A Few of Our Favorite Things

I LOVE Christmas. Everything from the decorating, shopping, the movies/ music, baking and wrapping presents. I cherish traditions that I was brought up with and every year we seem to add something new of our own. We cherish the true meaning of the holiday and it is truly magical to see it through your own children's eyes.

In celebrating this year the kids and I talked about what we "always" do every year. Here are a few of THEIR favorite things that are a must in our home:

Billy and I both agree that the most priceless moment is Christmas morning. The kids come out wide eyed with grins from ear to ear. Their faces are awestruck and their little fingers can not move fast enough. Of course I want to capture the moment so I "make" them take turns so I can see their faces as they open each gift. Really they know that is just how I am and are very gracious about it.

Devynn- Setting up the Christmas Tree

The first few years we had a real tree. That is what I grew up with. However after my 3rd year in Tucson I decided it was probably better to go fake. So the day after Thanksgiving we bring out the goods (although this year we were a little late since it was Sugar Bear's birthday the day after Turkey day... nevertheless). We put on a Christmas movie (it changes every year because each kid gets a turn to pick). Billy puts up the tree and lights. I carefully place all the ornaments in piles and put up the "special breakables" out of kid reach. The rest the kids all do. After they are done I put up the garland and last the Angel.

Trynnity- Seeing Santa

Who doesn't like seeing Santa?! Well if you are a parent of a toddler... but Trynnity was VERY brave and went to the jolly ol elf with open arms. I think it helps that in late November she had a trial run with one of the Santa's at the Foothills mall. There was NOBODY at the mall that day and her Santa were able to talk and walk around with each other. Of course I did not have the camera that day nor did she care to sit on his lap, but it was very helpful for when we took everyone to see him. And I must admit that I also sign the kids out of school early one day for this event as I just can not do the huge line with 4 kids (if you can I commend you!) So we go, have a Wetzel Pretzel and stand in line with letters in hand. if we are lucky ALL the kids look at the camera.

Baylee- Our Christmas Eve Tradition

Every Christmas Eve I make our "big dinner". Ham, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pies, you get the idea. Our extended family comes over and celebrates with us. After dinner we make hot tea and read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Each kid gets their own copy on their 1st Christmas). Cookies get laid out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The kids each open two gifts; one is their new pair of Christmas P.J.'s and the other a new ornament (the ornament represents their likes/personality for that year). The kids each make ornaments every year too that they gift to all the adults. So our tree is pretty well covered.

Prestton- Our interpretation would be the Cookie Decorating

My brother and I absolutely loved to bake cookies with my mom. She made homemade sugar cookies with homemade buttercream frosting and we would decorate like mad. My kids do the same thing minus I can not make the homemade sugar cookies right to save my life, so we now do Pilsbury. We have shared this with many friends through out the years and this year we went to my good friend (sister) Amber's house as well as our own. So you can imagine the thrill that Prestton had when he realized he was allowed to eat pure sugar. Too cute and way too much fun!

I truly hope that each and everyone of you had a very blessed Holiday and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Stepping Back

Yikes! I never meant to let 4 months to go by without a blog. Yet every time I found a moment when I could slip away, I choose to stay and play. Lately I feel the time literally sifting through my fingers. I watch Trynnity and Prestton interact with each other and it reminds me so much of when Baylee and Devynn were their age. Where did the time go? Age old question I know, but really... When you are pregnant all you do is WAIT. Finally the day comes and you are holding your bundle of joy, gently stroking their head and kissing their cheeks. Waiting for them to sit up, crawl and walk. Then BAM! They have friends to see, places to go and a cell phone. So I have been trying to cherish the time I have with each of them. (Sometimes with 4 there does not seem to be enough time to share!) I like to think of it as taking a step back, a time out from all the have to's, to watch, to play, to love, to appreciate... really to preserve the here and now. 

So here are few pictures of me stepping back and adoring my children in all the little things they do each day. 

Baylee steps...

       We have experienced many first in home this summer. Each having it’s own special meaning for our children. Today Baylee had a couple of first. Steps that take her a little farther away from being a little girl (and I have been sworn not to embarrass her nor was I allowed to video tape these momentous moments!) 

Our first endeavor today was the application and selection of makeup. My friend   Suzanne sells Mary Kay, so she dropped off a ton of samples for us to play with. (Thanks Suz!!!!) I had first thought about taking her to the mall, but there were several obstacles that kept us from this route. So we opted to dabble in the comfort of our own home. 

Our final selections.

We started shortly after our visit with Suzanne. First I went over each of the brushes and how to apply using which brush. Next we pored over the eye colors. With so many to choose from, it was a little hard to get started! I told Baylee that I wanted her to keep it light, but also wanted her to have some fun. We tried lots of combinations and found 3 neutral colors and one shimmery lilac she liked. (I was not allowed to take all the pictures of her NO’S!) So here is her before:

Before

And the after that we liked:

A subtle after... the camera did not do her justice. 

Our next task was shaving. I promised to show her how to before she set off to middle school. About two weeks ago she picked out her own razor and shaving cream (strawberry/ tangerine twist). She had a full audience for this one, both babies were awake from their naps and wanted to see what all the fuss was about.  I think I covered all the basics: a dollop of cream, lather, shave upwards to knee, rinse, repeat. Mom did the first leg- teacher model product! Baylee did the next leg with a little trepidation... I believe she was holding her breath the whole time. My emotions were brimming and many of you received my text that the task was complete! She did a great job and had only a few wild hairs with a line of them in the center of her leg. We went over a few rules; no wiping the blade with your fingers (I did this when I was first attempted shaving- not pretty!), keep the razor in mom’s shower, no shaving by yourself with siblings around and only up to her knees for now. 

Ready to go Mom!

Here we go...

Flying solo.

Everyone wanting to see what their "Bee" is doing!

I am amazed by my children daily and though I am happy for them as they meet each milestone, I am also sadden that I can not turn back time. The last 11 years I have learned to be more appreciative and cherish the moments with my kids. So when I get tired, irritable or impatient; I take a deep breath and remind myself that this is it. This is our time. Our memories. They grow fast and far too soon it will pass. 

Post Op

       One week has passed us and Prestton is well on his road to recovery. His surgery seemed like an eternity. I blogged, paced and tried so hard not to cry in the waiting room. Billy appeared calm and my dad decided to spend the time catching up on work and eating a good breakfast from the cafeteria! (haha!) My mom stayed in Tucson with the girls to keep their daily routine normal. Baylee and Devynn had been nervous as we were leaving Sunday afternoon. We reassured them the best we could and told them Prestton needed this procedure to stay healthy. Trynnity was clueless and happy to be the boss of her Nana!

The nurse came to get us after 2 1/2 hours (Billy timed them and it was 2 hours and 27 minutes) so we could walk back to the recovery room. There he laid helpless in a tiny hospital crib, purple gown and grape smelling oxygen mask over his face. His eyelids were fluttering and little body gave involuntary twitches. I leaned over and gave him so many kisses, stroking his hair and whispering how happy I was that this part was over. 

In recovery, I was still in shock when the face mask was on...

Our wonderful recovery nurse!

Little did I know how hard the next few days would be. He continued to slumber from the anesthesia. After an hour we were moved to our new home on the second floor. Let me say that my anxiety was put at ease with the wonderful nurses we met. They welcomed all of us to his room with bright smiles and had a welcome card with a stuffed animal waiting for him on his bed. He woke up after a few hours and screamed in pain! Hi nurse came in and gave him some Morphine but his poor eyes showed his discomfort.

That was one of the longest nights we have had in awhile. I gave into exhaustion in the wee hours as Billy stood by his bed side the entire night. He gently rubbed his back, adjusted his pillows/ blankets and kept a close eye as they came in every 2 hours for vitals. 

Welcome to room 217 B!

The exhaust pipe and big owie.

It's been a long day. 

The next morning we were greeted by Dr. Ritchey (our amazing Pediatric Urologist). He explained the surgery had been text book perfect; finding that the obstruction had been over growth of tissue and his artery had grown through the ureter tube itself. He was able to place a stint in the tube and placed the artery behind the kidney. A drainage tube had been put in place next to the incision to help keep the fluids from infecting the surgical area inside. (Billy referred to this as his new exhaust pipe- got to love humor in serious situations). I of course felt my face turn green and tried feverishly to think of how I was going to be able to change his dressing every day for the next week until it would come out. Everything seemed good and we had the hopes of getting to go home by lunch time. 

His first num num since Sunday!

Prestton with all his stuffys, blankies and cards from his sissys.

However, Prestton did not perk up as the day stretched on. By late afternoon  the Resident had come in with Dr. Nyguen (Dr. Ritchey’s partner) and after looking over Prestton again decided it was best if we stayed another night. My heart sank, but I knew it was for the best. Especially living 2 hours away! So we made the best of it. Mommy read to him, rocked him, walked the halls and briefly visited the playroom. After a closer look at where we were at I realized that many of the patients on our floor were high risk; blood disorders, cancer and urological. Our nurse informed us that some of the kids had been here for months and many were not allowed to leave their rooms!!!! How do their families do it? I believe that everything happens for a reason and we are all here for a reason. The staff that works at the Phoenix Children's Hospital are angels on earth. They do a job that is so hard to do yet so amazingly fulfilling and worthy. 

My poor baby! Look at his eyes!

My side still feels weird... 

Papa visiting Prestton. 

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We're going home Momma!

We shared our room with 2 lil ones during our stay. Ironically they both had the same surgery as Prestton. In 4 more weeks we will under go another renal scan to see how well the tube is healing. In about 6 weeks we will travel back to Phoenix for an outpatient procedure to remove the stint. Prestton will continued to be monitored and it is likely he may have the same surgery again due to the fact that he is so young and the tube will most likely grow scar tissue. At the age of 2 or 3 he will undergo surgery again to correct the reflux in his right kidney. I am eternally grateful for my family and friends for the love and support we received through all of this. We love you all and are so blessed to have you and our precious little boy in our lives

Greeted by his loving sisters! 

Now if these darn teeth would just come in!