More Milestones

This is a quick post because I have to get back to baking.  Just wanted to share a few exciting things that Dylan has accomplished this week: First -  He can sit in the bathtub without his bath seat!  I was always to nervous to have him sitting in the tub without it because I was afraid that he would slip fall over and hurt himself but he has proven that he can do it!  He was so proud of himself and had a great time with his brother and sister splashing around.

Second - He is now feeding himself something other than cheese!  He is trying to bring everything to his mouth and is doing so great with taking a bite and chewing hard and crunchy food. 


Third - He is standing so much stronger and for longer periods of time.  He is also able to take about four steps with me just giving him some balance and support around his hips. 

We made a trip to the Christmas tree farm this afternoon and got some cute pictures and ended with a visit to Santa. 

Is it really almost Christmas?

Is December really half way gone?  Christmas is around the corner, AHHHHH!  I am not ready yet.  I feel as though I haven't even had time to soak in all the Christmas spirit.  When you are a kid it seems like December is the longest month of the year but as an adult it goes by way to fast.  I have been so busy working and going here and there with the kids, and everything else that I have volunteered myself for that I've barely had a chance to sing Jingle Bells.   

Here is my runny nosed little Dylan ready to spread some holiday cheer with his smile that will light up a room:

Even with a cold he is still happy.

Oh, and we still don't have our gait trainer, this one is the loaner.  Don't even get me started on it or I am bound to write some bad words.  However, I was told that it was on the way - maybe for Christmas? What a great gift it would be.

Here is my little speed demon Luke.  He can run like no one's business in the walker, so watch your toes and shins.   He of course was way to busy trying to run after Hailey to look at the camera.

Huckleberry was happy to spread some Christmas cheer in our house too.

Dylan did get his SureSteps though.  He picked out ones with skateboarders on them.   He's all about being cool with his skater shoes.

Bring on the Holidays

I started decorating this weekend, Hailey told me I better hurry up so that Santa wouldn't forget our house, so we lugged out all the boxes from the shed and put up the lights outside.  It made her very happy to see our house looking so festive.  While I was going through our huge box of Christmas lights Luke thought it was great fun to play with them, and I couldn't pass up a moment like this...

This one is my favorite.  Me being the total amature photographer, I thought this one turned out pretty darn good.   And because Luke and I were having so much fun Dylan and Hailey had to get in on the action.

Dylan has a new trick to show off - he can pull himself up to stand from the stool.  He is doing this all on his own, I am just holding his hands for balance!  This video was shot by big sis Hailey.

Thanksgiving 2011

We had our annual trip to Dumont Dunes for Thanksgiving this year.  We had a great time until Friday afternoon when one of our friends crashed on his dirt bike and was critically injured.  Whenever I am faced with tragedy it really puts my life into perspective and reminds me how thankful I am.  I am thankful today to be alive.  Life and/or the life that you knew can be gone in an instant, a blink of an eye.   We were told that our friend wouldn't make it through Friday night because of his severe injuries and then on Saturday morning he opened his eyes.  It was a miracle.  He still has a very long road ahead but at least there is hope.  I am praying everyday for him and his family and hope that you, my fellow readers will please pray for him too. 

I am sorry this post is so somber but I will leave you with this - hug your children and family and tell them you love them every chance you get.

Here are a few pictures from our trip:

My boys, I think they have the same smile.

 Luke wants to pull up and climb on everything!  He is so proud of himself, I love it.

 Sibiling love

 The kids with Uncle Eliot in the Rhino.

 Right after eating Thanksgiving dinner, we were stuffed!

 Lukey and Uncle Chad

 Dylan and Luke are ready to ride!

Hailey and Emma

If we could all just be as happy as Dylan

This was just too cute not to share. 

Something so little, yet so BIG!

Dylan can sit on a stool!  I know this may not sound like much to some of you but to us it is amazing!  Dylan struggles with low muscle tone and poor motor planning so each and every skill that he achieves can easily bring me to tears.  Up until last week he could not sit on a chair without a back or let alone a strap to keep him from sliding down or just falling backwards, but last Friday I guess he decided it was time to move forward.  He has been able to sit up on the stool during his infant stimulation and OT therapy hours and still been able to play and interact.  We are all so proud of him and I know this new increase in core strength will bring him that much closer to walking one day. 

 He can also ride on Luke's Dinosaur now, Luke wasn't too happy about that. (sorry it's blurry)

Luke is ONE!

I know this blog is about my "Little Pickle," Dylan, but this post is about my little Lukey.  On Wednesday November 2nd Luke turned one.  I can't believe it has already been one year.  So much has happened with all our littles.  Each of them growing and changing before our eyes.  Luke has gone from a teeny tiny baby to a very chunky monkey full of spunk and personality.  He has brought our family so much happiness and love.  Happy Birthday big man, we love you!

Here are just a few pics out of the 200 I took:

The Cutest Costumes in the World! (well, I think so)

The Bluebird, The Unicorn and The little Owl.

Just a little sneak peak before Halloween.

Yes, they are all hand made by yours truly (and a little help from Auntie Kerri).

Hailey carved her own pumpkin this year - it was very messy but....

she was very proud of herself.

Look out Martha Stewart!