Busy, Busy, Busy

Can you believe I'm 6 months old now????? This picture is of Baylor on Friday, he is now officially 1/2 year old now. It makes me sad to think our baby is growing up so quickly, however we have made great progress and it's nice to have such a sweet little boy who is gaining more independence and learning so many new things each and every day. Baylor has been quite sick for the last 3 weeks with Bronchiolitis and we have made 4 trips to the Doctor, breathing treatments, & steroids. The Doctor told me on Friday, that it can take up to 6 months for his lungs to heal. He said that anytime he gets a cold to expect a relapse of the wheezing and a need for the breathing treatments. Ugh!!! For now he seems to be over this thank you Jesus! Sticking his little tongue out at his mommy :o) Baylor come on give peas a chance :o). He has now eaten rice and oatmeal cereal, sweet potatoes, squash, and now peas. So far he really seems to be enjoying all the flavors of new foods. We are hoping that when we take him to his 6 month check up the Dr. will tell us we can switch him off the Alimentum formula to something a little more affordable. He does not seem to be having as much trouble with his reflux as he is not spitting up as much and before when he did spit up it smelled like pure acid. When he is spitting up, it does not have that horrible smell, just formula smell now. We took him on Thursday to Cranial Technologies for an evaluation of the flattening on the back of his head. They said the shape of his head is called Brachycephaly with squamoid bulging. His is positional due to the reflux he had in the first 5 months of life. We were told by his Pediatrician to prop him up after his meals in his car seat, swing, & bouncy seat to let gravity help keep his meals down. We also let him sleep sometimes in his bouncy seat (I know, I know but you do what you have to for a little sleep :o) ). Anyway now he will be fitted for a DOC Band and we go this week Thur for the 3D photos. They said we should expect for him to wear his for 2-3 months depending on how fast his head grows. We will be taking him in either every 1-2 weeks as well depending on how fast his head grows for appts. to shave off the inside of the helmet to allow for more growth in the areas where the growth is not being held. We are so lucky as there are only 16 cities in the US with the Cranial Technologies Clinics and the one here is only about 30min. from our house located beside Phoenix Children's Hospital. The Clinician told us that they have had many clients come weekly or bi-weekly for these 15 min visits from several hours away. Please pray for Baylor that he will adjust well to this helmet and that his little head will round out quickly.

This is Bennett this morning just after his Karate tournament. He placed 1st for Kumite and 3rd for Kata. We are so proud of him and continue to be amazed at his focus and determination with his karate. He has made huge growth in the last month and his Sensei told us today how proud she was of him and his hard work. He has 3 hours of practice a week and would go more if we would let him. We are about 3 weeks away from Nationals and he is looking so forward to it. He is not nervous at all, but don't worry his mommy and daddy are a ball of nerves the whole time he is out there :o). Bennett will go in this week on Wednesday and have four teeth pulled under general anesthesia. He has 2 adult teeth coming in behind his baby teeth on the bottom. I was brushing his teeth for him and noticed 2 teeth starting to poke through. We had our follow up with the dentist from when he tore his frenulum and the Dr. said we needed to get the baby teeth out quickly to allow the new teeth to move forward. Bruce had to have all but 2 of his baby teeth pulled as none of his ever fell out, so I guess Bennett is following in his footsteps. The dentist said they will usually pull at least 4 at a time and can pull as many as 7 or 8. Please pray for Bennett as he has his teeth pulled on Wed. that he will not be scared or have too much pain following the extraction.

This is Brayden from this morning, he is such a big boy now. He has moved to the 3 yr. old Sunday school class at church since he is potty trained and has moved to the 3 1/2 -5 yr. old parents day out class on Wednesdays. We have been working with him on self control and discipline and he has made great progress. We are not having near as many tantrums and outbursts and his is just such a funny little comedian to be around. He is wearing size 4 and 5 now and is wearing Bennett's clothes from last summer. He loves to eat and his famous line is. "I'm still hungry" Oh boy we are in for it when we have to feed all the boys and their friends. I'm scared for my food budget :o). Our funny little Bray Bear.

A funny little story the other day between Bruce and Brayden.

Bruce: Brayden I wish I had your legs because they are so muscular

Brayden : But daddy you would look funny because my legs are too short for you.

Bruce: Ha Ha your right Brayden they would be too short :o).

We have such great kiddos .

Getting Back Into The Swim Of Things

Today, after about a six month break from swim lessons, the boys started back at Teacher Lynda's Swim School. Bennett is in the Starfish class and quickly remembered his swimming skills as soon as he hit the water. His lesson was first at 9:30am followed by Brayden's at 10am and he is in the turtle class. They each had one other child sharing the lesson with them, so they were quite lucky to end up with a semi-private lesson and the best part was I did not have to pay the semi-private price :o). We started going to teacher Lynda's just after our move to Arizona almost 2 years ago! The boys love it here and have a blast each week. It has been so much fun watching them become very independent swimmers. A must considering all the pools here!!! Bennett practicing back stroke with his teacher Mari. Freestylin'

Brayden kept asking the whole time Bennett was in his lessons when was it going to be his turn. He was more than thrilled when 10am came!

Brayden with Mari . He told her when he got out there, now remember I can't swim by myself, so don't let me go! As soon as he got in the water he said O.K. now let me GO!!! Silly Bray bear :o). Ready to jump in :o)

Learning to float on his back.

It's All About The Potty

Brayden has been wearing these for the past week. He has consistently gone to the big boy potty with just a couple of accidents, this is huge for him. I told him that they no longer made pull ups in his size and it worked?!?!?!? Mind you this child has been #2 potty trained for like 9 months, but I guess he was just too lazy to stop his activities to go to the toilet. I suppose I'm guilty as well with a newborn and just being too tired to deal with finishing the potty training. He has completed a full sticker chart and his reward will be to purchase one new special toy. I have been purchasing either pull ups or diapers for 5 1/2 yrs. with no end in sight, so it's nice to decrease my diaper budget by a little :o). YEAH BRAY-BRAY!!!

An Arizona Sunset

I took this picture in the Fall and have been meaning to do a post on an Arizona sunset for quite some time. So this is for those of you who have never experienced the sun setting in the West and for those of you who miss seeing the beauty of the way the sun looks just as it dips out of sight. (This is for you Kyle) I must say this is one of my favorite times of the day, to look off into the horizon just as the sun is setting and see how beautiful the sky looks with all the variation of colors. There are many things I miss about the East, and so many things I love about living in the West and I can honestly say that watching the sun set is one of my favorite things about living here.

Baptised in Christ

Not by works of righteousness which we have have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirt, whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by his grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Baylor's Baptism 2-17-08 Community Church of Joy Glendale, Arizona Mommy and Baylor just before church

Pastor Paul Sorenson(he performed Baylor's Baptism), Mommy, Baylor, & Daddy

The McKinstry's with the Musgrave family their son Andrew also Baptised.

Mommy, Baylor, and Godmother Karyn

Baylor with his Godmother Karyn

Baylor wearing his Baptism gown handmade by his Grammy Angel just before she passed away. All the grand boys have wore this very special Baptism gown and we monogram their intials on the bottom of the dress. This is such a special way for their grandmother to be a part of such a very special day in their lives.

Baylor and Andrew just after church in the baptism finery.

Andrew, Baylor, and Kore

Jennifer and Andrew, Mommy and Baylor, Karyn and Kore

Happy Valentines Day!!!

My Valentine Cuties from this morning: Baylor and his Valentine babies sporting his Mom tatoo shirt :o)!

Our three little loves, Happy Valentines Day to each of you!!! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- This was on an art project from Brayden's class yesterday, so I thought I would share with each of you. The red letters are supposed to line up under one another, but you get the picture.

For God so loVed the world,

That he gAve

His onLy

BEgotton

SoN

That whoever

Believeth In Him

Should Not perish,

But have Everlasing life.

John 3:16

Below are a few pictures from this past week. We have been having temps close to 80 for the last week and the kids have had a great time getting back outside. My fun toes freshly pedicured for flip flop weather :o) Bennett having fun practicing his bike riding skills

Baylor watching his big brothers from his stroller, he just laughs in delight with them!

Brayden actually stopping for a picture. He usually does not like to have his picture made and I have a hard time getting a few quality pictures of him. We have a big weekend coming up, My friend Karen and her son Kore are coming in on Friday as her and her husband Kyle are Baylor's Godparents and she will be here for his Baptism on Sunday. We are having a luncheon for Baylor and our friends Jen and Tony's son Andrew who is also being Baptised. Lots of pictures to follow.

First foods at 5 months

Baylor and Andrew on Superbowl Sunday. Andrew is 2 months older than Baylor, son of our friends Jen and Tony

Andrew holds his arms up for a touchdown :o) Mommy and Baylor had a photo session, taken just before we tried solids for the first time on Monday.

Two days shy of 5 months

Time to chow!!! Baylor seemed very ready for something besides formula. He willingly opened his mouth each time and finished his bowl of rice cereal with no problems!!! Of ourse like all parents we are hoping that having a little rice will keep him full at night allowing him to sleep without waking for the 4:30am feed!

More please!!!

After each bite, he would cram his chubby little fingers into his mouth and suck until the next bite was delivered. Funny since he is a passy boy.

Picture of our little "Sweet Pea" at 5 months today.

Time to sleep...

No other real milestones to report yet. Baylor seems to be on track just as his brothers. None of my boys roll or sit up quickly. He is holding small toys in his hand and trying to put his passy back into his mouth by himself. He also enjoys the Jumparoo and has learned how to make it jump which he will do for a good 30-45 minutes at a time. He is still such a sweet baby whom we could not imagine our life without. Happy 5 month Birthday Baylor!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a State Champ

On Saturday February 2nd, Bennett competed in Kata and Kumite for a state title at Phoenix First Assembly. He took 5th place in Kata and 2nd place in Kumite for the state of Arizona. He was invited to compete in Kumite at the 2008 Unites States Karate Alliance Nationals in Albuquerque, NM March 27-30. We are so proud of him and his accomplishments. Karate builds character, confidence, discipline, concentration, integrity, honor, leadership, and respect for themselves as well as respect for others. Below are some pictures from the tournament. Bennett practicing his Kata just before the tournament began.

Bennett talking to the judges giving them his name, dojo, Sensei, style, and Kata he is to perform and asking for permission to begin.

Bennett performing Kihon Kata #5

Receiving their awards for their Katas

Bennett in fighting stance just before sparring. Look at his focus :o).

It came down to Bennett and Carson another boy from his dojo in the final round. This is a picture of Bennett and Carson sparring. (Bennett in the yellow belt)

The score was 2-3 with Carson placing 1st and Bennett 2nd for the State of Arizona!!! Way to go boys, you guys did an awesome job!

Bennett and Carson posing for a photo just after receiving their trophies.

You can take the girl out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the girl!!!

After 10 months since our last visit to Charlotte, North Carolina, we packed up literally everything but the kitchen sink, and headed South for 21 days from January 2-23rd!!! In case any of you are wondering how Bruce could be gone for so long from work, his company gives fathers 1 month of PAID infant care leave! This is a picture of Baylor just starting to stand in his Jumparoo New Years Day, as I was packing our luggage. He is just about 1 week shy of 4 months.

Picture of all the boys just after arriving to my sister's house. From L-R her son Harrison age 6 yrs. 6 mos, Bennett age 5 yrs. 2 mos, Baylor almost 4 months, Sterling almost 4 yrs., and Brayden 3 yrs. 3 mos. We had a wonderful time with 5 boys in the house and only made one trip for stitches :o). Details below:

Bennett recently learned how to swing himself on the big swing. He gives the credit to his pre-school teachers that work with him each day at school. They have a swing set just outside their classroom and usually begin the day playing outside. Bennett has spent lots of time mastering the art of swinging.

Bennett on the playground equipment at the park by my sister's house.

Brayden climbing in the tunnels. It was a very cold day and the boys were itching to get outside. Bruce and I said we would take the big boys to the park to get some energy out and my sister Robin stayed back at the house and watched Baylor.

Sterling and those big beautiful blue eyes.

Harrison taking a break to pose for "Aunt B"

Harrison found this ball at the park and the boys were having fun. With 4 little boys you can be sure there is some fun to be had!!!

Brayden on the swing, he loves to go as high as the sky! If you push him slowly he will demand to go faster and faster.

A gorgeous shot of Sterling just before the accident. Bruce was pushing Brayden on the swing and had reminded Sterling to watch out for the swing. Big brother Harrison kicked the ball up under the swing and Sterling instinctively ran up under the swing before Bruce could stop him. The swing came back and popped him just outside his left eye. Needless to say our fun was over at the park and Bruce, Robin, and Sterling were off to Urgent Care and Sterling got 4 stitches. That put our photo shoot of the boys on hold the next day since he had a black eye and stitches.

On Saturday January 5th Baylor met his Grandaddy Johnson for the first time. Needless to say this boy had Grandaddy wrapped around his little finger.

Baylor with Grandma McKinstry waving Hi!

Story time with Auntie Robin, if you enlarge the picture you may be able to see Sterlings black eye. (Ouch)

On Sunday January 6th, Baylor met Great Grandma Snodgrass for the first time. (my moms, mom) She had been saying ever since he was born that she wanted to hold him so bad. On a side note, Baylor looks so much like my moms baby picture. Sometimes I feel like it's my mom looking at me, pretty cool God's handiwork.

Sterling outside at Grandma Ruth's house, gathering items to make a tree house.

Harrison throwing leaves. We realized this was the first time our boys had ever played in leaves. They had a great time experiencing the rustling and cruntching of natures beauty.

Bennett reading some books outside in the leaves and Harrison gathering big sticks to make a tree house.

Mommy and Baylor getting some fresh air!

Bennett reading to Brayden at Grandma's

----------------------------------------------------------------- On Monday January 7th we took Baylor to our old pediatrician Dr. Glen Holladay because he was having some feeding issues. He had been having diarrhea for close to 2 weeks, and Dr. Holladay felt it was an intolerance to formula. I tried breast feeding and was successful for close to 4 months, but after 6 clogged milk ducts and more milk blisters than I can count, that I had to pop myself, I switched to formula. He switched him to Similac Alimentum $$$$ and he has done beautifully. I hope to switch him to regular formula soon. We go on Tuesday for a recheck and hopefully can start rice cereal. Anyway after the appointment we went for a play group with my great friends Joy Cabrie and her twins Lori and Lindsay, and my friend Kara Huntley and her kids Kalyn and Noah. Kalyn is 7 weeks younger than Bennett and Noah is 7 days younger than Brayden. I guess she was not ready to be pregnant with me for #3, but her sister had a baby right after I had Baylor! I forgot my camera that day, but we had a great time with all the kiddos! Hopefully we can all get together sooner than 10 months the next time :o).

On Tuesday January 8th we went to Monkey Joes to play with some of our friends from our old church Christ Lutheran. This is Bennett with one of his best friends Alexa. Their birthdays are 2 weeks apart, and they have been friends since age 3 months where we met at Little Lambs music class. Alexa and Bennett have a very special relationship and no matter the miles between us, they still love each other very much and pick right up where they left off each time they see one another. She says Bennett is her prince and that one day they will get married :o). I really would not be surprised if it happened.

Alexa's mommy Lindsey and her son Lucas age 2yrs. 10 mos. , Brayden and Lucas had a fabulous time playing together. Alexa had told Lucas before we arrived that she was playing with Bennett and that his friend would be Brayden :o).

All the kids minus Brayden, Lucas, and baby Kaitlyn

From L-R Andrew and Hayden Stiene, Camille and Ben English, Jackson and Samuel Hartig, Emma and Abby Brincefield(they have a baby sister Kaitlyn born just before Baylor) Their mom Dana and I have been pregnant at the same time each time and all our kids are within weeks or days of one another. That's all for me Dana :o), Alexa Karger, Bennett, and Baylor.

Brayden coming off the big slide.

Lucas palying a game of pound the shark.

We sure had a great time and really enjoy getting the kids together when we go back for a visit and see how they have grow. We can't wait to see you all again soon.

Baylor and Grandaddy Johnson. After staying with my sister for 10 days we gathered our things and went to stay with my dad and Martha for 6 days.

Saturday January 12th we went to Joy and Danny Cabrie's house for BBQ, baked beans, homemade slaw, banana pudding, sweet tea, and great company with the Cabrie’s, Huntley’s', and our family. We had a great time and the kids of course had lots of fun playing with one another. The boys brought their Wii and it was fun watching all the kids together.

Our family

The Cabrie's: Danny, Joy, Lori(purple shirt), and Lindsay(white shirt)

Huntley's: David, Kalyn, Kara, and Noah

Back at grandad's and Martha's for some fun with Martha. She is so good with the kids and they love her games!!!

One happy little BOY!!!

Mommy's little ham :o) I love those rolls and boy does he have a lot. He was weighed at the dr's on 1/7 and was 15lbs. and 15 oz. My baby is getting soooo big. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We also had a play date with our friends from our old neighborhood on Tuesday January 15th. Once again I forgot my camera :o(. We got together with Erin and her kids Charlie, Andrew, and baby Luke(each of her boys are within days or weeks of our boys), Kristin and her boys Colin, Ryan, and Chase, and Beth and her girls Virginia, Elizabeth, and Macy. We loved our old neighborhood and miss our old neighbors dearly. Thanks for hosting a fun play group Erin.

On Friday January 18th we gathered our things and went to stay with Bruce's parents until we left on the 23rd. My friend Karen who recently moved from AZ to Davidson, NC came to visit with her newest son Kore. She had Kore exactly 2 weeks before I had Baylor. They both are about the same weight, but Baylor's head is in the 90% and Kore's is like 25%. They are such little cuties. Karen and Kyle are going to be Baylor's sponsors when we baptize him 2/17, and Karen and Kore are coming for a visit 2/15-19 so she can be here for Baylor's baptism. Yeah I can't wait!!!

The boys and my brother Danny. They have so much fun with Uncle Danny.

Sterling celebrated his 4th b-day while we were there. It also happened to snow for the second time that day! From L-R Brayden, Aunt Robin and Devin, Harrison, Sterling, Baylor with Grandad, and Bennett. Bruce walking by in the background. He had a cowboy and Indian theme party and I think the highlight of the party next to the snow, was the piñata.

Baylor having tummy time, this was taken after we returned home, but I just thought it was a cute picture. He is about 4 1/2 mos.

More cutie Baylor, he is such a happy baby!!! We finally made it to get the pictures of the boys together on January 22nd, the day before we left.

This is the one we chose of all the 5 boys together. I was very pleased with how well it turned out.

Brothers Harrison and Sterling

Our boys Bennett, Brayden, and Baylor

Harrison

Sterling Bennett

Brayden

Baylor

Thanks for hanging in with me for this post, I took me several days to get this one together, hopefully I'll not have one that big for a while. :o)

We sure enjoyed our time back home, and had our fill of Southern BBQ and sweet tea, but it has been nice to return to our normal daily routine. We love and miss each of you, our family and friends and hope to be with you all again real soon!!!