Heidi....sigh

It is with great sadness that we are losing heidi. For those of you who don't know Heidi, we met her at our church. She works in the nursery and during evening events. She has been a part of our life since the boys were born. Heidi began working as our nanny when I went back to work after Drake was born. At that time she warned us she may be leaving in January of 2008 due to her husband (Ryan,then fiance) starting his intern and her needing a full-time job with benefits. So we always knew there may be a time when we say bye....but it's so hard...sniff sniff. Here's a picture I took of Heidi and Ryan when they went to Lake of the Ozarks for us and watched the boys while Andy and I attended a seminar.

Since Heidi was leaving I signed the boys up for the day care Dane went to prior to Drake being born. It's been tough; they've only been 2x, but both times, Drake wouldn't eat and took only a 40 minute nap (he's a 2 hour, 2x/day napper)and Dane cried most of the morning and wouldn't eat lunch either day. I know it will get easier and probably would get easier quicker if they went more than once a week.

It's not as bad as it seems. Dane and Drake still see Heidi at church and she still watches them for our dates, but it's not the same. She used to take the boys to play groups, Magic house, Chuckie Cheese, Butterfly house, Science center, Six Flags, etc. Here's a picture she took of the boys after a fun afternoon:

Heidi called me last night and said she misses the boys and wanted to visit them today. We met her at the library and she joined us for grocery shopping. Both boys lit up and got real excited to see her.

Heidi, we are blessed to have the memories with you and thank you for all the fun times we've had.

What have we been up to?

Here's my short version of last week and the beginning of this week:
Monday: park; it was t-shirt temperatures again
Tuesday: boys' 1st day at daycare (we miss you Heidi, but that's another blog entry)
Wednesday: Museum of Transportation with friends & gymnastics at night
Thursday: Library for story time
Friday: Clifford at the library (only Drake dared go near him)









Saturday: I worked, boys went to the mall; we all went to play group that night
Sunday: Science center after church and then chilli cook-off at church








Monday: Science center "Human Body on display"
Tuesday: boys' 2nd day at daycare (Heidi, you don't REALLY want a full-time job, come back!)
Wednesday: gymnastics & relaxing with Daddy before bedtime





Thursday: Heidi missed us! She met us at library for story time....it's snowing and we're expecting lots...already have a couple inches.....yaaaa!

Melt my heart

Today Dane did something very sweet and special and I'm excited to share it with you. Dane usually "reads" a book to Drake for his 1st nap and then sits with me while I read another couple books. That's nothing new, nor is it the sweet part, though it is nice. Then Dane leaves and I sit on the floor holding Drake's hand and a few minutes later I get up to leave. I say "nite nite" and shut the door.
Today Dane said he wanted to sit with Drake. "Ok", I say, wondering how long this will last before Dane climbs over and gets in the crib with Drake or until Drake decides it's time to play, not nap.
So I stand just outside the door and observe....I had to run down stairs and get the camera! Dane did a great job, even saying "nite nite" and shutting the door lightly. Such a good big brother.
I wonder if a 3 year old can watch a 1 year old while their parents go out to eat?

Winter is back

Winter has arrived...again. Friday we played outside...briefly. For those who have children, or were ever a kid, will remember getting all bundled up....undbundling to go to the bathroom, only to get bundled up again to go outside long enough to realize the mittens aren't thick enough and the hat doesn't cover the little noses and cheeks. But here are a couple shots of the boys enjoying the cold air. I'd like to say I watched from the comforts of our home, but I didn't. I bundled myself up too; we went for a walk to the mailbox and played shortly before I made them come in the house. Admitedly, I was the cold one.
Grandma Ellen came on Sunday to bring the boys' Christmas gifts. They both got Lightening McQueen slippers and Dane of course got Thomas the Train stuff and Drake got an inside tricycle. And lets not forget, Tootsie Rolls for both of them....mommy's favorite...maybe they'll share...or nap...whatever!

January?

Here are "D" boys last Monday enjoying the 76 degree afternoon. And last week we had thunderstorms and tornado warnings...seemed like April. Over the weekend, however we were reminded that was just a tease. Now it's back to coats, hot chocolate and fires in the fireplace. Welcome back winter, we missed you.


We also had a visit with Grandpa Frank all day Sunday. Dane and Grandpa made car cookies, while Drake enjoyed a sucker. Dane tried pushing Drake in the baby stroller; Drake was somewhat patient, however Dane was trying to do this while holding his Bear, Bear's bear and kitty.

Monkey Wants a Bike for Christmas

Even writing the title of this entry, I sang the song....Here's a taste of what Andy and I have been hearing (and in turn singing in our heads) since Christmas. Uncle Danny sent the boys this e-card and Dane loves it (Drake too, but after 3 or 4 times, he's had enough). I taught Dane how to use the mouse to replay the card since I was running back into the study continuously to do it for him. I can proudly say I have the whole thing (did you get that, the whole thing) memorized! Enjoy...

It's official

Andy had his Vasectomy (Also known as a hysterectomy by his staff) last Friday. Though it was a big deal in our home and a decision we came to with much discussion, I feel confident it was the right decision. Dane, Drake and I waited in the waiting room for about 20 minutes when Andy came walking out and said he was ready to go. Saturday morning he said he felt pretty good and could understand how some men go out and do strenuous exercise.

It's been a week now and he's returning to work next Monday. We had a whole week together as a family and did alot of movie watching and had popcorn night with a Disney movie more than a couple times. We celebrated New Year's Eve low-key with Kirke & Lisha at their house. We had fun playing cards and eating entirely too many appetizers and desserts...that's what December is for right? So we ended it with a bang! (And a few extra pounds) *smirk*

Happy New Year