Halloween Part I

Gymnastics

 It's been an exciting fall watching Cooper in his first organized sport, gymnastics.  Cooper has always been a little slow to warm up to new things, and after our failed attempt at swim lessons last winter, I was shocked when he agreed to do gymnastics class.  And much to our happy surprise, he's loved it.  Yesterday was our 6th of 10 classes.  They've done balance beam, spring board, bars, tumbling, and even started to learn cartwheels.  It's been fun for everyone!

Whirlwind

Well, it's probably been 2 of the most challenging weeks of my life (I hope).  Between having three kids 4 and under, getting back to work after 4 wonderful months off, and spending 5 nights at the pediatric floor at Fletcher Allen with Emma to ultimately undergo surgery for an infected lymph node, and Josh being in the middle of midterms for 2 of his MBA classes, it's been about all I can  handle!!  I'm so happy and grateful to report that Emma is doing great and is about fully recovered.  Just a couple more days of antibiotics and we can hopefully put this behind us!  I have to throw a huge shout out to all of the doctors, and especially nurses and LNAs at Fletcher Allen.  They were amazing and so supportive and comforting. It was quite a surreal experience to go through.  While it was scary on one hand to be in the hospital with your 4 month old (and to have her go under general anesthesia-that was the worst part), it also made me feel very lucky and comforted at the same time.  When I started to feel sorry for myself for being in the hospital with Emma, I would walk the halls and realize that we are SO fortunate and blessed.  My heart really goes out to all of the families who are dealing with much more dire circumstances.  I can't imagine that pain and heartache that they go through.  Thank goodness for the "angel nurses" for the wonderful care they provide.  All in all, Emma tolerated the whole ordeal wonderfully.  She really was never very uncomfortable so that made it all easier to deal with.  The other hard part was being away from Cooper and Isabel for days at a time.  Thank GOODNESS for all of our wonderful family and friends who were able to help us take care of them, and even provided some meals for us!!!  A special thanks to Gogo and Gumma (who was a huge help despite not feeling her best), and to Grammy and Gramps for making the long trip up here for a few days.  Couldn't do this without you all!  I'm not very organized with my pictures at the moment, so I'm just going to throw in a bunch from the last few weeks.  Thanks again to everyone and thankyou God for watching over my baby!

The little lady with her IV in.  Amazing little girl barely cried when they put it in!  She tolerated that much better than she did her 2 month shots!

Mommy and Emma passing time making faces in the bathroom mirror.  We had a few little toys, but it was amazing how creative we had to be without out Bumbo seat, swing, bouncy chair, play mat...

Finally one of the nurses brought in a bouncy chair for us the second to last day we were there.  It was a welcome change of pace for us!  

Smiles with silly Gramps! 

Grammy taking good care of Emma

Emma's first football game (this is an old picture from a few weeks ago)

AND WELCOME TO OUR NEW COUSIN DANA!!!  WHAT A CUTIE!!!!

Isabel taking Cooper for a ride

Second Child Syndrome

Poor Isabel...second child syndrome.  We've been preparing Isabel for her transition to preschool which will happen in the next couple months.  Everyone's very excited for this to happen.  Isabel has just started to show interest in learning her letters (she's known how to sing the alphabet for a while, but is quite interested in her name now).  And to my dismay, I realized that when Cooper started preschool, he knew a lot of his letters, especially those that spelled his name (due to lots of practice and undivided attention from his parents)!   But she's proven to be a quick learner and with just a few practices, she just about knows how to spell her name and identify the letters.  (We have an awesome letter mat which is so fun to learn with- I highly recommend to all parents of young children)!  Had to put in another video of Emma talking, though she seems to be doing a bit less in the last few days.  I think she knows something's going to be changing soon.  We've been taking her to daycare a few times for short visits, and hoping that she makes a smooth transition!  

Surprise!

This past weekend we threw a surprise (and early) 60th birthday party for Gogo.  It was also the weekend of the Gordie Perine Alumni Tourney and all the family was planning to be in town, so we thought it would be good timing for an early celebration.  It was a beautiful weekend with lots of sun and fun!  We hosted everyone here and even got in a celebration for cousin Eva who turned 2 last week.  The cousins continue to love each other and get along really well.  Can't wait for the next two to be born!

The party-goers awaiting Gogo's arrival at the party

Double-fisting! 

A Dora Happy Birthday banner for Gogo and Eva! 

Just a couple of the photos we had around the house

Dad and his siblings (minus Perry who couldn't make it).  We had a golf themed party and encouraged costumes!  

The "Canoe Group"

The (early) Birthday Boy! 

Love

 The kids are so fun right now.  We're all enjoying the end of summer.  Everyone's back at school and daycare so we're enjoying being back on a schedule.  2 more weeks and counting for me to get back to work.  Here are some recent photos.  Emma is just growing up way too fast.  She's so expressive now and is cooing and talking constantly.  She's happiest when she just sitting with someone who's paying attention to her and having a conversation.  

 

      

                                         

                                                  

Visit from Aunt Cary

  We were lucky to have a short but sweet visit from Aunt Cary on Wednesday night.  She was in Burlington for a few days for work, and was kind enough to drive down and have dinner with me and the kids on Wednesday.  It was also Josh's night for class, so I was especially happy to have the company and extra hands!  Cooper showed off his dance moves for her and she got some good Emma holding time!

                                       






Ever since seeing his cousin Ryan do his dance to Dynamite, Cooper has been obsessed.  He can now open iTunes and play Dynamite on his own, which I'm not so sure is a good thing...