Super Dogs

Due to Eli's upcoming trip to Florida with Gigi and Bobpop, the boys and I drove over to the fabric store. I make the boys a new blanket every year for Christmas and they always pick out the fabric ahead of time. Elias is a bit nervous about being away from Mommy and Daddy for 10 days so he wanted a blanket that smelled like us to take with him. Unfortunately all of his train blankets are way to big to haul onto the plane. Carson also wanted another sensory blanket to snuggle with so I told them both to find a pattern they both agree on and I would get it. They found a nice doggie pattern that worked and we headed over to the "scrap" material to see if there was anything that matched the dog pattern's color scheme. We found just over a yard worth of solid red that fit perfectly.

After both blankets were finished and slept with overnight, Carson and Elias decided to play "Super Dogs" using their new found blanket capes! They had a blast running through the house saving dogs and pretending to be super heros. Certainly worth the ~$10 spent in fabric and 60 minutes of craftsmanship.

Super Dogs to the Rescue!!

I need a bigger lap

Cloudy with a chance of sharing?

Tonight the boys decided we would have movie night.  I was cooking a feast for dinner and so we finished up at the grocery store and then headed over to the movie rental place.  After much debate they convinced me to rent Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and G-Force.  I picked up The Hurt Locker for our adult movie.  We arrived home and once Al made his appearance, stuffed ourselves on pulled BBQ chicken, homemade four cheese mac and cheese, honey baked beans, potato salad, and slaw.  Yummy!  The boys couldn't wait to have their special movie night and they begged to have a private showing in their room.

Usually this would be a bad idea and lead to someone getting pushed, punched, or hit with a pillow but I was feeling nice.  I set up the portable DVD player in their room and they spread out across Carson's bed with their snacks and blankets to watch the movie.  The lights were turned out and laughter was heard on and off for two glorious hours.  There was no pillow fighting.  No hitting.  No kicking.  No teasing.  I think G-Force puts a spell and children (at least ours!).  Tomorrow we will see if meatballs have the same effect.  It was great to see Carson and Eli enjoying time together and getting to feel a bit grown up.  I know I say this every year but it's so rewarding to see the brotherly love and companionship develop.  Here's to many more nights of bonding to come!

Why you don't run with your shoes untied!

Carson learned the hard way today at recess that you should NEVER run with your shoes untied.  Poor boy is all torn up and looks like he fell off a motorcycle.  How he did this wearing a fleece pullover and a winter coat is beyond me.  We even had to go out and buy bigger bandages!  He's been practicing tying his shoes tighter all evening. 

The String Bean

Eli had a follow-up appointment with his physical medicine doctor this morning and he is growing! I was surprised when Carson had a friend over last week who just turned 7 and Eli was about the same height as him. I guess I shouldn't have been so shocked because he is TALL! He was 45.25 inches today which was quite a gain from his last appt in September. Unfortunately he is only growing up and not out. Our string bean lost about a pound and is down to 38 pounds. This puts him in the 97th% for height and the 50th% for weight. Who would have guessed he was a micropreemie? His weight-for-length ratio could use some work (<3rd%) but we'll get there.

Good news on his CP as well. His tone is a little tighter because of the quick linear growth but our stretching is really helping. He is still toe walking without his braces on but when you remind him he self corrects for a couple of steps. This is great progress. The doctor loved his blue snake AFOs (she had not seen them yet) but it looks like Elias won't be wearing this exact pair for much longer. He has already almost outgrown them and he's only had them since the fall! They think by his next appointment in May he will be ready to get casted for a new pair. Keep your fingers crossed that the insurance battle won't be too long!

Winter Gala

The boys had a special evening planned with daycare for all of the parents last night.  They had put together a winter gala complete with activity stations, snacks, and a performance from the older kids.  It was so much fun to see them beam with pride.  I love those boys!

Eli showing off his snowman picture

Carson standing by his "iceburg" with his penguin drawing

Eli's polar express picture with snowman background

I'm trying to edit the video of Carson reading his polar bear poem in their performance.  Hopefully I'll have it up soon.

Japanese Snuggie

Eli was "freezing" last night and insisted on being able to use my Snuggie to warm up.  Since he has a terrible cold and is hacking like a chain smoker, I let go of common sense for a minute and wrapped him all up.  Of course the traditional method of Snuggie wearing (albeit not extremely attractive) would not work for a 4.5 year old boy.  Elias suggested we "burrito" him like we did when he was swaddled as a baby.  This didn't work either so what were we left to do? 

Meet Kimona Snuggie Elias!

It's Raining Roses

After much anticipation and great adversity The Ohio State Buckeyes reign champion of the 2010 Rose Bowl!  What a game!  I can't wait to cheer on the team in the fall.  Go Buckeyes!