We have been LOVING these unseasonably cool July weather! We have been able to be outside alot withOUT sweat rolling down our backs! We are preparing to take another trip to Rogersville but have been busy with house stuff...you know you are building a house when your two and a half year olds know the stores "Home Depot", "Lowes", and "Menards." : ) And not only know the names but also know what type/color of cart each one has. Home Depot's is orange, Menard's is yellow, and Lowe's is blue. Haha! The good part is that it means our house is getting closer to being done...we are hoping to be in it by the end of August.
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| They really have been good shoppers! |
The boys were in their 3rd annual 4th of July parade! We had so much fun! Their favorite fireworks were the snappers, sparklers, and a little tank firework which Daddy and Papa tried out in the pool : ) Only men would think of that!
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| We chose tricycles this year : ) The boys needed a little help but stayed on their bikes the whole way. |
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| Our crew was a little down in numbers due to the arrival of Ms. Ellie : ) We are anxious for her to make her parade debut next year! |
Since the parade, Carson has mastered his tricycle (he can ride the bigger bike but prefers the trike) and Kellen flies on his bike (with training wheels). We continue to make our rounds at the parks, playgrounds, and the new house. Playing in dirt, water, and whatever else we can find! The boys are more and more fun and I LOVE listening to them talk to each other "Darken [Carson] come here", "Love you Kellen", etc. Recently, Kellen came out of the bathroom after going pee and Carson said "Good job Kellen," which Kellen responded with "High five..." with his hand up waiting for Carson to give him a high five : ) Kellen also is a good cheerleader for Carson, whether it is Carson riding his bigger bike or when Carson does successfully go pee in the potty. What fun! But don't get me wrong, we also have the "Stop throwing rocks at Carson" and "Carson, just leave Kellen alone...go play in the other room". So much like normal little boys: )
Like I've said, 'normal' is a word I LOVE to hear...but as much as I love to think I have two 'normal' boys, there are a lot of things that we have to think twice about due to Carson's trach or pack lots of extra stuff or things Carson simply can't do or the fact that it is still common for me to have to clean up puke because Carson gagged on something or something just didn't set right (like at the restaurant this last week). Ugh! But THIS is our normal and I try really hard to focus on the positives because there really are SO many things to be thankful for AND things are getting easier AND I don't have to clean up puke near as much as I used to : ) : ) : ) PERSPECTIVE is huge! We may have to take a 'puke cup' with us, just in case, but at least it is a 'puke cup' and not a 'puke BOWL' and this time last year, it was a good day if Carson took a few TASTES of baby food. Now, he is having bites of hot dogs, bananas, apples, mac & cheese, turkey, etc. AND he loves anything chocolate! It may not be a full meal BUT it is real food!! He is eating and he CAN eat. He is only getting 12 ounces of formula through his Gtube as compared to 30 ounces 8 months ago! So, thank you to all of you who have continued to take interest in our lives and continued to lift Carson up in your prayers! MIRACLES do happen!
Here a few more pictures over the past month!
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| Our trip to see Ellie when she was about 2.5 weeks old! The boys were SO excited! |
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| Carson's turn...they both 'practiced' at home with their baby before going to Arkansas : ) |
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| Completely taken with their new little cousin! (Aren't we all...look at Nana : ) |
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| The boys loved that Ellie would hold their finger in her hand! |
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| How cute is this! A trip to Walmart with Mimi and Mer-mer! |
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| Snack time on the deck! |
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| Carson's 'stage'...looks alot like a horse bit but he likes to use the guitar stand as his mic! |
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| Picnic lunch on Mimi and Papa's new patio furniture : ) |
