Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Developmental Evaluation Appointment

We finally have a date for Bryson's evaluation! Let me repeat...FINALLY! I had to call and call and basically push them to get in touch with the lady who schedules these. He will be evaluated on February 18th.

Bryson has a lot of anger and frustration in him inside our home and outside of our home. He is acting up at preschool everyday. As a mom, I am now to the point that I don't even want to ask how his day went because I know the answer. He keeps to himself and as the director described, he acts as if he is in his own world. He does not like others to get near him. There are many times he makes no eye contact. When he is in trouble and also when we ask him simple questions. So, we are anxious and excited about the testing. Hopefully, this is just some kind of anger thing that we can work with him on. It could be a hearing loss. I wish I could get inside that little head of his and figure out what he is thinking and what is going on. At least God can and we can turn to Him for support!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Camera Fun

I love taking pictures of our kids. So, I know that I really need a lot of practice with this new camera! When I have the time, I am going to do some researching and learn more about this camera and editing photos. I just don't know when that day will come with three kids in the house!




























Another Change

We sure did enjoy attending Journey the short time we went. With four kids, we have decided the drive is just too far. So, we are attending Clayton Crossings Church, and let me mention, it is right across the street!!! Awesome drive with 11 month old twins, a 3 1/2, year old and my step son who is with us at times.

We have found ourselves plugging into this church rather quickly and we are so excited. Our relationship with God is becoming even stronger as we are attending a small group (on parenting and Lord knows, I need all the parenting help I can get..haha), and I will soon be serving in the nursery again! My better half  is now serving on the worship team!  I can't believe how many new people I have met over the past few weekends we have been attending. I have met quite a few people. One in particular, has been down the same difficult road as I have with a hard challenge to face in the early years. We both also have a 14 year old step son!  I have met another mom with twins who are 6 years old and she also has a baby boy. I can't wait to build relationships with our new church family and see what God has in store for us!

"How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great
How great is our God"

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Saturday Visit

The kids had a visit Saturday afternoon from Grandma Susan and Papa John while I was at a friend's baby shower. Grandma Susan came with some McDonald's for Bryson and he was thrilled! Although I was not there, looks like they had a great visit...










Thursday, January 20, 2011

Just one more Month

Hard to believe our girls will be a year old in a month! They are growing too fast.  Our little Avery Anne is a little over 18 lbs and our little Gracie Jo is almost 18 lbs. Gracie is slowly catching up! The girls definitely look completely different, which we love because it expresses the difference in their personalities. Oh, how they are so very different!!  Avery is more clingy and totally a mommy's girl. Gracie is more independent and loves her Daddy!  She also has this thing about studying her hands! Gracie is more vocal and loves to show off.  Both the girls love the mirror, especially Avery. They both look up to both their big brothers. Bryson, mostly because he is around more. Even though they are twins, they do stick together and they also stick together with Bryson. Avery is very close to taking her first steps. Sometimes, they go in opposite directions, and let me mention that I am glad our house is not big. I am always looking for one of them!

Here is a cute video for now. The sound is a little off, but still cute...


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Physically and Mentally Exhausted

I am a very tired mom. I may be a stay at home mom, but a stay at home mom is more than a full time job. My job starts around 7:00 in the morning and ends at 8:30-9:00 at night, especially when Bryant is out of town.

When I worked part time and stayed home part time with Bryson; that was just wonderful. I had just him and I could have time with him, teach him things, play with him and so much more. Now, I stay home full time and we have three kids and I have this guilt that just clings inside me about not spending enough time with my kids, especially with Bryson who is demanding more attention. Bryson is thirsting for that one on one attention from us. When Bryant is home, it makes life easier because he can give Bryson the attention he needs. I want to give it to him and try to every chance I get. Does he resent me because he sees the girls getting most of the attention between feeding bottles, holding one while crying, changing diapers, feeding them their food and so on? I just don't know where his anger is coming from. I never imagined our little boy slamming doors, banging on walls, screaming out-loud for some reason we don't understand, not answering our questions, not engaging in conversation, not looking at us when we speak to him, and so much more. I try to talk to him and ask him questions every chance I get. I just don't seem to get the response I am looking for in a 3 1/2 year old. I hardly ever get a response out of him. Even when it is something simple such as-how was your day at school? Or, what picture did you color? Nothing.

Bryson is scheduled for his second hearing appointment on February 1st. It may not be a hearing loss, but we think it is wise to get him checked out just because I have a hearing loss. Also, the Dr. referred us to a Pediatric Developmental Center and we found out the waiting period is two to three months. No Way can I wait that long! Thankfully, we can go another route. We are waiting to hear back from the Johnston county public preschool system about getting him fully evaluated. It could be something simple as needing to work with him in a different approach. The bottom line is that it is something. More than likely, something small. As a mom, I am so very anxious.

At the same time, we try to give our girls the attention they need. What two sweet little blessings they are! No, not double the trouble...double the fun! We love ALL our children and we treasure every moment with them. Life may be crazy, but we love it. And one more thing, we would not make it through these crazy days without the most important person. Can you guess who that is??

God, our Father!

"I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
-Philippians 4:13

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Rock On!!!





Sunday, January 16, 2011

Monster Truck

We took Bryson outside this afternoon to drive what he calls his "monster truck".  It has been so cold lately that we have not been able to get him out of the house to do much. We took advantage of the weather this afternoon even though it was still a little chilly. The girls had fun watching him and chasing after him in their stroller. Yes, the girls kicked butt! The double stroller beat the monster truck!














When we came in, the girls enjoyed watching Bryson still playing outside.