And we have a date...

So we have a date for Cole to have tubes put in his ears, Nov. 6th. I'm a little bummed out because it's a procedure, but hopefully he'll feel better. At least we're not doing adenoids, unlike the twins, so I don't have that whole fear about general anesthesia and thoughts of them intubating my baby. That's a weight off!

Things have changed with Dad's job... apparently he'll be working in Denison, IA instead (long story). We're bummed, it's a long drive to nowhere but it kind of came down to that fact that he didn't have a choice so we'll make the best of it. God will take care of us and have us do as He intended.

Cole is walking all over and has developed an attitude when I have to impede on the great fun he is having to change a diaper or whatever the case may be. Is this the beginning of the stage of having children that I least enjoy!? I thought I would have a little more time enjoying him before he turned into a terror! Maybe it's his ears and he'll go back to being an angel after the tubes.

Mommy is still chugging away at school. It's a love-hate relationship for sure, but ultimately Mom feels enriched for bettering herself and looks forward to entering a new phase of her career and adult life. She looks forward to a position with her favorite OB/GYN whom assures her that he'll have a job for her when she graduates in May 2011!

Love to all and many prayers,
Joy

My poor babies!

I had Cameron to the doctor the end of last week to get antibiotics for an ear infection and this evening Drew took Cole to urgent care and low and behold, only 12 days of being off of antibiotics and he has both ears infected again. My poor babies! I feel so bad for them... I remember exactly what ear infections feel like! I'm calling the ENT tomorrow.. no more dinking around. Weather gets cool and the kids get sick... someone remind me why I love the midwest????

Here Chickie Chickie Chickie...

Here's my sweet little baby boy in his momma-made costume (it's impressive folks.. I don't even know how to sew!) Let it be said that it was awefully tricky getting him IN it, there were feathers EVERYWHERE. Good result though.. take a peek (and one of Momma and baby.)

Acme Snake-B-Gone

Yeay we're snake-proof! It was a collaborative effort between Mom and Dad but we got all the vents un-taped and stapled steel mesh under each of them so no critters, snakes or otherwise, will be able to invade. It was as fulfilling of a feeling as I'd imagine it would have felt for primitive man to make fire... almost makes you feel like you ought to eat a big rare piece of meat! =)

Cole went from taking a few steps between outstretched arms to just turning around and walking off across rooms. He's officially bridged the gap between first steps and full out walking. Such a big boy. He looks like an old man with his stiff swag though, it's hysterical. You can tell he's really proud of his newfound ability. He has figured out the power of shaking his head yes and no. He will crawl over to me, say "Nur" (which is his version of "nurse"), and adamently shake his head YES. It's too funny... don't know how I'm going to wean this kid though!

Love and prayers,
Joy

New Job for Daddy

Daddy had applied for a job at Hy-Vee in Council Bluffs as a staff pharmacist instead of a float-pool pharmacist which is what he was doing in Atlantic, and he got it! Congrats and the position Daddy, we're all so proud of you!

Vents are still taped closed...................... so Daddy, when you get over the excitement of the new position, could you tend to that?! Perdy please!

Mom heard some news today that someone she knows got in a bad car accident... reminds us all to say a few extra prayers for ourselves and those we love. Mom has been thinking a lot lately about being grateful for every single day, tough times demand we take nothing for granted. It's been a rough fall for many folks, hopefully the holidays will look up a bit.

Peace and love and all things warm and fuzzy,
Joy

POOF

Just like that... POOF and then they've all grown up. Birth a child one day, he walks the next, tomorrow he'll be in college. The twins are writing sentences and reading books... they'll have Ph.Ds before I know it. Here's proof of my little boy walking!

And more proof!

We also got Cole's pictures taken today in his Halloween costume that mom made. So adorable! He's got to win prize for most photogenic baby of the year. I'll have to scan the pictures to post... soon to follow!

Step It Up!

Cole is walking! He was standing against Mom's legs while she was sitting in the recliner and he decided it was time... he stepped away from Mom and walked clear across the room and gently and deliberately sat down as if it's something he's been doing all along. We're in BBIiiiiiggggg trouble! God love him.. he looks so cute side stepping along! We'll try to get some video posted of it soon!


Momma's baby is growing up... don't tell her, she'll get all teary-eyed.

Seek and ye shall find...

Too bad that's not true! Though I've sought to find the nameless serpant, no avail. We have reason to believe it exited our home and we sealed what we believe is the way it trespassed to begin with. Drew remains uneasy about removing the duct tape from all the vents... but it's getting darn chilly at night! Ultimately, the entire incident has just made us want to abandon our charming country home and high-tail it back to the city.

Drew's lab work came back basically inconclusive; no rheumatoid arthritis, no systemic lupus erythematous, no lyme disease. He continues to ache without a known cause and he's back to thinking he has West Nile. This did all start when he turned 30 on August 20th... do you 'spose the joint pain is a physical manifestation of psychological distress and depression secondary to aging and a midlife crisis? =) Ha... he doesn't appreciate my psycho-analytical babble when he's so stiff he can barely get moving in the morning. Hopefully he snaps out of it pretty soon.

Love to all, tell everyone you know that they should buy Joy's house... heck of a deal for a limited time only free included pet snake!