Brennan's talking!

This week Brennan said "mama" and dada" for the first time!!! Sorry for the delay in posting - first time using YouTube!

Much needed update!

Here's a much needed update on all the kiddos!  I've got time on my calendar to blog now so hopefully I'll be more consistent!  :)  Here's a group picture with my mom, Brennan, Brooklyn (with Brennan's glasses on), Nich, Me, Landon and Hailey watching the parade of lights in Howell honoring Joe. 

Hailey, Hailey, Hailey!  Over Thanksgiving my mom and I took her to the Nutcracker at the Detroit Opera House and we left it a surprise!  I brought a dress she's been wanting to wear and had her get dressed and get in the car and didn't tell her until the show started!  She was THRILLED!!  She wants to start ballet and though we can't commit to it now, I thought we'd give her a taste!  She's in Kindergarten and so smart!  She's now the kids "teacher" and has taught Brooke to talk and is now working on Brennan!  She's so good with them and so helpful to us!!  So proud of her!

Brennan is the happiest kid!  He's always smiling and bouncing out of his seat with excitement!  He just learned how to give kisses (open mouth still unfortunately...) and is so proud of himself!  If you're lucky enough to get one, better be ready for 10!  He'll just keep going and going until your face is covered!  Brennan's been doing really well catching up!  He's walking steadier, following directions, playing with toys (instead of licking them).  He goes to outpatient therapy twice a week for physical, occupational and speech therapy and making good progress!  Brennan has a really carefree personality and unfortunately that gets him in trouble when Brooke's around.  She's pretty demanding so we're trying to teach her to share and him to stand up for himself!  She'll take a toy from him or push him down on a whim.  Sisterly love I guess! 

Landon got a new ride!  Early On let us borrow this wheelchair/stroller until he can get fitted for his own and he's really liking it!  We're just trying to figure how to bring Brooke and Brennan into daycare with him in there!  Before Brooke would walk or be carried and we had the double stroller for the boys.  We're learning!  He was unofficially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy mid November by PMR (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation).  The doc said he has good muscle tone, good range of motion and his back looks good but he's not sitting (really close though!!), crawling or putting weight on his legs.  Soon we'll have a wheelchair/stroller, stander, bathing system and AFO's (feet braces).  He'll be a different kid!  I have to admit at first it was really hard to take - the diagnosis, all the equipment, it was a reality check that he really has severe disabilities and isn't just going to outgrow this.  Before they were 2 they were just behind, now he's significantly delayed.  I've come to the realization that he's going to be what he's going to be and a diagnosis and equipment can only help him!  It's not going to limit him, he'll just have more opportunities to grow.  He's getting stronger and healthier too - hasn't been in the hospital since October!  Brooke, Brennan and Hailey are so good with him too  - giving him kisses, patting him when he gets upset, getting him toys to play with....Brooke even tries to feed him when she gets snacks!!  If she can get him to eat, more power to her!

Brooke is so much fun!  She's pretty much caught up to other kids her age and is walking, running, playing, talking and very independent!  She still has her 0-60 temperament but that's what has kept her strong!  She's hilarious too!  She knows just what to do to make you laugh!  She reminds us so much of Hailey and we've even called her Hailey!  Yesterday she went with me to food pantry and walked around visiting like a pro!  I was still directing the food pantry when we found out we were pregnant with the quads and many of them have been keeping up with the kids and praying for them.  It was such a blessing to be able to share Brooke with them!  What miracles they are!

Catching up!

WOW do I have some updating to do!?!  I uploaded my pictures from my camera and had them back to the middle of September!  

 

Brennan said his first word!  This isn't the first time, but a clear video of them playing together and Brennan saying "Go!"  He's definitely behind talking, but making progress.  His words aren't as articulated as Brooke, but he's starting to repeat the syllables.  It's a start!  

Just some pictures, having fun! 

Photo session, the morning of their 2nd birthday!  Thanks to www.designedforbabies.com for these "Triple Threat" onesies!

 Happy 2nd Birthday miracles!! 

Pumpkin picking!

First toothbrush!  Hailey was a terrific teacher!  Brooke loves it, but the boys are way more apprehensive.  They're getting there!  I just bought a vibrating toothbrush for the boys hoping it will help with Landon's oral aversion and Brennan's need for lots of sensory input.  They're getting much better!

 I know, much more to update and I promise to be more faithful!!  Landon's got a few big appointments coming up with Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation later this week (we're hoping to get a bath chair, feeding chair and wheelchair/adapted stroller) and next Thursday DeVos Children's Intensive Feeding Program assessment.  It's like feeding bootcamp for 5-8 weeks and we'll find out at the end of the assessment whether he's a candidate or not!  I'll keep you updated!! (PROMISE!) 

God's Creation

I took this picture while waiting in the parking lot at Krispy Kreme for Nich and Hailey to come out with their free donuts and LOVE it! Aren't you just overwhelmed with God's beauty! Looking at this picture and the sky on days like this seems like a little window into Heaven and all it's glory! Knowing Katelyn and all that have gone on before bask in this ALL THE TIME - I'm awestruck!

Along the same lines, but different weather...yesterday while Hailey and I were driving home, the weather came on the radio. I usually turn it down when I know rain is predicted to save her a little freak out but didn't and asked if I knew how it rained. I said I did, but asked if she knew. She said a big spiel that sounded right and I asked if she learned it at YMCA Camp (they had science week). She said "Nope, that's what Caliou learned when he was at school but I think God does it." She also found a new freckle that same trip and said "I think God knew I was getting bigger and just put it on me. "Again I was reminded, the faith of a child. She can be satisfied with the basic knowledge...God created it, God did it. God in all His magnificence.

Hailey's Spotlight!

This weekend Hailey starred in the National American Miss Michigan State Pageant in Troy!! Back in the Spring she was invited to come to an open call and was selected from there as a state finalist and went on this weekend to compete! First of all we were so proud of her for even getting on the stage!!! She didn't place but had a great time and met some pretty great friends! Here's some pictures of my little princess in the spotlight!

She had to get up on stage at 7:30AM (!!) and introduce herself in front of the judges and the whole audience!

After with our new friend Keira :)

Waiting for her interview and got to pose with Miss Pre-Teen Michigan from 2010. All the 2010 Queens were so friendly and outgoing and so good with the little girls!

Doing the dance number on stage in the finale!

Hailey and Keira again after a great weekend's work!

Think we're a little proud of her?! She's adorable!!! Such a sweet and beautiful girl inside and out!

God gave us you

I know it's been so long since I've updated the blog and honestly have been overwhelmed at how far behind I am and haven't had the umph to start until last night...Hailey was so incredible with Landon I actually couldn't wait to share!!!

Hailey and I like to read the book God Gave Us You (click here if you haven't read it!!) and it shows children just how special they are in God's eyes and in their parents. She always loves that God gave her to us - to Nich & I, not anyone else. Last night she was stalling going to bed after Brooke & Brennan were already down and asked if she could help take care of Landon before he goes to bed. (Sigh, she SHOULD be going to bed first, but how cute of her to ask!:) Made my mama heart melt!) She helped clean his g-tube site and actually put the gauze pads around it by herself. She helped give him is breathing treatments (pushed down the inhaler while I held it to his face). She helped push the meds through the syringe and was very careful to go slow. And she primed his feeding pump! She WANTED to do it!

Posing giving him is meds :)

Priming the pump

Landon & Hailey have always had a different relationship...he can't play the way Brennan and Brooke can yet she always makes time for him. She tickles him, feeds him (yep she's given him a carrot stick to lick!), plays with him while he gets his diaper changed and pats his tummy to calm him down when he's throwing a fit. It just made my whole heart smile, and I realized the same about Landon and each of the other babies. God gave us them. How many other 5 year olds would take time out of playing to take care of Landon like she does?! She knows about oxygen, feeding pumps, developmental delays, therapy, surgery, ambulance rides and doesn't shy away from them. God gave Hailey them just as much as he gave them to us. He knew what he was doing when he picked this big sister for these babies!

Play yard...our new best friend!

Let me start by saying the babies LOVE being outside but keeping them in one place without them eating grass or dirt is so tricky! My parents had bought us a couple play yards and we broke them out this week! So nice!! While Hailey was at day care & Landon was sleeping, Brennan & Brooke got some fresh air!

The set up

Think he's enjoying himself?! He's the happiest baby I know!

Brooke was bouncing between toys and talking like crazy! She's getting so big!

Hopefully this video works, but they are jabbering up a storm! We LOVE being (contained) outside and enjoying the nice weather! Can't wait for the weekend...there's sun in sight! :)