Birthday Girls!

When I look at Isabelle I'm amazed at how far she's come. It seems like just yesterday she was 3 lbs and fighting to live. She's held onto her strong will, skinny legs, and dimples and now has grown into a beautiful, smart, witty, sweet, loving young lady.

When Isabelle was born on March 31, 2000 at 7:16 p.m. her APGAR was a 1, she was limp, blue, and not breathing. It was the scariest moment of my life (Kevin's too, for sure, he had two sick girls in his life to worry about). I quickly touched the top of her tiny head and she was rushed first to a table in the room where the doctors and nurses from the NICU resuscitated her and then she was quickly taken to the NICU which was her first home for 17 days (a blink in NICU time). When Isabelle was about 2 hours old the neonatologist came to my room. She sat down, put her hand on my knee and said, "if she lives through the night....." After that I heard nothing but "waaa wa wa waaa wa waaa" (like the adults in peanuts cartoons). I met her 24 hours later when my kidneys and liver were working again and I was moved from the ICU to the postpartum floor. Very quickly Isabelle proved that she was a fighter. She was off the vent in a mere 11 hours, breathing on her own with only a little help from oxygen through her nose for another couple days. She came home from the hospital on April 17, 2000 weighing 3 lbs, 14 oz. It was a couple weeks earlier then the docs had expected her to come home. She was little, but strong! That has not changed!

I often like to say that March 31, 2000 was not the best birthday I ever had (myself critically ill and with a sick baby), but the best birthday gift I've ever received. What a blessing this little birthday gift has been year after year. Isabelle and I love sharing our special day together. Nine years ago I couldn't see beyond that tiny, sick baby in the NICU. Now today, I wish I could go back (not to the NICU but to her early days) to hold her tiny little self in my arms. I'm not exactly sure what happened to the past nine years, but I am so so proud of the girl she has become. I feel so lucky that God has given me this child. There's never been a better birthday gift!

New Roller Blades!

We went to dinner at Red Robin and had a great time. Dinner is free when it's your birthday.

Hey! Where did my balloon go?!?!


YUM! Ice Cream!


We had a great birthday celebration!

After cake Kevin and the kids danced while Kevin played a little bowl drum.

Speed Racers!

We had a few beautiful days here so we were able to enjoy playing outside.
Jack had grown out of his bike (and everything else), therefore, both boys got promoted. Jack and Kevin went out to pick out his new 20" bike. Patrick inherited Jack's old bike. We lowered the seat and put the training wheels back on.

I was skeptical that Patrick would be able to ride the big bike. Last fall he was still struggling with peddling. His small trike has a back to the seat which gives him some help and support to peddle. He proved me wrong, hopped on that bike and headed down the driveway! We are so proud of him. He's come such a long long way in so many different areas. Even better, Patrick is proud of himself.

Go Jack Go!

Today was a fun day for Jack! He had his first Pinewood Derby with the Boy Scouts. Jack and Kevin built his racing truck together; Jack decided on the design and Kevin carefully monitored the use of tool. It turned out great! Jack was very pleased with his truck. It was the only truck there!


There were several dens to make up our entire pack in attendance. It was neat to see the different cars and styles other kids came up with. Personally, I think Jack's was the coolest, and I'm not even biased! The boys sat directly in front of the track when it was their car racing. Below you'll see Jack watching, holding back his excitement as he watched his truck take 1st place in the first heat!

It was so exciting! Jack won 1st place for his den and took 4th place overall for the pack. He was thrilled with the day! In this quick video you can see Jack's truck win. At the end you'll see Jack's hand shoot into the air. Unfortunately, a little girl's head got in the way, but you'll get the point.

New Bathroom!

It has been a very busy week over here. We finished our master bathroom and I'm thrilled with it! Kevin took a week off work to do the project. It wasn't exactly a relaxing vacation for him, but hopefully worth all his hard work! I'm very impressed with his handy work; he did an amazing job! We're thankful that Kevin's dad, Pete, was able to come over and help with the plumbing. It's very exciting to no longer have 1989 shiny brass fixtures! It's also nice that we were able to find a smaller vanity (Euro style) and get rid of the bulky cabinet that surrounded our toilet. This tiny room seems a bit bigger.

Changes

It's been a busy several weeks; so I haven't posted for a while. We've been working hard on our master bedroom and bathroom remodel. The bedroom is done; we should be done with the bathroom by the end of this week. It's very exciting! Here is the finished bedroom. I made the window treatments and headboard.



Isabelle decided she wanted a new look! Her hair had gotten to be about shoulder length, but wanted to have shorter hair again. She was tired of tangles and ponytails. I love this style on her. It makes her look more grown up, but it also shows off her wonderful dimples! And, it's easier for me to brush everyday!

Kevin in Argentina!

Kevin's trip to Argentina was amazing! They toured vineyards, ate incredible food, drank great wine, and went on some exciting outings.





There were 17 wine geeks from various parts of the USA touring together.

One highlight was white water rafting along the Andes Mountains. The tour guide on Kevin's boat is a woman who lives half the year in Colorado and half the year in Argentina (for rafting season). She's the only female licensed rafting instructor in Argentina.

Christmas in Michigan

The trip to Michigan was a great one. The highlight was meeting the newest addition to the family, Gabryelle Elise, who was born on Nov. 18. That makes 8 grandkids for my parents, 4 girls and 4 boys. The first picture is of my brother, Mike, holding Gabby for the first time. He is such an awesome uncle!

Above is my dad holding two of his granddaughters, Ella Jane and McKenna; both girls (and all the kids) are just crazy about their Papa! We attempted to get a picture of all 8 grandchildren, not the easiest feat. The grandkids from oldest to youngest: Christopher (14), Isabelle (8), Jack (7), Parker John (3), Patrick (3), McKenna (22 months), Ella Jane (16 months), Gabby (6 weeks).
Isabelle, my mom, and I got the chance to go downtown to see "Wicked", the musical. It was my second time, but mom's and Isabelle's first time. We went with our friends Audrey and Becky. It was great! As much as I loved the show I also loved watching Isabelle enjoy the theater expereince.

Christmas!

We had a very nice Christmas morning. It's always my favorite part of the whole Christmas season. I love the excitement, the bedhead, and the staying in pajamas past noon! The kids really seemed to enjoy the whole thing too.

Christmas Evening we headed to Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Isabelle got a guitar, which was so exciting for her! The middle picture is of Isabelle and Jack with their cousin, Shelby. Ella Jane wore a beautiful Christmas dress from Grandma.

Patrick's Performance

Patrick had a holiday program at his school. We are so proud of him. He sang, did the hand motions and had a good time. Singing is more difficult for kids with Apraxia. His teacher said that for weeks of practice he just stood in the group doing nothing, but in the last couple days before the show he started singing! His brain just took that extra time to process. In the video you will see him in the back row, the third in from the left. The picture on top is of Patrick and his best buddy, Maddy. They both had a great time performing.

Christmas Season is here

We had a fun day celebrating Christmas with Grandpa and Grandma Mary at their house. We had a wonderful brunch and opened presents. But the best part of the day was making our own Gingerbread house!



Everyone helped. Daddy cracked the roof which required a lot extra frosting and careful hands. Patrick was very patient during the roof repair.


After the adults finished with construction, the kids were the main designers with the frosting and candy. Of course they ate plenty of candy too!


Unfortunately, the roof started to cave under the pressure of the candy. Grandpa had a brilliant idea! He simply got out his power drill and put a couple of screws right through the roof for support. Doesn't everyone use power tools to make a gingerbread house!?!? We're very pleased with the final result. You can't tell from the picture but the house does, however, have a "sky light". It's sure to be a favorite holiday memory for all of us.