The kids are doing so great and I'm excited for Fall. Seth is almost 2 and I can't believe my baby is getting so big. It has been such a great summer and I'm having so much fun with both my boys. Since big brother Tate is in preschool now Seth and I get to have some mommy and me time. On Mondays we go to the Library for story time and then to Chick-Fil-A with all our friends. Seth hasn't gotten that into singing though he loves to at home. He is actually a pretty shy boy but I'm sure once he gets used to it he will break out of his shell. He really does like showing out at home and for certain people. He loves to sing and dance and he really loves reading books. I have moved Tate back into his room with Seth (he has been sleeping in the quest room for several months) and bedtime is so much fun for me, reading to both the boys and saying our bedtime prayers. Seth just looks at you when you pray but when you are done he says AMEN. The boys are also playing really well together. They will chase each other all over the house, jump on the bed or even wrestle. Seth is actually getting pretty tough with Tate, will have to start watching him a little more closely, ha ha.

I have some pictures of them playing in the armoire in the playroom, which by the way I have now reorganized and put toys in that I don't want them to get into like colors, markers, play-doh, games, leggos, blocks and all the puzzles. They must ask to get something in there and can only take one thing at a time. I was getting so tired of not being able to find parts to stuff and everything being cluttered. I know all my friends who know how bad my playroom is would be really proud of me. And the boys can no longer "hang" out in there.

Tate also got to go to a farm a few weekends ago and loved getting to see the cows up close. He had a really good time. He even got to feed a goat.

So things are great here, thanking God everyday for all our wonderful blessings. I pray health over my babies this winter and healing for Tate. I wish you all the same.

Tate's 1st day of pre-k 4

Tate had his first day of preschool today. He was very excited and seemed to really enjoy going back to school and spending time with his friends. He has a great teacher which I am really excited about and glad he is getting to meet some new friends. It makes me sad that he is growing up so fast, he is getting so big. He is such an amazing boy and I can't wait to see what all he learns this year at school.

Seth is also getting very big. He is reminding me so much of Tate lately at his age. We went to the park today and to eat all by ourselves, well without our big brother. It was bitter sweet. But I know I am really going to enjoy the quality, alone time I will get to spend with Seth, especially at the age he is now, he is so fun to play with and is learning so much. They are so much fun to see together. I love watching how good Tate is with him and how much Seth loves to spend time with him. Just tonight at church Seth was sitting in Tate's lap at the end of choir. They can be so sweet to each other. They can also be pretty rough at times but hey they are boys. I feel so blessed to have them both. Getting excited for the fall, looking forward to see what God has in store this school year and at home with me and the boys.

Trip to San Fran

Well Jason and I went to San Francisco a few weeks ago. We had a great time but I missed the kids terribly. It was our first time away from them for that long. They did well and thanks to my sister and Memaw who took care of them for me while we were gone. We got the boys some karate outfits from Chinatown and I wanted to post some pictures of them trying to chop JP. They are adorable.

Scope

Tate's scope today went great. The Dr. said he is doing well, there is no compression and that we didn't need his services any longer (ENT). YEAH!!!!! Tate did well, the nurses and staff like having him for a patient, he is extremely laid back, he gets that from his daddy. He had some mild soreness when he woke up and wasn't too happy but he eventually came around, ate a really big breakfast and has played really well. He is napping now.

I am so extremely thankful for Children's Hospital but let me tell you I hate being there. Every fiber in my being screams that we don't belong, I'm tired to being there and having Tate go through so much and yet I know it could be much worse. I guess at times like these it just compounds the sadness I feel for Tate and what he has to endure. I am watching and listening as a friend goes through grief and healing from a loss of a son and when I think of her and how much I hate for Tate to have to go the hospital and have all this stuff done to him, when I feel like for some things God can't relate, I do feel peace in knowing he does to the suffering and loss of a son. It fascinates me that through having children you can learn so much of God's love for us. And in the end I have nothing to complain about.

Tate's ENT appointment

Tate had a check-up today with his ENT and all his doctors are amazed at how well he is doing. We are very happy that Tate is growing, doing normal activities for his age and continuing to be a testament to God's goodness and healing. The Dr. wants to do a scope on Tate to see how he looks from his last surgery. We are scheduled for that on July the 1st at Children's. He is hoping that Tate's case can be a learning experience and provide information for future surgeries. For those of you who don't remember Tate had compression from his first surgery that was causing him to have asthma symptoms and reoccurring pneumonia. I am thankful that his surgeon took the time to have an ENT come in to do a scope to find out what the problem was. Apparently with his repair his aorta was compressing his bronchial tubes which made them not work effectively. The Dr. then moved his aorta over a bit and was able to stop the compression. Since it has been over 6 months his ENT wants to take another look and make sure all looks well. So pray for Tate, it will be an outpatient procedure and shouldn't be too big of a deal or take too long. Tate is an amazing child, he continues to astound me on almost a daily basis. What a blessing he is.

Gulf Shores '09

We had a blast in Gulf Shores last week. Both the boys loved playing at the beach and we got to do all sorts of fun stuff. Tate even went parasailing with me and JP, can you believe it? He loved it, Caden did too. Hopefully my sister got some pics of that because I didn't have my camera. We got to swim in the pool they had there and they even had a playground at the condo. We took them to a little park where they got to ride rides and even drive go carts. The big boys got to play golf and go deep sea fishing (they had a blast and brought home lots of fish) and us girls got to go shopping, it was so fun and we got some great things. Amy and I took the boys to an alligator farm, it was fun and interesting but very hot, I was glad to get out of that place, they had a gigantic alligator whose name was Captain Crunch. The guide said he was in time out because he didn't play well with others. The boys thought that was funny, but he was isolated. Tate got a little alligator at the gift shop and named him "little crunch". Totally original my boy Tate is. Anyway, we had a great time, can't wait to do it again. Here are some pics.

White River '09

Well it was probably the most rainy weekend we have ever spent there but we still had fun. The boys got to fish a little bit but they didn't get to go out on the boat. Of course they loved playing in the water, including Seth. Did I mention the water is about 40 degrees there? Seth ran right into it, go figure. I'm really going to have to watch him in the water this summer. He is fearless. Anyway we had a good time but I'm glad to be home. Still trying to catch up on some sleep. Got to visit with some family. Thanks for the good time with the balloons Aunt Donna. They are still playing with them. Here are some pics. I can't wait until the boys get old enough to really enjoy fishing and spending time with their dads. Seth loves being outside.