A Super Hero Turns Seven

Baby Alex

Handsome first grade boy!

On December 26th, 2004 Jacob and I were at his parents' house for Christmas.  We exchanged gifts with his family, ate a lot of junk food, and watched Dodgeball.  The next morning we got up ridiculously early and went to the hospital to induce labor.  It was our first child and we didn't really know what to expect.  Sure we had gone to the birthing classes and all that fun stuff,  but even still, we were embarking on a whole new world.

After inducing labor the doctor discovered that Alex's head was shoved all the way back and stuck under my pelvis.  He told us what was going on and said, "I would recommend doing a C-Section otherwise there is a good chance his neck will be broken in the birthing process.  Would you be okay with doing a C-Section?" This question struck me as funny--if my child's neck could be broken then why wouldn't I be okay with a C-Section?

So, we went into the OR and had a C-Section.  Alex was born at 10:16 am on December 27, 2004.  He was perfect and very observant. He would just stare at Jacob as if he was sizing him up. One night while we were still in the hospital we noticed that Alex had stopped breathing and was turning blue.  Jacob ran down the hall and loudly announced to the nurses that our baby wasn't breathing and was blue.  Three nurses rushed in, said nothing, grabbed Alex and hurried him out of the room.  The next few minutes seemed to take forever.  We didn't know what was going on or if Alex was okay.  Finally, after what seemed like hours, a nurse brought Alex back to us.  She told us that they had to hook him up to a machine and clean out his airway--she then showed Jacob how to do it if this issue ever came up again.  We ended up staying at the hospital 4 days because of all of Alex's issues--many of these issues he still struggles with today.  His life is filled with occupational therapy, speech therapy, and doctors appointments. He rarely complains and is always ready to try his best no matter what the situation may be.  He has taught us so much about persistence and staying positive.

I can't imagine a world without this amazing little boy in it.

One Month Old

I should have posted this yesterday--now I'm a day behind.  Better late than never, right? Yesterday marked one month since Kaitlyn came into our lives. I can't believe it has already been a month since we went to the hospital to bring her into the world.

She is doing a lot--she smiles quite a bit (especially at her brothers).  She has been rolling from her tummy to her back for a couple of weeks now and this week she rolled from her back to her tummy for the first time. Alex and Logan don't understand why Kaitlyn doesn't play with her toys and it really bothers Logan that Kaitlyn can't eat food.  Ha. We keep telling them that she will be doing all of these things before we know it.
She is a sweet baby who likes to cuddle and is very vocal when she is unhappy.  LOL  We look forward to watching her grow and experiencing all these firsts with her!

Dropping Like Flies

Saturday night Jacob and I were watching a movie when we heard Alex jump out of his bed and hurry to the bathroom.  A second later we heard him vomiting.
And so began the beginning of pukefest 2011 in our house.

Alex had a fever and couldn't keep anything down--Jacob and I began using Lysol, hand sanitizer, and scrubbing with soap like crazy.  My hands are dry, red, raw, an cracked from constantly washing them and trying to keep the germs at bay. Alex was sick all day Sunday and Monday. We tried to keep Logan away from him (which, if you know my two boys, you know that is a hard thing to do). Yesterday Logan came to me and said his tummy hurt.  "Oh, no!" I thought.  He laid down for about 5 minutes then said he felt fine and was hungry.  He had Spaghettios for lunch and I suggested he try some crackers just in case.  A little while later he told me again that his tummy hurt so I made him lay down in his bed--where he fell asleep.  He slept for about an hour and then I heard him crying. I went in his room and the smell hit me in the face the instant I stepped in--then, I saw just how bad it was . . . or so I thought.  It was all over Logan's face, his clothes, his bed, and the floor. The funny thing about being a mom, at least for me, is that I can be totally grossed out when some one vomits, but when its my kids I just want to clean them up and make them feel better.  Yes, it grosses me out but not to the point that I can't help my kids and tell them its okay while I'm cleaning them up (and everything around them). I pulled all of Logan's bedding and stuffed animals off his bed and washed them.  I gave Logan a bath and sprayed down his mattress and cleaned the floor.  I went in to put clean bedding on his bed and that is when I saw it. There was vomit on the wall and vomit on the underside of Alex's bed (Logan sleeps on the bottom bunk).  I stood there for a minute and looked at it in hopes that maybe, just maybe it was my imagination.  Nope. Feeling just a tad overwhelmed I had a quick, "This is so disgusting and I'm sick of it" cry and then cleaned it up and put Logan back in his bed. I set a trash can beside his bed and told him to use it if he didn't think he could make it to the bathroom.

Keeping Logan away from Kaitlyn has been a new challenge as well. He adores her and wants to check on her, kiss her, touch her and I won't even let him 5 feet from her.  It hurts his feelings but he says he understands.

Alex is feeling better today and now Jacob is sick.  *sigh*  I can honestly say I'm ready for this week to be over.

Update on Astley Kids!

Logan wearing the crown he made at school today.  He was very proud of it.

My big 1st grade boy.  He has come home from school every day for the past week with at least 2 spots (they get a spot for good behavior).  Today he also brought home a Happy Note from music class for good behavior.  I told him we were proud of him and he said, "Why?  Its not that hard to be nice."  Ha.

Kaitlyn--she will be a month old next week.  I can't believe it.  I know it flies by--I can't believe Alex is going to be 7 in a matter of days.

It has been interesting adjusting to having three children instead of two.  Everyone told me that its harder to go from one child to two than to go from two to three.  When we went from one child to two Alex was 15 months old so we had two babies at once. In that sense adding Kaitlyn to the mix is easier in that Alex and Logan are older and love to help with her.  They are more independent and don't need constant attention like Kaitlyn does. In other ways it is harder because we have homework, reading, therapies and a number of other things we have to do every day/week and adding Kaitlyn to the mix makes all of that a little more challenging.  I am happy to announce that the boys were on time for school every day this week (it was my first week to do it all with no help) and we were only 5 minutes late to speech this morning before school.

We discovered this afternoon that Logan had gone to school with a Jacob sock in his coat.  He apparently wore the sock in his coat all day and didn't realize it--although he said he did fell something weird in his coat today.

I am looking forward to Christmas break--two weeks without having to rush around every day or work on homework. Every December I make sugar cookies with my boys for Santa and we watch Christmas movies together.  I am looking forward to doing these things with them this year as well. Things are busier than usual, but I still plan to make time to do all these things with the boys--one day they'll be too big and won't be interested in doing them with me so I plan to enjoy it while I can!

Busy and Blessed

The heading on my blog says, "Blog of a Super Mom."  I didn't put that there--my best friend did. Apparently she thinks I am a super mom (or have the potential to be a super mom) or I don't think she would have put that.  Every time I come to my blog to update it or just look at it I see that heading and it makes me smile.  The one thing I want to be in this life is a good mom.  I want my children to come first and I want to do all I can to give them all they need and keep them healthy and happy.  THAT is my job and its one I take very seriously.

We are usually pretty busy but the busyness factor has been increased a few notches recently. Going from two children to three children didn't really add a lot of stress, but it did make us busier.  We are all trying to get used to new routines and I have less free time than I once did--we wouldn't trade it for the world though.  The boys have been awesome!   They think Kaitlyn is the best thing in the world and they are so helpful with her.
We are getting ready for Christmas, working on Alex's birthday party, trying to find a pediatrician for all three of our children in the Edmond area, Kaitlyn has to have an ultrasound to check her kidneys, and Alex will have surgery in just a matter of weeks.

There is a lot going on and we are very thankful for all the encouragement, help, and support we have received from family and friends--help with Kaitlyn, friends bringing us breakfast and coffee, friends offering to help after Alex's surgery.  We are very blessed and I thank God for each and every one of you!

Christmastime is Here!

What did we do before we had children?  Last night we loaded up all three kiddos in the van and drove around looking at Christmas lights.  Kaitlyn slept through it all, of course, but the boys LOVED it.  I enjoyed their reactions.  "There's some!  Look, there's some more!  Look at those!"  They really enjoyed it, which makes Jacob and me enjoy it.  I remember going and looking at Christmas lights when I was little. Its one of those special things you only get to do around Christmas time--part of the magic of Christmas that children love.  I'm so glad we are able to share these things with our children. We grabbed McDonald's on the way home and let the boys stay up a little late.  I can't believe its already Christmas.  We have gifts to make,  gifts to buy, cookies to bake, parties, and numerous other activities going on.  Its nice to stop and enjoy doing things with your children and try to see the magic through their eyes.  I love this time of year and can't wait to do more fun things with them!

Kaitlyn snuggling with Jacob

The boys enjoying their McDonald's Happy Meals after looking at Christmas lights.  It was a fun evening!

Kaitlyn bundled up to take Alex to speech at Sensational Kids.

Thankful

It is Thanksgiving day.  Kaitlyn is a little over a week old and we didn't want to drag her out to be passed around by people.  Her pediatrician even told us that we should try to keep her away from groups of people until spring because there are too many illnesses going around right now.  Everyone has been understanding about it because Kaitlyn is so little.  We decided to let the boys go with Jacob's parents to Thanksgiving with the Astleys and then meet my parents so the boys could do Thanksgiving dinner with the Pearsons.  The boys are supposed to stay with my parents until Sunday.  The boys have stayed with their grandparents many times before and I have been fine with it--but today, it took a lot of effort to not just call everyone and cancel.  Sunday seems so far away and I missed them the second they walked out the door.  I found myself crying after they left--which is something I haven't done before.

We had Kaitlyn and I didn't get to see the boys much while I was in the hospital.  One night my friend, Sunshine, had the boys and she called and said they missed me and wanted to talk to me. I missed them too and hearing their little voices made me miss them more.  When I  got off the phone with them, I cried.  Poor Jacob has had to put up with a lot.  We got home from the hospital on a Wednesday night, the boys had school the next couple of days and then went to stay with their grandparents.  Having them leave again so soon after being gone (and knowing they will be gone for 3 or 4 days) wasn't something I was looking forward to this morning.

Having the boys gone so much and not getting to spend as much time with them as I am used to has really made me appreciate all the things I get to do with them and all the time I get to spend with them. I am thankful for that time!

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and being thankful I would like to say that I'm not only thankful for my three beautiful kiddos, but also for a husband who is understanding, encouraging, and puts up with me being emotional a lot lately.  I don't know what I would do without any of them.

Now We Are Five

It has been a big week in the Astley house.  We went from a family of four to a family of five.  It is funny how slowly pregnancy seemed to DRAG by and then BOOM . . . baby is here. Kaitlyn came into our lives on November 14th, wrapped her little fingers around Jacob's thumb, and has had our hearts ever since.

We will have plenty of stories to tell about the day Kaitlyn came into our lives.  We had to be at the hospital at 5:30 for a C-Section scheduled at 7:30.  7:30 came and the nurses had me ready to go--they were ready to go--and they kept coming in the room and saying,  "We're still waiting on the doctor."  The doctor finally showed up 30 minutes late and apologized--informing us that he had forgotten.  Let me just say that Jacob was more than a little angry.  

We finally went back to the OR to have the C-Section and the doctor told me that every time he hears my last name he thinks of Rick Astley.  The doctor then started singing, "Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down . . . " Everyone else in the OR started singing with him.  Ever have a moment where you wonder if you're living in a sitcom?  Yup--this was that moment for me!  Jacob was finally led to the OR and we began.  I laid there, thankful for all the drugs, while Jacob rubbed my head and held my hand.  Eventually, we heard some one say, "Wow!  Look at all that hair!"  Then, the doctor said, "Happy birthday, little one," and we heard Kaitlyn cry for the very first time.  She continued to cry and scream for about 30 minutes and I thought, "Oh no!  She's going to be a screamer!"  I figured she would NOT be an easy baby to take care of with all the screaming she was doing.  

She proved me wrong! She only cries if she is hungry or poopy and will just sit and stare at you--we have even gotten a few smiles.  She will sleep for four hours at a time at night which seems like a good amount of time to me.  I'll take it!  LOL  Her big brothers adore her and I know that our family wasn't complete without her.  She is a sweet baby.  

Alex is always eager to help with anything Kaitlyn needs or I need (for Kaitlyn).  Logan is never far from Kaitlyn and constantly comes to check on her.  They have been great big brothers! It has been fun for Jacob and me to watch them react to their new sister and see them, especially Logan, fall into that roll of the big brother. 

I know we have many adventures ahead of us . . . I can't wait!

Fun-Filled Fall

The boys wearing their sweaters inside out for inside out shirt day at school.

There is a lot going on in our house--these two little guys keep us pretty busy.  Yesterday Logan's class went to Chitwood Park (known as the Rocket Park around here).  Logan ran around with his friends playing Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Bros.  Logan had a blast!

Friday they get to dress as rock stars for school.  This is challenging because we have to follow the school dress code--it gives Jacob and me a chance to be creative.  Ha. Yes, there will be pictures!  Friday evening is the fall carnival at the school.  We haven't decided if we are going to go to the carnival or take the boys to Story Book Forest.  It will be the only evening we can take them and they keep asking us when we're going.  It just isn't Halloween around here without going to Story Book Forest!  Saturday evening the boys are going to a costume party for their friend, Tristin. They are excited about that!  Sunday, my parents are coming up to bring the boys' Halloween goodies and then Monday evening we plan to order the Jack-O-Lantern pizza for dinner and Jacob is going to take the boys trick-or-treating with a little help from my cousin, Matt.  We are so thankful that he offered to take off work and go with Jacob to help with the boys--I just didn't know how much walking and trick-or-treating I would be able to do. We have parent/teacher conferences coming up, another baby shower next week, and then Nov. 14th is the day we will get to meet miss Kaitlyn.  The boys are excited about her--for now.  I don't know if this will change once we get her here and she is screaming and giving us dirty diapers.  Ha. The boys have been helpful--they help me with laundry and setting the table.  They help clean up and help make their beds--they even clean floors for me!  They can be rowdy and loud and there are days when I want to pull my hair out, but overall, I know I have been blessed with good boys.
I think they are two of the most amazing people I have ever known and I'm so glad that I get to be their mother.  I can't imagine life without either of them. Here's to many more years of fun and craziness with two awesome little guys!

Saving Humpty Dumpty

Last week Alex's class received a letter telling the students that Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and even the King's men couldn't figure out how to put the pieces of Humpty back together again. Each first grader was asked to build a container or contraption that would hold Humpty and keep him from breaking if he fell again.

Here is Alex (it was pajama day at school) holding the beginnings of his container for Humpty.

We did some research online before deciding what kind of container to make.  Most of the information we found stated that people who had made a container out of a tennis ball container or Prinkles container kept the egg from breaking.  We decided to try it. We kept two of the tennis balls in the container to add a little bit of weight to the bottom of the container.

It was a family project so we all helped. Logan held the container while Alex filled it with shaving cream.  It was a huge mess and the boys had a blast doing it!  LOL  Alex put as much shaving cream in the container as it would hold.  Then, he placed the egg (hard boiled) into the shaving cream padding and put on the lid.

Alex then held it over his head and dropped it--this was our first test.  The egg didn't crack so we tried it again with Alex standing on a chair.  It still didn't break.  We figured it was good to go so I asked Alex if he wanted to paint or decorate the container.

Jacob helping decorate the container.

Logan helped Alex paint the container--they had a lot of fun with this.

I didn't get a picture of the finished product, but it was ready for Alex to take to school on Friday.  He said they used a ladder and dropped the containers from the top of the ladder.  I asked how it went and he said, "Not good.  Mine broke."  I said, "I bet a lot of others broke too?"  He said, "Yeah, a lot of them broke.  It was fun, though."

We had a lot of fun making the container with Alex for his class. We didn't save Humpty Dumpty but Alex learned something and had a lot of fun in the process!

Never A Dull Moment!

Alex and Logan with their paintings for baby Arthur's room.

Things have been crazy here in the Astley house.  I wanted to share some pictures and share all the exciting stuff we have going on.  Before all the fun started the boys made some paintings as a gift.  A friend of mine had a baby a couple of months ago and instead of getting a baby gift she asked if Alex and Logan could paint something for Arthur's room.  I bought paints in the colors of his room and the boys made their own creations for him. it was a fun gift to make and it was nice to involve them--they really enjoyed it.

Then, the craziness started.  First the A/C messed up.  Our landlord came over and thought he had fixed it, but . . . nope.  He came back over and fixed it again . . . and it messed up again.  He finally figured out the problem and said it was a BIG job and gave us some window units.  He put one in our room and one in the baby's room (because the boys' room window is blocked by their arcade game).  So, the boys stayed in the baby's room.  We have a futon in there and a TV so they grabbed a few toys and moved to the baby's room for a few days.  Let me just say that they loved this.  It was like a mini adventure for them.

The boys playing in the baby's room.  We had to move stuff around to get the window units in so the room was kind of a mess, but they didn't mind.  They had a lot of fun and were very comfortable at night.

Playing a game on our bed the first day we got the window units--it was fairly warm in the rest of the house so we gathered on our king sized bed and enjoyed the cool air (and each other).

Jacob's car wouldn't start around the same time all of this started happening.  Our internet started acting up as well.  At first we were frustrated but after a while we just got used to it, I guess.  We were happy to have the window units.  They kept the house pretty comfortable and at night we all got to sleep in nice cool rooms with loud humming sounds.  I will actually miss the window units when they are gone.  Our landlord and his helper have been in our garage all day working on the A/C.  There has been drilling and banging so even thought I don't know what they're doing, I know they're doing something.  Ha. If they don't have it fixed today they should have it fixed tomorrow.  Now, we just wait.

Until our next adventure . . .

We Survived The First Week of School!

This week was the first full week of school.  It was Logan's first full week of being at school all day long, it was our first week of Alex's new therapies schedule, and we also had back-to-school night last night.  So, it was a rather busy week. We are all tired, Logan has been emotional this week, and the boys even brought home their first fundraiser booklets of the year.  I couldn't believe it when I pulled it out of their back packs--we've been in school six days and already have a fund raiser.  I was looking through the booklets and Alex said, "Mom, just put it in the trash."  I said, "What?" He said, "I remember it from last year.  I had to sell things, we had to pick up the stuff when it came in . . . " he rolled his eyes and said, "Its so boring."  I said, "But it gives money to your school."  He said, "Then why not just give them some money.  Why do we have to do this?"  (and he pointed to the booklet.)  Their reactions were so funny.  Logan even said, "I don't want to do it either.  You never get a big prize anyway."   We will try to sell a few things, but their attitudes about it really tickled me.

It has been so hot outside that they don't get to play on the playground every day.  The highlight of their days seems to be getting to play on the playground, which has only happened a couple of times.  Logan got to go to the school library today and that was a big deal to him. They both enjoy music class and P.E. and have told me they like doing art in their classroom more than any of the other work.

The boys both enjoy taking their lunch to school.  We have tried to encourage them to eat in the cafeteria from time to time, but they just aren't interested.  I remember taking my lunch every day when I was little so I can't say that I blame them.  They get to pick out one or two Lunchables a week to take in lunches once or twice a week.  We make little pigs in a blanket for them to take, Mac & cheese, sandwiches, wraps, Vienna Sausages with cheese sticks, pickles for Logan, fruit--lunches are fun because we can be creative and I KNOW they are going to eat lunch if I send something they like.  There are no guarantees that they will eat the cafeteria food and I would rather them eat and not be starving by the time I pick them up from school.

We haven't started homework yet--that will start next week.  Alex gets to have spelling tests every Friday so I know that will occupy a lot of our time. There is math homework, reading charts for both boys, and weekly homework as well.  Toss this in with Alex's therapies, doctor's appointments, oh, yeah, and throwing a baby into the mix in about 11 weeks and we will be one busy family.  Because of Alex's schedule the boys never want to try any extracurricular activities.We stay so busy at Sensational Kids and OU Childrens these days that the boys seem to cherish any down time they get to just play together or relax in front of the TV watching a show.

I think this is going to be a good school year.  I know it will be one we will not forget.

Another School Year

Today was the first day of school for the boys. Last night Logan was bouncing around the house excited about starting Kindergarten.  He would say, "I'm going to be in Kindergarten, mom."  Alex would sadly say, "I don't want to go to school."  Bedtime was interesting last night because Alex kept getting out of bed just to tell me he loved me and get one more hug. This is something Logan does, but not Alex. We could tell he was nervous and not looking forward to today.

This morning Alex woke up around 6:40.  He was quiet and requested his usual waffle (which he asks for every morning).  I  turned on the TV so he could watch cartoons for a bit and went into the kitchen to make his waffle. He went through his morning routine in a quiet, nearly depressed state.

At 7:15 I had to wake up Logan. He immediately jumped out of bed and said, ""I'm hungry!  I want cereal."  We have a lot of different types of cereal so I told him to pick one.  I opened the pantry door and he stood there and looked.  "Lucky Charms--no. Apple Jacks--no.  Fruity Pebbles--no.  Cocoa Puffs--no."  (How much kid cereal do we have?  LOL)  Finally I heard him say, "Trix!  YES!"  He brought it to me and I poured a bowl of cereal for him.  I heard him say, "I get to go to kindergarten today, big brother," to Alex.  Alex responded with a sigh and, "I know."

They finished breakfast and we got ready to go to school.  Logan kept trying to talk to Alex and Alex obviously didn't want to talk.  So, I told Logan to talk to me and let Alex look out the window.  We got to school and it was a madhouse.  Cars everywhere.  We ended up parking a couple of blocks from the school and walking.

As we walked Logan started saying, "My legs are getting tired."  I said, "Mine, too, buddy."  He said, "But my legs are shorter than yours."  I was carrying a paper sack full of Logan's school supplies--it wasn't the lightest thing in the world.  I said, "Well, at least you're not carrying school supplies," and Logan said, "And I'm not pregnant, right mom."  Alex laughed and I said, "yes, I'm VERY glad you're not pregnant, Logan."

We kept walking and eventually made it to the school. We took Alex first because I couldn't find the folders Logan was supposed to have and I had hoped that I had packed them in Alex's school supplies.  They weren't there so I guess I'll be making a trip to the store before Monday. We found Alex's desk and I told him goodbye, loved on him, and then said, "You will be great.  If you're nice, you listen, you follow the rules, and you try your best you are going to do just fine."  His voice was shaky and his eyes were full of tears.  He said, "Yes, mom."  My eyes started burning too and it was so hard to leave him.  I received a text later saying he was doing great.

I walked Logan to his classroom where he walked right in, started saying, "I have a spider-man back pack and lunch bag," and "look at my shoes, they light up."  He was more than fine. I asked to take his picture by his cubby and he said, "sure, mom, but I may not smile."  He didn't--instead he gave me the cutest, annoyed expression I have ever seen from this child.  He went and picked a book and Mrs. Cook said, "Logan, lets take a picture for mom."  (Logan has the same teacher Alex has had for the past two years so Logan knows her and Mrs. Cook knows Logan).  Logan sighed and rolled his eyes, set his book down, and refused to smile.  After I took the picture he said, "Are we done? I am a little busy."  I laughed--it was just so funny . . . and so Logan.  I kissed his head, hugged him, and told him I loved him and then I left.

I'm sure I will hear all kinds of stories when I pick them up in a bit.  I know it will be a good year!

Out-of-Our-Control Situations (Always Work Out in the End)

                              My little Thor and Captain America!

Our lives continue to be far from boring!  I honestly think this has made us appreciate all we have, though. Last week was stressful because of vehicle issues. I have learned we take our vehicles for granted. When one breaks to the point that its not worth fixing and you are stuck without a car while working on getting another vehicle--its not fun.  LOL   It all worked out, though--just like it always does.  We are now the proud owners of a mini van.  The boys love it.  I love it too.  There is so much room, you sit up higher than other vehicles, and it is just super nice.  We are all really happy with it. We were given an unbelievable deal on it and we feel its nicer than the vehicle we had.  We are also excited to have something with more space since baby #3 will arrive in a few months.

We called a company to come haul our old, dead car away.  We took Alex to a doctor's appointment yesterday and came home to find the car gone. A friend of mine was watching Logan and when we got home after picking him up Logan noticed the car was gone.  He said, "Carly is gone!" and started crying. He said, "I will miss Carly."  He cried for about 20 seconds and then moved on to something else.  LOL  It was a bit sad to come home and find the car gone.  We have this cool, spacious mini van now though--so it all worked out.

While at Alex's appointment yesterday we learned that he will need two surgeries within the next year.  One on his left shoulder and one on his right forearm. Jacob and I knew this news would come some day, but we thought Alex would be older.  We expected to go in yesterday and be told, once again, "we'll see you in 6 months." We trust the doctor and know he is doing what is in Alex's best interest to help with his growth, etc. We go back in three weeks and will schedule surgery at that time.

The drive home was a quiet one.  We all sat looking out the window--no one saying anything.  Finally, Jacob said, "It could be worse, I guess.  At least its not life threatening."  He is right. Surgeries are not something you want your children--especially small children--to go through, but Alex isn't sick--he is a healthy, happy 6-year-old boy.  For that, we are VERY thankful. Alex never complains--he is such an awesome kid.  We have always referred to him as "our trooper" because that is what he is.

Life is full of crazy things--things that are out of our control.  The Astleys are learning to find the positive in all of these "out-of-our-control" situations. And you know what . . . things always work out in the end!

Lovey Boys

Last night Jacob and I were watching TV in the living room before bed.  We heard pitter-patter down the hall and Logan appeared holding a Magnadoodle.  He smiled and said, "I drew an elephant eating peanuts for you guys."  He showed it to Jacob and then to me.  He set the Magnadoodle down beside me and said, "I'm going to leave it right here by you, mom, so you guys can look at it."  We hugged him and told him how good his elehpant was, thanked him for drawing it, and then sent him back to bed. 

A little while later Alex came out.  He said nothing. He just walked over to where I was on the couch, leaned down, and hugged me.  He stayed there for a long time.  When he pulled away from me I said, "Did you need something?"  He said, "No, I just wanted to hug you.  I love you, mom."  He told us good night and went back to bed.

The boys are getting so big--Alex especially.  They aren't as lovey as they were when they were little and that makes these little moments so much more special when they want to love on me.  I have two happy, healthy little boys who make me feel special and brighten my day--each and every day. 

Me? Crazy? Well . . . I AM Pregnant . . .

We have baby on the brain in the Astley house.  We are trying to get everything ready for her arrival in November.  We have four months, which seems like a long time, but it will be here before we know it.  In addition to all the baby craziness we have two little boys occupying our time, we are thinking about back-to-school shopping, and Jacob's job is keeping him busy.  As if this weren't enough, Jacob gets to come home to a pregnant woman--a pregnant woman in an 80 degree house (which is better than the 103-111 it has been outside). I understand why people write books about pregnant women and make them out to be crazy.  I will be the first to admit that I have moments where I am--yes, here it comes--crazy. I find myself thinking about the reactions I have to things and I have to laugh (at myself, of course).  One minute I'm freaking out because the baby's room is irritating me.  Yes, the baby's room.  I have all these plans in my head for how I want it, but there are times when I go in there and my stress level just automatically rises.  I look at it and feel grumpy because I think its going to be too crowded.  I start stomping around being grumpy and complaining.  Jacob listens and nods his head, knowing that anything he says can and WILL be used against him by this crazy woman he calls his wife. Two hours later I'm feeling less grumpy and thinking the baby room might (just maybe) work after all.

I have a doctor telling me I have gained too much weight (this happened while I was pregnant with Logan, as well) and I look in the mirror and hate what I see. Jacob keeps telling me, "You're pregnant!"  Well, I know that, but here is the thing--there are women out there who get pregnant and hardly gain an ounce.  They stay the same and only their bellies grow.  I look at these women through narrow (and annoyed) eyes and have to talk myself out of sticking my tongue out at them. Or, even holding them down and forcing them to eat a gallon of ice cream. I'm sure most pregnant women would tell you that temporary insanity is a common side effect of pregnancy.  Really. It is. I swear. I gave up my ice cream a couple of months ago and was STILL told I'm gaining too much weight. I may stick my tongue out at my doctor, too . . .

The reality is that we are excited about adding a little girl to our family. I feel her move--all the while smashing my bladder. The boys have come around and are now looking forward to having a baby sister.  They kiss my belly, rub it, and tell me they love "baby."  It is very sweet.  Logan tells me every day that I "look bee-oo-tiful."  That isn't what I see when I look in the mirror, but its nice to have those little boys to remind me that some things are more important than the things we get hung up on. Yes, I have gained weight, but once I have the baby I can focus on getting back down to my "normal" weight. Yes, the baby's room tends to stress me out, but in all honesty, it WILL come together and the truth is that the baby isn't going to care what the room looks like.  We can always change it as we go if we need to.

I'm sure I'll need to be reminded of all these things at some point when insanity strikes me again.  Until then . . .

Sugar Cookie Craziness!

The boys have been out of school for summer for a few weeks now (I've already lost count).  We have tried to keep them busy with different activities--one thing they have been asking to do for the past couple of weeks is make cookies. We finally got around to it this week.  My brother and his wife gave the boys a huge box of 100 different cookie cutters for Christmas a couple of years ago.  Every time we make cookies I tell them to each pick three cutters.  I still don't think we have used all 100.   They picked their cutters and we made cookies--there was flour everywhere!  Once they cooled the boys iced them and smothered them in a blanket of sprinkles.  It was a lot of fun. When they finished decorating  I told them they could each pick one cookie to eat--I, of course, was forced to eat one cookie that EACH of them had made. 

Here's to more fun summer activities with my sweet boys!

Animal Adventures

I'm not sure if anyone is still reading these blogs, but if you are I guess this one's for you!  LOL!

Jacob was on vacation last week.  We spent it running all over the place, trying to do fun things with the boys, and getting a few things done in the yard.  On Friday we set out for the zoo.  I quickly learned that I don't have the energy I did before I was pregnant, so we only lasted a couple of hours before I thought I was going to collapse.  The boys had a blast though.  We have taken them to the zoo many times before but for some reason they really seemed more "into it" this time.  Alex was interested in every little (and big) animal we came across.  It was fun just watching their reactions.  We were able to see the baby elephant, which the boys have been asking to see for weeks.  We also saw a baby chimp swinging and playing. We had a blast and got some great pictures so I thought I'd take a few minutes and share them with you!

The boys playing for a while before we headed off to see the animals!

Jacob was wearing his red Texas Rangers shirt so the boys wanted to wear theirs.  Logan's is exactly like Jacob's--which was cute!

The boys and me.  They're getting SO BIG!

Baby elephant!

Brothers--they like each other just a little bit.

Baby chimp playing--the boys really enjoyed watching it swing and climb all over the place.

This will more than likely be our last trip to the zoo before the baby is born.  I'm sure we will have other adventures in the near future--with two little boys how can you not??  I'll share those with you as soon as they happen!  Until then . . .

Fun Finds

The warmer weather has been a very welcome sight here.  We have grilled a few times, which is something we always enjoy, and we have planted flowers and vegetables.  We enjoy being outdoors and with school coming to an end the mother in me has started thinking about snacks and lunches for the boys while they are home with me.  One snack that I enjoy as much as the boys is Super Heroes Popsicles.  (Plus, I can eat two of these a day instead of the ice cream I was guzzling each day--LOL). 

Last summer the boys asked for these every time we went to the store.  Some one had given us a box of the "cheap" popsicles in plastic and I told the boys I wouldn't buy these until they finished the other ones. Needless to say, they never finished them.  The idea of popsicles was fun, but they weren't too excited about the cheap ones!

I was shopping this week while the boys were at school (which allows me time to think and decide what I want/need).  The boys have been asking for popsicles and I saw these in the freezer.  I noticed they are made with fruit juice (unlike the cheap-o ones) and they contain vitamin C.  SOLD!  They taste so much better than the cheap popsicles in plastic and the boys love them.  I like that they are actually GOOD For my boys.  We will go through these pretty quickly but they will be something that is consistently stocked in our freezer this summer.

Oh, I want to mention one other thing, too--for me, not the boys.

When I was a little girl my parents, grandparents, and of course, my brother and I went camping during the summer. We would go several times throughout the summer.  My dad had a boat and it was always a blast--its something I miss some days.   My mother would take us to the candy store before we left on our trip and we would pick out a TON of candy and snacks.  We loved it!  Pixie Stix, Twizzlers, Gum, Sodas, candy bars, and my mom always got a big bag of Jolly Ranchers.  I loved these things.  Well, I was at the store this morning and saw these big bags of Jolly Ranchers and the pregnant woman in me could not resist!  The candies are actually too big for the boys but I will probably go through this bag pretty quickly.  Ha.

These are my fun finds this week.  HA. 

Now, I'm off to make a Spinach Frittata for dinner.  What are YOU having for dinner?

End of School Craziness

The boys have two more weeks of school left.  We have the book fair this week, Alex's Kindergarten Promotion next week, and a ton of other events and activities in between.  We have been staying busy for the most part and the boys are excited to know that summer is right around the corner. 

Last week Alex missed Thursday and Friday of school because he had (are you ready?) pink eye (gasp!).  I took him to the doctor and got some eye drops and ointment to put in it--he's good as new now.  Our allergies and sinuses have been crazy lately, as well.  I feel like every time I go to the store I have to buy more tissues and allergy medication. 

They redid our street last week and I am happy to report that they finished it today.  They would block the driveway and I would have to ask them to move so I could take the boys to school or pick them up.  My two boys would watch as they worked with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths and cuss in casual conversation as they shoveled black top down the street.  I can honestly say that even though the boys liked the trucks and "mighty machines" as Logan calls them, I am not sad to see them go!

So, here are some pictures of the boys from the last week or so.

  Pink Eye the Pirate!!  Aaaarrrggg!!  Alex had just brushed his teeth for bed.  He has ointment in his eyes (which look MUCH better by this point) for pink eye and he put the bandana from his pirate costume on and asked if he could sleep in it.  I started laughing and said, "You're Pink Eye the Pirate."  Logan laughed and said, "You'll scare the other pirates away with your yucky eye."  They both started laughing.  Aww, boys . . .

Jacob and I got a King Sized bed a couple of weeks ago.  We really like it.  Logan has started coming in and crawling in bed with us.  During the week I walk him back to his bed and tuck him in, but on the weekend we will let him crawl in bed with us.  Here he is one morning asleep in our bed. 

Rewind to April 26th ;)

April 26th was Logan's 5th birthday.  Between being busy and not feeling well I never got around to posting pictures or a blog about my sweet little boy and his special day.  So, I'm doing it now!

Logan on his birthday.  He had a little party at school and took some chocolate chip cupcakes to share with his classmates.  Here he is ready to take his treats to school!

Logan after school.  He got to be the line leader, take show and tell, and his teacher gave him a birthday crown (which he wore all day).  He had a really good day.  There were 4 cupcakes left and his teacher told me Logan asked if he could take them home.  He said, "There are enough for our family to have some for my birthday."  So, after dinner that night we all enjoyed a little chocolate chip cupcake for Logan's birthday.  His party is in a week, but I wanted to take a few minutes to share about his actual birthday.  I can't believe he is already 5!  Time has just flown by! 

Happy Birthday, Logan!

Childrens Safety Village

Today was THE big field trip for all the kindergarteners at my boys' school.  The children were so excited about going on a field trip.  For many this was actually their first field trip.  Alex rode a bus for the first time today with his entire class and loved it.  My boys had a blast at the Childrens Safety Village and I could tell the other children were enjoying themselves as well.  The children learned about fire safety, helmet safety, car safety, railroad crossing safety, water safety, and street and bus safety.  The men who spoke to the children did a great job of making the experience fun.  At one point a fire fighter talked about life jackets and explained that you can't just use any life jacket.  He asked a boy to come up to the front and put an adult XL life jacket on the boy.  He talked about deep water and said, "Let's pretend he jumps in the deep water in this life jacket."  He asked the boy to lift up his arms and he pulled the life jacket off the boy and held it over his head.  He said, "Now the life jacket is floating on top of the water and what happened to the boy?"  Several children shouted, "He drowned."  The parents laughed because it is funny how literal children can be.  The fire fighter laughed and said, "I hope he doesn't drown!" 

It was cold and wet--"soggy" as Logan called it--but it was fun.  I am glad I was able to experience this with my boys and some of the wonderful moms I have met.  I wanted to share some pictures with you all from our "adventure" (as Logan called it). 

A fire fighter putting on his gear and explaining to the children that they should NOT be afraid of fire fighters when they come to help.

Water safety at the pond in the Childrens Safety Village

All the buildings are children sized--it was a really neat place.

Alex and Logan. They stayed together the entire time (they don't like each other at all).

More of the little village

The children each had a buddy and they were supposed to hold their buddy's hand. In this picture you can see Alex holding (his buddy) Jacob's hand on one side and Logan's hand on the other. 

Alex's Kindergarten Class

Can you tell he was having a blast? 

Trees on one of the paths out of the village

Logan on the path

The buses that the kindergarteners rode to the field trip

Field trip is over.  Time to go home.  I took these two silly boys home with me. LOL