Stitches......for Jack

We were coming inside on Monday night so we could get an early jump on bedtime since the kids didn't nap all weekend.  Jack was playing with the kitchen chair when it tipped and fell on top of him and his lip started bleeding.  At first we didn't think it was a big deal but then as we looked closer it looked like a deeper, jagged cut.....and it didn't appear that the blood was stopping.  We decided we needed to take Jack to the ER in case he needed stitches.  Madelyn went over to our neighbors -- they are honestly the best neighbors and a total god send.  They took Madelyn without hesitation and Ryan, Jack and I were off to the ER.  The Maple Grove ER was packed!  There was so much going on -- so glad we were able to sit in the outside waiting room where it was quiet and there weren't germs being shared all over the place.  For as crazy as this might sound it ended up to be a relaxing and peaceful couple hours.  Ryan and I were able to spend time together, talking and catching up while Jack slept in our arms.  We couldn't go anywhere or do anything so we caught our breath after a busy day/weekend.  Don't get me wrong, I would have much rather relaxed that at home but since that isn't how it worked out we took advantage of the time we had together.

We waited 2 hours before we even got a room.  By this time we decided that Ryan would go home and be with Madelyn.  Poor Madelyn, she did great but she was a little scared so she didn't want to fall asleep without us.  I don't blame her.....but with that being said our neighbor came to pick up Ryan as I needed to have a car to get home.  It was another hour before Jack got his stitches.  He ended up needing 7 stitches.....4 on the outside and 3 on the inside.  He was a trooper and did as well as can be expected for a 2 year old who had 6 hands in his face with a needle and thread.  They had to wrap him up and then I helped hold him down so they could stitch his lip.  He kept saying "get me out, go home, get me out, go home".  The dr and staff were awesome and took great care of Jack.  We rolled back into the garage at 11:25 pm and that was the end of our holiday weekend.  Not quite the way we thought it would end.  We knew this day would come when someone (our guess was it would be Jack!) would need stitches and it's never convenient but overall it went as well as it could.

We decided to keep Jack home from daycare on Tuesday since it was a late and traumatic night for him.  He woke up bouncing in his crib and he was in a great mood.  The stitches didn't seem to be bothering him and he was able to eat and drink.  These kids are so resilient.  You could tell Jack was a little off so I'm glad we kept him home but overall he had a great day and was back to his adventurous self!

Jack slept the whole time we were waiting in the ER.
Thank goodness or it could have been an even longer evening.

This is the cut less than a week later.
It's amazing how quickly these kids heal!

Memorial Day

We had a low key Memorial Day weekend which was awesome!  Nana and Papa came up on Saturday as we hadn't seen them for awhile.  Ryan & I did a few errands, the kids played with Nana & Papa -- it was perfect for all of us.  Sunday we had hoped to head to Mankato to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa to play at the park but it rained basically the whole day so we had to reschedule.  We ended up going swimming instead which was a lot of fun too.

On Monday we went to Isle Bun & Bakery for puppy dog tails.  They are these mouth watering cinnamon roll breadsticks with frosting on them.....yummy!!!!  Then we went for a walk around Lake Calhoun and stopped at the park for a bit so the kids could get out and burn some energy from all the sugar :)  We decided to stop at Q Cumbers in Edina for lunch.  By the end of lunch we were all stuffed!  We finished off the weekend meeting the McCormicks at the park.  It was the perfect weekend - until about 7:45 pm.....

Mother's Day

Mother's Day has always been a special day as I am so thankful for my own mother.  She is my rock someone who I know I can go to for anything.  She has given so much to our family and there isn't anything she wouldn't do for us.  I am in awe of my mom.  The last few years she has taken care of her parents, her kids, her grandkids and she never once complained or seemed stressed out.  Even through the passing of both her parents, less than a year apart, she was so strong and faithful.  I have always looked up to my mom but I have a new respect for her. I continually learn from her and strive to be more like her!  I am beyond blessed that she is my mom!

Mother's Day become more meaningful when I was blessed with my amazing mother-in-law, Emily.  As we have gotten to know each other over the years we have developed a special bond and I am so thankful to have Emily in my life!  She gives me great perspective.  When she is up visiting, the time we spend talking, catching up after the kids go to bed has brought us closer.  I truly admire her as she does it all when she is up here - she plays with the kids, helps make meals, cleans up, bakes yummy desserts/pies, does yard work outside while still doing fun activities with the kids like planting pumpkin seeds!


And now since becoming a mother, Mother's Day will never be the same.  Every day is Mother's Day to me as I am so blessed to be called Mama, Mommy or whatever else Madelyn & Jack think of :)  These two kids fill - overflow - my heart with so much joy and I can't even imagine my life before them.  I agree when people say it's the best and hardest job in the whole world but I wouldn't change a thing!  At times they test my patience but it's all worth it when they smile and come running to hug me when I pick them up at daycare or when I'm coming home from a walk and I hear "mommy's home, mommy's home" as they are sprinting down the cul-de-sac to see me.

This year we celebrated Mother's Day at my sister's with our family and Luke's family.  It was such a special day to be able spend it with my mom & sister.....2 amazing mothers!  The weather was a little chilly and rainy but that didn't stop us from going to the park at the end of our get together.  The kids played, the guys watched the Twins and the women chatted.  A relaxing and perfect day!

All smiles for Auntie!

Nana & Auntie know how to get Jack to smile......
which isn't an easy task!

Bishop, you are growing up sooo fast!  Love you buddy!

We don't have many pictures of just the boys....I love this one!

Jack

There's been so much going on with Madelyn that I haven't blogged much about Jack....but don't worry, he's around and as busy as ever.....so here's a post devoted to our Jack man!

He continues to amaze us everyday.  He loves being outside as he loves any/all sports.  He throws the football, shoots baskets, hit a baseball, kicks a soccer ball and run up & down the driveway.....there isn't anything he hasn't liked.  He has even started on the strider bike as he wants to bike like Madelyn.  Madelyn starts swimming lessons next week and Jack is so excited to watch her.  The crazy thing is I think he even understands what it means to go watch his sister swim.  I'm sure he would love to be in the water taking lessons but that would require Ryan or me to be in the water (since Jack isn't 3 yet) so we will be waiting until next year :) 

Jack is talking in full sentences and we never have to guess what he wants.  We have our moments of 2 year old tantrums but for the most part he is our laid back, go with the flow kid.  He plays on his own and absolutely adores his sister.  

Jack and I went to the park by ourselves the other night (while Ryan & Madelyn stayed home so Madelyn could practice her biking).  We had a blast together!  We talked the whole way to the park.  At first I thought Jack was only going to swing as he just kept saying "push me mama, push me mama" but then he wanted to climb on the playground.  One of his teachers showed up at the park with her niece so it was a fun treat to see her.  There were two 6 year old boys playing and Jack was right behind them.  He wasn't as fast but he did whatever they did.  It was fun to watch....and it was fun to spend some one on one time with Jack!  

Jack just melts my heart!  You can't help but smile when you see his smile -- even if he knows he's in trouble he has a way of making it hard to discipline him.  He's our little snuggler and I will hold on to that for as long as I can and will rock him before bed as long as he will let me!  It's harder for me to remember Madelyn at this age because we had a newborn in the house so we were busy and stressed with that.  This time around I am savoring this age - it's the innocent age but they can communicate which makes it so fun.  We love you Jack!!! :)  

Grandma, Mommy & Me Tea Party

Last Sunday we went to the Grandma, Mommy & Me Tea Party hosted by the Maple Grove Ambassadors.  Grandma Emily came with us - it was such a fun time!  Madelyn was counting down the number of sleeps for Grandma to come join us at the tea party......and I think Grandma was pretty excited too as this was the first tea party she had been to!

It was a lot of fun!  We went with the McCormick's and that always makes it even more fun as the girls are like sisters.  The girls got to make balloon animals, drink juice, eat treats, make a princess crown, take pictures with the princesses, walk down the runway and twirl around!  To top it off Madelyn won a door prize so she thought that was pretty fun too!

Grandma was here for the whole weekend which is always a treat.  We love having her stay as the kids get so excited to get up in the mornings and play with Grandma and it allows us a little time to get a few things done around the house.  We planted trees and shrubs.  Grandma Emily always amazes me - she plays with the kids and helps us with our house projects along with cleaning, baking and doing the dishes after meals!  Grandma -- thank you for spending your weekend with us!  We all love it when you (and Grandpa) come to visit! :)

Love this one!

The triplets