Asher's birthday and other stuff, too.

It's true that it's been a little while. I've been posting mostly pictures.
It's also true that I can't recall the exact date in which I last washed my hair,
there are mini marshmallows in my bathroom sink , and
Asher watered my aloe with his milk yesterday.
Also, I'm pregnant.
I don't think I actually put that on my blog yet.
I'm 14 weeks, Due August 4th.
I've been so tired and a lot more nauseated than my other pregnancies.
Although, I shouldn't complain because my sister-in-law is pregnant and feeling a lot worse.
Noah is 4, Asher is 2 and I think he's feeling it.
I think we are seeing some of what might be called the "terrible two's"
terrible fits. He tries to make himself throw up when I try to ignore them but thankfully
he hasn't been successful.
I think a lot of his frustration comes from the desire to be so independent but the inability to become so.
Asher talks a lot. Says lot of words (too many to list), says 3 and 4 word sentences, says please and thank you.
He doesn't cry when you put him in the corner and he's stubborn.
He's got a funny personality and likes to make people laugh.
His arm is doing well.
We see an occupational therapist 2 times a week still.
His right arm is still smaller and I think will always be but he uses it more naturally and without hesitation.
He does really well when the therapist stretches his arm out. So much better then it use to be.
Although he hasn't gained much weight (still weighs a little over 20 pounds) he's grown taller and his head is getting bigger
and our doctor doesn't seemed to be concerned.
I try not to be too concerned either.
Over Christmas vacation he did get sick for a week and was throwing up a lot.
I admit I worried. The kid doesn't have a lot in reserve.
We have been lucky this winter to be pretty healthy. What a blessing.
Noah's speech has improved a ton. He sees a speech therapist 2 times a month.
Noah always says (pointing to my stomach), "I like your baby" last Sunday it was followed by, "but he doesn't have any church clothes."
Noah thinks it a boy and Asher thinks there are 5 babies in there and they're girls.
Noah's baby name suggestion is baby Jesus. Asher has suggested Apple and Claira.
Noah is pretty well potty trained. It took a little while to get him to go #2 by himself.
It was cold the other day our water pump was frozen. I had to put a heater by it so we could get some water.
and Despicable Me is probably the best movie ever.
Heath is doing well.  I guess a little stressed out right now.
This is the last semester of grad school.
We have no idea where we'll be headed after this but I hope it's close to family.
Also, Heath and I went on a date last Thursday. Almost a little weird just because it's only the 2nd in 3 years.
We are trying to make that a regular thing.
Well, I guess this is all for now. Here are some pictures from Asher birthday party.

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

Noah's present (a train whistle)

I have to admit it wasn't much of a birthday party. It was just us, no cake, just ice cream. I so did not feel good. I brought the presents down in a blanket and it was kind like a birthday Santa. The boys didn't seem to mind.

I told Asher to show me his belly. I know it doesn't look very big but I think it actually stick out a little. You can see that the muscles in his right arm are getting bigger. Anyway, Happy Birthday to Asher. 

sick & tired of him being "sick" and me being tired

Today I feel like enough is enough. He's been to enough doctors enough times.
He's been poked, prodded, and tested too many times. I'm tired.
Is he really "sick"? Is there something really wrong?
I realize he has a hard time swallowing things and that he still throws up.
But the major things have been tested for, right?.
Can't we just continue with the occupational therapy to strengthen his arm and work on feeding
and forget about the rest?
Forget about Shriners every other week for weigh in's? He's only actually lost weight once.
Forget about the pediatrician there who is very nice by the way but wasn't doing the testing we needed anyway?
Forget about the dietitian that seems to think that taking him off of formula and switching to D milk is a good idea right now? He won't even swallow regular food and the formula has the most complete nutrition.
I'm trying, I am. I try EVERYDAY to give him solid foods. We are progressing at our own rate.
It's slow but we are progressing.
Dear dietitian, Please don't be too pushy. Mother's instinct is way better than anything  that can be learned.at any school..

Readers: Don't get me wrong the kid loves mashed potatoes and a few other things but anything that's much more solid than that he has a hard time swallowing and mostly just spits out.
I see the emotional effects it all has on him.
It's been about a year now. Pretty much his entire life.
I will be glad to see the reflexologist when we get to Texas.
They did weigh him yesterday. 17 pounds 1 ounce. Not a lot of gain but it's in the right direction.

Well, I found my camera (well, Heath found it in my coat pocket - I'm still not sure what he was doing wearing it but I have my camera back)
ONLY I have lost my wallet.
I tore up the house yesterday looking for it. I hope it's not lost, lost and that it's just misplaced.
Speaking of Lost. I hate that show. Heath borrowed it and I watched an episode and it sucked me right in.
As I watched another episode I kept saying "I'm not watching this anymore" then I watch the next.
In all I've seen about 6 episodes of season 1 and about 7 episodes of season 4.
Heath had to fill me in on the in between.
Now that I finished season 4 I'm done.
I don't mind if someone tells me what happens but I'm done watching.
It's also a little too scary for me. I don't do scary.

Noah is so excited to go on the plane and go to Texas. Although I think he will have a little bit of a hard time being away from his daddy. He's been saying a lot lately, "I want daddy."
My reply to him is, "me too, buddy."
Heath has been so busy lately we haven't seen much of him. We did get a good day with him last Saturday.

Sometimes Noah sings songs. I can't understand the words some of the time but when he stops I ask him If he'll keep going. He does and I get to smile for a little longer. .

Noah loves dogs.
Asher is terrified.
Noah doesn't like to sit still much and likes to touch everything.
Asher is curious but it a very calm baby.
They are different but equally loved

Asher has 4 teeth now. One on top, three on the bottom. He will have the front teeth spread like Noah has.
Good thing it's stinkin' cute. Well, I think it is anyway.

I played a game or two of knock out (basketball game) with the YM and YW last night.
I won a game. Was glad to see I still have a little bit in me. An athlete that is.

It's true that I gave my first talk at church when I was 3. I memorized it and 27 years later I can still recall some of it. Also true that I'm at Heidi's house doing laundry right now. She probably doesn't know that. Thanks Heidi! (and deric, too) Wait, Heidi just got home for lunch. She knows now.

Also, don't take off points for spelling. I couldn't figure out spell check on this computer.

us

Heath and I went to youth conference last weekend.

Heath spoke twice and helped the kids make lanterns out of clay.

There was a dance and yes I did the running man and the roger rabbit.

We took Asher.

Click HERE to see what Noah was up to.

He had his first sleepover.

We still love the Ence's.

Asher's first youth conference.

Had another appointment at Shriner's.

They weren't happy with the weight gain.

He weighs 15 pounds now.

Added some more stuff to his bottle.

Told us to try Cheerios and mashed potatoes (not together).

He hates anything that's even a little bit solid in his mouth.

Makes him gag and puke.

OT is bringing textured brushes/spoons next week to try to desensitize his mouth.

Back to weekly appointment.

He's still happy.

He still worries me.

At the grocery store today he had the attention of at least 10 women entering the store. (at the same time). They were ooooing and awwwing. It was pretty funny. One lady said, "He is so sweet." I agree.

He's a shy little flirt.

Noah is loving preschool. He walks in, hangs his coat in his cubby, and off to play with the kids.

He started eating lunch there this week. I think he likes it. Mostly the chocolate milk.

He is still in diapers. My sister is sending potty scotty.

He loves trocolate (chocolate).

He is learning lots of great things at school.

He kills me when he puts his hands together and says,"Please, mommy"

It's true that on the way to pick Heath up from school tonight I hit a deer. Not a ton of damage was done to the car but unfortunately the damage to the deer shortened it's poor little life. (please don't cry, Heidi) Also true that Asher is still in size 2 diapers.

Ketchup

Heath loves ketchup on his taco's. I don't know why, I think that ruins them. Well, we are finally moved. All the boxes are here but NOT put away. I decided to change my background one more time (I think this one will stay for a while). Here in PA there are lots of old farms with old barns that are neat. That's what inspired the background. Asher is gaining weight slowly and we are still making our weekly visits to Shriner's. Noah is talking so much more now. He's so cute when he says, "oh no, it's boken" (broken) and when he says,"daddy (or choo choo or shoes or anything he's looking for) where are you?" Also, when we leave from the neighbor's house he say's, "Bye chickens, bye cow, bye horse, bye trees, bye toby (the dog) and bye poo poo" (the cow and horse poop that is - encouraged by his father) then he says "ewwww!" This evening Noah went to the fair with Deric and Heidi our friend that moved here from Utah. She said she took some picture so hopefully I'll get some for a later post. They said he had fun seeing all the animals, playing games, winning a prize and riding the choo choo. It gave me a little time to put more things away and work on this blog. I love the Ence's. Anyway, better get to bed.