Tobin, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more

Nativity Fun

2011-12-15T14:36:00.000-06:00

Tobin is pretty crazy over stickers and Baby Jesus, so when I found a sticker nativity at Hobby Lobby I knew I had a winner...cheap too.

First day of December Tobin put the people and animal stickers on, as well as the first star. The only direction of placement I gave him was to not put the people/animals over the stars. So what if the wise men are hanging off the edge and the camel is eating Mary's head. Its still perfect. Now each day Tobin gets to put a new gold star on the corresponding star. He's excited to do it every day.

We also have a window advent calendar I've had for several years that he opens each day and then we read the appropriate scriptures.

He's getting really good at retelling the events of Jesus birth. We also sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus nearly everyday. It is a beautiful thing.

A Little More Buckethead

2011-12-14T23:09:00.004-06:00

Many Faces of Tobin

2011-12-13T21:29:00.000-06:00

Consecutive shots of my boy.

Buckethead

2011-12-13T21:14:00.001-06:00

Dorothy loves to put buckets on her head. Any bucket.

We laugh and she just does it more.

Now whenever we call her Buckethead, she finds a bucket and puts it on.

She'll just stand there with the bucket on her head until we respond.

So stinkin cute.

Thanksgiving in Pictures

2011-12-13T20:58:00.000-06:00

Thankful. Thankful. Thankful.

We were blessed to have Thanksgiving with both our Rapley and Schmitz family back in KC.

Love. Love. Love.

Helping peel the parsnips

Can't beat throwing sticks off the bridge with Tall Guy.

It was definitely time for a cut. Thank goodness his hairstylist came in town for Thanksgiving.

Penguin Village...wouldn't be Christmas without it!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

2011-11-01T22:26:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween from the Land of Oz!

Love,

Dorothy and her best friend The Scarecrow

Star Wars Lives

2011-11-01T18:33:00.002-05:00

Tobin loves Star Wars. He has never seen it mind you, but he is no less than an expert in his world.

For some fun I printed off pictures of Star Wars characters and glued them on popsicle sticks.

They were a big hit.

With Tobin

and with Dorothy.

Unfortunately, Dorothy also thought they tasted delicious.

Poor Chewie.

Farewell.

Lucky for Tobin, his Mommy printed off two sets of characters, so they will live again.

Return of the Jedi you might say.

Though perhaps Dorothy will be napping next time.

Tallcanos

2011-11-01T14:31:00.000-05:00

If you ask what Tobin wants to do these days, he will excitedly tell you, "make tallcanos!"

Excuse me. "Tallcanos!"

Oh, of course, Tallcanos.

Spread some baking soda in a pan. Add food coloring to vinegar. Get an eyedropper and let the kid drop the colored vinegar onto the baking soda. It foams up and looks like a tallcano.

Or maybe a volcano.

But I like to think tallcanos sounds much sweeter.

A New Relationship

2011-10-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

On August 11th, we celebrated Dorothy's birthday,

but we also mourned the demise of a dear friend, our camera.

Sadly, he was beyond repair on our budget and is the reason for no posts since.

(Photos are generally my inspiration for posts.)

But now, we finally have a new friend.

She is wonderful, beautiful and lovely.

Though our relationship is still new, I have a good feeling about her.

Besides, she is already in love with our children.

For all those missing these faces...

Number One

2011-08-11T00:00:00.002-05:00

Today, our Dorothy turns 365 days old. I still think of her as a baby, but the reality is that she is nearly a toddler. This year has gone by so very fast.

She is a wonder and a beauty. She makes life a true delight.
I am more in love today than I was August 11, 2010 when I first glimpsed the delicious sweetness of our baby girl.

Happy Birthday Dorothy Jennifer! We love you so very much.

Cheers!

2011-07-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

Dorothy is loving the sippy cup. She is not yet a master, but it entertains her and gets some water in her system (or down her shirt), which is a good thing in this heat.

(We have now had over 30 days of 100 degree and above temperatures.)

Tobin loves throwing some back with his sister too.

Cheers!

The Birthday

2011-07-29T15:14:00.000-05:00

Tobin's birthday was a simple, fun and busy day. The night before, I put up red crepe paper in several of the doorways, including his bedroom's. He thought it was pretty cool and ran through the crepe paper to see how it moved. (These would later get pulled down by a certain cute little sister.) Tobin opened his presents with gusto. After breakfast, Tobin's best friends Libby and Grady came over to play for a couple of hours. Their mommy (and one of my best friends) was having a baby that morning. So all grandparents could be at the hospital, I offered to take the kids. Tobin just thought they came over to celebrate his birthday.

After lunch and nap time, Grandpa Tall Guy and Grandma Dew arrived from KC to celebrate the little man. They brought presents and again opening commenced with gusto. For dinner, I cooked one of Tobin's favorite meals...pumpkin-oat pancakes, bacon and broccoli. Doesn't everyone serve broiled broccoli with pancakes? He's generally a slow eater, but this meal is down his deceptively large mouth in nothing flat.

And then finally, it was cupcake time. I believe Tobin had been looking forward to these for days. If you ask him what he got for his birthday, he'll tell you with delight, "Cupcakes!" He loved them. I loved them. We all loved them. Well, except Dorothy, she doesn't get such things yet.

I make him a birthday t-shirt every year. He saw this first thing and jumped up and down with excitement.

Showing off his Lightning McQueen underoos. Never mind that he is no where near potty trained.

Best buddies

I held back his hands, body and mouth. I was afraid he was either going to touch the lit candles and/or spit on the cupcakes as he blew out the candles.

Loving it!

Grandma and Grandpa stayed for the weekend and we had so much fun! Saturday, we (minus Eric, who remained at home to study for his comprehensive exams) went to OKC and rode a real train at the railroad museum. We pulled up just in time, to make a mad dash to board the train. Tobin was very interested in all the going-ons train and made us all giggle when he yelled, "All aboard!" Dorothy just was cute and smiled a lot. After the train, we ate our favorite restaurant, Iguana and all left happy.

It was a great birthday and weekend. So happy we have this sweet, loving three-year old son to celebrate.

Our Brat Packer

2011-07-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

We found this green hat for cheap at my folks. Tobin likes to wear it while engaging in

activities not normally associated with such a classy hat. Here is our Brat Packer,

As a lawn service engineer.

As Batman.

(Okay, so I think he looks more like The Joker, but Tobin insisted that while

wearing his green hat and Grandma's apron as a cape, he was indeed Batman.)

As a professional carousel cowboy.

As a Harley Dude.

Pretty Little Lady

2011-07-19T14:08:00.000-05:00

I took some pictures of Dorothy while at my folks, because

the temperature was photo-friendly,

she had a sweet white dress to wear,

and she is just such a pretty little lady.

(Don't look to close or you might see lines on her face from sleeping on her blanket. Just maybe.)

The Good Life Again

2011-07-18T21:24:00.000-05:00

We went to Wisconsin again. You may recall we went in May. Normally, we try to go once a summer, but we had reasons to go again in June. 1) It is hot in Oklahoma in the summer. I mean, really, really hot and its not in Wisconsin. 2) Eric can study for his comprehensive exams anywhere, including Wisconsin. And by being away from home, he'd be away from any other responsibilites at home, so he could fully concentrate on studying. 3) Most importantly, Grandma and Grandpa are in Wisconsin and they love us. The feelings are mutual.

With those reasons in mind, we hit the open road for the longest road trip our family of four has taken to date. Awesome. Honestly, it was. The kiddos did super and the drives were easy. Both the kiddos are great travellers, especially Tobin. On the way up we stopped in Des Moines to see our dear friend Cindy. We don't get to see her often, but every visit with her is easy, fun and makes me wish all over again that we lived closer to each other.

Our two weeks at my parents went far too fast. We went strawberry picking, took the kids to the park and for walks, ate LaDuc's (DaDuc's as Tobin calls it), played for hours outside, went down to the Milwaukee lakefront to throw rocks and have a picnic, got haircuts (except Dorothy), went to garage sales, baked bread, made homemade pasta, watched Tobin ride his first merry-go-round (loved it), went on dates with my husband, went running, hulled peas from Grandma's garden, watched several Midsomer Murder episodes, enjoyed watching the kiddos love their Grandparents, enjoyed watching my parents love their grandchildren, played ball, broke spinarama records, learned that spray bottles are a great summer toy, talked, laughed and relaxed. And while I was doing all this with my parents and children, Eric was holed up in the Pewaukee library studying his little heart out.

I know that they are willing and love having us, but I also know that two children under 3 is tiring, constant and plain work. Thank you Grandma She-ha and Grandpa Ken for letting us invade for an extended stay and for showering us with love.

We'll be back. How does next week look for you? He, he.

Our favorite Iowan, Cindy

Tobin cut out those rolls himself, baked them and then ate all of them.

Bike was $3.00. Perhaps the best $3.00 ever spent.

Notice the baseball socks. He wants to wear them everyday now. I tell him no, because its 105 degrees.

Twins

Eating, I mean hulling strawberries

Three

2011-07-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

When you love a child time the days are long, but the years so very short.
I find I can't believe that my favorite little boy in the whole world is three years old today.
These years have been full and wonderful.

We thank the Lord for the arrival of Tobin Kenneth and all the joy, laughter, tears, hopes, blessings, adventures, wonder and love he brought with him.

We love you Baby Boy. Happiest of birthdays to you.

Favorite Question

2011-07-13T21:54:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day to Eric!

We love you because you are,

hilarious

handsome

Jesus loving

helpful

smart

a good wrestler

a good ball thrower

sweet

thoughtful

caring

compassionate

kind

organized

a fast runner

a good swing pusher

a great pool playmate

a man after God's heart

considerate

dreamy

a good kisser

and a million other wonderful things.

So happy and proud to call you husband and daddy.

Sweet Boy in Boots

2011-06-16T17:33:00.000-05:00

As of late, Tobin has been all about his green, frog rainboots.

I love them and how he likes to wear them with his long shorts and star wars shirt.

A Beautiful Mess

2011-06-16T17:13:00.002-05:00

He's in Love

2011-06-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

It is official. Tobin is in L-O-V-E.

Luckily, we really like the girl he has fallen for and approve wholeheartedly of his choice. She smothers him in love and showers him with gifts, kisses and hugs. They really are a cute couple and though it is a long distance relationship, we are pretty confident that this love is for a lifetime.

He's smitten and so is she.

(Fortunately, she also loves the whole family and we all look forward to her visits.)

We love you Aunt Jenny!

"Taxes" (Texas)

2011-06-16T14:32:00.000-05:00

For Memorial Day, we spent the weekend in the place our family callsTaxes. Others know it as Texas. The way Tobin says it is just so much cuter, so we call it Taxes, like the state of, not the ones you pay.

The first part of our Taxes trip found us in Dallas with our Stillwater neighbors and friends, The O's. Eric and Ty went to the Royals/Rangers game Friday night, while Kelly and I took the three children (2 or younger) out for dinner. We chose a kid friendly place (obviously) and things went well. After a walk in the still hot evening, we decided to head back to the hotel and put our respective children to bed.

Perhaps I should back up...we almost didn't come on this trip, because 2 days before we left Dorothy spiked a high fever out of seemingly no where. High as in way over 103. Ah, yeah the last time she did that, we ended up in the hospital. So I took her to the doctor. She diagnosed our baby girl with hand, foot, mouth disease. Most every kid gets it. It often causes high fever and always some degree of rash. Its contagious and there is nothing you can do for it, except let it run its course. Our doctor told us we were fine to travel and since Dorothy wasn't running a fever the morning we were scheduled to leave, we did.

However, that evening if you had been in our hotel lobby around 6:30 PM, you would have encountered a screaming baby being held down by her parents, desperately trying to take her temperature. Sure enough, she'd spiked a 101 fever. Out with motrin and down the hatch.

Dinner went well. Sleeping, not so much. Okay, that is not true entirely. Tobin was fantastic. He was out like a light and even slept late. Dorothy was up at least 4 or 5 times. These things are hard to keep track of after a while. By morning though, she was fever free, though not rash free. She remained fever free the rest of the weekend and besides the red splotches on her legs and arms, you'd never know she was sick. Hallelujah!

After Dallas, we headed to East Texas on Saturday afternoon to visit one of my first and best friends from college, Janelle. She and her husband and their five kids welcomed us into their chaos and we had so much fun. Seriously. I miss that girl, but since moving to OK, I've seen her 4 times and its the nearest we have been to each other since we shared a loft in college our senior year. Now that is wonderful. Our very pale son, fell in love with all of the beautiful, dark Martinez clan. I am pretty sure he wants to be one of them.

Tobin hasn't stopped talking about Bernie's house and how he wants to go back. Me too, baby. Me too.

Checking In

2011-06-03T14:59:00.001-05:00

Dorothy recently had her 9-month check-up and all is well. She is healthy, beautiful and big. She took the shots well and our doctor assured us (again) the seizures she experienced in April will have no long term effects. I brought Tobin along to the appointment and he behaved so well. He was very interested in when the doctor was coming and what she was doing to his sister. I was so proud of him.

Props to you T!

Her stats:

Height: 28 1/2 inches (75%)

Weight: 21 lbs. 7 oz. (90%)

Head: 18 1/4 inches (95%)

Not that its a competition or anything, but she blows Tobin's 9-month stats out of the water.

See them here.

We can hardly believe our Beauty has been with us 9-months and yet it seems she has been with us always.
We love you Dorothy Jennifer.

Magic Beans

2011-06-03T14:23:00.000-05:00

Grandma brought bean seeds (from her very own garden) with her, so she and Tobin could plant them together. Whether or not they grow and produce remains to be seen. I plant vegetables every year and every year its a big failure. I have high hopes though, seeing that my mom is an amazing gardener and that she not only grew the plants that these seeds came from, she planted them here for us. I think they may be magic beans.

It was pretty sweet seeing those two, heads touching, poking bean seeds into the earth.

And what did we see after being gone for nearly two weeks......magic beans indeed.

Tobin and I have made it a morning ritual to grab our watering cans while Dorothy is napping and water our bean plants. Based on this small success, I have since added basil, parsley and zucchini plants. I'm hoping for a little more magic.

She wants you to know

2011-06-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

"I can pull up and stand all by myself."

The Last Stop

2011-06-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Our last stop on our journey home from Wisconsin was KC. It was quick, but fun and full!

Our time with in KC included:

-Meeting our niece Lucy. She was a month old, tiny, beautiful and precious. I can hardly believe that Dorothy was ever that little and really not that long ago.

-Train and tram rides at the zoo with Dew and Tall Guy. If you know Tobin at all, you know that this was a big hit. He kept yelling, "All aboard!" the whole time.

-Breakfast at Fritz's. Again, the train theme was a big hit.

-Playing with all the Rapley girl cousins. This is big fun!

-Hanging out with Aunt Jenny, Natalie and Matt at BRGR. Yummy food and great friends.

And then, we headed home. I will admit that it was nice to sleep in my own bed. I love my bed.

The Good Life

2011-06-02T21:37:00.000-05:00

We had a fabulous week in Wisconsin with my folks. All of us felt loved and cared for in a big way. I just really love being with my parents. I know that this is a gift.

It is the good life.

Some highlights:

-Meeting my niece Ella for the first time. She is beautiful and its so fun to see my brother and his wife as parents. She has got the most kissable cheeks you've ever seen. I kissed them every chance I got.

-Eric and I got away for one night, while my parents watched the kids. We had a simple, relaxed dinner at a local Greek restaurant and then stayed at a nearby hotel. I had forgotten how great it was to sleep all night long and then sleep late. Late enough to skip breakfast. So we went to a great Italian place for lunch. It was so great to not be rushed or in charge. I love my husband. He is really fun to hang out with.

-My cousin Beth brought her three kids over for a visit. We grew up playing together when my family came to visit my Grandma and now its a joy to watch our own children play together. I love getting to hear Beth weave a story and reminisce old memories.

-Shopping at Trader Joe's. It is the best grocery store in the world. Oh, how I wish we had one in Oklahoma. There is good news...two Trader Joe's are opening in KC in the next few months. Trader Joe's will soon become a highlight of every KC trip we take.

-Hanging out with my folks. I even got to go shopping with just the two of them one afternoon. Love having the chance to chat, laugh and be together.

-Watching "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series with my Mom. So, so, so good. I couldn't wait to watch the next episode everyday. Its based on a book and I am now currently reading it.

-We played outside in my parent's yard a lot. They have a swing, a hill, trees, rocks and plenty of room to run and run and run and run. Tobin loved it when Grandpa would spin him in the swing. Literally, he could and would stay in that thing for hours.

-I got to celebrate Mother's Day with my favorite Mom...mine own. She is the best.

-I was able to relax and get some much needed rest, because of the extra hands and love that my parent's provided.

-We ate LaDuc's custard more than once. Still the best.

-Eric and I got to go running together without a jogging stroller and children. This just never happens at home, so it is a real treat.

-My mom makes the best homemade bread and I can't get enough of it. I probably ate my weight in it. Thank goodness I am nursing and need the extra calories, right?

-My heart delights in watching my children fall more in love with their Grandma She-ah and Grandpa Ken.

A Park and a Half-Marathon

2011-06-02T21:36:00.000-05:00

My parents visited us a month ago, so

1) They could kiss and hug our babies. Its the best. I know because I get to do it everyday.

2) They could watch our babies while Eric and I ran a Half-Marathon in OKC. We couldn't have done the race without them. It was my first race since Dorothy's birth and I decided to be smart and elect to run the half and not the full. I thought I would be sad on race day that I was foregoing the longer distance. Due to the VERY cold, steady rain and the fact that I just wasn't feeling it during the race, I NEVER felt sad about my decision. Indeed, I was thrilled that we were running 13.1 only. I knew I wasn't going to be fast, but I wanted to be under 2 hours. We easily made it by 4 minutes. That made me very happy. A shout out to my amazing husband...he's the best training/racing partner. He encouraged me and I love, love, love running with him. In the rain. In pain. He still could manage to make me laugh and enjoy myself.

3) I could pack up my kiddos and myself and travel by car and plane back with them to Wisconsin. Ahh, yes, yes, yes. Extended time with Grandma She-ha and Grandpa Ken. (Eric came later, after finishing up all his finals. He got to fly solo. Gee, I remember when I use to do that. It was pretty great.)

While in OKC the evening before the race, we found a park. It was actually kind of sad looking, but the kiddos didn't care. They loved it. We put Dorothy in the swings for the first time and she fell in love.

Tom Brady Hair

2011-04-29T11:57:00.000-05:00

We've had several people, on separate occasions, remark that Tobin is sporting Tom Brady hair.

We like to think that Tom Brady is actually sporting Tobin Rapley hair.

Outside Eating at a Park

2011-04-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

We love eating. We love getting outside. We love the park.

So we love eating outside at the park.

As a family. Love that. And its cheap. Love that too.

Easter

2011-04-28T16:12:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Easter all weekend.

The highlights included:
Meeting the newborn son of some friends in OKC, eating a fantastic lunch at Iguana, attending church on Saturday night and soaking in the meaning of Jesus' resurrection personally, opening Easter baskets, volunteering at kid's church Sunday morning, baking bread, egg hunting, a great Easter dinner with our friends, the Becks, eating chocolate after the Lenten fast, kissing my favorite three people in the whole world and praising our great Lord and King.

Bedtime Kisses

2011-04-27T14:34:00.000-05:00

Sometimes sharing kisses just is not enough at bedtime....

Sometimes you need to share a little snack as well. Mmmm, foot!

Seizures

2011-04-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we headed to KC. I was having a long awaited girls weekend with my sister and two best friends from college. We don't live anywhere near each other, so face-to-face time comes in small, precious spurts. Eric and his dad were going to extend their Royals home opener attendance streak to 20 years. Tobin and Dorothy planned on getting lots of hugs, kisses and laughs with Grandma and Grandpa.
Well, these things all occurred, but not exactly as we had planned or envisioned.

I spent Friday night at my sister Jenny's house. This was the first night I have ever been away from Dorothy. Eric was on night duty solo. He brought Dorothy over early Saturday morning, as planned, so I could nurse her. When he walked in the door, I could tell he'd had a rough night. He looked tired and a little beat up. Apparently, Dorothy had fussed and cried most of the night. That's not normal for her. We both noticed she was a little warm, but not feverish. Between that, a slightly runny nose, swollen upper gums and being fussy, we chalked it up to teething. The plan was for me to stay again at my sister's house Saturday night, but Eric really wanted me to be with Dorothy since she had been inconsolable. Fine. I'll be honest, I just wanted Eric to handle it. This is what babies do...they cry and sometimes they do it for a long time at night. And this is suppose to be my one weekend with my best friends! But knowing that being a Mommy out ranks all other activities and that Eric wouldn't have asked if he didn't think it was important, I agreed.

I nursed her, she seemed happy then and Eric took her back to his parents. I got on with my girlfriend activities. We played all day and ate and shopped. We stopped by later in the day so I could nurse Dorothy again. She was happy to see me, but she'd had a fussy day I was told. I nursed and cuddled her and we were off to watch basketball with friends. I'd be back to sleep later. Then Eric called a couple of hours later. Dorothy felt really hot and so they'd taken her temperature. It was over 104.

Eric came and got me. Now, I could tell she was more than fussy and this was NOT teething. She was burning up. We kept her stripped of clothing and we decided to sleep in the basement of his parent's home, because it's cooler. About 10:30 PM, I had nursed her and was cradling her, when her eyes rolled back and her head started to jerk back and forth. I had never seen a seizure before, but I immediately knew what it was . I screamed for Eric who was coming down the stairs. He grabbed Dorothy out of my arms and ran up the stairs yelling for his Mom and Dad.

I think I froze for a moment, panicked and scared. Kathy and I held Dorothy as she seized, praying and talking to her. Eric called 911. John got a cold wash cloth and readied the car if we needed it. All of this happened in the matter of minutes, seconds really. It felt like an eternity.

By the time the paramedics got there and it was quick, Dorothy had stopped seizing and was listless and sleepy. It was hard to tell if she was breathing (she was), so we kept touching her with the cold wash cloth. It would make her cry. In my mind, as long as she could cry, she was breathing and she was alive. The paramedics checked her vitals and asked for details. Everything checked out fine and they told us she'd had a febrile seizure, which are temperature induced seizures in children younger than 7. They don't do permamet damage, but are scary and unpredictable. They offered to take us in the ambulance to the hospital to have her checked out or we could take her ourselves or not take her at all, since she appeared to be in no more immediate danger. We decided to take her ourselves to Children's Mercy South Urgent Care.

Kathy stayed with Tobin, who thankfully slept unphased through the screaming, crying and sirens. John came with Eric, Dorothy and I. I couldn't believe how many people were there in the middle of the night with sick children. We settled in for a long wait. Dorothy's temperature, despite motrin, was not going down. It seemed like it was going up. Finally, they had a room open up for us to wait in, so they could monitor her temperature until the doctor could see her. I decided to nurse her again to try and hydrate her. As soon as I finished, she started seizing again. Eric called for help and suddenly there were all kinds of people in the room. I was holding Dorothy upright on my lap, trying my best not to cry or freak out. I knew she needed me to be calm. The doctor came in immediately and began timing her seizure. It lasted 3 and a half minutes. It felt like hours. We could tell the doctor was concerned. They moved her to another room and started hooking her up to monitors, drawing blood, inserting a cathether, and an IV and giving her oxygen. Poor little one was so rigid from the seizure that they couldn't get the IV started. After sticking her in both arms, both hands and feet, they finally got one in on her head. They gave her medicine to control the seizure and then some tylonel rectally for the fever.

She looked so small laying there with nurses and a doctor surrounding her. I put my head down next to her head and talked and sang to her, while holding the oxygen mask on. The doctor told us that Dorothy would need to be admitted to Children's Mercy's downtown campus for observation and confirm the source of the seizures. A transport vechile would be there shortly to take her.

I was able to ride in the ambulance with her. I was in the front seat, but if I turned around in my seat and craned my neck I could see her. The idea of not being with her in those moments was intolerable. She was calm and sleepy during the whole trip. We arrived at the main hospital at 2:15 AM. She was wheeled directly to her room and we settled in. Eric and John drove down seperately and arrived just a few minutes after Dorothy and I. The doctor came in shortly after our arrival to examine Dorothy and talk to us. She told us that they would try to get her fever down and to stay down, which should prevent anymore seizures. They also wanted to make sure the virus that was inducing her fever, and consequential seizures, was not menigitis.

John left for home and to get some sleep. We also knew that there was no way Kathy was getting any sleep until John got home and told her what he knew. We decided to get a little sleep, but I didn't want to put my baby down. I wanted her in my arms, so I sat in the chair and closed my eyes. Sleep didn't really come. I was to afraid something else would happen, even though she was hooked up to monitors that would alert those far more capable than I to help her. Eventually, the fatigue took over and Eric got up and held her, while I laid down.

Jenny, Jen and Janelle came to visit, before Janelle's flight home. Not exactly how we envisioned our girlfriend weekend, but I am so thankful that they were there. These are friends who have seen me at my best, worst and all points in between. And God knew that Jen, of all of my friends, would get how it feels to have your baby in the hospital. She is the mommy to a bona fide miracle and spent 2 months in the hospital with him, as he recovered against all odds from a near drowning accident. I saw her and all the tears I had been stuffing down, rose to my eyes. Later, John and Kathy brought Tobin down. I really just wanted to hug him and whisper I love you in his ear. I know Grandma and Grandpa wanted to see Dorothy smiling and hold her too. Our friend Natalie came by late in the day as well. We appreciated that she'd come see us.

Dorothy did great. Her fever came down with the help of motrin and she was even at moments her happy self. You could tell she wasn't feeling well, but you could also tell she wasn't a seriously ill child either. The doctors agreed that her seizures were fever induced (febrile) and there would be no lingering effects. She did not have any kind of serious infection, but merely some sort of virus that would run its course in a few days. They released us around 4:30 PM. It felt like we'd been there forever. I was so glad to carry her out of that hospital, happy and sleepy.

Indeed, she did get over the virus in a few days and we (me, Tobin and Dorothy) had a great week in KC. (Eric unfortunately had to be back to OK for school.) It took several days before I felt comfortable leaving Dorothy alone though, even while sleeping. Grandma felt the same way, so if I was not holding her or had her in my line of vision, Kathy did.

I did not intend to write this whole ordeal out in detail. In fact, it was going to go something like, "Dorothy had a temperature and seizures. We went to the hospital, but now she is 100% and won't have any ill effects. Scary, but a good outcome." I guess it was theraputic and I also think God wants me to remember how much we have to be thankful for through the trials. For instance,

We are glad and thankful that this happened in KC, where there is an incredible children's hospital in town. We felt like we had the best possible care for Dorothy.

We are so very grateful for how John and Kathy took care of us. We truly could not have gotten through those hours, days without them. They were steady and prayerful in the scariest moments of our young family's life. They sheltered Tobin from the frantic moments. They held us together by support, hugs and prayer.

We are thankful for the concern, support and prayers from friends and family in KC, Stillwater and elsewhere alike.

We are thakful that our little beauty is fine, healthy and happy. Being in that hospital, surrounding by children who are very, very sick, made us realize how fortunate we were. How fortunate we are.

I am thankful that when I was scared that God gave me the lyrics to a favorite song,
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." This is now Dorothy's lullaby.

We know God was in the details.

And so, things are good now. I do hold my babies a little tighter and longer at night. I check on Dorothy while she is sleeping and out of my sight a little more often. I stare at my kiddos in even more awe and can't believe that they are here and mine. And, yeah, those are really, really good things.

After the trauma of that weekend, we actually had a super week playing with Dewey and Tall Guy.
We went to Missouri Town, Deanna Rose, Fritz's, Chik-fil-a and the park to name a few of the activities.

We are grateful and we are blessed.

Our happy girl. (post illness)

Reacting with pure delight to the trains at Fritz's. It was classic!

Today, Four Years Ago

2011-03-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

Four years ago today Eric had surgery to remove a cancerous lump. He'd been officially diagnosed 4 days earlier with testicular cancer. Although his type of cancer has a very, very high survival or cure rate and it was caught extremely early, it was still scary. I remember sitting anxiously in the doctor office's praying that we wouldn't hear the C-word. Its a terrible moment to hear that the person you love and cherish has cancer. I have experienced this twice. Once with my mom and once with Eric.

I remember crying as we prayed over Eric before he was wheeled in to surgery. Of course, he was calm and unafraid, cracking jokes. I remember we weren't sure how this affected our future children. Would we, could we ever have children?

Well, isn't our God good, good, good?

Six months later to our utter astonishment and surprise, I was pregnant. In July 2008, less than a year and half after surgery, Tobin arrived.

Two years after that, Dorothy arrived.

Four years after surgery, Eric remains healthy and cured of cancer. Still cracking jokes.

And I am happy to have all the loves of my life with me each and every day.

Spring Break

2011-03-25T15:24:00.000-05:00

Eric's Spring Break was last week. For the most part, it was like most any other week, because he went to campus everyday to work/study and then studied at home in the evenings once the kiddos were sleeping.

However, in order to celebrate the Break we decided to pack up our car and headed the hour to Tulsa for the weekend. Some generous friends offered us a free place to stay. Hallejuah, because hotels can be expensive! It wasn't fancy, but it had two mattresses (on the floor), a TV and DVD player, a refrigerator and freezer and a couch. Seriously, it was everything we needed. One of the many beauties of small children is that they have no idea that something isn't plush or expensive. I mean Tobin thought this sparse 1-bedroom apartment was a palace. He didn't want to leave. He kept referring to it as home. And you know what, it was great. Tobin slept awesome on a mattress (for the first time), Dorothy slept in the pack and play in the kitchen and Eric and I got to watch movies we wanted to see. (No offense to Toy Story or Cars.) It was relaxing. We were so thankful for that place to stay.

We like Tulsa a lot. The weather was great for the most part. We found a great park and played for hours. We went on long run as a family. Ate at good restaurants. Grocery shopped at Whole Foods. Laughed. Kissed our babies. Savored the warm weather and sunshine. Relished our time at the palace.

Enjoyed our family time.

We loved this park and it was the perfect place to capture our favorite sweeties.

Girl in Overalls

2011-03-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

By now you probably already know of my fondness for my little boy in overalls.

Now, I have an equal fondness for my little girl in them as well.

Simply, so very adorable.

Girl wears them well.

Leapfrog

2011-03-18T14:44:00.002-05:00

Springtime Elf

2011-03-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

Doesn't she look like an elf ready for flowers, sunshine and outdoor air?

She's the Springtime elf!

Some Favorite Visitors

2011-03-18T14:28:00.000-05:00

We were fortunate to have Grandpa Tall Guy and Grandma Dew visit us the last weekend in February. The kiddos are quite smitten with their grandparents and the feeling is quite mutual. As a parent, it brings great joy to my heart to see these relationships blossom and grow. Tobin is at the age where he understands who they are, how great they are, when they are coming and unfortunately when they are leaving. When Dew told Tobin she was going bye-bye, he told her, "No, my Dewey no bye-bye!" That boy loves him some Grandma for sure. Dorothy was her charming self and showed off her new eating skills and teeth. Mommy got an afternoon to herself. I went to a cafe, ordered a hot drink and read a book. I honestly cannot remember when I have last done that. Its been over 2 1/2 years. It was nice. Very nice. And, if that wasn't enough, Eric and I went on two dates. Of course, no visit would be complete without some classic Auction viewing and popcorn.

We had fun so much fun with them here and, as always, the time went by way to fast.

Thanks for coming to visit Tall Guy and Dew. We love and miss you! Come back soon.

O'Rapley Leprechauns

2011-03-17T13:54:00.001-05:00

We are way behind on posting to this here o'blog, but for now just enjoy a

"Happy St. Patrick's Day"

from my cute little leprechaun boy!

I am sure my wee little leprechaun girl wishes you happy day as well,

but she was napping while this green photo shoot took place.

And the rule in our house is that you never wake a sleeping leprechaun.

He is All Talk

2011-02-24T15:41:00.000-06:00

Since we got home from Christmas vacation Tobin has been talking about sleeping in the big bed in his room. (Background: We have always had a twin bed in his room along with his crib.) We'd been putting it off, because he really does love his crib and it contains him. He hasn't figured out how to climb out and he is happy in it.

He's 2 1/2 and talking about it, so maybe he's ready. So this past weekend we decided to take the plunge. We took the mattresses off the bed and put them on the floor, moved all toys to the closet out of reach, and cleared the room of all non-essentials. Tobin was excited about all this scurrying around in his room.

Bedtime came and he rolled all over the bed, exclaiming, "My bed!" We taught him how to kneel for prayer by his bed now that its at his height. He seemed pumped. Next up...sleeping.

Suddenly a look of fear crossed his face and he points to the crib and says in a slightly fearful voice, "I sleep in crib."

And so there you have it. No sleeping in the big bed after all. As long as he is still happy in the crib so am I.

So as you can see our son is all talk.

He looks ready, but don't let that fool you.

Outside Delights

2011-02-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

The nice days beckon us outside.

Tobin also stands by the door and exclaims his desire to be out, not inside.

That helps as well.

After so many long, cold days the sunshine delights each of us, but my baby boy the most.

Mmmm, What?!

2011-02-23T15:48:00.000-06:00

We started Dorothy on solids about a week and a half ago. I waited until 6-months because its recommended and only breastfeeding is simpler. Her first meal consisted of very runny rice cereal. She was happy at first, but then we put the spoon in her mouth. She didn't love it. Her expression said, "What? Are you trying to choke me?"

However, she is about 10 days in to solids and she has gotten over her initial reaction. I have made and frozen avocado and sweet potato purees for her thus far. She seemed quite smitten with both. If she is anything like her brother, eating and eating big amounts, will not be a problem for her.

Still trying to deal with the fact that she is old enough to eat real food. She is just growing up so fast.

Too fast.

Happy

Still happy

What's this?

What are you doing to me?

My little girl can...

2011-02-23T15:19:00.000-06:00

rock this head scarf!

Fun with Bows

2011-02-22T10:08:00.000-06:00

One of the many activities we found to entertain us during our indoor confinement was fun with bows.

For your hair. Sounds girly, right?

Betcha you thought you were only going to get cute pictures of Dorothy.

This activity was actually Tobin's idea. Honest.

My Hair Look Funny

2011-02-22T09:18:00.001-06:00

"My hair look funny!" he giggled.

Then he insisted that Daddy "see my hair!"

Perfect Features

2011-02-20T22:03:00.001-06:00

We can't decide what Dorothy's best feature is, because she is perfect.

Remember that dear Dorothy, you are perfect just as you are. Always.

Here a couple current favorite features.

The Belly

That belly begs me to kiss and tickle it all the time. So I relent and do.

The Legs

Those baby legs make me smile.

Snow Days

2011-02-20T21:14:00.001-06:00

Due to an unusual amount of snow and abnormal low temperatures this month, we've been inside quite a bit. Eric even had four snow days, although he studied the most all of those days, so they were hardly free days. And as it turns out, snow days are a lot like any other day for stay-at-home mommies of small children.

But we still braved the great outdoors a couple of times and played, laughed, threw snowballs and rolled in the white powder. Since we don't get enough snow to warrant paying for snow boots for little feet that will grow out of them far to quickly, Tobin does not own any such boots. He does however have some rain boots. They are still big, but we figured they'd work with two pairs of socks.

Well, not really.

The boots kept coming off with each step. Tobin yelled, "Oh no!" Dad struggled, while smiling, to get the boots back on. Mom just howled with laughter.

Little Big boot lost in the snow

We did have fun inside as well...

...but we were really happy that last week brought us days in the 60's and 70's. Really, really happy.

Six Months of Dorothy

2011-02-20T09:47:00.000-06:00

Our little lady turned 6-months old a week ago. She has come a long way since we brought her home in August. So many changes since that joyous day of first life.

She has become a very determined roller. She can and has rolled the length of our living room, including under the coffee table on her route. She babbles and smiles constantly. We love watching her stick her tongue out in quick succession. She is teething, but no breakthroughs yet. She has recently started eating solid food. Dorothy is not sleeping through the nights yet, but neither did her brother at this age. Seems to be a family trait thus far. We started taking her to the nursery at church after Christmas. Until last night, she had a rough time and a lot of crying was involved. Oh, but not last night. She made it through the whole service without crying even once. All of the childcare workers were praising her improvement. She is very curious about her world and likes to put everything in her mouth. She still likes her pacifier, but is starting to show signs of needing and wanting it less and less. She loves to be held. I like to think I am getting a good upper body weight workout everyday. We still swaddle her to sleep, but she can and does get out of the tightest of wraps. She is extremely ticklish, especially on her beautiful belly. Tobin loves his little sister and wants to be close to/on her all the time. He is not into gentle love. She takes it VERY well. She is going to be one tough cookie by necessity. She lights up at the sight of her big brother, as well as Mommy or Daddy. Be still my heart please.

Her latest stats from her 6-month check-up, at which her doctor declared her perfect. Of course that much we already knew.

Height: 26 3/4 inches (90%)

Weight: 16 lbs. 15.6 oz (75%)

Head: 17 3/8 inches (95%)

As you can see, we have a healthy baby girl. She's tall, has perfect weight and an above average size head. For the record, big heads run in my family...they don't call Grandpa Ken "Big Head Ken" for nothing.

We love you Dorothy Jennifer, Sweetie, Beauty, Little Beauty, Girlie, Super Cutie, D, Deedee, Beloved, and simply Ours.

One-day old

6-months later

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T13:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Putting the hearts on the window

Supervising big brother's sticker placement

Love, Hugs & Kisses!

Temporary Parking

2011-02-07T15:19:00.000-06:00

If you need to find another use for that treadmill that is eating up space in your front room and/or if you need some temporary hot wheels parking, I give you this solution.

Beauty Matey!

2011-02-06T14:00:00.000-06:00

Daddy brought back some souvenirs from his accounting conference in Tampa, FL. Apparently, there was also a huge pirate convention going on at the same time and Eric scored some sweet pirate booty. Get it?

It actually seems appropriate that she looks so dashing in an eye patch seeing that I scratched my eye once while pregnant with her and once just a few weeks ago by her own hand and had to wear one. I sported an eye patch out of necessity, but Dorothy really makes it a vogue fashion statement. Beauty mateys!

Surprise!

2011-02-06T13:44:00.000-06:00

Last Friday evening I called my sister as she was on her way home from running errands after work. We hadn't talked in a couple of days, so we had lots to chit-chat about. Finally, I told her I better go. Dorothy was crying and refusing any of my soothing techniques and Tobin was repeatedly telling me, "I poopie."

Since Eric was out of town for a few days and I was without his helping hands I decided to start the bath, so I could contain Tobin while comforting or nursing Dorothy. Just as I started the bath water and began to get Tobin undressed, our doorbell rang. It was 7:15 PM on a Friday. Who in the world? My most likely suspect, my friend/neighbor, was gone for the evening, so I had no idea who might be at the door. As soon as Tobin heard the doorbell, despite the top of his pants being undone, he raced to the door and threw back the curtain.
And there on my doorstep, was my beautiful and very sneaky sister Jenny!

All that time we had been chatting she had not been on her way home, but to my home instead. I am not sure who screamed louder with delight, me or Tobin. I truly was surprised. January is always a tough and long month for her, because its trade show season. She travels for most of the month, so the last thing she needed to do was get in a car and travel 5 hours to see me and the kiddos. Lucky for me, she's a servant. Besides, she really wanted to kiss my kid's sweet cheeks. I can hardly blame her.
Tobin was beside himself. Aunt Jenny ranks very, very high on his list of playmates. Mine as well. I enjoyed my sister time. We talked until late, watched girly movies, partook of cherry beer, played with the kids, had leisurely breakfasts, laughed a lot, enjoyed some Hideaway pizza and 70 degree weather. The only downside to the this weekend...having to say good-bye.
Since Eric was gone for four days, I was expecting it to be a long weekend. As it turned out, it was not long enough. We love us some sneaky Aunt Jenny!

Tobin loves to hold hands...I know its so super sweet.

Two of my favorites

Showing off for Aunt Jenny

Aunt Jenny is a jungle gym, isn't she?

Snowy and Warm

2011-01-28T15:36:00.000-06:00

Last week we had snow and fun playing in it...

...today I saw this in our front bed.

Oh, and its almost 70 degrees and we are having fun playing in that too.

"Tars"

2011-01-27T14:34:00.001-06:00

Tobin has only recently discovered "tars". He received his first box of hot wheels from our neighbors, Bobby and Billie for Christmas. He refers to all "tars" as Bobby's now. He loves, loves, loves these things. We've played and raced them over our black coffee table all January. Each night he carefully (sort of) puts them lovingly away in his Buzz Lightyear backpack. That is where they belong, don't you know.

I think the "tars" are pretty fun myself. I remember playing with my brother's cars growing up. I am sure Danny wasn't always thrilled about that, but it sure did prepared me for these days of playing with my favorite son.

I ask him to tell me who drives which car. We go through the list of our family and friends and he shows me. Grandma Sheha, always gets the silver Lexus convertible and Grandma Dew always gets the yellow taxi cab. Everyone else switches cars, except me. I always get the Blue Jeep. Sweet. That must mean I am super fun!

Tobin, what do you want to do?

"Tars!"

A Little Beauty

2011-01-26T15:51:00.000-06:00

Its been awhile since I put up some pictures of our growing beauty...so enjoy the view.

the stare down

circle of fun is back baby!

my world

Sunglasses

2011-01-26T15:32:00.000-06:00

Tobin got sunglasses for Christmas. Upon opening this gift, he immediately put them in the car, because that is where Mommy and Daddy wear theirs of course. If either one of us have ours on, then he has to put on his. If we take them off, off his glasses go as well. When our car trip is over, he hands them up to me to be stored in the front with Daddy's pair.

So cute. And Cool.

Ringing It In

2011-01-23T10:55:00.000-06:00

New Year's Eve found us still in KC with willing and beloved babysitters, so we made the most of it. Eric and I met some dear friends at Cafe Europa and dined on splendid food, enjoyed a kid-free atmosphere, and delighted in good conversation. After dinner, we moved on to Jenny's for adult beverages and more fun. It was a truly a great way to ring in the new year. (Okay, it was actually at 11:00 PM...we all need our beauty rest, says the mommy with a potential middle of the night feeding.)

We love these friends (and sister). These are people who have lavished us with encouragement, support and love in every way. They've helped us move in the OK heat, made meals for us after babies, sent encouraging notes, traveled to see us, held our crying babies, made us laugh, and generally just been there for us. These are good people. Best kind of friends.

So fun to spend the evening with these kind of people.

Dave, Jenny and Natalie...good, good people.

Dress-up is not just for children
The supermodels Eric T. and Devious D

Love these ladies.

Isn't she just gorgeous?

Christmas

2011-01-22T15:50:00.000-06:00

Christmas in KC: fun, filled with family, moments with friends, giving and receiving, laughter, blessings, some sickness, trains, love, joy, travel stresses, drooling, smiles, celebration, coffee/breakfast dates with special people, cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, lots of playing, presents, valued time, and of course Jesus.

Christmas is magical with children. Not because of the presents or Santa or all the other wonderment's of the season, but because of the One. We can already see Tobin delighting in the name of Jesus.

He doesn't "get it" yet, but he knows there is something very special about this Jesus character.

As parents, we can't ask for more than that. Its our prayer everyday for Tobin and Dorothy.

A merry Christmas 2010 indeed.

Hiatus

2011-01-20T15:43:00.001-06:00

So it seems we've taken a hiatus here. It was not intentional, but as the saying goes, "life happened".

The holidays came and there was sickness lurking. Tobin was the first to succumb and he spent about 2 weeks battling a running nose, fever, cough, congestion, a fever again and generally yuckiness. The poor little man didn't know how to react. He is so rarely sick, so this was foreign territory for him. When I suggested things to help relieve his pain, he refused and just cried. It was very sad and pathetic.

Then I relapsed. I've had a on/off again cold since Thanksgiving. Well, the last time it was "on" it developed into full blown tonsillitis with a severe sore throat and a fever for several days. Antibiotics are good. I actually didn't realize how poorly I'd been feeling since November, until I got an antibiotic shot and started feeling even a little bit better.

It seemed we were on the mend and then my sweet little Dorothy poked me in the eye. No big deal, it happens. Except, her beautiful nails are like razors and they scratch eyeballs. Yes, if you recall I had a scratched eye just 6 months ago. Seriously, who has this happened again this soon?! I spent several days in bed in a very dark bedroom in a lot of pain.

Its been a rough start to the year. Until yesterday, I had left the house a grand total of 4 times since January 2. Once to go to the doctor, once to go to church, once to go to Chick-fil-a and once to buy kleenex at Wal-Mart. I know, this is rock star living.

Things are looking up and at this moment, everyone seems healthy.

One more thing...Eric is awesome. He has taken very good care of me and the kids, while I have been laid up. I really love that guy. Sorry, ladies, the best husband is taken. I am pretty sure, he's just as happy as I am that I am no longer sick or blind.

We'll post some pictures soon from our unintentional hiatus, but until then, enjoy these teasers.

Girl Time

2010-12-15T15:48:00.001-06:00

Baby Jesus

2010-12-15T15:39:00.000-06:00

We took Tobin and Dorothy to a live nativity one recent evening. Unfortunately, we got there just as the reading/acting part of the program finished up. We'll have to remember for next year to get there right on time. Fortunately, there was a meet and greet with all the animals and hot chocolate (for Mommy). Tobin enjoyed sitting on the donkey, which he was sure was a horse. He said "no thanks" to the sheep and the oxen he waved to, but he didn't really want an up close encounter.

The best part...meeting baby Jesus. Tobin loved the makeshift stable and the cradle with the doll, who he immediately and excitedly recognized as Baby Jesus. Made my heart smile. I love how he joyfully says the name of Jesus. We certainly aren't perfect parents, but it made me feel like we are doing something right.

Meeting Baby Jesus

Getting Jesus out

Giving Jesus away...just as we all are suppose to do.

Dedicated

2010-12-13T19:01:00.001-06:00

We dedicated our little lady to the Lord Saturday night at church. (We are Saturday night church people...its the greatest.) This simply means we stood in front of God's people and promised to raise Dorothy to know Jesus. We claimed her for Him and Him alone. Our greatest hope is that she will choose to serve the Lord with all her heart.

We were blessed to have one of the Lifekids staff members, Laine, pray over our family and for our daughter. We also had the members of our LifeGroup there. These are the people we do life with. We pray for each other, love each other and support each other. They have surely become our family in Stillwater. Yes, tears ran down my face and my heart was full.

I leave you with the life verses we chose for Dorothy Jennifer. This is our prayer for her.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Laine praying over us

Our Stillwater Family

This is Where I Belong

2010-12-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

Happiness is...

2010-12-09T14:04:00.000-06:00

getting ready to take a bath.

hanging out with these two.

finger painting and making a mess (and beautiful artwork).

running with only a bicycle helmet on.

Dorothy beaming at Tobin, because he is funny.

staring into these blue eyes.

eating homemade whole wheat chocolate waffles. Serious happiness here.

sucking on my finger.

holding this girl.

playing with this boy.

laughing at this guy's funny faces and

being married to him.

sleeping like a baby in this pretty hat.

this little hand.

Cute Boys

2010-12-08T15:48:00.000-06:00

I have seen these two cute boys around the neighborhood. I totally have a crush on them.

Because she changes everyday...

2010-12-03T14:42:00.000-06:00

...here are pictures from the last several days. Dang she is cute and she has some serious blue eyes.

Full Arms

2010-12-03T14:30:00.000-06:00

And a very full heart as well. My three favorites.

Favorite Playmate

2010-12-03T14:27:00.000-06:00

I love watching Tobin play. It is unabashed, delighted, joyous fun. I'm so glad he wants Mommy to play with him sometimes. Thus far I am still his favorite playmate. Although Daddy is pretty great too.

Silliness

Playing "night-night"...basically piling lots of blankets on top of him.

He loves it!

Poor Raggedy Andy, his pants are always falling off.

Mommy's bike helmet and a backpack full of toys. Ready for whatever.

Reading some "Busy People"

Again, with the Beauty

2010-11-30T16:35:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd share some pictures of our beauty.
And now she not only smiles, she giggles sometimes as well. Loveliest sound. I think Heaven's soundtrack must be baby laughter.

Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-30T15:40:00.000-06:00

"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near."

Psalm 75:1

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had the pleasure of having Eric's parents here. This is the first time I have ever hosted the holiday in my home. So adult, I know. I had a good time cooking, baking and eating with my family. Thanks be for extra help in the kitchen and with the kiddos. It was a relaxing holiday in fact. Well, okay, I was still tired, but it was a good, happy, full of food happy. Not travelling has its advantages.

We had lots of yummy foods, including turkey, homemade bread and rolls, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, the Schmitz jello mold, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, stuffing, apple pie and oreo ball truffles. Also, I made a super simple hot apple-cranberry cider drink to sip on throughout the day. I love eating Thanksgiving food. I never get tired of the leftovers either. Although the boys in my little family are showing signs of leftover fatigue. They'll be happy to know I knocked out some for lunch and that we are having pinto bean taco salad for dinner.

Grandparent Week

2010-11-30T15:39:00.000-06:00

Eric's parents were with us for the whole week leading up to Thanksgiving and this delighted us all, but none more than Tobin. He L-O-V-E-S his grandparents. He was one excited little boy. And Dorothy enjoyed having two extra set of arms to snuggle into and sleep. We had lots of fun, including a trip to the zoo, raking lots and lots and lots of leaves (thank you John), baking, cooking, kite-flying, British TV watching, chatting, eating, cheering Eric on in the Tulsa Half-Marathon, laughing, and relaxing. We had such a great week! We are missing you bunches.

Dew and Tall Guy with the kiddos

(Yes, Tobin really does call his Grandpa, Tall Guy)

This was Dorothy's favorite spot last week

Best outfit ever!

Tobin and his kite-flying partner

"Helping"

This is how Dorothy enjoyed the zoo.

"Hey goats, I'm back!"

Happy Be Thankful Day

2010-11-25T09:01:00.000-06:00

We have so much to be thankful for today. Its been a blessed year in our family and we are grateful. We pray we always remember from whom these blessings flow. Thanks be to our great Lord for his many gifts, provision, comfort and love.

Enjoy this day! Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are two little ones we are most thankful for today and everyday:

Building and Crashing

2010-11-22T15:49:00.001-06:00

I bought big building block legos over a year ago for Tobin. I knew he wasn't ready for them, so I put them in hiding. Well, time for hiding is over. Tobin loves the blocks. This thrills me, because I love playing with them myself. Its always nice when the toy entertains the child and the mommy both, don't you think?

We've been having lots of fun building....

but maybe even more fun crashing them down.

Some Favorites

2010-11-19T14:13:00.000-06:00

Thought you might like to see some favorite pictures from the last couple of weeks.
Enjoy. I do, everyday.

Zoo-tastic

2010-11-12T18:39:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures from our latest trip to the zoo. As Tobin gets older, he just gets more and more engaged with the whole zoo experience. Its fantastic. I love watching him discover, explore and play. And although Dorothy is obviously not quite as aware of all the zoo offerings, she did great, except for her crying episode due to hunger. So off we went to find a secluded area for a feeding and she was back to her happy self.

Zoo-tastic family day.

"Hey guys!"

We love the giraffes.

Worn out on the way home.

Sisters

2010-11-12T15:40:00.002-06:00

I am fortunate. I have two very cool, unique and wonderful women whom I love and whom I am attached to by birth. They are my sisters. Both of them make me better.

Jenny and Katrina came to visit last weekend. It was super. Katrina got to meet Dorothy for the first time and like all of Dorothy's admirers, her Aunt fell in love with her. She teased about taking her back with her to CO, but I think if Dorothy could have fit in her carry-on, she just might have done it. It's a joy and delight to see my children in both of my sisters' embrace. They are such good people, good playmates, good huggers, and good laughers.

The three of us haven't gotten to spend that much time together over the last several years, due to life changes, schedules and the fact that we live in three different states. Bah...I know. So this weekend was special and full of good ol'sister time. We hit some thrift stores, estate sales, my favorite Stillwater restaurant for lunch, church, and the wine bar, all while having great conversation and fellowship. So happy to be attached to them. Looking forward to our next moments together.

A special shout-out to my most excellent husband, who watched both kiddos a couple of times during the weekend, so the grown-up girls could go out and about. I love you.

Aunt's embraces

Coolest people ever

Dorothy loves Aunt Katrina

Hair courtesy of his Aunts

Jenny didn't get the memo about

packing a black and white striped shirt.

My favorite girls

When Dorothy Smiles...

2010-11-09T15:05:00.000-06:00

...we all smile too.

Autumn Decorating

2010-11-02T17:31:00.001-05:00

Autumn has finally arrived in Oklahoma. I wore a fleece outside yesterday while playing with Tobin. Hallelujah!

The weather matches our seasonal decor at long last.

*FYI: Eric cut the wood logs in our seasonal display himself with a chainsaw. He was trimming one of our big trees. I picked the pumpkins and gourds out of the patch myself. Tobin rearranges the display all the time to keep the look fresh. Decorating is a real family effort.

E-i-e-i and Meow

2010-11-01T17:31:00.001-05:00

Tobin the Farmer (or E-i-e-i as we refer to anything farm at our house) and Dorothy the Cat made the trick or treat circuit last night. We met up with our friends, the Spider and the Monarch Butterfly and had a great Halloween outing. It was so fun to see the Farmer, Spider and Butterfly run up to the door, ring the bell, ring the bell again, ring the bell again, and then knock until someone opened up. Luckily, everyone thought it was sweet and we knew everyone we visited.

Tobin doesn't really understand what candy is or how tasty it is to eat, so Mommy and Daddy either re-treated it to our visitors or claimed it as our own. We know that this won't happen for too many more years. Tobin just thought it was great to open his bag up and get something. Anything. The process is what thrilled him. We are sure he is going to want to go to all our neighbors now everyday and trick or treat.

Dorothy the Cat...she was just her sweet, charming self.

Farmer, Butterfly and Spider

(Tobin, Libby and Grady)

Milk fueling for trick-or-treating

Catching a cat nap

Let's get a move on y'all!

Sweet little kitty

Little Boy Joy

2010-11-01T17:29:00.001-05:00

Oh the joy to be outside, running, playing, laughing, throwing leaves, collecting, yelling.

Oh the joy to be a little boy.

Bedtime Cuties

2010-11-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday nights its just the two kiddos and myself at home, since Eric is in class until after 10:00 PM. I know, yuck for him. (And us.)

We have fun though. After bath time last week, I let Tobin play with Dorothy on our bed. (He doesn't get to be on our bed normally, because its waaaaaay to high, so this is a big treat.)

I have to say, I just love my babies. Seriously, they are cute, cute, cute.

Kisses...Dorothy looks a little uncertain about this.

Poser.
Rockin the hat.

Homecoming with the Handshakes

2010-10-30T22:48:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was OSU Homecoming and we had the pleasure of hosting Joe and Sarah "Handshake" Leimer for the festivities. Additionally, our now mutual friends, Pete and Sarah, came to visit Saturday afternoon. Fun times! We toured the campus to see the team walk, the orange library fountain, the stationary floats at the greek houses and ended the tour with our own walk-thru the barn for sodas. At home, we watched OSU fall to NE, which Joe really enjoyed. Later, we all cheered as MO beat the dreaded OU. Sorry Pete.

Tobin had a blast entertaining the crowd and literally has been talking about the Handshakes since they left. He also has been giving us handshakes all week. Joe and Sarah, you have a very big fan in Tobin. He was very sad to see you leave. We all were. It was a pleasure to have you in our home and can't wait to see you again...hopefully sooner, than later.

Campus was a sea of Orange

Orange Water

Homecoming Stationary Float
One of the houses did a Toy Story theme. You can't
tell by this picture, but Tobin loved this display.

The Leimers teaching Dorothy how to shake hands.

Today

2010-10-20T15:52:00.000-05:00

While Tobin napped (so he couldn't lovingly smother her) and before Dorothy needed to go down as well, I took some pictures her. This is what our wee little lass looks like today.

Beautiful in blue.

Hello Belly!

2010-10-20T15:41:00.001-05:00

When you are just 2-months old and this cute, belly shirts are totally acceptable.

Red Dirt Style Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-20T15:36:00.000-05:00

Autumn, red-dirt fun in an Oklahoma pumpkin patch!

Making a run for it!

Libby, Grady and Tobin

Gourd. Yummy?

Looking so much like his Daddy

Busy Life

2010-10-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

Life is busy. Life doesn't allow for enough sleep right now. Apparently it doesn't allow for regular blogging. Or downloading pictures. Or keeping my house clean. Or a host of other things. But, life is good.

Briefly, here are some going-ons since the last post:

*My parents came to visit for a week. Love, love, love having them here and sharing our children with them. They take such good care of us. I miss them everyday.

*While my parents were here, I got out of Stillwater for the first time since Dorothy was born. We made a small trek to OKC to the Zoo and my most favorite restaurant, Iguana.

*Our life group from church started back up for the school year. We love getting to spend Wednesday night with our friends without children. Okay, Dorothy is there, but she just gets passed around to open and willing arms.

*We made our first trip to KC as a family of four. The drive up could not have been easier or smoother. Both our sweeties were fabulous. We had a great, but all to short, time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

*Tobin has developed in to a definite 2-year old. One moment he's cute and love able and doing something to charm us. The next, he has turned into a whining, stubborn little boy. I'll be honest, its made for some rough, long days. Days, however that I still wouldn't trade. I love that little man and the sweetness that oozes from him makes my heart melt.

*Dorothy coos and smiles like a beauty. It is the best sound in the whole world. She is melting my heart as well. In fact while we aren't the only ones noticing her great beauty. While shopping at a garage sale last weekend, a woman who sells infant clothing gave us her card, because she is interested in our daughter modeling her line. I am not sure about that, but we'll see.

*We traveled to Wichita for Eric's marathon. The marathon proved to have some unexpected challenges, but overall it was a fun weekend.

*All of us, except Dorothy have suffered from some sort of sickness. The boys were sick at the same time and a week later, I am the latest sufferer. Different yuckiness, but yuckiness none the less.

*Tobin has started saying "Oh, man!" when something falls or he pushes something over. Hm mm, I wonder if Eric and I say that.

*Tobin loves to hold his sister's hand.

*Dorothy turned 2-months old. What!?

*I started running again. It feels good to move again and although my abdominal muscles are still weak, I am feeling stronger. No races on my horizon...yet.

*The leaves on our trees just started to fall yesterday. At least it seems like it. It is also great outdoor weather. I have even worn a light sweatshirt a couple of times. And nothing beats sleeping with the window open. Eric would disagree, because it freezes him out. But since he loves me and is sweet to me, he leaves it open and instead puts on socks and another long-sleeve t-shirt to sleep in.

*Dorothy's eyes just continue to get more and more blue. Just like her brother, she has also developed some gorgeous eyelashes. I am jealous. Neither of them got those from me.

*Dorothy slept for 7 hours straight one night. It was a-maz-ing. She has not done it again, nor do I have expectations that she will anytime soon. I am just thankful for the one night.

*I took Tobin and Dorothy to a pumpkin patch with our good friends the Owens. At this patch, you actually go out in the red dirt fields and pick your own. So cheap and lots of dirty, dirty fun. Tobin had to be stripped of all clothing before I put him back in the car. Trying to get little boys to NOT throw red dirt in my experience is nearly impossible.

*Tobin's new favorite food are "ums" (plums).

*We've been enjoying being four!

Like Son, Like Father

2010-09-21T16:35:00.000-05:00

Its "like son, like father" around here. What? Isn't that backwards you say? Nope.

Tobin received some super cool cowboy boots last week from some friends whose son had out-grown them. It was love at first sight. Tobin hasn't stopped wearing them since, aside from bedtime and bath time.

Eric has some cowboy boots from high school. Tobin found them in Eric's closet and the first thing he does when Daddy gets home from work is go to the closet and drag them out so Eric can put them on. Eric really doesn't have a choice in the matter. If Tobin is doing it, then Daddy is too.

Like son, like father. I really love that.

Baby Doll

2010-09-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love our new baby doll? She is very life like. She smiles, cries, poops, moves, wiggles, stares at you with big blue eyes and she makes you fall more in love with her daily.

For Aunt Katrina: These items adorning our new baby doll for dress-up time could easily be categorized as the FOTD (finds of the day). For less than $1.10 we bought this sweet dress and head scarf. A steal, I know.

The baby doll itself, well, she is the find of a lifetime. She is priceless. And sorry, she is one-of-a-kind. You won't find her anywhere except for with us. However, she is available for visitors to admire and hold. Be prepared...you'll fall in love with her too.

Slumber Party

2010-09-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

Dorothy took a small snooze while Tobin and I read books in his room the other day. Isn't she just so peaceful and of course, beautiful?

Yes, those are Tobin's pajamas on his "babies". He insisted they be dressed in his fleece pj's. He likes them to be comfortable and warm when they lounge around apparently.

Sibling Love and Hand Holding

2010-09-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

I had Dorothy on the blanket the other day and Tobin came over, admired her and then lay down next to her and grabbed her hand. Gently even. It was such a tender moment.

Who are those cute kids? Oh yeah, they are mine. I am so lucky.

By the way, the orange and white striped outfit Dorothy is in was Tobin's. One of my favorites. I know its not very girly, but here in Cowboy country, orange is definitely a high-fashion color.

Two Great Ladies

2010-09-08T16:39:00.001-05:00

My sister Jenny and sweet friend Natalie came down over Labor Day weekend for a visit. Actually I should say they came and took great, great care of this new family of four. I mean it...they rocked! Without asking, they cooked dinner each night plus extra ones for the freezer, babysat our kiddos so Eric and I could have a date, took me out to lunch and window shopping, dragged me to get my haircut, did laundry, bought groceries, played with my active son, cuddled and snuggled Dorothy, showered us with gifts, got up with Tobin in the morning, cleaned up toys, washed dishes, made breakfast, and on and on. I feel so loved by these two fabulous, amazing, wonderful, selfless, generous woman.

They are seriously two of my most favorite people ever. I loved getting to hang out with them, chat and laugh a lot. Thank you for all you did and for your friendship. You are the bestest ever. Miss you all the time.

You two will be happy to know that Tobin can now say both of your names and he is now telling "stories" about your visit. He really wants you to come back soon. So does Mommy, Daddy and Dorothy.

Tobin and his girls

Giving Natalie kisses

Dorothy cuddling up to Natalie

Aunt Jenny is so good to Dorothy

I love my family.

Playing with Dorothy

2010-09-03T14:28:00.000-05:00

Tobin plays with Dorothy nearby a great deal lately. Don't worry Mommy is there to intervene and make sure Dorothy isn't suffocated by big brother's "gentle" kisses or smashed by his fast race cars.

All in all...this is super sweet to witness.

Grand Parents

2010-09-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

Eric and I both are blessed to have parents who are still married and still very much in love. They support, care and tend to us in our best (and worst) moments. We are grateful.

When our sweet Dorothy was born they came to do what they do best...love on us.

We owe you a big, big thank you! We love you. And we miss you...lots and lots and lots and lots.

These pairs both really do put the grand in "grand"parents.

Grandpa John and Grandma Kathy

Grandpa Ken and Grandma Sheila

First Day

2010-08-23T10:12:00.000-05:00

Today marks the first day of school for Eric as he enters his 3rd year (of five) of graduate school. It also marks the first day of the kiddos and me on our own all day. I am so proud of my sweet husband and family.

Sometimes I can hardly believe we have been in Stillwater for 2 years. So much has happened and changed in that short, yet long, period of time. We are indeed blessed.

We are mourning the end of summer and the more relaxed schedule, but look forward to all the school year holds. (Hopefully that includes cooler temperatures soon, because my little boy really needs to be outside.)

Classic First Day of School Pictures

Cutie and a Cowboy

2010-08-21T09:08:00.000-05:00

Our Little Lady

2010-08-14T12:41:00.010-05:00

Wednesday was a glorious evening- one of the best days of my life! Below are a selection of pictures from the past few days of our Sleeping Beauty, Dorothy Jennifer. Similar to our life these days, they are not necessarily "in order", but the captions should provide any essential information. Mother and Baby are doing great. Dad has a big smile on his face and Tobin seems to know that Dorothy is his sister, but mostly is just enjoying all the attention from his grandparents and Aunt Jenny!

In the car-seat and ready to come home!

Mom and Dad seemed a little happier to be leaving the hospital than Dorothy.

kind of a before and after pregnancy picture :)

It has been a pleasant surprise to see Tobin be gentle with his sister.

Hi!

My mom blessed us with a long visit while our "Laura is in labor, please take our son for the night" friends were out of town. After being here twelve days, Dorothy was born the day after she returned home. Thanks for all of your help, Mama Dew!

Grandpa made the 5 hour drive from Kansas City six times in two weeks! Thanks for everything (including the ruby red slippers).

Laura did all of the work, but I was still pretty tired.

Volunteers at the hospital make each baby a unique hat. :)

Grandpa Ken admiring grandchild #4. Thanks for racing down to Stillwater to be here for the big day!

Tobin was in bed when Dorothy was born. He met her Thursday morning.

He welcomed her by ripping her hat off and trying to put it on his head.

Tobin got a new shirt and book for the happy occasion, but was more excited about eating a donut for the first time.

Aunt Jenny

This is our favorite picture of our little blessing.

Our daughter was born bigger than Tobin: 8 pounds & 10 ounces and 21 inches long, but felt so light and fragile. It is so easy to forget how delicate newborns are.

Hello sister!

Hello world!

Dorothy seems to sleep as much as Tobin cried, which was all of the time.

Laura was up all Sunday night with contractions, so we thought that Monday was going to be "the day". Laura's parents drove down from Wisconsin then and were in Stillwater for the birth.

Jenny raced here from Kansas City as soon as she got "the call", but arrived about 45 minutes after the birth. I was fortunate enough to have the camera in my hand when she came in and Laura told her we named our daughter....Dorothy Jennifer.

My family has been giving me a hard time since I ate a sandwich while Dorothy was getting cleaned up after the delivery. It was 8:30 and I hadn't eaten dinner yet, what can I say?

A lot of people are calling my wife "Nails" since she was not able to get an epidural for the delivery. You did a wonderful job, honey! Your first scream did scare me a bit, but I was utterly impressed with your strength, grace and beauty throughout the delivery. I love you!

A Good Laugh

2010-07-27T21:34:00.001-05:00

I just love watching and listening to this kid laugh.

Delightful.

Shouldn't we all laugh hard and well enough that we start drooling?

Showering of Baby Rapley #2

2010-07-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, some sweet friends and neighbors showered me in honor of Baby Rapley with their time, advice, company and gifts. I was truly overwhelmed by the turnout and generosity.

Theresa, Kelly and Sarah were great hostesses and I felt very loved. One of my favorite parts of the afternoon was when each guest was given a card to write advice, words of wisdom, name suggestions and/or encouragement for me. Each guest read them aloud and I found myself smiling, laughing and perhaps even shedding a couple of tears. (I am 9-months pregnant and maybe a little emotional.) The guests ranged from young girls of six to grandmothers in their seventies. Thank you to my friends who made this shower possible and to all the guests who took time out to encourage me.

Baby Rapley is starting out with a bounty of admirers and gifts. We are blessed.

The gorgeous and delicious cake Kelly made.

My sweet friend Kelly who has been a

true answer to prayer in my life.

The hostesses:
Theresa--my great across the street neighbor who hosted in her home
Sarah--super friend from KC, now a Stillwater transplant
Kelly--neighbor and friend
37-weeks pregnant!

A Master in the Making

2010-07-24T16:08:00.002-05:00

I really want Tobin to like doing arts and crafts, or just arts, or just crafts. You know, something artistic.

Normally when I pull out crayons, paints or glue, Tobin doesn't get that excited and he certainly doesn't stick around long. We are talking a minute, maybe less. But I keep pulling them out from time to time, so he doesn't forget that deep down he really does like artistic endeavors.

This week, I got out the paints. I've done this before and was not met with much enthusiasm.
However, this week Tobin had a great time. Finger painting rocked! He liked doing it on paper, on his hands, his face, his shirt, his hair and on the plate holding the paints.

I consider it a success, because not only did it hold his attention for longer than a minute, he also asked to do it again. We finger painted three times this week. 1, 2, 3. Three times.

Daddy is even bringing one of his masterpieces to hang up at work. People you may want to start commissioning Tobin now...you never know how much these paintings are going to be worth someday.

Of course, I already think they are priceless.