Long Days, Short Years

So Itchy!

2012-02-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

We've heard this phrase cross Tater's lips for so many years due to her eczema and dry skin that we thought nothing of it when she started saying it with increased frequency in September. We noticed a few new "spots" on the left side of her chest, but understandably assumed it was yet another patch of eczema and treated it with the same steroid oil that we have always used. The itching got worse, the bumps seemed to spread, and we added in Benedryl to help her find some relief, especially at night.

Then her asthma flared in late September, early October and we ended up at the pediatrician's office. Just by chance I mentioned the bumps, saying it looked a bit different than her normal eczema. Her doctor glanced at the bumps, said "Hmmm" and looked MUCH closer. He said it was called Mullescum Contagium and was related to the wart family. Based on his experience, there was no need to treat it, it was a virus and would run its course...in about 12 to 18 months! He felt that as long as it didn't spread or appear on her face, we could just leave it be. When i asked how she got it, he related it to her immunity issues as a result of her kidney medicine. All I could think was "That da** medicine. I hate that poison...but what else can we do to help her kidneys..."

So we went on our way. That night I "googled" the name of the rash...and I immediately closed the website down. The doctors always tell me to stay off the computer...that it just upsets me more...and this time they were right! People with immune issues develop this virus...immuno-deficent people... Enough said...I needed to ignore all I saw!

So months passed. We made it through many more itchy nights...and days...and afternoons...and mornings... Until she had another asthma flare and we ended up back at the doctor. The rash had spread...across her chest, down her belly, on her thighs, and around her back. Poor girl was SOOOOO itchy...ALL the time! This time the doctor recommended we make an appointment with the dermotologist.

Daddy took her to that appointment. The dermotologist felt there was nothing we could do and suggested we just wait it out! Ugh! She did confer with the nephrologist and they decided to slightly lower her kidney drug dose to help her body fight the virus...that we now found out is related to small pox...yes, small pox! That was 4 weeks ago.

2 weeks ago, I decided no one should have to live this way...her or the rest of the family! Keep in mind that every time she gets up with her itchies, she wakes Mommy up! Yes, it's like having a seven-year-old newborn who can walk and talk and cry very loud! We are up about every 3 to 4 hour every night...and there is nothing that I can do for her!

So, I called the pediatrician again. This time I demanded an appointment and one with OUR doctor. Thankfully they listened and realized that I was not in the mood to be argued with! Dr. L. took one look at her and admitted defeat. He had no answers. I almost burst into tears right there. Then we talked through it all and made a plan. That's why we love this doctor...he gets that I need a plan! He prescribed a new antihistimine, with no promise of it working, and promised to call the head pediatric dermotologist in the state and demand an appointment. And he did...within a week!

So, Monday (after a week of the new medicine that provided minimal relief) we met with Dr. B. He took one look at her and admitted defeat...sound familiar? I'm seeing a pattern!

He went on to explain that he had only seen a case as serious as hers once or twice in his entire career. And those children were receiving chemo treatments that would end...Tater's medicine will not end. He concidered treatment, which would involve multi-week treatments that "burn" the bumps off. But she has so many bumps and some many close together that he wasn't sure it was even a realistic option.

So what did he decided to do? We are seeing him and all his partners, along with visiting physicians from NYU, tomorrow morning for pediatric rounds. My baby is going on display to see if anyone has any answers. She has now become a case study. I know just how stumped this doctor was when he suggested this step...because he told us he never brings his patients to rounds.

We are out of options.

We are terrified that there is no solution for this poor child.

We are putting all our eggs in one basket tomorrow morning.

Say a little prayer that there is a "magic bullet" that one of these amazing doctors will know about.

We are at a breaking point...

Super Bowl Sunday/Sundae!!!

2012-02-06T12:10:00.002-05:00

It Snowed...Finally!!!

2012-02-06T12:07:00.002-05:00

Helloooooo!

2012-01-31T21:14:00.002-05:00

We are still here...just busy with life! You know, the normal things - school, work, therapies, medical mysteries, various therapies, multiple daily meltdowns...you know, the normal things!

I promise a good juicy update soon...with pictures even! Stay tuned!

Sprout-isms!

2012-01-11T17:02:00.000-05:00

Because I'm trying not to forget these moments!

Driving home from school today, Tater was teasing Bruiser (and there was lots of screaming!). She said she had something for him but it was a secret. He immediately responded "I don't have time for secrets!"

Then we stopped at Sassy's school to pick her up. Her teacher told me that she didn't want to eat her chicken at lunch. So they gave her the choice of eating one piece or going to her nap mat. Sassy, who hates to nap at school, got up, walked to her nap mat and laid down! She was determined to not eat the chicken!

And Then He Turned Five!

2012-01-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

Five years ago tonight I was cuddling a soft, sweet-smelling little infant. Tonight I had to wrestle a rough and tumble five-year-old to get a snuggle. Where has the time gone???

Bruiser turned five to day and celebrated with all things five! There were cupcakes (from a "local" gluten-free bakery...more on that in another post!) and gifts that included Transformers, Star Wars, and Cars 2. There was excitement and meltdowns...a typical Bruiser kind of day!

I love that sweet little face! I look at him and find it hard to believe that he is FIVE! He still remains the best snuggler, a boy with weapon for a head, and the best tickle giggler! His world revolves around cars, dinosaurs, Taggies, Star Wars, and routine. He has the best imagination and the cutest pronunciations of words (my favorite being "hun-one-dred"!). This is the last year of preschool and next year will bring changes with kindergarten and a new building, a new (but well-known) teacher, and many new friends. But no matter what comes down the path, i know one thing - my boy will always come to me for snuggles, with thumb tucked in mouth and a Taggie looped over his finger!

So, Bruiser, no matter how big you get "my baby you'll be"!

Love and snuggles, five-year-old!

(Finally!) Christmas 2011

2012-01-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

All ready for Santa to come!

There might have been some very good (or very lucky!) children at the House of Sprout!

Waiting to come down the steps and see if Santa came!

Bruiser playing with his most-wanted toy of the year...

thank you, Pop-Pop and Memaw!

Sassy doing a bit ironing...

and taking a break on her new bench!

Showing off their new dolls...Tater wanted it in the worst way and Sassy wasn't sure what to think of it all!

Bruiser opening one of many Transformers.

A bit of playing!

Some new doll outfits!

Chatting with Mimi

Feeding her new pet

And visiting with Papa!

It was a busy week with lots of relaxing moments. There are many new toys to enjoy and many thanks to send. While the pictures were a bit lacking, the memories are endless!

Slowly Bouncing Back...

2012-01-07T00:04:00.000-05:00

Christmas happened. Christmas #2 happened. I took pictures. We enjoyed family. We made memories.

Then the hard drive on the computer crashed. Just like that. Gone.

Thank God for our warranty! The new hard drive arrived this week. Hopefully my photo editing software will get loaded tomorrow...

and then I can share Christmas!

Stay tuned!

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Watching Netflix

Reading with Memaw

A few of our decorations...

The gingerbread house built by Daddy and decorated by Memaw and the sproutlets

The birthday cake for Jesus

Incognito!

Ready for Santa!

There must have been some good children at the House of Sprout!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Ahhhh...Vacation!

2011-12-23T09:12:00.000-05:00

I think I have been anticipating this day since Labor Day! Today is the first long break we've had AT HOME since the summer. And if you have been following us for long you know that this fall held lots of changes and adjustments...and a few challenges!

I went back to work full-time.
The kids started full-time at a sitter outside of our house.
Sassy started day care three days a week.
All our therapies changed.
Tater started all-day first grade!
There were LOTS of respiratory issues with Tater and her increased kidney medicine.

Needless to say, we are SOOOOOOO ready for the next 11 days...yes, 11 days!!!! Sassy headed off to one more day of school, Daddy had to work, and Bruiser, Tater and myself will be cleaning, organizing and finishing off the Christmas-ifying. We might run an errand and wrap a gift or two. Oh, yeah, and the groceries are being delivered this evening...LOVE Peapod!

Tomorrow Memaw and Pop-Pop are flying in for the holiday weekend to make a gingerbread house, visit, and enjoy Santa's gifts. We are planning a trip to see lights on Christmas night if all goes as planned. Then Monday rumor has it that someone is getting a gift from Santa to fly home with the grandparents and drive back up with the other grandparents for New Year's...shhh, it's a secret! I have lunches and play dates in the works. Daddy is off all week too. I know the time will fly by but I plan to set the cruise control slow enough that we can relax and enjoy!

Stay tuned for all the holiday photo-ops that are to come! We are in full-fledged Christmas mode at the House of Sprout!

A Hunting We Will Go!

2011-12-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

We headed out to hunt down the perfect Christmas tree this afternoon. The weather had FINALLY turned chilly and set the perfect atmosphere for holiday traditions! We bundled up, stopped to chat with a very special character, hiked a bit, picked and re-picked until we found the perfect tree, and ended it all with a fun "sleigh" ride! It really felt like Christmas!

I think the highlight of my afternoon was watching Sassy run into Santa's arms! She was SO excited! I commented to Papa that she wasn't the slightest bit afraid of him and he said "she's not afraid of anything!" - so true! That's our Sassy!

And even Bruiser posed with Santa...something we were sure wasn't going to happen! So proud of him!

Waving down the tractor man to cut our tree.

Our perfect little tree!

On the "sleigh" ride.

(It was really a tractor ride!)

Notice Sassy's dirty knees from all her tumbles!

LOVE this of my boy!

Holiday House Tour - Part 1

2011-12-10T20:40:00.002-05:00

A few of the outside decorations!

Christmas Photo Shoot - The Outtakes!

2011-12-01T17:11:00.000-05:00

The Writing of a First Grader!

2011-11-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

Wonder if Tater interviewed a frog to know this?

Christmas Card Pictures - The Winners!

2011-11-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

There was lots of bribery...

There was a bit of cropping...

And there will be an outtakes post!!!!!

A Touch of Fall (In Pictures!)

2011-11-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

The Season of Sickness Has Arrived!

2011-11-12T19:01:00.000-05:00

All three kids have been coughing and sneezing and wiping their slime on me for the past few weeks. I had been expecting this season of our life...but that doesn't mean I'm ready to accept it!

We had Sassy's birthday party last Saturday and I was feeling a bit yucky. I got up early Sunday to head to an annual tag sale that I refuse to miss...and then spent the rest of the day on the couch with chills and a fever. Luckily that was it and I felt fine to head off to work all week.

Then Wednesday, the school nurse appeared at my classroom door with Tater. Her asthma was acting up and we agreed to max out her inhaler dosage and see if she was breathing better. It helped for about an hour. So after we picked up Sassy from school, we headed to the doctor. With Tater and her kidneys and her immunity issues, we (and the doctors) don't mess around. Luckily the 12 puffs of inhaler medicine, her lungs were clear. Unluckily, she had spiked a temperature and the doctor was worried about pneumonia. So off we went for chest x-rays. While we were waiting for the orders to take with us, Sassy managed to fall off the examine table and cut her tongue on both sides and gush blood for a bit. Never a dull moment!

So I took all three kids to the hospital, took them in for the x-ray, sat in the hallway with the two littles while my big girl did her x-ray by herself, and walked out of the imaging center to see Daddy arrive to help. Yeah.

Luckily the lungs were clear. So we headed home with yet another "virus." And then the hives arrived. Yes, hives. All over her little body, head to toe! It was a long night...but still just a "virus."

Daddy spent Thursday at home with Tater. I luckily had Friday off for Veteran's Day. Tater and I hung out and ran some errands while our amazing sitter took the littles to the zoo for the day. They had a blast and Tater had a great day with Mommy.

Then Sassy woke up from her nap...with 101 temperature. And the dreaded cough. I almost cried!

This morning a hot little one crawled in my bed and snuggled in very sweetly. We broke the news to Tater that she still had a fever and couldn't go to a birthday party she had been looking forward to. There was some drama. Okay, there was a LOT of drama.

We regrouped and forced ourselves to bundle up and run a few necessary errands. Then we came home to cuddle a bit more. Daddy finished packing and headed off on his business trip. I'm here with two sick girls and all of us are a bit stir-crazy. Tomorrow may be a VERY long day...so long we have to venture out for a bit of a shopping adventure at some point.

It looks like we are in this for the long haul...me and the kids...and Pop-Pop when he arrives on Monday!

We welcome all and any prayers that the grown ups survive!

Leaving On A Jet Plane!

2011-11-12T18:37:00.000-05:00

Daddy left on a business trip today...for a whole week.

It's gotten chilly so I can't just throw shorts on the kids and let them run wild outside.

Oh, yeah, and we have that thing called "school" and a "schedule"!

Oh, and the best thing?

Both girls are sick with fevers and a nasty, nasty cough.

Just wonderful.

Good times.

But we did bundle up and venture outside this afternoon to burn off some energy and say goodbye to Daddy.

There was lots of running...

and jumping...

and high-fiving!

She really is sick!

We'll miss you, Daddy!

But we owe a huge "thank you" to Pop-Pop, who will arrive Monday to provide reinforcements!!!!

Well Said, Papa!

2011-11-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Harry Deitz: Welcome to our world, little one

A baby cries, and another life has joined our world. That quickly, everything has changed forever.

It happens somewhere almost every second of every day, but each one is special for all of those who are involved or in some way touched by the moment.

First-time parents try to balance the extreme emotions of excitement and responsibility, of happiness and fear. Experienced parents anticipate the changing family dynamics. Grandparents simply glow with pride.

The months of anticipation, preparation and care leading up to the moment of birth fade quickly, lost in a few hours of excruciating pain, which soon is erased by waves of joy. The wonder of life takes hold again.

So you stop and reflect for a few moments, hours or even days about this new life, your own life and life in general. For that brief time, the world slows, and your priorities seem to be in order.

You look into his eyes and he stares back: a special moment, a definite connection. A bond forms.

You hold him and watch him sleep. He seems so peaceful. So content. So safe. And you want to keep him that way. But, deep inside, you know that's not possible.

He will face challenges, disappointments and hurt. And no matter how much you try to protect and shelter him, guide and direct him, there will come a time, too quickly, when he will have to stand on his own in the world.

Along the way, you hope that the choices you make and the choices he makes will be good ones.

Each of those choices, decisions, actions and directions that we make and take has a bearing on every one that follows. It's often as simple as turning left or right, saying yes or no, moving or hesitating.

It's all part of life, which is ever changing. So many uncertainties. No guarantees.

You worry about the world he is joining. What kind of world will he come to know?

You want it to be a world without hate. A world without prejudice. A world without sadness. A world without jealousy and envy. A world without injustice. But then it would be a world without dreamers like me.

And yet there is hope. So we at least try to make it better than it's been. For him, and for so many other innocent little ones like him.

You pray that for every Madison, Ryan, Mallory or Joey who joins our world, there will be something good left to pass on to them and their children.

It's not just the impact the world will have on him, but also the impact he will have on the world. There are so many possibilities and opportunities. So much pressure and responsibility. You wonder how you will balance it all. How he will. How you will know right from wrong, good from bad.

For this day, all is calm. You hope that tomorrow will be, too. At least for this night, he will sleep peacefully, and so will you.

You smile and close your eyes, and pray that it will be a world where he is as safe and loved as the one he entered today.

You sleep soundly.

And then, a baby cries.

Contact Harry Deitz: 610-371-5004 or hdeitz@readingeagle.com.

Sassy On Stage!

2011-11-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

Sassy Partied With the Best of Them!

2011-11-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

Sassy's First Day of School!

2011-11-01T20:02:00.000-04:00

Sassy turned three and lost all her therapies that she was getting through Early Intervention.

Mommy and Daddy decided that she REALLY needed those services and opted to enroll her in day care at the same school where she received her EI services...so she could stay with all her favorite and amazing therapists!

She started on Monday.

Mommy had a hard time saying goodbye to her baby...who spent a LONG first day at school.

She had lots of friendly faces pop in to say "hi"...and she did just fine without her mommy!

She loves her teacher.

"My favorite friend is Miss Stephanie!"

She refuses to nap on her adorable nap mat.

And her teacher refuses to make her...

"She's just to cute!"

Ha!

The sass hasn't come out yet...but I'm sure it's not too far off!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T19:56:00.000-04:00

We dressed for the day!

Which Sassy found to be QUITE funny!

We made some silly faces!

Sassy was a fairy for school.

We posed before trick-or-treating...

with a pink poodle, a kitty cat, and a spooky Batman!

Look at my big girl!

And don't even ASK how this costume evolved!

And the trick-or-treating commenced with the annual picture of the neighborhood gang!

(Love that Bruiser's treat bucket is on his head!)

Animals Two By Two

2011-11-01T19:48:00.001-04:00

On Sunday we went to a birthday party for Sassy's birthday buddy!

The Animal Guy was there!

Animals were discussed...

and held!

It was a very entertaining morning!

When asked what animal might be slimy, Bruiser proudly yelled out "T-Rex!"

There were a few giggles!

Watching the show

Holding a baby snake

Cuddling a bearded dragon

Wearing a snake

A teeny turtle

Sassy preferred the fluffier animals!

Sassy ate her cake with a plastic lizard...instead of a fork!

And Tater held an alligator as big as her!!!!

It Was A Sassy Kind of Day!

2011-11-01T19:38:00.000-04:00

My baby turned 3!

Yes, it really happened...even after I forbid it!

She has grown from the sweetest little surprise into the sassiest little cuddlebug.

Each day with Sassy is an adventure, full of giggles and loves!

I treasure this little face and live for her sweet smiles!

Fall Round Up!

2011-10-17T22:17:00.000-04:00

We were home this weekend but busy as usual! Here is the picture recap...as I should be in bed so I can function tomorrow instead of typing and blogging! But this is for you, Papa...enjoy!

We started with some pumpkin patching!

LOVE this of the sisters!

Can you SEE the attitude in this SASS?!?

Then we swung by the beach...because when you are that close, why wouldn't you? Well, we quickly learned why! It was so windy it felt like we were in a sand storm in the middle of the desert...and we quickly retreated back to the car!

Then, Sunday we had Tater's NephCure Walk! It was a day all about Tater!

We had fun at the bounce house...

Spent some time as a family...

And enjoyed an amazing afternoon with some wonderful friends!

Thanks to the Johnson family for traveling to walk with us! We had a blast...despite the Grumpy Gus on the right-hand side!

Also, many thanks to all the family and friends that donated and supported Tater's walk! One of my favorite quotes from the afternoon was from one of the coordinators - "Wouldn't it be amazing if this walk no longer needed to exist in 10 years?" That's our hope as we continue to support the research to cure nephrotic syndrome!

It Was A Mystery!

2011-10-09T20:43:00.001-04:00

With the long weekend on the horizon, we decided to head out on a Mystery Trip! (Actually, we had booked the trip back in August and just refrained from telling the kids in order to maintain our sanity!) So Friday afternoon we set off on a long drive to Stowe, Vermont. It's a place that Daddy and I had traveled to before we added our little darlings to our family...and have been trying for several years to take the kids to. It is absolutely beautiful with the autumn leaves and weather!

We arrived LATE Friday night at the condo we had rented. The kids had slept most of the way there and were wide awake while Mommy and Daddy could hardly hold their heads up! I think it was close to 3am until Sassy finally crashed on our bed. You can imagine how wide-awake we were the next day!

We took the gondola up Mt. Mansfield.

Tater had her first chance to take a picture with Mommy's camera...not too bad!

At the top of the gondola ride.

We attempted to climb to the summit. But Sassy struggled a bit with the rocky climb.

Love Bruiser's face in this one!

We toured the Ben & Jerry's Factory, traveled into Stowe for a nice dinner outside at the Rusty Nail, stopped for some apple donuts and apple cider slush at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and headed back to the condo to explore the FunZone, which is filled with bouncy houses and games...even an indoor miniature golf!

This morning we hung out at the condo complex after another night of limited sleeping.

By 5am, all 3 kids were in our room...Tater on the floor and the other 2 in our bed. Shouldn't have wasted the extra money on the 2-bedroom condo!

Then we took a hike through the amazing foliage!

We ended the trip with a stop at a favorite pizza place, A Pie in the Sky. Bruiser didn't do so well...and he and I left in a fit. I think he's a bit over-tired and maybe starting with an ear infection. Oh, well...wouldn't be a Sprout Family adventure without some kind of illness!

After long naps in the car on the ride home, Daddy and the kids are cuddled on the couch watching a movie and I'm ready to steal Sassy away and get her settled into her bed for a restful (we hope!) night!

Random Proof We Are Still Alive!

2011-09-29T14:01:00.000-04:00

I knew that the adjustment to working full-time was going to be tough...but I never knew how much it would zap from me! I would open the blog, look at the page, and sigh because I was just too tired to even put two words together! But my energy is returning as we adjust to this new way of life...and I'm home with an asthmatic Tater...so I decided to catch you up with some iPhone pictures!

We packed away the last of the sippy cups...my babies are growing up!

Our school built a new playground and we went to test it out.

Tater climbed like crazy...

and Sassy couldn't wait to slide!

Bruiser has spent some time hiding...it's hard being a 4-year-old boy in a neighborhood of big kids!

Papa and Mimi came for a weekend visit.

Bruiser and Papa had some quality Leapster time.

This picture was from the first day of school.

We had gone outside for pictures and when we came inside, Bruiser and Sassy decided it was too early for them! Luckily, they are doing a bit better with our new schedule!

Sassy started her dance class...and I love the tongue hanging out!

We've had a particularly tough week. There are issues with Sassy and the therapy and services she needs and the school department not agreeing. And then there is Tater and her asthma...which has included round-the-clock breathing treatments and multiple doctor visits...all in hopes of avoiding a trip to the ER.

So, here we go...!

Tater's Walk 2011!

2011-09-15T19:27:00.000-04:00

Every year our local NephCure Foundation holds a walk to raise money to fund research for Tater's specific kidney disease, nephrotic syndrome. The event is an amazing day that we spend as a family and focus on Tater. Not only that, we value the chance to contribute to research that will directly benefit our family and sweet Tater!

For more information, please visit the NephCure's walk website.

Here is the letter we have included to ask for everyone's support!

Hello!

Support our team! The NephCure Walk is coming up, and our team needs you! We are walking to raise awareness and funds for The NephCure Foundation, an organization that is very important to us. NephCure funds research that will help us to find better treatments, a cause and a cure for two devastating kidney diseases, FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

Tater was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome in December of 2006, two months before her 2nd birthday. We are still struggling to get her in a good remission. We are trying to control her frequent break-through relapses with experimental treatments but little is known about their outcome and her prognosis. Our hope is to raise funds to support further research in this area.

Our team goal is to raise $1000 and have 10 members come together on this team. More than a fundraiser, supporting us at this walk provides support for those lives that have been touched by Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS while raising awareness in our communities.

Will you support our team?

Thank you!

Daddy and Mommy Sprout

You can make donations directly through the Nephcure's site (Team Kate's Keepers!) or mail your check to:

Nephcure Foundation

Attn: Nadia Stadnycki

15 Waterloo Avenue

Berwyn, PA 19312

(include Kate's Keepers, Hingham, MA in the memo line!)

Know that every donation, thought, and prayer is appreciated and valued!

Remembering...

2011-09-11T09:52:00.000-04:00

Ten years ago...

...we didn't own a house.

...we didn't have children.

...we were newlyweds.

...we lived far from our family.

...we watched our world change as the towers fell.

Daddy was in graduate school at Brown University. All the grad students on his floor gathered in one lab around a small back and white tv to watch as the second plane hit and then as the towers fell. I remember I couldn't reach him because he was in a different room and had no cell phone. How times have changed.

I was teaching reading at a local school in our city. I remember not believing it when someone reported that a plane hit one of the towers. Then parents began to pick up their students early and I began to take it more seriously. At lunch, we all gathered in the kindergarten room to watch the news coverage. By this time three more planes had crashed and the towers had fallen. We had to tear ourselves away from the tv to return to the students who hadn't left. I remember walking out to my car to call my father, who was and is a newspaper editor. In his frantic state, he assumed I was my sister and told me to just stay inside. Later he didn't even recall me calling him. I remember walking back into the school and noticing how clear the sky was and how silent everything was. Of course it was...there were no planes flying anymore.

I remember leaving and coming home to sit in front of the tv watch the news coverage. I remember watching it for hours. I also remember waking up in the middle of the night to find Daddy sitting in the living room watching more...he couldn't sleep. It was hard to not watch. It was hard to go to work the next day and not be able to know all that was happening as it happened.

I remember the frantic calls from my mother. She didn't know I had called my dad...because he didn't remember me calling. No one knew we were okay in our state 6 hours away...on the other side of the destruction. I remember the feeling of panic that all the roads to get "home" were closed and we were stuck 6 hours away. I remember that feeling of fear. I remember that feeling of the unknown.

Now, today as we remember that time, I struggle to explain to my six-year-old the events and the meaning of that day. Luckily the four- and two-year-old are too little to understand. Tater, being the Drama Mama that she is, takes everything to heart. So we have to be careful. We are limiting her tv exposure, talking just little in simplistic terms, and treasuring our family moments today.

We are remembering 9/11 in our own way.

Beachin' It!

2011-09-11T09:36:00.000-04:00

We are clinging onto every last moment of summer that we can! Yesterday we spent the evening on the beach, sweatshirts and all!

Love that marshmellow-y face!

The First Day (finally!)

2011-09-11T09:32:00.001-04:00

This arrived in the mail this week, making it real! Tater is in first grade!

Mommy went back to work on Tuesday and then the kids started on Thursday. This working full-time is REALLY hard! I came home after the first day of students and announced I was quitting...but Daddy wouldn't let me! So went in the next day with a better attitude (and no migraine!) and it went much better. I guess I'll stick with it...because I don't have any other choice!

The kids were SO excited to head back to school. We were up early on the first day for those traditional pictures. The sky was dark black with impending rain so we headed out quickly to snap a few pictures before it down poured (which it did ALL morning long!) and made it back inside just as the first drops began to fall.

Bruiser's last first day of preschool!

Can't believe he'll be in kindergarten next year!

Tater's first day of first grade!

Who let her get so big?!?!?!

And, of course, this one HAD to join in!

Can you even stand that face?!?!?!

During my recess break, I snuck into first grade a snapped a picture of Tater at her desk!

Good thing I'm good friends with her teacher!

Luckily the kids had better first days than Mommy! Tater LOVES her teacher and her friends. She did great with a full-day (since she was only half-day K last year). Her only complaint was that recess was too short!!! Bruiser is back with his same teacher and aide from last year so he settled in well. We're waiting to see how the year progresses after his difficult summer with his sensory issues and anxiety problems. We always get good reports, but I'm sure I'm not getting the whole story!

And, Sassy? She did great at the sitter's house! She loves leaving the house and seeing new friends and playing with different toys. She kisses me goodbye and says "See you later!" as she pushes me out the door!

So I guess three out of four is a good report!

Hanging On

2011-09-04T21:01:00.000-04:00

We are still alive!

We are just busy clinging to the final moments of summer!

The kids started at the new sitter's house this past Monday. I pick up three very happy, exhausted, and dirt children! All good signs that they love it!

While they were busy playing and exploring, I was busy in my classroom, setting things up. Even with a complete re-arrange, I was still fairly together after a day and a half. It amazes me how quickly I get things accomplished compared to ten years ago when I was a newer teacher. I have still been working like crazy at night at home, but I actually feel pretty pulled together...both at school and at home.

So with my classroom together, I pushed to get my own kids' therapies arranged and scheduled and our house pulled together. I think we are almost there. Laundry is done and clothes are planned for the week. Meal planning will be done after I get off this computer. I still need to hire the cleaning service but it's in the works! And before long, the groceries will be delivered. With so many obligations with the children, I'm trying to simplify everything else that I can!

So, I start back on Tuesday with two days of professional development. The students arrive on Thursday...and Tater will start first grade while Bruiser heads to preschool again. I anticipate a very tiring and long week!

So here are a few Bruiser quotes to make your heart melt:

"If the moon falls in our yard, I'll pick it up and keep it."

"Mommy, i wish I could turn you into a Taggie!"

Hello, Irene!

2011-08-28T12:36:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene reared her ugly head early this morning. So far we have one LARGE branch down in our back yard and many, many, many small branches everywhere else. It will be a long clean up!

We are busy keeping busy with Leapsters...

and movies...and snacks!

Checking the Progress

2011-08-27T18:53:00.000-04:00

We ventured out this morning to check on the progress of Irene. She was still in North Carolina but the waves were building and the surfers were in heaven. Many roads and beaches had begun to close. There were lots of concrete barriers, plywooded buildings, and police action. We even drove by the Coast Guard Station in Newport and noticed a LOT of action. Everyone was busy preparing while we stopped for lunch and headed home for naps!

Tonight we are preparing a big meal...since we don't know IF we'll have power tomorrow. We've also been busy making plans for sleeping during the storm. With the number of trees around our house, we are a bit hesitant to send our child to sleep upstairs. Not sure of the answer but we are thinking!

So, here are a few shots of a little hike we took overlooking First Beach in Middletown today.

Love this...because we climbed right on the rocks!

The Calm Before the Storm

2011-08-26T23:37:00.000-04:00

***Warning!!!! Picture Heavy Post!!!!!***

We are in a holding pattern at the House of Sprout as we await the arrival of Hurricane Irene! Daddy's annual camping trip has been cancelled. Emergency supplies (translation = wine!) have been purchased. The Weather Channel is on our television A WHOLE LOT!!!!

But all that said, we headed to the beach today to enjoy some waves and the nice weather before we have to hide in our house and wait for the winds to blow over the trees. Enjoy our evening!

Bruiser was upset that the water got him!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!

Her mouth is ALWAYS going!

We'll keep you up-to-date as everything develops...just say a little prayer that we survive the hours trapped in our house!

And A Lightbulb Went On!

2011-08-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

For anyone that has followed our blog for a while, you are well aware of the many issues we have struggled with on a daily basis...first with Bruiser and then with Sassy. They both started out with Early Intervention through an amazing facility in our local area. Meeting Street School has provided us with endless resources, guided us through numerous evaluations and transitions, and provided support to each and every member of our family. Our service coordinator, who has since switched positions within the school, has kept our family on her service list because she is so amazing! This fall will be be the end of our third year with Meeting Street...and i honestly have no idea how we would have survived without them! Sassy will age out of EI at the end of October but Bruiser will continue with out-patient therapy so we'll still be able to enjoy all our amazing friends!

But, I digress...

Back to those issues...while both children had a speech/language delay that qualified them for EI, other issues emerged as they continued to develop. Just as Bruiser was turning 3, and aging out of EI, we discovered some concerns with sensory related problems. Even with 10 years of teaching early childhood, I had never heard of "sensory processing" and immediately began to panic. Luckily I had such amazing people to guide me through the next steps! Through an out-patient evaluation, Bruiser was diagnosed with mild Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)...and I immediately began searching for anything and everything about this disorder. I have been keeping Amazon and Google very busy for the past two years! I ordered many books. I read numerous blogs and websites. I talked with endless therapists.

But here's the problem - SPD is fairly new in the educational and medical worlds. It's also a huge area of development with very broad borders. Each child with SPD can look so different. This became even clearer to us when Sassy earned a similar diagnosis this past year...and she's nothing like Bruiser! Oh, and then try to explain it all to someone else - whether it is the grandparents, the babysitter, the neighbor, or the sweet older lady at church. Trust me, we've heard it all! Bottom line is that much of what Bruiser presents with looks an awful lot like a behavior problem. So you can imagine how this has affected my self-esteem as a mother! It's been hard, really hard...and it seems to be getting harder as Bruiser grows and develops more issues.

So during one of my down moments, I revisited my bookshelf to see what I needed to reread. That's when I found this book:

I had ordered it back when he was diagnosed and never opened it...other books (and life!) took precedent. Well, I sat down and read it in an afternoon on Saturday. It was a great read...easy with lots of personal accounts of other families living the same life we are. But the best part was the first chapter that explained and defined SPD. It was the best explanation I have ever read of the disorder. AND there was a chart that explained the differences that Sassy and Bruiser have within the same disorder. AMAZING! I am looking forward to sharing it with family and close friends...if a light bulb went on for me (and I'm living it everyday!), then I can't wait to help others that love my kids understand them better too!

A Touch of Nature

2011-08-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

While we were visiting Papa and Mimi's Tater "caught" a caterpillar. She made him a nice home in in an empty plastic pretzel container. There were lots of leaves to munch on and a stick to climb. We "googled" the caterpillar to make sure it could really turn into a butterfly (especially if Papa was going to let a creepy-crawly into his new house!) and discovered it should turn into a 'blue mammoth". A day or two later...before we even headed home...the caterpillar disappeared and chrysalis appeared. That little critter traveled the six hour drive home, spent the first day forgotten in the car, and then lived on our dining room table for the next week and a half.

Then one afternoon I heard Tater screech...the chrysalis had hatched and this is what we now had:

Yesterday we "released" the butterfly. One of the wings is injured and it probably won't last very long but Daddy thought we should put it in the grass so it could "frolic" and enjoy it's short life!

Separation

2011-08-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

Separation is not always easy and not always a good thing. We separate when Mommy and Daddy go to work...and there are tears. We separate when we leave Papa and Mimi...and there are tears (TONS from a certain 6-year-old!). Play dates end and we separate from our friends...and there are more tears.

But today separation is a good thing in our house! All three kids are playing in three separate rooms...by their own choosing...and peace prevails! It's quiet and calm...and I'm letting go of all the things I need to get done...afraid to pop the bubble of peace.

Oh, wait...there's screaming once again! Reality has returned!

Summer...

2011-08-16T11:55:00.000-04:00

...has flown by but seemed to last forever at the same time! We are busy treasuring every last moment as we try to slow down the last few weeks before our world changes. In just a few short weeks, Tater will start first grade and be in school all day. Bruiser and Sassy will be going to a sitter outside of our home (first time ever for Sass!). And Mommy will be returning to work full-time...for the first time in six years. It's going to be a rough September, to say the least. Because...just remember, on top of all the changes, we still have all our regular appointments and therapies and responsibilities. JUST PURE CRAZINESS!

But, on a positive note, good things will come from all this. As much as I loved having my children stay at home with their own things for all these years, I love that I will once again gain control over my own house...because I am a bit of a control freak! Oh, and I'm getting a cleaning service (the bestest thing EVER!!!!!!). And I get to have that perfect balance of Mommy and a career. I learned one thing really well this summer...I love my kids more than anything in the world BUT I need a break from them...even if that means going off to a classroom full of 5- and 6-year-olds! I'm not sure I was meant to be a stay-at-home mom! And what job is better for a mom than a teacher? Love the schedule, love that my big girl will be in the same building as me, love that I will be home to enjoy after-school time with them all. See how I'm trying to be positive as panic is setting in?!?!

And, the new blog header photo? LOVE those faces! But notice Sassy's cheek? See that big bruise? Two days into our vacation Sassy walked behind a heavy wooden swing, finely crafted by some random Amishman, and went flying through the air. We spent the afternoon in the ER having her face x-rayed and her head checked for injury. And then she walked around with some lovely purple color on her cheek for the past two weeks. NEVER a dull moment!

Now, I'm off to enjoy SUMMER!

Wrapping Up Vacation!

2011-08-15T12:51:00.000-04:00

As usual, vacation goes by too quickly! I was able to stretch it out a bit by not posting last week...you know, life happens!

On our second-to-last day Papa was able to get a half-day off work and we headed to a local amusement park where I grew up going. It's the only free-admission park left in the United States (you can pay with tickets to ride each ride). It has that small town feel and is in the neighborhood that my parents grew up in. My grandparents met us there for the day and we enjoyed the afternoon!

Waiting for our first ride!

Not so sure about riding in circles!

Loving being a big girl this year...not a fear!

Papa stole my camera and was playing around...so I actually made it onto the blog!

LOVE these faces!!!

Bruiser driving all by himself...wonder if he knows how much horsepower this car has?

Tater coming down the big slide all by herself. She has been waiting for YEARS to do this!

There are more pictures on my phone that I'll try to upload later...for now, life continues!

Off To Papa and Mimi's!

2011-08-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

So, we planned our entire vacation around the fact that Papa was going to take Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off work and spend the days enjoying the kids. Then life happened and changes occurred at work and Papa couldn't be away from the office. So we found things to entertain ourselves until Papa came home each day. I took Mimi shopping for her birthday while Daddy took the kids to the playground. Daddy went hiking with his dad while Mimi and I took the kids to yet another farm (because that's what you do in Pennsylvania!). Actually, this farm was a dairy/petting zoo. We had a nice simple lunch and then went to feed the animals.

Bruiser had a nice little chat with this goat!

"Hi, goat! You hunbrey? Oh!"

Mimi was really sad that we didn't get ice cream. After 4 separate trips to the bathroom with all the kids and a stinky accident in one little boy's undies...I had a headache and just wanted to get home! Don't worry...she had ice cream after dinner!

Papa worked late and we postponed dinner each night so that he could enjoy the time with the kids. This night we had corn-on-the-cob and Sassy helped clean up after husking the corn...slave labor!

Papa did get off for the afternoon on Friday and we took a little trip...pictures to come!

Keeping Them Busy!

2011-08-09T10:22:00.000-04:00

We spent the first official day of our vacation with Daddy's family. It was super-hot again, so we headed to the lake for some cooling off!

Uncle Jeff brought his boat and Bruiser was in LOVE!

He checked it all out and would leave it be!

Tater went for her first tube ride!

Sassy spent some quality cuddle time with her cousin.

Bruiser drove the boat...all by himself...for real!

Sassy went swimming...

and rode the tube too!

The next day we went on a short drive and visited a FREE butterfly house and working farm. It was definitely worth it and the kids loved it.

There was a nest of babies in the barn and the mommy bird kept flying in to feed them one at a time.

Sassy was "feeding" the Rhode Island Reds...how ironic!

The highlight of Tater's vacation!

That face says it all!

After that farm visit, we headed back closer to Memaw and Pop-Pop's to meet up with the cousins and great-grandparents at yet another farm. But this one had ice cream!

Sassy dropped her dish and fed the kittens.

Nanny and Poppy and all the great-grandchildren.

Too super-sweet!

Sassy and Nanny!

Immediately after this picture, Sassy walked behind a wooden Amish swing that Tater was swinging on. The swing hit her and she flew through the air. The entire right side of her face instantly bruised and swelled. We spent the next few hours in the ER making sure there was nothing broken. Sassy walked away with a nasty bruise (that is still there as I type!) and good head bump. As you have come to know, there is NEVER a dull moment in the House of Sprout...whether home or away!

Pop-Pop and Memaw's

2011-08-08T16:46:00.000-04:00

After getting up very early to head out, we spent a relaxing day at Pop-Pop and Memaw's house. It was supper-hot but we had a yummy grilled dinner and played in the water outside for a bit (after the temps dropped a bit!)

Sassy shared some lavender with Pop-Pop.

Memaw was sporting a concerning outfit.

Then Memaw got the hose out and sprayed all the children down!

Except Pop-Pop didn't want to cool off!

The Beginning

2011-08-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

We were supposed to start our vacation last Saturday. But as our life always seems to unwind...things did not go as planned! I had spent the week before fighting off the worst migraine of my life! Finally on Friday (my birthday!) I ended up in the walk-in clinic getting IV pain medication. We decided we shouldn't travel the next day so I could rest a bit more. So we had a birthday do-over day...and headed off to second beach for a few hours in the evening!

Sassy loves the water!!!!!! She couldn't wait to head out into the deep waves and splash with Daddy. I think we may have a water bug on our hands!

More to follow on the REAL vacation!

We've Returned!

2011-08-07T23:24:00.000-04:00

We were on vacation this past week.

We did lots of things.

We took lots of pictures.

We spent one afternoon in the ER.

We got home today and need to re-acclimate.

We'll update you tomorrow!

Randomness!

2011-07-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

Bruiser had surgery this morning to remove his ear tubes. There are two problems with that statement:

1. It was morning...early morning...like the alarm went off at 5:30 am...on summer vacation.

2. He had to have them surgically removed because they didn't fall out on his own. This happens to less than 1% of the hundreds of thousands of children who get tubes. The nurses kept questioning why we were there. It was something like "He's here for ear tubes...oh...to have them removed?" At 6:30 this morning...on summer vacation...

Luckily, they figured out what they were supposed to do and all went well. We were home before 9...yes, in the morning...amazing what they can accomplish in such a quick time! Now he's running around acting like his crazy self!

On another note, potty training (as I jinx myself) is going well...with both Bruiser and Sassy...although Sassy prefers to pee outside on a tree rather use the potty. We need to work on what is appropriate for princesses.

We are rewarding successes with M&Ms...as well as bribing to accomplish any other task or chore I need them to do...but that's another story! I've just been picking up the "grab and share" bags from the check-out lane at Target. I thought it worked. But then Daddy went to Sam's on Sunday and brought home this:

I think we'll be set for a while. We might be able to potty train the entire neighborhood with this!

We spent the weekend painting the living room and redecorating a bit. I hung this on the wall:

I love that it says "We do loud really well." It's really true.

Since we had to get up this morning at 5:30...in the morning...on summer vacation...Sassy had a sleepover at our friends' house. It was her first sleepover and she was SUPER excited. She packed her Nuks and put on her sister's backpack and was ready to go. The candy gave her the energy to walk around the block to the neighbors' house. I've heard she did well. She was asleep around 11 and switched beds around 2...in the morning...on summer vacation. But she ended the night sleeping between her two favorite "boy" friends...so all was right in her world!

And to give you a giggle...this is what happens when Sassy dresses herself! Know that the backpack is a permanent accessory.

Oh, and to bring it full-circle back to potty training...Bruiser has done so well that he earned his big potty prize that he picked out LAST year...and has been sitting in our house waiting for him to be successful. He was SO excited...never mind that he pooped in his underwear the next morning...we all make mistakes!

Is It Really A Vacation????

2011-07-22T10:38:00.000-04:00

Looks like Papa and Mimi have put Tater to work while she's visiting!

Hope she's earning her keep!

We're Trying to Stay Cool!

2011-07-21T17:53:00.000-04:00

We even take our "babies" in the water to cool off!

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-07-20T11:03:00.000-04:00

It Was An Uncle Jason Kind of Day!

2011-07-17T23:08:00.000-04:00

Uncle Jason was in Boston for work over the weekend and we headed up to take him out on the town today! Sassy and Bruiser were SO excited to see "Jashon" and his "house"!

Jason and Bruiser snuggling in Uncle Jason's night-night.

Bruiser pretending to sleep through his giggles!

We had no set plans but decided we needed to spend some time indoors since the temperature outside was well above 90 degrees. The final decision was to head over to the New England Aquarium for the afternoon. This involved a few block walk, a T ride, and another several block walk...all in the heat...all with two little ones and a stroller. During that second walk, we stopped at a local New England favorite for some cool drinks and a quick snack.

Oh, and did I mention...once we arrived at the aquarium, we had to wait in line...in the sun!...to buy the tickets? Plain and simple...IT WAS HOT! And anyone that knows me knows I don't like the heat...for some reason my body doesn't do well with it! And even more...I hate to sweat! Yeah, just lovely!

But all that aside, we had a blast with the kids and spending time with Uncle Jason!

The harbor seals

Sassy touching a sea star

Can you even stand these sweet little poses?!?!

LOVE those curls!

Someone loves their Uncle Jason!

This was the best I could get Bruiser to pose...he had his own agenda and it didn't include my camera!

Sassy petting a stingray...Bruiser wouldn't come near!

Uncle Jason petting another kind of stingray.

This little guy liked Jason so much that he came back around and just hung out with Jason rubbing his back!

After the aquarium, we walked a block to a local splash park/fountain. It was just right there in the middle of the city. If I hadn't had so many inhibitions, I would have hopped right in...it was that warm out! The kids were slow to "warm" up to it but finally ended up soaked. Thank goodness for potty training...I had several changes of clothes along! One of the best moments was when Uncle Jason thought he was being so tricky placing Sassy on one of the spouts and the water splashed him right in the face...super hilarious!

Bruiser spent a long time checking it all out...

...and waiting for the splash...

...until he finally got a bit wet...

...and then dove right into the center of it all!

We ended the day with a yummy...and cool!...dinner at The Black Rose Irish Pub. Sassy entertained the restaurant along with the live performer and Bruiser held it together as best as he could! The grown-ups relaxed a bit and cooled off...before heading back into the heat and beginning the trek back to Uncle Jason's "house."

Our venture through the T system was hot and not very stroller-friendly! That darn green line! It was a long hot walk to the hotel and the garage that held out car. But we survived and safely made it to Uncle Jason's room for potty breaks and pull-ups before beginning the drive home. There were tears as we left Uncle Jason, who needed to get some actual work done, but they dried quickly as the little eyes drifted closed on their way to dreamland!

It was a fun day and great time just enjoying Uncle Jason. We missed Tater and Aunt Heather...but, really, another child and a pregnant woman in the heat of a city...that might not of been very good!

Side Note: We've been potty training both Sassy and Bruiser for the past two weeks (because we are crazy like that here at the House of Sprout!). Mind you, I HATE potty training...almost as much as the stomach bug! Yes, it's that bad! A little day trip wasn't going to stop me! We went in underwear and wore the same ones ALL day (except for the change after the splash fountain!)...and had successful potty breaks all day long! Dare I say...the end is in sight? Oh, and the best part? The pull-ups we put on them for the drive home? They were dry when we got home! Good job, Sassy and Bruiser!

I think this shot of Sassy sums the whole day up!

A Perfect Summer Read!

2011-07-13T16:47:00.000-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to review Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer for Bethany House Publishers. Now, I say "recently" but, as my loyal readers all know, now happens recently in the House of Sprout! I have had this book on my nightstand for about three months, waiting for the time when I could read a complete sentence without interruption...again, the reason things take so long in our house!

Luckily (for my sanity and your knowledge of this book!), summer has arrived! This is one of two times that I actually get to finish a book. The other is the week between Christmas and New Year's, when we visit family that have no television in the room we stay in!

Courting Miss Amsel is a Christian fiction novel that grabs you from the first chapter. The main character, Edythe is an older first-year teacher in a small town one-room schoolhouse. She shares her love of learning with her students through unusual methods that raise the eyebrows of several town leaders. While she earns the respect and love of most students, one child tests her classroom management skills...as any teacher (myself included!) can sympathize with! Add in to all this, family dramas, a search for a relationship with God, and a budding romance...and this book has captured it all!

So if you are looking for a book to relax and enjoy while sitting on the beach, by the pool, or on the couch (at night after the kids are asleep!), then I highly recommend this book. I'm actually on my way to "google" the author and find more of her works to fill the rest of my summer!

Slave Labor (also named "The Reason We Had Children")

2011-07-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

This past week we upgraded our refrigerator that suited a family of two to one that fits our family of five. We now have a bigger fridge, freezer on the bottom, and ice and water on the door. The new fridge barely fit in the house...and will stay with the house if we ever move...but we love it!

Part of the prep for the fridge involved filtering four gallons of water through the water dispenser and disposing of it. Daddy determined it was too tiring for him and set Bruiser up to complete the job! He's a hard worker!

Splash!

2011-07-07T22:02:00.000-04:00

Tonight we picked Daddy up from work and headed to the Y and local splash park. I love that it is fenced in and that it is limited to Y members with a family membership...it makes it a bit calmer! I also love that it is only open during the week from 5:30 to 8:00pm...which means Daddy is off work and can come help me!

(this was a mini-fight...so typical!)

What a face!

Daddy and Bruiser kicking water at each other!

We have now tucked two very tired children into bed for a long sleep! Tater is still away but we are looking forward to taking her for some splashing in August!

Randomness

2011-07-07T21:54:00.000-04:00

Took this the night before Tater left for Papa and Mimi's.

She was all snuggled in our bed for one last night of Mommy-Daddy cuddles!

Daddy took Bruiser to go test drive cars (a lllllllllllllllllloooooonnnnnnngggggg story!) so Sassy had some fun playing in the water in the bathroom sink.

She was there for about an hour...partly because she was having so much fun and partly because she couldn't get down by herself!

We planted an herb garden on the 4th...with lots of little hands helping!

Love this plant...lamb's ear...it's so soft and so much fun to "pet"!

Such a face of a bruiser!

Let the Missing Begin!

2011-07-03T22:26:00.000-04:00

Once again this big girl is heading off on one of her jaunts to Papa and Mimi's house...and once again there will be lots of sad hearts in the House of Sprout as we miss her while she's off having fun!

Tater will be gone for almost an entire month until we see her again. While it is the most practical arrangement travel-wise, we will miss her tons! She was sad going to bed tonight but that will probably be the extent of her sadness...because once she sees Papa, she will forget all about us!

Bruiser and Sassy will miss their "Sissy" and wait anxiously for her return...thanks to that younger sibling adoration! Mommy and Daddy will soon be counting the days until we can hug her again!

But, all the missing aside, we hope Tater has a super-wonderful visit and soaks up lots of grandparent spoils! We are so happy to give this opportunity and be able to share her with those who love her so much!

26 more sleeps, Tater!

Beach Time!

2011-07-03T22:04:00.000-04:00

Weekend Wrap-Up

2011-06-27T10:57:00.000-04:00

We had another crazy-busy weekend...which seems to be our norm! School ended for the summer on Friday for Tater, Bruiser, and Mommy. It may be my favorite day of the entire year! So that makes today (Monday) my first offical day of summer vacation. I'm kind of liking it a little bit!

But to back up to the weekend...

Uncle Jason (my brother) and Aunt Heather (his wife) arrived late Friday evening...after we celebrated summer with some yummy cake at our favorite friends' house! It was nice to visit and catch up with them (Jason and Heather, that is!). They are expecting their first child (Baby Drew) in October. So the goal of this trip was to raid our stash of baby gear and clothes. Jason was amazed at all I had and all I had kept. They loaded their car and are all set for the first year of Drew's life.

Then we decided to make quick trip to Kohl's for a little retail therapy, ride a few go-carts to get in the mood...and go see Cars 2! The kids were so excited! Sassy did great until she feel asleep halfway through and Bruiser was glued to the edge of his seat. He watched the entire moviie holding onto his little car like one in the movie and sucking his thumb...I don't think he moved the entire two hours!

We ended the evening with dinner on the grill and a backyard concert provided by our next door neighbors. Friends joined us and we had a great evening. Jason and Heather left early Sunday amidst tears from Tater. It's nice to know that Jason will be on a work trip nearby within the next few weeks andwe'll be able to visit with him again then!

Sunday was not as much fun. Sassy caught the fever and was awake every half hour Saturday night. She spent Sunday laying on me and napping. When she heard we couldn't go to the beach because she was sick, she cried...I think it was the first time she realized how being sick affected your life! It was a long day but she seems to be a bit better today so hopefully we'll be able to offically start summer!

Not A Problem!

2011-06-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

I spent the afternoon helping out a friend and watching her two kids. After I took all five kids to Tater's school to drop her off and then took the remaining four kids to Bruiser's school to drop him off (and lost count of how many seat belts I buckled and unbuckled!), the three little one - ages 1, 2, & 3 - headed to the basement and played there for hours! Yes, HOURS! It has been the best rainy afternoon with multiple children I have ever had!

Just don't ask me if I change my mind tonight when I have to clean up the play room!

It Was A Rough Day!!!!!

2011-06-22T20:14:00.002-04:00

Three More Sleeps!

2011-06-21T20:42:00.000-04:00

We are anxiously counting down the last few "sleeps" until summer vacation starts at the House of Sprout! These last few weeks of school have really hit us hard. Bruiser started with a high fever last Sunday, which lasted until Thursday! And we all know what that means...no school or babysitter until it normal without medication for 24 hours. Just what we needed so close to the end! And then guess what? Because that's how we roll...Tater started with the same fever this Sunday. I'm hoping she can make it to school tomorrow for her end-of-the-year celebration...even if I have to break the 24 hour rule a bit!

So, if that wasn't enough, we had a change in childcare starting this past Monday...with one week left! But we were able to send them to the new sitter who will be watching them starting in September...and they LOVE it! I don't have to drop them off until 8:30 each morning...but we were out of the house by 8:00 this morning...they were so excited! It warms my heart that they are so excited but also makes me wonder if they were missing out on something by not having others to play with the past three years that we've had someone watch them in our home. Not that I would change the convenience for anything!

Now that my migraine has left for the day, I'm hoping to make it through the rest of the week without too many issues. Three more sleeps and three more days! I need summer!

The End Is In Sight!

2011-06-19T10:30:00.000-04:00

We've been crazy busy around here the past few weeks! My school year is ending for the summer (report cards, assessments, files, packing up the classroom, etc.), Bruiser was fighting some kind of crazy virus, Sassy's been...well, sassy!, and there was a yard sale, a recital, end-of-the-events, and visits to prepare for. But yesterday...after the yard sale...we relaxed by our state-of-the-art pool in our backyard and enjoyed our playhouse up-grade, courtesy of the yard sale!

(Check out Bruiser's summer 'do!)

Summer Is Here!

2011-06-09T19:13:00.000-04:00

It was hot, hot, hot here yesterday...and we escaped to the beach for some cooler temperatures and relaxing waves! It finally felt like summer!

"Celebrate America" - Dance Recital 2011

2011-06-04T14:22:00.000-04:00

We dressed up. We glittered up. We smiled. We moved.

We danced!

This weekend was Tater's third dance recital and Sassy's first. It was busy, stressful and time-consuming...but the girls had fun and did great! Here is the re-cap in pictures...lots of pictures!

Tater is ready to head to rehearsal.

Sassy posing with her bandaged knee!

Tater and her camera smile.

Sassy had a catnap on the way...but don't worry - she was just recharging!

Tater and her friend, M, waiting for things to get started.

Tater watching Miss Michelle give directions.

"Sweet Caroline"

Sassy danced like a professional!

It was especially entertaining because she didn't dance a single step in class all year long...must have been saving it for the stage! She did a lot of bouncing from side-to-side, even though it wasn't part of the routine...but she looked cute!

Our friend, Judah, froze halfway into the routine and Sassy had to figure out how to dance around him...again, it was entertaining to watch!

The group shot!

Sassy spent a fair amount of time on stage doing just this...not sure where she learned it!

Super sweet Sassy!

Tater during the family dance.

(Unfortunately, Mommy was at the back of the stage and there aren't any pictures...darn!)

Mommy being a "stage mommy"!

Tater's Ballet

"Let's Get Together"

Tater's Tap

"When The Saints Go Marching In"

Tater's Jazz

"Surfin' in the USA"

The rehearsal lasted almost 4 hours.

Sassy went home with Daddy, Mimi, and Bruiser early on...and Tater did amazingly well and danced all her dances the best I've ever seen her! Because there is no photography allowed during the actual show, these pictures are from the rehearsal...so say a little prayer that the real thing goes a bit quicker!

Oh, and here's a shot of Sassy!

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T12:11:00.001-04:00

We headed out to our town's annual Memorial Day Parade today.

It's a "big" event - full of scouts, police, dance schools, exactly 3 school bands, and tons of baseball teams!

We love to meet up with friends (even though we see them all the time!) and see all the students who know "Mrs. Sprout"!

This year had new twist...Tater marched in the parade with her Daisy troop...and LOVED it!

Sassy doesn't take a good picture, does she?!?

Waiting for the police motorcycles to start the parade.

Visiting with friends!

The dads...looking oh, so excited!

Finn trying to join the parade...it was the first of many attempts!

And there's Tater!

Our friend, Sienna, who marched with her Brownie troop.

Sassy had 2 lollipops going, one on reserve in the other hand, and then a fireman handed her a fourth!

SASSY!

And I Lived To Blog About It...

2011-05-29T22:42:00.000-04:00

We went camping this weekend...in a tent...with no flush toilets...and with 6 children, ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 9...and we made it home...alive...and somewhat sane!

Of course, we were 30 minutes into our trip when I realized I forgot my camera...luckily the mother of the family we went with is a professional photographer...so pictures will follow!

Tonight I just want to bullet a few of the memories so that they can be saved forever...especially for when we decide to attempt this again! So, here are a few of the best moments!

Listening to my husband scream about me bringing inappropriate gear for camping...when he discovered my hair straightener in the car...before we even left our street!

Telling Bruiser we were in New Hampshire and him asking repetitively to see the "hamster"!

Discovering that our rustic campsite had newish showers with hot water...and electricity for my hair straightener!

Listening to the rain hit our tent all night long...while laying awake with Sassy who kept saying "I can't sleep!"...and waking up to the rain being over!

Cheering on our friends as they completed a 5K trail run...BAREFOOT!...and watching Tater help them run the finish line!

Losing Bruiser for 15 minutes in the crowd of the race goers and having him cling to me forever after a wonderful racer found him and helped him get back to us.

Using every flush toilet I could find every time we left the campsite!

Laughing about how we had a cooler full of alcohol...when we never drink all that much...and then buying more at a cute little country store...just because we liked the kinds we found...and then bringing home an almost-full cooler! Even camping with 6 kids didn't drive us to drink...all that much!

Painting my toenails by the campfire (which was deemed to be another inappropriate piece of camping gear!)

Watching 9 people try to keep one one-year-old in a campsite...when all he wanted to do was walk in the woods!

Watching my six-year-old make "vacation friends"!

Waking up to Bruiser yelling "cock-a-doodle-doo!" this morning!

Hiking with Bruiser and having him out-hike me! He has Boy Scout potential, Papa!

Watching my children get dirtier by the hour...and not caring a single bit about it!

Creating a mental "Next Time" journal...and making plans to do this all again this summer...on the beach!

Catch-Up!

2011-05-25T21:09:00.000-04:00

Love this of Sassy eating spaghetti!

Sassy and Bruiser's therapy school had a Family Fun Fair...and it was amazing!

Everything was free and well presented. The kids received lots of goodies and enjoyed numerous exhibits.

Oh, and there was tons of free food...including ice cream!!

Above, Bruiser was brave and touched a huge snake!

Bruiser (and the girls!) got their faces painted.

And then last night Tater had her Young Authors' Night at school.

She wrote and illustrated a book about horses...no big surprise there!

Photo Recap!

2011-05-23T16:31:00.000-04:00

We had guests for lunch!

We hugged some friends!

Sassy snuck some food at a picnic!

Sassy had her very first "spa day"...

...with Tater and a friend!

What Happened to Summer? (And Other Random Complaints!)

2011-05-23T14:29:00.000-04:00

Prepare yourself...this is a bulleted list of complaints!

First of all, where on Earth is summer? It has been basically raining for 2 weeks here...and mostly chilly! It's amazing how my mood lifts the minute the sun peeks through the clouds...but then it hides again and crushed for a few more days. Oh, and to top it all off? We are going tent camping in Maine this weekend...with six kids ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, & 8...and they are calling for thunderstorms ALL weekend!

We have been going NON-STOP for days! It's appointments and meetings and picnics and parties and therapies and work. I would give anything for time to just do chores...really! The kids are burnt out, Mommy's burnt out, and I'm guessing (without asking him) Daddy is too. We need a vacation...and I don't think camping in a tent with 6 six kids with no flush toilet and thunderstorms is the vacation we need!

I'm feeling more than a bit burnt out. I haven't mentioned it before but I have been struggling with blood pressure issues and had to start medication to help. I'm supposed to make lifestyle changes...like reducing my stress. When the doctor mentioned this, I offered to loan her my children for a while. I don't think she thought it was as funny as I did!

So add to all that, Sassy just her EI (early intervention) yearly re-eval. Cognitively, she was well advanced (she gets that from her mother!) but she showed delays in other areas such as speech and gross motor as well as a significant delay in fine motor. Her articulation for speech is terrible, with less than 50% of her communication understood. No one can figure out what is going on with her gross motor issues that are involving swinging legs and knee pain. And overall the therapists have noticed a weakness on her left side. So the result of all this? I have spent the entire afternoon scheduling (or attempting to!) a second opinion with a pediatric orthopedist and a consult with a pediatric neurologist. Let me just say that the whole thing of checking my baby's brain is not sitting well with me!

Then Bruiser needs to start his appointments with his social worker...and we've been playing phone tag for the past two months!

Oh, and Tater's kidneys are relapsing and her allergy related things are off the charts...and we're playing phone tag with her doctor!

Does ANY doctor answer the phone??????

Okay...deep yoga breath...lowering my blood pressure...

I'm now going to go try and call another doctor and then go dig out all the camping stuff before the little ones descend home from school! Don't worry...I'll this all happier in a bit when I post pictures from the weekend!

While The Cats Away...

2011-05-20T16:01:00.000-04:00

...Mommy's friend lets the little ones splash in mud puddles and documents the fun!

And her punishment?

I left all the wet, muddy clothes behind for her to wash!

Superheros Having A Tea Party!!

2011-05-16T08:26:00.002-04:00

A Mothers' Day Tea

2011-05-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

Bruiser's class held a Mothers' Day Tea this past Thursday afternoon. They sang two songs for us and then served us muffins and apple juice. Bruiser, who used to avoid music because of sensory issues, sang all the words (maybe not at the right times!) in a nice loud voice! It was a great belated Mother's Day gift!

Then we enjoyed our snack!

I also got a sweet hand print poem and a flower.

It was great to be honored and even more special to spend that time with Bruiser and watch his face glowing with pride!

I love being his mommy!

My Little Dancer(s)!

2011-05-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

This week was parents' week at Tater's dance class.

I love getting to see all that she has learned and how much she has grown.

They did a bit of tap!

Sassy, who refuses to dance during her Mommy & Me class, jumped right in during Tater's class...and knew all the moves!!!

Then there was a bit of ballet...

...all wrapped up with some jazz (which I think is Tater's favorite...are you surprised?).

Hanging Out!

2011-05-11T21:30:00.000-04:00

Sassy is revisiting her baby days!

And Bruiser?

He just wanted Mommy to leave him alone so he could watch television!

Siblings!

2011-05-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

I love the matching outfits!

Mother's Day Was Sweet!

2011-05-10T15:06:00.000-04:00

We spent Mother's Day enjoying our family! There was a bit of breakfast in bed, a bit of outside playing, some small chores (because they never end in this house!), a bit of lunching of out, a store or two, some yard work, and then a happy ending ice cream treat!

A local ice cream shop offers free ice cream for mommies on Mother's Day ( and for daddies on Father's Day, for equality!), so we headed out before bed for a treat with our friends, the Johnson family (because we couldn't think of anyone else we'd rather share a sweet treat with!).

We tried for a family shot with Mommy...but life with three kids can be a bit sticky!

(Plus Daddy needs a bit of camera practice!)

The best of the bunch!

And someone was so tired, this is what a short trip home in the car resulted in!

Love the necklace in the mouth!

All in all, it was a great Mother's Day! Daddy helped the kids deliver flowers, a new chair for me to NOT sit in at the beach, and a few blueberry and raspberry bushes. I think the family time helped block out the fact that I still had to do dishes and laundry...although, I didn't change one diaper all day!!!

And just for the memory books, Daddy stated this line as I was complaining about laundry "Well, it's Mother's Day, not Wife's Day." - and that is MY husband...all mine...aren't I so lucky!?!?!

Wanna Go For A Ride???

2011-05-03T18:43:00.000-04:00

Just make sure you bring your cowboots!

A Playground For Waddington

2011-05-01T10:21:00.000-04:00

Kaboom and Let's Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide, have joined together to fund 5 community playgrounds by awarding them $15,000 each! They believe that the key to healthy living is managing calories in and calories out. Our goal is to help families achieve that balance by providing the tools, places and inspiration to make physical activity a daily priority.

The exciting thing is that our school (Mommy's and Tater's) made the top ten and is currently in second place! You can vote daily through May 10th...please help us and vote for our playground!