Callie No Training Wheels

Today was a very unusual day. Noah was sick yesterday so I didn't go to work. I didn't want the sitter to have to deal with throw up. When I got home from the gym this morning I suggested going on a jog with the kids on their bikes. We rode all the way to Baseline and back (2+ miles total). Callie handled the freeway overpass like a champ and she yelled "Look Mom! No legs!" with her bike spinning downhill. When we got home Callie informed me that she was ready for us to take her training wheels off. Today was the perfect day for that since I was supposed to be working and had no plans. I took her outside removed them and off we went. I only had to hold and help balance her for a few runs down the street before she had it herself. I can't believe how easy it was for her. She is so coordinated and talented. (Doesn't get that from me!) We have been outside almost all day riding and practicing stops and turns. I'm not sure why I am surprised when Callie puts her mind to something she is going to do it.

Happy Birthday to Mason and Noah

This year I thought it would be fun to combine birthday parties. We went with a reptile theme and had lots of fun with it. My boys both spend endless hours chasing geckos around and catching them outside, so why not bring some fun reptiles into the house? I had arranged for a reptile company to come to the house and show off their animals. I think what surprised me the most was how enamored all the kids were. I've honestly never seen so many quiet and attentive children crammed into one room. I loved how educational the reptile guy was. He rattled off interesting facts and information about each animal that I enjoyed listening to and getting to know the creepy crawlers!

Mason and Noah got to be the "guinea pigs" and sit up by the reptile guy to hold each animal first.

Mike showed us everything from snakes, to lizards, a tortoise, and a monitor lizard.

They were only closing their eyes because they were instructed to.

   Jack the leopard gecko

 

 The Skink lizard

 Actually I lied... Callie surprised me the most. She loved every minute of it. I guess having 2 older brothers helps create a "non-girlie" little girl. 

 Meet George the Monitor lizard this one was by far the COOLEST! Crazy looking guy!

 When it was all said and done, Noah thanked me at least 4 times and Mason informed me that in 2 years (that's how often we do birthday parties) he wants the EXACT same party.

Mason is 10

My mom created this AMAZING video capturing Mason's first 10 years of his life.

I can't believe that he is 10. Mason is happy, hilarious (at least he thinks so), friendly, polite and for the most part kind (unless your name is Callie). He still lets me give him hugs in public and still asks me to lay by him at bedtime so we can chat. (this is my favorite) This kid is a talker! He really enjoys teasing, cracking jokes, and tickling my feet (which I HATE!). I'm amaed everyday with his resilience and creativity.
On his actual birthday we had a little bit of a crazy schedule.

6-8am Got ready for school, Had french toast and a muffin for breakfast (per his request), opened presents
8-3:15pm School (I got to see him at lunch and bring him a cherry slushy)

 (Don't let Callie's face fool you. She actually really enjoyed having lunch with her big brother)

4:30-5:30pm Webelos (His first time!) And of course he loved it
6-8pm (Basketball Practice for Noah and Mason)
BED!

Callie's Tooth

When Callie cracked and injured her tooth back in March of 2014 I had to jump through a lot of hoops to help save and preserve this tooth. I went to 3 different specialists spent hours on the phone with our dental and medical insurance companies. Treatment to her tooth consisted of a root canal and cementing a zirconium crown on tooth #E. When it was all said and done I told myself I would be happy if this tooth lasted even just one year. I didn't want my beautiful baby girl to be missing a front tooth for close to 6 years. (My kids hang onto their baby teeth FOREVER. Noah is almost 8 and has only lost one baby tooth.) Well... Her tooth lasted almost 2.5 years. So I should be happy.

Almost every single day for the last two years I have done "bump checks" on Callie. After I brush her teeth I look for any sign of infection around the tooth. About 6 months after all this dental work I took x-rays on her and noticed the root canal material was gone. I consulted with the doctor and we decided to basically just watch the tooth and check for infection.
Monday morning this week when I checked and sure enough she had a fistula.

I'm surprised I didn't freak out. I knew it was coming and I've come to grips with it. I made an appointment with my friend and colleague Dr. Wruble. We drove to Casa Grande to see her at her Pedo office (totally worth the drive). I have learned from past experiences it's best not to tell Callie what is going on. She didn't know she would be losing the tooth. She didn't even know she had a bump in her mouth. When I explained everything after Dr Wruble's exam I was shocked at her acceptance and calmness.
Callie loved the princess room they seated her in. She tolerated the nitrous very well and everything was all finished very quickly. Later she was surprised to find out that she had gotten a shot in her mouth. I'm very grateful this was such a good experience. THANK YOU DR. AMANDA! Callie was excited to go to school the next day and show all her friends her missing tooth. Love this girl.

First Day of School

I can't believe my Callie started school today. I'm not ready for that, but she definitely is. Callie is in afternoon kindergarten this year. All my kids so far have been in half day and I seriously LOVE it. One of the main reasons I chose this school. We get all morning to play and hang out, then she leaves for school and April goes down for a nap. It's perfect. All morning Callie was so excited for school. I think we went through about 4 different outfit choices (something I NEVER experience with either of my boys.) She even whined a little about how it was going to take soooooo long for school to start. She wanted to go this morning with her brothers. When time came we loaded up in the car and headed for school. She was super excited and didn't even look back when Ms. Stradling rang the bell. I'm glad I was wearing sunglasses because I got a little emotional walking away from her class. I still can't believe she's in school.  

This smile

Callie came home from school all starry eyed and full of stories. She told me she made friends with all the girls in her class. Harley sits by her on the bus on the way home. It makes me happy knowing she gets to ride the bus with a friend from her class. I knew Callie would love school and be good at it I just wasn't sure about the first day jitters. 

Noah is in 2nd Grade this year and was really excited. He went to bed last night with his clothes all laid out and backpack ready. He's been telling us all summer that he's ready for some "real homework". Well, he happily reported today that "2nd grade is the best so far because he has more homework." I really don't know where all this comes from but I'm proud he takes his studies so seriously.

Mason came home announcing he has the best teacher in the whole school. He plays off like he isn't that thrilled about school. I know he likes it, and I love how social he is. Last week at his dental appointment. I was cleaning his teeth and my assistant friend JoAnn came in the room and started asking Noah and Callie questions. They didn't really answer and would just politely nod or look at me for help. JoAnn (who happens to be a big tease) then tells them "You guys don't talk much do you!?" Mason with both my hands in his mouth energetically responded "I do!"

April was not sure what to think today. She woke up from her nap and searched the house for her siblings (even the backyard). I read some books with her but she was a little whiny the rest of the time. I'm hoping she adjusts soon and learns to enjoy her quiet time.

"cheese!"

14 fabulous years

We celebrated 14 years tonight. I ate at a new place and LOVED it . Couples massage (he loves me, this is totally out of his comfort zone). Finished up with a movie at home. I love my man and love my life. Looking forward to forever with him. ️

We do not have a career in modeling/picture taking. We are terrible! But it was fun trying to get a good picture. Oh well! Maybe 15 years will bring us better luck with the photo shoot.