I didn't realize it's been a month since I posted. Things have been busy around here. :)
- Claire turned 1 last Sunday. It's hard to believe a year has passed. She weighs 18 lbs. 6 oz. and is 29 inches tall now. This past year with her was full of so much emotion. I have been reading a few blogs written by moms of babies with liver issues since we started dealing with Claire's. In this last week, I've stumbled upon two more of babies with Biliary Atresia... the really bad thing we thought Claire had. I am more grateful than ever that we're not on that road and my heart breaks for those who are. I am so thankful for my (not-quite-a) baby girl and her health. She says some words now, runs around, drinks milk from cups (no more bottles or formula), eats everything in sight, hates the word "no" and is just a treasure. We love her so much.
- Brian and I both celebrated birthdays recently. Another year older, and feeling it. :)
- Lauren has grown leaps and bounds in preschool. She loves it and is so proud of herself. Brian, Claire and I joined her class for a Thanksgiving feast they prepared yesterday. It was so fun. Princess Ballerina Baby is growing up too.
- Josh is turning 11 in one month. He is, and always has been, a fantastic kid. He excels in school. He was recently selected to participate in the Midland Young Explorers program because his math and science grades are so good. His recent report card was great. I'm so proud of him. He starts middle school next year... I'm so not ready for that!
- Meghan is doing really well. In school, she's "achieving" everything she's working on in school. She's reading at a third grade level. Her writing is great and her handwriting is gorgeous. It's so much fun to watch her learn and grow. :)
Christmas is coming fast and therefore so is 2011. Time just flies! I can't wait to see what is ahead for us. :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
"A Last Trip to Grandma's" - A tearjerker by Josh
Josh had a writing prompt to work from in school this week. The prompt was "Special Person Memory Story". The rest was up to the kids. This is his story:
A Last Trip to Grandma's
I got out of the car, and ran down the hill almost tumbling. Then I ran up, but it was so hard, I was like a turtle. It was worth it because I got to see my Great Grandma Gokey. This is a special memory because it was her last 4th of July.
I started by playing basketball. She watched us play. Every time I made a shot she clapped for me. After basketball, we ate. I sat next to Grandma Gokey. Sitting by her was amazing.
I loved my Great Grandma Gokey so much. That is why it hurt when she died. I feel like a very lucky person because I got to spend time with my Great Grandma Gokey. My Great Grandma loved me so much. We will go to her house every 4th of July because my aunt lives there! My Great Grandma was one amazing lady!
A Last Trip to Grandma's
I got out of the car, and ran down the hill almost tumbling. Then I ran up, but it was so hard, I was like a turtle. It was worth it because I got to see my Great Grandma Gokey. This is a special memory because it was her last 4th of July.
I started by playing basketball. She watched us play. Every time I made a shot she clapped for me. After basketball, we ate. I sat next to Grandma Gokey. Sitting by her was amazing.
I loved my Great Grandma Gokey so much. That is why it hurt when she died. I feel like a very lucky person because I got to spend time with my Great Grandma Gokey. My Great Grandma loved me so much. We will go to her house every 4th of July because my aunt lives there! My Great Grandma was one amazing lady!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Happenings
Life has been crazy. This year, with three kids in school, has been busier than I anticipated. I'm not oblivious... just too busy to have figured that out earlier.
Josh is in fifth grade now. His teacher is fantastic. Homework is gobs better this year. He's even more of a rock star in math than he used to be and he's one in social studies/history too. He's playing trumpet in band now. He was in the MPS Fun Run yesterday and came in 61st of about 100 kids. He's in faith formation class (last year of those - next year he would start youth group if he decides to go). He is a busy, happy kid.
Meghan is in second grade. Her teacher is kind and Meghan likes her. She has more homework this year but tackles it happily. Her writing is fantastic. She tells me it's because she "wants it to be perfect". She is still reading well and loves it. She's in faith formation too and it's a big year... Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
Lauren is in preschool three days a week. She loves her class and everyone in it. I work in her class once a month (co-op preschool). She is learning a lot and it's fun to see. She has become a fantastic helper around the house. Brian and I can see her maturing (for the most part) and it's fun to watch. She started faith formation this year and I am helping to teach her class. So far, so good.
Claire is growing up quickly. Her third tooth just poked through. She eats like a two-year old. She's taken a few steps but refuses to do it full-time so far. She says a lot of random words ("Spongebob", "I'm hungry") and cracks us up. She's a monkey, climbing stairs and into chairs, and is just a joy.
A month ago, Meghan had hives for a week and a half. Then a week and a half later, she got strep. Two days before Meghan finished her medicine, Claire got croup. It's been yucky and I'm ready for the return of my healthy kids.
I've been stressed. Work's been crazy, life has been busy and I feel like I barely have time to breathe. But I've made some new friends and gotten closer to existing ones and I'm enjoying my time with them and it's keeping me semi-sane.
Brian turns 40 in a month! We're having a party, open house style. If you're reading this and think you'd like to come help us celebrate, drop me a note with your mailing address (or leave me your email address and I'll get your address from you).
'Tis all for now - so I think. I'm making a list and heading to the store soon this morning. We're having friends over to watch some football, have lunch and play today. It's day like this that help in that quest for sanity. :)
Deanna
Josh is in fifth grade now. His teacher is fantastic. Homework is gobs better this year. He's even more of a rock star in math than he used to be and he's one in social studies/history too. He's playing trumpet in band now. He was in the MPS Fun Run yesterday and came in 61st of about 100 kids. He's in faith formation class (last year of those - next year he would start youth group if he decides to go). He is a busy, happy kid.
Meghan is in second grade. Her teacher is kind and Meghan likes her. She has more homework this year but tackles it happily. Her writing is fantastic. She tells me it's because she "wants it to be perfect". She is still reading well and loves it. She's in faith formation too and it's a big year... Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation.
Lauren is in preschool three days a week. She loves her class and everyone in it. I work in her class once a month (co-op preschool). She is learning a lot and it's fun to see. She has become a fantastic helper around the house. Brian and I can see her maturing (for the most part) and it's fun to watch. She started faith formation this year and I am helping to teach her class. So far, so good.
Claire is growing up quickly. Her third tooth just poked through. She eats like a two-year old. She's taken a few steps but refuses to do it full-time so far. She says a lot of random words ("Spongebob", "I'm hungry") and cracks us up. She's a monkey, climbing stairs and into chairs, and is just a joy.
A month ago, Meghan had hives for a week and a half. Then a week and a half later, she got strep. Two days before Meghan finished her medicine, Claire got croup. It's been yucky and I'm ready for the return of my healthy kids.
I've been stressed. Work's been crazy, life has been busy and I feel like I barely have time to breathe. But I've made some new friends and gotten closer to existing ones and I'm enjoying my time with them and it's keeping me semi-sane.
Brian turns 40 in a month! We're having a party, open house style. If you're reading this and think you'd like to come help us celebrate, drop me a note with your mailing address (or leave me your email address and I'll get your address from you).
'Tis all for now - so I think. I'm making a list and heading to the store soon this morning. We're having friends over to watch some football, have lunch and play today. It's day like this that help in that quest for sanity. :)
Deanna
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Done with Ann Arbor
Claire had her last blood draw...
... and then went to Ann Arbor. She played while waiting for the doctor...
... and wanted to know why I was taking pictures.
She tried to eat the paper (or maybe it was just fun to rip off the examining table).
And then checked out Dr. Bhatt one last time after we got the good news that she's been released from her care.
Yay Claire! We're done! And your liver is perfectly fine!!!
... and then went to Ann Arbor. She played while waiting for the doctor...
... and wanted to know why I was taking pictures.
She tried to eat the paper (or maybe it was just fun to rip off the examining table).
And then checked out Dr. Bhatt one last time after we got the good news that she's been released from her care.
Yay Claire! We're done! And your liver is perfectly fine!!!
The School Year Has Begun
Josh started 5th grade today and Meghan started 2nd. Lauren starts preschool a week from today. I'm always a sap when the kids go to school but they're so excited that it's a bit easier on me.
Here are a few pictures from this morning.
I take their picture in front of the school sign every year. Josh has informed me that I'm not allowed to when he starts middle school next year *sniff*.
Dakota (see note below about why he was over this morning), Josh, Meghan and Lauren
Emily and Meghan - best friends (who were also brave on the rides together at the fair this summer)
Emily and Meghan with their favorite baby, Claire
So this year should be interesting and busy at our house. Josh's friend Dakota will be at our house every morning, as Eastlawn's new breakfast timing/rules don't allow for his mom to drop him off at school before work anymore. Brian will take him to school with our kids. Josh's best friend, Dylan, and his brother Dominic will be at our house after school every day until their mom gets out of work (around 5:15, just like me). So Brian will be bringing them home with our kids every day. Brian is apparently officially running "Daddy Daycare". :) It's all good, though, as the kids will have extra motivation to get moving in the morning (play time with Dakota) and will have friends to play with in the afternoon to blow off steam after school. :)
Here are a few pictures from this morning.
I take their picture in front of the school sign every year. Josh has informed me that I'm not allowed to when he starts middle school next year *sniff*.
Dakota (see note below about why he was over this morning), Josh, Meghan and Lauren
Emily and Meghan - best friends (who were also brave on the rides together at the fair this summer)
Emily and Meghan with their favorite baby, Claire
So this year should be interesting and busy at our house. Josh's friend Dakota will be at our house every morning, as Eastlawn's new breakfast timing/rules don't allow for his mom to drop him off at school before work anymore. Brian will take him to school with our kids. Josh's best friend, Dylan, and his brother Dominic will be at our house after school every day until their mom gets out of work (around 5:15, just like me). So Brian will be bringing them home with our kids every day. Brian is apparently officially running "Daddy Daycare". :) It's all good, though, as the kids will have extra motivation to get moving in the morning (play time with Dakota) and will have friends to play with in the afternoon to blow off steam after school. :)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Heading to Ann Arbor Today
We're off to Ann Arbor for another GI visit for Claire today. She had blood drawn earlier this week. Don't even get me started on that... "our phlebotomist" retired and getting a replacement who's just as skilled did NOT go well. But it's done and I got the results yesterday. Her enzyme numbers are down. From what I can find online, one is now in normal range and one is still slightly elevated. I'm hoping I can talk the doctor into letting this be her last visit.
I'll update when I can.
I'll update when I can.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
4th Generation Radio
So I was cleaning Claire's room this morning and I found an ancient (like, 10 year old) Blue's Clues radio. Battery-operated and all. It plays four fabulous kidlet songs (featuring the Blue's Clues theme song). And it was Josh's... 10 years ago. And then it was Meghan's. And then it was Lauren's. And now it's Claire's. They've all loved that radio and it makes me giggle that Claire loves it too.
And then I found those 4th generation Children's Place elastic-waist size 6-month carpenter jeans and we won't talk about the tears that came to my eyes when I realized Claire can wear them now too. My babies are growing up.
Which means I'm old. LOL
And then I found those 4th generation Children's Place elastic-waist size 6-month carpenter jeans and we won't talk about the tears that came to my eyes when I realized Claire can wear them now too. My babies are growing up.
Which means I'm old. LOL
Friday, July 23, 2010
Happenings...
Our busy summer remains that... busy.
- The girls and I had a fun time in Chicago. I'm glad we found time to make the trip.
- This weekend is my dad's family reunion. It's technically on Saturday but lots of people camp the whole weekend. We're doing the weekend thing (and renting a cabin both nights). The kids are excited. Pray for no (or at least limited) rain please.
- Lauren turns four on Sunday. Princess Ballerina Baby is going to be in preschool this fall. Crazy how fast she's grown. :)
- Claire's next appointment in Ann Arbor is August 20. She has to get blood drawn in the next week or so. Keep her in your prayers. Hopefully this is the last A2 trip she needs.
- Josh's MEAP scores were finally mailed to us (after I complained and calling higher-ups on the Board of Ed). He scored as advanced in both math and reading, the only things they test in 4th grade. His math score is the same as last year but he improved in reading. I'm so proud of him.
- Josh had his adenoids out this week. He's fine and he recovered well. We already see a difference in his lack of runny nose and he says he feels and hears a difference when he drinks. Hopefully it helps him overall.
That's about it for now, I think. I hope all is well with all of you!
Deanna
- The girls and I had a fun time in Chicago. I'm glad we found time to make the trip.
- This weekend is my dad's family reunion. It's technically on Saturday but lots of people camp the whole weekend. We're doing the weekend thing (and renting a cabin both nights). The kids are excited. Pray for no (or at least limited) rain please.
- Lauren turns four on Sunday. Princess Ballerina Baby is going to be in preschool this fall. Crazy how fast she's grown. :)
- Claire's next appointment in Ann Arbor is August 20. She has to get blood drawn in the next week or so. Keep her in your prayers. Hopefully this is the last A2 trip she needs.
- Josh's MEAP scores were finally mailed to us (after I complained and calling higher-ups on the Board of Ed). He scored as advanced in both math and reading, the only things they test in 4th grade. His math score is the same as last year but he improved in reading. I'm so proud of him.
- Josh had his adenoids out this week. He's fine and he recovered well. We already see a difference in his lack of runny nose and he says he feels and hears a difference when he drinks. Hopefully it helps him overall.
That's about it for now, I think. I hope all is well with all of you!
Deanna
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Long time, no post
Things have been busy lately and I haven't posted in a while. Brian and I have known since April that July was going to be crazy. Well, July is here and it has lived up to our expectations.
- Meghan is now seven years old. I don't know where time has gone, but she is growing up. We she celebrated with a gymnastics party with her friends, a play date at the spray park, Pizza Hut lunch, fun at Grandma and Papa's with her friend and lots of fireworks.
- Claire is now crawling. And pulling herself up on stuff. And eating real food (yet has no teeth). She is growing up way too fast as well. She's no longer satisfied in her Exersaucer... she wants to explore the world (and grab and eat everything in it).
- Lauren is about to turn four. And start preschool in the fall. Oy... time flies.
- Josh is enjoying summer. And playing lots of video games. And having friends over. Life's been good for him.
- Brian and I went to Cleveland last weekend for my job. It was a whirlwind, quick trip. We went without the kids (and were without Claire overnight for the first time ever). We had a good time.
- We girls are headed to Chicago this coming weekend. It's a girls' trip with Mimi, Aunt Beth, Allison, Meghan, Lauren, Claire and me. It's going to be fun. Lunch at the American Girl store, birthday shopping and whatever other fun we can fit in. The boys are going to stay home, golf with Pipi and see what other trouble they can get into while fending for themselves. :)
- Josh is having his adenoids taken out next week. He's worried but I know he'll be fine. It should help him in a few ways and I'm looking forward to the positive changes he'll have.
That's about it for now. Brian has been getting to DC fast and I'm barely on the road. Life's been too busy. But I'm stubborn and therefore I won't let myself fail at this. For that, I'm grateful. I need to be healthier and lose weight!
We hope your summer is as fun but not as busy as ours has been... :)
Deanna and fam
- Meghan is now seven years old. I don't know where time has gone, but she is growing up. We she celebrated with a gymnastics party with her friends, a play date at the spray park, Pizza Hut lunch, fun at Grandma and Papa's with her friend and lots of fireworks.
- Claire is now crawling. And pulling herself up on stuff. And eating real food (yet has no teeth). She is growing up way too fast as well. She's no longer satisfied in her Exersaucer... she wants to explore the world (and grab and eat everything in it).
- Lauren is about to turn four. And start preschool in the fall. Oy... time flies.
- Josh is enjoying summer. And playing lots of video games. And having friends over. Life's been good for him.
- Brian and I went to Cleveland last weekend for my job. It was a whirlwind, quick trip. We went without the kids (and were without Claire overnight for the first time ever). We had a good time.
- We girls are headed to Chicago this coming weekend. It's a girls' trip with Mimi, Aunt Beth, Allison, Meghan, Lauren, Claire and me. It's going to be fun. Lunch at the American Girl store, birthday shopping and whatever other fun we can fit in. The boys are going to stay home, golf with Pipi and see what other trouble they can get into while fending for themselves. :)
- Josh is having his adenoids taken out next week. He's worried but I know he'll be fine. It should help him in a few ways and I'm looking forward to the positive changes he'll have.
That's about it for now. Brian has been getting to DC fast and I'm barely on the road. Life's been too busy. But I'm stubborn and therefore I won't let myself fail at this. For that, I'm grateful. I need to be healthier and lose weight!
We hope your summer is as fun but not as busy as ours has been... :)
Deanna and fam
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Biking to Washington, D.C.
Our friend Tina is walking from Saginaw to Chicago and back. You can learn more about her plan here: http://walshtina.blogspot.com/
She's inspired us.
Brian and I both want to be healthier, lose weight and get in better shape. So we've decided to bike to Washington, D.C. Brian's goal is one-way, mine is round trip. We plan to accomplish this by March 28, 2011, which is when we hope to leave Midland to spend Spring Break in D.C.
It's 636.5 miles each way. So round trip is 1273 miles. We have 274 days to do this. Brian's goal is 2.3 miles per day and mine is 4.6.
Wish us luck, and watch the trackers on the left to follow our progress!
She's inspired us.
Brian and I both want to be healthier, lose weight and get in better shape. So we've decided to bike to Washington, D.C. Brian's goal is one-way, mine is round trip. We plan to accomplish this by March 28, 2011, which is when we hope to leave Midland to spend Spring Break in D.C.
It's 636.5 miles each way. So round trip is 1273 miles. We have 274 days to do this. Brian's goal is 2.3 miles per day and mine is 4.6.
Wish us luck, and watch the trackers on the left to follow our progress!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Auditions for The Sound of Music
I went to my auditions for the Sound of Music. When I got there, I had to put on a little name tag that had the numbers 31. I went into the downstairs audition room and we got to sing a song. I sang "Doe a Deer". And we had to stop when a man started clapping and other people were clapping. Then it was like two and a half hours. We went into another room to practice dancing. Then we went back into the first room and read with other people. I read with another Meghan. And then when we were done we had kitty and plant duty at Patti's house. And then we went home.
I had fun and I hope I get to be in the show. But if I don't it's okay. I get to watch it because I already got a ticket for me.
Princess Meghan (who might be in The Sound of Music)
I had fun and I hope I get to be in the show. But if I don't it's okay. I get to watch it because I already got a ticket for me.
Princess Meghan (who might be in The Sound of Music)
School's Out (by Josh)
School's out and we are busy doing a lot of stuff now. For example, we are going to my grandma and grandpa's today and doing it for Father's Day. I'm going golfing with my uncle and my grandpa and my dad.
Looking forward to a fun summer!
PTJ (the handsome golfer)
Looking forward to a fun summer!
PTJ (the handsome golfer)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Prayers, Please
Brian's mom is in the hospital (has been most of the week) with pretty serious heart issues. They haven't "fixed" the issues yet but are trying. They say she may be able to come home today or this weekend but it's not because she's "better". She's looking at the possibility of having to get a pacemaker. We know that's not the end of the world but she's really worried about it.
So please keep Brian's mom in your prayers.
Thanks.
So please keep Brian's mom in your prayers.
Thanks.
Tigers
The Tigers lost their game last night. It was a tough one; one that shows you just how much one bad inning can change the outcome of a game.
It has been a fantastic season though. I'm so proud of Josh. His coach told him that he's one of the most improved players on the team this year. He has given it his all and done great.
It has been a fantastic season though. I'm so proud of Josh. His coach told him that he's one of the most improved players on the team this year. He has given it his all and done great.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
City Tournament Championship Game!
Guess whose baseball team made it to the championship game of the city baseball tournament? Yup... Josh's! They have played some of their best ball this week and made it through the first two rounds of this single elimination tournament And tonight's the championship game. GOOOOO TIGERS!!! And as Lauren would say... "Do your best!"
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Entertainment provided by Lauren
Make sure your sound is on for this! And check out the bouncing baby.
Relay Recap
Thank you to all of you who supported our Relay for Life team and effort. We appreciate the donations, the company that day and the prayers. I bet most of you didn't know that our family even had a donation from a dear friend in Spain! :)
Claire, her new friend Rosalie (who is five days younger than Claire) and Chloe
Josh and Meghan coming out of the bouncy obstacle course
Lauren's turn
The girls with their grandmas
The men and their kids doing a lap
Claire, her new friend Rosalie (who is five days younger than Claire) and Chloe
Josh and Meghan coming out of the bouncy obstacle course
Lauren's turn
The girls with their grandmas
The men and their kids doing a lap
Sorry about the videos being sideways. You'll just have to turn your head to enjoy. :)
Grandma and Meghan particpated in the hula hoop contest. Grandma won it all but Meghan did a fantastic job!
Fun on a lap
Dancing on the track
Thanks again to everyone!
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