Eggstravaganza at the Zoo

 

First egg hunt this “Easter season”  Hank was so happy to get out of the house. 

Drew did not want to pose behind the board.  Hank was a good sport!

A bit of a chilly day, but really not too bad!

Hank’s first time doing an “egg scramble.”  He did not love it to say the least. 

After a while though, he warmed up to the idea and enjoyed walking with Daddy!  (Yes, that jacket went into the box of outgrown clothes today!)

Drew did a boat race and potato sack race before his egg scramble. 

Finally the “hunt” of which I got no good pictures because Drew was too quick and there were kids everywhere! 

Last but not least, a picture with the Easter Bunny.  I promise, it’s a bunny?!

all about Hank

My little Henry.  Can you believe this sick little baby has grown up to a strong amazing toddler?  A two year old, it blows my mind. 

Just look at him now! (yes he still has the cannula, just not for bath time)

 

Hank has grown so much.  He’s so strong.  He has been able to walk and toddle around since just after he turned 1 year old.  He has great gross and find motor skills.   It’s the little things that Hank loves.  He is especially interested in the piano and The Wiggles and loves music. 

Just this week he has really started dancing to music and enjoying dancing with his brother and daddy. 

Hank just started learning about the mimic concept.  He sticks his tongue out with Mom and Dad and loves to practice waving bye-bye and clapping hands.   Oh, and his hair – I’ll get to that later!

Hank’s most favorite person is Grandma Suzie, no doubt!  He is so so lucky to have her around. 

We feel so lucky that we have Mr. Hank.  What a blessing and joy!

I   love  his hair.  That is all. 

Thanks for listening to me goo and gah over my baby!  I just can’t help myself. 

all about drew

What can I say about my first born?  What a cool kid he is. 

Look at him on his original birthday!  Such a tiny little boy. 

Now, he’s so grown.  He weighs almost 40 pounds and is about 3&1/2 feet tall. 

Drew’s accomplishments this last year

1. Potty trained (finally)   
2. Can read full books
3. Gets himself dressed
4. Learned all planets
5. Plays well with other kids
6. Counts to 100
7. Moved from Nursery to Sunbeams

Some cool stuff Drew has done

1. Wiggles Concert
2. Visited New Hampshire, and Virginia
3. Met his favorite basketball team – The Aggies
4. Got glasses!

Things he’s looking forward to this next year

1. Learning to ride his bike
2. Tennis lessons
3. Vacation to Montana
4. Swimming Lessons
5. New preschool
6. Learning to build more legos (like his cousin Nick)

 

Drew’s favorites

1. Any music – he has his own boombox and plays his CDs himself
2. Any sprout show
3. The Wiggles
4. Disney Cars (He has more than 200 different cars of the Mattel Diecast assortment – that is no fault of his mother’s btw)
5. Chocolate
6. Grandpa
7. iPad time
8. Ice Cream
9. Board games – but watch out, he cheats!

stars

Recently I read this book. 

Any of you read it?  If you have the courage to read a novel about a cancer ridden teen and her thoughts on love, life, and death, read it!  It’s hard, but worth it.  After I read it, I was sure it was based on a real girl.  Come to find out, it’s not, really.  Except, the author John Green who wrote it knew this cancer ridden teen girl named Esther Grace Earl.  She has a brand new book too. 

Researching more into this book, I decided to purchase and read it.  I will pat myself on the back for that decision.  Really, I started reading Esther’s journal and writings just last Wednesday.  That night, I wondered if I would be able to finish the book.  It was hard to read.  It made me feel so sad.  I had just got back from a pulmonology appointment with Hank knowing we would continue the oxygen for who knows how long.  That same day Hank had more testing regarding his developmental delays and really didn’t get the best news.  I wondered and worried what Hank’s future would hold.  I was seriously feeling sorry for myself.  Boo, seriously get over it Liz, right?  Darn right!

As I read Esther’s journal it was amazing to read the voice of a 14 year old with a terminal illness and her thoughts on life, death, friends, and family.  I wish Esther had been my friend.  She touched me so much with her book.  Made me realize how blessed we really are and how strong these rock star kids can be.  Please please please read it.  You won’t regret it. 

Read about Esther and her amazing organization here. 

“Just be happy, and if you can’t be happy, do things that make you happy.  Or do nothing with the people that make you happy.”

-Esther Earl

happy birthday

Another year has passed us by.  Happy Birthday to my two boys who share their birthday and my heart.  What changes we have had in the last year.  I can’t believe how much they have grown!!  Due to a huge party, I was not able to get too many pictures, and sadly, I have none of Hank on his birthday!  Next year. 

Party Prep. 

Cakes done by the amazing Michelle Ernsberger (whom I stole this picture from) of Sazzy Me Creations and arranged by Icing Smiles (such a great children’s organization)!

All the cooking was done by the amazing Grandma Suzie who made an entire menu of disneyland food.  Awesome. 

Drew’s surprise from Mom and Dad. 

Some of the party guests.  Jake was awesome at the pinata!

Drew insisted on wearing his cowboy boots!

Cousins. 

So many came to help celebrate and they helped with party too.  Thanks so much everyone.  See you next year

let’s go

Steve and Drew tried kite flying yesterday.  It worked for a second, but the wind was too gusty!