Another FUN-tastic Week

Well, the children have been super busy this week!  They started in EE3 (Early Education 3) and have done pretty good.  They are just going in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Their teachers are great and they seem to be enjoying school!  In addition, we are doing a livingsocial.com deal for Music Together - alot like Kindermusik, I suppose - but since Ian absolutely loves everything related to music, I just couldn't resist.  I got Bonner signed up for ballet so she will start that next Thursday; in addition, we are going to do a trial class at a local gymnastics place because that's what Ian asked to do.  But since ballet and gymnastics do not start until next week, we took today and enjoyed the afternoon at the local Children's Museum.  I remember when Bonner wouldn't walk in the door to the Children's Museum without screaming; today, she literally ran to each area - the farm, the grocery store, the pet vet, the water play area, the music room, and even the construction area.  Needless to say, it's been a super busy week, but we have had fun getting settled into our school routine!  Here are some pictures from our week of fun!

First Day of EE3

Ian improvising when the toilet is too tall and he doesn't have a stool!

These are pictures from our music class.

They enjoyed dancing with scarves;

playing new, loud instruments;

and, showing off their dance moves!

These are pictures from our outing to the Children's Museum today!

Ian LOVED the music room ...

They both LOVE water ....

And the giant climbing contraption in the middle of the museum was something new.

You have to be 3 to climb on it so this was their first chance!  Ian got right in ...

and climbed,

and climbed,

and climbed until he was all the way at the top!

This child has no fear!

Very Busy Week of Changes

Wow, I cannot believe the week we have had ... super exciting, but sad at the same time!  Ian and Bonner are growing up and I am trying to enjoy every second of it!  We had a busy week with lots going on:

• Ian made great strides this week with potty training - we are just about there ... at least with the tee-tee part :-)  
• The children got new "big girl & big boy" beds this week and made the transition out of their cribs quite nicely!
• We had our "Meet the Teacher" Friday afternoon so the children got to see their new classroom and meet their teachers, Mrs. Neely (her given name is Princess Neely so Bonner is in hog heaven) and Mrs. Greer

Here are some pictures from the week to commemorate all of our changes (well, not the potty training part because we do have a little sense of decency on the blog! Ha!)!

 Ian absolutely loves his new bed ... and he is even sleeping in it without any rails!  Of course, he went with Toy Story sheets - no surprise, there!

 This is Bonner's new bed - princesses, of course!  As you can see, the 2 Abby's are already tucked in and ready to test it out!

 This is where their dresser & hutch used to be.  I took that out of the room to give them more space for playing ... and just imagine on this wall, corkboard on the top so we can display their artwork, and a white board/drawing paper on the bottom so they can enhance their creative flair anytime!  I'm going to have to do some research on how to make this vision happen, but I'll get there ... eventually!

 And, they must enjoy their beds, because this is how I found them after just a couple of hours of having their beds ... and well before bedtime!

 Pretty toes ...

 Not so pretty toes :-)

 The first morning Bonner woke up in her new bed, she actually asked me if she could have her "breakfast in bed" ... definitely my child :-)

 And, the main reason why Bonner loved her new classroom ... they have dress-up clothes.  I pine for the little girl that takes a whallop because she won't take off the Snow White Dress or the high-heeled shoes!

And, guess what this is ... I know ever child does it - and most do it 2 days before school starts!  Yes, you guessed it, Bonner took her play-doh scissors to her hair.  She took quite a bit out, but from various locations on the left-side of her head so it really doesn't look too bad.  But, if you look close, you might think she is growing her hair out for the mullet look!  We'll give it a few days to grow out and then go for a professional haircut to help "shape it up"!

Friday night, the Homeowner's Association hosted a "Back to School" party for the children (and adults) at the pool.  It was great - they could swim in between showing off their dance moves with the DJ!  And, of course, Ian insisted on showing his off doing the Cha Cha Slide :-)  Sorry that it is turned sideways, I only had my phone ... Scroll down to see the video - I couldn't get it to post within this entry!

We have our first day of school tomorrow so pray for a good night's sleep and a quick drop-off!  I also have my 3rd lesson in my photography class tomorrow ... hopefully, I will finally learn enough to show off some of my pictures here on the blog!  Have a great week!

Cha Cha Slide - Poolside

chachaslide a video by bloodwje on Flickr.

Friday night, the Homeowner's Association hosted a "Back to School" party for the children (and adults) at the pool. It was great - they could swim in between showing off their dance moves with the DJ! And, of course, Ian insisted on showing his off doing the Cha Cha Slide :-) Sorry that it is turned sideways, I only had my phone to use!

Great Cardiology Visit

Ian is my little rock star!  He did fantastic this morning and the news from the doctor was "Everything sounds good; we'll see you back in a year! Call me before then if you need me!"  For various reasons today, I have been an emotional wreck and I think I cried many tears of sadness today for my personal situation, but lots of tears of happiness and thanksgiving for answered prayers!  I was so proud of that little boy.  He did everything the nurse, the ultrasound tech, and the doctor asked of him without even the slightest squirm!

Here are some pictures from our visit!!

Here is Ian getting the stickies on for the EKG!

All hooked up and ready to be still!

All done - here he is actually taking the leeds off himself...

And here he is taking the painful stickies off by himself!  I told him that when he gets older that maybe he can invent some stickies that don't hurt little girls and boys so bad and he said, "That would be a great idea, mommy!"

He's laying back getting ready to start his echo.  He was very patient and was glad to have his right-hand man, Woody, next to his side!

Yummy purple "popsicle" for a surprise since he was so good getting his echo - and look, some pictures of his heart to show his sister!

All and all, it was a wonderful appointment!  Bonner was great staying with a neighbor which always makes the appointment even that much better!  I certainly appreciate all of your texts, prayers, and emails this morning!  Each day that I am faced with unknowns and I call on you, the greatest friends in the world, you have responded in ways that I never thought possible.  I see on a daily basis God's love for me through each of you and I am so thankful!  Yet again, as I close this update with great news, I am completely humbled by God's love for Ian, His answer to many prayers, and His grace!

Ian's Annual Cardiology Appointment

As I sit here the day before Ian's cardiology appointment, I am very reflective.  I just cannot shake the concern that I have for this appointment and I have no idea why.  I truly believe that God is in total control and what will be, will be ... and from the looks of Ian, there is no reason for any fear!  Maybe it's just the emotions of everything else going on in my life right now, but it's just a funny feeling that I cannot shake.

Ian's appointment is at 9 a.m. Thursday morning.  I will certainly post an update as I am sure he will have an EKG and an echo.  We had a fun day today and to watch him play at the indoor playground here in town, I was very aware as to how far we have come!

All these other children were sitting at this little picnic table and Ian just joined them for what appears to be an arm-wrestling match with one little boy!

 Climb, climb, climb!

 "I am Tarzan, hear me roar!"

I am so thankful for all God has granted me in this little guy.  He is a true miracle and although to most of you, the story is long passed, it's our reality and the concern for his heart is always in the back of my mind.  I certainly do not dwell on the future as I am very aware that God has blessed me with a miracle; carried me through the scariest time of my life; and granted me the chance to help this little guy reach all of his potential!  He continues to walk side-by-side us in this journey and I am so thankful!

Hopefully, tomorrow at this time, I will be feeling much relief!  Until then, please lift us up in prayer for good heart function and a great doctor's appointment!