Pumpkin Patch 2010

As I mentioned in my last post, we drove up to Southwest City, MO to go to the Right Choices Pumpkin Patch. This is our 3rd year to go, and I love this little tradition we've started.  And now Levi is a part of it!  :)

It is very kid friendly and we always enjoy our time there.

The weather was unseasonably warm, around 80 degrees!

Here Caleb and Jacob are trying to lift their pumpkin.

This slide was a hit!

even though Jacob refused to use the potato sack you're suppose to sit on

See in this picture, Caleb is using his, but Jacob isn't.
Kris is holding it.  I guess you pick your own battles, especially with a 3yr old.

A quick Levi check, he's good!

Off to the ever-so-long hayride.  Didn't think that thing would ever end, woo wee.

Why so serious, Jacob?

Me and my latest love.

{no stitch of makeup, I apologize}

Jacob and Caleb enjoying the ride

Then it was off to ride the cow train

Levi having fun?  Yep!

Family photo time

Then a little pumpkin ball

Mini photo shoot with the pumpkins.

Love this one of big-brother Jacob.

Those fingers must taste delish!

As we were heading home, we saw this train car and thought Jacob would love it, since he's current obsession is Thomas the Train.  Actually, his favorite is James (the red one), which you can barely see, but he's carrying it in his right hand below.

One happy little boy

We had a great day.  So sad my sister and her family couldn't join us as usual.  

And for fun, here's a quick walk down memory lane:

Our family 2009.
Actually Levi was with us, just didn't know yet. (wink!)  :)

Love this of Jacob, my niece Kate, and nephew Luke

Our family 2008

Haha!  This was our first time there.  Wasn't sure how fast the slide would be, so I went down with him.  

As you can see, he loved it.

I just love this picture of my sweet niece Kate behind Jacob and John smiling in the background.

Where's this sweet baby boy?  Tear.

Ok, this may be the longest post in history.

If you've made it this far, thanks for sticking around. :)

Good times with friends

Yesterday the boys and I went over to the Winberrys to watch the Razorback game.  

Another sad loss, but a lot of bad calls.  

Jacob had so much fun playing with Caleb.

I have no idea why this picture came out so dark, the flash was on.  Ugh.

{poor Caleb took a nose dive in the driveway falling off his bike.  he's got a few boo boos.}

These stairs they are on were quite the entertainment for Jacob.

As soon as I told Jacob we were going over to Caleb's house, he asked, "and play on stairs?"  

Levi enjoyed himself as well.  

He was rooting for the Hogs too, but once they started trailing, he spit-up on his jersey.  :)

Thank you Melody & David for having us over.  Good times!

We also went to the Pumpkin Patch with the Winberrys today too.

Will do a recap of that tomorrow.  Long day.  I'm pooped.

School Pictures

The boys had their picture made at daycare this week.

I was so anxious to see the proofs.

I got the biggest chuckle out of these!

Here is the cheesy Christmas background.

When Kris dropped them off, they scooped up the boys to have their picture taken first.
So Kris stayed to watch, then they put him to work and he is behind the scenes (somehow) holding up Levi with his hand.  HA!

Here is the equally cheesy fall:

I think I like "F" the best.  

I just love Jacob's arm around Levi - so sweet!  Brotherly Love.  :)

Update: Getting Close

We have a roller!!!  
That little monkey rolled over when I wasn't looking!  
In fact, I had left the room!  Ugh!  
Will try to get it on video!
Yea Levi!


***********

I think someone might be rolling over soon

{I cannot keep those fingers and sometimes thumb out of his mouth!!}

Jacob rolled over from his belly to his back first, Levi might go the opposite.  We'll see.

Speaking of Jacob and his milestones, that little monkey was a lazy baby.  He:

rolled over at 4mos

sat up unassisted at 6mos

crawled at 9mos

walked at 15mos.  Yes, 15mos people!!  Didn't think that would ever happen, sheesh!

I know, all babies are different.  

Can't wait to see what Levi does when.  :)

Playing at the Park

The weather was gorgeous yesterday, so after we picked up Jacob from daycare we went to the park.

He was in heaven!  When we pulled into the parking lot, he asked, "I get to swing?!".  So cute!

This little fella had fun too!

{the bottom right picture is his face when he's coo'ing.  I love it!!  

Love my boys!

My Big Boy

Peak-a-boo

I see you!

Any time I grab the camera, Jacob says, "take a picture of me."
I'm so happy he's at the stage that I can say "smile", and he does!

He is such a sweetie!
Tonight he told me Levi was his best friend and he loved him.
Melt this momma's heart!!!  :)


Love him, so so much!!!!!!

Gettin' My Craft On

Tuesday night I got together with Amy, Sarah, and my sister Beth to do a little crafting.

You've heard me say before, I'm not creative so I found this post and thought surely I can do this, I mean toilet paper is involved.

I turned this...

Into this.

In case you're wondering, it's suppose to resemble a pumpkin.

Or possibly a granny-smith apple, as seen on the right.  

I will say that the Target sacks that I used were harder to work with, they are in the greenish pumpkin.

I switched to Walmart sacks for the other one - much better.

I know I won't be winning any awards, but I had a lot of fun and it was great to hang out with some terrific ladies.  

Meme and Papaw Visit

My parents still live in my hometown which is about 2.5hrs away, but once my sister and I became mothers, they were coming to visit more than they ever had.  HA!  After a year of begging persuading my dad, they bought a 2nd home up here to stay in when they come to visit.  This way neither my sister nor I have to make room and they can stay in the comfort of their own home.  Works out great!  Kinda confuses the kiddos, because they don't know who lives where.  :)  


{Thought I would explain since I said last week we were over at my parents house}


So on to this post...


When they were up last, Meme and Papaw stopped by to what else... see the boys.

And as Meme says, "get some sugar."

{aka kisses}

This picture makes me laugh.

Jacob is laughing at Papaw, guess he was being silly

And Meme is squeezing Levi, trying to contain herself.

Now you know where I get it.  :)

We love you Meme and Papaw!

Come Awake

I have the privilege of working for a faith-based company.

I am very thankful the Lord brought me to this company and my wonderful co-workers.

We have a team meeting every Tuesday morning that begins with a devotional, some scripture reading, prayer requests and prayer time in closing.  As you can imagine, everyone has been so supportive in praying for a full recovery for Levi.  They are a great support team!  No request is too big or small, we pray for it all!  :)

Last week, this video was shared and it touched my heart that I wanted to share with you.  

I love the words to this song, they are powerful!

I have watched this video about 10 times, I love it that much.
I hope it blesses you too.  :)

He is the answer; come awake.

Levi Recap

We arrived at Arkansas Children's Hospital bright and early on Thursday, 5:30am to be exact.

This place is huge!  

I got lost so many times.
There are color-coded elevators if that tells you anything!

After asking for directions, I had a nurse tell me, "you're on the right floor, but wrong building."

Levi was in a great mood for starting his day so early.
Poor baby had no idea what was in store for him.  

They gave us a room in the pre-op area where we waited and waited and waited...

We had to entertain him for almost 4hours in this room.

Luckily he took a couple of naps.

Finally a doctor came in and explained to us step by step what would happen.
I appreciated this so much, because I needed to know my baby wouldn't be in any pain.

He could've either be wheeled in the bed he was in above or I could carry him to the room.
Wonder which I chose. :)

We walked in and they showed me where to lay him down.
Cue the tears!!!!!

A nurse gave both me and Kris several kleenexes.
She even said, "I can't look at you or I'll cry too."

The anesthesiologist said, "Ok mom, you can give him a kiss."
Aka... time for you to leave.

I told Levi I loved him and I'd see him soon, then gave a kiss on his forehead.
Cue more tears!!

A nurse was so kind to give us several calls throughout the procedure to give us updates.
The procedure took less than I expected which was nice.

When we were told he was in recovery and we could go back, I was so excited.
Seeing him laying there like he had just woke up from a nap was the best sight ever!

He was doing so good for just coming out from anesthesia.
I got to hold him and give him some pedialite.  Poor baby hadn't ate since 3:30am.

Here is the itty bitty mask they used to put him to sleep.

It smells like strawberries.  And yes, I kept it. :)

As well as all the "leads" that were on him

He quickly fell asleep once we were in post-op.

This sweet baby did so good being out of his element.

Everything went so well.  The doctors said the procedure couldn't have gone any better.
There was minimal leakage after expanding the valve which was expected.

Levi was such a champ and a little flirt with the nurses.  :)
Everyone who came in contact with Levi just ate him up.  Who couldn't?  :)
All he had to do was bat those long eyelashes and give that gummy smile and they were wrapped.

I was truly impressed with all the staff at ACH.
Every single person made us feel so welcome and took such great care of Levi.
The nurses bedside manner was none I had ever seen before.
But I have to say I hope to never be back.

My heart does ache for all the children there.
We saw so many children that it just put into perspective that there are many children worse than Levi.
Some of the patients/parents had been coming there for years.  I could not imagine.
I am so thankful for Levi's (and Jacob's) health.
Please say a prayer for all the children (across the world) who are suffering.

We have a follow up echo in 3mos and I just hope and pray everything is still strong.

Thank you so much for all the sweet comments and prayers for Levi.
We appreciate them so much!!!

I owe a HUGE thank you to Meme for watching Jacob for us.
Don't know what I would've done without her.
And my sister and dad coming to the hospital to lend support.
That was so thoughtful and generous of them to make the drive.

Now I need to go munch on these chubby cheeks!

Thank you!!

Thank you to everyone for stopping to pray for Levi. 

We were discharged today at 1pm and it was such a wonderful feeling leaving with a healthy baby!

I will do a full recap soon, I just wanted to thank everyone for your prayers, thoughts and support.

We have a sweet, beautiful, healed baby and give all the praise and glory to the Lord. 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5

Calling all Prayer Warriors

I previously asked for prayer over Levi in this post.  

Tomorrow is the big day - Thursday, September 30th @ 7:30am.  

As you read this, we'll be on our way to Children's Hospital in Little Rock.

We covet your prayers over our sweet little fella.

He brings us so much joy and the thought of him having this procedure makes me sad.

But I know our Heavenly Father is watching over him and will carry him (us) through.

Levi's story has been written and I'm excited to watch him grow and become a wonderful young man.

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.  Psalm 127:3

Boys in Visor

I know I've been doing a lot of this lately, but I just can't help myself.

I like to compare the boys at roughly the same age and size.

I've always loved this picture of Jacob (on the left) and wanted to do the same with Levi.

I promise I won't do this when they're teenagers. I think... :)  

I used to think they looked so much alike.

Now, I see two different babies.

So after I took Levi's picture in the visor, Jacob wanted his.

He pulled it down around his neck, you should've seen us trying to get it off.  HA!