Note to self: Take a deep breath and relax. This year is going to be better and easier, and way more fun than the last.

I have found myself literally sick to my stomach the last couple weeks with no good explanation why. Until today. I realized that the upcoming school year was making me physically ill. Just the thought of summer being over and Jonn going back to the way things were last year is enough to bring up my breakfast. I think we both definitely underestimated the amount of patience it would take to have both of us in grad school, two boys under two, one with appointments up the kazoo, Jonn working full time plus, logging hours for his internship, plus coaching two sports.

Hence, the reminder. There are so many reasons why this year is going to be better. Like...

Jonn is graduated (Thank the kind, good lord!)
Jackson is getting used to his hours at "school"
I finally, sort-of, have the hang of wrangling two kids
Only one sport this year (although we will miss the football crew!)
Moving to a house with more to entertain the boys
and a lot more that I can't think of right this minute.

See...that seems better already. Hopefully I can cut back on my Tums intake.

I know that this rant seems a little crazy considering I am a stay-home mom. But seriously. I feel like I could use a nanny/housekeeper. Probably no different from any other mom I guess. There is never enough time, energy, creativity, money, patience in the day!

I'll shut up now.

p.s. a quick shout out to my friend Julie who I know will read this because she is on dreaded bed rest with two small girls of her own to look after. I realize I sound like a big baby right now...sorry! The Covell circus is nothing compared to what you are doing right now. You are my hero!

Birthday Vote

Is Liam getting cuter everyday, or is it just me?

I was supposed to be studying, but instead took and iphoto break with this little one. His first birthday is just around the corner and we need help deciding on a theme. Does he look more like a truck guy or a monkey guy? Vote for your favorite first birthday theme!

I am an advocate...

**Just a quick disclaimer. I am not a doctor (obviously), and am only speaking from my personal perspective. I do not mean to offend, embarrass, or hurt anyone by writing this post. My purpose is to help anyone who might see themselves in a similar situation. I am not a saint, this is not always easy. But I am not embarrassed by my son at all. How could I be...he is the most adorable thing ever! (both my boys are tied)

Some of you may know that since about his second birthday we have been Jackson tested for all sorts of learning delays. He is not much of a talkative child (to say the least), so you may have noticed. We are still in the process of a lot more testing, but what we do know is that something is definately "different". Don't misunderstand me...I love my son more than he will ever know, and for that reason alone he will always be perfect to me. But, like most parents I want him to be able to experience his life through every means possible. I would love for him to be able to eat by himself. I would be thrilled if he could tell me what he wants. It would be unbelievable if he could just simply find a way to do all the things that his friends get to do. Luckily, he is a really kind, happy and loving boy. He has no clue how far behind he is, and for that I am very greatful.

This post is not really about Jack though. It is for anyone who can read. Basically, at the beginning of this roller coaster ride, I realized that there is no one in charge of Jackson...just Jonn and me. We had to educate ourselves quickly on all the possibilities from developmental delays. It was up to us to find where to get evaluations done, which therapists were the best, and what all the diagnosises mean. It is a full-time job, and has quickly developed into a team of five therapists, multiple specialists, and work from the two of us at home. We are the advocates for our son.

We are so lucky being surrounded by so many awesome friends in the teaching and therapy fields. Through their help and google (seriously!) we have been able to get him everything he needs and hopefully it will positively effect the outcome of the rest of his life. In case you or someone you may know is questioning any delay in their own kids pass along this information:

Infant Toddler Network
324-1651
Spokane Regional Health District
1101 West College Avenue, Room 240
Spokane 99201
Provides information, referral, screening, tracking, evaluation, assessment, access to therapy and Family Resources Coordination. Financial assistance may be available for these services.

Anyone can call this number to set up an evaluation for their own child just to see that they are hitting all of their milestones. It was a godsend to us, and every therapist at the initial evaluation was wonderful. The "child find" is a free service through the health district, what is there to lose? Unlike physical health problems, there is very little (almost none) guidance on what to do once you suspect your child might need some help. The Infant Toddler Network is a perfect place to start.

Some people probably think we are being a little too open about Jackson and his "issues". For us though, it is an opportunity to be an example of not shying away from people with special needs no matter how significant or insignificant they may be. For anyone who might need some support or just have questions, we are always willing to talk! The key is to get help early, the sooner the better! For our family, this is the best way we know how. To all the parents out there...please remember that you are always your child's best advocate!

Congratulations Jonn!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blogging could be considered a full-time job for some. For others, like myself, when we happen to have a free moment we post anything just to keep our families happy!

I promised that I would post this pic for my family in California...Christopher, Jackson and Liam. What a happy bunch! I will get the rest up soon, I just have to finish up some homework. Love you guys!

Spring, finally!

It is confirmed...crazy runs in the family.

This morning I caught Jackson piling every ball he could possibly find on top of Liam. The strange thing is that Liam didn't mind at all!




This past weekend my sister came to visit (and plan a whole wedding in 2 days!) so we took the boys downtown to meet with some vendors. We took a little pit stop at Madeline's where Jackson discovered they have the biggest cookies ever! It took about 20 minutes, but he finished it! I think a good mom might not like him eating all that sugar, but he was such a good boy and he's too skinny! Before you gasp just know that I considered getting him a piece of cake too!





going, going...gone!



We also met up with my wonderful friend (and adorably pregnant) Jill and her son Markus at Riverfront Park. It was great to let the boys run around. Kate even got them to feed the goat! Just in case you were wondering...the slide is actually pretty fast. Jack was dying to go down all by himself, but I am not quite ready for that!





Things are still really busy around here, but I think I speak for everyone in the city of Spokane when I say how freaking excited I am to be rid of this winter! I get to take a weekend trip to Phoenix for some "girl time" with Kate, and couldn't be happier. Thank the kind good lord that spring is here!

Weekly Update

It has been the longest week...my mom and I finally got our act together and did our first show with our sewing business, Cupcake Couture. It was a lot of fun, and thankfully a success! If you are interested, you can see our blog at : cupcakecouturekids.blogspot.com . We have an etsy shop just waiting for us to list things so as soon as I get a free minute to take pictures and get that going, I will.
Anyway, Jonn brought the boys down for a visit...



Earlier this week, I finally got some good pics of Liam getting his first bites of food in the "big boy" high chair. It was hilarious because he kept diving in towards the spoon and hitting his mouth on the tray, which sounds a little painful but he would end up just gumming it fo a little while...guess it tastes good!






Of course, Jackson would not let me have the camera out without taking one of him...he is a little out of sorts in this one!

I don't know what I am more excited about right now...the fact that both the boys went down at a decent time tonight, or that I finally got to finish some of my "fun" projects! I made the most adorable (and reversable) apron that I would wear as a dress if it had a back! p.s. I know these are hideous pictures, it is late!

Also, just finished something we will offer through cupcake couture...the most adorable dress-up tutus! I made a toddler (with the bow) and infant (on the bottom bear) sample tonight and love the way they turned out. I am definately living vicariously through my friends with girls. These particular ones are going to my friend Sarah and her adorable girls Addison and Avery. Let me know if you are interested in ordering one before we list them...the toddler will be $20 and the infant size will be $7. It would make such a cute birthday or picture outfit! I love to do them in any color, just ask!

I wonder if Jonn will let me try them on Jack and Liam.

Probably not! I think I may have to design some dress-up capes for boys!