Sweet as Sugar

My Abby Grace. Sweet as sugar.


She is a lot of things for only being 4 years old. Of course, she would correct me to say that she is actually 4 1/2. But, we all know I'm in no rush for her to get any closer to 5.

Anyway, like I was saying, my Abby Grace packs a lot of personality into her tiny body. She is smart, strong, funny, sassy, motivated, outgoing - honestly, it feels kind of silly to list her qualities this way. Just one word, like each one of them is just a simple description. I could write pages about each of these qualities. Examples and anecdotes to illustrate just how complex and wonderful she is. There is one thing about Abby that Matt and I always come back to though. One thing that stands above all the rest.

Her heart.

My daughter has the most loving heart. The most giving soul. The most thoughtful and sweet and intuitive and caring spirit that I have ever known. At only 4 years old (4 1/2), she continually amazes us with her love for others.

She really loves people. Really develops special relationships with others far beyond the ability of a typical 4 year old. She remembers you. Remembers what you like, remembers stories or jokes you have told, remembers games that you played together. Remembers what is important to you and what is going on in your life at the moment.

She tries to make everyone happy. For example, I always joke with her about not wanting her to grow up. She knows I am kidding, but she also realizes there is some truth to it too. She'll say things like, "Don't forget - when I grow up you get to meet my babies." And the other day she explained how she would always live close by, "I'll move into the next neighborhood with my family. When someone in our neighborhood moves away, just call me on the phone and tell me which house it is. I will run over here and get the house and then I can always live very close to you. Just don't forget to call me right away so someone else doesn't get to that house first!"

There is another story that I was reminded of tonight that really gives a glimpse into her heart. One afternoon, Matt was in the playroom with Abby while I was helping Drew with some homework. All of a sudden, I heard her crying - loudly sobbing. I ran back to the playroom to find out what was wrong. I was sure she had been badly hurt.

I opened the door to find her sitting in Matt's lap and he was holding a book.

The Giving Tree.

I asked what was wrong and Matt simply explained, "the book made her sad." In between sobs, she emphatically denied this. She kept insisting she was "just tired." She ran out of the room.

Matt explained further, "As I kept reading the book, I could tell she was just getting sadder and sadder. Her face was changing and I could just see that she was really upset. Finally I told her that I thought everything was going to be ok. That was when she started sobbing. I couldn't console her. That's when you came in."

Abby wouldn't admit it, but that book had broken her little heart. At only 4 years old, Abby consistently shows a level of empathy for people that I rarely even see in adults. She understands people's emotions. She is always thoughtful and loving and generous when it comes to interacting with other children and adults.

She wants to get to know you. She wants to talk to you about anything and everything. She has instant connections with people that she meets. And some are even more special than others. For example, my Papa and my Grammy. For some reason, she just has this special place in her heart for them. Of course, they are my grandparents and they are family so we would expect her to love them. But there is something different there - a special love she has for them. We rarely ever get to see them, but she asks about them all the time and wants to know how they are doing and when she will see them again.




This past Saturday we took the kids to a Gator football game. During the 4th quarter, we had tickets to go sit in the box with Matt's company. As soon as we walked in, Matt introduced us to one of his co-workers, Sophia. Right away, Abby was smitten. There was an instant connection. After a few minutes, we went down to sit in the seats and watch the game. Next thing I knew, Abby was asking to go back up the stairs. Matt thought she wanted a snack, but I knew immediately where she was going. She wanted to talk to Miss Sophia. Sure enough, I found her a few minutes later sitting at a table and chatting away with Miss Sophia. She was in her element and happy as a clam. What's the big deal about a football game when there is girl talk to be had?

Matt later told me that Sophia said to Abby, "When I have a daughter, I want her to be exactly like you."

Oh, my sweet Abby Grace. I am so proud of your heart of gold. There are so many qualities about you to love. So many moments that take my breath away.

I am so grateful for the privilege of being your Mama.


So very grateful that you are mine.

Teamwork

About a week ago, Matt was outside playing basketball with the kids while I got some things done around the house. Drew and Abby kept running inside every few minutes for a "huddle." After eavesdropping on them a few times, I decided to pull out the camera and take video. Here's a little peek into what was going on...



Just to clarify, we ARE Magic fans in this house. However, the Lakers are currently the champions. So, every time Matt and Drew play basketball, Drew insists on being the Lakers while Matt is the Magic.



There are so many things I love about this.

I love that they run into the house to keep their plans a "secret" from Matt because he pretends to listen to their huddle. And that while they are inside, Abby still hushes Drew so that Matt can't hear them.

I love that this captures their personalities - Abby is the chatter box and the one in charge and Drew just goes along with the plan. I love that Drew is being so sweet with Abby - passing the ball to her and letting her shoot the baskets instead of doing it all by himself.

I love that the plan is for Abby to pretend she is sleeping, yet as soon as they get out there they make Matt pretend to sleep so they can score a basket on him.

I love that Matt has two hoops set up - a little one for Abby and the tall one for Drew.

Mostly, I'm happy that I caught these moments on video. It wasn't anyone's birthday or a holiday or a special occasion. It was a normal Saturday afternoon of kids playing with their Daddy. It is these moments that I'm conscious to commit to memory or to photograph/videotape. It is these moments of getting along with each other and using their imaginations and having fun that I want to remember. Not just the special occasions, but the everyday things that make these children such a joy to be around. To remember their sweet voices and little bodies - just as they are.

I LOVE this age for both of them. We really couldn't be having any more fun...

Easily Entertained

I love my camera. I have always loved pictures and scrapbooking. I have kept scrapbooks filled with photos and memorabilia ever since high school. Back then, all I needed was construction paper, fancy scissors, and Elmer's glue.

I took my hobby to a whole new level once Drew and Abby came along. I love scrapbooking - documenting the memories, being creative, time spent with friends - all of it makes me so happy.

I also love taking pictures of my kids. I got my first digital camera when I was pregnant with Drew. Several cameras later, I finally have a digital SLR that I LOVE! I have had it for a year and a half and I have taken well over 10,000 pictures with it. I still only use it on the automatic setting (gasp!), but the quality of my pictures has drastically improved and it is even more fun to edit and scrapbook them!

Recently, I was editing the pictures from Abby's last day of preschool. That morning, we had gone to pick up cupcakes (decorated with little graduation caps) for the class. I took this photo of Abby with one of the cupcakes.


The colors in the photo are a little too warm, so I was trying to edit the picture to balance out the color. It was then that I noticed something...

Do you see it too?


No, it's not just those sweet freckles that are beginning to appear on her nose. However, I have fond memories of my Dad counting my freckles when I was a little girl, so I do the same thing with Abby. And, it's not her birthmark that becomes more prominent when she is really happy or really upset. Cupcakes make this little girl VERY happy!


It's something wrong with her pretty, blue eyes. There is a speck of orange in them. What in the world is that?


It's me! I was wearing an orange shirt that day. You can clearly see my reflection in her blue eyes.

This made me laugh out loud!

Obviously, I am easily entertained...

If You Say So...

Today was Drew's First Grade Halloween party. Well, it was really a "Pumpkin Party" because we aren't supposed to mention Halloween at school. It was also Wacky Hair Day so that made things exceptionally interesting.


I got to plan the party with my newest friend and co-room mom, Belinda. She is an amazing photographer (and really cool chick). These are just two of the photos she took today with her snazzy, fancy camera. I heart them.


I also heart the little boy who explained the origin of Halloween to me on the way to school today.

"You know, Mom, a long time ago people were really afraid of ghosts. So AFRAID of them that they would hide in their houses and be afraid to come out. So, all the people dressed up in costumes to scare the ghosts away. Do you hear me, Mom? They SCARED the ghosts away. And they left food for the ghosts by the door to make them happy. So, I guess they were scared and a little happy. But, anyway, that is why we have Halloween. But, don't worry, we don't have ghosts anymore. This was a LONG time ago."

"Wow, Drew! Who told you all of that?"

"Handy Manny."

Fantastic.

The Beach. AKA: The Most Pictures I've Ever Put In One Post.

So, it's October. And I'm still re-capping our summer. I just don't know what to say. Life is busy and I'm busy living it. I'm really trying to get and stay caught up with the blog. It is a wonderful record of family memories. (And my mom and sister drive me crazy requesting new posts).

Matt was scheduled to take vacation during the second week of July. However, it was the first week of July when our firstborn decided to have major surgery. It kind of put our plans on hold. We weren't sure how quickly he would recover and what would be safe for him to do.

We were supposed to leave for the beach on Monday, but had to stay in town until Drew's doctor's appointment on Wednesday. The doctor examined his incision sites and said that Drew could return to all normal activity. Drew had been feeling fine, so that was all we needed to hear to pack up our things and head to the beach!

We stayed at my Dad's condo for four days. It was AMAZING!! The kids loved it and had a wonderful time! I took over 500 pictures while we were there.

This post contains 40. It took a loooong time for me to go through and edit all the pictures and then to narrow it down to 8% of them for your enjoyment.

Let's get going...

My healthy and happy boy walking on the beach! I cannot even begin to tell you how great it was to see him back to his usual self after such a rough week.


No hesitation for either child with the ocean on this visit. They both wanted to jump right in and get their feet wet!


Or, go as far out as Daddy could take them and let the waves crash over their heads!


Back on the beach, Drew was an avid seashell collector. Note the shells in his left hand...


Daddy was brave enough and tall enough and strong enough to take them out as far as they wanted to go in the ocean. They always came back beaming from ear to ear and wanting to know when they could go back again. Here, Abby is running back to the beach after her turn in the ocean with Daddy!


It's fun to go out far, but sometimes it's just as fun to play in the shallow water.


Drew was really into playing soccer with this ball. He and Daddy would take turns trying to "score" on each other by kicking the ball into the ocean while the other one would try to catch the ball before it hit the water. Again and again and again and again...


While the boys played soccer, Abby was really into building sand castles the first day.


I lost track of how many times she filled her little bucket with water and brought it back up to help make her castles. She was quite diligent about it.


Clearly, my aversion to sand has not rubbed off on my little girl!


Towards the end of the day, we noticed a lot of people gathering on the beach. Finally, someone mentioned that the space shuttle was about to launch - we had no idea it was scheduled for that day and we were so happy that we hadn't gone inside for dinner already!

What an amazing view! The kids were thrilled!!


I checked on the babies before I went to sleep that night and this is what I found...


They slept very well considering this was our first vacation away from home. We never heard from them much in the middle of the night, but by 6 am they were awake and ready to get started with the day.

To their delight, they awoke just in time to see the sunrise every single morning.

Way. Too. Early.

But, oh so sweet...


And breathtaking...


We let Daddy sleep in every day. This first morning, I got the kids ready to go down to the beach for some pictures. I had to beg and plead with them, but they finally gave in.


And, they really didn't mind too much once they discovered I was going to let them play in the ocean!




They walked around looking for seashells and trying to get close to pretty, white birds.


They ran in and out of the ocean -


And then posed for a picture or two...




My little ballerina girl even twirled on the beach a time or two!!


After breakfast, we changed into our bathing suits and headed back down to the beach for our second day. Drew wanted to build his own sand castles while Abby and Daddy played in the ocean.




They played in the waves together for a long time! The waves were bigger on this day and Abby kept getting knocked down!


She finally had enough and began to hold onto Drew for dear life! It was a sweet thing for this Mama to see as my babies played together so nicely. Over and over she would shriek as the waves came closer and then grab onto her big brother.

He hugged her close each time and they braved the waves together!


Which just meant that they started falling down together...


Thankfully, they always came up from the water with smiles on their faces!


On our third day at the beach, I finally put the camera down for the entire morning and took my kiddos out into the ocean for some fun! Of course, I had already been in the water with them several times, but this was my turn to really splash and jump and play and enjoy our time together.

We built lots of sand castles that day! This was a little village of castles we made and Abby found a big feather to put in the top for decoration.

They had so much fun jumping over it!




And, of course, they still played with that orange ball! Lots of "monkey in the middle" on this day!!


We went out to a local pizza place for an early dinner and then came back down to the beach for sunset.

It was another great photo opportunity with my precious babies. I can't decide which one I like the best. I like each one of these for different reasons...








Oh, be still my heart...


I love this boy!!!


And, don't even get me started on my sweet Abby Grace!


She breaks my heart with her beauty.


Honestly, it was as perfect as it could have been. The kids loved the beach. Loved the ocean. Loved the pool. They loved collecting seashells and building castles and walking/running on the beach and playing in the waves.

We ate lunch by the pool every afternoon and swam for hours. We went out to eat and played games when we needed a break from the sun. It didn't rain at all!

The kids were well-behaved and got along remarkably well. They are at a wonderful age - so wonderful that I just want to freeze time and enjoy it for as long as I possibly can.

Though they get on each other's nerves plenty, they truly have a beautiful friendship and they love each other very much. It is an amazing relationship to watch.


Our family is blessed beyond measure.

The Appendix Is Really Quite Unnecessary Anyway...

Just two days after our July 4th celebration (on my 33rd birthday), this is what my little boy looked like...


He woke up that Monday morning very sick. He had a high fever, was throwing up, and slept the ENTIRE day (or whenever he wasn't physically getting sick). He didn't eat or drink anything and he slept so hard that we could barely wake him.

A few different times over the course of the day, he would push at his stomach and say, "I don't like this" or "I don't want this." Obviously, I just thought his little tummy was hurting and he was tired of feeling sick.

The next morning, concerned about dehydration, I encouraged him to go to the bathroom (just to see if he would be able to go). As he stood up, he grabbed the lower right side of his belly and cried out in pain.

All of a sudden it clicked for me.

His appendix.

OH MY WORD.

I called the pediatrician and said we didn't have time for an appointment and we were on our way to their office to be seen ASAP. I carried my sick, 65 pound baby into the office and cradled him in my arms as we waited for the doctor. He slept most of the time and would only wake occasionally to moan in pain. After a quick examination, our doctor called the hospital and told them we were on our way. We went straight there.

Drew actually perked up a little on the way over and was talking from the backseat. I began to think we might be overreacting with our hospital trip and maybe he was going to be fine. However, by the time we got to the hospital, his fever had spiked once again and he was in a lot of pain. They brought us back right away, took all his vitals, put him in a wheelchair and took us upstairs to wait to be examined by the surgeon.

Waiting...


Never a place you want to see your baby...


He slept as we waited for the surgeons to examine him. Once they did, I was told he needed immediate surgery and was a "textbook case of appendicitis." I was shocked that a child so young would have appendicitis, but the surgeon assured me that they see it all the time in young children.

Drew slept as I filled out all the necessary paperwork and it wasn't long before they came to move his hospital bed up to the surgical floor. I remember walking alongside his bed (he was sound asleep) and feeling as if I was floating outside of my body. Like it wasn't real. Like my son wasn't about to be taken in for surgery. Like he wasn't in so much pain that the only way his little body could cope was to stay asleep so as not to feel it. He looked so vulnerable to me.

I began to get really scared. Surgery is a terrifying thing, especially when it is for your 5 year old son. I didn't have too much time to dwell on the fear. The nurses came in with more paperwork and more questions. They debated giving Drew a sedative. He was in a deep sleep so it seemed unnecessary. However, they were concerned he would wake before surgery began and then get really scared. We opted for the sedative - I couldn't bear the thought that he would wake and be scared to death about what was happening to him.

It was time for them to take him and I almost lost it. I leaned in to kiss his sweet, pale lips and then his cheeks and his eyelids. I whispered in his ear to be brave and strong and I told him how much his family loves him. I squeezed his hand and held back tears as our hands became disconnected when they began to wheel him away.

I was alone for a brief moment before a nurse appeared to take me to the waiting room. It wasn't long before my mom and brother came to sit with me. I had first thought that I would rather be alone, but I was very comforted by their presence. It was especially nice to have my mom with me so much over those few days. She is so wonderful and it was nice to have someone who was just as concerned about me as she was about Drew. She's a great mama!

The surgeon finally came in and said that everything had gone smoothly. The appendix had been HUGE, gangrenous, and filled with pus. It was extremely infected and could have ruptured at any time. He told me that Drew was in recovery and I could see him when he woke up.

Waking up took a long time and we called to check several times only to hear that they were trying to wake him but he was not responding at all. He was totally fine, just completely out of it.

They finally said we could come back. He really was not awake yet, and certainly not alert, but it was just going to take time. I was there as he squinted his eyes open and looked directly at me. His face was swollen and he was lethargic and confused, but he knew I was there and he could hear my voice. That was all that mattered to me.


Grams and Uncle Adam were happy to see him too. And they were a big help to me as we got settled in our new room. It took a while to make the transfer and it was so wonderful to have their support.


As soon as we were all settled, Daddy came for a visit. Of course, I had kept Matt updated throughout the day and as soon as he got home and picked up Abby, they headed straight to the hospital. The little dude was glad to see his Daddy. This might have been one of his first smiles!



And, Abby was so relieved to see that her big brother was ok...


She was so concerned about him.


Daddy and Abby brought Drew his lamb - he sleeps with this lamb every night so it was a big comfort to him!


It was a long first night. Drew's appendix had been very close to rupturing and the surgeons were not sure if any of the infection had leaked. So, he was on a combination of three strong antibiotics to fight off any infection that might have developed. The side effects of those antibiotics had the potential to make him very sick. Thankfully, he responded to them very well.

Nights at a hospital are filled with a constant interruption of blood pressure and temperature checks, beeping machines when meds run out, and nurses coming in to administer meds and IV fluids. It was a long night and we were both glad to see morning.

They had kept Drew on IV fluids throughout the night, but discontinued them the next morning and encouraged him to drink on his own.

His first sip of water in several days...


There were some other complications that Drew had while recovering. For the sake of privacy, I won't go into detail here. Suffice it to say that the road to full recovery was bumpier and longer than we had hoped. Everything was eventually fine, but it was a VERY stressful day for Drew, Matt, and me.

One of the good things was we had lots of visitors that day! Grandaddy and Nessa came by right before lunch. They were worried about our recovery issues and concerned about their sweet grandson. Grandaddy took matters into his own hand and bribed Drew with money. I only mention it now because it definitely helped and I know Grandaddy was so proud of himself and Drew!


Good thing Grams came by again with a cool, new alligator bank for Drew! Now, he had a place to keep his money!


And, boy did he enjoy "feeding" that alligator money!


After my dad and Vanessa left, Matt wanted to spend some time with Drew so I went home to take a shower, change clothes, get some lunch, and pick up Abby. Drew and Daddy got some special time together and I got to spend some time with Abby which was really nice. It wasn't long before we wanted to see Drew though so we headed back to the hospital.

We had several other visitors once we got back. My sweet friend Kari came by with her children to bring toys, games, and cookies. Drew really enjoyed opening up his presents and Abby enjoyed seeing her friends!

Danielle came by with baby Graham. She had more gifts for Drew and doughnuts for me! Dunkin' Donuts is an inside joke for us and it soooo brought a smile to my face!

Also, my wonderful friend Marci kept Abby for us on two different days. She didn't even give me an option, she basically just called and said she was picking Abby up and we could have her back when Drew came home. It was such a relief to know that Abby was well taken care of and was having so much fun.

Jen came to visit late the second night and it was just what I needed. Drew was asleep, I was exhausted and frustrated, and I just needed my good friend. She brought me dinner, listened to me vent, and offered wonderful advice (thanks in part to a phone call to her mother who is a nurse). That advice changed the way I was advocating for Drew and I believe it was the catalyst for some changes that gave Drew the time he needed to begin the process of getting better.

By the next morning (day 3 in the hospital), Drew was feeling much better. He had some applesauce and juice for breakfast and we took a short walk to build up his strength.

Look what we found on our walk...

A playroom filled with with toys, games and activities!

With an XBOX 360.

Drew would have stayed there all day if they had let him. It really cheered him up and that made me so happy!


Eventually we had to go back to our room, but they let us bring Battleship with us. I taught Drew how to play and he loved it! And he won! (Because it is the LAW that you let the sick kid in the hospital win every.single.game.)


Just about ready to go home. Waiting for the nurses to finish our discharge papers. Lovin' his balloon from Grams.


There had been no sign of infection and Drew was able to drink and eat (a little) on his own. All of that together meant it was time to go home! This happy boy couldn't wait to get home to his people and his own bed.


They wheeled him out of the hospital in a wheelchair and he thought that was first class all the way. To this day, when he talks about being in the hospital over the summer, the only thing he mentions is riding in that wheelchair. It left quite an impression.

I'm glad the rest of it has faded from his memory. It was horribly scary and difficult and frustrating and exhausting. I don't want him to remember any of that.

Instead, we will take away memories of a brave boy, good health, and supportive family & friends.

After a day or two of resting at home, Drew was almost completely back to normal. He was moving around better, eating and drinking normally, and was back to his happy self.

Good as new.

That, my friends, is answered prayer...

Independence Day

Continuing with the summer recap...

My festive children were so excited for the 4th of July this year! Lovin' their red, white and blue!


We had plans to go hang with the Patterson family during the day. Pool, food, and some sparklers - nothing fancy, just wanted to enjoy the day together.

We stopped by the store on the way to their house. We went in to buy sparklers and came out with this...


Drew was understandably thrilled.

As soon as we got there, we got ready for the pool. Drew's favorite thing about their pool is this cute basketball set. It kept the boys entertained for a long time!






Mr. Paul spent a long time setting up the slip n slide. I remember having so much fun with the slip n slide when I was a kid. I think I must have been a bit older than these guys though because they couldn't quite get the hang of it!


Miss Marci demonstrated the proper technique, but I think she would discontinue our friendship if I posted that photo on the world wide interweb.

Abby did pretty well...


But it wasn't nearly as much fun as the pool.


So, we headed back to the pool to enjoy some popsicles!




After we ate, we went outside to try out the fireworks. It was still light outside, but it gets dark late here in the summer and we wanted to be able to try out the fireworks with our friends!

Abby's first sparkler...


Drew did great with his first sparkler. They really loved it!


And didn't seem scared at all!


Our daddy set off all of the other fireworks in the street. It didn't matter that it was the middle of the day - the kids still loved it!

This picture of Abby and Sherilyn is one of my favorites from that day!


They had so much fun. You've got to love the perspective of a little kid - even small fireworks are a big deal to them! They were super-impressed!


Drew, Sherilyn, Abby, and John are best buds - they get along so well together. And that made this a wonderful 4th of July!


We headed home before dark because the kids were getting tired. They had their baths and we told them they could stay up late to see the "real" fireworks.

Poor Abby just couldn't make it much past her regular bedtime. She was exhausted from our fun day.


Abby might have missed the beautiful fireworks, but Drew was still wide awake. He went outside with Daddy in his pajamas and Crocs while I stayed inside with Abby.

When they got back, he wanted to take me outside to show me the fireworks. We walked around the neighborhood as he pointed at the sky and ooohed and aaahed at the colorful displays. It was so much fun to watch it through his eyes. I remember trying to take a mental picture of the amazement in his expressions and the feeling of his sweet hand in mine as we walked along the sidewalk.

Precious memories with a precious little boy...