
The 21st of December, a Sunday, saw the largest member go under.
Chills and a fever he ran, first time ever he cut off the ceiling fan.

That Monday we opened our family gifts, everyone spirits had a lift.
The biggest still felt like crud, but still was touchy with his hugs.
Our plans did not deviate, by Tuesday we hit the road to celebrate.
Sunset was the first stop on our 4 day quest, we had to take two cars to get things to fit the best.

Tuesday and Wednesday brought lots of familiar faces, good food, and the predictable places.
Rounds 2, 3, and 4 of gift opening also did occur.
We left Sunset feeling quite blessed, then headed west.
Clemsaca saw us arrive Christmas morning, according to my husband to the place that is never boring.

Christmas Day is where the smallest of our crew decided that he wanted to run a fever too.
A quick run to Walgreens we did, to dope him up on ibuprofin.
The largest was feeling better by far, looking back that is now quite bizarre.
By the 26th, God stopped the rain, but Biggie went crashing down hard again.

Joining the fever crew of the biggest and littlest was one in the middle- the skinniest. 
Saturday- time to go home.  Biggie had to wait at Minute Clinic for four hours. Oh no!
Diagnosis of flu plus sinus and ear infections validated his whimpy holiday actions.
Got home and came barging through my door and dismantled Christmas so fast you could have swore.

On Tuesday, the brother in Asheville with his family in tow visits our house on a day of cold.
The zip line present goes up courtesy of brother named above, the Queen gets stuck and I laughed - kind of.
The Biggest slowly gets better, the littlest does not. 
By Thursday, Minute Clinic gets to see us again, another diagnosis of ear infection infiltrates our land.

A New Years meet up with a friend and her kids turns out to be a much needed reprieve.
Friday, by myself I got in my car to paint and decorate with baby brother.  It was one of the best days by far.
We think this sickness started with the boy with some curl in his hair as his fever started the week before Christmas break was even here.
I just want to add that if that is true, I have no idea how I did not come down with some form of it too.

We think we are finally out of the woods, until oldest son of 9 wakes up Sunday with this crud.
His ear hurts him now so off we go again to support our local Minute Clinic Men.
Ear infections the reason even the Queen and a nephew hear similar news this Christmas season.
The oldest boy hears a pop in his ear and the oozing begans he says he cant hear.

Monday we head to Greenville to visit with a friend- despite all the infections. ears are best served to lend.
Yesterday, a Tuesday, the oldest boy still bleeds from his ear.  To Greenville this time his pain is severe.
Perforated ear drum the doctor did say, anitbiotics drops are his future the next 7 days.
Finally, finally, the routine is back. I finally got back to the "Y", how about that?
Despite the crud, the sickness and such, this Christmas was great... Happy Birthday Jesus!

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Kids did a Christmas program

Baby love!

Charlee and her big gift from PapaHub and Grandma

Hunter and one of his gifts

Sami and hers

Shepherd and his present

Ashton got a keyboard from PapaHub and Grandma and we didn't get it out of the box but he is holding some of Alabama wear.

Shepherd on his "tacta"



PapaHub and Grandma with their number of perfection... 7 grandkids.

Mom got all creative with this cute monogrammed tins filled with lots of fun stuff

Chad, on a day he was filling ok



Queenie with  3 of the 4

Uncle Zach preparing for battling the zip line

This is wear Queenie got stuck.  She didn't realize the seat was tied to a limb.  hahaha.. so funny mom



Zach, Hunter, and me posing by the platform and zip line

Hunter taking a ride

Dinner at my house with my family, mom and dad, Nolan, Zach and his family, GrandmaDean, both of Dad's brothers and Aunt Kay.

Another shot... sorry Nolan and Dad- no pics of you this year.

A and S... the stats and some funnys

How can two brothers be built so differently?

The middles had their yearly check ups today and both are totally healthy and growing.  Their percentages are almost identical to last year.

Ashton
Weight 47.4 lb (29%)
Height 48.25" (52%)

Shepherd
Weight 49.7 lb (92%)
Height 46.75" (98%)

We made a day out of the appts and hit the Barnes and Noble, the mall, and then as a reward- Chuck E Cheese.

Here are some recent funnys/ brags from the middles.

----------------------------------------------
SHEPHERD

 

Posted this picture before but this... right here... is Shepherd.

 

Home Depot Man- So, is football your favorite sport? (Shepherd is wearing a football shirt).

Shep- No, its my fifth

Home Depot Man- Well then, whats your first?  Soccer?

Shep-  No.... (long pause)... My favorite is pool.

Home Depot Man- (chuckle).  Like pool in the water or pool with a stick.

Shep- With a stick and a lot of balls. 

Home Depot Man - (laugh).

*** I just turn around and walk away.

---------------------------------------------

Queenie and Shepherd were having a conversation.  Shepherd is acting well like Shepherd- quirky.

Queenie- Shepherd you are on the spectrum?

Shepherd-  No, I'm on the Bobcats (his basketball team).
---------------------------------------------

 

 

Happy kid

Shepherd- Did you see my art papers from school?

Me- Yes, they were very good.

Shepherd- Yeah, I am the best artist ever... (whispers) except for God.  But then I am the best.

---------------------------------------------
At school, his class was talking about words that begin with "h". 

Teacher: What are some others words that start with "h"?

Shepherd: "hut hut"

So, yeah, his dad is a football coach.

 

_______________________________________________________

My mini GrandpaGordie.

Ashton doesn't have as many as Shepherd because he actually thinks before he speaks unless he is going off at the wii, or the ipad, or the computer.

Ashton
While eating with some friends, Ashton asked where Jay was.  He then preceeded to spell Jay for us.
"G-A-Y"  haha.
---------------------------------------------
A quick brag on Ashton.  One of his teachers told Chad that she is so impressed with Ashton at school.  He is always the first to volunteer to help some of the slower kids with their work even if they are the kids that other kids are not always nice to.

I had a hard time finding another picture of Ashton by himself and then I realized it was because he is always moving or photobombing other people.  ha.

Another Ashton brag, he was invited to play on an indoor soccer team this winter.  I am so excited for him as I really think he will love indoor!

___________________________________________

These two keep me on my toes but I love them both so much.  The house is too quiet when Ashton is not around and not quirky enough when Shepherd is not around.

Keep your eyes are Him boys. 

Are We Done?

Yes, yes we are.

It is official.

Chad had his nipping today.  He has been fretting about it for months now and finally... finally, it is finished.

His meds, his pamphlet, and what I like to call his "fun cup".  Bless his heart, he has to send in samples each month until it is clear. 

He is recovering now all laid up in the bed with his laptop hooked up to Netflix watching "Friday Night Lights."  He is icing his package with frozen corn and is in overall jovial mood having completed this dreaded procedure.

All relaxed with two phones, a lap top, and package of frozen vegies.

All joking aside, I am thankful that he did this.  After having 4 precious boys, it was his turn and he recognized that the "ball was in his court."  hahaha... I honestly didn't mean for that pun. 

Thank you Chad!  Happy Healing.  Love you!

 

 

Hunter and Bennett Stats

The oldest and youngest had their check ups this past week.

They both did great and are so healthy... which means I am so thankful.

Here are their stats.

Hunter - 8 years old
Height 54.25"  (94%)
Weight 69.8 ---wow!  almost 70 lbs!  (87%)
So, Hunter continues to keep the top of the chart rocking.

And then there is baby Bennett.  Weight is still tiny but he did move up on the height end of things.

Bennett - 12 months
Height- 30" (50%)
Weight- 18.14 --- wow!  not even 19 lbs!  haha (12%)
Head 18.5 (74%)
Bennett had 2 shots- Prevnar and Hep A.  He has a little ham at the doctor and so far, the shots really havent affected him.

This may be my shortest post ever but I am in the middle of trying to get clothes ready for consignment.  I have never done this before --- man, is it a lot of work!  It better be worth it!  I have an obscene amount of clothes that I am slowly making my way through.

A Peanut

Six months. Six months ago almost to the hour I was about to deliver my final baby.  I knew time was going to fly with you and that fear is coming true... you are growing up so fast.  WOW!

Bennett, child, you are so amazing!  I love you more and more everyday.  You have found your voice and will "talk" to us and let us know what you want, when you want it.

Happy boy despite getting two shots today..  notice the artwork- Ashton created it for him and insisted it go in B's crib

You had your 6 month appt today.  I am shocked with your weight... so much smaller than what you look like you should be.  But you are healthy and meeting/ surpassing all your age appropriate milestones.  The doc suggested I try to increase your solids a bit.   I must admit I kind of like that you are smaller for two reasons.  1) feel like a baby longer though you are itching to be on the move  2) excuse to buy clothes for you in the fall because I don't have many 9-12 months fall/ winter clothes!

Weight:  15.10 (16%)
Height    26.75" (58%)
Head      17.75" (93%)  --- he gets it honestly.  ha

6 month comparison shot.  Doesn't look 15% to me (onesie and shorts are 9 month)

 

I am happy to report that you are sleeping in your crib at night and have been since we got back from the beach.  You also started sleeping through the night when I moved you to the crib! A normal night for you is bed around 8:30 and eat again between 4:30 and 6:30.  If it is before 6:30 you will go back to sleep which works great for me!  :)  You, like two of your brothers, are a blanket sucker.  You love love love your blanket--- and really anything that you can suck on ie- towels, paper, your pants.

Napping is still not perfect... still 3 naps a day... normally 2 smaller naps (under an hour) and then one large nap (under 2 hours).  You almost always fall asleep in the car and even if it is just 10 minutes, then you count that as a nap.  Still loving your sleep for one of your naps, normally the morning one.  If you are truly sleepy, you can put yourself to sleep without being rocked.

You are loving some solids.  You basically have tried a ton of stuff.  I have never been good at enforcing that 5 day wait rule.  You love to eat, I guess we just need to eat a bit more. 

Munching (sucking) on an Angry Birdy cookie (he LOVED it)

You and Hunter are great roommates.  I could not have asked for it to have worked better.  Shep and Ashton love you dearly and rarely do things that justify crying yet you still fuss at them.  haha.  You love to play with toys and are sitting up like a pro. 



Another sweet shot showing off his Grover sticker from the doc

You are truly a God send.  I love you sweet baby!  Just stay little!  :)

3 months and mastitis

Bennett will officially be 3 months tomorrow.  Wow!

Just took this picture and he is getting ready for bed so he is not very happy plus my camera was about to die, but here is the 3month documentation picture. 

You might be wondering why I am blogging in the middle of the week, welp, Chad had to come home for me today.  Monday night I started having some pain in my left boob.  It was still there in the morning and as the day went on I had the aches and chills.  I pretty much knew that it was mastitis though I was not running the typical fever.  I went ahead and called in a prescription and started taking it around dinner time.  A couple hours later, I started running the fever of 102... 100 with Tylenol.

24 hours I feel a bit better but I had to call Chad this morning and tell him I needed his help.  Since I rarely ask anyone for help, I think he knew I must feel like crap.

It took 4 kids before I finally get mastitis and I must say it is like the flu but with a sore boob when you have to nurse... not fun I tell you... not fun.

Anyway, back to the cause of my mastitis.

Mr. Bennett continues to such a blessing.  He was boycotting the bottle but we have been working on it this week and he no longer cries about it and will take an oz or two from it... so progress.  However, he will only take it from me.  He pitches a fit on Chad when he tries to give him one.  Oh well, baby steps.

Bennett is still a serious baby but will always smile, coo, and laugh during diaper changes and bath time.  He has smiled for his brothers a couple times but mostly his happy time is for me.  He is also not sleeping quite as good and getting up around 2 and then sometimes 5 or 6- maybe a growth spurt.  But overall, he is growing and is awesome.