Happy Halloween!

Audrey's 1st Halloween!
When you're just 3 1/2 months old your first Halloween doesn't mean much. Audrey has spent the day doing what she usually does...eating and sleeping. Oh, and my new personal favorite...really focusing on me as I talk to her! I love how she looks up at me like she knows exactly what I'm saying to her and how much love is in my heart for her. Wouldn't it be great if we all focused on what someone is saying as much as newborns do? So, back to what I was saying...Your first Halloween doesn't mean much unless your mommy tries to dress you up as a...
cute little leopard

So, she didn't really like the outfit. It was just too cute and my mom and sister bought it for her. I would've felt bad not putting it on her for at least enough time to snap some pictures. So, I guess its a good thing that 3 1/2 month olds don't really remember their first Halloween.



Dawson & Lane-Pumpkin Cart
This is honestly the best picture I could get of my boys together. Lane wouldn't sit still and Dawson was still needing shade...you'll understand that in a minute. So much drama at our home! We had a fireman, a racecar driver, a cute little leopard and I'm sure an angel among them.




Fire Chief Dawson
Interesting background, right. You're probably wondering why Dawson is standing in front of our air conditioning unit instead of a cute Fall display. You know, the traditional pumpkins and cornstalks. Not today, Mr. Drama wouldn't have it. Have I ever told you how much Dawson acts like my sister? If I didn't give this child life, I would swear he belonged to Kendra. He's standing there because "the sun is too bright." But look, finally a smile! Oh, I love him, but that drama could go anyday. Dawson had a big day yesterday with his pre-school fall party and trick-or-treating with The Stanley Boys. He collected a ton of candy at both of these events, let's just say our dentist doesn't have to worry about job security. I have to admit, he's done really well savoring his candy. I think he's had about 3 pieces of his stash, it's his Daddy that can't seem to stay out of it :).

Future Racer!

I just love this picture of Lane. He reminds me of how serious my Dad and Lee look walking through the pits at the races...all business. Ok, well Lee's not always like that :) Lane is always moving and constantly into something. Not much luck of a still shot of him. He is at that fun age of exploration. He was so excited to go outside, he was a man on a mission. Forget taking his picture. He loves being outside...freedom to run and yell! I'm looking forward to next year when I can take this little guy trick-or-treating, I'm sure he felt like he got the raw end of the deal staying in with me and Audrey for the night.


Although everyone looks content (except leopard Audrey) in the pictures above we have all battled bad colds this week. Lane was the first to get it and we've all had a piece of it since then. He's been a tough little guy, as he has definitely had the worst of it. I have worried constantly about Audrey, she sleeps on my chest at night so she can breathe better. Her doctor keeps reassuring me that RSV season is not hear yet, she's just suffering through a cold. It's so different with a preemie, sometimes I feel like I've never been a mom before.

Hopefully this post finds you and your family happy and healthy! Have a great Halloween!

Love,
Jenn

Watch Us Grow!

Proud Big Brother

I have had sincere intentions to update our blog weekly. Who says stay-at-home moms don't work? This is a job. I love every minute of it! Yes, even those multiple minutes that turn into hours of no sleep. It's during these sleepless nights that I remember what gifts I have been given and how much I would love to have two babies wailing for their Mommy.

The title of this post "Watch Us Grow," is unveiling the new direction for our blog. In memory of Olivia Faith, our blog will become a family blog. I honestly don't want to see it end. My blog is a comfort zone for me; a place to share stories, photos, memories and dreams. I have really enjoyed being able to stay connected to family and friends throughout our pregnancy and the birth of our girls. So, I will continue to the best of my abilities :)

An update on our family:

Audrey

It's hard to believe Audrey has been home from the Aultman NICU for over a month already. Time sure does fly. At Audrey's last weekly weight check on Monday she weighed 9 lbs! Unreal. She looks like a newborn now and even has a double chin! Not to mention those cheeks! She is not really adjusted to a schedule yet, as a matter of fact, I think she did better in the NICU than she is for me as far as that goes. We have had a few good nights here and there. She wouldn't be my child if she was a good sleeper. Kevin and I have come to the conclusion that we don't create sleepers. In the middle of the night, when I'm exhausted and she continues to cry instead of going back to sleep...I can't help but think how I'd love for Olivia to be right beside her. I truly believe that Audrey is God's gift to us to remind us how precious life is. Oh, what a gift.

Lane

Oh my goodness, where should I start? This little guy keeps me hoppin'. Lane is now 17 months old and into everything. Everything, constantly. No kidding. For example, we have recently had to replace all the toothbrushes in our home. Why, you ask? Well, when I was feeding Audrey, Lane was quiet. Not a good sign. I even had visitors at the house. When my long-time friend, Jamie, found him, he was in our guest bathroom with Dawson's toothbrush in his mouth. I instantly thought, "yuck". I knew Dawson would flip if he saw Lane with his toothbrush. That's nothing, he then dips the toothbrush into the toilet and sticks it back in his mouth. Jamie kindly said "you may want to get rid of this." I like to tell myself he's at that age of exploration, when really we're entering the "Terrible 2's" quite early.

Dawson

My baby is growing up. Pre-school every Tuesday and Thursday has opened up an entirely new world for Dawson. He is learning so much and always has questions. Some examples:

• Dawson wanted to know if his school was for babies. Not knowing where he was going with this, I told him no, it's for big boys. Not missing a beat he replied, "yeah, well where are all the deskez (not a typo).
• He has learned new words like, puke. After school one day he asked if he could call Audrey's spit up "puke" instead. I'm constantly hearing "ewww, Mom she puked again." This is just the beginning of "new" words I'm sure he'll be learning at school.
• He has found his favorite mode of transportation. Just recently his class took a trip to Hershberger's Pumpkin Patch in Berlin. I thought he would be overjoyed about the hayride and pumpkin patch. Forget the pumpkins, all he wanted to do is ride the bus! I told the teacher how much he had looked forward to that, so they took pictures. I can't wait to get them! I'll have to post one, I'm sure he'll have a smile a mile wide!

Olivia

What I wouldn't do to have Olivia here, telling you how much she has grown right along with her sister. I know that Olivia is safe in God's arms and she will continue to grow in my heart. Some things in life just aren't meant to be easy. These heartaches change us, mold us, make us stronger, into the very person we are meant to be. One of the most difficult things I have ever done is deciding on Olivia's headstone. This is something I have been putting off and have just recently finished. It's just so final, you know, I felt like I was picking out her first outfit for school, her prom dress and her wedding dress all in one. I need it to be perfect. Perfect for her, for Audrey, for me and our family. It's all we can do.

As I close this post, I want to thank you for your continued support, concern and love. Your thoughts and prayers through our journey have meant so very much. I appreciate you letting our family into your lives and allowing us to share our story.

Love,

Jenn