Baking Up Memories

Hi!  My name is Kendall!  I'd like to teach you how to make one of my favorite treats, o-tay?  
Here we go!

First you get the table nice and messy!  It's o-tay, though.  We are getting the pie crust ready to roll!

After you put some white sprinkles on the dough, you roll it out!  Like THIS!  Seeeee!???
  It's FUN!!

After we cut out rectangles, Mommy helps me drop a teaspoon of purple (blackberry) jelly on them.  Eww, sticky!

Then we take a fork and make the edges pretty.  Like THIS!!  Seeeee!??

They are starting to look very yummy!  Time to go in the oven!  It's HOT!

Almost time for SPRINKLES!!!!  We have to wait 'til they cool off, first.  Aww, man!

Paint, paint, paint!  A little powdered sugar and milk makes nummy frosting!

Don't forget to sneak a taste of the frosting.  Mmmmm!

SPRINKLE TIME!  Fast, fast, before the frosting dries!

And there you have it...my favorite POP TARTS!

That's what's for breakfast!  Ta da!

 Thanks for the idea, DIY Edible crafts! 

Mommy's Little Helper

Washing dishes.

Her absolute favorite pastime.  

There will be a day when this will no longer be fun.

Until then, I'm enjoying the "help".

Wash, girl, wash!

Caffeinated Confessions

I'm going to type something in a few moments that I've never typed before.
It's a confession that may shock you.
And, for as much as I pimp St. Arbucks, I'm a little embarrassed to admit it.

{deep breath}
I don't like coffee all that much.

There.  I said it.
I like the foofy milk-shaky blended concoctions.  Or a sugared up mocha on a cold day.
At home, with a little lot of creamer, I make it drinkable.

It's become a staple of comfort, like a fireplace during the snowy winter.
Putting my "mommy mug" under the Tassimo has become the mental start to my day- something I can enjoy for myself as I serve up my kids' breakfast and endure another episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Having my mom here to enjoy a cup with me makes it even more special.

Sadly, coffee has gone from a luxury to a necessity as I try to avoid horrible headaches in the absence of caffeine.  Darn.  I'm more addicted than I thought.

A few days ago, our coffee maker broke.  BROKE. 
{Stunned silence as my mom and I stare at each other in the kitchen...}

We took this opportunity to jump ship (much like Starbucks did recently) from the sinking Tassimo to the thriving KEURIG, something I've wanted to do for a while but couldn't justify the frivolous expense.  Walk into Bed, Bath & Beyond and look at the behemoth wall of Keurig coffee options.  Then look at the endcap to your left and see the sad selection of Tassimo drinks.  (wah wahhhhhh)  Or, just find some K-cups at the local grocery store, a luxury I've never had.  (#firstworldproblems)

Thank you, Tassimo, for essentially breaking up with me first.  I just couldn't find the heart to kick a perfectly good coffee maker to the curb. 

SO, out with the old, in with the new.
We now own the Buzz Lightyear of coffee makers.  And it brews a good cup of joe.

The newest member of our family.  Who needs a dog??  This smells much better!

Insta-Weekend.

Yipes.  I am fully aware of how long it's been since I've blogged.  Oy.  And I'm not proud of it. 
Unfortunately, I'm a little rusty now.  So, to ease back into it, I'm throwing a random assortment of pictures up for ya.  You know, while I get my fingers back in to shape :)  In no particular order:

Grandma Donna arrived, and Kendall has been enjoying the extra attention!  The wagon is being used frequently, and we have perfect walking trails at a nearby park along the river to enjoy.

We are in potty training mode, in the most casual sense.  Kendall can usually be coerced to sit on the potty with a book or iPhone to look at...just like Daddy :)

A new favorite spot...the piano bench!  I'm loving having my childhood piano in our home now!

Hot days call for cool treats!  A little Frozen Yogurt hit the spot!

Exploring the pier at Madsen's Resort this summer.

All tuckered out, and battling a fever, the day after our 4th of July celebration.

Brother love...Kendall has really warmed up to him recently, and Carter GIGGLES when he hears his sissy!

Getting adventurous at our family reunion!  Wouldn't touch the water, but getting in the boat was a big step!

Look who is sitting up so big and sturdy now! 

Kendall continues to mimic everything I do...in this case, she wanted Carter OUT of my Bjorn so that she could practice being a Mommy :)

Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby.

Carter Update #3

For those of you following along with Carter's journey to healing, here's a quick update on his condition. 
We had expected a procedure to be done on his left eye, given there were some complications in the surgery prior.  We were all pretty stunned that, when measured, the pressure in his left eye was...NORMAL!  This is crazy awesome, people!  The normal range for an infant is 10-20.  It was 13 on Friday.  It was 60+ last month!  We PRAY that this pressure remains low, meaning no more invasive surgeries would be necessary!

His right eye was a different story, though not horrifying.  His pressure was 30, so they proceeded with a trabeculotomy.  His eye is much more swollen than last time, but otherwise he is handling the recovery as well as possible.  He even gave us smiles before leaving the hospital.  He will continue to undergo exams under anesthesia every 4-6 weeks to check his pressures until they are stable.  Pray that this is SOON!  (The 4-hour drive is not fun!)

If there is sour news in this whole mess, it's that none of these procedures address his sensitivity to light, likely caused by cracks on his cornea from past high pressure.  He might outgrow it, he might not.  I suppose lots of sunglasses and hats are in his future if he wants to enjoy the outdoors!  In the meantime, it's nice to have Grandma here to take Kendall outside from time to time.

If you would like to know more about Pediatric Congenital Glaucoma, please visit our surgeon's new informational website.  It has a wealth of resources and FAQs. 

Daddy's Shoes

I love to wear my Daddy's shoes

Although my feet are small

When they are in my Daddy's shoes

I feel ten feet tall!

Some day I'll grow to fill them, 

I only hope to be

As fine a man and great a Dad

As my Dad is to me!

Chris- Happy Fathers Day to the BEST Daddy my kids could ever ask for! 

(Photo:  Elation Photography.  Kendall, age 2 1/2, Carter, age 6 months.  Shoes compliments of Daddy's closet.)

Praying With Expectation

I just handed our baby boy off to the nurse, and am sitting anxiously in the waiting room trying to distract myself.  If this post seems incoherent, please excuse me.  Lots and lots rolling through my mind, and my fingers are just trying to keep up.

I've always been told to "pray with expectation," calling on the authority we have in Jesus Christ.  I believe it...most of the time.  How I admire those who run headstrong into adversity with such confidence.  "She will be healed!" "Ready for our miracle!" That's not me.  I will confess that when I pray, I hold a little bit of doubt in my pocket.  I'd like to think it's not "doubt," but preparedness for the reality that my will may not align with God's will.  MY will is that Carter will not need ANY surgery today.  God's will may be different, and I don't want to set myself up for crushing disappointment.

So I pray...I pray for peace.  I pray for healing.  But for a miracle?  That's a hard one.  I believe God can do it, but WILL He do it?  Life experience has proved that often God has other plans.  I prayed for my brother until I physically ached...and then some.  I prayed for my parents' marriage until I didn't have any other words....and then some.  I was disappointed at the end of each.  It doesn't mean God is less powerful.  It just means I am more human.  There are limits to my understanding.

The Bible says that God can move mountains.  Oh, that my baby boy would be a testimony to the great healing power of the Almighty!  In the meantime, I pray for God to pull me CLOSE to Him so that my faith can be a testimony in and of itself. 

Carter Update #2

I am asked on a regular basis how Carter has responded to his recent surgery.
It doesn't bother me at all...in fact, it makes me feel loved and cared for.
But, for the sake of repetition, I'll post my official thoughts here.

The actual surgery was fine.  He responded well to the anesthesia and his post-op recovery went better than expected. 
We had a stringent drops regimen that gradually lessened over the course of a few weeks.  He has, subsequently, had NO drops in the past couple of weeks.  And, unfortunately, I believe I see a difference.
All the symptoms that were present when we were initially concerned about his eyes are still there.
Watery.  Irritated.  Extreme light sensitivity. 
I would be surprised if his pressures WEREN'T sky high again.
Therefore, I'm expecting the worst when we return next week for his procedure:
the Trebeculectomy that the surgeon discussed with us earlier.

Aside from hating seeing my baby boy in discomfort that I can't fix, my biggest challenge lately has been moderating between a toddler who would live outside if she could, and a baby who HATES being outside.  I have enjoyed playdates with friends who graciously watch Kendall play outside while I hang out indoors with Carter. 

It's summertime, the weather is beautiful, and I hate not being able to take Kendall to the park to play, or even in our backyard.  Hats, sunglasses- it's pretty much futile to make Carter comfortable outdoors, at least until the sun sets.

Despite his challenges, he is a bouncy, happy kiddo.  And Kendall, for the record, is a gracious and patient sister. Please continue to keep us in prayer, and I'll continue to update you all.

Favorite Things- Summatime

Howdy Ho!
I have literally had this new post screen open for days, and not a moment to get it done!  Thus is my life these days, sorry for the slow blog business here. 

Because there are so many things rolling around in my brain, I'm going to throw down some total randomness and hope it relates.  I'll call it, "My Favorite Things". 

 New shoes!  Now I'm cool like my daughter, with my own pair of TOMS!  I was considering getting them in off-white, but seeing as I've already spilled balsamic vinegar on them, I'm glad I went with black.  LOVE them, thanks Mom!

 Carter has been loving on his CA teething block (it has been noted that CA is a much more interesting shape than the North Dakota block....).  It's a drip-drooly mess, but I smile when I see him giving it wet, slobbery kisses :)

 Cookie Crumble Frappucinos on days when my kids are being psycho.  This particular day, I loaded them in the car, got myself this little number, and drove around for an hour.   It was necessary for my sanity, not necessary for my diet. 

 Grandma Donna hooks us up with F.A.O. clothing from time to time, which seems to be exclusive to Babies R Us (we don't have it here).  Kendall LOVED this polka-dot ensemble! 

 Emerging sibling love.   Awwww, my heart melts.  Kendall has been asking to hold Carter lately, and entertaining him often.  "Kendall, what do you love about your baby brother?" "Oh!  He's so shuuuute!" (cute)

Giggle Giggle

Sometimes you just need to giggle.  And sometimes hearing a baby do it can brighten your morning :)

I'm Gonna Make This Place Your Home

It was a timely message from an unlikely source.
We must have listened to this song from Idol winner Phillip Phillips last night a dozen times before it clicked...
it was probably written for someone very close to my heart.
This one is for you, Mom :)




"Home"

Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
Although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone...
'cause I'm gonna make this place your home.


Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons,
they fill you with fear.
The trouble, it might drag you down
If you get lost you can always be found
Just know you're not alone...
'cause I'm gonna make this place your home. 

:)

Insta-Wednesday

No, I'm not a hipster wannabe photog.  I'm just a mom who can't always lug around my camera.  SO, I snap some shots on my phone from time to time.  Here are some recent favorites from my Instagram app.  It's easy making photo magic when you have adorable subjects!

Surgery day for Carter!  Wearing his scrubs :)

Kendall has been asking to "hold" Carter every day.  I think Carter likes it :)

Snoozing in the waiting room with Gramma D.

Kendall has been giving me quite a variety of poses lately!

Sweet moments.

Quite the entertainment recently!

Merry-Go-Round in Como Park.

Mommy's little girl :)

Mothers Day spent in the car.

Chris finishes his half-Marathon at the Fargodome.

Fair and Balanced

I just realized it has been over a month since I've posted pictures of Kendall!  She is overdue for a little spotlight on the bloggity blog!  This girl is growing and learning by leaps and bounds.  She copies every word and mimics every action.  Her recent tricks are narrating stories, counting to sixteen, entertaining her brother and singing songs....lots of songs....that never end....

Here are some recent moments of cuteness!

Finding coins at our St. Patrick's Day playdate!

Easter Sunday, in her "Easter Bunny Dress"

Puppet fun in Stockton

Like mother, like daughter :)

20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son

1. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

"More of a Marathon than a Sprint"

Hi friends.
We wanted to give you an update on Carter's condition and surgery for those of you that have been following and praying.  His surgery went well, the surgeon was pleased with the procedure and feels as if it will help release some of the chronic pressure he has been feeling in his eyes.  They proceeded with the goniotomy in each eye, just the small incision.  He now is recovering with sutures in each eye, and we are on a pretty dynamic regimen of eye-drops which, sadly, are accompanied by some unpleasant side effects (fever, flushness).

Disappointing news came at our follow-up appointment, at which the doctor shared some concerns she is having about Carter's LEFT eye.  Based on her concerns, she feels a trabeculectomy in that eye will be necessary.  This is the surgery that I did NOT want him to need, and it makes me ill even thinking about it.  So, in 4-6 weeks, we get to do this whole thing again.  Between the eight hour round-trip drive, packing, pre-op doctor visits, quarantines, long waits at the hospital, painful recovery for Carter and sleepless nights for mama and dada, this was obviously not the news we were hoping for.  She told us when he was first diagnosed with Congenital Glaucoma that the course of treatment would be "more of a marathon than a sprint," and the reality of that is just starting to sink in.

We DID, however, feel God's presence on us in some very tangible ways.
I had overwhelming peace leading up to the procedure.
In the 4 hours prior to the surgery (which ended up being 6) that I was unable to feed him, Carter was either asleep or in good spirits.
He did NOT have to endure the invasive surgery, a HUGE exhale for me and Chris.
Some friends of mine from Duluth were at the same facility visiting a little girl going through treatment for a brain tumor.  I was able to visit with all of them during his procedure--a welcomed distraction and good for the heart :)
Kendall was a trooper in the care of Grandma Donna- 8 hours is a long time for a toddler to sit in a waiting room!
Carter woke up from anesthesia like a champ (we were warned about the possible demeanor changes).
The anesthesiologist thought Carter was doing SO well that he was able to leave the hospital early!

Thanks for your concern for our little guy.  The road ahead is likely to be a long one, but we'll take it one day at a time.  We just want him to be happy and healthy!

Dear Uncle Derek...

Dear Uncle Derek,

    It's me, Carter.  I came to visit the special place we go to remember you.  The sun was bright, and it hurt my little eyes, but I still thought it was pretty neat.  Mommy tells me about how brave you were when you got sick.  I know they did many surgeries on you.  I have to have surgery this week, too.  I'm really little, so I don't really know what's going on.  But, I know there are a LOT of people praying for me!  Mommy and Daddy will be there with me, and they tell me that this will make me feel better.  Would you mind holding my hand in the operating room, too?  You know, just in case I am a teeny bit scared?  Someday I'll be able to tell people about the cool way God healed my eyes, and how I was brave like my Uncle Deez.  Thanks for taking care of me from Heaven!

Love,  Your Favorite Nephew

Preparations and Prayer

I've been dreading this week.
We're filling out paperwork and making final preparations for Carter's surgery on Thursday.
Tonight we ordered the above arm immobilizers so he won't be able to touch his eyes post surgery.
It's heart wrenching.

I've been talking to Jesus a lot lately, mainly about our little guy.
I'm confused about why this trial is necessary, but I've heard two things loud and clear from Him:
1)  We are in the right place.  I've wondered why our move to Fargo was part of His plan...perhaps this is it.  Our pediatrician "happened" to refer us to her "favorite" eye doctor in town, who just "happened" to have done her residency with a nationally-recognized Pediatric Glaucoma Specialist.  (Literally, she writes the textbook on it.)  Had we been anywhere else, this may not have even been diagnosed, let alone treated by such a capable surgeon.
2)  Jesus loves me.  He never lets go, through the calm and through the storm...

If you are walking this trial with us, could we ask you to pray for some specific things?
1)  Pray that Carter's condition requires the lesser of two invasive surgeries.
2)  Pray that his tiny body responds well to the anesthesia.
3)  Pray that his recovery is swift and as painless as possible.
4)  Pray for God to give Chris and me emotional and physical strength to endure this week.
5)  Pray for safe travels for Grandma Donna, who is coming to care for Kendall.

"Thank you" is not adequate enough for all the support and love we've received these past few weeks.  God has blessed us with the best possible community of friends!
Updates to come...