Just a Few Pictures

One day last week, Gavin got himelf completely dressed. The last time I had seen him he was just in his diaper and then the next time I saw him, he looked like this. He picked out his clothes from the closet, got them off the hangers, and then put them on all by himself. He even picked out his socks from the sock basket and put them on as well. As you can see, they weren't quite matched up yet.



Just a cute picture of Ethan in his swing. Also, I forgot to mention that when he got his RSV shots last Friday he weighed in at 18lbs 12oz. He is getting so big!



I was on the computer yesterday morning when I heard this loud banging sound coming around the corner. It turns out to be Gavin wearing Tim's shoes.

---Allison

It's been too long!

No, we haven't dropped off the face of the earth. Our computer has just been down for the last week. It's been killing me to not be able to write and keep in touch with people. When I make posts I love getting comments because I know people are thinking about us and I don't feel so isolated and cooped up. In turn, I also love to read everyone else's blogs because, again, I feel like there is, in fact, a world outside my home. So needless to say, without my computer, I've been lonely. Tim finally did bring his laptop home from work for me to use in the meantime since this is my only source of "outside" entertainment and socializing (pathetic, I know). There is just not much else I can do until the weather gets better and I can start going outside again with Ethan.

We are all still doing relatively well. Ethan, however, was really grumpy last Wednesday and was just not acting like himself. I had considered that it could be because his 2nd front tooth has been trying to come through and is very tender. He's also had some congestion and a boogy nose for the last week. So being a nurse I always try and trouble shoot things before I just run my kids into the doctor. I listened to his heart rhythm and lungs and they sounded good. I checked his oxygen sats and temperature and they were both good. There was nothing that I could see that would be causing him to be so grumpy and upset. Regardless, I decided to take him in because more than a nurse, I am his mother and I still felt something was not right. I took him in and it turns out that he had a bad ear infection. (This happened about a month ago the last time he had a cold.) We were started on antibiotics and he has been feeling much better. So, again I count my blessings and know that of all the things that can go wrong with these little heart babies, I can definitely handle an ear infection.

Well, Spencer and Emily start back to school in the morning and I am hoping to get the house cleaned and back in order. They won't go off track again until April. They will be off the whole month and we are trying to plan a trip down to Texas. This of course all depends on finances and health, but so far, so good.

I will try and post again soon. Thank you all for your support and interest. I have been truly blessed to have such supportive family and friends. (Jody-call me, I lost your cell #)

---Allison

Teething Again

Ethan LOVES his johnny jump up! He will be in this and just jump and bounce his little (half) heart out for as long as we will let him.

This was taken last week. Gavin LOVES his picture taken. He is such a little poser!

This is Ethan sitting in his swing eating his favorite fruit puffs. I guess you can't see any of them in the picture. He must have eaten them all.

This was taken yesterday while Emily was holding Ethan as they were watching TV together. Emily LOVES to hold and play with Ethan. She is the one who is constantly asking if she can hold him. The moment just prior to this picture is what I was trying to capture. Ethan was snuggled right into Emily's arm and chest and was sitting so still and was so relaxed. It was only when I stood up to get the camera that I ruined the moment and Ethan had to sit up and find out what was going on.

Last night was a very restless and fussy night for Ethan (and therefore myself). His first upper front tooth (on the left) broke through a couple of days ago and he is now working on the other upper front tooth. He also was very stuffy last night and I had to bulb suction him a couple of times during the night and again this morning. I am hoping that his congestion is due to teething. We have all been healthy recently and so I don't know where he would have gotten anything from. Anyway, as always, I will keep a close eye on him and hope it doesn't turn into anything bigger.

The kids are enjoying time off track right now and for the most part have been behaving pretty well. I have been assigning them chores each morning and at that time we also decide what fun thing we would do for the day when their chores were completed. So far this has worked well. It eats up some of the time that if left unstructured, my kids would be running, screaming, fighting, and driving me crazy. It also gives us a guideline for the day and something for the kids to look forward to. I have to mention something Spencer said the other day that I thought was cute. He approached me and asked if when we were discussing the daily jobs for the kids if I could change the term from "chore" to "responsibility", because it sounded nicer. So when I am done with this entry I have to discuss with the kids their "responsibilities" for the day.

Well, I hope you are all doing well.

---Allison

Not Much Happening

Well, as the title reveals, not much is happening in the Curtis household. I've been busy with work this last weekend with my shifts and a couple of meetings that I had to attend, but now I get some time off until my next rotating weekend comes up. The older kids are off track and out of school for the next 2 weeks. I am finally getting motivated to get my house cleaned and my life back in order, but I guess we'll see what the next couple of weeks have in store for me. It might have to wait until the kids go back to school.

Ethan has been staying very healthy. He got over his cold and is doing well. However, I am starting to get worried about his physical development. He hasn't been behind on any normal developmental goals thus far which is a real blessing considering what he has been through. He is now 8 1/2 months and he is not crawling yet. He will sit unassisted where you put him down, but he can not get into a sitting position by himself. He also seems to get "stuck" when he is on his tummy. I realize that his upper body strength has been a little lacking since we haven't had as much "tummy time" due to his surgeries. I've really been trying to work with him but he also is a very relaxed and mellow baby and doesn't seem to have a real drive to push him. He also has the unfair advantage of following Gavin who was scaling furniture at 7 months and full on walking at 10 months. I shouldn't worry too much, I know he will get there. I just hate to see him fall too much behind if there is something that I can do to help him. If any of you have any suggestions, PLEASE share. I would love to hear any ideas or exercises that you may have. (He is also starting to do more weight bearing and loves to be in his "Johnny Jump Up".) He does have another well-child visit in about 3 weeks and I will check with the Pediatrician to see if he is now in need of the Early Intervention program. ( The last time I had inquired about it he was meeting his goals, so I will check again). It is so hard to know what is heart related and what is personality driven. He is doing much better with eating (he has been fairly picky with his flavor choices recently and will throw up if peas even touch his tongue) and is beginning to self feed. He really likes his little star shaped fruit puffs.

Moving onto Gavin, he will be 3 in March and is flat out refusing to go potty in the toilet. He has done it in the past, just not consistently. But now he tells me that he wants to go "poo poo" in his diaper. He will also refuse to say that he is a "big boy" because he knows that the next sentence is that "big boys" go potty in the toilet. He has underwear that we've bought and he's had zero interest in them since day one. We've pointed out that his hero "Hercules" goes potty. And he has also recently seen his boy cousins ( similar in age) wearing "big boy underwear" and then just says that he wants to wear diapers. He is not motivated by treats or rewards. In fact, yesterday morning when I was changing his diaper I asked him if he wanted to try and go potty in the toilet for a fruit snack (which he will usually do anything for). He told me NO! and then did his business in his diaper just a few minutes later. I am not sure if there is some competition with Ethan and that he doesn't want to lose his place as my "baby" anymore? I don't know. Just in case, I did have a talk with him that even when he is a "big boy" he will always be my baby. But this too did not seem to effect his decision. He obviously has a mind of his own and can be fairly stubborn. Again, if any of you have any suggestions than what I've already tried, PLEASE let me know. I am not sure if I should drop the subject completely for a while, keep it mainly on the back burner but continue to offer the toilet as an alternative, or if I should keep working at it and make it a daily issue. Let me know what any of you think.

If nothing else, wish me good luck! Thanks in advance!

---Allison

Updated 2007 Montage

Now I promise I am not going crazy. I realize that I've already posted a montage of our year in 2007. However, when I created it, there were some pictures that I couldn't find and it was really bugging me. I have since found them and so I of course had to update it and change a few things around. Also, (because I am not very computer literate), I didn't want to risk losing both of them when I tried to replace one with the other. So, due to this fear, I now have 2 montages for 2007. If you don't want to watch it again, that's OK, just don't click on the "play" button. I know that you probably won't be able to tell much of a difference. Oh well.

----Allison

New Year's Eve 2007!

This is my youngest sister, and the "baby" of the family, Angela.



This is my brother Neal who is just 14 months younger than myself.



And this is my other sister Karalee with her huband (Cody) and daugher (April).

Well, in keeping with the theme of late posts, I am just catching up from Monday night. We spent the evening eating at my Parent's house with all of my brothers and sisters. We made home made won tons and played Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It was a very fun night of playing and visiting. It was a great way to say good-bye to 2007.

With that being said, I really look forward to what this next year will bring. I don't dare speculate because ANYTHING can happen. As with most people, my goal is to lose some weight. Now that there is no current excuse for my comfort eating, I need to do better at living in the moment and seeking less solace in my peanut M&M's. Also, we have a goal as a family to read the Book of Mormon.

I pray that this year our family and friends will be blessed with happiness and health. Happy New Year!!!!!!

---Allison

Our Family in 2007

We had a beautiful year and we plan on having many, many more.

---Allison

Christmas catch-up

Emily (6) drew this picture in school of Ethan lying in my bed with the caption of what her "Christmas Wish" this year would be. It breaks my heart to see the feelings and fears that my children have to face at such a young age.

I know that this Christmas post is late. It seems that there is never enough time during the holidays to get all that you want accomplished. This Christmas season was no exception.

This year was very different than in years past. It took me a while longer to get into the Christmas spirit, but when it came, (as with most things) it was was well worth the wait. Along with the kids all getting what they wanted, we really tried to focus on our family as a whole this year and bought several "family" gifts in the hopes of spending more time together and creating new and fun memories. This year has been hard for them and we wanted to reward them for weathering it so well. It was fun to see their happy faces.

Aside from the material gifts, we recognize that we have been very blessed this year. This year has been by far the the most difficult and challenging. As a family, we've faced things that I never could have predicted. We've had to talk to the kids about appreciating life and accepting death. There were times that I didn't know how I would make it through the day. I know that as a family, we've all had to make sacrifices and that none of us will ever be the same.

I also know that I would never trade this year for anything! My family is stronger. I am stronger. My marriage is stronger. I have grown in ways that I never thought I could or even knew I needed to. I know what it feels like to be loved and supported by those around me. I know what it feels like to be broken and then to be mended by God's love. Because of this year, I am a better person.

During this Christmas season, I often think about the birth of Jesus and the challenges and ultimate sacrifice that he came here to face on this earth. I think specifically about Ethan and the challenges that he too will face during his journey on this earth. As a mother, my heart breaks when I see my son suffer. My soul is heavy when I wonder how much time I will have with him. It gives me a whole new respect and love for my Heavenly Father who knowingly sent his son here to be sacrificed....I would not be so strong. I know that regardless of how long I will be a mother here on earth, my family will be together forever. I love my husband and every one of my beautiful children. I've never questioned my eternal family, but until this year, I have never fully appreciated it.

There are some gifts that are truly priceless. I love you all! Merry (late) Christmas!

---Allison

Christmas Pics

Gavin couldn't wait to ride on his new "Diego" bike although I am not sure why he is wearing Tim's hat.



All Emily wanted for Christmas was a digital camera. Santa brought her this pink one which she loves. All morning we had to teach Emily camera "etiquette" when she kept trying to take pictures of everyone in their underwear. She wants me to post some of her pictures that she has taken, so watch for those coming soon!



Yes, Spencer received his beloved Nintendo DS. His cousin Katy sent him a game for this system which he opened on Christmas Eve. We told him not to open the game until he found out if he got the system or not so we could exchange it if needed. He was sweating bullets until Christmas morning and was of course pleasantly surprised.



This tent is one of the things that I bought while shopping on-line. It is currently not being used due to it's size but I think it will be fun to play in when the bonus room or yard is finished.



Ethan's first Christmas! Who knew that he would be doing so well. It was probably the best Christmas to date that I can think of. I can't help but be aware of all of the blessings and "real" gifts that we've received.

---Allison

Christmas Eve, Already?

I can't believe Christmas is tomorrow. It seems that there are days in life that will never come and then before you know it... it is over. I catch myself always looking for things to come and I think I can miss out on a lot by doing this. I hopefully can correct this wasteful habit.

This year Spencer (who is 10), has finally asked me if Santa is real. I am sure he had heard different things at school. I have always told him that I will be honest and that when he is ready, I will tell him the truth, whatever that may be. Before I answered his question, I asked if he would be OK with either answer that he may get. He thought about it for a minute, and then said that he would wait awhile before he wanted to know for sure. I think it is cute that he still wants to believe (and possibly not screw anything up right before Christmas).

Spencer, Gavin, Ethan, and myself have all gotten colds this last week. It started with something Spencer picked up at school, and despite my best efforts have spread throughout the house. Spencer and Gavin have it worse (so far) than Ethan or I do. It is pretty much a hacking cough with a tickly throat and some mild nasal congestion. I've been worried about Ethan. I hope it doesn't develop into something bigger. I've been keeping a close eye on him, checking his oxygen levels more frequently, listening to his lungs with my stethoscope, and watching his eating and sleeping habits more diligently. So far he's been handling it well. I was actually glad when I got sick after Ethan began showing symptoms. I don't know if there is any truth to this, but my theory is while I am breastfeeding, if I get the same sickness as Ethan, my body will produce the specific antibodies needed and hopefully get him feeling better sooner.

We went up to Christmas village in Ogden on Friday night. We had been given clearance by Ethan's Cardiologist to take him out in the cold, but it was that morning that Ethan began getting sick. So needless to say, Ethan stayed in the car with either myself or Tim while the other one saw the lights and Santa Claus. So far, this is the only real family tradition we have at Christmas time. Especially now that we've moved, it is always a treat to visit our old stomping grounds.

To all of you who didn't get Christmas cards from us this year, don't take it personal. Nobody did. I had a late start getting into the Christmas spirit this year and I've never been good at sending out cards in the first place. However, I do appreciate all of the Christmas cards and warm wishes that we've received. It's nice getting something in the mail other than junk or medical bills. I too hope all of you have a very "Merry Christmas" and we pray for health and happiness to you and your families.



---Allison

Cardiology Visit Today

We just returned from Ethan's cardiology appointment. Today we had chest x-rays, an EKG, and had his vital signs checked. Ethan weighed 18lbs and was 27 inches long according to their measurements and his blood pressure was still doing good. Dr. Williams said that Ethan was looking really healthy. His oxygen levels were 88% on room air. The Dr. adjusted some of Ethan's medication doses and took him off of the lasix completely. That is good news for Ethan because that is the one he dislikes the most. It doesn't seem like much, but just removing one medication from our daily routine seems to make a difference. (It doesn't make a whole lot of sense since I am still giving him other meds at the same time, but it really does seem to take a small weight off of my mind.)

I had been worried about taking Ethan out in the cold to go see Christmas lights, but the MD said it would be OK and that Ethan could come with us as a family. We still need to continue to see the Pediatrition regularly but we don't have to go back to Cardiology for 6 months. When he does go back at 14 months old, they will do another echo for the enalapril study that he is in and will also check his tricuspid valve (the valve between his right atrium and ventricle) which has a "mild leak". This is an important valve because if it is leaking too much, it increases the workload of the right (his only) ventricle and will cause it to fail sooner. Dr. Williams wasn't concerned too much about it at this point, but said that it is definitely something that we need to keep an eye on. All in all it was a great appointment and it is always nice to hear from his doctor that he is doing well. Thank you to all of you who have kept us and Ethan in your prayers.

---Allison

Growing Up

I just thought I would post a couple of pictures that show how big Ethan is getting (Gavin also loves getting his picture taken). He is sitting up all by himself now (he can't get into a sitting position all on his own but will stay sitting if you put him that way). And for having his oxygen levels in the mid 80's, I think his coloring looks pretty good. He has a cardiology appointment tomorrow. I will post again after our visit with the doctor. I hope they don't find anything surprising. I don't think they will, I think he is doing really well.



This is just a shot that I was trying to get to show off his 2 new front teeth. He is such a cutie pie! He has such a fun personality. He is so happy and content. He is very good to do things on his own but also loves to be held and played with. We've been doing a lot more tummy time with him to try and get his upper body stronger. In fact, he will scoot on the floor if you give him something solid to push his feet against.

We are so blessed to have him in our family. I don't know why this had never occurred to me before but I had read somewhere that the oldest living child with his condition is only 14 years old (not counting transplants). I think this surprised me because the doctors have always told us the goal was to get him to his teenage years to early 20's before he will need a heart transplant. I guess I never put 2 and 2 together that this really is just a goal and it has only been in the last little while that his heart defect wasn't a complete death sentence. With that being said, it only makes sense that any living survivors wouldn't be very old. So because of this, things really are still developing and we are in uncharted territory. I guess I have always looked at the potential instead of the actual reality. Regardless, he is here with us now....... just like he was meant to be.

---Allison

"Heart Mother"

I have been surfing around at different blogs and care pages lately and came across this poem that a mother of a heart baby wrote. However, I don't know who the author is. Also, I did make some slight revisions. I thought it was really special and thought I would share it with you.


One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my child was sick.
I thought, "am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.

I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my child any chance.
No matter what the price.
I will learn all that I need to help my child thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!

Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
I will accept our fate.

When the monitors beep at night, it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.
As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my child's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down and kiss his head.
I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look to You wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways....no matter how I try.

And yet, I trust you hold his life, and guide us through each day.
My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay"!

From pacing the surgical waiting room, to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep, to learning every med.
From wondering, "will he be alright?", to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts, despite life's harsh demands.

For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.
That scar I trace with my finger (It's the door to his beautiful heart).
God must have known how much I'd love him (Just as He loved him from the start).

A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.

Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other).
I will always embrace that beautiful day.......
When I became a "Heart Mother".

Am I That Bad?

I am sitting at the computer looking through my past blog entries and recounting all of the events that have taken place this past year. Gavin is supposed to be taking a nap but instead comes up to me and makes the funniest comment. I guess this was a game that he made up and wanted to play. I asked him what I should do. He proceeded to explain, "I say please.......you say NO!" What a bad rap I must have!

---Allison

Funny Little Boys!

These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago and I finally was able to catch Tim last night to show me how to put them on our new computer. I am not very computer literate. Anyway, I was in the kitchen making dinner one night and Ethan was lying on the bed watching his favorite show. Earlier in the day the older kids had been showing me pictures in a magazine of things that they wanted for Christmas. I went in the bedroom to check on Ethan and he had gotten a hold of the magazine and was having a ball tearing it into shreds. He was smiling and giggling with each rip. Too bad for the magazine. He was being too cute to take it away. That same night I'd heard the game "Guitar Hero" playing in Emily's room. I heard booing and someone playing very poorly. I thought it was Spencer and went into Emily's room to just razz him a little bit. When I got there I was surprised to find Gavin had started up the game and was "playing the guitar". I am so lucky to have such fun and cute little guys!

---Allison

December 3, 2007

I am feeling guilty about not posting anything this last week. I didn't even do the 5 for Friday's. It has been fairly busy lately so I will just give a brief synopsis to catch up.

Ethan is continuing to do well. He has had a mild stuffy nose but nothing that a bulb syringe can't fix. He also got his 2nd flu and RSV shots last Friday. At that appointment he weighed 17lbs 10oz. That is only 7oz gained since his 1st RSV shot 4 weeks ago. I am not exactly sure what is a normal weight gain at this stage of the game, but I guess I was expecting more. He has been eating pretty well but has also been getting sweaty with some of his feedings. He has a cardiology appointment in a couple of weeks. I am actually excited to go and to make sure that things are still looking OK. I don't know if I will ever find a time where I don't worry about him.

We attended our first Christmas party of the season on Friday. This was for the Gatherum side of the family. Again, Tim volunteered to stay at home with Ethan and so just the older kids and I went. I really enjoyed the visiting and the kids had a great time playing the games and running around with their cousins. Each year we rotate who is in charge of planning and hosting the party and I guess next year it will be my turn. I actually think it will be fun to be in charge of it.

I was talking to Spencer yesterday, and just out of curiosity I was asking him if he couldn't have the #1 thing on his list (which is a NintendoDS) from either Santa or from us, what would his 2nd choice for a gift be? He wouldn't give me an answer and insisted that this was all that he wanted. I kept pressing him and then he finally said, "Mom, I know what you are doing! You just think that a Nintendo costs too much and want me to tell you something else that is cheaper." I just had to laugh. It was cute to see his mind working and see him thinking that he had to stay 1 step ahead of me to protect his beloved Nintendo.

Yesterday was the day of the teeth. Ethan's 2nd bottom tooth finally broke through which was a blessing. This 2nd one seemed to be worse than the 1st one. His gums were really swollen and were very tender. Also, Emily lost her 4th tooth yesterday evening. I was telling Tim that I've never been sentimental about these little teeth when they fall out. But yesterday, I was just looking at her little tooth in my hand and it just took me back to when she was a baby. We would have been living in Texas at the time she got this tooth. I could just remember her sitting in her swing at Betty and Larry's house and the amazing year that we'd spent with them. I then had a little flash forward to when Ethan will be her age losing the tooth that just came through today. I couldn't help but wonder what will have happened between now and then. I wonder if he will still be healthy. If he will be doing "normal" kid things or just doing his best to keep up with Gavin. It is hard to envision what the future holds for our family.

I have been having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year. I think part of it is just not being able to get out of the house much. There is so much going on around me that I am oblivious to. I think I simply need to get motivated enough to get the house clean and then get our Christmas decorations out. But right now, either way, it seems like more work. Bah Humbug!

---Allison

Five for Friday's # 3

Although we did not have Thanksgiving dinner at our house yesterday, it did not keep a huge mess from forming. I don't know what happened because I had worked on it all week and was pretty clean on Wednesday. Oh well. Life goes on. But right now I don't want to think about it so I am going to sit down and take a moment to think about what I am grateful for.

1. Although very messy and dirty at the moment, I am very grateful for my home. I love living in the area we are in. We are in an amazing ward and in a fun neighborhood. I love the conveniences that my home has to offer. I love turning on the fireplaces when the weather gets cold. I love sitting in my jetted bathtub when I need some time alone. And although our new home is bigger and much nicer, I can't say that I am any happier than when we lived in our little house up in Ogden. My home is not defined by what is in it but rather who is in it.

2. I am grateful for our jobs. We are blessed to have a good income which supports our family. I am blessed to have a job where I can have the best of both worlds. I can be a mom who spends the majority of my time with my kids. And I can also get out of the house 1 day a week to work, socialize, and do something that I love to do. I feel secure knowing that if I ever needed to, I have a job that could support our family. I am so glad that Tim can also do something that he finds purpose in and enjoys doing. He loves his new job and was actually named one of "Utah's Legal Elite" by the Utah Business Magazine in his field.

3. I am grateful for our cars. It is always an eye opener how much we depend on them when one of the cars is out of commission. This hasn't happened recently but it used to happen all of the time. Tim was always good about taking the bus when this happened so that I could still have the car with the kids. It is so nice to be able to go where I want when I want.

4. I am grateful for the education of those people around me. I am glad that there are people who can fix things from cars to hearts. I remember when Tim and I were meeting with the surgeon right before Ethan's first surgery, I felt very compelled to thank the surgeon for the education that he received which gave us a chance at life. I know how much time, money, and effort it takes to follow through to get a good education (whether it be a trade or college). I am grateful for those who rise to the challenge.

5. I am grateful for music. Whether it I need it to comfort my baby in the hospital or to get me moving so I can clean my kitchen, I love good music. I dance when nobody is looking and I sing at the top of my lungs when I am in the car by myself. I love that I can either create or temper any mood that I may be in with the right song. I also love that my kids love music and we can all sing in the car together while running errands. I can't promise that we sing on key or know all the words, but I do know that we all have a smile on our face.

---Allison

Thanksgiving

Today was a really nice day. Myself, Spencer, and Emily went up to my Grandpa's house for dinner. Tim, Gavin, and Ethan stayed back home since Ethan can't go anywhere. Although I didn't like being separated, I know that this is only temporary. Tim was a good sport and volunteered to stay back since he has no nearby family. He also volunteered to keep Gavin so that I could have a relaxing day and not have to worry about him getting into things or running away at my Grandpa's house. I did bring back Tim and Gavin some dinner and pie. So although it was re-heated, they at least were still able to have a turkey dinner. It was nice to visit with family and I really enjoyed myself. My contribution to dinner was homemade rolls and banana cream pie. I hope all of you have had a wonderful day with your family. It is this time of year that I am so grateful for all of my blessings and the people in my life.

---Allison

Tuesday, November 20th

Yesterday was a fun day. My Dad's birthday was yesterday and yet he and my Mom were kind enough to come and watch Ethan while Tim and I and the other 3 kids went to go see the "Bee Movie". Emily was also able to invite a friend which she was really excited about. It was a good movie and we all had fun. However, Tim and Gavin actually left early because Gavin wouldn't stay in his chair and started wandering the isle.

When the kids and I arrived home, it turns out Gavin felt warm and had a temperature of 102.2. This seemed to come out of nowhere. He'd been fine all day. I am hoping that the baby and I don't get sick. Gavin had been very sweet all day long and he gave me lots of kisses and snuggle time. So far I feel fine. Ethan however was up quite a bit last night having a hard time breathing. He didn't have a fever but just had a lot of nasal congestion. I had to suction his nose about every hour throughout the night. Needless to say, I got up to help get the older kids ready for school and then I went back to sleep. The 3 of us slept in until about 11:30. I think we all needed it. Poor Tim. I am sure he also did not get a good night's sleep with both kids fussing but he still had to go to work.

I was worried about getting anything done today. I've been wanting to try out a roll recipe for Thanksgiving. I also have a couple of days of laundry to do. I suctioned Ethan when he woke up and so far he seems to be doing ok. I really worry about him getting sick. He didn't want to eat his pear mush before bed (which is his favorite) and would not breastfeed during the night which was concerning me but he did have a good feeding this morning. And Gavin did not have a fever when he woke up, so hopefully this was just a quick episode. I will do my best to keep Gavin and Ethan separated and to keep myself from getting sick as well.

Ethan is cutting his first tooth. This could also be where all of the congestion is coming from. When I felt his gums this morning, I can feel the slightest bit of a tooth breaking through. What a big boy. He is also trying to sit up more on his own. When I put him in his swing, he doesn't want to recline back, but sits right up. He can also sit up next to me on the bed if I am supporting him on one side. It is fun to see him doing and trying new things.

---Allison

Five For Friday's #2

I can't believe that it has been a whole week since I wrote last. It feels like I have been so busy this past week. Our ward had our visiting teaching conference on Tuesday which was really nice. I actually had a part in the program that I had been really nervous about all week. I could never come up with something concrete to say but when the time came for me to get up, the words just came and I think it turned out pretty good.

Tim, Spencer, my Dad and my brothers all went pheasant hunting last Saturday. Both Tim and Spencer seemed to enjoy themselves. Emily has been doing really well and has been very sweet and helpful. She is enjoying school and is doing really well at reading, spelling, and math. She has always been a very good student.

Gavin has been quite the busy little guy. He has been making mess after mess and is much quicker than I am. Just yesterday, I found him painting the toilet with my lip gloss. He smeared pudding (which he got out of the pantry by himself) in my shower and then attempted to use a whole roll of soggy wet toilet paper to try and clean it up. Now remember, this was just yesterday. I couldn't recall the whole week. I sometimes try to block it out. He now knows how to open the doors with the child safety covers on them which means he has full access to the pantry, the basement, the bonus room, the garage, the bathrooms, and the game closet. In every one of these areas there is something that he wants that is just waiting to become a huge mess. This makes my life much more difficult.

So on that note, I am now going to do my 2nd posting of things that I am grateful for. I am trying to stay positive.

1. I am grateful for my brothers and sisters and their families. They all have been so supportive of us in both the past and present. It is fun to have such a large extended family where all of the cousins can run around and play and where there is never a dull moment in conversation. I really enjoy spending time with them individually and in large groups. I feel that I have a great relationship with all of them. I love you guys!

2. I am grateful for Tim's family. I am very lucky to be married to a man with such loving and supportive parents. I respect them and love them. I have never had any of the "in-law" horror stories that you hear about. I love the time we get to spend with Tim's parents and brothers and sisters and look forward to each visit. My only regret is that we live so far apart and we don't get to see them very often. However, I do feel that although we may not be able to enjoy the day to day dealings, the relationships that we have are strong and sincere. The distance makes all of the get together's that much more of a treat. I love you all!

3. I am grateful for the education that both Tim and I have received. I love being a nurse and Tim is an excellent attorney. We had many bumps and trials along the way. I am proud of both Tim and I for taking the time and making the sacrifices that it took to follow through and to never give up. I also realize that although we sacrificed and worked hard, we did not do it alone and I appreciate all of you who helped make this possible.

4. I am grateful for my freedom. I have the greatest respect and admiration for those who have fought and died for our country. I can't imagine as a mother, sending my sons or daughter off to war. I know that many have lost loved ones on my behalf and I am truly indebted for their sacrifice and willingness to serve.

5. I am grateful for my health. It is one of those things that you don't tend to think about much until there is something wrong with it. I am blessed to have a healthy family and to have Ethan's current good health. There have been many losses recently of little heart babies and I can't help but be so amazed and grateful to have Ethan at home doing normal baby things. I know that this is a priceless gift.

Well, there you have it. I will try to be better this week about keeping things updated. I hope you all have a good weekend.

---Allison