Birthday Festivus

It was a 4 day celebration of birthdays! We began with opening one of Kendrick's presents on Thursday evening, the day before his actual birthday. We got him a Geotracks train set and he was in heaven! The look on his face says it all. This kid loves trains. If only Dadoo were here to play with him....

We were headed to Houston the next morning because we were invited to Isabela's birthday party. Since all of our dear friends were there anyway, we decided to go ahead and celebrate Kendrick's birthday in Houston as well. We arrived by noon and met Isabela and Brenda at Collina's for lunch. Seeing as how this was his actual birthday, we went ahead and ordered a brownie for dessert. Topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup, we enjoyed watching the sweet sharing of the kids.

That evening, we celebrated my birthday. We did dinner at Benji's in the Village with the Alexanders and Falcones and then met up with all my Houston friends afterwards. It was so good to see everyone again and felt so good being back in our old stopping grounds. We tried out the new Gallant Knight hoping for an R & B band, but were sorely disappointed when we realized it was a 70's cover band. We made the best of it and ended the night at a karaoke joint a hop, skip and a jump away from Anna's house. Of course, we had to have 4th meal at Taco Bell.

Saturday morning was Isabela's birthday party at the Children's Museum. The museum had really had a complete overhaul since we had last been. It was very impressive and a ton of fun. The Power Tower, Water Works, and Tot Spot were highlights. Thank you, Brenda for a great party and inviting us and we were so happy to be able to spend time with Isabela! Happy 5th birthday!

After naps, we had Kendrick's birthday party. Graciously, Anna, Mark and Walker opened up their pool for us and we had a small (in number), but large (in fun) party. The Falcones and Buckners joined us for BerryHill fish tacos and tamales and of course the rice crispy treat birthday cake. Brenda hooked us up with a customized, quality "Dori" fish pinata. Now when I say quality, I mean even after two rounds of adults hitting, we couldn't crack it! After all the excitement and entertainment, we put the worn out kids to be and the adults hit the hot tub.

We are blessed to have such wonderful friends to share in such meaningful times in our lives. Thank you for your friendship and support. We love you all.

P.S.--For more pictures, check out my facebook page.

Isabela

This afternoon we invited Isabela over for her last visit to Sugar Land. After this weekend she will not be around any kids, due to her surgery on April 14 to repair her mitral valve and the addition of a pacemaker. And, we will have moved to Dallas by the time she is able to get out and about. So, we heated up the hot tub and went "swimming." It didn't last very long for the kids, but they enjoyed just being together--toys were calling their names. Long about 6:00 we ordered pizza for dinner and waited on Sammy's arrival from work. Brenda and Sammy were to have dinner with another couple this evening and with the help of a few tears from Cavett, we convinced them to leave Isabela with us.

I'll tell you, I was a little nervous. What if something were to happen to her on my watch? This little girl has struggled for life and I could never forgive myself if something were to happen. But, it was the best several hours ever. We got out Cavett's train set. He has been dying to play with it, but due to little brother and the disaster he creates, we had put it up until Kendrick was 2. The two had a blast pushing the cars back and forth. We read a few books and then went to bed--the three of us in Cavett's full size bed. Isabela usually falls asleep in Brenda's arms and Cavett knows this. Cavett just couldn't stand not being in my arms too, so I was between them both with my arms around them both. It was precious and sweet. That was at 9:15. I think they both gave up by 9:40 and I followed shortly there after for about an hour and a half.

What a precious child, Isabela and I am so honored that I was able to be the surrogate mom for the night and that she felt so comfortable to fall asleep so quickly in my arms. We will miss her and her family greatly. Please pray for her during the next month or so that she is strong during and after surgery and that the hands of the doctors are guided by God.

It's My Heart 5K

This morning I got brave and headed downtown with both kids and a double jogging stroller in tow. (Stephen was working.) We signed up for the 5 K Walk that benefits kids with heart disease like our little friend Isabela. If you can believe it, this was my first ever organized walk/run, so I wasn't sure quite what to expect. We got there a bit early which gave the kids time to run around, harrass ducks and explore Sam Houston Park a bit. Unfortunately, my camera battery died just before the walk began so I'll post a few more later when I get my hands on some more. We were joined by the rest of our core, the Falcones and the Alexanders. It was so good to catch up with them and fill them in on the latest in our lives. (I know you are still waiting for that blog, but I don't have the green light to publish to the world yet.) Both kids enjoyed the balloon release and Cavett even decided to run a bit. Cavett's comment of the day was, "Is this a parade?" So, that is what we called our little walk--a parade. I am so glad we were able to be there to support Isabela. Please begin praying for her as she prepares for her next surgery on April 14.

Playing Doctor

One of Cavett's most prized gifts came from Isabela on New Year's Eve. She gave him and authentic hospital gown, Hot Wheels Band-Aids and a book called "The Bad Case of the Stripes." Cavett LOVES to play doctor, especially with Isabela. Maybe it is becuase he went to one of the doctor's appointments last year or maybe becuase he knows how delicate she is. But, he is ultimately concerned for her and that is what he always wants to play.

He had a set of scrubs and a doctors kit, but there was never anything for the patient, thus the patient was always topless. As parents, it becomes a bit concerning eventually, especially if you have a girl. But Cavett is loving the gown, it brings the role-play to a whole new level.

He has said twice without prompt how much he enjoys it. The first comment was, "This gown is such a cool gift!" And today it was, "We need to write Isabela a thank you note."

Today, both Kendrick and I took turns being in the "patient" role. For Kendrick, it was his eyes that were hurting and for me, it was my tummy. At one point Kendrick had Band-Aids covering both of his eyes. I love how much it shows his caring personality that he wants to make everyone feel better. Maybe he will follow in Stephen's footsteps.

Hosted by: Cecily and Mama Geek

The Hill Shelter

We are now a refuge from the aftermath of Ike and couldn't be more excited about it! This afternoon Isabela was discharged from the hospital and after gathering some things at their house which has no power, they are here to stay at our house.

Cavett and I made a poster to welcome them. Cavett even drew of picture of himself and Isabela on it. Of course, his self portrait was in dark blue and Isabela was pink. We enjoyed a few toys, played outside with the neighbors, had dinner, a bath and storytime. It was a perfect evening. We couldn't be more at ease with these house guests. It's like they are family. Love you guys and we are so glad Isabela is better!

Happy Birthday Isabela

Today we celebrate a remarkable little girl-- Isabela Falcone. It is her 4th birthday and with my new found realization of how serious her situation is, I praise God for each day that she is here. She has blessed and touched the hearts of so many people already in these few years. I am so glad that she and Cavett are friends and we love her parents too.

Two years ago I began working on this quilt. It was just before I was pregnant with Kendrick and I really thought I wanted a girl. I loved this quilt--the design, the colors, and it wasn't an easy one to put together. After about 5 months I had the whole thing pieced together, saftey pinned to the back, and ready to quilt when I learned I was having a boy. I put the quilt aside and didn't touch it again until about 2 months ago. As it sat there, I decided that I may never have a little girl and that someone special deserved this quilt. I knew it had to be Isabela.

Isabela, may you have many, many more years of birthdays to celebrate. You are a precious, beautiful child of God with a sweet and loving spirit. We are so blessed to have you as a friend.

What's a Mom to do?

We went back to the strawberry farm today to pick strawberries for the baby shower on Saturday. This time our friends, Brenda and Isabela went with us. It was a good time with perfect weather conditions. We even had a picnic afterwards, that's when the trouble began.

Last night was choir practice, so we didn't get the kids to bed until just before 10:30 p.m. Then, Kendrick woke up at 6:30 a.m. and Cavett at 7. This is highly unusual, especially for the morning after choir practice. So, by noon, Cavett was being bossy with Isabela and grouchy as well as I had very little patience. (Not one of my proudest moments for Brenda to see. No good parenting here.) During our picnic, I was struggling to get Cavett to hold still and eat his sandwich. I had forgotten to cut it into 4 pieces, so he was having a difficult time and couldn't decide on how to hold it--in the bag, out of the bag. Eventually I had to tear it apart. As I was feeding Kendrick during the ordeal and trying to carry on an adult conversation, Cavett had slipped off and was trying to undo his pants. He needed to pee. Seeing no bathroom nearby and being in the middle of feeding Kendrick, I just let him drop his drawers and go. To top it off, not only did he drop them, he took them completely off. Afterwards, he said he wanted to poop too, but he really didn't need to. I had to nip that in the bud. I think it was just that he was outside and different. All you can do is just have to laugh in this situation. Guess he didn't need his privacy today!

We barely made it home before Cavett crashed. We had to count all the flags and cranes that we could see as well as ask him for directions to keep him awake. All is quiet now with both kids asleep. I better get a shower while I can!


Credit goes to Brenda for having quick camera reflexes!

Texas Children's Hospital

Today we met Isabela and her parents for a visit to Texas Children's Hospital. Isabela had an appointment at the Cardiac Clinic and we went with her to donate the books Cavett received for his birthday. We wanted to donated them to the Cardiac Clinic so that the patients there have something to read while they wait for the doctor instead of the grimy toys.

Cavett was very interested in watching Isabela get her stats taken and Heather, the cardiologist even listened to Cavett's heart too. At times he was helpful like in helping Isabela put on her clothes, other times I was about ready to pull my hair out with him standing on the examination table pulling on the cords to the blinds. They had great fun taking pictures of each other and the view out the window. Overall, I hope that he somewhat understood why we were there, if not, I hope at least we gave Isabela a diversion.

The best news of all was that her heart is doing well right now and the surgery they had scheduled for this summer is going to be put off for a year! She will have time to grow a bit more giving her better odds with the surgery. We thankGod for you and your progress, Isabela! We love you.