March: In like a Lion. Specifically, Ndamukong Suh.

You know, Ndamukong Suh? Or DonkeyKong Suh as the boys refer to him? The Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle named "Dirtiest Player in the NFL" for his aggressive style? Yes, that is the kind of March we welcomed on Friday evening.

It started about 4pm on Friday. I received a phone call from a cousin who had been staying at the Great Wolf Lodge and wanted to meet for dinner. I called him back and reminded him of our 2 year old (2 year old= avoid restaurants, not to mention 6 kids= avoid restaurants), so they arranged to come by our place for pizza instead. I grabbed Jacob from school and then quickly went to the store for a few necessities (for our company and in case the roads weren't great for travel on Saturday). Roads were beginning to get sloppy then, in fact I didn't even know my cousin was already at our house when I pulled in because their tire tracks were already gone (and they had only arrived minutes before). After showing them the radar image of the storm that was upon us, they decided to take a quick tour of the hatchery and head home 2.5hrs south of here. We offered them to stay the night, but it appeared on the radar as though the snow turned to rain not too far along on their journey so they headed off. Aaron left at the same time to pick up a pizza and when he came home he said he barely made it up one of the hills to return home. We were very thankful when we heard from our cousins that they had made it about 25miles south and checked into a hotel (after a treacherous and scary drive). We went to bed at 11pm and the power went out at midnight. Because the fish at the hatchery are dependent on electricity (for water flow) and worth millions of dollars to the State of Michigan, the hatchery generally has priority during power outages, so we aren't usually without power for more than an hour. So imagine my surprise when I woke up at 8am to discover we still did not have power! Then imagine my surprise when we didn't get power until 4pm on Sunday! Going from never being without power for more than an hour to going FORTY hours without power was CRAZY! And, we definitely weren't the only ones. The storm dropped between 18-24" on this area and it was HEAVY and WET, so much so that it had the appearance of being blue! It knocked out several trees and power lines and left 250,000 people without power. Our county (Benzie) along with Leelanau and Grand Traverse all declared a state of emergency.

I spent much of Saturday debating what to do. I felt as though the power would come on any minute and I was nervous to take a chance on the roads and attempt to drive someplace with electricity (my parents DID have electricity as well as some hotels). I was able to access facebook on my phone and knew that they were asking people to not drive unless it was an emergency. Additionally, I was concerned that if I started off towards my moms and then realized the roads were too bad that I wouldn't be able to turn around anywhere without getting stuck and I had limited cell phone service. Aaron had decided that he needed to remain at the hatchery to ensure that things were running smoothly on the generator and to make sure that when power returned, everything switched back over correctly.  I was VERY glad I made the attempt to head to my moms because the roads, well, at least the main road, was FANTASTIC!  Kudos to the road commission, and I don't say that often!  The only hazard was that there were a lot of lights out.  My brother and his boys were also at the house (their power is expected to be back on Tuesday evening).  So the boys and I enjoyed ourselves hanging out with family in a warm house and Aaron and Roxy chugged along in our cold house.  I think he said it got down to 48 degrees, but his Fish camp experience at the beginning of the month proved to be good practice ;)  Most of the area schools were cancelled today due to power outages and many backroads still needing to be plowed, but Jacob didn't seem to mind ;)  I only took a few photos as I fled to moms and then I added a few pics from my brother and some that our friends took from their house about 10 miles away. 

  My brothers driveway:

Other side of Mark's driveway:

Pulling out of our driveway:

Leaving the hatchery

Leaving the Hatchery, mailboxes on the right:

Parents road down to one lane:

Snow covered trees:

Trees hanging over our friends driveway:

Plowing their driveway:

Trees falling on power lines:

Front of our house:

A few pictures of Winter...

Platte River, behind our house:

Wider view:

Sunset at Crystal Mountain:

Sunset at Crystal:

A pair of bald eagles, this was taken this past weekend:

Pileated Woodpecker, this was taken mid-November, I believe:

We also had the opportunity to see a Snowy Owl last week!  I wasn't able to get a picture, but it was very cool and my first sighting of one!

Updates for Brody, Aaron and I...

Not too much going on for Brody right now, so I'll combine his update with ours.  He continues to be hilarious and animated.  He does well at preschool although the past few weeks he has refused to go outside with the class.  We offered him a few rewards and things seem to be improving although he ONLY lets the teacher assist him with his snow clothes and NOT any of the parent helpers!  He is the special star of the week this Friday and is VERY excited! 

I think we have decided on his preschool plans for next year.  We are going to enroll him in the co-op for 2 days (T/Th), do the enrichment program (Thursday am) through the co-op (it's like a field trip day once a week) and then put him in the preschool through Jacob's elementary school one day a week.  That way he'll get 3 days/week of preschool, but it will be less mileage for me since we'll do enrichment and co-op preschool on the same day and then the elementary school is much closer.  Hopefully he'll also get to know some kids that will be in his kindergarten class the following year as well by attending one day a week at the elementary school. 

He loves playing on the Kindle Fire and Ipod and his favorite game is "Mad Birds"  (aka Angry Birds).  In fact, he has even decided he wants a "Mad Birds" birthday party.  I've already gotten a few things together for that since the next few weeks will be busy for us!  I can NOT believe he is going to be FOUR!  Wow.  Here are some of the hilarious things he has said lately:

This morning while buckling him in the car:
MOM!  The car is FREEZING.  It's shivering me timbers!!!!

Last week he busts into the bathroom while I'm showering:
MOM!  Look at this game I found!  I've wanted it MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!

Last week, Feb. 21st, sitting on the couch:
MOM!  This show can't be over!  It will break my heart!!

Then 10 minutes later at 10:10am:
Brody: Mom?  Is it time to pick up Jacob?
Me:  Uh, Brody no... Jacob has 6 more hours to go...
I think someone missed their brother after a 4 day break!

Aaron update:

Not too much going on with Aaron.  At the beginning of the month he attended a week long firefighting training about an hour and a half from here which meant early mornings and late nights, not to mention he spent at least 30hrs two weeks beforehand preparing at home.  This week he is at another week long training session, but this time he didn't need to prepare, I guess. 

Aaron also went to fish camp this year with a group of younger guys which initially freaked me out (most of the guys are like 10 years younger with no kids...).  Thankfully, even though they are 10 years younger, they are still about 30 years old now and much calmer and tamer then they used to be!  It happened to be the coldest weekend of the winter and he and his brother slept in our unheated pop-up camper while the other guys slept in a large tent with a propane heater.  Oh, and they didn't catch one fish.  Aaron said it was quite miserable and although he had a good time, he will never do that again without a heated cabin, which was the consensus of the group. 

My Update
I'm doing good.  I've had a hard time deciding whether or not I want to be on the board for the cooperative preschool again.  Some days I think absolutely!  Other days it's like No Way!  Since I think the job will be easier the second time around (and since I don't think we'll have to worry about hiring a new teacher this time), I think I've decided to give it one more year. 

Still trying to keep up with running.  I completed 64 miles in January and I'm at 44 for February.  Haven't lost much weight despite running over 100 miles in the past two months, but I know it's good for my heart and helps me keep up with the boys. 

In less than 2 weeks we leave for Orlando.  I don't think we'll manage Disney this time but I know we'll have a blast relaxing in vacation mode by the pool.  Mark, Lisa, Noah & Mason will be there as well and I'm sure we are all going to enjoy the extra company this year!  We have also decided to fly this time, driving is definitely much cheaper and makes packing so much easier, but it's so tiring and we didn't want Jacob to miss too much school (or us to miss out on too much vacation!).  We return home on a Monday.  Tuesday night after we return I have a preschool annual meeting & board meeting (which means it will be an extra long night), I also need to open all preschool applications and do class assignments and letters, Friday I need to assist in Brody's class and make cupcakes for his birthday treat and then Saturday we need to host a birthday party for 20-ish people for Brody's 4th Birthday.  March is sure to fly by!

Jacob Update

He loves the snow!

Too bad we haven't gotten much this year, but we make the best of the snow we do get!

Jacob is fantastic with math and numbers.  In fact he is so good, it appears that he needed more of a challenge with this exercise and decided to write half his name and the numbers 20+ backwards in a mirror!!  (They assure me this is normal kindergarten behavior ;)

Not a bad walrus, eh?  And look!  His name is all good!

MLK Jr day.  "My dream is to be nice"  Funny, that is my dream for Jacob too.  Be nice to his brothers, in particular!! 

I get awesome mom points, I picked out a hat that my son described as " is awesome".  Also, the scarf is red, coat is camouflage and boots is soft.  ;)  They better be!  Those are burton boots!

It's amazing how Jacob's interests stand out so much from things he doesn't like to do.  He LOVES numbers and does NOT like to color.  His teacher tries her hardest to encourage him to color "every part of the picture and use lots of colors".  Why do I get the feeling Jacob was mocking her when he colored his project like this?

Not sure what this is titled... Jacob with Jazz Hands next to Smoke Stacks?  Jacob with Jazz Hands next to Trees?   Maybe we'll just call it "Jacob with Jazz Hands and Toes" 

"Dear Santa, I have been good.  I help clean the dishes."  He is a good kid and is very eager to help out whether it's with the dishes, clearing the table, setting the table, the dishes or the laundry.  Hope I can say that when he is 16.  Also, that is a picture of me at the kitchen sink.  I think he captured the essence of my hair beautifully. 

It wouldn't be Christmas (in a public school) without the Grinch...

SCHOOL UPDATE:
Despite my concerns that maybe we started Jacob in Kindergarten too soon (I think the demands that they have for kids that age, the all day class factor, coupled with his size, and the facts that he is a boy, first born and a "young-ish" five maybe another year would have been better), he seems to be doing really well.  Here is a note from his report card:

Jacob continues to do well in all areas.  He has consistently shown growth in his understanding of letters and sounds.  His fine motor skills are also developing as he takes greater pride in his work.  Extra practice with cutting will help Jacob further develop these skills.  Jacob is very comfortable with capital letters and is working on using more lower case letters in his writing.  He is focusing on giving his best effort in all his work.  Keep up the good work! 

It did get a little ugly though around November when he started having major anxiety when I would drop him off in the mornings.   Three days a week his class starts the day somewhere other than the classroom (there will be a sign on the door advising them where to go - gym, outside or library).  For Jacob, it was just too much anxiety NOT knowing where he was going every morning and trying to find his friends (because 1st and 2nd grade was also hanging out in those spots).  We tried a few things but ultimately what works best for us is if I just drop him off right as school is starting (which is when the teacher goes and brings the class back to the classroom.  Sometimes that means Brody is a little late for school on Fridays, but usually no more than 10 minutes and that is just if it is snowy/icy.  But, it is well worth it to have Jacob start the day in a much happier, calmer mindset. 

Jacob has been chosen as student of the month for the month of February for showing "Caring Traits".  One child is chosen from each classroom and I get to join him and the kids chosen from other classrooms and their families for breakfast on Wednesday! 

SKI SCHOOL:
Jacob has been able to participate in a ski program through his school this year.  Since we already purchased him a ski pass ($20), and since he already has his equipment we only had to pay $25 for 12 weeks worth of weekly lessons.  It has been great and Jacob has learned a ton.  He's still not ready for the chairlift yet, but his skills as far as turning, walking with one foot strapped in, and getting on and off the magic carpet all on his own have really improved. 

HEALTH SCARES:
Ugh, I keep trying to write out this section and have had several interruptions, material accidentally deleted and other mishaps.  So I'll just abbreviate.  A couple of weeks ago Aaron was gone and Jacob woke up in an extreme amount of pain with symptoms quite similar to an inguinal hernia (something he has complained about for several months, but never caused him pain to this extent).  The pain subsided fairly quickly and we took him to the doctor the following week who said it sure sounded like a hernia but was baffled by the lack of the most obvious symptom (an obvious bump/bulge).  We had an ultrasound and $215 later we still don't know what happened.  Quite frustrating, but I'm just thankful he is feeling good now and doesn't need surgery.

Austin's 2nd Birthday!!

Austin coming home from the Hospital on January 1st, 2011:

Austin's First Birthday:

Austin's 2nd Birthday!!

He loves the balloons!

He's a big fan of cake!

I didn't get too many pictures because it is hard to capture a photo of an active two year old!  His well child went well.  No shots but they did recheck his lead levels.  They were 5 at his one year visit and this time they came back as "Under 3.3" so the office was happy.  Here are his stats:

Austin at 2yrs:
Height:  33 1/2" (25th percentile)
Weight: 26# (30th)
Head:  50.4cm (90th)

How much he's grown in 6months (aka, 18month stats):
Height:  31 1/4" (25th)
Weight:  22lbs 9oz (10th)
Head:  49.25cm (90th)

Brody's stats at 2yrs:

Height - 33 3/4" - 50th
Weight - 28 1/2# - 50th
Head - didn't get the measurement, but his percentile was over 100th/off the charts.

And as for Mr. Jacob at two he was...
Height - almost 33" - 10th
Weight - 25lbs (with clothes on!) - 10th


Austin's current Likes:

BOBBER BEAR.  Heaven help the person that DARE mess with Bobber bear.  At one point Austin had two bobber bears but he defiantly removed his diaper and PJ bottoms one night (lesson learned:  Austin MUST wear a onesie to bed!) and well, Bobber was compromised.  So now we are down to one and he's looking pretty close to retirement as well.  The Easter bunny would be wise to pick another one up.  PS - if any of you want an awesome bear, consider Bobber for $20!  100% of the proceeds go to the Martin Truex Jr Foundation helping children in need by supporting a wide range of charities with limited name recognition and budgets. 

His left thumb.  Austin loves sucking his thumb and uses his other hand to caress his face or the left arm.  Even though he is two, I still find this adorable.  Remind of that when we are paying his orthodontist bills.

Lightning McQueen.  Anything Lightning McQueen or CARS related can always be found near Austin or in his hand if he is not busy sucking his thumb.

Cars, Trains, Planes.  He loves to drive them all around the house and his particular favorite thing to do with them is to line them all up in the kitchen while I am busy cooking and then have me announce "GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!"  Then he pushes them all away so they can trip me, oops, I mean race.  Sometimes he also likes to turn them all upside down and say CRASH!  Although I find it cute, I'm kind of over the tripping over cars and toddler while trying to prepare dinner thing.

Books.  Although he can only really tolerate one-on-one with the books.  We tried to combine our bedtime story routine with all the boys and it was like party city.  So we are back to me reading to the older boys and Aaron reads to Austin.

Removing his pants and/or diaper.  But yet it does not appear as though he is ready to potty train.  We are hoping this summer.

Brushing his teeth.  With YOUR toothbrush.  Note to visitors:  Keep toothbrushes locked up.

Screaming in public.  We avoid restaurants at all costs.  Meijers can go screw themselves.  If you don't want to hire more cashiers and think 30 minutes to check out is perfectly acceptable, you can listen to Austin's lungs.   

Wrestling/Chasing his brothers.  LOVES it.  He gets run over and bumped into, but he jumps right back up and limps back into action! 

Playing Air hockey!  Grandma & Grandpa purchased a small one for the boys for Christmas and surprisingly Austin is pretty good!  The only problem is he likes to keep his other hand on the table and sometimes it gets hit with the puck :(

Dislikes:
Wearing gloves.  It's amazing he hasn't lost any fingers yet, because he loves to play outside despite his loathing of gloves. 

Anybody messing with Bobber.  Not.  Cool.

Anybody messing with his cars.  (Even if they are YOUR cars). 

Sleeping in a bed.  He much prefers the floor in front of his door.

Eating things one bite at a time.  Gorging himself is much more efficient.


So there is his long overdue update!  We just love our little guy so much.  He's surprising us with new words all the time (yesterday he said his breakfast was "Delicious!") and becoming such a funny little guy. 

My foot: Almost 1 year later

Overall it's feeling pretty good although it is uncomfortable sometimes when it bends too much. Oh, and one of the lost stitches finally made its way out - gross! I can tell I still have one other little fragment at the bottom part of my scar (the part closest to my ankle).