Hank is 3

Yay, Hank turned 3.  This kid is growing at exponential rates.  For his birthday, he graduated from UpTo3 Early Intervention to the School District Preschool.  We had a great experience with his old therapists, but are excited for him to be able to move forward and grow with this new program. 

Monday thru Thursday, the school bus picks up Hank at 1230 for his preschool and drops him off at home at 4.  Kinda scary to send my little 3 year old on a school bus, but I know it’s good for him.

Not sure what to think about the busy.  He really liked the Emergency Exit sign at the top of the bus.  I rode with him the first day, but not anymore. 

 

We did get a note from his sweet teacher talking about his first day, and it sounds like he’s doing great.  I can’t wait to see how he grows. 

From his sweet teacher Shalese

Hi Liz and Steve,

I just wanted to give you an update on Hank's first two days.  Yesterday there was a lot of new stuff for Hank to take in, and he needed lots of hugs and snuggles to cope with the day.  But today I saw that he is really getting use to the routine.  And we are learning more and more about his likes and dislikes. He has really enjoyed writing with the shaky pens, playing out at recess (he loved to climb up and down the stairs, and watch the kids run fast around him).  Hank is such a sweetheart and learns SO fast!  He is already picking up on PECS during snack (does CRAZY well at it!) is doing great with puzzles, and matching pictures.  

Hooray for amazing teachers! 

Some of Hank’s favorites are snacks, the Wiggles (still), music, dancing, and books.  He likes to make animal sounds and look at his face in the mirror.  He has recently found his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, and will point to them about 25% of the time that I ask.  He can also say Mama, Grandma, Ya-Yee (daddy), up, hi, and milk, he just has to say them when he wants to.  He can sign a few things like milk, all done, yes, and no, but won’t do it consistently.  We are happy that he is learning some great new skills and are so proud of him.  This kid works hard and never gives up.  Such an amazing boy. 

 

Drew is 5

Did this really happen?  I just registered him for kindergarten last week, so I guess it did.  It’s hard to believe.  Some things about Drew.  This kid is smart, and I mean smart.  He always has a plan.  Drew loves to read and can read anything.  If he doesn’t understand new words he will always ask what they mean, and once you tell him, he will remember.  Some of his favorite things to do are legos, playing outside, reading, movies, and music.  Some favorite movies right now are Annie, Big Hero 6, The Incredibles, and Star Wars.  He loves being independent when it is to his benefit, but still puts up a fight when he is required to dress himself.  Drew really wants to play with his little brother Hank, and tries hard to teach him words and about life. 

Drew comes to our room every night in the middle of the night because he is scared.  Hopefully this year he can learn his bedroom is safe. 

He’s doing great in preschool and is excited to start kindergarten now that he’s five. 

Man do we love this kid! 

happy birthday boys

Drew and Hank had their birthdays yesterday.  Drew turned 5 and Hank 3.  Can’t believe they are growing up so fast.  I had the day off work, thanks to a friend who switched me shifts (thanks Michelle).  Drew had a bowling party at lunch time while Hank went to his new preschool.  After school, we played at home and had a small family party at home with a star wars cake that  Grandma made to look like space.  Pretty easy day, and the boys had fun.  Thanks for all the gifts and thoughts and loves for these boys on their birthdays!

Drew had a bowling party at Logan Lanes.  He invited a few friends from school and some of his neighborhood friends.  There was cupcakes and pizza too. 

Check out these invitations we sent out for his friends.  Bought on etsy from MW Design. 

Drew’s party favors. 

Cake Time.  Hank really didn’t like the cake in front of him, until the candles were lit.  Then he was upset when Drew blew out the candles.  Poor kid doesn’t handle change well…

Drew spent all day today playing with his and Hank’s loot (Hank was at school all day). 

This is actually Hank’s birthday toy.  Good thing he shares well. 

just to remember

I have been enjoying pulling out my knitting lately and have got a few fun projects done. 

small getaway

A few weeks ago, my mom was heading south to visit her sister in Eagle Mountain.  She asked if we all wanted to come and stay in the hotel and swim.  We did and had fun. 

We visited the two museums at Thanksgiving Point, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, and the Museum of Ancient Life.  Both boys had fun.  Super busy though. 

That night, we met up with Uncle Ron and Aunt Renee for a yummy dinner.  (guess where?)

The next morning we met Aunt Renee for breakfast then headed to the aquarium.  Hank really enjoyed the aquarium, and especially loved the penguins.  It was fun to watch him try to copy them. 

Nice to get away and play. 

We’re Back…

 

I forgot how much fun it is to play outside.  I feel like since Hank came along, we have spent much less time outside compared to when Drew was little.  I will just say again and again, hooray for no oxygen and tubes.  I feel so free!  I can’t even imagine how Hank must feel. 

Such a little explorer. 

He loves to run in and out of the door to his playhouse. 

Drew was acting his age and was hiding from the camera.  It actually became a game!

Not the best picture, but geez, I love this face. 

Hiding from the camera. 

Ha!  Got him. 

Again. 

Hank loves to run from deck to deck on the top floor of the playhouse.  He always peek through the window to make sure we are looking!  Side note, if you know a good window washer, send them my way. 

“I see you mom!”

Wow, dead grass is sure interesting. 

Still hiding…

Brothers. 

Playing.

Sort of. 

They’re both looking!

Oh, Bert was there too. 

leaps and bounds

 

To say that Hank has changed since he came off his oxygen less than 3 months ago is such an understatement.  His developmental changes have shocked us. 

Some of the crazy stuff he’s been up to…

        Preschool with his besties (Evelyn is so so cute).              Can you believe he is getting along and playing with Drew? 

                   

Still freaking out at doctor appointments, but what 2 year old doesn’t?     

                       

                                                                               Look, he eats spaghetti like a regular kid!

 

Drew has just been up to his regular shenanigans.  Playing with friends, loving himself, and being a fun kid.  Yay for 4 year olds!