Re-naming blog...

I think I should consider re-naming the blog to something like "Samuel's life long battle: hide and go seek" or something like that.  This is one of Brian's hiding tricks.  Personally I think the extra baby is a little over the top and almost draws the other kids in.  I suppose it doesn't help that when the kids see the laundry they each fight to do their "folding job". 
The people updates-
Sam- Sam has boggers.....STILL.  I am told it is a sign of love.  I don't think I want boggers from the person I love.
Sadie-Is making her place known around her, especially to Luke.  She has left her teeth marks on his back.
Luke-Luke is picking out his own clothes daily and puts them on himself.  My mom would die if she was seen walking around with him.  He is trying to keep up with the young crowd and wears his clothes backwards...we are starting to think he does it on purpose.
Lucia- has the suprise bag and just can't decide what to take to school.  I voted for Sadie.  Since I help make the suprise bags for school the next batch I make will be big enough to bring a little sister for show and tell.
Nate-is not making any new friends at school, as he informed us last night at dinner.  Why?  "BECAUSE, I know everyone DAD!"  Just glad dad fell for the the "why?" and not me.
Gabrielle-is big girl on the bus.  She misses "Randy" terribly but "Cindy" is a spectacular bus driver too.  Gabrielle is doing amazing at spelling- thank the LORD she got her spelling abilities from Brian!
And as for Brian?  Check back soon for a Brian update......

Another day at the grind.

Sam is attacked...errr LOVED so much his hiding places have had to change to  keep his pursuers at bay.  He has now adapted the obstacles to be more difficult to get to him.  Although sometimes I wonder if this only makes it easier for Sadie to get at him and poke his eyes.  I do know that at least it distracts her for a bit to empty all the dishes on the floor after she licks them.

Like the kids say- We don't need a dog, we have Sadie!



Look out ladies-

The dynamics at our house change daily depending on who has school and who doesn't.  When Lucia is home she really puts out the orders and Luke happily abliges.  She is always barking "LUKAS" and then there he is..... "LUKAS".  Sometimes I start to feel bad for the guy doing all her dirty work and playing all the games she wants, like "bus".  Today the game was "make-up".  All I have to say is that Luke will be a wonderful husband.  His future wife owes Lucia a HUGE thank you!

I think Lucia did a little better on her make-up than his!

Is this what normal looks like?

Is this what our normal life will be?  We seemed to have forgotten what a plain ol' boring day is.  Today was playing school, while Gabs and Nate were at school.  Don't worry Student Sadie was reprimanded for not listening to the teacher shortly after this picture.  Nate grabbed an apple on his way out the door for some project at school.  Sadly I have yet to find time to read his kindergarten newsletter which I read faithfully when it was Gabrielle's kindergartner newsletter. 

ahhh I love children that dress themselves!

Sam is eating better today.  He still is running a temp but doing better with Tylenol.  Now when do I find time to take a nap?  Down two kids you would think I would have ample time, right?

Where do little guys hide?

Where would you hide if you had 5 people looking for you?  Where would you hang out if you were a bit chilly?  Where are all the cool guys these days?  Yup, on top of the dryer!  Little fingers can't poke your eyes.  The spin cycle of the washer is so peaceful and the warmth of the dryer makes the whole world a better place.  I wish they made dryers that were big enough for me to have a secret spot on top!

Sam got 3 vaccines yesterday and now taking their toll on the little guy.  Prayers that Sam kicks the side effects of the polio vaccine and all the other vaccines quickly and without a trip to the hospital would be much appreciated.  He has been a champ eater but now today is slowing down.  Sam- I was just kidding when I said I couldn't stand the every 2 hours through out the night! 

Great things come in small packages...

Two month old check up today and the verdict is........a perfectly wonderful snugglie Sam!

So the scale said 7pounds 8ounces. That is ONE ounce more than when he left the hospital 5ish days ago!  Yup, we'll take it!  I also want to mention he had a massive blow out of the poop maker just before they weighed him!  No cheating with Sam and holding the poop in for extra weight!  He also is 20 inches long!  That is an additional 3 inches since birth!  He is now considered an "average" sized newborn!  With 2 weeks left till his due date he is looking like he is on track to be just like his siblings.  His head is still huge (just like the others) even for a preemie!  He is currently not on the "charts" for a 2 month old in weight and height.  His head does stack up with other 2 month olds!  Sam's skinny little legs also two to shots today, not his first and not the last!  Now back to eating and growing!

Too Bright! Too Bright!

Oh the sun is so bright!  We realized this was Sam's first time out in the open air EVER!!  Poor guy was wiped out by the sun and crisp breeze!

On a side note, you'll notice the little guys mouth is smaller than the face on Brian's watch...  HA- Actually I think they are about the same size.  The perspective of the camera makes the watch a bit bigger, just for a size reference.  Brian's face is still that large though.

liar liar pants on fire.

No, me no cookie. 

Can we say liar?

I missed you...

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I made you holy. Jeremiah 1:5

WELCOME HOME!

Welcome Home Sam! 

8 weeks was a long time to wait, but it was worth it!

Another Tour pic....

The above pictures are still from the tour yesterday.  The one of everyone is them searching for the house.  The other is just a view from the garage up on top of St. Mary's.  Would you believe they have a john deere lawn mower up there?  They use it to tow  the helicopters out of the garage.

Sam doing well!  He is now 7 pounds 5 ounces.  He is up to 6 attempts at nursing.  Sam is such a charmer.   Sam has several of the nurses in total love with him.

Bestest dad ever...

Just in case you didn't know Brian is the bestest dad around these days!  To put up with all he does and still manage to find time to go to work and fold laundry! 

Yup, no railings on that pad up there just the big landing circle to run on.  Good thing it wasn't too close to the edge....hey kids you can see our house from here!

Mayo Helicopter Tour.

The days for all of us are starting to get long and run together.  BUT NOT TODAY!  Brian and the kids got a tour of the Mayo helicopter pad, garage and helicopters!  WOOOO HOOOO! 

I am at the hospital from 5:30am till Sam poopers out on feedings or I throw in the towel.  His last breast feeding is typically at 9pm.  Today Brian brought the kids over to see Sam and showed up at the perfect time to get in on the tour.  The tour was for any kids currently in the hospital or siblings.  Sam is a little bummed he slept through it!  Above are the pictures from the event.  One of my favorites is the 2nd one.....good ol' dad.  Good thing I wasn't along! Another dad from the NICU took the pictures for us.

Samuel's great escape!

Yes, I know the pictures look older than just taken.  Might be Brian?  This is how Sam was sleeping last night.

Daddy makes the best "babysitter"

Enough Said.

Hip Hip HOORAY!

Everyone that was supposed to get on the bus, did and those that weren't didn't!  Luke is going to review the rules of waiting for the bus.  Now what to do with only 3 children at home? hmmmmm the possibilities are endless!  Here is to a very productive day!?!?!?  Maybe we will find Luke some pants and a long sleeved shirt.

Guess who...

Guess who in this picture is mad they are going to school and who is mad that they aren't going to school.  All the first days are done and now we are moving foward to plain ol' school days.  Tomorrow the bus starts!  FUN FUN!

Sam update-

Sam broke the 7 pounds marker!  A good poop would have put him back under though!  7 pounds  .5 ounces!  He is now ATTEMPTING 5 nursings a day.  To come home Sam must take all of his food by mouth and maintain or gain weight for 24 hours.  He is fed 8 times in 24 hours, through the tube in his nose.  Even though he is nursing 5 times a day he also gets tubes (tube feedings) after most feedings.  Sam is now in a "private room" in the nursery.  It makes nursing him so much easier! 

Spa O Willaert Is Now Open!

We now are taking appointments for a day of beauty.  Our services include a delightful dinner (pizza), followed by a relaxing soak (in the sink), with dessert (eaten with a measuring spoon) to top off the evening.  After dinner we offer entertainment (doing the dishes in the sink next to you).  Look at those wrinkly toes.

Another One Bites The Dust...

And another one is out the door to school!  Lucia headed to her first day of preschool on Wednesday.  Lucia goes to school 3 afternoons a week.  She love every second about it, even the carpool was a hit!