LET'S BACK UP......

SUMMER FUN!!!

(This is a post that I tried to update at the beginning of the month, but can you imagine that I got interrupted, and was never able to finish?? Hee, hee, hee!! So, after lots of teasing from my sweet friends, and darling cousins, I thought I better do a better job keeping my blog updated.)

I feel like these days, weeks, and months are flying by!! We have been EXTREMELY busy with baseball, all-stars, tumbling, swimming, etc.., etc.., etc... I have realized that this is my "time and season," and as crazy as it is, I am trying to soak it up, and loving every minute of it. That song by Belinda Carlisle, "Running just as fast as we can," continues to pop in my head, as I feel like that is all we do these days. Trying to get out the door by 8:45 A.M. for swimming lessons seems nearly impossible, baseball practice every day, games in between (in Bountiful), piano lessons, changing at least 20 diapers a day, refereeing all of those sibling arguements, bkfst., lunch, dinner, storytime, scripture study (what's that?), prayers, laundry, laundry, and more laundry!!! It's a crazy life, but our life!! (Sorry, I stole that line from Kate on "Jon and Kate plus eight--I love that show!!) So, here's a recap of our latest happenings.........

Our little trooper

I LOVE this picture, and just wanted to share it with everybody. We just found out on Saturday that little Caleb has pneumonia (again), and another ear infection. Despite all of this, he never complains, and still always manages to have a smile on his face. Dr. Aizad put him on a strong antibiotc, and we are praying for a quick recovery!!

Miraculous Milestones

On Thursday, May 22nd, Caleb had his first "Neonatal Special Health Care Needs" follow-up visit. This clinic is for babies who are born premature, are on ECMO, or have other special needs. Caleb got to visit with four different specialists; Dr. Bybee-chief pediatrician, Dr. Thompson - pediatric neurologist, the physical therapist (oops...I forgot his name), a dietician (oops..forgot her name too), and a pediatric nurse. As we made are way around to each doctor, we continued to hear how amazing Caleb was doing, and how they couldn't believe that he was sick enough to be on ECMO. Each one of them said that he had mastered all of his milestones up to this point, and looked just as great as any other five month old baby. He weighed 18 lbs. 11 oz., and was off the charts in his height. They were a little worried about his blood pressure being too high, and told us to have Dr. Aizad continue to watch it in the future. By the end of the day, they all laughed and said the only thing that they were worried about is how spoiled he was, and how he was probably a little overloved! The doctors and nurses were so very sweet and pleasant, and made us feel so comfortable throughout the day. As we drove home, we were so happy with the amazing progress that little Caleb is making, and continued to feel so grateful to have this beautiful little spirit in our home. Thank you to all of the WONDERFUL doctors and nurses who never to cease to amaze us at Primary Children's Hospital.

Mr. Pitcher

Austin has worked really hard this season to prove his awesome pitching skills!! I love the look of determination on his face!! (Not to mention the pretty flag flying in the background.)

The perfect baseball stance!

Sunday, May 18th - Caleb's blessing

I cannot even begin to describe how strong the spirit was in our home during Caleb's blessing. I was overcome with emotion, as I reflected back upon the past 5 months, and the journey that we have taken to get to this joyous occasion. We were surrounded by our dear, sweet families, and Brother Tim Frank, a member of the Bishopric. Shaun gave him a beautiful blessing, and he didn't even make a peep. It was a very special and memorable day. Thanks to our families in sharing this beautfiul day with us.

Due to the fact that Caleb is such a chunk, we had to do a little improvising on his blessing outfit. I was planning on using Austin's, and discovered (way too late), that it was way too small, and wouldn't work. So, we decided to use this cute little linen button-up shirt and shorts, (a baby gift straight from Mexico, from one of the girls on Shaun's team). Thank goodness it fit perfect and even allowed a little breathing room. Whoosh!!

Uncle Kevin, Aunt Marcy, and Caleb having a good laugh!!

Bring on the spring projects!!

So, we finished the basement just in time for the baby to get here, and then we (o.k., mostly Shaun) decides that we should tear up the yard and start over. So, he took a day off work, rented a sod cutter, cut grass, had top soil, sand, fill dirt, and blocks for a retaining wall, delivered all in one day!! (Can you say ambitious, or crazy, one of the two??) The kids had lots of fun HELPING out with all of the many jobs that day.


Wait!! How did Syd. and Alivia get to Hawaii
without us? Hee, Hee!! This sand really made
us long for the beautiful tropic beaches.

What a little cutie!! All of this shoveling and work, and still is just as happy as ever. He has been wanting to do this for the past couple of years, and is very anxious to carry out the design that he drew up!! It will be lots of fun when it's done. You're all invited over for a pool party!!

ALL SMILES!!

Caleb is such a happy guy!! He is always full of smiles, and giggles at any given moment. We were in the car the other day, and Braden simply looked over at him, and said, "What are you doing in there?", and he started laughing. There is nothing like hearing that little baby giggle. It melts my heart. I want to record it and just listen to it over and over.