~The Schneider Family~

Staying Cool

2010-06-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's nearly July and we are trying to beat the heat already! With two boys this summer we had to upgrade our backyard pool for the king sized one. Jack you aren't too sure about it yet. You want to climb out and throw rocks in! Luke you are a fish at heart. You would spend all day in here if I'd let you!

Should I stay in or get the heck out of here?

Luke taking a sample of the water...

Luke's Garden

2010-05-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

Luke you love going to Nana Linda's house and eating cherry tomatoes right off the vine! So Mommy and Daddy thought it would be fun to get you started with a garden of your own.

We planted two types of tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, zucchini, watermelon, strawberries and a variety of flowers!

We grew so many tomatoes you didn't know what to do! You tried a few green ones but decided they tasted better red.

You loved helping pick and wash them but you loved to eat them the most!

Weekend outing with Daddy

2010-05-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

Sharing a snack

An artist in the making

2010-05-01T18:48:00.000-07:00

Luke you are very busy at school! Almost every day you come home with a new beautiful piece of art. Since we can't save them all we started taking your picture with each masterpiece!

This is one of my favorites!

Please no pictures!

2010-04-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Lukers you are such a ham for the camera!

You talkin' to me?

Always ready to pose when the camera comes out. Yelling cheese and demanding to have pictures taken!

8 months & 19 months

2010-04-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Cruising along

2010-04-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

You are such a little devil with that snarl!

Working your way along the tub.

Half way there...checking out what's in the tub.

How could you not love those chunky legs! You walked the whole length of the tub and were quite proud!

I see teeth!

2010-04-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Finally after all that hard work two cute little teeth cut through your tender little gums! Thank goodness for tylenol.

Easter

2010-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

It turns out it's rather difficult to get four cute kids to all stand for a picture!

The egg hunt was a blast! Luke you found so many eggs!

Jack and Daddy Love Easter!

You didn't stay this clean for long! Luke you had a great day playing with side walk chalk, drawing on an easel, eating cheese dip and chips, playing outside and hunting for eggs! Mommy was so lucky to get the day off of work to watch you and Jack have so much fun on Easter.

Goofing around with Mommy

2010-03-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Luke you are always great at humoring me and letting me put your hair up. Shh just don't tell Daddy!

Cheese!

Breather time with Mommy!

Put on your walking shoes!

2010-03-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Time for some fresh air! We're all bundled up and ready to go!

Luke you insisted on pushing Jack. Not to worry Jack Mommy was close by to prevent you from being driving off course.

We stopped at the play area for a few trips down the slide before it was time to head in for some dinner.

Trash day!

2010-03-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since you were very little you have loved to watch the trash truck come through the neighborhood. Today was no different. You heard the truck coming down the street and ran to our bedroom, climbed up on the chair and waited for him to come by the house.

It's so fun to watch you get so excited over something. So each Tuesday and Friday if we don't make it to watch the trash man from the front door we run to the window and watch. We wave and tell him thank you for taking all the poopy diapers away! I think that's the only thing you think is in the trash can!

Hanging out with Jack

2010-03-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Couldn't be any cuter! A few shots at seven months.

Everything still goes in the mouth for a taste!

Poor baby fighting one of the many colds Luke brings home from school.

Brothers

2010-03-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Luke you are getting so big! The cut above your eye is healing so well you hardly notice it anymore. But we do talk about that naughty couch and table often. A few stitches doesn't seem to have slowed you down one bit.

Jack you continue to amaze me with everything you do. You watch Luke closely and you are his biggest fan! He makes you giggle daily. You are such a sweet natured baby.

Luke when you were born we thought you looked just like Daddy until Jack was born and he looked even more like Daddy! As you get older Lukers I can see a little bit more of Mommy in you. Daddy and I are still in shock that we have two such wonderful boys!

Army man crawl

2010-02-28T16:07:00.000-08:00

Your sixth month is proving to be very productive! Eating and near crawling!

Look out everyone Jack is on the move!

Growing up

2010-02-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

With Jack moving on to solid foods it was time to move Luke to the big kids table and out of the high chair. We found this great booster seat and put it to the test at dinner tonight!

It was a huge success! You loved eating at the table like a big boy. Now if only it had straps to keep you in. You like to wander around a little too much but we will work on that.

Six months

2010-02-15T15:10:00.000-08:00

You passed your six month check up with flying colors!

19 pounds 12 ounces

28 inches tall

17 1/4 head circumference

The doctor said not to worry that you don't want solid foods yet. He said you will soon.

He was right! The very next day you gobbled up carrots and haven't stopped since. Thankfully the spitting up has slowed down as well. Phew!

Now that you've hit six months you're pulling out all your tricks! Eating was just the beginning. Now you are looking like crawling is next on the list. You've perfected the army crawl and it didn't take long from there to get on your hands and knees and start rocking! It won't be long before you are officially on the move! The way you put everything in your mouth I wouldn't be surprised if you have some teeth ready to cut through too!

Feeding the Ducks

2010-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

Luke and Daddy waiting for the ducks to get closer.

Nana had a great idea today suggesting that we should go feed the ducks! Luke you were so excited and couldn't wait to get there.

When the sun went down it got a little chilly so we bundled you up little Jack. Since you aren't quite running around yet to warm up we got you all snuggled up for a ride in the stroller through the park.

Mommy was so nervous the whole time we walked around the lake. I thought for sure you'd fall right in! Luke you go so close to the edge I thought we might have to jump in after you. Looking at that water this was not something I wanted to do!

Peek A Boo

2010-01-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Luke it's a good thing that Jack is your biggest fan! He thinks everything you do is just hilarious! Even when you cover him with a blanket he just giggles away.

Once Mommy showed you how to safely play peek a boo without smothering your brother you would run around him yelling peek a boo! Jack you thought it was too funny and giggled away until he uncovered you and then you'd giggle some more!

Here you are checking out the dancing monkey on the bouncy seat.

Such a handsome little guy you are!

Five months

2010-01-15T15:08:00.000-08:00

You are finally big enough to enjoy the bath tub without the baby tub! You had a great time kicking and splashing in the water. You didn't even mind having the water go in your ears. I hope you are a water baby and love to swim!

Jackson you are all smiles! You are one of the happiest babies I know!

You love to walk around the play table and push all the buttons. You are getting so big every day when you wake up I swear you are bigger! You are still spitting up frequently and have no interest in solid food. It's ok though because you are nice and chunky and oh so happy! You aren't sleeping through the night yet preferring to wake up to eat around 2am and then again at 5! It's a good thing you are cute!

First day of school

2010-01-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

Driving in the car on our way to school! As we passed building after building you kept asking "Is this Cates school?" You didn't call it your school yet but were anxious to get there.

We packed a yummy lunch and packed up Jack and off we went to meet your new friends!

Mommy had a MUCH harder time with this than you did Luke. You went and joined the group without hesitation. Off you ran to the play ground without looking back. I stayed and watched you play a while and then went and cried in the office while going over all your information with the director. I was comforted in knowing that Cate would be there for you. I dropped you off late and picked you up early but you didn't want to leave! That made it easier to take you in the next time!

All things trains

2010-01-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well almost all things trains. I just love watching you waiting for Daddy to get home from work. You can hardly contain yourself when he pulls up the driveway. You can't even wait until he makes it inside. You insist on meeting him in the driveway and greet him with the biggest of hugs!

You are head over heals in love with Thomas the train! If ever there is a moment of quiet in the house I know I can find you moving trains along the newest track you've built. You always lay on your tummy with your head on your arm as the other pushes Thomas along the tracks.

Today you parked all the trains in our shed.

Not a day goes by where you don't request to watch a show about Thomas and the Island of Sodor. It's so cute how you've learned all the trains names and even where they live! You've even started to tell people they are cheecky!

Jumping Jack

2010-01-04T15:04:00.000-08:00

After watching Heidi have so much fun in her jumper we had to have one for Jack. It's a good thing Aunt Cathy Houser is a mind reader! The very one we wanted came to our door when Jack was just a few days old. The card read "Happy Jumpping Jack!" I of course cried. What can I say it was sweet and I had hormones flooding me!

Now that you are big enough you spend lots of time jumpping and dancing in your jungle seat. I'm shocked that the butterfly is still attached you chomp on it so much!

Some times you like to just hang around. You lift you feet and just chill out.

Every now and again you get a little help from big brother Luke. He helps add a little bounce to your jump!

Zoo Lights 2009

2009-12-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

With a zoo map in tow we are ready to go!

Brrrrr it was cold outside. Good thing we have our hoods up!

Papa Minor treated and sent us all on the carousel. This was your second time on one and this time you loved it!

This was our second year going to Zoo Lights with the Jackson & Minor Families. We hope we make it every year to come. Jack you were at home with Nana E because it was your bedtime and so very cold! Next year you will be sure to make an appearance. We sipped hot chocolate and talked to a talking giraffe! All the lights were beautiful and it was so cute to hear you say "Ohhh Mommy it's boootiful"

Christmas

2009-12-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Mommy had to work on Christmas day but Daddy took you to Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Mikes house to celebrate. I guess it was too much of a good time for you Jack. You fell fast asleep while Nana fed you.

We celebrated Christmas a few days later at Nana E's house and it was perfect. I think you enjoyed celebrating a week of Christmas rather than cramming it all into one day! I know I did. I was so fun to watch you get so excited over all the presents. You were a great helper passing out the gifts. Even if you did help open a few!

What a mess! Paper and ribbon everywhere but what a fun way to make a mess!

Santa's little helper!

Christmas Shanagins

2009-12-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

This was not an easy shot to get! One minute Luke would go left and Heidi would sit then Heidi would break right! I was determined to get your picture in front of Nana's beautiful tree!

Graham on the left and Jack on the right. Only a handful of days separates you in age. You two couldn't be cuter!

I have a picture of Pops holding Luke up to his first Christmas tree and I thought it was so cute we should do it with Jack! I love how you were mesmerized by the lights.

We were busy learning names before all our family came to town. Now you have great fun pointing people out in pictures. This one was a little harder as the Jackson Family were in full snow gear! You concentrated really hard and eventually found everyone!

A visit from Santa

2009-12-20T17:34:00.000-08:00

Luke you took a few minutes away from stealing veggies from the veggie tray to come meet Santa. It didn't take much persuasion as Santa had PRESENTS!

You weren't too keen on the idea of sitting on this merry guys lap but you did climb up next to him and have a little chat. You wanted to know what your present was but Santa didn't spoil it he said "Well you have to open it to find out!". So you did just that and were so ecited to find a Thomas tree ordament!

You were also so lucky to get a candy cane! I think you can see how much you liked it here.

Now it was time for Jack to visit with Santa. You were a bit wary and kept a close eye on Mommy and Daddy. We managed to get a few cute shots with you and Santa before it was time to eat-again.

Luke's second visit to the ER

2009-12-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

Oh my what a day we've had. Lukers I sent you downstairs to watch Mickey while I put Jack down for a nap. You've gotten into a habit of waking him up the minute I put him down so I thought it was a good idea to distract you with Mikey this time. I listened as you went down stairs, heard you turn Mickey on and everything was quiet. Well it was quiet for a minute and then there was screaming.

I quickly put Jack in his crib, prayed he would go to sleep and ran down the stairs to find you with blood dripping from your head. My heart was racing and the adrenaline was flowing. I tried to stay calm but I could feel my face getting red and there was a quiver in my voice. I looked at the cut just below your eyebrow and knew instantly you needed stitches.

I called our sweet neighbor Sally over to sit with Jack until Daddy got home and off we went to St. Joes, in rush hour! It felt like it took forever to get you there. I was so nervous because you bumped your head and you kept trying to nap in the car. You told me that you fell off the couch and hit the table. You kept saying "bad table, bad table". I managed to keep you awake until we got to the ER and checked in. Then you were very interested at everything going on at "the doctors house" as you called it.

You were so brave. You hardly cried at all except when they really got in to look at your cut. You didn't even move when they started your IV. I was so proud of you. The O2 sensor on your toe bothered you the most! You even wanted to keep your IV and wouldn't let them take it out! The child life specialist brought you a Mickey Mouse doll as we waited for your sedation to wear off. You were ready to go home before it did and kept trying to walk but your little jello legs wouldn't hold you. So I did. Your stitches didn't stay in the full seven to ten days. In fact by the time they were due to come out only two were left! You sat so still while Mommy took them out for you and applied steri-strips. You were such a trooper through the whole thing. It broke my heart to see your pretty face split open and your little eye swollen shut but it didn't seem to slow you down one bit!

Before and After

2009-12-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

On our way to the ER

Three days later

Fun in the loft

2009-12-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Mommys sweet boy!

Currently we spend a lot of time in the loft. The majority of the toys are up here and lets face it I'm not ready to let that pure baby skin of Jacks get all dirty on the tile yet!

Jack you sometimes fall sound asleep amongst all the fun Luke and Mommy are having. This time it looks like Luke gave you a couple of toys to keep you busy should you wake up. There were a few more coming to you but I didn't think you needed so many while you slept!

Oh that smile! It could and frequently does melt hearts! You are still a little bit small for the activity table and can't quite walk around it yet but you still enjoy trying to put all the reachable toys in your mouth. Who can resist that jazzy tune the keyboard plays too!

November Happenings

2009-11-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

My sweet little Jack and those baby piggies!

When Daddy gets home from work you are so excited to see him. Sometimes we wait and watch by the window for his car to pull in and sometimes we meet him in the driveway. None the less you always run and jump in for a hug! Thank goodness Daddy has two big strong arms because before we know it two boys will come running in for hugs!

Such a handsome little boy you are.

Things are starting to calm down around here. We have all settled better into a routine and things are running rather smoothly. Luke you are accepting that Jack is hear to stay and have become a great helper running for diapers and burp cloths. Boy do we need burp cloths often! Jack you are like a little fountain of spit up. I sure hope you outgrow it soon!

Jack 3 months!

2009-11-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe it's been three months already! Nearly all your baby hair has fallen out and some new blonde baby fuzz is coming in. You eyes are turning hazel like Daddy and Lukes and you skin is beautiful and creamy. I'm not ready to leave you and head back to work but I know I have to. Just don't grow up to quickly Jack I don't want to miss a thing!

What a hairline! Where do all these crazy cowlicks come from?

Just chillin with Daddy. Another computer buff in the making. You'll fit right in!

I'm not sure what outfit this is for the day or how many baths you've had but you are cute as can be! You continue to grow despite all the spitting up you do. The doctor said it's normal. Although I've changed to bath towels rather than burp clothes at feeding times! At 15 weeks you started turning over from back to tummy! They say that's the harder way to go. Such an over achiever already!

Lukers

2009-11-02T14:10:00.000-08:00

Luke you are turning into a little boy right before my very eyes. It seems like just yesterday you were learning to walk and now you run, skip and hop past me. Don't even get me started on your vocabulary! Daddy frequently says where did he learn that word?!? You love watching shows while you do your breather and love it even more if someone sits with you. Sometimes you even do them on your own!

You still love to help with the laundry. You pour the soap in, put the clothes in the wash and then help me get them in the dryer. Now if I can only teach you to fold and put it all away!

You also love doing puzzles. You started out just watching us do them but you've gotten very good at sorting out the pieces and doing them on your own now!

What a spooky bunch!

2009-10-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Luke you weren't quite sure what all the fuss was about surrounding this Halloween thing everyone was talking about. However you got in the spirit quickly! We had a busy day starting off with a party at the Dinoffria house. It was a little warm so we decided to not put you in your skeleton outfit until later in the evening. Good thing Grammie and Pops sent you a t-shirt to wear so you were still in the Halloween mood! There were games and pumpkin painting and lots of goodies to eat. By the time we left you were pooped!
You and Daddy got very creative!
After naps we headed over to Will and Cate's house for a little more spooky fun! We had dinner and went trick or treating. Your first time ever! You had a great time getting ready and taking pictures with your baby brother Jack.

Getting into character!

Ready-Set-Go!

You had such fun going from house to house trick or treating. You loved to ring the doorbells and were so polite asking for candy. More treats please! You even helped quite a few people with closing their doors. Not to mention opening them and walking right in a few!

Mommy I hold Jack?

2009-10-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Luke you have been asking all day to hold Jack. I thought it was time to give it a shot! You were so excited to get to hold him. You sat in the green chair ready with the boppy hardly able to contain yourself. You were so gentle has you held hands and talked to Jack. You even rocked slowly which was very impressive. You should see how fast you've had that chair going!

After a while you got a little squirmy but it was a success and you frequently ask to hold Jack again.

My little boy has such big hands next to my baby boy. Hard to believe how fast time flys.

All clean from a shower, sitting so big with Jack but still my baby Lukers.

Brothers

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Everyday I look at you two I can't believe you are mine. I never thought two little boys could make me so happy!

It is so fun to capture these moments on film for others to see. Sometimes I feel like everyone else gets cheated because I get to spend so much time with you boys. Luke I look at you and think you are such a little boy but then seeing you with Jack you seem so big already! It seems like just yesterday Luke was born and now we've added Jack to our family. I couldn't feel more blessed.

Look out Jack this is one of many moments to come where Luke is going to get you!

Slight regression noted

2009-10-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my Lukers. You don't quite know what to think of this new little guy that is taking over the playroom. With all this baby stuff around you just can't seem to help yourself! You are obsessed with the baby swing. If it's off you want it on, constantly. You love to push the buttons to make the speed alternate and switch the music from nature sounds to classical. If Jack isn't in it you want him in it and if he is you want to take him out!

Luke I absolutely love this picture of you. Your facial expression says "duh Dad I know don't poke the baby" which is just what you were doing! You are having a great time getting to know your brother and all the baby things that come with him.

Once a monkey always a monkey! Thank goodness you are at a weight where you don't go crashing down when you test out all the baby gear!

Afternoon naps

2009-10-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more special than a napping baby!

Except maybe baby feet!

Jackson you are doing everything a baby should be doing. You eat and you sleep! I can only hope that you turn into a great sleeper like your big brother Luke. I am enjoying each and every day I have home with you taking in everything. It never gets old just simply watching you sleep and hearing you breathe.

Another pumpkin patch!

2009-10-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Enjoying your first snow cone at Schnepf Farms.

Today we went to another farm. This time we were joined by Grammie, Grammie Minor, Patrick and his friend. We got to see lots of pumpkins and even took a train ride through an orchard. Jack wasn't a fan of the train ride because the train made a lot of noise! You loved it and sat up front with Grammie Minor. You had fun collecting orange tennis balls at the "pumpkin toss" game, you rode on a couple rides even! A little dare devil in the making for sure. Thank goodness Daddy likes rides so you will have a partner in crime when you get older and want to go to an amusement park. Jack although we didn't get any pictures of you today you were a good sport. Bumping along in the stroller and having a little lunch in the shade under a tree tucked away. At the end of the day we had a yummy lunch of pulled pork and chips. Lukers you and I shared a plate and I had to eat fast to keep up and get my share! You loved it and gobbled down a great lunch. Jack you were wonderful and I blame pampers for you having a forceful blowout in my lap! It was a nice drive home, a long one but you were both pooped and slept the whole way!

Tolmachoff Farms Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Searching for the perfect pumpkin at Tolmachoff Farms. What a fun day at the farm. We got an early start and packed up the car to meet several other families at this great local farm. It was a warm day so thankfully we were there early.

Luke even though you look a little grumpy in this picture you had a great time on the train ride. You insisted on going twice! Daddy went with you the first time thinking all the Dads were going but it turned out to be only him! It was fun to see you both stuffed into such a little car.

Jack you even got to enjoy some time in the fresh air. Little did we know that you shouldn't be facing forward in the bjorn! You loved to look around and everyone thought you were too cute!

Luke you weren't too sure about the giant box of corn kernels at first. Once you figured out it was fun to squish your fingers around and dig your feet in you had a great time. I wonder if in the summer the corn gets so hot it pops!

Jackson Thomas two months

2009-10-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

My heart overflows with love! You are growing so big each day and already doing new things constantly. You are an amazing eater and a pretty darn good sleeper. You love to snuggle and seem to crave the touch of others skin. You smile all the time and it can't help but make those around you smile back.

Jack you have inherited your brothers crazy cowlicks! I'm not sure where you two got them but there are swirls all over the place! Right now you seem to have a natural mohawk. I'm anxious to see if you have stand up hair like Luke did. So far you are headed in that direction. You don't have a lot of hair but what you do seems to be on the lighter side of things. Your eyes remain blue but at times I see hints of things to change.

You are always ready for a good nap after eating!

Family

2009-09-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

I was well over due for some Heidi snuggles! Thank goodness that she and her Mom came to town for visit to meet Jack. Since I wasn't on bed rest with Jack (thankfully!) I didn't get a visit from Katie while I was pregnant like I did with Luke. So by the time Jack got here I was beyond excited to have a portion of my Seattle family come for a visit.

All three babies, car seats and all piled into the car at the airport! Luke wasn't used to so much company in the back seat! He loved it!

Auntie Katie getting some good love time with Jack.

Along with Katie came Aunt Lizzie! Jack had a full schedule of meet and greet this week! Not pictured is his Aunt Cathy from MA who was also in town. It was so nice to have everyone visit not to mention the extra hands on board! With little Jacks arrival Luke has been missing all the attention he got from us before. It was nice to be able to have someone snuggle Jack a little so Luke didn't feel so left out!

Splish Splash!

2009-09-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Boy that sure does look refreshing!
Maybe I'll just sit with my toes in...

A little walking around won't hurt right?

Oh what the heck splish splash I was taking a bath!

Fun with the Jackson Family

2009-09-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

Jack you are still in an eat/sleep/eat/sleep pattern :)
Lukers you love to play soccer with Ben, Colin and Patrick. It's so fun to watch you all run back and forth making goals. The older boys are so good with you. It's hard to believe they are the older boys now!

Colin is one of your best buddies. He is always there to play and show you fun things. Here you guys are off in search of seeds!

Jack catching some more z's with Grammie.

Big boy bed troubles...

2009-09-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

You have given up sleeping in your bed for your highchair!
Your first night in your new bed. I wish I could say it was a piece of cake but it was far from it! There was screaming, there were tears (almost from Mommy and Daddy), books were read, deals were made, open doors, closed doors, Daddy in bed, no Daddy. We tried EVERYTHING! You finally fell asleep from sheer exhaustion after 11pm. You are a very strong willed little boy but sleep won over. Fingers, toes, legs and arms crossed that this get better!

Munds Park

2009-09-19T11:56:00.000-07:00

Little Jack all snuggled up! Brrr it was cold out :)

Luke and Nana playing on the "green ground" or play ground up in Munds Park. The sand was all wet from the rain storm that just ended.

Always collecting rocks.

Filling up your shoes with sand. Those holes are for sand right?

Another eventful trip up to Munds Park on my maternity leave. Sadly that's the only time I'm ever able to make it up there. It's so beautiful to escape the heat and enjoy some real weather and seasons change. I can't wait for the boys to be older to take them up to make snowmen and go sledding. The drive up was filled with traffic due to a late start. You sure have to pack a lot for three people to head out of town for three days! The whole Piolet was jammed packed and I'm sure there were things we forgot! We decided to go cold turkey on Luke and the crib. I was a little nervous but Nana E offered to give it a go so off we went. Daddy stayed home to take apart the crib and get opperation big boy bed under way! We had a great time with Nana and can't wait to go back on my next maternity leave....just kidding Rob ;) Kinda.....

Good Bye Crib!

2009-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

This boy loves his sleep!
One last night in your crib before it gets put away and you move to your big boy bed!

It feels like I already have a teenager! I woke you up this morning only to have you look me in the eye and roll over and catch some more z's! You slept well past 10am. Fingers crossed you do as well in your big boy bed!!

Luke-isms

2009-09-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here is an ever growing list of cute things we hear on a daily basis!

Treats~Good and Plenty

Twinkles~stars or puffs which are star shaped

Mean beans~green beans

Gook or Gookers~Luke or Lukers

Udding~Pudding

Pop Pop~ Popcorn

Ooie~Smoothie

Okocolie~Broccoli

Cee Cee~Macy

Kai~Sakai

Gee Gee~Maggie

Mouse~Micky Mouse

MeMoo~Tomatos

Momoh~Elmo

Doh~NO!

Ooots~Flutes

Tee Tee~Katie

Other words said correctly and heard frequently!

No-Milk-Uh Oh-Presents-Baby crying-Juice-Nana-Papa

Mama-Daddy-Out-Down-Seeds-Pool-Swimming

Book-Cracker-Cheese-Poo Poo-Potty-Bubbles-Trash

There are so many more!

Big Boy Little Boy

2009-08-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today we had an appointment with the pediatrician. Both boys checked out great!

Jack had his circumcision and his 2 week check up a little early.

8 pounds

20 1/2 inches long

14 inch head circumference

Luke had his 2 year old well exam and you would think we went to the doctor every day he was so good letting the doctor check everything out! He was a little busy once his portion was finished and wanted to roam around and get several drinks but all it all it was a success!

31 pounds (80%)

36 inches (88%)

20 inch head circumference (93%)

Labor and Delivery

2009-08-15T23:03:00.001-07:00

What and interesting day today has become! I've been ready for a little while now for Jack to make his grand entrance. I had turned into one of those pregnant woman that is ready before the baby is! This time around I worked through my whole pregnancy and I have to say (don't tell anyone) but bed rest was easier! Each pregnancy was so different and difficult in various ways. Both were wonderful and I miss having both my boys kicking around inside of me but am thoroughly enjoying having them out as well :)

August 15, 2009 started out like any other day for me. It was a Saturday and I was up before the sun to get ready for work as usual. I had desperately wanted to be canceled so that I could make it to work on Sunday and have another work weekend under my belt. Work however was busy and I came on to two patients. I had some very light bleeding in the morning before heading to work. So light I thought I may have been seeing things. Almost wishing for a sign so that I knew labor was kicking in. Well a little turned into more and I was told by the doctor on call to head home. I wasn't contracting any more than I had been for eight months and was torn by following the doctors advice and sticking it out a little longer until something more definitive of labor started.

As luck would have it three hours later I developed a migraine. I had several of these with Luke but this was my first with Jack. With my vision getting blurry and my migraine aura of seeing spots starting I made the decision to head home. I came home and got right into bed and slept until around 7:30pm. Around this time still nothing had kicked in, the bleeding had stopped and Rob was itching to go to boys night of wings and a movie. My mom and I sent him off thinking we were in the clear.

It wasn't until a short twenty minutes or so later that the contractions kicked it. They kicked in hard and fast. I went from my normal contractions (irregular and slightly uncomfortable) to every three minutes lasting almost two and much more than slightly uncomfortable. Once the tears started to come my mom decided that it was time to call Rob back home as Jack was on his way! No time for wings and a movie! As it turns out Rob had enough time to order and eat two wings :) Rob called his parents on his way home and asked them to head over to watch Luke as we were headed to welcome Jack to the world.

I think I did pretty well for someone who's never really been in labor. I was able to focus and breath through the contractions with the help of my mom. I was ready to go when Rob got home that's for sure. It was a bumpy ride to the hospital but Rob got us there. I seem to remember being a little feisty on the ride over but what can you expect I was in labor right! Nana and Daddy managed to call everyone on the way to the hospital to share the news of what was going on. With everyone informed we checked into OBT. One of the benefits of delivering where you work...I was able to pick my nurse. I chose Julie S. Maybe it was because our last names are the same despite one letter out of place, or because her daughter and I share a birthday or maybe just because she is a great nurse and a really nice person! We were quickly checked in and my cervix was checked. I was 4-5/100/-1!

From this point on I was prepped for a repeat c-section. Things moved quickly I'm sure but it felt like time was moving very slow. I was taken back to the OR where this time an epidural was placed not a spinal. Both relieved the pain perfectly but with the epidural I was able to move my feet! I kept asking to make sure that was ok. Dr. Porras checked several times to make sure I was unable to feel anything and then got started on freeing little Jack!

Jackson Thomas Schneider was born at 1103pm. The only part of my c-section that I watched was my little boy being born. It was just as amazing as it was the first time. I cried with joy that he was here and healthy. It wasn't until he was taken to the recovery room that we found out he was 7 pounds 12.2 ounces! At that rate had he stayed in for 3 more weeks he would have been over 9 pounds! I guess there is something to be thankful for going early!

Once I made it to the recovery room he was all bundled up and being snuggled by Daddy and Nana. I was very shaky from my epidural and once again had to wait until it got better to hold Jack. Once he hit my arms we bonded instantly and he set off nursing like a champ. In fact I didn't think he was going to stop! An hour later and he did :) I remember looking at Rob and saying can you believe it we have TWO boys!

Jack's Birthday

2009-08-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Jackson Thomas Schneider!

You were born at 11:03 PM August 15, 2009

7 pounds 12.2 ounces

19 3/4 inches long

9/9 apgars

Beautiful as can be!

One of my first glimpses of you!

Mommy finally gets to snuggle you! All the pain medicine gave me the shakes and I was afraid to hold you right away. It was well worth the wait to have you in my arms finally!

Waiting for Jack

2009-07-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Luke we've spent many an afternoon in the loft loafing around waiting for Baby Jack to arrive. You've been such a good sport about being at home all the time and letting Mommy get some much needed rest. By the time Daddy gets home you've pretty much taken out every toy you own! Thank you for being such a big boy!
Wanting so badly to be outside...too bad it's 112 out!

Getting in a few snuggles with Mommy and her big tummy!

Potty break

2009-07-16T17:55:00.000-07:00

Luke you haven't quite mastered the potty yet but you are finally comfortable having a go at it! You will sit and read books or even color while we wait to see if any potty comes. You've gone several times on the big boy potty. Now we just need to work on you knowing when you need to go!
These pictures were taken after dinner (notice the pudding all over your face) and before a shower. It was an unsuccessful attempt so no monkey stickers this time but you sure looked cute and gave it a shot!

3D Jack

2009-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today we had a growth US of Jack. He is growing nicely and is estimated at 4 pounds 12 ounces! We got some great pictures as well. At first there was a profile shot and I actually yelled out oh my gosh he looks just like Rob! Then when we switched to the 3D I started to cry because you look just like your older brother Luke. We can't wait to meet you but stay put for a little while longer!
Looks like you will have lots of hair like big brother Luke did as well! I can't wait to kiss your sweet little head.

An artist in the making...

2009-07-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

Can you old still long enough to let Daddy get your whole hand? It sure does tickle!

Daddy don't forget my thumb!

Showing off your finished product!

Haircut time again

2009-07-02T17:20:00.000-07:00

After a few haircuts at home it's finally that time again were we need to let the professionals step in. Mommy hasn't quite mastered the whole hair cut yet. A trim here and there is about all I can manage. So today Nana and Mommy took you in for the real deal. I was a little embarrassed because the last time I trimmed the back Daddy thought it was pretty funny to talk to you from the other room right as I cut. Needless to say you moved and a section ended up a little bit short. Your professional stylist said things looked pretty good otherwise.

We had to wait for a little while and you tried out a few pairs of sunglasses in between playing with all the trains.

It was a bumpy road to get to see those beautiful eyes again and a lot of fake crying but we all survived! You look adorable with your new summer cut even if you are a sticky mess from your lollipop!

Seattle Mariners! Go Team!

2009-06-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Luke you are a huge fan of playing with Daddy's baseball hats. His Seattle hat is a fav for sure! Just your way of sending some love to our Seattle family :)
You love to put the hat on others too. However you are less of a fan when Daddy puts his hat on. You promptly want it OFF!

Big Boy Bed

2009-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

When your big boy bed first arrived you were pretty excited. It wasn't until we tried to put you in it to sleep that you were terrified of it! You are finally starting to warm up to it. It's now a place for reading books and even more fun is throwing off all your animals!
I hope that some day soon you will realize how snugly it really is! Mommy likes your bed more than her own!

Colors

2009-06-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

If it's not Sakai eating crayons it's you! You haven't actually eaten any that I know of but you sure think it's funny to tease.
You and Nana K spending some time with your colors. We have so many pictures you both have drawn and even more pictures of you doing it! Lukers you love to draw and sometimes get carried away and the crayons end up everywhere (Sakai even gets a few as a snack every so often) but it's helping you learn your colors for sure. I love to hear you say purple...it's the cutest!

Will's Birthday Party!

2009-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmm Pizza!

This is your second slice...you were either starving to death or are a HUGE fan of pizza!
Sitting at the table like such a big boy!

You even had a taste of Sierra Mist in a real cup without a lid!

We didn't get any really good action shots of the day. You were far to busy running around for Daddy to catch a glimpse of you! The party was held at a place called pump it up. I'm sorry I wasn't there to celebrate Wills birthday with everyone but glad to hear it was such great fun!

Luke's gone green!

2009-05-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows you love trash...but do they know you love to sort it too?
We take advantage here at the Schneider house to fill up our recycle bin each week! Not only does it help the environment but it means Luke gets to see TWO trash trucks a week. Luke you are obsessed with all things trash. From dumping it out and throwing in away again, to taking the trash from inside to the big cans, taking the cans to the curb you name it if it has anything to do with trash you are up for it!

Electronic Lessons

2009-05-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

The whole family has become quite the fan of Mommies itouch. Luke you aren't excluded!
I'm not sure if you are teaching Daddy of if he is you! It was fun to watch you interact and have something catch and hold your attention for so long!

Just like old times

2009-05-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

We used to snuggle every morning when you woke up but then you got bigger and headed straight for all of your toys. It was a fun surprise for Mommy that you wanted to snuggle today. What a bonus for you to find grapes in the mini-fridge! I love our stolen little moments together and was glad that Daddy was home to capture one on film.

Luke + Olivia = Love and Friendship

2009-05-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

Olivia has a hold on you Lukers! Already feeding her fish :)
I'd like to think they are sharing but it looks a little more like tug of war!

This is where Luke shows Olivia how to make her moms stomach drop in fear that they can fit through the bars!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

On your marks...get set...go!
Found one!

Cutest Easter boy there ever was!

This Easter was a little different than last year. First off Luke you knew just what to do with all those pretty eggs! You collected quite a few in your little basket. I think last year you just looked cute :) This year Mommy was at work...except as a patient! After nursing Luke back to health from the stomach flu all week it caught up with me Easter weekend. I was only in the hospital for one day and was happy to be discharged after several bags of fluid for hydration. Daddy promptly came down with the bug on Monday. Fingers crossed we are finished passing it around!

Elmo Time

2009-04-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

You used to only watch Sesame Street with your breathing treatments but since we were able to stop those for the summer time you request "Shoes" all the time now!
Such a big boy able to sit all by himself.

Not that is surprises anyone but you are becoming a master at the computer. You love to turn the volume up loud for your favorite songs!

It's a BOY!!

2009-04-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

We had our formal ultrasound today and this is what we saw!
More blue in the Schneider home!

My favorite picture. A perfect set of little feet! I can't wait to give them kisses!

Fun with Nana K

2009-04-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Nana K showing you how to draw a kitty cat.
You always have lots of love to give Nana K. You talk about her lots and show her all your new things every time she comes over to play. I have to say she is one of your biggest fans.

Busy mornings...

2009-04-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

Putting that diaper box to good use again. This time it's to help with bird watching and truck spotting!
A good part of the day is spent here with your monkey looking for fast cars and chirping birds.

You never go to far in the morning without your monkey in tow!

Here you are helping Mommy clean out your closet to help get ready for the baby. I wonder if we will be buying all new pink or passing on all that blue!

Brush those teeth!

2009-03-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

You may not be tall enough yet but you really love the sink! We held off opening this box of diapers for nearly a month so you had a good stepping stool!

Your brush must be wet at all times! Sucking the water out is half the fun!

Getting so big!

2009-03-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

One of your new favorite things to do is to take a shower! You love to move all the bottles from one side to the next. When you were really little you used to hate the rain drops of the shower falling on you but now you love it! Some times it's hard to get to you come out to dry off! We have to tempt you with lotion for your tummy your next favorite thing!
You don't look like a baby anymore! Such a little boy you are now!

In need of a haircut but you still couldn't be cuter!

Spring time in the pool!

2009-03-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

If that's not a bathing suit bod than I don't know what is!
Spring came and went a few times this year. It was hot then cold than hot again! The big pool wasn't ready for swimming yet so we bought a little one to tide us over until it's AZ warm!

Lukers you are also a huge fan of the hose. Especially when you have control and you can give Sakai a bath!

3D Baby

2009-03-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Today we had a visit to the specialist. We got some great pictures of our little one. The tech went into look only to get heart tones but we left with some great pictures! The baby looks like he/she is just lounging on a pillow. So many people have said it looks so snugly in there! Let's hope the baby thinks so and stays put until the end of August. :) We will start weekly progesterone shots at 16 weeks to help ward off the pre-term labor problems I had with Luke. Fingers crossed I'll get to enjoy all nine months of this pregnancy and use my bed only for sleeping!

Spring Training!

2009-03-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today Daddy took you to your first spring training game!
Daddy said you were a good boy! You went around collecting empty water bottles and talking to all the people. Once you get a little bigger we will go to more baseball games! Maybe even ones with seats and hot dogs!

The Zoo

2009-02-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

Yay we're going to the zoo!
Roaming the zoo like the animals do.

What a fun afternoon! We went to the Phoenix Zoo today with Katie, Bernie, Heidi, Ambrey and Olivia. It was a warm day but we got to see lots of fun animals relaxing in the shade. All the kids did great. Luke you even had lunch at the zoo! The older kids got to run around and stretch their legs a bit. On the way home Lukers you were pooped and fell asleep before we made it very far. What a fun afternoon spent with some of our favorite people!

11 weeks and 2 days

2009-02-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

We are approaching the end of the first trimester and I can't wait to say good bye to it! I'm starting to feel better. Much more energy and less nausea. I've found that eating small meals is helping or else it's just time! Here are some action shots of our little muffin as Dr. P called her. No confirmation on the sex yet it's just everyone is calling the baby a girl. I still have trouble and always say boy! It's all I know what can I say! Our little one was very active so it's hard to see what we saw in the live ultrasound. You can see a little hand by the babies head. It was very cute to see that sweet little hand sweep by as if he/she was waving. We were unable to hear the heartbeat we think because of all the activity. Next visit I'll keep my hands off Robs Dr. Pepper! We go back in four weeks but see a specialist in two. There is talk of weekly progesterone shots to help ward off the pre-term labor. I'll keep you posted!

Hurray for Presidents day!

2009-02-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

We just love it that Daddy works for the government and gets 11+ holidays a year! This one happened to fall on a day that Mommy was home too! We spent the morning hanging out inside...it was kind of a chilly morning. Then you took a nap while Mommy and Daddy went to have an appointment for the new baby. When we came home we all headed outside!

You are such a little boy! Always collecting rocks and leaves.

Posing for Mommy in the back yard!

Nana E spent the day with us too! She caught you checking out the doggie door.

Home early!

2009-01-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

What a fun day! Mommy got sent home from work early and we got to hang out as a family!
We went for a walk around the block. Luke you started in the waggon but ended up wanting to help push it!

If you can only remember which house is ours :)

You spent the morning with Nana E while Daddy worked to clean up the garage. It's a good thing too it was a mess! I got home just in time to see Nana E and Nana K when they dropped you off. You ran around for a little while and then it was clearly nap time for you and Mommy! It was a nice afternoon spent together.

Congrats to Daddy!

2009-01-21T12:26:00.000-08:00

A huge congrats go out to Rob for getting a promotion at work!

We knew you could do it and couldn't be more proud of you!

First Ultrasound

2009-01-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

We had our first appointment today with our great OBGyn Dr. P. This is our first ultrasound....I hope of many! We were so lucky to get so many ultrasounds with Luke I hope Dr. P will spoil me with this baby as well! Everything checked out great with baby....mom on the other hand is having a rough start. Luke's pregnancy was great until the contractions started. I can remember one day, actually one moment not even a day of feeling nauseated. Well this baby has me scouting out trash cans and bathrooms! Oye and talk about being tired! Consensus is that this baby is a girl :) We shall see. It won't be long before we can find out. Our next appointment is in four weeks.

What an outfit!

2009-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

Look at those legs! Better yet check out that outfit. I have to admit we spend the better part of our mornings and afternoons in our PJ's! Sometimes you lose parts of your outfits throughout the day and pick up new ones. Today you brought your shoes and insisted they be put on. It looks like you were reading the mail as well (and playing mobwars!) what a mess!

And of course a monkey in your mouth to complete any outfit!

Monkey!

2009-01-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Luke you are getting so big! Daddy got a new monitor for his computer for Christmas and we can't seem to throw the box away because you love it so much. It makes a great step, table and chair! You drag it around all over the place. It's favorite use is to get to the speakers on Daddy's desk and turn the volume way up! You are also a fan of turning the monitor on and off and running tests on it! I see a computer geek in the making.

Yay! Daddy is home!!

2009-01-02T17:57:00.000-08:00

I think one of your favorite times of day is when Daddy gets home from work. You hear his keys in the door and you run to the gate at the top of the stairs to greet him with a smile. Daddy does his best to run up the stairs to get you as you scream with excitement and giggles. It is so cute to watch. Then daddy makes it up stairs and usually crashes to the floor for a 15 minute cat nap where you play with his phone and wallet. Once daddy gets a few z's in it's time for comfy clothes and time with his Lukers. It's very sweet to watch you two interact after a day apart. You can really see you both were missed.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like starting off the new year in your PJ's!

New Year's eve wasn't anything exciting. Luke you wanted to stay up all night and party! Mommy really wanted to go to bed early but you wanted to ring in the new year together. I'm not sure what caused you to be up so many times last night but I hope you had peaceful dreams once you finally went to sleep for good! You've been having a rough few nights where you go to bed nicely but wake up screaming as if you've had a terrible dream. It takes us a while to calm you down and then you go back to bed only to repeat it once again. I hope you don't have night terrors like Daddy did!

Pitter Patter

2008-12-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

What fun news to report today! We are expanding our family in September! I was at work and couldn't wait a moment longer to find out if I was pregnant. I knew I was just by how I felt but I needed fact plus confirmation! And here it is! The top stick is from finding out Luke was coming and the bottom one is our latest! I just can't get myself to throw away a memento from two of the happiest days of my life! Our due date is September 5, 2009....there's just something about those September babies I guess!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T01:34:00.000-08:00

Taking a ride in your new waggon!
Catching some z's

Your Snoopy phone was a hit!

I think this may be your favorite gift yet! A little radio of your own! It even plays Rhianna!

We had a great Christmas this year. You spent Christmas Eve at Nana and Papa Schneider's house with Daddy. Mommy had to work this year. From what I hear you were a busy boy removing things from Nana's pretty tree! On Christmas day we went to Mike and Suzanne's for a wonderful breakfast. We were very late and everyone waited for us which was sweet. We knew we'd be in for a long day if we woke you up early! Around nap time we went home so you could rest up for the next party! You didn't nap much but on the way to Nana and Papa Eschingers house you caught some z's. We had a wonderful dinner and a great time opening presents. You were a great boy and went to bed so we could play Mexican train. We didn't leave until after midnight!

Bounce U

2008-12-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

Today was a fun day we met Mike, Suzanne, Will, Cate and Stephen at Bounce U. It's a fun place with a bunch of air filled things you can bounce on! You were skeptical at first and didn't seem to be enjoying the bouncing but you loved to run around. That was until we found one that was full of foam balls to toss! Then you were in heaven!
Daddy giving you a pep talk to go down the big slide. You hated it! Mommy later went and it was really fast and pretty steep! No wonder you didn't like it. Maybe you won't like rides like Mommy...or you'll learn to love them and go with Daddy!

What a fun way to burn off some energy! Great idea Mike and Suzanne!

Such a big help!

2008-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Laundry days seem to come around all too often! You are always willing to "help". Usually this means taking all the clothes out of the basket and placing them around the house! Sometimes you even throw them over the loft edge at the dogs....I wonder where you have seen that before! It's always fun to sort the laundry because the laundry bags seem to be your new favorite hiding place for little treasures! I've found all sorts of things including my shoes, a comb, lotion and the telephone!

Meeting Santa 2008

2008-12-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! We are off to The Minors house and look who just happened to stop by! We had our annual Christmas party with Tom and Carole Minor and as usual it was great fun. This year you were old enough to try a candy cane and you loved it! You were a busy bee tonight running around checking everything out. Grammie Carole has so many pretty things for you to admire...we would have hoped from afar. We only managed to break one snow globe! What a mess! Thank goodness you are so cute and Grammie didn't seem to mind. I guess we know what we have to look for when we go shopping now :) You weren't quite ready to sit with Santa solo so Daddy went with you. You loved the toy horse he brought you that makes gallop noises!

Where have the days gone?

2008-12-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already the middle of December! We have so much left to do before Christmas! Not to say we haven't been busy! You are learning new things each and every day. I just said to Nana and Papa Schneider "I wonder when Luke will learn how to drink from a straw". And the very next day you did it! You are more stable on your feet and run all over the place. You still love to splash in the dogs water bowl and have endless amounts of fun playing with all the lotions and bottles under my sink! You're trying really hard to communicate with everyone. Your vocabulary is expanding rapidly. I even swear you've said things like "I'll get it" and "over there". You do say things like thank you, mama, dada, nana, papa, Tee Tee (Katie), baba (bottle), dawg and something that sounds like Macy. You even yell at Sakai just like Mommy and Daddy! Also you are big at pointing to what you want. Which is working much better than the crying we had before! I've been trying to teach you body parts but you aren't quiet interested yet. Although you will give me whatever is in your mouth when I ask you "Luke what's in your mouth". No matter what it is I usually get it back covered in drool. Speaking of drool you are back at it! You have at least three teeth coming in! The two on either side of your current bottom front teeth and a molar in the back right. I'm not sure what else is going on in there as I get bitten if I inspect! OUCH! You had your third haircut this week and it went better than the second one did! You were a wiggle worm but there wasn't any screaming. Phew. You are also very excited when it comes to meals (as are mommy and daddy) because you love to feed yourself now! You've mastered a fork (you love to stab things) and understand the spoon it's just nothing seems to stay on it long enough to make it to your mouth! One of your favorite places to go is Sweet Tomatoes. They have all your favorite foods all in one place. I can't even being to tell you how amazing you've become at your breathing treatments. You sit like such a big boy and take the whole thing with minimal squirming. And you love taking your pill at night. I'm half tempted to try one because they must be very tasty! Luke you still LOVE the telephone. In fact today the phone started to beep...which was a good help in letting me find it under your puzzle. However the battery was dead because you'd been "talking" for over four hours to a number in Errol, NH. I could do without seeing that phone bill! Next time you can just call Nana...she's local!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

What a busy fun filled day we had! We started out at Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Mikes for round one of turkey and stuffing. I've never seen you eat so much EVER! You had chicken nuggets, turkey, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, peaches, lefse and home made whip cream! I thought you might explode! Let's not forget the sweet potatoes...with eak an egg white wash. You didn't have a reaction thankfully but we dosed you up with benadryl anyway. The wash was on the yummy nut topping that I wasn't giving you but it still made my stomach hurt knowing we came so close! With our tummies full off we went to Nana and Papa E's house for more celebration!
Nana and Papa's house smelled of turkey the moment we walked in! This year was extra special not only were you able to enjoy turkey but because you got to share it with your cousin Adeline, Uncle Matt and Aunt Michelle who were home.
You had a great time with Adie. You popped bubbles and ran around outside, shared some crackers, played with a yoga ball and all the other toys and shared a bath together at the end of the evening. You two are too cute to watch play. It's fun to think in a few months you'll be walking around saying apple and glasses like your big cousin Adie :)

The Phoenix Zoo

2008-11-11T21:01:00.000-08:00

Snack time in Monkey Village.

Feeding the ducks was a favorite!

Strolling through the petting zoo. The sheep were fluffy like Pekerman!

Daddy had the day off today so we planned a fun day to spend together at the zoo! After a little driving around we finally found it. It had been a while since Mommy and Daddy had been to the zoo. We stood in the long ling to get our membership and then we were off! It seemed like we weren't the only family that was out to enjoy the nice cool weather as the zoo was the place to be. There were lots of people and you enjoyed watching all the older kids run around and play. You loved to watch the ducks swim around and the red bottomed baboons even came right up to the window to say hello! Next time we head to the zoo we'll pack more snacks and drinks!

Finally cool weather!

2008-11-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

It finally feels like fall in Arizona so we've been spending more and more time outside. Today we had lunch with Nana, Nana K and your great Aunts Lizzie and Cathi. We sat outside and enjoyed the weather and you were a perfect little lunch date. On the way home you slept in the car and were ready for more when you woke up! We ran around in Nana's back yard, played in the grass and even went for a long walk with Maggie. Thank goodness the heat is gone for a while!

All things allergy!

2008-11-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

What an amazing little boy you are becoming! Today you had an appointment with an Allergy and Asthma specialist. You were a dream. They poked your back to test you for allergies and you didn't move a muscle. While we were waiting for the results you went a little nutty but it was your nap time so I can't complain. You only turned off the doctors computer half a dozen times or so! Much to my relief you are not allergic to dogs or any of the other common allergens. You remain VERY allergic to eggs. We were given an epipen jr. just in case you have eggs. A little scary but somewhat a relief as well. You were also diagnosed with reactive airway disease (again). This is a way for the doctors to say you have asthma without really saying it yet. Tonight we start out on your twice daily breathing treatments of pulmicort and once daily dose of singular. We are going with the route of prevention rather than treatment. The breathing treatments contain some steroids which should help get you through a rough winter. Since you can't get the flu shot (it contains egg) the doctor suggested that every one in your "posse" get a flu shot. So to all of Luke's friends go get yours! The doctors warned that it would be a very bad thing for Luke to come down with the flu. We also received a prescription for a higher dose of albuterol, zyrtec and benadryl should we need it! This doctor is my hero if he keeps you well! Fingers crossed...winter is on the way!

SHOES!!

2008-10-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is nice it was about time we got you some shoes to play outside in! It was so much fun looking at all the shoes. They didn't have the exact pair Mommy wanted but the ones we got sure are cute!

You caught on very quickly to walking in your new shoes.

So quickly that it was hard to get your picture!

Too many health updates

2008-10-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Whew what a week and a half it's been! We don't have many new pictures because it just doesn't seem very nice to take pictures of someone who feels as terrible as you do! We took our first trip to the Pediatric ER last week 10/8/08. You were having a hard time breathing despite a couple of breathing treatments. Rather than wait until the middle of the night we took you in to have you checked out. You had an x-ray, a throat swab and a nose swab. All of which were not your favorite things. You also got more tylenol and motrin and another breathing treatment! They sent us home after a few hours telling us you had a virus. We weren't much wiser to your condition when we left than when we came. But we were much more comfortable taking you home when they said you'd be ok. The next morning we took you to the doctor for an ER follow up. Now we got some real information. You had croup, a sinus infection and reactive airway disease. RAD is a way of saying asthma before you diagnose it. We were sent home with antibiotics, steroids and orders for 2-4 hourly breathing treatments. They also drew your blood and did another breathing treatment in the office. Once we got the antibiotics and steroids in you things took a turn for the better. As things go today you still have a bit of a runny nose and a little rumble in your chest but nothing compared to the wheezing you had last week which could be heard from the other room! Now our main issue is your lack of sleep! You are up past mommy and daddy! You've become quite a night owl. I'm not sure if it's because you are feeling better and don't need as much or if the steroids are keeping you up! Either way I miss my baby that went to bed early and slept in late! But am very happy to have my baby back that can breath!

Yay for cups!

2008-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

Recently you've really taken to drinking out of a cup. A sweet friend of mine found this cup for you! Thank you Dana for thinking of Luke he loves his new cup! You like to take a few big sips and then you dip your fingers in it. You usually end up pretty wet down the front but that's ok!

Another health update!

2008-10-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Oh come on Mom more pictures?

Lukers and Macy are on the mend....well that was until the coughing and sneezing started! Luke you finally got rid of your mystery fever and rash and have now started coughing and sneezing up a storm! Ever since you were very little you would cough first and then sneeze. It was like you were helping it out a little. You still do it to this day. It's very cute...but do you think you'll be 15 and still doing a little cough before every sneeze?

Macy went back to the vet yesterday and got a clean bill of health. His little pug bottom is looking a million times better. We still have to clean it twice a day and finish the antibiotics but we got only good news this time!

My little hot potato

2008-10-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

This is just a cute picture of you reading some mail. September is proving to be a rough month for the Schneider household. My sweet little Lukers is sick again and this time he is a toasty little guy. Your temperature reached a new high of 104.5, 40 minutes after you had Tylenol. I don't even want to know what it was before! Up until Monday evening nothing really seemed to be bothering you. That is until the massive amounts of drool started pouring out of you! Then I started to think maybe you had a bit of a sore throat. We went to the pediatrician to confirm and Mommy was right. Maybe I should go to medical school :) The doctor said you had a very red throat and that it was most likely a virus. You were tested for strep which you didn't very much like and that came back negative. So along with those results and the nice new rash you are getting Mommy and the Doctor agree on a virus. Fingers crossed you are at the tail end of it.

Speaking of the tail end of things our beloved pug Macy is under the weather as well. A trip to the vet Monday revealed an infection in or around his left anal gland. The doctors first gave very bad news of a tumor and 3-12 months to live but shortly (if you can call two straight hours of sobbing shortly) they changed their minds and it was now an abscess. Macy was placed on antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications. The abscess was drained as best it could be and we were sent home with instructions to clean it twice a day by flushing it out. All my nursing skills are being put to the test this week. I think I'd much rather have to deliver a baby at Target! So between giving Luke Tylenol and Motrin every four hours I am applying warm packs to a pugs bottom and flushing out, what I hope every minute, is just an abscess and not a cancerous tumor. Being a mother is proving to be harder and harder each minute.

On a lighter note Luke you are walking like a champ. Still choosing to crawl when you need to get somewhere quickly but each day you make it look easier and easier! We are still in the progress of getting the video up...things have been a little more like an Urgent Care than a home!

Haircut #2

2008-09-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

You were pooped after your second haircut! I would have taken more pictures but you screamed through the whole thing! This haircutting experience was much different than the first. You wanted nothing to do with the car or anything else for that matter. You screamed like she was cutting your ears off! Thankfully you took a snooze in the car afterwords and were very cute with your new haircut the rest of the day.