catching up 2.0

So yeah Life caught back up with me. The weather also granted us a few more good day before it turned cool. We tried to enjoy the outdoors as much as one could with the amoutn of appointments and school we have.

We then to the weekend to go and spend it with family. We got up early Saturday morning to head to Lancaster to stop at our favorite locations. they were having a pumpkin/halloween events so Bella got to decorate a pumpkin at the library and we got a free ticket to Stonefield’s safe and spooky Halloween.

We then headed to Fennimore to spend with the Janhke side of the family. We had pizzas and a lot of people in and out.

I took like no pictures because I got to hang out with the cutest three month old.

Then we loaded up and head to Stonefield. It was a bit chilly but we made do. I also don’t have too many pictures from this either. Thankfully Della got some for me, but I haven’t saved them to my computer..so you only get my few

We then spend the night in Lancaster again. we hung out with our friend while they collected eggs, then went to a&w for supper.  Just a good ol family time.

Sunday we woke up and spent some time out on the farm before we headed up to town to join family for breakfast/brunch

Then it was quick to home before we had to get to church. Bella got to say the prayer intendtion at mass. So proud of her, as she had big words and there was a lot of people.

This started us back up on a busy week. Monday the weather so wonderful so at school we were outside a whole bunch. And then Josh had the kids outside once he brought them home. Tuesday was our normal Gilda’s day. I had physical therapy for my knee, which has been bothering me for a few months, and the therapist thinks it’s more then my knee.. surprise that it couldn’t be simple. Then it was time to head to work which I kept both kids with me. We picked up josh and headed to Gilda’s. That was a good time. The only problem is it gets my head thinking about things to come. I hate that because I know Josh doesn’t like talking about it or I think of things that Josh needs to do..aka work for him.

Wednesday arrived and we were almost done with the week. Josh did his men’s group but I skipped mom’s group. Max’s has speech right after Mom’s group and he seems to struggle going to speech, so we decided to skip and see if speech went better. Well speech went much better, but we also changed up what he was working on, so not 100% sure which brought the change. Max worked on the “f’ sound and rocked it. he also did an art project too!! I was so excited.  That night Josh took the kids to meet up with Tori and her boys to Witch’s night out. too bad Max didn’t want anything to do with it. thankfully Tori was able to take Bella with her boys and so Bella got ot have fun. Josh and Max waited for them at Timbercreek pizza. they got to people watch  

Thursday was a long day. Max had school, Josh and I went to school Mass and then off for coffee before heading to Chemo. It was the start of round 5, so we got ot see the doctor. Overall it was a good appointment, but we found out the his tumor marker went up. So we are mixed on that.  I totally hate cancer, which I don’t know anyone who likes it. But this go around has made me realize that I can’t separate my life from cancer anymore. So started Nov 1st, I want to post more about PC and hopefully start to raise awareness. I want a cure found or at least better treatments. But after spending all day at the clinic, I got home in time to go to work. My mom picked up the kids and I got done at 5, but didn’t get to go home. We had parent teacher conferences. I’m happy to say my kids are going great. Are they the best in the class, no, but they are doing their best , learning and improving..so I couldn’t ask for anything more. Bella needs to work on putting forth a bit more for stuff she doesn’t like to do,and Max needs to use words more, but that was the worst we got. Max proved on the spot he knows all his shapes since he wouldn’t tell the teacher when it was time to test him a few weeks back. Bella is doing great in reading at a 4th grade level and no problems in math. We have to wait two more weeks for report cards for the official word. So bella got to pick out a new book from the book fair, Max was just happy to play in his classroom and help his teacher clean.

Friday we had the day off! but we weren’t very lazy about it. I had PT again at 815am, then we left at 930am for Lancaster. I wanted to get Max’s 4 year pictures done. The trip was a blur, we made quick stops at the bakery, happy joe’s for lunch, the library to return books and then we were gone.  Max ‘s picture preview showed the time was worth it. But we got home and played outside for a bit before it got to dark and chilly. Then once josh got home from hunting we had supper and then watched “it’s a great pumpkin charlie brown”

Max’s Hair cut

SO I finally got Max’s hair cut.. I know people have been wondering when I could cut it again. But the other day when he was in blue and camo a person called him a girl, I figured it was probably time. I debated where to go and then found out about a place in Ocomomowoc that had a kid friendly salon. They also had 10.00 toddler cuts, my price if he freaked out again. Fates would have it, that my mom was off, so we brought her along too.

Max wasn’t feeling the greatest, but I took him anyhow. He did great. he got to sit in a fire truck and watch Paw Patrol. he wouldn’t wear the cape, but he got his hair cut, so that’s all that mattered.

Before

During

After

Bella 4 years

Wow, Bella is now 4 years old. I will have to edit in  your height and weight after the 6th when we go for your 4 year check up. I can tell this without a check up , you are tall  and strong. You have your pretty blue eyes and blond hair. I would love to say it’s long but you have had other ideas. You were finally able to have your first hair cut, so mommy got it all evened out. Then a few weeks later, you decided to cut your hair yourself. Then it got cut so short in order to save it. Now it is growing back in thicker than before and slowly getting longer.  You still don’t want much done with it, but I use to do pigtails and now it’ sjust one side pony. Your hair has a bit of curl/wave it in. You do love to have “prettys’ and flowers in your hair though.

The last year has been big for you. In September you started preschool. This was the first time you had a teacher that wasn’t mommy. We went two days a week for 3 hours at a time. The first month was so challenging and I wondered if I did the right thing. But your teacher kept reminding me that you were fine after about 10 mins of us dropping you off. We also quickly learned that if daddy dropped you off it went much smoother. You made 8 little friends and I heard about them every day. Your teacher told me you love to help, share and play. You learned so much in just a short school year. You “preformed” in two concerts. You went on a few field trips, one of which was the giant dairy in town. I think you loved that one the most. You learned about days of the week, months, weather, letters, numbers, holiday, food, cooking and so much more. You also learned that Mommy and daddy will always come back for you and that school can be fun!

One of the hurdles we had to deal with in order for you to go to school was the whole potty training thing. Girl you are as stubborn as your parents and I soon realized how much it was you refusing to go just bc we wanted you too. Once you knew you had to stay dry to go to school things changed. You did have a few accidents in the beginning of school but that soon ended. Now you rarely have an accident. We are still going through a hurdle with pooping but ya know you are doing great with it and I think that too will be figured out soon.  I pray for no regression for the start of 4-k

Speaking of regression.. we had a bit of regression with all things when you became a BIG SISTER! On Nov 18th you welcomed a little brother into the family. But I’ll admit that was a bit rough on you. You suddenly had mommy and daddy and then you were whisked away to Nana’s house since there was no one at home to care for you while Max was in the hospital. Then after only a couple days home you went to Aunt Tracey’s since Max had to go back to the hospital. It was a rough time for everyone, but it made you very clingy..something that you haven’t gotten over yet.  But you love your little brother, sometimes a little too much. He always laughs and had the biggest smiles for you. You are a big help at entertaining him or even helping to go get something when Mommy or Daddy can’t.  You are a great big sister. When Max first came home you always wanted to hold him often times taking him away from others. You have done great with the attention he has gotten instead of you. I’m so proud of how you watch out for him.

Mommy hasn’t been the only one who has spent time in the hospital or unable to do what she once could. Daddy had to go through herina surgery which meant he couldn’t rough house with you for 6 weeks. Then in May Daddy has spend a lot of time in the hospital and the doctor’s offices. You have been a real trooper.  You haven’t been able to be with us for a lot of it, but when you do get to come you are so good while waiting in boring rooms. as long as you have your tv and a snack you are good to go. You even sometimes talk to the nurses when the offer you treats. A year ago you wouldn’t have done that.  Sometimes you forget that Daddy can’t be all rought and tumble or pick you up, but most of the time you find away to do what you want with him. 

You love fishing with your daddy. I think you asked at least once a day if you can go fishing. Your daddy has taught you a lot about fish and the fish in Wisconsin. He also taught you how to cast. You do great in the boat. You know what you want to catch and often, if it’s in the body of water, you can catch it.  You also love to go for tractor rides with daddy still. Ever since I was pregnant with you and rode in the tractor I think you have been in love with tractor rides. Daddy often lets “give directions” and so he takes you to see different things. I love hearing about your adventures with daddy.

I’ll admit with the craziness of the last year, We’ve not had as much Mommy and Bella time. While you were in school I tried to pick you up so that I could hear about your day. we often went for ice cream as a special treat. Sometimes I take you for shopping trips and you love to ride in the cart. Often you will ‘read’ the list to me. A lot of them times we end up with something extra that you just had to have. I often read the story at bedtime and love to snuggle with you while we read a book. You still come sleep in bed with me in the early mornings and want to snuggle.  I know someday you will out grow it, but for now I enjoy it.

Some of your favorite things……

TV: Max and Ruby, Bubble Guppies, Diego, my little pony, any Barbie movie, Little mermaid and bambi

Food: Mac and cheese, Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, cheese Hot dogs, and Grilled cheese. You also love any fruit, broccoli, cauliflower, peas and some mashed potatoes.

Toys: Unicorns, Mermaids, tractors, horses, fairies , any of your animal collection, any of your brother’s toys, Mimi(doll) and Mimi’s sister.

Characters: Arial, Merliah(barbie), Cinderella, Tinker Bell, Rainbow Dash and PInkie Pie

Clothes: Dresses, skirts, anything with sparkles, jewels or Pink

Colors: Pink, Purple, Blue and Green

Activities: Dress up, Dancing, swimming, blowing Bubbles, tea party, doing puzzles

You such an independent little thing. You can get your own “meals”, dress your self, even put yourself to bed. Though the last one is rarity. YOu say so many funny things.. If I ask you to come to me to help me with something, ei throw away something from your room, you respond with “yes mother” Not sure where you learned that one. Another favorite of yours is “You got to be kidding me “ That one drives me crazy when you use it. You also can remember stuff that naturally you shouldn’t or we were hoping you would forget. You are starting to actually be reliable when passing messages between people or remembering things. This is probably the first birthday that you are really aware it’s your birthday. But you still don’t understand why Daddy has the same one as you.

Some other first this last year have been first family vacation. We went to the Dells and you had a great time. Even though it was a new place you quickly warmed up and had a blast on the water slides and swimming. You took your first swimming lessons without Mommy and you rocked them!! you have turned into a fish!  You can also jump off the diving board and go down the slide into the pool at Aunt Tracey’s.

Oh I know there is so much more that I should write down and I even started this two days early so that I would remember more, but I have so many pictures and blog entries about what you have done that hopefully that will make up for. I can’t believe you are four already! I look forward to what the next year will bring us.  I love you my baby girl.

Snow and cookies

Today was a good day. I was up a bit late due to Josh getting in late, my cold and reading a good book, so when Bella got up at 6am, I was worried it was going to be a bad day.  I finished my book while Bella got to get in some important PBS kids TV.

Josh came in and made breakfast. We then all got ready to go outside, him to go to work and Bella and I to just play. It wasn’t too cold and only lightly snowing, so Bella and I played in the “back yard” by her playhouse and outside climber thing. She had a blast with that. I had fun playing with the cats and Cole. He loves when we get to play outside. We eventually made to the barn for me to do chores. They went quickly for once. Of course since I did them so early in the morning, i couldn’t set up the milk house yet.  next stop was up to see the calves. One of them is sick and didn’t make it. Well she was still alive when we went up.  We also checked on Baby Sue.  Bella misses her in the barn.

After we got done with the calves, we started to head back to the house. I decided to shovel the cement part of our driveway. Bella even got in to it. She had a blast with her shovel. Then she figured out that the big snow pile in our front yard was hard packed snow she could climb. She had a blast.

We came back in and it was nap time. Bella went down pretty easily. While she napped, i did some pick up and then decided to work on organizing my pictures. I got all of 2010 sorted out by months :) Now i can hopefully start setting out some scrapbook pages.

Right before Bella woke up, I put lunch in the oven to cook, so when she woke up it was almost ready.  So after a bit of playing(to let her food cool down), we had chicken nuggets and french fries. Then after we were done eating, we decided to have some fun.  We made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Bella had fun. We used the kitchen aid mixer and she thought it was the coolest thing. I let her even put the cookie dough on the cookie sheet.  I love watching her figure out new stuff. It also reminds me of being a little kid and cooking with my mom.

By the time the cookies were all done, Josh was on his way home.  We then spend some time together while Josh and I checked out the mail. Bella was all over Josh. She really misses him when we are home all day and he’s gone to work.  He had to go out and do some stuff on the farm while I cooked supper and Bella got to watch a little afternoon Diego.  After supper it was out to milk and me to clean up. I got the all the rooms vacumed and picked up the kitchen.

when Josh and bella got in, we decided to watch Wipeout as a family while Bella’s bath was getting ready. She really enjoyed it. Probably not the best show for her, but it’s still fun.. Then it was bath and bed. Josh put her to bed and she went down way quicker than when I do. Praying for her to sleep all night!

These boots were made for Walkin’

Bella figured out how to get my boots on and walked all-round the house in them.

 

OOO Pretty boots

It’s fun to walk in them

 

Cheese mommy!