Amish Country 2013

Hi Everyone,

    Last Tuesday, we went to Amish Country. We had a great time. It was a long day, but both boys were very good. We started at 9am and came home around 5:30pm. Jacob did not have much of a nap, but he did OK. We went to my favorite chip place. Then we got some cheese. We went to a few other places, and then had lunch. After lunch we did some more shopping. The one place we stopped at before lunch was a Petting Zoo. This will be a must every time we go to Amish Country. We rode in a buggy, and Jacob was so excited - he kept going "eh,eh". Nicholas rode a pony. We saw a huge horse. Big Ben is the biggest horse I have ever seen. Then we did some shopping. Chris bought me a bird feeder :) I got to hold puppies. Nicholas lost it a little on the way home, but overall we had a good time.

The boys are doing good. I am finally reading to Jacob before bed. He loves to be read to. I knew it was coming. Nicholas was a little over two when he wanted me to start reading to him. I am so glad he wants to read a book before  bed. I must be doing something right. Nicholas likes to be in there when I read to Jacob. At first, I was fighting it, but then I thought so what? So, I let him in there. I would like it to be Jacob and Mommy time, but I think Nicholas will eventually get bored with coming in and then I can have my quiet time with Jacob. Nicholas is on his 4th  book. We are still going strong with reading before bed. It is wonderful. Jacob's MRI came back fine. It just showed that he had an infection on his brain when he was inside me or when he was just born. This may explain the delays. We are doing the therapies and will check out a special education preschool in January for Jacob. The doctor said I am doing everything right. He will continue to monitor his development, but isn't worried. Jacob is up to 30 words! Nicholas is doing pretty good. His behavior has been really good. Next Tuesday, he has his Kindergarten screening.

I need to put Nicholas to bed. I let him stay up while I was working on the blog. Have a great week!!! Mandy

Zoo trip with a twist of Grizzly Ridge

                                          Ready for the Zoo!

                                           Our Usual Photo op.

                                          The Baby Octopus. May Cora (the old octopus) RIP

Hi Everyone,


   Two blogs in one week! Wow :) Well, we actually did things this week. We kind of had a mini vacation. It was very nice. This is my full last week of Summer, before I have to think about School stuff. Next week, I have a workshop already.

This past Monday we went to the Akron Zoo. No biggie, we always go there, but this time was different. Grizzly Ridge was finally open! I am glad we went on a Monday - even though it was too busy for Chris. It was a very neat experience. We will probably add on an extra half an hour to the Zoo. Nicholas loved it! The Grizzly Bear was very friendly. The Otter was neat too. We did not see the wolf. The Bald Eagles were pretty neat too.

It was a great day at the Zoo. We actually could have stayed longer, but Jacob had therapy that day. Jacob went with a 20 minute nap that day, and did OK.

It's not going to be a long blog, because there are not too many updates. I will update the blog this weekend. The next day, we went to Amish Country! :) Have a good Thursday and Friday!! Mandy

A little of this and a little of that

                                                    Happy after nap!

                                                    Attempting to rebuild WH #2, but I think the thrill is gone

                                                    First time riding with big brother

                                                    There she is! My new oven - it has a towel rack!

                                                    Jacob giving Sophie kisses. She is one spoiled kitty ;)

                                                    Jacob still sleeping after his MRI









Hi Everyone,

     This was a weird week. We had a lot of down time, but we also had a lot to do this week. On Monday, we went to the Library and ran some errands. Jacob had Speech therapy in the afternoon. On Tuesday, we really didn't do anything which was fine with me. On Wednesday, we visited Daddy and P at work. Jacob had therapy in the afternoon. Nicholas had to come with me. That was fun - not. On Thursday, I waited all day to have my oven delivered. They were an hour and half late. I was  not happy. Lowes called me and asked how everything went, and I told them. I wasn't mean about it, but I think they got the point. I do LOVE my new oven. On Friday, Jacob had his MRI. That was very stressful. Jacob did really well, especially since he didn't have anything to eat or drink for more than 12 hours. They had to put him under. I got to hold him, which was not requested by me - it was a must. The guy came from behind him to put the mask on, and he screamed, cried, and fought. It was not fun, and I was feeling terrible. They got what they needed, and Jacob would have slept all day if we didn't wake him up. He was fine for the rest of the day. Did not fall back to sleep at all. I moved bed time to 7:30 or a little after. He was a little wobbly which was funny. He walked like he was drunk. He ate "hot cheese", which is mac and cheese, and nibbled on some our dinner, but I could tell the eating just wasn't there. His tummy might have been bothering him. Nicholas was a little worried and wanted to come, but there would have been no way. Jacob was and as always very clingy to me, and he needed me and my full attention. I was very grateful that the MOMS were able to help me out that day.

Nicholas is doing pretty good. His mouth his still on auto pilot. He says "poop" and "stupid" too much. His behavior has been pretty good. We are back to getting up early again. I actually got him to nap yesterday. He had to lay with me of course, but there wasn't much struggle. He is really enjoying reading. My mom and Nicholas made sight cards and we have been working on them.

Besides the MRI, and Jacob did really well with that, everything is going well with Jacob. He has a new word, "choc" You can guess what that means. He is saying Mommy now. Mama is hit or miss, so he changed my name to Mommy. Daddy is still dada though. He also started saying Ahmi this week. The 5:00 monster is back. It doesn't matter if he had a good nap, I know when it is 5:00. That time can be very rough.

Well, Nicholas is STILL hungry! We are going through a growth spurt :)  Have a good week!! Mandy

Fourth of July and Nature Hike

                                          Happy Fourth of July!

                                          Our usual photo spot

                                          Love this face

                                           Nicholas doing the recycling lesson

                                          Jacob loves the Merry go Round

                                           Helping the ranger find worms and slugs

                                          Feeding the turtles the worms and slugs

                                             My Summer bridge shot

                                        After seeing this sign - Niko is done with our hikes :)








Hi Everyone,

I have a few minutes before I need to go get Jacob up from his nap. I thought I would take this chance to update the blog. I can't be on the computer when he is up and active. I really can't do much when he is up. He likes Mamas' cuddles.

On the 4th of July, I took the boys to the Zoo. It was fun! A very nice afternoon out. We didn't do anything else that day, so a Zoo visit was perfect. We had a cookout later - I grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.
The next day we went to visit turtle Tuck. Nicholas got to feed the turtle and loved it! Nicholas loves bugs. We keep trying to find worms, but not having much luck. I love taking pictures in that park.

The boys are doing good. Jacob has begun to say Mama. I am over the moon with this new development. He doesn't say it all the time, but when he does, it melts my heart. I came home last night from moving furniture and the weather was terrible, and Jacob says Mama. What a wonderful feeling!!
Nicholas has been going to Safety Town this week. At first, he didn't want to go, but as the week went on, he has been fine. Daddy and I can both go to graduation on Friday! I am excited about that. We will also go to the Zoo after - graduation treat!

OK, need to go wake up Jacob. Have a great Friday!! Mandy