Tomatoes!

We've been enjoying proceeds from our little tomato garden for about a month now. Koen tends to basically eradicate the ripe fruit before we can get it in the back door with his big tomato appetite. Finally we are at a stage with the tomato plants where they are producing enough that even Koen is overwhelmed and the rest of the family can now also enjoy the tasty harvest. Koen looks so cute in this picture. He loves being involved in the gardening process (especially the eating part!).

Tavin Update

Tavin had to be woken up this morning at 9am. I actually would've let him sleep, but I was dying to check on him and make sure he was OK, so when I did go in I think he woke up with the noise of the door opening and closing. His rash looked quite the same to me this morning. See below.But I do think that now it appears more subdued than yesterday, less red and less raised, but definitely still there. Hopefully it really is starting to vanish. Tavin's appetite still seems to be affected as well which is unfortunate. I was hoping this would bounce back faster, but it looks like it might also be a slow process.

Thanks for your prayers for my little Tav. He's hanging in there and at least is acting a lot more like himself playing with brother, bounching back from the days trips and falls quite well.We went to the library this morning and he went into silly escape mode as usual. Always a good sign. =)

Poor Tavin -- Allergic to Amoxycillin

On Wednesday I started noticing a rash developing on Tavin behind his ear and around his face. On Thursday it was becoming more obvious as the day wore on. By the time I got him up from his afternoon nap, it was plain to see that he was having a severe reaction (or perhaps had contracted measles?), so I called the doctor and made an appointment for today. Not to mention he hasn't had an appetite, he's barely eaten anything. When he woke up this morning the rash was twice as bad creeping down his arms and fully covering his back and front. Poor little man! After the lunchtime appointment we learned that most likely this was indeed an allergic reaction to the amoxycillin. The doctor doesn't think that Tavin is allergic to penicillin, but we should not use amoxycillin going forward. Also, we are suspending the use of amoxycillin for this ear infection bout (actually the doctor checked his ears and said they were cleared up, so we won't need to pursue further medication thankfully). My poor Tavin can't catch a break. I have no idea how long this will take to subside. Here are some pathetic pictures of Tav in the tub tonight...

Summer Break, Week 3

Today was Summer Break again. Koen enjoys this day so much, he's been talking about it since last week. He said, "I wonder what we'll do this week? I don't know what it could be, I think we've done everything." How cute is that? The team at church has done a great job being creative and getting these kids involved in some new and different activities. What's really fun too is that different people have volunteered each week to teach the kids about a hobby or something they enjoy doing. First week was pottery, second week was cooking and then this week, gardening! Anyways, I'll return to that after a quick explanation of what Tavin and I did at Sprouts of Faith while Koen was busy.

This week Tavin was more cuddly. I don't think he's 100% yet. The poor kid has been breaking out with a rash and I called the doctor today and they are pretty sure he probably has a mild allergy to the amoxycillin (classic!). The poor guy. He has had almost no appetite, so he probably just doesn't have as much energy as usual to participate. He still enjoyed our time there though and did run around a little bit. For "I'm in the Lord's Army" and "Onward Christian Soldiers" the little ones got to put on some armor. Tavin was excited to look like big brother (Koen has done this in Kidz Church before). He also watched Kaiser put it on and didn't mind emulating him either. So cute!
Sorry about the blurriness, I feel like I'm still figuring out how to take pictures with my new camera and I definitely don't have it down yet. Below is a practice movement picture that Kyndal took as she looked at some settings on my camera. It kind of looks like what we do at Sprouts anyways, dancing around and the like, so I thought I would include. Plus, look how happy Tavin looks racing around. He's so sweet.
Ok, so after Sprouts and some playtime with Kaiser and Porter downstairs, we all headed upstairs to see what the big kids were up to. It was fantastic! They had colored some pictures about the Garden of Eden and learned about that story and how God created everything including plants. Then they painted pots. Next they got to have a garden feast. There were all sorts of vegetables and fruits, most of which were from the gardener's garden! Koen was so happy with it.
Here are their finished pots. Koen happened to make his a grayish color that actually matches the kitchen quite nicely. How convenient!
Look at the little "garden" in the sanctuary. I just think they've done an awesome job. They talked about how plants work and showed them the roots, the stalks, the fruit, etc. Very cool.
Here's Koen getting to use his freshly painted (but thankfully already dry) pot to plant some basil to take home.
After this great event, we headed over to Schenley for some playtime and lunch. Tavin was running out of steam fast and had no appetite, so he didn't last long. Koen was a sweaty, dirty mess, but he was having fun with Kaiser and a little girl they met. Koen was teaching them how to roll down the hill.
Thanks to the Kidz Ministry team at Northway Oakland for another fun-filled morning!

Night Out With U2

So, it's a long story, but finally, Doug, myself and Nate and Megan made it to the U2 show! Here's the quick story. In December of 2008 we gave Nate and Megan tickets to go to Jersey Boys with us here in the Burgh as a Christmas gift. We ended up not being able to go, so they sold the tickets the week of the show and made great money on them and so we all decided we should apply them to the (at that time) upcoming tour for U2's latest album. We had a plan to meet in Boston July of 2009 for the show and only a few weeks before that time Doug and I had to cancel, Doug couldn't get out of work responsibilities and I was pregnant and just not feeling like a rock concert (not that I really ever get into a rock concert mood, but I'm willing to try for Doug's sake).

So, Nate and Megan were good sports again. Nate had actually scheduled an international business trip around the show and had to completely change his flights due to our inability to make the show, so they have been rubbing that in our faces for years now. Anyways, we sold those tickets and made our money back, so we held onto it in hopes that U2 would come around the States again and hit Pittsburgh. Well, albeit the last US tour stop (there were 100 shows in the US), we made it!

I have to say, despite the fact I'm not a concert fan (much to Doug's chagrin), I really, really enjoyed the show. Bono is such a performer, not to mention it is completely impressive how he is older and can sing, dance and run around for 3 hours straight and never get winded (although the man does sweat a good deal). His voice is outstanding. I hate it when you go to a concert and the sound is just not as impressive as the recorded version. Well, that wasn't the case at all. They are amazing! They have incredible tecnology, lights and stage as well that is so impressive to watch. I was thrilled with our seating situation. We had general admission and we were right on the floor below the stage. I was nervous about being squished by crazy fans, but we found a great spot where we had plenty of space. It was actually a fun area we were in. There was a group of 40 year old guys that were acting like high-schoolers. Doug figures they reunite every 5 years at shows like this with their best buds from high school and basically act like kids again. It was actually really endearing. They were doing air guitar and jumping most of the show. I'm guessing they all called in sick today. There were some unfortunate neighboring folks too, but oh well. There were lots of different types of people there...kids, older couples, people our age, college age kids, the whole spectrum. Again, it's pretty impressive the range of audience that U2 has. The show was really interesting as well since Bono has really taken on so many causes, he uses his shows to really shed light on places and people in the world that are suffering or revolutionizing. I'm not exactly sure about his political details and he didn't really push on any one way or anything, but I have to give him credit for using his fame to try and make a difference. Here are the few pictures that are worth showing (Doug took a bunch more including several videos, but I will spare you (I thought it was a bit excessive)).

We had to get a picture of the four of us, since it was such a long-awaited double date!Doug said something that made me laugh and put my arm like that, I promise I don't normally pose like this. =) It's just the only pic I had of Megan and I, so I thought I would include.Doug and I were trying to just get a picture of the two of us, and as you can see Nate snuck in there and surprised me. It was a fun night to say the least.And finally, a Doug/Amy shot to hold onto for years to prove to Doug that I can try to be cool enough to go to a U2 concert. I love you, babe. Thanks for a fun night (albeit loud, smoky and late!). XOXO

Cooling Off Mixed With Art

Deborah and I had made plans to hang out on Tuesday and we figured the Troy Hill Spray Park was a good spot to meet up so the kids could run around and cool off and hopefully we would get to hang out and chat a bit. Deborah arrived first and texted me that the Citiparks Roving Art Cart was there as well. This is a bit of a double-edged sword because it's awesome that there were fun, hands-on activities for Miles & Koen, but where the art cart goes, inevitably day camps follow. When we were first there around 10am, the spray park was not packed, but by noon it was crazy! The boys enjoyed the water play first and then we headed to be creative under the art cart tents. Tavin did pretty well, seeming to be about 80% of his normal self. I let him bring his "replacement blanket" so he could chill out in the stroller from time to time and that seemed to help.Koen and Miles dove into the painting activity. Koen seems to really enjoy painting right now. I love it. His imagination is great, he really gets into what he's painting even though it always kind of just looks like a lot of heavy wet paint swirled around.Claire had some painting fun too. She and Tavin are such troopers to always watch the big kids have the real fun. Don't worry you two, your day will come!There was a new activity at the art cart this time that was really interesting to Koen (and myself) - a bike-pedal-powered spin art! Ingenious! They used old small records and put them on the turntables, then the guy got on the bike and pedaled slowly while letting the kids squirt 3 different kinds of paint on the record.Koen loved it and I was impressed that he understood the concept. The boys even enjoyed just watching other kids do it as well.

The art cart was definitely the highlight of the spray park this time, but I still love the idea of the sprinkler park. Tavin didn't get into the water too much this time, but he had his moments where he enjoyed it. The big boys enjoyed the playground as well. Towards the end it was obvious that Tavin needed to go home so we all ended up packing it up a little after noon. I was just happy that we had made it out of the house on a beautiful day and that Koen got some exercise. Thanks, Deborah! I always love hanging out with you!

Sick Day

Oh my goodness! Who knew such a happy little guy one night could wake up so sick the next morning. Poor Tavin. When I went to get him, it was almost 9am and he was still sleeping. When Koen and I went in, he stayed laying down and I rubbed his back, he was so feverishly hot. Poor little guy! He bounced back a little after breakfast, but he was still very feverish, so I gave him Tylenol and again he seemed to bounce back a little. We ended up taking a late morning walk. Once we got home and it was about lunchtime it became quite obvious that poor Tavin was not doing well. Here is a picture of him managing to hold it together while I made lunch and Koen worked on his reading skills. What a trooper!After he sulked through the beginning of lunch with moments of complete crying meltdown, I gave in and let him have blanket in the high chair. That calmed him down enough that he would eat a little bit. He was so tired though, he kept just resting his head to the side and sucking his thumb. It was definitely time to find a doctor's appointment!

The Lord's grace and provision was so apparent today (well, isn't more that I'm often not attuned to it rather than that these attributes aren't obvious?). Despite a booked schedule (you can always tell by the admin's voice at the doctor's office when it's tough to squeeze another sick kid in) we got a 2:45pm appointment. I laid Tav down for a nap and Koen had "quiet" playtime in his room since it was too early for him to nap. He was all excited about the mission to get Tavin well anyways. Then it started pouring outside. Did I mention Doug had our car? So, I called our sweet neighbor, Hilary, and asked for the huge favor of borrowing the car complete with car seats. Of course, she said yes. We are so thankful for our awesome neighbors! At 2:35pm I loaded groggy, sweaty, feverish Tav and super energetic Koen into the car and we were off.

We had quite a wait at the doctor's, but Koen was super into the Cars movie playing in the waiting room and Tavin just snuggled me. It was so apparent that he was not feeling good at all!

Then we got into the room and waited again. Here are a few shots of my poor sad baby...I have to give a little ode to Koen (despite the fact he totally repaid me in complete disobedience at the dinner table tonight). Koen was such a sweet, calm and cooperative older brother at the doctor's office and in general with the way our afternoon was all mixed up today. Thanks, Koen. Here's one of his attempts to keep Tavin entertained at the doctor's office. He thought his shoes sounded like tap shoes on the Pergo flooring, so I went with it and he loved performing!

The doctor asked the usual questions and then looked in Tavin's ears and he has ear infections in both. So sad! It just kills me when this happens. Breaks my heart that he's been in pain all day (although hopefully relieved a little bit by the Tylenol doses).

We headed straight to the pharmacy at Giant Eagle Market District and unfortunately had another wait there. I had my mommy moment of the day when I came up with a scavenger hunt game for the still bounding-with-energy Koen and that kept us busy and happy enough (Tavin was OK because he had blanket and his thumb).

We got home a little after 4:30pm and Tavin was so sick looking I just put him back to bed and let Koen be rewarded for his helpful, sweet and good behavior with a few short shows on PBS.

Tavin was not much better this evening since the Tylenol was wearing off again and he really didn't like the medicine, but hopefully in 24 hours he will be back to his regular self. I have to say, a snuggly day with Tavin is still a great day. I just felt so bad for him!

Goodbye Texans

Tonight we headed over to the Bralys for a fun (although sad) goodbye party for our friends, Mark, Meaghan and Austin. They have been in the Burgh for a few years and are headed back to Texas. It's always so sad to say goodbye, but we had lots to celebrate too as they have added a lot of fun and flair to our community. So albeit bittersweet, we love a chance to party with our friends and Koen was excited to go to Kaiser's house to play with his toys. Check out all he was working with only a few minutes after we arrived...The backyard was a lot of fun too. Koen, Kaiser and Tavin did so well sitting together eating their dinners.But the real fun was when the pool party broke out. It was super cute how Tavin kept up with the big kids especially. But they all did so well together, especially since they were all up past their bedtimes.Like I said, Tavin was totally into the pool. Check out one of his stunts (he's so cute!)...


Thanks to Kyndal and Brett for hosting. It was a great night (except for the fact good friends are leaving). And a special goodbye to Mark, Meaghan and Austin. We will miss you and we hope you will visit often!

Thunder Morning

It was a muggy, rainy, thunderous start to the day, so we enjoyed some simple indoor activities with the boys. I let Doug off the hook and took Koen to the basement for some painting and Doug played with Tavin upstairs in the playroom. It was a great "divide and conquer" scenario and it did work this time.

Koen was super excited to paint as he hasn't done it since nursery school (we just got some supplies with some great coupons at Jo-Ann's last week).Tavin and Doug had a fabulous time reading and playing upstairs.Doug had to go to work around 11am, so I took the boys out on a walk to the library and to run some errands after the storms cleared. It wasn't too crazy hot and humid yet (just mid-80's and 75% humidity). The library is such a favorite spot for both the boys. Tavin loves to be silly and try to run away from us and sneak out from behind the shelves, but today he also liked playing with the magnetic letters. He looks like he totally knows what he's doing, doesn't he?Koen was intense all morning. So frustrating. He bounced back a little bit after lunch. I'm hoping he's a new man after his nap!

Huck & Tav

Last night Hilary, Delia and Huxley came over for dinner and the older two enjoyed playing upstairs before and after dinner and Tavin and Huxley stayed downstairs with us. They really played together...chatting, following each other, mimicing one another. So cute!

Here's an example of a little "conversation" and play Tavin and Huck had together...

"Hi Huck. Here, I have two cows. See, I'm going to put mine in my mouth, you should do the same" says Tavin...
"Great job, Huck. That's perfect. Now, follow me!"
"Here we go, Huck. It's the silly cow walk! This is so great." Tavin squeals.
"Oh great. My mom wants us to stop the fun for a picture. Huck, you don't have to look so perfect. I'm just trying to stay still. How do you do that by the way?"
The end. =)

Lunch With An Old Friend

Can you really call a 25 year old "old"? Anyways, we had lunch today with our sweet friend Amy. She was in Doug's youth ministry up at Northway Wexford when he first started there 10 years ago. Now she's all grown up and as we were discussing today, she now feels more like a peer than a little sister. =) It was really fun to spend a little while catching up and having Amy experience a meal with the boys (never a dull moment). Thanks, Amy for such a nice visit! We are so thankful we are still in touch and we are so proud of the woman you have become! Here are the few pictures I got...

The boys were really hungry since we had just been at the pool as a family, so they dug right in. Tavin loves eating PB&J like a big boy! Koen was very social with Amy (she's fabulous with kids - it's part of her job too, so she's an absolute pro!). I asked Koen to smile for a picture and this is what we got at first...Then he said to me, "no, Mommy, we should do it like this" and he put his arm around her. So sweet!