Scott Culberson's Surprise Party/Twins

Although I didn't know if I could make another trip down to Seattle in two days, we pressed on, hoping to help Scott celebrate his birthday with a surprise. It truly was a surprise when Erica, Brad and the two girls, as well as Thomas, John and I walked through the doors, only to find out that Scott had been complaining of having to wait at home for people coming over that he didn't even know. He wasn't thrilled about it, but that made the surprise even better. We had a great time meeting Helen and Julia, their three month old twins, and hanging out for dinner that Michelle put together. Amazing, as a dinner party with one baby would seem like a monumental task, let alone with twins. We stayed a lot longer than I thought we would, as I was feeling pretty good and the kids kept themselves busy, which made it more relaxing and enjoyable. I was truly happy that Michelle invited us down and very thankful we could enjoy the company of our friends.

Highlights--
Finding out the Pilot will not fit into Bellevue Square's Parking lots and garages.
Meeting the Twins, Helen and Julia
Surprising Scott who wanted to go climbing
Michelle's enchiladas
Good times with everyone

Lauren's 3rd Birthday Princess/Chocolate Party

After realizing that this was a dress up party, and Thomas was one of one several boys invited to this party, we scurried off to Target the night before to try to find Thomas an appropriate party costume to compete with little girls we knew would be dressed in their finest princess gowns. Arriving in their Seattle neighborhood, we tried again and again to entice Thomas into wearing his gladiator outfit in which to impress the Ladies of the Court, but he was having none of it, and was quite vocal about expressing his displeasure at the idea of changing into such a hideous contraption. Even after seeing all the finery inside, he continued to throw a royal fit when approached with his gladiator outfit and sword. The princess party was a lot of fun, the costumes looked so sweet and we all had a great time. It's amazing to watch these two little babies grow up into such beautiful little kids. Where has three years gone?

10 Weeks! Only 30 more to go!!!

Yes, that is right! We're pregnant! I know that I haven't kept up the blog, but the last 6 weeks have held the biggest trials of my life and have pushed me to my absolute limits, so blogging has been swept aside for survival. If there is anything to ask for at this point it is lots of prayer as we continue on this journey. I pray that I can continue to focus on one day at a time, and pray that I can continue to work, as both Thomas and I are medically insured through my job. With Thomas I had normal woes of pregnancy, but with this one I have struggled with extreme nausea, day and night vomiting and intense flu-like symptoms that are pretty consistent day in and day out. John has been the rock that has held this place together, and I will forever be grateful for his unbelievable strength, support and love through this intense time in our lives. And if you're wondering, yes I already told Andrea that she will be the surrogate for our next child, since she seems to like to have babies!!!

Throwing Rocks at Zuanich Park

Today we traveled down to the waterfront and marina to check out Bruce's new sailboat and to play at Zuanich Park. Thomas was all about throwing rocks into the ocean, until he took a fall into the big holes between the rocks. It's amazing how hard my son's head is these days. I can't imagine the brain cells this kid has lost with the blows to the head he's taken lately. Flying onto the rocks, flying off the couch, flying off the bed....

The Joys of Thomas!

Thomas is discovering his emotions and figuring out how to use them. It only took 2 and a half years to hear it, but the other day he pulled my face close to his and said, "I love you, Mommy, love you much." Of course, today he said, "My new shirt, Mommy. Mommy bought it. I love my new shirt," and proceeded to kiss his new train shirt. John has not missed out, either. While out walking in the neighborhood Thomas kept kissing and hugging John, saying, "I love you, Daddy, " and continuing to smooch on him. Another emotion he's figuring out how to use is "I'm scared" when he wants to try to get out of something. He'll run away and say, "I'm scared," and hope somehow you'll forget about whatever it is you're trying to tell him or get him to do. He couldn't get out of the furnace room the other morning and I heard this frantic voice calling for me over and over. When I opened the door he barreled out and launched into my arms, crying, "Me scared, Mommy! Me scared," sobbing and clinging to me. He's quick to tell us how happy he is, which is often and quite sweet. Two weeks ago Grandma Lil told him it was time to take his nap. To which he replied, "That not good idea, Grandma." Did he take a nap that day? Nope! It wasn't a good idea.

He is such a complete joy to be with. A complete joy!