32 years...

That's how long I've been on the earth. I was blessed with the BEST surprise party Friday night. I was under the impression that Tim had arranged for my sister, Heather to watch the kids and we were to go out (on a date). We arrived to Heath's house to drop the boys off Friday and the surprise was unveiled. I was in shock. Luckily, Owen began crying due to the surprise of it all and it took a bit of the emotion away-you know, the emotion where you feel like a little girl all over again and want to bawl all over the place.

It was a wonderful night and as more info was revealed to me, my sister was the master mind and she involved my dear friend Kara (and fam) and of course Tim, and then my dad and Uncle Steve too! We enjoyed yummy cake and such and some very competitive games of Euchre. I of course, being none the wiser about the shin-dig, did not have my camera to capture the event but I assure you, it was a wonderful birthday surprise! They decked out Heath's home in pink streamers, balloons, and the most gorgeous pink roses (see pic). I'm sure there are other details I'm forgetting but it really was the neatest blessing! Then, yesterday, Tim surprised me by sending Kara and I to Indy for a girls day out with some money for a special meal and some shopping! It was great.


Now, today's my actual b-day. I spent the day with the boys just relaxing, etc. I found myself thinking about my mom, 32 years ago and what my entry into the world was like. I know one thing, I was 23 days over due. Yep, I know I've always been a pain to my mom, but that really goes beyond what most must bear. I know I made up for it though, by being a super kid;-).
Being a mom now, really makes it mean a lot more to have birthdays. Prior to my twenties, [birthdays] were always about me getting another year closer to adulthood, etc. Now it is more representative of what I've done and where I'm going. I really relate more with mothers-as "birth" days really have significant meaning to more than the birthday girl or boy, but to the mom who bore them. Ok, so my grammar and literary ability at 32 isn't stellar but hopefully you're following me;-)

I'm looking forward to Halloween in a couple days. The boys have a party at church where they are supposed to dress up like Bible characters. I've been blessed with 2 creative ideas this year for both boys that I came up with (patting myself on the back). Jacob will go as Jonah-he will wear slippers that are "Big Fish" slippers. Thus, he'll be Jonah-caught in a big fish. TJ's costume far supercedes my usual imagination-because it's actually kinda creative. I am going to take a big box, paint it black and cut open a door. Inside the door will be TJ (as the box will be over his head) with a name tag saying Hello, my name is Meshach and I will have orange and yellow tissue paper all around like flames, thus he will be Meshach in the fiery furnace;-)

Then, after church, they will get to trick-or-treat in our neighborhood as Spiderman dark (TJ)and Spiderman traditional (Jake). Owen will just wear the super cute jammie my mom got him that says "Baby's first Boo!".

Wednesday we will also head back to Indy to see the geneticist Dr. Escobar for the 2nd time to see if he is any closer to deciding what he thinks is going on with Owen.

Then later in the week I have a hush, hush surprise for TJ, Owen, and my dear Niece Lindsey for their 8, 1, and 9th bdays. More on that later.

A funny story: The other day, Jacob wanted Oatmeal for breakfast. I tried to feed Owen some baby food rice cereal and applesauce before making Jake's breakfast, but Owen wants nothing to do with any non-adult type food. So, some cute 'rejection' pics follow. Anyway, Owen was grunting to let Jake know he wanted him to share and Jacob gladly obliged. I was very tickled when after Owen's first bite from Jake's spoon, Jacob declared "Yuck". I inquired to what he was "yucking about". He responded that Owen's spit was left on the spoon b/c a small bit of Oatmeal was still on the spoon. Oh, brother.

So no more baby food for Owen. You win my sweet prince!

The boys got flu shots and wanted to show off their badges of bravery. It wasn't planned when we went to the MD for TJ since he'd had the yuckiest nose for weeks on end, I finally bit the $25 bullet to take him to be seen. The MD offered flu shots and said he understood if I wanted to decline since Jacob didn't expect such an event going down. But I talked to him (Jake) about it and he said "I will try to be strong" and while he still cried some he was very proud of TJ for staying strong and that he didn't cry as much as Owen did;-)

Owen is standing now. Mostly still holding on to things, but sometimes for a few seconds with no support. He thinks he's so BIG!

The boys got their school pictures back. Aren't they so handsome? I can't help but be a proud mother! I am in awe of God's artistry in my children! One complaint...school pictures are a racket!!! (sp??) They cost an arm and a leg and while we are blessed to be able to purchase them, $40 a piece is salty...I spend less at Penney's-and they are creative!!!

And last, TJ has been the best helper with Owen lately. I have enjoyed booming business with The Pampered Chef and TJ has really helped by relieving me some by helping out with Owen from time to time while I handle phone calls, etc. Here he is driving Owen around in the infamous "banana car" that some friends from our small group gave to us.

Ok, now last-I'm really enjoying the fall. It is so beautiful here in Indiana. The trees are astounding and the weather has been crisp and fresh! TJ has a leaf project for his class and it was a lot of fun to collect leaves with him and research their names. Who knew their were a gazillion varieties of Maple, Oak, and Hickory to fish thru? I wish I'd have remembered to take a picture of the finished project!

I hope to have some of my bday pics and Halloween pics to share soon! AFN.

I finally found it!

Actually, Jake found it. The camera that is. Not much going on here so I'll just update with some pictures after my 2 weeks without it;-(
Oh, and still no teeth...

And...be sure to sign in on my new guest book below...I'd love to get to know who's reading my blog and if you could, upload a picture too!


My cutie is a little 'crusty' lately with a cold in his eyes and yucky nose.



ALWAYS on the move...

"Look at me, I'm SOOOO BIG!"

Ugh...always pulling up and pulling stuff off-here he's caught in the act and in mid-air!

Look at the cheesy grin and Conan hair! Help mom, I have no hands!

Jake's so weird sometimes!


Yummmm....graham crackers!

My 'shy' look:

Hope you enjoyed this brief update. Hope everyone is well!

Very heavy heart...

This is how I come to share tonight.

As Owen's life has brought us friends and great joy from around the globe, tonight we share in the grief experienced by the Dungey's from the UK. (a link to their blog we have listed to the right about other LP's and their journey)

Their precious son, Theodore Edward Dungey arrived today but died (unexpectedly) shortly after birth.

Andy writes:

Theodore Edward Dungey was born by emergency Cesarean at 3:56am today weighing 6lbs 10oz. Unfortunately, I'm very sorry to say that he had significant respiratory problems and despite the Special Care Baby Unit's best attempts to resuscitate him, he died at about 9:30am.

He goes on to say:

I am very sorry to have to break the news to so many friends in this way and I pray that you would find peace in your sadness.

Andy in his great Faith and witness to our Lord also shares these verses to give us peace, comfort and hope:

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

With a heavy heart I post tonight asking your prayers for the Dungey's. I am at a loss for further words.

11 months and counting!

Owen's visit for measurements today:

Weight: 14 pounds 14 1/2 ounces (last month 14 # 14 ounces....hmmmm up a whole half ounce-yet scales don't lie, do they;-(

Height: (measured twice; 1st measurement was 1 inch smaller so who knows) 25 1/2 inches (last month 25 1/4 inches-ahhh, up a whole 1/4 inch)

Head Circumference: 44.5 cm (last month, same-44.5 cm)

So here's how he measures up compared to The Centers for Disease Control Growth Charts (CDC) says a child with an adjusted age of 9 months (remember Owen was 2 months early so we give him credit for what he should be vs what he is in regards to age) would be in the 50th percentile of:

Height=28 1/4 inches whereas Owey's 25 1/2 inches equals that of a just under 5 month old
Weight= 20 1/2 pounds whereas Owey's weight of 14#14 1/2 oz =that of a 4 month old (weighed 14 pounds, 14ounces last month)
Head circ=45 1/2 inches whereas Owen's noggin of 44.5 cm is the size of an ave 7 month old, but with his little 4+month old size body makes his head seem big.

***Note: I wrote most of this without realizing that Owen has not grown much in the last month, thus I'll be calling the pedi in the am to bring this to their attention.***

On an up note his weight for length measurements are falling just within the 25 to 50th percentile range which means he's very proportionate.

Owen had his 1st biter biscuit today (see pictures below) and loves sitting like a big boy in carts and high chairs at restaurants... he sits longer and quieter in restaurants than both of his brothers combined just looking around, smiling etc. He can get to a sit now, and also has mastered pulling himself up on most anything he can reach (all while giving me more gray hairs than any 31 year olds head should contain!). He has horrendous itchy diaper rash that I've been battling for what seems like forever-the MD glanced at it today and told me to try steroid cream-whoa, won't Owen be pumped!). He is like a food magnet, knowing when we eat big people food and he can't be fooled into thinking he's getting bites of my food when I give him his own food off my plate-he spits out whatever baby food was given to him and cries for my food-very bright boy!

He crawls on all fours now and can get to a sit easily whenever he wants, though he prefers to be on the move ALL the time (to my disdain). No teeth still, but he loves to bite on things like his spoon, etc. He also likes ice.

He has started dancing to music-when his musical toys play, he rocks on all 4's etc or he'll rock in his seat when he hears music from the radio, etc.

He's so sweet and a little trying (did I mean to say tiring?) at times nowadays. But, I am so delighted to give this 11 month update!

He's an amazing portrait of God's artistry! Sometimes when I look at him or watch him sleep, I could just cry (bawl like a baby) thinking about how I longed for him this time last year and how far he's come from what we ever thought possible!

In a high chair at our 1st visit to McCallister's Deli

Above and below: Owen's 1st biter biscuit fiasco

Jakester in his new Spidey Costume;-)

Is it a mad dog?
...affected with rabies?
No, it's just Owey after his brother gave him 'licks' of his 1st ever sucker;-)

Some benefits of being small...means you always have a foot rest in your high chair tray;-)

Note how he is chin level to the tray vs chest level as is desired for a baby learning how to properly eat...oh, the problems those with short stature face;-(

Who dunnit?

A case almost as renowned as the "who shot JR" series finale of Dallas...uh, er-ok, so maybe...not so much....

The crime scene. Found 11:02pm in the Master Bathroom.


Suspect #1 The most likely perpetrator-Spidey Boy, aka The big brother. Good fit for the perp-last seen with the victim. Skilled with tools, motive: unknown.

Suspect #2: Not so likely, but with stealth like speed possible perp. Motive, none.

Suspect #3 The victim aka Jacob and now "Buzz". Motive: none. However, was present during the crime. Looks like a mug shot to me.

The crime? See exhibit A

Exhibit B
Exhibit C
So the story goes:

Mom (me) plans to head to bed last night and finds the evidence (picture 1) in her (MY!) bathroom. Hmmmm....she thinks-but in the tired stooper she's in, she decides she'll investigate in the morning. Fast forward 9am today. Mom asks "Jake" about the missing chunk of hair from his head. His answer "I dunna know". Mom asks again. His new answer "TJ made me do it. Mom says, "WHAT!!!" Are you sure TJ told you to do this? What did he say. Jacob responds, uh, I don't remember. Mom: Jacob, tell mommy how this happened. Jacob: Uhm er, :::::stammers and stutters:::::: TJ said to do it really fast. Mom:okey dokey, we'll have to talk to TJ about this. In the meantime-let's see what we can do about this new "do" of yours.

Uh, I don't think so.
Ah, much better. Fast forward 3pm today. Mom: TJ, you have one chance to tell the truth-THE FIRST TIME!....tell me what you know about Jacob cutting his hair. TJ::::deer in head lights type of confused look:::: uh, Jake cut his hair? Mom: JACOB!!!!! Tell mommy the truth right now! Did TJ tell you to cut your hair? Jacob: Yea. TJ: NO I didn't Mom: JAKE! Jacob: he didn't.

Ahhhh, sweet victory. Case closed-not so sure what to do about the missing size of Alaska chunk outta his head, but-at least we know he did it to himself and he has to live with it. He is quite embarrassed and wore a hat most of today. But, I don't know that preschool allows hats

Oh well, a first.

Onto the story of Jacob's 4th Birthday and party.

Jacob turned 4 Thursday September 27th. It seems like just yesterday that I had him---a little stinker then too. He just couldn't wait to make his debut unto this world showing up a full 6 weeks early. Thus, giving us our first taste of the NICU experience. The 1st longest 10 days of my life. He was quite a sick little boy. On a vent, then C-pap, nasal cannula, feeding tube, etc. We finally got to bring our little peanut home (birth weight 5 # 13 oz, lowest 5#6oz).

Look at him now!

Ecstatically opening up presents from mamaw Becca and mampaw Andy.
uh, yea-love the moon sand;-(

Onto the cousins party. Jake and Jonah share a celebration every year as they are 1 year and 362 days apart;-)
On a still related but unrelated to my trib to Jake entry-aren't they cute cousins? Lindsey and TJ are 350 days apart (Linz soon to be 9, TJ soon to be 8).

The cake...it was a Spiderman 3 theme.

A very scary spider cake....



Thanks Aunt Amanda and Uncle Jason for the liability, uh, I mean Scooter! Ahh, it's ok, Mamaw Becca got him a helmet, knee pads, and shoulder pads-it's all good.

A special Thanks to Jonah for the VERY SPECIAL Spiderman costume! Jacob LOVES it!
And to Grandpa Ron for the BIKE!
More pics from the party-and what's a party without masks and webslingers as party favors?


Jacob also says thanks to his Uncles Andrew and Zach for the Moon Sand stuff, Mamaw/Papaw Harbath for the very popular with the neighbor kids Spidey Skateboard (candy, moon sand, etc), Aunt Heath, Uncle Lee for the story board and other goodies, Uncle Casey/Aunt Kristi for the card/$, and Grandma/Grandpa Valiant for the DVD's, and savings bond!

It was a fun few days and I can't believe my boy is 4!!!

***Owen update*** Owen's a wreck. He's been ill for a while now from ear infections/drainage, to balance issues, to horrendous diaper rash and diarrhea. It's been miserable. I've been miserable. He poos soooo much I've upped him to size 3's just in hopes of less leakage of poo. Was pooed on today in fact at a staff meeting-ugh. I digress...Anyway, here's the news from the geneticist.

Was a very good visit. They are very thorough and kind. They were very impressed (and baffled) by Owers. The plan: return in 6 weeks in hopes that Cedars Sinai (dwarfism specialists in CA) will have completed it's review of Owen's skeletal survey. All was going well and I was speaking with a genetic counselor all about our 'Owen experience'...when the genetic counselor said it was time to get the MD. So, I'm like, ok. great.

Then he walks in and she says to him, "his films are still being evaluated at Cedars, but the say it they are leaning towards ::::muffled sound, her voice trails off-syndrome something or other:::: Uh, what? Huh? What just happened? "WHAT?" I pipe up. The Dr explains: Because they don't think he has a skeletal dysplasia, IF he has something wrong, they would consider syndromes.

:::::Sigh:::::It doesn't matter. I'm fine and we don't know anything and we don't need to worry about some potential syndrome before they have even finished their analysis. So, while I don't have much to report, they were baffled and said Owen is really going to make them work.

So, we'll see. I sure hope Owen starts feeling and acting better soon. This whole crazy, unstable 'wants to explore the whole house' phase is very tiring. But, I take so much comfort in remembering how I yearned for this baby's life this time last year.

Up next-watch back for the 11 month stats-coming soon!