Jack's 1st time at the dentist

Jack had his first dentist appointment earlier this week.  He was a little apprehensive but overall he did well.  He sat with daddy and figured out what was going on.  We have taken him to Madelyn's appointments in the past and he wouldn't even go into the exam room so the fact that he sat on the chair with daddy and let the dentist count his teeth seemed like a win for the first time!  Hopefully next time he will be even more comfortable.  

Madelyn did great, as always!  Her teeth look great, no cavities and her her bottom two permanent teeth are coming in very nicely.  She was all smiles!  

Swimming Little 4s

Madelyn continues to loves swimming!  We were going to take the winter session off but then one day she told me she really wanted to keep taking lessons......so we signed her up!  We were fortunate to be able to get the same teacher, Ms. Teagan, who we love so that was a huge bonus.  Madelyn works hard and is very focused on learning and mastering whatever skill they are working on.  She is now able to dive for rings!  It makes us so proud to see her hard work paying off, doing something she loves.  She passed this session so she is onto Middle 3s in the spring.

Spider Angioma

Back in November/December 2014, we noticed that Madelyn had a spot on her right cheek.  I thought it was just a blemish so I didn't think much of it.  When it was still around this past fall (2015) we decided to have it checked out.  We saw Dr. Kristen Hook at Fairview Children's.  She was diagnosed with a spider angioma.  It was described to us as an inflamed blood vessel under her skin.  It was not harmful in any way.  Dr Hook said it would either go away by itself in 12-18 months or there was a laser procedure we could proceed with.  In January 2016, when it was starting to get bigger, we decided to schedule the laser procedure.  

Madelyn was an absolute trooper!  The nurse called me a few days before the procedure to let us know what to expect.  She said it would be painful and we needed a numbing cream to apply before we arrived for our appointment.....all news to me since Dr Hook made it seem like a very easy, routine procedure.  We spent a lot of time talking to Madelyn and prepping her.  From what I can tell she has a pretty high pain tolerance but you just never know how she would react.  Thankfully she did awesome and didn't even shed a tear!  She was all smiles both before and after.....and she was most excited to spend the rest of the afternoon with mommy (I was pretty excited about that part too!)  The spot looked like a blood blister for the first week but the laser seems to have worked as you can barely even see the spot anymore.

Spot is basically gone!

Valentine's Day Weekend

This past weekend we didn't have any plans which was a first for us.....at least for as far back as I can remember.  We headed to the Mall of America on Saturday to go on some rides to get ready for Disney!  The kids loved it and Madelyn even rode a ride all by herself.  Jack insisted he wanted to jump in the bouncy pineapple but after standing in line for over 20 minutes and finally getting to the front, he decided he didn't want to.  I wasn't surprised but at this stage it was better for him to realize that than for me to tell him :)  We loved our family day!

Sunday was Valentine's Day!  Ryan and the kids are always so good to me!  They bought me a beautiful plant.....Ryan was looking for Hydrangeas which were the flowers from our wedding but when he couldn't find any he chose a beautiful orchid.....and of course my favorite Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies!  YUM YUM!  Then the kids and I made cake pops as a special treat.  It was our first go around and I have to say I think we did well!  The kids loved helping, they turned out and were even edible!  Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!

Bishop & Nora's Birthday Party!!

Happy Birthday Bishop & Nora!!!  Bishop turns 6 on Feb 10th and Nora turns 4 on Feb 11th!  So special to have birthdays close to each other :)  They had their birthday party at the Y in Edina yesterday and our kids absolutely love that place!  It's perfect for a birthday party.  There's a big open room to run around in, then we ate pizza/cupcakes and then it was off to the gym and maze to play, play, play!  Jack was able to do it all.by.himself this year which was exciting for him.  Madelyn followed Nora around and felt so special :)  It was fun to watch Bishop with all his kindergarten friends.  They sang the Happy Birthday song and it just melted my heart as they all knew the words......and it wasn't the "traditional" HBD words......but they were all on cue.  We got to spend a little extra time with the Froehle's and Nana & Papa before the party which is always special too.

Bishop -- you are growing up so fast!  You have such a kind heart and are so sweet to Madelyn & Jack!  You are one amazing athlete and we can't wait to see what all you are able to accomplish!  We love you so much!

Nora -- oh sweet Nora!  Madelyn thinks the world of you and just LOVES doing all the girl stuff with you!  You are like sisters and it melts my heart.  You are one tough cookie and don't miss a beat keeping up with your brother!  We love you so much!

Love my sweet niece!!!

Two peas in a pod.....sisters! :)

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Everyone loves daddy......

Happy Birthday Ryan/Daddy!  The kids are so into birthdays these days and it makes it even more fun.  We made daddy birthday cards at home and Madelyn even made him a special card at school.  Madelyn is definitely a daddy's girl as she says "daddy is my best buddy!"  Jack thinks it's so special when he's with daddy and it's "the boys".  Melts my heart!  Ryan is such a wonderful father.  He always makes time for the kids!  It is fun to watch all the love between them.  He is the only one the kids want when we are sledding, swimming, biking -- I've learned that Jack would rather sit at the top of the sledding hill and wait for daddy than to go down with mommy :)  There isn't anyone more perfect for me out there.....I couldn't ask for a more loving and caring husband!!  Ryan, thank you for all you do for the kids and me.  You make our lives more wonderful than I ever knew possible.  We love you more than you will ever know!!!!  We hope you had a fabulous birthday!

.....and everyone loves ice cream!