Joe's in Utah & I'm Not

Joe's in Utah and I'm at home with my boys. It sounds like Joe is having a wonderful time. He got to go to an NBA game, a Sundance movie & ski and snowboard in the mountains for 4 days kid-free.

I got to stay at home without him and all the help he provides with the kids. I got to deal with Zane's meltdown at church when he refused to go into the 4 yr old room. I got to put him to bed last night amid screams because his towel was in the wash and he wanted to hang in its regular spot in the bathroom. I got to watch and constantly discipline as Zane took much pleasure in pushing & hitting Braden. Zane told me that he doesn't want Braden to walk and he puts it into action by knocking over Braden every time he walks by.

One wonderful highlight of the last few days- Braden did his first sign. He has been signing "light" and looking up at the light. It's so adorable to see him understand me and try to communicate.

I got the call today from Children's Memorial Hospital that they can see Zane tomorrow and evaluate him. We've been waiting 2 months to hear from them. I'm hopeful that this is the beginning of a process that might lead to some answers and solutions for Zane's behavior.

Winter Time Blues

I'm now in the middle of the winter time blues. There's not much to do these days with Zane. Playdates just seem impossible. Zane bullies other kids and I have to constantly watch and correct his behavior. It just feels easier to stay home than go out in the cold. I have only a couple of friends that are willing to have their kids around Zane (or that I feel comfortable with).

This week has been quite slow so far. Zane was off school on Monday so we had to find something to do. I had MOPS today which I had missed for 2 months.

Zane is now quite enjoying our XBox. His daddy got him started and Zane quickly caught on.

I just started a Baby Signs class with Braden and it's been fun. I'm trying hard to remember to sign the few words I've learned. I really hope that Braden will pick it up and start communicating with me. I'm especially concerned because Zane talked so late and I want to be sure the same doesn't happen with Braden if I can help it.

I need a vacation!

We are back from our Richards family vacation in Orlando. I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

Our front row view of the parade at Magic Kingdom.

Zane & Joe surfing
Our double stroller came in very handy with 4 little kids.

It rained at the end of our day at Magic Kingdom.
The kids loved the carousel.

9 days in KC

We are home at last! We had a good time in Kansas City despite the cold we all seemed to pass around. Some highlights- Seeing our families, the boys getting to interact with aunts, uncles, cousins & grandparents. Zane enjoyed swimming in his grandparent's hot tub. Joe & I got to go out on New Year's Eve. Zane & Braden loved eating at Fritz's Railroad Restaurant in Crown Center where a train delivers your meal- it was so fun we went twice!
The boys got to spend a lot of quality time with their grandparent's since we were there for 9 days.
It's time to prepare for our next adventure: Disney World! We will be going there next week with Joe's family. I think we will go to 2 Disney parks and 2 Universal. Hope it's not too much chaos with 4 little kids.