ONE YEAR OLD!!!!!!

We cannot believe Devin is 1 year old!!!!!  It has been an unbelievable year with Devin.  He has brought so much happiness into our home, and our family.  He continues to amaze us with his smiling face, and his ever growing voice.  Devin is not walking yet, which is quite alright with myself and Dirk.  He had tubes inserted into his years last week (Oct. 19), and the great number of ear infections has probably caused some delay in speech and walking – due to balance issues.  He has already been “talking” a lot more since the surgery.  Dirk and I love it!

We had a first birthday party for our big boy this past weekend.  We were blessed with many family and friends to help us celebrate – and Devin did great.  He didn’t get the cake in his hair and all over his face – but he smashed and squished that cake like there was no tomorrow! 

Other than that – we are enjoying our time together – and cherishing every minute. 

Almost 1!

It has sure been awhile since I last wrote in our family blog.  It’s not like we’ve been busy or anything! ha! 

Well, I’ve been back to work for a month now.  I am at Central Elementary this year – in the same district, but I’m now at a different school in a much different classroom.  I am teaching the primary BD class.  I wasn’t thrilled about having to move, but tried to remember how lucky I was to have a job, and quite frankly - - - I’m really liking it!  It is definitely challenging, but I laugh everyday… sometimes when my kids are out of the room - - - but nevertheless, I laugh.  They have taught me a lot – as well as my co-workers.  I work with a great group of people, and feel very supportive. 

Dirk has been in the field since September 7th.  They are almost done with corn, and we’re not sure if any beans will be fit when they finish – but we’ll see!  He misses Devin a great deal when he only gets to see him for about 15 minutes in the morning - - - but it makes the time they do spend together, that much better!  Devin went for his first combine ride last week – and it was great!!!!

Now – about Devin - - - the little man of our world!  Devin is now 11 months old!  He turns 1 on October 23rd, so as you can imagine, mama bear has been planning in my head what I want to do for the big day!  Devin is now crawling in full force - - - and he is FAST!  The kid can MOVE!  He’s also blowing kisses (or slobbering all over his hand and moving his hand away), and he’s walking along furniture after he pulls himself up.  He continues to be a great little guy, but has started to have some frustration when he knows what he wants, and we don’t give it to him – ha! 

We went to a pumpkin patch for the first time this past weekend!  Devin had a great time, and I loved it as well!! Can’t wait to go back!

Devin is getting tubes on October 19th.  He has had 9 ear infections – and we are so ready for these tubes!!!!!  I’m not worried about it (yet), just ready! 

Other exciting news… we welcomed a new addition to our family on September 10, 2010.  My sister, Traci, gave birth to her 4th child – Carson Michael Graue.  Eric and Traci brought him home to sister Lauren (8), and brothers Andrew (6) and Parker (3).  Carson is a doll!!!!

More later!

On the Move!!!

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything to my blog – so I thought I’d do a quick update. 

Devin is now 8 (and a half) months!  He isn’t quite crawling, but man – can he scoot!!!! I’m not sure he will really ever truly crawl, part of me thinks he will go straight into walking since he can move so quick with the scooting.  He’ll get up on his knees every once in awhile, but not too often. 

As you can see from the above pictures, Devin is quite the ham… What a doll!!! 

I’ve started a little table food with Devin.   Nothing big – just when Dirk or I are eating something that I think may be easy for him.  Other than that – we are up to three meals a day of solids, and his bottles.  We have started with a sippy cup of water, but Devin would rather just play with it at this point. 

I have GREATLY enjoyed my time home with Devin since I have been on summer break.  I have truly loved every stage of Devin growing up, but I do miss the newborn phase.  I look back at pictures (the 20 zillion of them) and can’t believe this is the same little boy.  What on earth happened?  I know – I know.  I bet my mom looks back at me and can’t believe I’m 30 – and wonders where the years have gone. 

Watching Devin investigate and learn amazes me!  I love watching him pick something up, look it over and over, play with it, and try to figure out something it does.  He is just amazing.  

Summer Break…

Well, I am officially on summer break!  I have been done with school for a week, and have loved my time with Devin and Dirk.  Devin has definitely started becoming more of a handful these days.  He is sitting up independently, but not to the point where I can just leave him sitting.  If there is something a few feet away, he will plop over on his belly and stretch, and whine, and scoot until he gets what he wants.  He is so funny! 

Devin is also very nosy.  If I have something, he will stare and “study” it – and then he will try everything he can to get it, especially if it is the remote, cell phone, ipod, or any other device he shouldn’t have! 

Dirk has been working hard at getting the pool opened up for us.  He’s hoping to have it open and ready by this coming weekend.  I can’t wait to get Devin out there.  I’m sure he will love it!  I bought sunscreen at Sam’s – figured we’ll use it! 

Even though summer brings much time to spend with Devin and my family, it also brings tears.  I haven’t quite felt that the loss of Michelle has sunk in to this point, but with having more time to think and more “down time” – it has started sinking in a little bit.  Ever since Michelle was diagnosed, Traci, Michelle, myself, and all the kids would enjoy many days sitting on Michelle’s back deck watching the kids play, make messes, and enjoy the sunshine.  I was so looking forward to that time this summer with Devin joining the gang. 

Mother’s Day was especially hard.  Mom, Traci, Michelle and myself had plans to spend it together, and when we made those plans, the thought that Michelle wouldn’t be here for Mother’s Day was never a thought in my mind. 

I miss her… there is no way around it.  I will ALWAYS miss her.  I find myself “talking” to her quite a bit, thinking of what she would do/say in situations, and I even laugh when I think of her rolling her eyes at me, or giving me that smile.

  

Through it all, I don’t want pity.  Michelle hated when people felt pity for her.  I am lucky… I can call Michelle my sister.  I had 30+ years to be with her – some good, some not so good – but either way – I was blessed – therefore – no pity for me… Michelle wouldn’t want that….

Tooth Number 3!!!

Well, it’s official.  Devin broke through his third tooth.  This one is on the top, to the side.  Dirk and I were discussing that if he doesn’t get the second one with this one, he will have a “scraggle tooth”  - - - and if the other one does pop through, he will look like a vampire! ha!

Devin has also started doing better when he’s sitting up.  He is definitely not ready to be left alone, but he’s doing much better. 

Yesterday, Avery and Nora came and hung out with Dirk, Devin, and I.  We had fun.  Avery played the Wii and made sure he brought a toy of his for Devin to chew on, Nora kissed on Devin, and Dirk took a nap.  Avery asked if he could have a “crescent roll”.  I did have a can in the frig, and when I showed them to Avery, he told me that isn’t what he wanted.  About 5 minutes later, I realized he wanted a fortune cookie!  We always put our fortune cookies in one of our drawers when we get chinese.  Avery enjoys reading the fortunes, and of course – eating the cookies.  It amazes me how Avery is doing with his reading.  It kind of makes me sad  - - - means he’s growing up!!!

Well, I have to go feed a hungry boy… imagine that (and yes – I’m referring to Devin – not Dirk – ha!). 

A Hole in Our Hearts

The past week has been a rough week, and one I am relieved about, and yet completely shattered about.  My sister, Michelle, passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 @ 1:45 a.m.  For those who didn’t know, Michelle had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).  So, this blog entry will be dedicated to her.  Here are a few stories I’d like to share…

The spring after Michelle was diagnosed (Spring 2008), I took Michelle to look at a single level house on the same street she lived on to view it as a possible move for her family.  To make a long story short, we were meeting the realtor there.  At that point, Michelle had some difficulty walking, but was still able to walk fairly independently.  She pointed to the house we were going to look at.  We went in, walked around the MESSY house, and realized…. WE WERE IN THE WRONG HOUSE! 

Before Dirk and I started “trying” to get pregnant, Michelle told me she was “ready to hold a baby”.  We discussed what timeframe Dirk and I were thinking.  A few days after we found out we were going to be parents, I was at Michelle’s and she made the comment again about being ready to hold a baby… and I responded, “Well, can you wait until November?”  At that time, I thought my due date was going to be at the beginning of November.  Michelle broke down in tears… tears of joy… and I made her promise not to say a word because I had promised Dirk I wouldn’t tell ANYONE… and Michelle was a woman of her word… and she didn’t. 

The day after Devin was born, my mom called and told me Traci (our oldest sister) was going to come to the hospital, but that Michelle wasn’t going to be able to.  She had a cold, and being in a germy hospital was not the place to be.  When Traci got to our room, she surprised me and wheeled Michelle in in her wheelchair.  I was SO EXCITED!  And my sisters fell in love with our little boy… 

At Christmas 2009, I put Devin in Michelle’s arms for her to hold… and she looked at me and said, “I just love him so much…” 

Although Michelle’s life was cut way too short, she made a difference in the lives of so many – especially in my life.  She taught me to be open minded, to think in others’ perspectives, to love unconditionally, and to never - - - ever - - - give up!  She was a true fighter, and was a brave woman.  I am the mother and wife I am today because of her.  She was my best friend, my mentor, and my sister…. and I love her and miss her so much.    I am thankful she is no longer in pain and is able to do the things ALS had taken away – but the selfish part of me wants her back so badly… 

The picture above was taken by my mom.  When Devin was at Michelle’s for my mom to watch him, my mom would lay Devin in bed with Michelle and they would talk and smile at each other.  Michelle LOVED this time with Devin, and I’m so glad I could give her something to smile at…. what a bond they had.  Devin WILL KNOW his Aunt Michelle.  He will know the amazing woman she was, how she fought a good fight, and how much she loved him.

Getting BIGGER AND BIGGER!!!!

Well, Devin is such a little ham!  He continues to express more of his personality, and we are loving it!!!  He has started grabbing my face and pulling me in to give him “kisses”, and he has also started pulling hair - - - which is not so fun since he tends to get those little ones that are so tender – ha! 

Devin has become the rolling over king these days!  He rolls from his back to his tummy, and will play on his tummy for awhile and then get ticked – but won’t roll back over.  We’re “working” on rolling from the tummy to the back so Devin won’t be so upset when he’s on his tummy. 

Tonight, I gave Devin a bath while Dirk was in the field.  Devin LOVES being naked, and I took a video of him before I took him into the bathroom.  I absolutely love it!!  I THINK if you click on the link below you will be able to watch the video… at least I hope so!

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/d20f00daf8d69bcd6c5ac79252a4de41/video/12868031

Devin has also been eating baby food for a few weeks now.  He enjoys just about everything!  I’m making most of his food, and have enjoyed it!  It’s a lot simpler than I thought it was going to be.

 

We have Devin’s 6 month well-baby appointment on Friday!  Dirk and I were talking the other night about how we can’t believe he’s been in our lives for 6 months (no counting me being pregnant – of course).  Devin definitely makes Dirk and I want to be better people, and to do what is right for him.  He is just amazing, and we can’t get enough of him!!!

Spring Break – and Loving IT!

As you can tell, I am still on spring break!  Devin and I have had some great time together, and it’s been so nice to be able to just relax, run errands, visit with people, and just take our time doing these things.  I hate rushing after work to pick up Devin, run to the store if I need to, and rush home in order to get stuff done around the house and hopefully have time to play with Devin before he goes to bed. 

Today was the first day I took Devin outside to just hang out.  We went to my sister’s, Michelle’s, for a couple of hours this afternoon and went outside and watched Avery, Nora, and Parker play.  Then, when we got home, I made the first batch of homemade sweet potatoes for Devin – which he LOVED, and then we went outside on our deck to hang out with Dudley.  Devin just looked all around and relaxed in his stroller. 

I must have worn Devin out today because he became quite fussy and tired around 7.  Lately he’s been going to bed at 8, but I decided to go ahead and put him to bed around 7:15.  I’m just hoping he still sleeps until 6 or so in the morning!  If not, oh well – we can just take a nap later! 

Another big milestone that happened this week was that Devin rolled over!  He has done it a couple of times now, but I can’t believe it!  Yesterday, Devin was laying on my lap and finally got his toe in his mouth… then – he bit down and started crying… good grief!  Love him SO MUCH!

Mommy’s on Spring Break!!!

I’m not excited about having a week off to spend time with Devin or anything – ha!  Today is the first day of my spring break, and I am so excited to go visit friends, get stuff done, and just hang out with my little man – and Dirk too of course! 

Devin has started eating baby food!  He’s been eating cereal for about a month now, and we started baby food this week.  So far he enjoys sweet potatoes and carrots.  On Wednesday, I took Devin back to the doctor, and he has a double ear infection (infection #2).  We’re not sure if the first one never cleared up, or if it’s a new one, but the doctor put Devin on a different antibiotic. 

Devin continues to grow and grow!  He is becoming even more responsive, talks up a storm, and shows that big two teeth smile all the time!  Unfortunately, mommy has felt those teeth a number of times while nursing.  NOT FUN!  I did some research, and when he does it, I pinch his nose so he will let go.  Devin doesn’t seem to like this, but the biting has slowed down.  I’ve had a number of people tell me they are surprised I’m still breastfeeding, but research has shown that breastfeeding longer will do more good for Devin in the long run, plus – I do enjoy breastfeeding.  I’m just not ready to stop yet, and want to see if we can get the biting under control first, after all, working on negative behaviors is one thing I get paid the big bucks for! ha! 

Speaking of work, it has been a rough week at school due to the massive budget issues in the state which has reached the school systems.  District 27 is one of those districts that has been greatly affected.  Fortunately for me, since I teach special education, my job is “safe” – however – some great teachers were told this week that they will be getting a pink slip.  Not only is this a financial burden on those families, but it is also a burden to our students.  I hope things will get resolved, but I’m not hopeful it will happen anytime soon. 

Well, my smiley boy is waking up…  can’t believe how much I love that little guy….

5 Months - - Getting Big and Getting a Personality All His Own!

Devin has continued to bring smiles, laughs, and craziness to our lives!  He is a big strong boy, with what seems like a gentle soul (at least mommy is hoping for :) ).  Devin loves to “stand up” on our laps, and pushes out his chest like he’s big stuff!  He also talks and sings to music and is very interested in the things around him.  We are continuing with cereal and will start baby food while I’m on spring break.  I’m planning on making my own baby food, and wanted to start while I’m on break so we have time to experiment and make the food to freeze.

  

Devin had his first ear infection this past Monday.  He woke up early (for him), so I nursed him and he went back down to sleep.  A couple of hours later, I was getting ready for work and Dirk brought Devin to me, and he was crying… HARD!  This was so unlike him, I made an appointment for the morning.  Sure enough, it was his left ear.  I was relieved to know it was his ear and not just me being a crazy mommy. 

As you can imagine, I am SO looking forward to Spring Break!  I am looking forward to having a whole week at home with Devin!  We’re planning on making a few visits with some friends a couple of days, and just spending time together!