Kathryn at 6 years and almost 6 months old

Kathryn is an amazing 6 year old!  She has a kind, thoughtful heart.  She has a love for life and God.  I am already so incredibly proud of the person she is becoming.  She is in Ms. Kean's first grade class at Rossview Elementary.  She has learned so much this school year including learning to read.  I am beyond impressed by her reading skills.  Each week, she completes all 9 homework assignments even though she is only required to do three.  She is the one that wants to do all 9.  She has lots of friends at school, and her BFF Audra Grace Binkley is in her class. She continues to have an extensive, mature vocabulary.  She is very well spoken for a 6 year old.  She loves to play with her brother, but she also enjoys playing alone.  She is a great big sister.  She is so patient and loving to Kaden.  She really takes care of him.  She is easy going and generally likes everything.  Some of her favorites...Food: mac and cheese, mint chocolate chip ice cream, Chick Fil A, and lemonade.  Toys: All her American Girl dolls and accessories and anything craft related. TV Shows: Kate and Mim Mim, Austin and Ally, Sophia the First, and really any Disney Junior cartoon/show.  Books: Fancy Nancy series and her Bible Stories.  Favorite color: Orange.  She loves to dress up in dresses and jewelry.  She also loves lounging in her pjs and house shoes.  She goes to bed at 7:30 and generally wakes around 6:30 (on school mornings).  At bedtime, she has to have Ducky.  Ducky is by far her all time favorite thing.  Kathryn is a well rounded girl, and everyday she makes us proud!  We love you Kathryn Hope!!!   

Kaden at 2 years and almost 6 months old...

Kaden is a true Momma's boy!  He pretty much thinks Momma needs to do everything for him and no one else can help him.  He is full of life!  He is happy, energetic, funny, and full of himself.  He loves to play with big sister Kathryn.  His favorite toys include his "cleaning tools"...broom, mop, duster, dust pan...all things in the play kitchen especially the egg set, and his sister's baby dolls.  He loves books especially Llama Llama books and Pete the Cat books. He enjoys doing "homework" with his sister.  He likes to color, and his favorite color to use is yellow.  He will pull out all yellow colors and use them all.  His favorite foods are mac and cheese, suckers, yogurt smoothies, muffins, powdered donuts, and apple juice.  His favorite show is Yo Gabba Gabba.  He really won't watch anything else.  He loves horses.  His favorite outfit to wear is his overalls.  He also loves wearing his winter knit hat.  He is very expressive and will let you know if he does not want or like something.  He goes to bed around 6:30 and sleeps until 7.  At night time, he must have his "night night"...this is an old sleep sack that has become his "security blanket."  He is a true blessing to our family, and we love him so much!!!     

Kathryn is a Haller's Hero

Haller's Hero and All A's Award

Kathryn with her BFF Audra Grace Binkley

We are so incredibly proud of this girl!  She won the Haller's Hero Award for Ms. Kean's class for the 2nd nine weeks.  The Haller's Hero Award is the "principal's award" given to one student in class each nine weeks.  Kathryn has worked so hard, and I know she is so deserving.  Kathryn was surprised when they called her name, and we were beaming with pride.  Kathryn is special for so many reasons, and I am thankful her teacher sees that too. 

A few more pictures of Bailey before we said our good byes (pics from my camera...taken Sunday, Jan 18th)...

I never knew saying good bye to him would be so hard.  I really just find myself wanting to snuggle with him.  It has been a hard and sad week and a half.  I miss him beyond expression...

Pictures of Bailey in his final days (from the phone)....

These were taken Sunday, January 18th and Monday, January 19th....some final pictures of my baby...I miss him so much!!!  Until I see you again...

Kaden's Surgery: Success!

Kaden has been battling strep for two months now.  After his 4th positive strep test in six weeks (meaning 4 rounds of antibiotics in less than two months), we were referred to the ENT.  After one look in Kaden's mouth, the ENT said Kaden needed surgery immediately to remove his tonsils and adenoids.  This past Wednesday, he went to the surgery center, and thank God, the surgery was successful.  Kaden woke up from surgery crying, but he settled down quickly.  Once we got home, he spent lots of time snuggling with me.  That night, he slept all night.  Yesterday, he was back to normal.  He was eating, playing, etc. all like he normally does.  Kids are so resilient!  I am praying this surgery prevents him from getting so sick.  I feel like he has not felt well in a very long time.  I am thankful this procedure is over, and I am looking forward to happy, healthy days!!!  God is good!!! 

Pre Surgery

Post surgery at home sleeping on momma

Kathryn made Kaden get well cards...she is so sweet and thoughtful!

Another card from Kathryn ....she drew him a horse...he LOVES horses...and she made a yellow heart because he loves the color yellow