End of an Era

It's been a month since we made the big switch so I think it's safe to announce an official end of an era. The Simply Thick era, that is, for Sebastian. Our little guy was born absolutely perfect with one minor defect...he couldn't swallow efficiently. This swallowing deficiency was the root cause of his recurring (aspiration) pneumonias when he was a baby and, once diagnosed & treated, he has been healthy as a horse. Staying healthy meant making all of his liquids the consistency of honey. Milk, juice, water...all of it was as thick as honey. Yuck. Our pediatrician all but guaranteed us he would outgrow it by age 2. So, as he neared the 24 month mark, we started weaning him off it. The 30 day mark was important to reach because that was the cycle of sickness. Healthy - pneumonia - treatment - 30 days - pneumonia again. I am so happy to say goodbye to those obnoxious little packets! No more $100 a month expense; no more labels on all of his cups; no more weird looks from people at restaurants when I would put the gel in his drink. Hallelujah! After more than 30 days without it, he's doing great.

Food for the Soul

While our blog shows lots of pictures of sunshine and smiles, life has thrown us quite a few curve balls since we've moved to the Sunshine Sate. I won't elaborate on these curve balls because my children are healthy, my husband loves me and I know those things are what matter most. However, life goes on and challenges, trials and disappointments do flood in. I have to continue to claim our family scripture and hold tight to the promises Romans 8:28 give: that ALL things work together for good to those who love the Lord. This much I know - I love the Lord with all my heart and soul. He is all I need and He will NEVER leave me or forsake me.




I heard this song on the radio the other day when I was having one of my "moments." You know the kind of moment I'm talking about. The kind where I lose sight of who's really in control and was well on my way to a pity party. This song snapped me out of it and drew me right back to where I belong....safely in God's arms praising Him for being all I will ever need & asking Him to forgive me for ever doubting that. I wanted to share this song just in case someone else needs to hear it as badly as I did. Music is food for the soul and this song will fill you up! So, despite what seems like life's raindrops, tears or disappointments, thanks to my Jesus, I continue to be BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!

Off to the races...

Our newest Florida friends, Steve & Amanda Crump, invited us over for a mini Kentucky Derby soiree. Inspired by the recent royal wedding, I was excited to go shopping for a hat. What's a Derby party without pretty headpieces? Even Coco got excited about wearing her hat to the "horse party!" The Crumps are Kentucky natives and provided great entertainment (comic relief maybe?) with a serenade of My Old Kentucky Home. LOL! Once again, they shared their gift of hospitality with us and everyone had a great time.

Momma & Coco

Derby Divas: Kendra, Amanda & Melinda

Royal Excitement

Our princess watching the British one get married. Coco "ooo'd" and "aahh'd" the whole time. When Princess Kate stepped out of her car, she squealed with royal excitement.

Congratulations to the royal couple: Prince William and Princess Kate!

Easter 2011

Our first family photo with a tripod & I can't believe how well they did!

Looks like if Mommy & Daddy stare at the camera they will too.

Coco couldn't wait to wake "brother" up and tell him the Easter Bunny came.

What a face!

Coco had seen "golden bunnies" in the grocery store for weeks and just knew E.B. would bring her one. She was so excited!

Oh my the patience it took to dye eggs with a 4 year old and 2 year old! Sebasitan kept thinking they were balls, which meant we had a few cracked shells.

Another family picture with a seasonal icon.

Sebastian was a surprisingly great egg finder!

Coco on the "hunt!"

BUSTED!

Big sister stealing eggs from her little brother. Now that's just mean!

Photo Op by the Fountain

Main Street here at Lakewood Ranch is a wonderful place with shops and restaurants and has a fountain in the center of all the action. The kids love it and the beautiful blue skies on this day called for an impromptu photo shoot.

Making faces at Daddy

Making wishes

deep in thought

I wasn't going to include this one because of the chocolate dripping down Sebastian's chin but Donald said that was why he loved it.

Sweet angel face

Sebastian turns 2

I am still in shock that my baby is 2. However, I'm beginning to realize I've got to quit talking to him in that sweet baby voice and toughen up. This is MUCH easier said than done; that sweet boy just melts my heart!

Our first celebration since moving away, this birthday was a quiet one but really good. There was no huge party or the stress that comes along with it. We have been blessed to meet some very good people who I am proud to call friends. Steve & Amanda Crump had us and another couple over for dinner last Saturday. I told her I would bring dessert and that it would likely be cake so Sebastian could at least have the treat of the birthday song and blowing out his candles for an audience. Amanda had her dining area decked out for a party: hats, balloons, streamers, even presents! What a sweet surprise knowing Sebastian would, after all, have a proper birthday party. As he's growing up, more and more of his little personality comes to light. A trait that I can't say I'm super excited to see revealed itself during the birthday song. I think he's going to be a shy guy! Mid-way through, he tucked his head towards Donald and stuck his bottom lip out ready to cry. But just like a big boy would do, he sucked it up, and managed to remain tear free and blow his candles out like champ. (Don't misunderstand me, I don't think there's anything wrong with being shy; it just seems that shyness is a battle people have to fight for a lifetime and it can get in the way of enjoying new opportunities.)

On the day of his birthday, the kids & I went to our weekly storytime at the library. Afterwards, we usually go to the pond/lake in front of the building and feed the fish & turtles. Today, we were greeted by a 4 foot baby gator who swam up to graze on the crumbs along side the fish & turtles. Of course, I didn't have my camera to get a picture. The library was followed by a picnic lunch at the park and a pit stop to Publix for birthday balloons. Grammy & Namps sent him the coolest gift ever: a life size ELMO! I think Coco loves it as much if not more than Sebastian, but they all tucked themselves in bed for the night. Sebastian also got a fantastic box full of goodies from Memaw, Tricia, Hillary and Uncle Drew. I wasn't home when he opened it so there are no pictures that captured the excitement. Donald said he was squealing with excitement at all the candy, books and toys he found inside!