For my friend Briana

I just wanted to post a few pictures from the day that Dylan got his tubes.

I was a very nervous mother and of course feared the worst.

My biggest concern was however how to keep a child, who's first word upon waking is "juice" from getting even the slightest amount of liquid.

Lucky for me the surgery was scheduled for very early in the morning, so basically we got him out of bed, into the carseat and to the hopsital without much fuss as he went backtop sleep in the car.

Once at the hospital there was so much going on that I don't think he even remembered anything about a drink.

Once Dylan was in the OR (daddy went with him, cause I didn't have the nerve), we got told to wait in the waiting room. At that point my husband made a phone call and I went to get some coffee for us. I don't think I was gone for more then 10 minutes. When I got back the nurse told me to come back and that Dylan was just waking up.

Now they did warn us that some kids have a hard time coming out of anesthisia so I was fully prepared. When I got back to his room though, he was snuggeling with the nurse and only cried briefly when he saw me.

Once he got a hold of his juice he was just fine.

I am very glad that I got Dylan his tubes, as he hasn't had any problems with his ears since.
The only issue we're having now is trying to keep the plug when when he's in the tub. He likes to drive mommy crazy by taking them out as soon as he hits the water.
Not sure what I'll do in the pool yet, but I'm sure we'll figure it out.

MY DAD

I can't believe it yet, but it happened.

My dad passed away yesterday morning 5:55am (german time).

I know I haven't seen much of him since my move to the US in 1990, but I've thought about him each and every day.

I thank god for the opportunity of seeing him one last time before he passed.

He is in a much better place now.

My mom seems to be doing okay with it all. She's been with him through good and bad times and will miss him dearly.

Wish I could talk her into coming over here for a while. maybe in time, who knows.

Thank you for reading this. There is so much more I'd like to say, but I don't think I can manage yet.

CRAFTY WEDNESDAY

Okay, so I'm going to try an post something I've made every Wednesday.

It may be a card, a scrapbook page or something else.

Here is what I made today.

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS EVERYWHERE

Today we went to a local Apple Orchard to find a nice pumpkin and of course do a photoshoot with Brent's Cousins.

As you can see we had a great time. Dylan was absolutely fascinated with the pumpkins.

The rest of the children did a wonderful job posing for my camera.

I still need to bring it to the shop, but just can't get myself to be camera less for an extended period of time.

Here are a few of my favorites from today.

And last, but not least a group shot.

Which by the way is pretty tough with 6 silly cousins.

APPLE PIE

Today Brent made his very first apple pie with the help of his Aunt Phyllis.

She used to make the Pies for my in-laws Apple Stand and I must say they are the best around.

Here are some pictures of his first baking experience.

Of course Dylan had to "help" some too.

Oh and in case you're wondering why there is no picture of the finished pie?

It was yummy, not time to take pictures.

NOT MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS ONE!

DAYCARE

So far Dylan seems to be enjoying himself at daycare.

I was really nervous as some of you know, especially once the owner told me that he would be sleeping on a cot.

Yeah right I thought. Well, guess what...he DOES sleep on his cot.
Some days longer then others, but he DOES.
Can you tell I'm excited.


Also, now that he only gets one nap at daycare 3 days a week he has made the transition at home to. He usually sleeps from 12:30-2:30 when he's with me.


I'm hoping that he will keep that schedule going as it seems to work out pretty well for us.

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN

Brent has his first day at Kindergarten today.

He was so excited to get on the bus this morning.

After getting him on the us I had to sit in the car for a little while and relax.

I can't even believe my "baby" is old enough for Kindergarten.

I followed him to school so I could get a few pictures with him coming off the bus.

When the bus got there he was already heavy in conversation with some of his Kindergarten Friends :)

I think he'll do well.

MEET THE TEACHER

Well, Brent and I got to meet his Kindergarten Teacher today.

I have to say I was very nervous when I heard that both Kindergarten Teachers were going to retire after last year, but after meeting Mrs. Sontag all my worries went away.

She is so very nice to the kids and very reassuring to us "looney" Kindergarten Parents.

She spent a lot of time answering all of our questions and adressed all of our concerns.

I think Brent will have a really good time in her class.

CAN YOU SAY...

Mom?

Dad?

Nana?

Gampa?

Bubblegum?

I did it?

Bye Bob?

Yes those are a few of Dylan's favorite things to say.

4 WHEELING

So my best friends son got a 4 wheeler for his Birthday last week.

After watching him getting rides with his dad and their friend Bob, Brent got a turn.

To say he loved it, would be an understatement.

After Brent it was Dylan's turn as he had been watching them riding around and smiling this big smile every time they came by.

Both Tom and Bob where very good driving with the, although judging by this photo they may have been going too fast.

VBS

This was the first year brent attended Vacation Bible school.

I figured it was well past time for him to lear a little about the Bible.

The program this year was called "Surfing through the scripture", so each day Brent had to wear a different color T-Shirt.

First it was

orange

then red,

then blue,

then green,

then yellow.

He definately wants to go back next year he told me.

THE REAL ME

I was actually going to post some pictures from Disney, but as it's late and I have lots to say about our trip I took Alissa up on her challenge.

I know this picture is very old (1997) and not the best quality as I had to scan it in, but I have to say I believe this right here is the real me.

FIRST OFFICIAL HAIRCUT

Not sure how I got talked into it, but here is Dylan with his first "official" haircut.

He's had a few trims before, but this time the clippers came out and to my surprise he was really good.

Here are a few more shots of him during his haircut.

I think he will feel a lot better now, especially with the trip to Florida next week.

Although he may not think so yet :)

ADVENTURES WITH A HAMBURGER

MY FRIEND JENI CAME OVER WITH HER KIDS ON WEDNESDAY AFTER SWIMMING LESSONS AND THE KDIS ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON IN THE SPRINKLER AND ON THE WATERSLIDE AGAIN.

AFTERWARDS I DECIDEDTO THROW SOME THINGS ON THE GRILL AND ANJOY SOME FRESH CORN I HAD BOUGHT AT A LOCAL FARMSTAND.

I HAD ALSO MADE SOME OF DYLAN'S FAVORITE PASTA SALAD.

AFTER THE OLDER KIDS GOT DONE EATING THEY TOOK OFF TO PLAY A LITTLE MORE BEFORE IT WAS TIME TO GO HOME.

DYLAN ON THE OTHER HAND DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO CLEAN UP WHAT THEY HAD LEFT.

JULIA'S HAMBURGER LOOKED ESPECIALLY GOOD TO HIM.

ALTHOUGH APPEARENTLY SHE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH KETCHUP,

OR MUSTARD ON HERS

TAKE ONE LAST BITE

AND BE HAPPY