Fun With Rocket and a Bowling Field Trip

Hadley's class has a mascot named Rocket.  He's a little stuffed dog that gets to come home with each student for one week.  Rocket is pretty popular and the kids get super excited when it's their turn to bring Rocket to their house.  Rocket joined our family on a Friday afternoon and Hadley and Rocket did all kinds of fun things together.  Before Rocket goes back to school, you write a little story about what Rocket did while he was with your family.  

During our week with Rocket the weather was gorgeous.  Hadley and Rocket enjoyed some quality time outside. 

 Hadley and Rocket on the Ferris wheel at Scheels.  Hadley informed me that Rocket was really scared at the top, but she kept him safe :)

 Rocket also went with Hads to gymnastics.  He walked on the balance beam and jumped in the foam pit.  Rocket was a little disappointed that it wasn't "bounce house week" at gymnastics. 

Hadley and her class went on a field trip to the bowling alley.  I always forget about bowling, but the big girls both had a lot of fun.  Granny came up and watched Kami so I could take Hads and Brooke without having to chase Kami around (and make sure she didn't smash her toes with the bowling ball!) 

Hadley and her team

Bryer, Holt, Alexa, and Hads

Hadley and her very good friend, Alexa

We didn't use the ramp this year.  Thankfully we did have the bumpers or we would have been in real trouble!  You don't realize how slow a bowling ball can roll until you watch a bunch of 4 and 5 year old bowling.  Let's just say we kept the attendant pretty busy fetching balls that didn't quite make it to the pins. 

And, here's Hadley and another good friend, Addison.  Addison and her family are getting ready to move.  They are not leaving Rochester -- they are just moving to a different house.  You would think they were moving to California!! We talk almost every day about Addison moving and how sad Hadley is.  Oh goodness!!

Meeting Baby Olivia

Stuart, Jackie, Brody and baby Olivia flew home last month so Stuart could take the written test for the Bloomington Fire Department.  We were so thankful that Jackie and the kids were able to come.  We got to meet adorable Olivia when she was just about one month old.  She is as beautiful as her pictures and we loved spending time with her and Brody. 

 Hadley is a wonderful big cousin and couldn't get enough of holding Livi.  She held her whenever she got the chance and she even helped with changing her diaper.

Kami loves her baby "Wivia" and was in awe of her little toes and fingers.  We had to take Olivia's socks off so Kami could check her toes out more closely.

It took Brooke a little while to warm up to holding Olivia.  I finally made her sit on the couch so I could get a picture.  As soon as I put Livi in her lap, poor Brooke started crying and wanted me to take her back.  Brooke would be the one that would just push the baby off her lap if she didn't want to hold her.  Thankfully, Nana was on standby while I took the picture and Brooke held on tight.  You can tell she's been crying and is forching a smile. 

Sweet Olivia was not starved for attention from my girls that's for sure!

Big Brother Brody

The big kids were downstairs playing in the toy room and look what they did to poor Brody!! He's wearing a tinkerbell dress and pushing a doll stroller.  At least he looks irritated in this picture,   though -- right Stu??  I told you I had to put it on the blog ;)

While Brody and Olivia were here we tried to get some cousin pictures.  Jackie's sister Krista set up a little studio in her house and we did our best to get five small children to cooperate.  No such luck.  Kami and Brody were having fun though!  I don't have the pictures on my computer yet (that Krista took), but when I upload them I will be sure to share.  I was just snapping a couple pictures here and there. 

After smiling pretty, we sat down to McDonald's happy meals while Olivia slept through the whole thing.  Isn't she beautiful???

Last year when Stuart, Jackie and Brody were here for Christmas, a lot of us were sick with the flu.  We had planned to get a hotel room so the kids could swim, but sickness changed our plans.  While they were home this time, we were all healthy so we tried again.  They got a room at the Hilton Garden Inn and we had a great time swimming.  The pool was just the right size and had a nice area where the kids could sit on the steps and still play in the water.  Jackie's niece and nephew, Addy and Brayden came too and we all a great time swimming. 

We Interrupt This Regularly Scheduled Blog....WITH VERY BIG NEWS!!!

On Wednesday, February 8th we headed down to St. Louis for four appointments, two for Brooke and two for Hadley.  Connie (Devin's mom a.k.a. Grandma Connie) and Uncle Brad were so helpful and kept Kami Lu so we didn't have to drag her along.  While I do love that little peanut and she is quite entertaining, she is not very fun in the car for long periods of time and she is really not very good at being patient or still (but what two year old is?).  Thank you Connie and Uncle Brad.  You made our day much easier!!

We left around 10:15 and headed to St. Louis Children's Hospital.  Once again, my Mom and Patti came along for the fun.  I also made Brian take the day off so he could go too.  He doesn't get to go often and there are certain appointments I make him do :) Our first appointment was for Hadley to have an ultrasound of her kidneys done.  When the appointments were scheduled, Hadley's ultrasound and Brooke's Genetics appointments overlapped.  Brian and Patti went with Hadley and my Mom and I went with Brooke.  I will be very honest... I was a nervous wreck about Hadley's appointment.  I did not want to go.  I really was afraid of what they would tell us, so being a very brave mom, I sent Daddy.  And, then I held my phone and waited for him to call me to tell me they were done.  When he called, he had nothing but good news!  The cysts have not grown.  She still has the same number of cysts (just a couple) that she did almost two years ago,but they have not grown.  Praise the Lord moment #1 of the day.  Although we had tried to prep Hadley for the "jelly on the belly" she still cried and was pretty upset about having the ultrasound done.  You would think after seeing me have an ultrasound done almost every week with Kami, she wouldn't be so freaked out!  She was and Daddy was lucky enough to get a little "jelly on his belly" before Hadley did.  The ultrasound tech did a little sonogram of Brian so Hadley could see that it wasn't so bad.  Thanks for taking one for the team, Daddy!

Brooke and I headed up to Genetics to see Dr. Kozel.  We weren't there very long before Brian, Hadley and Patti joined us.  This is the same Geneticist that has seen Brooke since she was three months old.  She was very pleased with her progress, loved listening to her stories and updated her current medicine doses.  Brooke was pretty shy at first but opened right up.  When the Doctor was asking about potty training and said "are there any problems?"  Brooke said "well, one time Hadley fell in the toilet!"  You should have seen the look on Hadley's face!  She put her hand up to her head and said "Brooke!  That was suppose to be a secret!!"  Priceless!! 

 Genetics = Praise the Lord Moment #2 of the day!

Our next appointment was with Pulmonary/Allergy.  We see Jodi, the Nurse Practitioner when we come for regular visits that aren't "vent clinics."  Jodi was so happy to hear that Brooke hasn't used her vent in almost nine months!  We answered all kinds of questions, checked Brooke's growth and made a plan....

 Brooke Abigail Faith Tweryon will be getting her trach OUT! GONE! SEE YA!!

I am so excited about this news, I can't begin to explain our emotions!  My Mom, Patti, and Hadley had already headed downstairs to meet Linsie and Mackinsie (one of our very favorite NICU nurses and her little girl) so it was just Brian, Brooke and I in the room.  Jodi explained that we would come down for an appointment with the ENT doctor and he would walk us through the process of decanulation.  We would then set up another appointment for Brooke to have a bronch test done (I don't know the official term).  This test will be done in the Operating Room because they will need to put her under for the procedure.  The doctor will send a small camera into her trachea to check for scar tissue that might cause problems when the trach comes out.  If everything looks good, he will pull the trach out.  It's very exciting but also a little frightening at the same time.  We will then need to stay at the hospital for two nights so Brooke can be observed. 

Praise the Lord moment #3 of the day!!!  We have prayed for this day for so long and it's almost here.  Brooke -- we are so absolutely proud of you and love you so much.  Thank you for being the brave, amazing little girl that you are!

Brooke telling her stories.

During Hadley's appointment with the Nephrologist, they ordered a urine analysis and a blood test.  With several failed attempts to get a urine sample, we left with an order and a cup.  While we were eating a snack down in the cafeteria, she got the urge and we were successful in getting a sample.  Woohoo!  When Hadley and I ran the sample up to the lab, I noticed that there was no one waiting.  That NEVER happens.  I made the executive decision to get her blood work done right then.  Brian had just taken the order thinking we would do it sometime from St. John's because normally you wait for an hour in lab.  We had prepared her for getting her arm pricked, but again she freaked out.  I'm surprised that our Moms couldn't hear her down in the cafeteria!  Thankfully, Brian came up to help me hold her down.  One stick and about 30 seconds later she was done and proudly showing her battle wound.  She couldn't bend her arm until we got home though ;) 

After leaving the Pulmonary appointment we headed to the cafeteria.  From three floors up, Brooke screams "Winsie! Winsie! (Linsie) I'm gonna get my trach out!"  It was so cute!  My Mom and Patti both started cheering, clapping and crying.  3 C's -- cheering, clapping and crying.  Now that's a great way to end our day! 

Brooke, Mackinsie, Linsie, Hadley and Heather

Hadley before her ultrasound appointment.

Now for another amazing part of our day...

About a month or so ago, we were having a painting day.  Out of the blue, Hadley asks me to spell Children's Hospital.  I help her spell it and ask her what she is doing.  She was painting a sign to put in our window.  Hadley was having a fundraiser she decided :) 

After painting her beautiful sign, she taped it to our front window, put a cup on the porch and waited.  The poor thing was literally sitting at our window waiting for cars to stop and donate money.  It was pretty sad watching her get so disappointed when no one stopped.  I secretly called Grandma Patti at school and explained what Hadley was doing, asking for help.  Nancy (Grandma's co-worker) was the first to stop and Hads was beyond excited.  Her fundraiser was under way!  By the time we got back from picking Brooke up from school, she had collected more money.  Teachers and students had sent money with Patti on her way.  We let her keep the sign on the window until it was time for our trip to St. Louis.  Her grand total was $150!! 

At first Hadley just said she wanted to give the money to the children at the hospital.  But, we didn't want to just drop it off at the front desk and not know where it was being used.  After thinking about it we decided to give the money to the Child Life Room.  When Hadley was in the hospital in Florida, we spent one afternoon playing bingo and winning prizes in their Child Life room. Hadley remembers how it made her feel better to get out of her hospital room to play.  We decided that her money would be put to good use in this room.  Hadley explained that she wanted them to buy new toys and games for the kids.  

The Child Life room was the first stop we made when we got to the hospital.  The room was closed to patients at this time, but the staff was there and they were so excited to receive Hadley's donation.  It makes a Mommy and Daddy's heart pretty happy to see your child giving to others, especially when she thought of it all on her own.  We are so proud of you, Hadley!  Thank you for thinking of others and making their time at the hospital a little easier.  We love you, Sunshine Bear!

Christmas Day

After opening presents at home, taking baths and showers, getting ready for church (all by 10:00 a.m. I might add) we headed over to Bill and Patti's for lunch with the Burke side of the family.  I don't have a very good picture of the girls in their pretty Christmas dresses because I had gotten them ready by myself because Brian was busy at his Mom and Dad's with the turkey fryer and smoker.  It is hard work getting three children and yourself ready, especially on Christmas day!  Here are a couple pictures of the kids and Great Uncle Donald.  Grandma had to hold Kami because she didn't want to be in the picture.  In fact, even with Grandma holding her she still didn't want to be in the pictures.  I don't know what it is about that girl.  Not quality pictures here, people, but they might be good for a little chuckle.

The girls eating their yummy lunch at the kids table.  I changed my girls out of their dresses and into their pajamas pretty quickly.  They had gotten matching pajamas from Nana and Papa the day before.  They are really cute pj's that say "slumber party" so we have to wear them every time we have family movie night.

After lunch we put in a movie and tried to get the girls to take a nap, or at least rest.  Ellie was the only one that fell asleep and we were able to keep our girls quiet for a little while at least. 

After Uncle Bill, Aunt Kathy, Cousin Mike, Granny and Uncle Donald left, we spent the afternoon and evening at Grandma and Grandpa Tweryon's.  It's become a tradition that we open presents with the Tweryon side of the family on Christmas night.  Once again, we all opened many wonderful Christmas and enjoyed our time with family.  Some of the highlights include a play kitchen, a Barbie princess named Hadley, and a Barbie purse, sunglasses and a phone. 

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for another wonderful Christmas.  We are so thankful for everything you do for our family and our girls are so very lucky to have you.  Thank you for being such an important part of our family.  We love you!

Christmas Morning at Home

To be quite honest, I don't remember exactly what time the girls woke up on Christmas morning.  It wasn't super early, but we set an alarm just in case.  The big girls were up first and we had to wake Kami.  Here are some pictures of our Christmas at home.

The Santa gifts --

Santa brought a pedicure set including a foot massager bath and nail polish accessories.  He also brought walkie talkie phones and some "Turbie Twists."  Uncle Stuart, Aunt Jackie, Brody and Olivia got the big girls each robes so we can have "spa days"  I'll post pictures of those in a later blog.

When we started planning for Christmas this year, we decided on a five gift limit for each of the girls.  The girls always receive so many gifts and last Christmas was quite overwhelming.  We thought by setting a limit, we might not be so crazy.  We also set this limit for our parents and surprisingly, Nana and Grandma did a great job sticking to it!! :)  Thank you.  My sanity thanks you! My house thanks you too!!  And, it only took us a few minutes to finish opening.  These girls were quick!

Here are Hadley's gifts.  Santa made these wonderful fleece blankets for each of the girls and for her doll bunk beds. 

Brooke got a Bitty Baby this year and named her Tracy.  Think it was a coincidence that we saw our cousin Tracy the night before?? She also got an animal encyclopedia and a Diego Science Book. 

Kami only asked for "toys" this year, so she got a doll, a doctor kit, walkie talkie phones and a couple pink buckets for her room.

I love these next couple pictures.  They really capture their excitement.  Kami was still half asleep so she needed a little coaxing to get going.

I think Brooke was most excited to get her Science book.  She even says she wants to have a Diego birthday party.

And, Kami was very excited to get her Sprite and M&M's that came in her buckets.

Mommy and Kami snuggling with her pillow and blanket.

Brian and I exchanged a few gifts this year.  I got a fabulous new watch and my Kindle, which you already know I love.  The first book I downloaded was Heaven Is For Real and I definitely recommend it.  The girls also picked out some earrings for me.  Funny story about the earrings.  My mom, Hadley and I were at the mall before Christmas.  Hadley had this elaborate plan of what she wanted to get me for Christmas.  She wanted me to have a necklace with each of their birthstones (she actually just picked their favorite colors though).  Anyway, I explained that the necklace was a little more than we needed to spend, so she settled on earrings.  She took my mom into Helzberg Diamonds.  Obviously that was WAY more than I needed so I steered her towards Macy's for something simple.  She picked out a couple pairs of earrings and a couple necklaces (big time on sale, so she felt pretty special getting enough for each girl).  When we get home she hid her presents in her room and runs out to tell me "whatever you do, DON'T look in my barbie suitcase!"  Guess I know her secret hiding spot ;)  The girls and I got Brian a new coat, some Florida State shirts and a canvas picture of David Freese hitting the game winning?? home run from the World Series.  I don't know exactly what game it was or if it was actually the game winning, but he's happy in the picture (Sorry, Brian!  Do you know I just watched Game 6 last weekend?  Brian had DVR'd it and made me watch it.  He seriously acted like it was the first time he had seen it, acting all nervous, like he didn't know how it was going to end!!)

Brian and I are so lucky to have three beautiful daughters.  We love them more each day (even when they don't sleep in their beds ;)) and had a wonderful Christmas together.