help wanted...

i am in need of a blog makeover. but, i am not really good at it nor do i have any time. would someone like to volunteer? you would have complete control. (which is kind of scary for me)

Not to brag, but...

Today has been one of those days you dream about...

I got a full nights sleep because my wonderful husband slept with Jackson to keep him down through the night,

Everyone had a tasty breakfast at the kitchen table (at the same time),

The Sunday paper was actually interesting to read,

We worked together to do some household chores (the boys helped sweep and vacuum),

So far, naps are actually happening and going well (at the same time),

And, no major meltdowns or tantrums from either boy!

Seriously though, it is all kind of amazing. Maybe it is because of the unusually sound sleep I got but I feel really thankful today. Being a parent is not the most glamorous job most days. But, I think it is easy to forget what a gift it is. I mean, I have friends who have a hard time getting pregnant, staying pregnant, being pregnant or all three. It is easy to forget that even if my day seems to be going slower than the year, my boys really are a miracle.

I love being a mom, and if you tried to take away my sleepless nights, doctors visits, spit up stained shirts, minivan, diapers, toys that I constantly trip on, cheerio embedded carpet or Phil & Ted stroller...I would be really mad.

Plus, I really love my stroller.

In short, I want to thank my uterus for making my title as mom possible.

{love you boys!}

so much has happened...

I have been thinking about what to write in this blog for a long time...so much has happened to our little family

For starters, Liam turned one! We had a big celebration with all our friends that just happened to include a big bouncy castle. It was so much fun, I highly recommend it! It was a crazy year since Liam was born and we just wanted to have a full day of fun with the kids. It was perfect and definately gave us some playtime that we all needed!

Just before that, we moved! We found a lovely family to rent our home so that we could move in with my parents. It was a very quick decision that has turned out to be an even bigger blessing than anyone had initially intended. Words cannot describe the sense of calm that has come over everyone that has been a wonderful effect of having extra help. This leads us to the big news that happened just a few weeks ago...Jackson being diagnoised with autism.

For about the past year and a half, we have been trying to put everything together with Jack. Autism just happens to be it. He has been going to therapies at least 3 days a week during that period for what we thought were just "developmental delays" in the hopes that he would catch up and be "normal". Well, it wasn't quite that simple. Luckliy, we have a wonderful team a pediatricians here in town who recommended we take a visit to Seattle Children's Hospital last spring. They got an initial baseline of Jack's behaviors so when we went in September they were able to track his progress as well as administer a standardized test. In our case, it was the ADOS which is fairly common in areas around UW.

Very long story short...there was some confusion about autism and all that it meant for us. But we learned something simple that i hope will help; there are three main developmental areas that they look for in order to classify.

Social Interaction
Communication and Speech
Odd or Unusual Behaviors

Here's the cheat sheet...if you have delays in social interaction and odd or unusual behaviors, you would be classified as having "asperger's syndrome". If you have delays in communication as well as either social interaction or unusual behaviors, you would be classified as being having "autism spectrum disorder". If you have delays in all three areas, you would be classified as "autistic". Does that help?? In our case, Jackson has delays in all three areas. It gets really confusing for people when you also note it is possible to have "autistic tendencies". It's a big umbrella.

I know that people have strong opinions on whether or not to "label" their kids. For us, it was a little adjustment but then we realized that the only thing that changed is that it is much easier to get the services for Jack that he needs. It's a lot to digest at first, but all ending up good.

I would encourage anyone with concerns with the development with their kids to keep searching for answers when you know in your heart that something is wrong. Just as in our case, once you push throught the uncomfortable stuff, the support and help you can get is a tremendous help. On the days I feel like I am going to lose my mind if I have to see another doctor, I lean on my support system and humbily remind myself how much worse it could truly be. I get a reminder everyday we sit in the waiting rooms of hospitals, clinics, and therapists. Besides, Autism does not define Jackson. He is just the same adorable little guy that I have gotten to know over the last 2 1/2 years. Love him to death! LOL

If anyone wants or needs more information start at www.autismspeaks.org. It is a great source that I refer to often. They even sent me an awesome "first 100 days kit" that is perfect for families needing support or some guidance.

Lastly (sorry I ramble), I have to thank my parents and wonderful husband for all their support. Moving in together was a great decision that works for us, and I could never express what having laundry done or dinner made by my mom has meant for me and my stress level...love you!

Cupcake Couture has the first event of the season...take a look at the blog!

For some reason, I had some extra energy today and decided to go with it. This is what I did...Got up early to shower before Jackson awoke, which meant I had to try and entertain Liam in the bathroom while I attempted that. Then woke Jack up to go to Speech (which went great), and so to reward him we went to get a haircut (which did not go so great). After getting Jackson down for a nap after lunch I decided to pick up the camera and chronicle how domesticated I am (not really).

I baked these cookies while holding a baby on my hip



His name is Liam, and he looks like this





While they were in the oven, Liam and I collected these from all over the yard



In the few minutes between batches, Liam managed to make this mess



and Easton stayed in this position the whole time



But I didn't mind all the commotion because it looked like this outside



and the flowers still look like this



Have I mentioned that I am not thrilled with the fact that my beautiful summer days are numbered? Although, we did something really crazy yesterday and became "charter members" at the brand new YMCA! Really, being a charter member only gets you a few shirts and locker locks, but still. I feel kind of special.

I am going to finish up my night by doing homework (ugg) and then attending class from 6-10. I have to say though, I am always kind of excited to use my brain.

Anyway..............obviously not too much exciting going on around here. Just your average stay at home mom trying to spice up the day with a little blog. Not that anyone reads all this. I know you just want to see pictures of the kids. As a matter of fact, if I did keep your interest for this entire post then send me a little comment. I am not completely convinced that anyone reads this besides my mom. Love you mom, and thanks for making me dinner tonight!

The Latest and Greatest..

Well, as summer officially ends with Jonn returning to work tomorrow I thought I should post some recent pics for all the fam-dam-ly out there. Here you go...


These are a few of Liam today, just in time for his first birthday. It has gone by so fast!


These two were taken at Kate's wedding, earlier this month. They insisted on matching. Or maybe I insisted???





Of course I had to post a few from the wedding..."puke and rally" was the motto. Can you pick out who was sick????

dream conversation with a 2 year old

I had a conversation in my head with Jackson today and it went something like this:


Dearest Jackson,

I love you very much but don't really like you right now.
If it were possible to divorce your children for a short time, today might be the day I ask for it.
I sincerely do not appreciate the chunks of muffin that were thrown at my head the whole drive home from speech class.
I do not find it amusing when you laugh in my face after I place you in a time-out.
Your brother has enough bruises on his body of his own doing, he does not need anymore inflicted by you.
Please find it in your heart to take pity on my tired body that is fighting a cold, the energy you require right now is too much.
You won this battle and I will never forget for the rest of my existence on earth.

Love, Mommy

The Dam

As the summer starts to wrap up I am becoming desperate to squeeze every last ounce of fun into it.

Last night, we packed up our van at 6pm with 4 adults, and 3 toddlers to hit the road. Destination: Grand Coulee Dam.

I have to say, it was surprisingly fun. Sort of a spontaneous road trip for no purpose than to envelop our minds with all that the great state of Washington has to offer. A little dramatic, I know. Seriously though, did you know they have a lazer show every night in which the Columbia River actually talks to you like you are long lost friends? Love it. Actually, the river is the self-proclaimed reason that we won WWII. I never knew that!

School officially starts on Monday for me, and Jonn has about 2 weeks until he goes back to work (Ugg). Things are just busy getting ready for the "big move".

I promise to upload some dam pictures when I get my rugrats down for a nap!

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!