I saw Samuel's brain!

Today we learned- Samuel's head is looking good as far as helmeting goes.  We take him back in another two months to follow up again...at this point no helmet.  I didn't get back the results of the brain bleed, hopefully this afternoon.  Sam's head is large but the doc did comment that it is proportionate to the rest of his body....so there!  It was cool to see his brain on ultrasound...it looked like it was all there to me, but what do I know?  I am not an ultrasound tech like Brian is. UPDATE:  Sam's brain ultrasound looked perfect.  The original brain bleed has been reabsorbed by his brain and there is no extra fluid collecting on his brain.  His big head is just your standard big Willaert head. 

skirts & shirts!

Thanks to Auntie Natalie for the SKIRTS and thanks to Auntie Annie for the SHIRTS!

a bit blurry

I know these photos are a bit blurry...and I am sorry but I still have to post them.

Sam sporting his new "homie" hat.  So stinkin' cute.....

Sam had jumped so much that he passed out on his new monkey pillow.  The monkey pillow is Sam's first ever Valentine from his friend Avery.  These pj's were sadly only worn ONCE by chunker Sam.  First and last time he wore them all in one shot. 

Brian's English Lesson

Brian was surrounded on the last day in Haiti.  An impromptu English lesson was the result of one brave curious little girl.

Gabrielle had a petition!

Gabrielle had a petition at school mass today! 
Click here to watch it:  Gabrielle reading her petition at mass!
Turn up the volume, she is kind of quiet!

Love a man in uniform...

Haiti soccer game...

I forfeit...victory to Sadie.

Sometimes I wonder if Sadie loves me immensely or dreams of my demise.  Yup, that is her "sorting" through my wallet under desk.  She has done this daily for almost a week now.  You would think I would learn but no.  After 2 days of her finding it and going through it I have forfeited.  I now just take the cards I need from her pile and leave the rest for her enjoyment. 

That is a photo copy of Brian's passport in the filing box....I am so thankful he is home and I didn't need that copy for any reason!

just one more

The last post was just too nice and there was no laughing at Sadie in it so I am adding this one for today too!  I know it is a bit blurry but she wouldn't hold still..... that is sharpie marker on her face.  I am guessing she was trying to do her make-up?

Sam's date

Sam had a date with a little girlfriend yesterday. As you can see he wasn't the best date. At least most of the spit-up on his shirt had dried by the time we took this picture.  I also want it know that Emmalyn was the one that tried to hold hands.  Don't you just love the jeans on both of them.

Missing Summer...

I always seem to miss the season and weather that we ARE NOT IN...kind of like the grass is always greener on the other side.  Right now I am missing summer....no coat sleeves inside out, no lost mittens, no boots to trip over, no wet socks, no cold carseats, no waiting for car heaters to warm up and no croup coughs.  Here's to summer and playing in the water fountain soon!

Another DS photo-

Just about a month ago we had just gotten back from a crazy fun wedding and woke up to a snow day and unpacking.......which all led us to the following picture...

It is a self DS portrait.  Sadly, I thought she was sleeping but instead she was snapping picture after picture of her poor stitches. 

DS photos

With the kids' new DS systems they have been snapping pictures ALL of the time.  I am going to try and post some of their handy work when I don't have pictures of my own to share!  The DS has two cameras- one that faces outward and one that they can use to take pictures of their own face.  Here is one from Nate's DS...

Just trying to help!

Sadie is always "trying" to help.  She was helping fold laundry till she decided to wear it instead.  Below is her NEW outfit she put together....daddy's underpants on over her favorite P.J's!  Since Brian is out of country....no harm in posting this picture! :)  Yup, that is her belly through a leg hole.  This message will self destruct when Brian re-enters the country!

Look mom.....

Look mom, I can hold up my head!  WOOO HOOOO!  Please tell that Andrew at physical therapy that I am doing GREAT!

I don't see a problem?

Once again, I seem to be the only one that sees a problem....

Neither of them look like they are even concerned that I see them or am taking their picture.  I also enjoy the little pile on Sadie's belly, as if the bigger monstrous pile on the couch isn't enough- she has to hoard some for herself.

headin' out

Sadie got herself ready to go out and play today!

can you see it mom?

 Mom mom mom mom mom look.....this is what the kids just HAD to show me today....thought I would share it with you.  The best part about this picture is not the frog key chain but the little bitten fingernails. I'll save this to look back on some day!

 Luke can't be out done..........Luke doesn't bite his nails....as you can see.

Sadie had to join in the fun too.  Funny thing about this picture is she has her "poops" on.....Boots to your regular folk!

One year ago...

This is a QUICK recap of where we were one year ago....what has changed and what has stayed the same!  All of these pictures are from one year ago-

Gabrielle is still loosing teeth and hates to brush her hair.  She is a fabulous first grade!

 Nate is still a sucker for the laughs however he has moved on to coloring on paper instead of his face- Praise the Lord for Kindergarten!

 Lucia is still striking poses and Lukas is always a trustworthy companion.  Although now Lukas is coming into his own ideas for fun and mischief.

Lucia is still eating in bed........luckily now she is loosing less of it under her bed!

Still striking poses....where did she get the tall and skinny thing from?

Sadie is still acting like a puppy- destroying things.  She now also vocalizes her demands as well.  Thankfully she also has more hair now too!

Sam was growing.... too tiny to have a picture of at this point and we didn't even know he was there but "a persons a person no matter how small"! - Horton

Wedding Crashers!

Earlier this fall we attended a good friends/neighbors wedding.  Brian and I were chaperones for the "kids table".  We were lucky enough to even have the Bride and Groom do a kiss at our table when everyone clinked their glasses!  Now we are just waiting for Michelle and Rick to give us some more neighbors and playmates!

Bowling-

We went bowling while in Mankato over Christmas.  Sam even got in on the action too! 

He was a very focused bowler.  We did give that boy a hair cut after we got home!

Put your best face foward....

Here is to putting your best face foward this new year!  If your are going to paint dive in face first!

Another Birthday

Over Christmas break we celebrated my birthday.  For some reason I agreed to a doctors appointment at 7:45 am, for Sam....ON MY BIRTHDAY?!  Anyways- when we returned home there was a surprise party waiting.  By looking at the guests and by the robe I got as a present, I am guessing the invitations must have said a Pajama party theme!

As you can see some of the party goers were a little more enthused for such an early party!

2010

An amazing year is behind us...what could next year hold?   Here is to a more joy filled year than the last.

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

-Mother Teresa

Gabrielle -7yrs, Nathaniel -6yrs, Lucia -4.5yrs, Lukas -3yrs, Sadie -20months, Samuel -4months