Wow - a lot can happen in just a few weeks! We've had our challenges, but also lots of fun - and we've survived!
First, let me thank everyone for their prayers, as they at least partially worked. I was able to drive part of the trip to my parents a few weeks ago, and only spent half the trip in the back seat with the boys. Anyway...
We had a great visit that weekend at my parents. The boys met Gaylan Thiel for the first time (she's stopped by to see them, but we always seem to be gone), and visited with Gaylan's daughter Rachael as well.
We shared some tapioca pudding with the boys, and they seemed to like it.
We went to 4:00 church, and afterward we visited with Great-Grandma Emmie and Pete for a while. Gram couldn't believe how big the boys had gotten, and how they crawl and sit up - boy, she should see them now!
Sunday, we had a chance to see Lyn, RJ, Lylah, and Knox for a bit before we had to head back to Cincy.
The trip back wasn't too bad, as we stopped in Fort Recovery to see Grandma Hart and to feed the boys. It was a productive stop, as Seth brought out all sorts of toys the boys loved, which gave us lots of ideas for Christmas and birthday gifts!
Monday morning, the boys and I had to say goodbye to Brian, as he headed off to New York for work. It was very late on Tuesday night (actually, 12:40 Wednesday morning) when he arrived safely back home. Handling two active little boys on my own is very trying, so a special thanks to Uncle Aaron for coming and helping to feed the boys their fruit and cereal before bedtime, and helping out with baths. I hope the boys didn't stress you out too bad!
Wednesday evening of that week, Brian went and picked up Grandma Hart. She had an appt. with her surgeon. It was a great appointment, as she doesn't have to go back and see Dr. Starns again unless she is having difficulty swallowing. She'll still need to follow-up from time to time with Dr. Girard (her cancer doctor), just to keep an eye on things.
Grandma Hart was with us Thursday night as well, and although she isn't strong enough to get down and play with the boys, she enjoyed getting to see them and all their tricks. Brian took her back on Friday. So, it was an exhausting week for me to say the least, as Brian was often gone during feeding time.
Saturday, Brian headed off to the Red's game, so the boys and I went shopping with my friend Jennie. We got a few little decorations for Christmas, and LOVED the Mediteranean restaurant where we had lunch. Jennie's mom joined us too, and it was so great to see Debbie! After lunch, the boys and I went to visit Stony at Uncle Aarons. I hadn't seen him since he moved over a year ago. I think he's still having a hard time believing I have 2 kids now, but it was so nice to see him and visit, even if it was only for a short time. All in all, Saturday was a great day!
Sunday was our usual trip to church, then a quick shopping trip to get winter coats, hats, and gloves for the boys. Two kids gets pretty expensive when the seasons and their size changes!
Sunday night, Jackson and the kitchen chair had their first go round - and the chair won. The boys are pulling themselves up on everything, and the kitchen chairs fascinate the boys. However, they aren't heavy enough (evidently), and topple if the boys are on the wrong side. Check out the gallery for pictures (week 36 - he has a little cut over his right eye)! Thankfully, he had his helmet on, or it could have been much worse.
Last week the ups and downs continued.
Monday evening I came down with a stomach bug, and was home sick from work on Tuesday. Thankfully, no one else has gotten it! Since I wasn't feeling well, Brian was in charge of dinner Tuesday night. He made Velvetta shells and cheese, so we let the boys try it. They both loved them!
That night (October 5) was the first that we've seen Jackson pick up the puffs and put them in his mouth. I think he was able to do it before then, but he would holler, and I would give in and put them in his mouth. Now, we can't get the puffs to stay on either of the boys trays for very long!
Wednesday night we watched the Red's in their first playoff game. Not quite the result we were hoping for, but the stuffed shells I made that night were delicious! Thursday night I made enchiladas, and Lincoln tried a few bites. He seemed to like it, but was more interested in playing.
Friday night, all 4 of us went to Meijer grocery shopping after work. It was definitely cheaper when the boys and I went shopping without Brian, but we picked up quite a few things that were needed for some home maintenance. After the grocery trip, we hurried home to watch the 2nd playoff game for the Red's. We were hopeful at first when the Redlegs had a 4 run lead, but that quickly dwindled, and again, not the result of the game we were hoping for.
Saturday we had a great day spending time together as a family.
We loaded the boys in the truck, and finally headed up to the new outlet mall in Monroe. We were hoping to find clothes for ourselves and for the boys, but I was the only one lucky enough to find much. A few more shirts and sweaters and I should be set for winter! As for the boys...guess it's time to head back to Once Upon a Child and see what they have.
Satruday afternoon, the boys had some of Mawma's home canned sweet potatoes - and they LOVED them! Saturday evening brought more table food trial as I shared my roasted potatoes and carrots that I had cooked with a turkey breast with each of them. I was surprised that Lincoln ate the carrots, as he hates the baby food carrots. However, both the boys ate quite a few potatoes and carrots!
Sunday morning we actually made it to 9:00 church - which anymore, is quite the accomplishment for us! After church, we went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast - and the boys first taste of pancakes! Although they weren't too sure of them at first, they warmed up to them once we made sure they were soaked good in maple syrup. :-)
The rest of the afternoon was time at home preparing for the week ahead. Brian did some more yard work (he worked outside some Saturday afternoon as well), and I tended to washing bottles, doing dishes, laundry, and making dinner (homemade Turkey and rice soup). After the long weekend, the boys were very tired, and went to bed just shortly after 8:00 when the Red's game started. (Again, another loss, so the playoff excitement in Cincy is over).
Hopefully this week will be a bit calmer, yet productive. We still have some projects around home to tend too (putting the safety latches on cabinets, hiding as many cords as we can from the boys, etc.), and we hope to continue introducing the boys to more table food so that we can start weening them off baby food. I also need to get back to picking out pictures to print and share with the grandparents, and we need to work on getting some more Christmas shopping done as well. Friday is another therapy appointment for Jackson, so we'll send another update later in the week.
Hope everyone is healthy, happy and well. Happy Autumn!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
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