Madelyn & Cooper

skiing and other stuff

2012-01-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

Maddie taking a break with mommy during a long day of ski school

The cutest ski bunny on the slopes!

Just when you think you couldn't be more proud of your child, they go and do something that makes your heart swell to the point that you are sure it will burst. I was there with Madelyn when we went to Red River, New Mexico to ski with some of our best friends. Madelyn went to ski school the first day, had 2 private lessons the second day, and by the end of the second day, she was skiing down the bunny slope with her dad trailing behind her. By day 3, she was ready to hit the mountain with the big kids and that is exactly what she did (while mom stayed behind on the bunny slopes!) She took a wrong turn and ended up on a Blue Course from a Green but somehow managed to make it down with only falling twice! She was bobbing and weaving with the speed of a cheetah...so glad that her daddy could keep up with her because I was just no good! I wish we would have had more time on the mountain for her...she seemed to love it. Note to self for next year...she will need a helmet because they girl doesn't seem to mind going fast!

My heart also felt like it was going to burst when I saw Cooper the morning after we returned from Red River. He had stayed with his grandparents (and had an awesome time) but mommy, daddy, AND Maddie were all missing Cooper after 6 days without him. What made my heart swell was not when he saw me but when he saw Maddie...they hugged like long lost best friends. If that doesn't pull a heart string, I'm not sure what will. I guess that time apart did them good and now Cooper doesn't want to do a thing without his big sister!

Cooper is going to have another endoscopy on Wednesday to check to see if his EE is still flaring its ugly, ringed head (EE causes rings on his swollen esophagus) so please say a little prayer that the doc finds nothing but a normal "pipe" in there!

...and a happy new year

2011-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

We just spent the last 2 weeks celebrating Christmas and it was a joyous holiday season around the Wier house! This was such a fun year with the kids. They had a lot of questions about Santa, Jesus, and Joey (our Elf on the Shelf). I do believe there is confusion on where Santa and Jesus live and where Joey goes after Christmas. Having young kids around during the holidays opens your imagination and thought processes...that is for sure!

Madelyn and Cooper waited so patiently (well as patiently as a 5 and 3 year old can) for Christmas to arrive. There were so many different days with family and friends that they probably think that Christmas is half of the month! I honestly don't care at this point...it was worth it to see their faces light up each time we saw family members or friends walk in the door. And they got to give and get gifts on top of all of that. We are truly blessed with so much.

I wish I had more time to write about the entire experience of the Christmas season but I'm sure I would bore you with pages of information! We are getting ready to take Maddie girl skiing with some of our best friends and Coop-Coop is going to Grandma and Grandpa's house where he will get to ice cream every night before bed and stay up late (that is what he told me!) Hopefully next time I sign on I will have an update on Madelyn's first skiing experience and an update on how Grandma and Grandpa held up with a bossy, stubborn, delightful, tiring 3 year old!

december

2011-12-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

am i averaging roughly 1 post a month these days, or what?!

kids are good. cooper had an endoscopy done this week and his esoniphilic esophigitis (i probably just spelt that all wrong!) has reared its ugly head so he will be started back on oral steroids and will get scoped again in a month. once again, he was a champ at the surgery center and wowed the nurses and staff with his upbeat mood. he did ask everyone, and i do mean everyone, that he saw if he was going to get a shot. after they put his to sleep, they put in a i.v. but he didn't notice. he was more worried about the bright red light on his finger which was the pulse ox machine. once he woke up and got the wires out, he was ready to blow that joint and get some mcdonalds. and he deserved it (especially after having to be on a liquid diet the day before). he was a happy, happy boy!

madelyn got a hair cut a couple of weeks ago and she looks more grown up than ever and NEVER wants her hair fixed. is it too early for me to give up on that battle?! half the time, since her haircut, i don't even fight with her. if she wants to have it hanging in her face, dangling in her food, and being dragged through glue on her art projects, then so be it. sometimes i feel like she is reaching the teenage years at 5 years old and i'm scared for when she gets any older!

she is, i think, starting the beginning stages of reading. she wants to know how to spell everything and she is sounding out words and doing word finds on her own. she spends a lot of time coloring, singing, and playing on the ipad. i think she can work that thing better than me...in fact i know she can! cooper isn't far behind her. by the time i actually get a turn on the thing, it needs to be plugged back in because the battery is run down. kids!

our elf, joey, showed back up last week. maddie has had to talk to him twice about naughty things she has done and she is terrified of telling him. i guess having such a close tie to santa will do it to a young child! cooper talks to joey like a friend and likes to mention to joey what he wants for christmas. i have to keep reminding him that he should focus on staying on the "nice" list and we can worry about gifts later! christmas time with kids is so much fun...makes me feel like a kid again, myself!

I'm in the Lord's Army...Yes Sir!

2011-11-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you spend any time around our kids right now, you are bound to hear this song being sung by either of the children or by both at the same time! Praise songs seem to be their favorite music (we aren't complaining one bit) and at almost anytime you can hear one of them singing while riding in the car. Talk about music to your ears!

3 years later...

2011-11-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

This time 3 years ago we were bringing Cooper home from the hospital...again! He had his pyloric stenosis surgery when he was 1 month old. I can't believe it has been 3 years! And we thought that particular surgery was going to "fix" him only to find out he was going to be a work of art.

Cooper spent the day with me. He had a doctor's appointment this morning where he wowed the PA who we saw. He could show her where to look in his ears, pulled up his shirt for her to take a listen, and stuck out his tongue on command. Easiest money she ever made ;-) On a serious note, she was extremely nice and seemed concerned for him, which is something we don't get very often. She seemed as though she wanted to figure out the "puzzle" that is Cooper's health. For today, its a sinus infection - a pretty bad one. She gave us one round of med's but wrote for 2 because she was pretty confident that 1 wouldn't do the trick. Especially since he is allergic to the "good" antibiotics that would wipe it out on the first try.

And 3 years later our 2 year old is now 5. She is just beautiful - inside and out. She does not like having her hair brushed though and has asked to cut it short like mommies. Hate to break it to her but unless it is buzzed off like most of the men in her family, then she is still going to deal with tangles, blow dryers, and ponytails! Its tough being a girl! That sweet girl is asleep in our bed right now because she doesn't like to be alone. Cooper got "evicted" from her room for naughty behavior which means she ends up ALONE which she does not like (I don't blame her - I am the same way). So I advocated and she was brought down to our room where she quickly drifted off to la-la land. Instead of getting Cooper a new twin bed, we should have just invested in a King for our room ;-)

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here we have Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Spiderman (minus the face mask because his head was a little to big for it!) The kids had a fantastic time trick-or-treating with their friends. Cooper ran out of energy much sooner than Madelyn but he made it the entire trip and they both came home with a bag full of candy. What a fun night...this was a great age for all of the Halloween festivities!

update on the clowns

2011-10-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

The newest member of our family - Lucy the Jack 'O Lantern. We let Madelyn pick the name and that is what she came up with. First we had Lucy the dog, then Lucy the baby (our friends baby), and now Lucy the Jack 'O Lantern. Popular name around the Wier house.

Let me tell you about these 2 clowns...

This weekend, we took the kids to their Paw Paw P and Maw Maw Nita's house for the weekend. I got to go shopping and spend time with Momo and then we all had dinner with Paw Paw, Maw Maw Nita, Momo, and my brothers and their families. Kevin and I headed off to College Station after dinner knowing they were in great hands.

Each time we called to check on them, things were going great (minus them getting up super early which is how they roll). Madelyn went to a cheerleading camp with her cousin Kaytie and Cooper went to a parade in Angelton with Paw Paw and Maw Maw. Then they got to go swimming because Paw Paw heated the pool for them (he is sweet like that!)

When we picked them up on Sunday morning though, that is when we learned that they stayed up until 12:30 the night before!!! Our kids! The ones who go to bed every evening between 7:30-8:00. They took advantage of the opportunity that was presented. BUT on Sunday, they had the "no sleep" mixed with too much candy corn hangover! Cooper slept the entire ride home from Houston to Dallas. Maddie slept part of the way and the rest of the time she sat in the back in what appeared to be a trance. Cooper slept another 12 hours last night and Madelyn slept about the same.

I'm so glad they had a great time in Houston with the family. I'm glad they got to stay up late as well...because it wasn't on my watch! I was in bed Saturday night well before they were! All in all, it was a successful weekend...one for the baby books!

happy birthday sweet cooper

2011-10-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Cooper's 3rd birthday and it was a wonderful day! The weather wasn't cooperating but it didn't matter...the party went off without a hitch and Cooper seemed to have an awesome time. It sort of hurt my heart (in a good day) to see him playing with all of his friends and realizing that my baby boy is now a little boy. He played in the sand, rolled tractors, and hit the pinata like a champ. I don't think we have ever seen him so happy. It really was a Happy Birthday!

Yo Gabba Gabba!!!

What a good looking group

what i should be doing

2011-10-03T18:34:00.000-07:00

What I should be doing is studying for test #2 of my second semester of nursing school. This test is over prenatal, OB, and post pardum. A few things I know all too well about! After learning everything that I have regarding these subjects, I realize just how lucky we are to have Madelyn and Cooper. The odds for the entire reproduction process are quite startling and I am thankful for our two beautiful children!

Okay...a few funny things.

Cooper told me he wanted to play with "Potato Face"...you and I know him as Mr. Potato Head! He actually makes really good Mr. Potato heads!

Cooper has a picture with him and his friend Summer from school. I put it on the fridge yesterday for him to see and he had to check on it twice today, making sure that Summer was still there. Here is the pic (too cute for words!)

And Miss Madelyn...

She is turning into such a little girl. I mean "little" in that I have never seen her so skinny and "little girl" meaning she is no longer a baby or a toddler (sniff, sniff.) This evening I was sitting in the other room listening to her play a game with Cooper. She showed him how to play and then cheered him on when he did good. It was a proud moment for this mommy. Not sure how she turned out so wonderful...she must get that from her daddy!

new post (because I don't post often enough)

2011-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

There are some things that I am good at. There are other things I am not. Well...a LOT of other things that I am not (good at)! One of those things is multi-tasking. Kevin, Madelyn, Cooper, and nursing school consume all of my time. The first three...I don't mind. It's the fourth. It keeps me from multi-tasking.

If I was keeping up with this blog the way that I want to, you would know that this past weekend we had a family birthday party for both of the kids. We actually had an entire weekend of fun. My mom came into town on Friday and we were able to have dinner with her. After dinner, I checked my phone to see a call from my step-mom, Nita. Her and my dad were on their way to Dallas...and they had a stow-a-way!!! My sweet neice Kaytie was with them. What a surprise for all of us!

The next morning the kids were all systems go before Madelyn's soccer game. When the soccer game rolled around, Maddie scored 2 goals and played harder than I have ever seen her play. I think she was showing off her "mad" soccer skills and she really showed heart in that game. We couldn't have been more proud of her. Later that afternoon, we celebrated Madelyn's 5th birthday and Cooper's quickly approaching 3rd birthday. Of course...when you get more than about 5 people in this house it starts to get crazy! The kids had a great time and both Kevin's parents and my parents were there. I think that might be the first time since we had Madelyn that it had happened. What a wonderful feeling to have this house bursting with family and friends. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

So, I will probably go back to where I forget to multi-task and post the way that I should. If you see that happening, send me an e-mail to give me a swift kick in the rear to get back on track!

five

2011-09-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

How is it possible that she is already five? It was just yesterday that we moved into our "new" house, set up the yellow and purple nursery, and I sat my big pregnant belly in front of the fan (watching Dawson's Creek reruns) trying to stay cool while anxiously awaiting her arrival!

Typical Maddie style, she decided to take us along for a ride but not before making us wait until the very end! She finally gave a kick hard enough to break my water and off we went to the hospital. I knew those strong kicks would come in handy some day because she has turned into quite the soccer player five years later!

Madelyn has always been a mover and a shaker...from the beginning. She kept me up all hours of the night before she was born so it was no surprise that when it was time to come out, she had flipped over and was facing the wrong way. I think of that quite often when I check on her at night. Luckly, at the last minute, she slipped out and made her deput. Five anxious grandparents where there to greet and hold her in all of her awesomeness.

After 9 months of colic, she finally decided to stop all the crying and enjoy life. And that is what she has done ever since then. She wakes every morning with a smile like the rising sun, waiting to see what is going to "happen" that day. She now knows the days of the week and even though she asks what is going to "happen" she is usually able to answer her own question before we can get the words out!

Five fingers on each hand. Five toes on each foot. Five whole years. Five years flew by. The best five years of my life. Hope the next five go by a bit slower.

Birthday Girl

Friends Forever

Make a wish

bedroom blues

2011-09-07T04:32:00.000-07:00

I got up in the middle of the night last night to use the restroom and stepped on Madelyn. She was sleeping on the floor next to our bed. This was at 3:00 am. I found her hiding in the kitchen last night at 9:30 pm crying softly. This was just last night. Every evening it seems to be a different time and a different place that she pops up. You are probably asking yourself the same thing we ask her..."why" and "what's wrong?"

A few weeks back Madelyn's smoke alarm was beeping in the middle of the night because it needed a new battery. Ever since then, she is scared of her room, cries almost every night when we put her down, and she is afraid of the fire alarm and the red light that flashes on it. When we ask her what's wrong she says "I'm scared of my room" Any suggestions on what to do to help resolve this situation?

It doesn't bother me that she fell asleep in the middle of the floor...I did the same thing as a child and my parents didn't seem to have much a problem with it (that I can remember!) What is hard is that she cries almost every night...she does not like her room. We aren't sure what to do at this point? HELP!

Aquarium

2011-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Aquarium on Friday morning. We though, them being half fish and all, that they would love it. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to be the case. Cooper was having more fun swinging from the handrails and every time Madelyn seemed "in to" something, she would quickly become bored and want to move on to the next thing. Kevin and I were a little let down but if we were Ron Washington, I'm sure we would say "that is how parentin' goes."

Madelyn told us this evening that she was scared of her room. Kevin asked her what scared her and she said "everything". So I asked her what would make her feel better and she told me "sleeping on the couch". Awww...she was breaking my heart! But, she was extremely tired and fell asleep about 2 minutes later.

Cooper woke up this morning and told us "I not cry" which is a huge deal! The sun seems to be coming up a bit later and Cooper likes to start crying about the time the sun comes up. This works out well because it gives us a few minutes extra to sleep. It doesn't work out well for getting to work/school on time!

Madelyn getting ready for her pep-rally at school

Young Scholar

2011-08-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

We have a Young Scholar in our house! Madelyn moved up in her class from a Honeybee to a Young Scholar (sniff, sniff). This is the class that will prepare her for kindergarten next year. She was so excited yesterday morning and walked right in like it wasn't a big deal. I always thought that I would be the emotional type that cried at every milestone but have quickly realized that if I cried for each milestone they both hit, I would never stop! I can't believe how fast they are growing.

As for Cooper...well, he is still rotten. Rotten, stinkin, cutie pie is what he is. I wish I had better will power on getting on to him for the things that I should but he bats his eyes or gives me a crocked smile and I seem to forget about what he has done (like tee-teeing in his pants!) What a stinker that boy is. I have a feeling he is going to charm the ladies some day!

I got to talk to my Mimi this morning. Mimi is my grandma which makes her Madelyn and Cooper's great grandma. She has always taught me to take it all in because they grow up so fast. I never quite understood what that meant until I had children of my own. Now it makes perfect sense!

San Antonio & Garner 2011

2011-07-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

We started the first leg of our vacation weekend in San Antonio. We were able to stay with our good friends Tony & Rachel who have two little boys almost the same age as Madelyn and Cooper. They played long - they played hard. Cooper even decided to go number 2 in their backyard when the kids were playing naked in the sprinklers (they were doing this to wash off all of the sand that stuck to their sweaty little bodies before going inside!) Kevin and I got to go see Kevin Fowler with the adults which was a nice break. Not too much sleep happening, but with our kids, it never does!

This was our 3rd year of going to Garner and we had a fantastic time! Madelyn is at the perfect age to enjoy spending time with her cousins and playing in the river. She was even brave enough to try the rope swing first and did it over and over and over again! She would get so tired that she couldn't see straight but would cry every time we told her it was bed time. We let her stay up late (past 9:00) but she still wanted to keep going!

Cooper threw fits, threw rocks and swam around in the river like he didn't have a care in the world. He has about 98% control of his balance with his life jacket so he just swims from here to there and back again! He loves the water as much as Madelyn does and doesn't seem to be scared of much. This scares mommy!

We took the tent for them to sleep in. Madelyn did awesome. Cooper...not so much. He was up the first night at 3:30 am and wouldn't go back to sleep. He was up for the day at 6:30 and the bags under his eyes said it all! He was exhausted! The following two days he was up at 6:15. So much for a vacation, right?! Luckily we were able to take turns sleeping later and taking naps.

The kids got to enjoy soda for the first time and they asked repeatedly for it! I think I liked it better when they didn't know what it was but we couldn't hide it from them forever. They know its a special treat and they took full advantage of it on vacation. But isn't that what vacation is for?!

The drive home actually wasn't that bad. For once, they kids were seemingly decent in the car other than a few arguments over who got the ipad and iphone. And of course, they slept past the past couple of mornings. I think they are still exhausted from it all...I know I am!

just like mommy

2011-07-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Madelyn is a LOT like her mommy! Today she was jumping on the couch and Kevin asked her to please stop. He turned around about 20 seconds later (not joking on how quickly it was) and there she was, using the couch for her personal trampoline. Kevin told her she wasn't allowed back on the couch this evening and she immediatly had crocodile tears streaming down her face. She wasn't upset about not being able to sit on the couch...heck, she hardly ever does that anyway. She was upset that she got in trouble. Just like her mommy.

They are both like their mommy in the fact that being tickled is their kryptonite! You can just barely give them a hug without them bursting into giggles and laughing uncontrollably. I love to see them laugh like that. I also love that I'm not the one being tickled anymore!!!

Cooper's new saying, anytime you ask him anything, is "ummmm....sure!" Not sure where he picked it up but it makes Kevin and I laugh every single time that he does it. He does like to point his finger at you when he is mad and wave it around like it means something. It is so, so hard to be mad at that little boy!

I got pulled over today. Apparently I turned left at a light that was a green arrow only left turn. I honestly didn't know what I was pulled over for and was shocked when he told me. Anyway, to make a long story short, Madelyn was crying and Cooper was telling the police man to go away. I started crying because Madelyn was upset. We were one big mess in my little bitty car but he let us go with a warning. Poor Madelyn...she will never look at a cop and think they are good people again. What a sweet couple of kids I have.

sleeping

2011-07-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

I never get tired of checking on the kids and watching them sleep. I may have posted about this before but I am reminded of it every night when I check on them. I could just sit there and watch them as easily as I breathe. I realize in these peaceful moments how truly blessed we are. They are so beautiful to me. Its easy to forget when I have changed Cooper's underwear 3 times in 1 hour, or I listen to Madelyn taunt Cooper and have to intervene just how special those 2 are.

I am constantly reminded of some of the sayings my parents used when growing up:

"time flies"

"just wait until your a mom"

"do you want me to give you something to cry about?!"

I could go on, and on! I guess my parents did know what they were talking about! I am beginning to realize that my kids don't believe half of what I say and they don't listen to the other half. And they are only 4-1/2 and 2-1/2!!!

Mom: "Cooper?"
Cooper: "What?"
Daddy: "Don't say 'what' to your mom. Say 'mam"
Cooper: "Okay. What mam."

rough week in the Wier house

2011-07-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

It has been a rough health week in the Wier house. We were sort of just smooth sailing there for a bit and then all of a sudden it came to a screeching halt for both of them. Cooper started his "cough" on Thursday and when we went to drop Madelyn off with her grandparents last Friday, we realized she had a significant fever. That fever lasted until yesterday as well as Cooper's cough. Madelyn stayed home today to make sure she was fever free, and Kevin said she was up to her old tricks (which means she is back to normal)! Cooper's cough is getting better. I wish I could say the same with his potty tranining.

Between when I picked him up at 4:15 this afternoon and when he went to bed, I believe he pooped in his underwear at LEAST 5 times. He tee-teed at least twice; once being on the middle couch coushin. He has been having accidents at school as well. He got moved to a new class on Tuesday with some older kids so I don't know if that has something to do with it or if he wants to make sure we still know who the boss is around this house! All I know is he is making a LOT of dirty laundry and tiring out his mommy and daddy.

To top off the rough week, our sweet neighbors, The Kapsalis Family, moved to Colorado. I keep looking outside, expecting to see their cars in the driveway and one of their kids being pushed in the tree swing thats still hanging. Maddie keeps asking when they are coming back from Colorado. This is the kids first experience with someone moving away and I'm not quite sure they understand. I am so sad for my kids and their kids...its so hard to explain that sort of thing to kids in the age range of 4 - 1 years old! I hope they know that it will always be the "Kapsalis House" to us and we will miss them terribly!

Prince & Princess

2011-06-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

Well...I'm not sure if they get any cuter than this! They were dressed as a Prince and Princess for school on Tuesday. Cooper's outfit is actually pajamas that were brought back from England when his Aunt and Unlce went on their honeymoon! When I asked him who his Princess was, he told me "Harper" (a little girl in his class!) Believe it not, they both toughed it out in the heat and stayed in their costumes the entire day!!!

its June already?!

2011-06-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Cooper and Madelyn at gymnastics. Notice Cooper's "buzz" cut!

One of the fun things Madelyn has done at school. No...she isn't Chewbacca! I think she is supposed to be a sheep?!

Where has the time gone?! Madelyn has finished her swim lessons and Cooper just got his 4th set of ear tubes. He seems to be doing good but KNOCK ON WOOD...we know how quickly that can change! Their school is doing all sorts of fun summer activities which the kids seem to love. There are always new stories and artwork to show when they get home. Cooper pooped in the potty yesterday which is huge! I am keeping my fingers crossed that it happens again, and again, and again...you get the drift!

We have had a great summer so far. The plants the kids and I planted are still living (again, KNOCK ON WOOD), Kevin went to Miami for the Game 6 of the Mav's vs. Heat (which they won and ultimately won the championship), and we are getting ready for a weekend at the lake with Aunt Amy, Uncle Kenny, and Kaytie. So many fun things to do during the summer, minus my microbiology class. At least the kids and Kevin don't have to be a part of that...its torture!

We are off to go swimming with our neighbors. This might be the last time we get to play with the Kapsalis family before they move to Colorado so I am taking the camera. Can't believe its already time for them to go (sniff, sniff).

goodbyes are coming

2011-06-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Taking a break from the hot summer sun and the cold lake!

Madelyn & Ike - Madelyn did inform us this weekend that she is never getting married. Ike informed us that he is marrying Mia. So, they can continue to be great buds forever!

Our sweet neighbors have a uhaul in their driveway this evening. We have known they are moving but now it seems all too real. Two of the kids best friends are moving to Colorado Springs, CO. While we are super excited for their opportunity, it makes all of our hearts a little sad to see that orange and silver wagon being loaded with tons of toys, boxes, and clothing. While we still have 2 more weeks with them, we all know how fast 2 weeks can fly by.

On a lighter note, Madelyn is still sporting around her purple knot on her forehead. She gets her "grace" from her mommy and tripped at the lake this weekend. She looks like a loop-sided unicorn right now! It does not stop her...or even slow her down for that matter! She has day 2 of swim lessons under her belt and is loving it. I am not surprised...there isn't much that girl doesn't like (besides thunder).

Cooper is sporting his shaved head. His eyelashes are longer than the hair on his head which I think is adorable. I can't tell if I'm in love with the haircut yet...it is growing on me! Cooper doesn't care one way or the other, which I love about him. I think less is more for that little boy when it comes to hair. He is tee-teeing in the potty almost full-time (today he was accident free) but the poop is still showing up in his undies. Maddie did the same thing so we are just waiting as patiently as we can. Not much else you can do in this situation!

April Showers, May Bring Asthma

2011-05-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

They look more alike every day

Check out the new rides...scooters!

First family trip to Ranger's Game...got rained out in the 4th inning but not before the kids had cotton candy, popcorn, and Sprite

'April Showers, May Bring Asthma' would be a good slogan for a sign that hangs in a pediatric allergy office. In fact, we just visited there on Friday. We were there long enough to give them a lot of money, leave with a dozen medications, and apparently a cold that neither child had before entering the office. Looks like we drew the short straw!

Cooper was started on a steriod this weekend and quickly started acting the way his Uncle Kenny did at the same age...honery and a little bit mean. But like his Uncle Kenny, he gets away with it because he is so cute and mommy can't seem to put her foot down and keep it there. He is still tee-teeing in the frog potty but hasn't gotten down #2. I'm sure we will look back on this time and not remember it. Right now though...I'm a little tired of cleaning the stuff up!

Madelyn, I like to think, acts like her mommy when she doesn't feel good. She cries easier than normal, is super tired, and likes to cuddle. Maybe that is one reason we get along so well! I know, I know...I will be singing a diffeerent tune in about 10 years. So for now, I am going to enjoy it. And I am going to enjoy both of them. I just better not get caught lying down in their beds with them at night...they are started to get spoiled to it (even though I enjoy it as much as they do)!

pennies

2011-05-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

I was just brushing my teeth before bed when I looked down and saw 4 pennies on the floor in the bathroom. To most anyone, 4 pennies doesn't mean much. To me, 4 pennies is about what I find in the bottom of my purse when I am searching for a quarter!

Today those 4 pennies kept Cooper occupied for at least an hour. They went to church with him in his pocket and somehow turned up again this afternoon! He would bring one to me, Kevin, and Madelyn, and then ask to take them back, one by one. He would drop one and it would end up rolling under the couch which would leave him frantic for someone to retrieve it. Once it was back in his hand, all was right in his little world. He was sharing those pennies with the wooden monkey that sits in our bedroom. He even brushed his teeth with one little hand tightly clenching those pennies. Not sure how they ended up on the floor, now that I think about it?!

When I looked down and saw those 4 pennies on the bathroom floor, it reminded me of how lucky I am to be a mother and celebrate Mother's Day with the best gifts the Lord has ever given me...Kevin, Madelyn, and Cooper. I left the pennies on the floor right where Cooper left them. (he will be looking for them in the morning). In the meantime, they are 4 simple reminders of the joys of being a mom and the innocence and imagination of our feisty 2 year old. I am honestly surprised that Madelyn didn't talk him into sharing three with her and keeping one for himself! Either way, I got all of that from 4 pennies...not a bad deal!

missing croc

2011-04-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

I have a funny story to share. Apparently Cooper lost one of his croc's at school today. He is potty training at school so they strip him down from the waist down to encourage the process and to eliminate obstacles (like pants and shoes). I am guessing that is what caused the shoe to go missing. BUT where the shoe went is a mystery! Kevin picked the kids up today and he said that almost every teacher stopped him on his way out to talk about the missing croc but it was nowhere to be found.

What was so funny was as we were getting the kids ready for bed tonight, we realized how dirty one of his feet was as opposed to the other. He had major grocery store foot on one side and the other side was clean. We realized it was because he was walking around without a shoe for a good part of the day. We got a good laugh out of that one!

things I love about Madelyn & Cooper

2011-04-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love doing many different things about the kids. I love seeing their smiling faces when they wake in the morning or their excitement when I pick them up from school. I love their hugs and kisses. I love the silly things they say and do and watching them play together when they don't realize they have an audience. I love watching them with their daddy and seeing how much they adore one another. I realized tonight, as I was checking on them, that one thing I can add to my list is watching them sleep. I can't imagine anything more peaceful or precious in the entire world. I really think that they are my angels here on earth...especially when they are sleeping so peacefully without a care in the world. Its when they are sleeping that I am reminded of how simple life can be with the love of these 2 kiddos and their daddy. Its hard for me not to crawl into bed and cuddle up with them. I look at them and realize how quickly time has passed since they got here...has it really been 4-1/2 years since Madelyn got here?! I am one lucky mommy to have these 2 precious people in my life and I love them more than any words I can string together in a sentence.

Easter weekend pic's

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to say about this one!

Easter Eggs = that way

The 2 prettiest girls I know!

Cousin Kaytie and Madelyn

swimming

2011-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 3 weeks since my last post?! Sorry about that. I will try and be better!

Kids are doing well! Maddie had a strep virus (a.k.a. scarlet fever) a few weeks ago and Cooper had a ear infection but both are doing much better (knock on wood!) We survived a weekend in Houston this past weekend. We were barely able to make it out of there though because Madelyn was crying, Cooper was crying, and I was crying!!! No one wanted to leave and everyone wanted to stay (I think even Kevin wanted to - but he wasn't crying about it!) Luckily when we got home, the Easter Bunny had been to our house to visit and the kids forgot all about being sad. They had an awesome Easter! We will be eating Easter candy for the next year.

Potty training is a no-go in our house right now. Surprise, surprise. 5:15 is Coop's normal waking time. Paw Paw P can attest to that. We tried letting him stay up late one night in Houston but he was still up at 5:15 am. These are the words that I have for all of you who tell me to let the kids stay up late..."IT DOESN'T WORK!"

Had to put the door knob protector back on Madelyn's door. She kept greeting us around 6:00 am with it off. After about 5 days of that, we made the executive decision to put it back on. She doesn't seem to mind. I think her room is her castle and she's not looking to bust out of there anytime soon! Speaking of castle...the Easter Bunny brought her the Tangled movie. We are having our neighbors over in a little while for a movie-watching party! Gotta go make the popcorn...

spider logic

2011-04-11T18:15:00.001-07:00

Madelyn was doing flashcards with Cooper this evening and they got to the spider. Cooper said, "The spider bite me" Madelyn proceeded to tell him, "No Cooper. Spiders can't hurt you. They just spin you up with their string!"

visitor

2011-04-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, sickness has come to visit out little ones. Cooper went to the doc on Friday and one of his ear tubes is blocked and infected. Are you asking yourself the same thing we are...how do you get ear infections with tubes? Well...I think the thick mucus he has coming out of his nose is the same stuff that blocks his tubes. At least he is old enough now to tell us he was feeling bad and I was able to get him into the doc before the weekend got here. He seems to be feeling much better and was in a great mood this weekend! Maddie actually took a nap today. Then she didn't ask for a snack. Then she didn't want dinner. These 3 things ARE NOT typical of her. So when she said her tummy hurt, we weren't surprised. Nothing has happened so far (knock on wood) but she is asleep on the couch so that I can keep an eye on her (Kevin had to go back to work). Will keep you posted. Sometimes I feel like the blog is more of a medical update! I think I got so used to Cooper being so sick for so long that sometimes I don't write about all the wonderful things that are going on! Miss Madelyn scored another 8 goals at her soccer game this weekend and then went to a Sweet-n-Sassy birthday party on Saturday where they dolled her up. She had a ton of fun! And Cooper was just a sweet pea this weekend which is not normal for him. He is usually busy throwing fits and being a 2 year old, but this weekend he gave us a bit of a break. And he ate some great meals this weekend! And he talks up a storm and is starting to explain things. I love to hear him say "um...um...um..." as he is trying to figure out the words for what he wants to say. So cute! He told me tonight that he wants his daddy to take him to a baseball game. Little does he know that his daddy is already working on that. Speaking of the daddy...kuddos to him for all of his help this weekend. I have my major care plan due on Tuesday and a test on Wednesday so he gave me as much time to study this weekend that he could. I know I wouldn't be able to be in nursing school without his support. He even took Madelyn to the Sweet-n-Sassy party yesterday! Luckily they didn't try to doll him up as well ;-)

promised pictures

2011-04-08T20:41:00.001-07:00

That's right...I can wear what I want and get away with it

Daddy does my hair

Not sure if we are going to let the bangs grow out or not. Either way, she is beautiful!

allergies

2011-04-05T19:18:00.001-07:00

Allergies. It should be a bad word around this house. We are all suffering from them, but Kevin seems to be fighting them off a little better than the rest of us. Cooper has been having bloody noses, Maddie is coughing and sounds stuffy, and the color of my nose could guide Santa's sleigh. If you see me and Cooper...we probably haven't been crying...its just the bags from allergies! On a better note, Madelyn scored 10 goals at her game on Saturday!!! We were so proud of her. She was having fun, taking charge, and even cheering her teammates on (when she wasn't busying stealing the ball from them!) She was out of control!!! I love that little girl! Cooper is still in the midst of his terrible two's. EVERYTHING is a battle but again...its hard to get mad at him because he just charms us to no end. He is found of the saying, "right now..." An example, "I want chocolate milk. Right now" Demanding little fellow. Love him so much that I can't help but give in. Yes, I know...I'm a sucker! Cooper had a sleepover this past weekend with his Paw Paw P. P called on Friday to say he was coming up and surprised the kids at daycare on Friday. Cooper pretty much didn't leave his side after that. Paw Paw came with his toys as well...an iPad and an iPhone. One for each of the kids to man. AND they had fun games that kept the kids busy for hours! It is AMAZING how fast a 4 and 2 year old learn to use those devices. Paw Paw P even went to the mall with me and Cooper. Can you believe that?! We had a great weekend with P and hated to see him go but it was time. Come again soon Paw Paw P...we love you!!! I promise to put new pic's up soon. The last couple of weeks have been insanely busy so I am really falling behind on my blog. Please forgive me!

Cooper & Cooper = winning

2011-03-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

So Cooper has decided that he is not "down" with the concept of potty training. I guess we should have known that it wouldn't be that easy. Cooper hasn't made a lot of things easy for us during his short little life so this shouldn't be any different. I'm not sure what's worse...him refusing to potty or spitting on the floor WHILE he throws a fit for not getting his way.

Madelyn is learning so much these days. I came across some old workbooks and worksheets when cleaning out my teaching supplies, and she took to them like mosquito's take to water. She will actually sit at her table and work on them for an hour at a time. The only time we hear from her is when she wants us to read the instructions for her. I can't believe how smart and how fast my little girl is growing up!

more diapers

2011-03-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

The potty training last week was a royal "fluke"...Cooper hasn't gone since Friday. Let me restate that - he has gone, just not in the potty. In fact, he went poop twice before 7 am this morning. Guess who the lucky person was to clean up that yucky bottom?! Not Kevin (though he has changed his fair share of diapers so I'm not complaining!) I am complaining about buying ANOTHER box of diapers today. I think the whole concept of a Pull-Up just confuses him. Its underwear you can tee-tee and poo-poo in?! Isn't that a diaper?!

At least Madelyn is using the potty! I remember thinking 2 years ago that she would never be potty trained and now I don't remember her in diapers. Now we are teaching her to sit like a lady so she doesn't show the world her Dora panties at church. It was pretty funny listening to Kevin explain to her how she should sit before church on Sunday and then listening to her instruct Cooper on how he should sit.

Cooper's chronic sinus issues are showing their ugly faces again so we are off to the ENT this afternoon. This is his follow up appointment from getting his tube replaced. I thought he would at least stay well until the follow up appointment. But hey...I will take the time we got because it was glorious...especially checking on him at night and not hearing his noisey breathing. That was music to my ears. Yesterday, I had to chase him through the house with the Nettie Pot. I finally trapped him in the utility room and was able to get it done. Maddie said last night, "Mommy...I don't want you to use the Netti Pot on Cooper!" Not only does it upset him...now it upsets her too!

Spring Break

2011-03-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

It's my Spring Break! This is why I have some time to post a new blog entry. We had 2 fantastic weeks of Cooper being well but now the sinus infection has returned. He seems happy so we can't complain too much. As long as he is happy.

Madelyn is as busy as ever with her social activities. She talks about her friends from school constantly..."well such-and-such does this... or "such-and-such said that!" I feel like my parents when I say "I don't care what such-and-such does!" Fun times.

We had 2 birthday parties on Saturday...one at Chuck-E-Cheeses and one at ASI Gymnastics. The kids had a great time and were WORN OUT Saturday evening. Happy 6th Birthday to our God-son Joshua (aka J-man) and our sweet, sweet neighbor Finley (aka Fee-Fee). We are going to celebrate another special birthday tomorrow with a Princess Playdate. Happy birthday to Sabine (aka Bean-a-a). Kevin and I ate way too much cake but it was so good!

Apparently Cooper has been potty trained at school but has yet to go once at school. We have bribed him with everything possible we can think of but we haven't gotten a thing from him. Frustrating but I know he will do it when he is ready. I believe the peer pressure at school must be getthing through to him!

new words

2011-03-07T15:16:00.001-08:00

I walked to the kids school today to pick them up. I thought that they might enjoy walking home so we gave it a shot and it went really well! They asked to do it again. On the way home though, Cooper introduced me to some new words that he has put together. They go something like this...

"Maddie...get outta my way" and "no hold your hand mommy"

Geez...Coop is 2 going on 12. It is pretty cute to hear him say "excuse me mommy" when he wants to talk while someone else is talking. It is amazing how much he is talking. Its like he went from saying hardly anything to speaking in full sentences.

Madelyn is learning to rhyme words so she spends a lot of time asking questions such as, "does duck and luck rhyme?" Just waiting for her to slip out a curse word. I know I won't be able to keep a straight face. I'm honestly surprised that we have made it 4 years without hearing one. Knowing the way things go around here, Cooper will slip the first one out and it will be all down hill from that point on! I would be glad to hear them say "awww, man..." any day of the week.

Uncle Chris & Princess-Aunt Alison

2011-03-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Madelyn looks like she could be their little girl :-)

One pretty little girl

One handsome, up-to-no-good little boy

Yesterday was a big day around the Wier house. Uncle Chris (Kevin's brother) got married to Princess Alison. The kids both adore their Uncle Chris so it was only natural that they took to Princess Alison (Alison has really long hair and Madelyn thought she was a princess when she first met her)! We were/are very excited and honored to get to celebrate in their marriage at the Dallas Arboretum.

It was the day before "Dallas Blooms" was set to open and the venue was more spectacular than normal. There were some great pictures taken and some not so great...Cooper decided to be "moody" when we needed him to be "happy". Sometimes that boy wakes up on the wrong side of the nap mat, and yesterday was no exception. We had to talk him off a cliff just to put his cute black coat on ;-)

The wedding was outside and the weather was pretty close to perfect. As the couple was saying their vows, God decided to part the clouds and let his light shine down on them. Of course, it caused all of us to sweat, but it quickly went away. I think it was the big man's way of smiling down on their marriage. At the same time, Cooper decided to walk up and poke his uncle in the rear end and ask for a gummy...never a dull moment with a 2 and 4 year old!

As soon as we got home, the dress clothes were shed and traded in for trusty play clothes. The wedding was behind them but in my mind, the memory of seeing them with their uncle, new aunt, 2 grandma's (my mom "Momo" came to babysit for the dinner reception), grandpa, and their handsome daddy will stay with me for a long time. I am so lucky to have caught some of the special (and not so special rock-throwing) moments on camera!

cute

2011-02-27T09:58:00.001-08:00

This is a recipe for disaster!

Not only did he find the shoes...he found the sock drawer too

Don't worry...there weren't clean clothes in those baskets

The doctor has told us more than once...it's a good thing they are cute :-)

good to go? maybe...

2011-02-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Well, Cooper got his 3rd tube in his left eat, had the fluid cleaned out of both of his ears, and had his sinuses cleaned out again. I would like to say "he's good to go" but I know better. He is happy so that is what matters. I had a check-off at school today so I haven't gotten to be with him and I am missing him like crazy. This has been the longest day.

Madelyn had some "mommy-to-herself-time" this morning. I opened her door when the boys left and she came down after she woke up. She climbed into bed with me and watched a show while I tried to sleep a little bit more (it didn't work but at least I got to snuggle with our girl!) She was persistent with wearing her flip-flops to school today but quickly learned that they aren't fun to wear when its raining. Some things, you just have to learn the hard way. She sure looked cute, though!

new pic's

2011-02-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day

Maddie's Snow Day

Hanging out, enjoying the beautiful weather. Madelyn can now swing herself!

Chillaxin on his Big Green Tractor

negotiations

2011-02-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

Madelyn's new 'thing' lately is negotiations. She will try to talk you in to anything and if she doesn't get her way, she starts negotiating a trade. You are probably asking yourself...what does a 4 year old have to trade. She will trade getting books read to her before bed, trade having her lamp on when she falls asleep, her music being on, or even getting her back patted before bed. She will say, "If I can watch one Dora then I won't get any books!" It was okay at first but now its turning into everything being a negotiation..."If I eat my green beans (which she does anyways) then I don't have to drink all of my milk." Its funny to hear some of the ideas she comes up with. Yesterday, for example, her and Cooper were "sharing" goldfish. Shortly after, Cooper came to tell us that Maddie ate her goldfish. She said, "well...we were sharing." Aww...that girl is too smart for only being 4.

Cooper is still just talking up a storm. I love that he can turn a 2 syllable word into about 5. For instance...cereal bar = sear-ree-el-bar. He picks up new words everyday and speaks in 2 year old sentences. And every time we comb his hair he tells us he is handsome! The only thing with the words is that he can now tell us that he doesn't like getting his nose spray. "I not want to" or "no nose spray, mommy". It breaks my heart to have to do it anyways. He has started hiding when he goes poop which is the same thing Madelyn did before she began potty training. Can't believe its already time for that...I'm not ready!!! His little undies sure are cute though...they are smallest undies I have ever seen!!!

And for the finale...getting another tube in his ear and getting his sinuses cleaned out this Thursday. His tube is dislodged and it is what has been causing his pain over the past few weeks. I won't mention to the doc that he was sticking q-tips in his ears and walking around like a martian. I have a sneaky suspicion that might be what caused it. What are we going to do with this boy?!

goals scored

2011-02-19T12:43:00.001-08:00

Madelyn had her first soccer game this morning as a "Red Hot" and she played really well. She scored 3 goals and was able to turn the ball around numerous times. You could tell when she was really concentrating and getting into the game. This is her 3rd season and she is only 4...where has the time gone?!

Cooper scored a goal but in a different way. He ate peanut butter today and didn't show an allergic reaction! He told me that it was "yummy" and ate it right off of a spoon. He hasn't eaten much the last 5 days so we were anxious to give him anything that he asked for. We are so glad that he seems to be getting his appetite back. His ears still seem to be hurting and he had a low grade fever this morning, but he is on the mend and we hope he is able to go to church in the morning. Looks like we are going to visit the ENT again sometime soon (sigh)...

pictures

2011-02-18T06:11:00.001-08:00

While sitting here waiting for the Coop man to wake up, I ran across this site and awesome photo contest that I would like to share...

http://bellajoliphoto.com/blog/redo-your-i-do

For those of you who know how much I love photos, I thought this was an awesome contest to enter. ESPECIALLY since our wedding photos were less than ideal. 7 years later, I still remember what an awesome day it was and how disappointed we were when we received the photos that didn't display the day. We still don't have 1 wedding photo displayed in our home...they were 'that bad' to say the least.

Anyway, if I shared the blog, my name got entered in to the drawing. We could use a little bit of good luck around this house...it has been a rough week (and a rough 2 years when you think about it...but I won't go there)!

sassy pants and happy boy

2011-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

I think that most people can agree that our kids learn a many good things at school but a few naughty habits and mine are no exception. Madelyn has turned into a sassy pants here recently. She gets mad at us if we pick her up too early when she is on the playground or too late if she is playing inside. Kevin and I make it a point to pick them up as soon as we can but apparently that is cramping her social style. Geez...isn't 4 years old a little early to be dealing with sassiness and back talking?! I had to take her book AND her back pats away this evening. She doesn't realize that it hurts mommy as much as it hurts her. So once she realized I was serious, I went back in her room for a back patting session. Yes...mommy is a sucker but I love nothing more than to watch her eyes flutter as she drifts off into dream land!

Cooper had the BEST day that he has had in a long time. It had nothing to do with his health, well, because he is still snotty and coughing. He was just HAPPY. And he ATE! He took a bath, sat on the potty, brushed his teeth and even went to bed without crying. In between, he was just silly and funny! He was "swimnin in the tub" earlier, doing his yoga stretches in the front room saying, "see me, see me mommy", and he told Maddie, "good night...I wuv you." I think it is the first night ever that he went all evening long without crying or throwing a fit. It was aWsome.

So...we win some and lose some around here. Everyday is a new day and the days are coming too fast. All I know is that we have one sassy pants girl and one happy boy today. The 2 together still make a perfect pair for me :-)

sleep

2011-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here listening to my baby boy (yes, I know he is 2 but he is still my baby) cry himself to sleep. This has got to be one of the hardest parts of motherhood. We were/are so spoiled with how well Madelyn has always slept that we don't really know how to handle Cooper. With Maddie, it has always been the same routine. Books, pats on the back, kisses, and goodnights and "I love you's" are said. With Cooper is usually something like this...books, rocking, laying down, patting, then try to leave them room where he follows you almost as quickly to the door screaming. So its back in the room, more rocking, more pats in hopes that he falls asleep and doesn't see you or hear you sneak out of the door. We have been doing this for a few months now and it seems that his bedtime routine is taking over an hour and it still ends up with him screaming at the door for "my daddy" or "my mommy". Sigh...

Good news is he finally went to bed. The crying only lasted about 10 minutes tonight which is down from 30 minutes last week. Now its a sigh of relief...

Maddie should be coming home from gymnastics so I pray she goes down easily. Usually when I say something like, "she has been so good" or "she has been so easy" she goes and throws a wrench in things and puts a stop to it. I guess she is helping to remind us who is boss around this house ;-)

January 2011

2011-01-30T17:40:00.000-08:00

She is full of tricks!

Could I be any cuter?!

Growing up so fast...

Wow. I sat down to upload some new photos and realized I had an entire months worth of photos on the camera. For those of you who know me well, that is very unlike me. Then again...everything in life seems to be "unlike me" with the start of nursing school! So far, I love it but it is more work that anyone can ever really plan for. There is never an end to the amount I can learn or study. The kids and Kevin have been patient and work with me in order for me to get studying done over the weekends.

Cooper is super attached to his daddy still. He doesn't call him "daddy" but "my daddy" when addressing him! It is the cutest, sweetest attachment in the world! Kevin was putting something together today and Cooper put the toilet seat down and sat on it. Kevin asked him what he was doing and he said "I watch my daddy!" Then he went to the other room, got his tools, and "helped" Kevin. Speaking of...he just came in here to ask me something and he addressed me as "my mommy"...this boy knows how to pull on a mommy's heart stings! He is learning new words every day and he repeats...so watch out :) Kevin shaved his head the other day and Cooper said "daddy handsome" (which is what mommy always tells Cooper when I comb his hair. Kevin and I both looked at one another like "did he really just say that?!"

Madelyn is as hyper as ever. She is getting ready to start her spring soccer league. The name of her team is the Red Hots! She just got home from choir and I asked her what they sang. She said "I don't know...but Courtney wasn't there!" She is quite the social butterfly. She fills us in on the events of her class ever day when we pick her up. This morning I took the kids for a walk and she talked THE ENTIRE WALK!!! You can always tell when the girl has run out of gas because she stops talking...the way she is right now. It's her bedtime so I have to run...mommy hood calls!

nursing school and sickness

2011-01-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

I know, I know...my posts have been too far apart lately but I just can't seem to get my act together. Throw nursing school in to the mix and you may not read anything new until the end of the 1st semester :) Madelyn is telling everyone that her mommy is going to nursing school and that she is going to nursing school when she gets older. I asked her if she wanted to be a doctor and she said, "no...but Cooper does!" I'm glad she likes the idea of it. I am so thankful that Kevin (and Madelyn) are so supportive with the decision. I hope that I set a good example for the kids in that its never too late to make a change and find something you love.

Coopie is jabbering up a storm these days. I think that he may be the child that repeats bad words so watch what you say around him :) I love, love, LOVE this age when they are learning new vocabulary every day. I love to hear him say the word 'slippery' and he sometimes calls Madelyn "Maddie" instead of "Ma Ma"...that is really weird to hear coming out of him. He still loves tractors. Every tractor seems to be a "big, big tractor" that is "heavy". That...and his Paw Paw P. Everything is about Paw Paw P. Maybe he is obsessed because Paw Paw P has a tractor!!!

And of course...there is a sickness update. Isn't there always a sickness update with this family?! I had a cold last week and Kevin forced me to go to the doc...upper respiratory infection. Then Cooper came down with it. And now Madelyn's asthma is going bonkers and she is all hopped up on steroids. Do you really want to hear more?! Geez...we could use a run of good health right about now!!!

white stuff

2011-01-10T19:23:00.001-08:00

Here Cooper...let me help you with that!

What is this white stuff?! Get it off of me!

Madelyn was so excited to see the snow.
The excitement lasted about 3 minutes when she realized how cold it was!

cereal bars

2011-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

If you have ever woken up in the Wier home, you know that cereal bars are a breakfast staple. We buy NutriGrain bars at Sams...that is how fast we go through them. I shouldn't say 'we' in this instance. I should say Cooper! When Coop's health is bad, one of the only things he will eat is a cereal bar. You know he is feeling really, really bad when he won't eat one. And we were there a few weeks ago when he was sick. He has been on recovery road and eating better each and every day. The past 4+ nights he has asked for a cereal bar before going to bed. Being the pushover that I am, I give in. But not tonight. I think he had 2-3 cereal bars today so I had to draw the line!

I can't begin to explain how giddy I feel when Cooper is well, happy and eating. His little tummy starts to fill out as the day goes on, he laughs, follows his sister around doing everything she tells him to, and laughs some more. I really, really enjoy this time with him especially since it doesn't seem to happen that often.

Speaking of playing with his sister...Madelyn and Cooper were stuck in the house the entire day today except for about a 3 minute break to play in the falling snow. They were in their jammies until they got dressed to play in the snow! Most of the day was spent with Madelyn and Cooper playing together!!! Talk about another giddy feeling! I was able to sit at the table and work on a craft project with little interruptions and I could hear Madelyn giving orders and Cooper replying "Okay Ma-Ma". Believe it or not, she was only a little bossy and was spending a lot of the time sharing with Cooper. I was/am so proud of the little girl she has become.

I was thinking as I worked on my craft project for Cooper's big-boy-room, "who are these kids and what have you done with mine?!" Listening and watching them reminds me so much of me and my little brother. What a bossy sister I must have been!

some funny things I have heard recently...

2011-01-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Madelyn: Princesses don't have to eat their dinner or drink their milk.
Mommy & Daddy: Yes, they do.
Madelyn: Noooo...they don't.
Mommy & Daddy: Yes they do. And if the princess doesn't eat then she doesn't get to read books before bedtime.
Madelyn: I'm going to eat now.

"MY BIKE...MY BIKE!"

Yesterday, while I was preparing dinner and the kids didn't realize I was listening, I heard Madelyn tell Cooper she had to go "poop". She quickly did her business and I heard the toilet flush. Then I heard her say, "Good bye poo-poo...I'll never see you again!"

Cooper was very upset that I took the Christmas tree down. At home the other day, he told me about 15 times that Santa went bye-bye, and then proceeded to stand at the Christmas tree box and cry for about 30 minutes! What can I say...these kids love Christmas!

Madelyn's rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer this evening went something like this...

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,
had a very snotty nose.

big boy bed

2011-01-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Taking a break on the new covers

Here is the beginning of his big boy room. We got him a plaid quilt that can grow with him and car/truck sheets.

daddy

2011-01-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Maddie and Coop playing in the large water table at the museum

Cooper feeding water to the duck

Maddie digging for dino bones

Maddie and Cooper driving the fire truck

Cooper digging for dino bones

Poor Daddy. When Cooper was sick this last time, he got attached to Kevin and now he wants nothing to do with me. I have to keep reminding myself that its a stage and he will get over it but it was tough the other night when Kevin left with a friend and Cooper cried for 45 minutes straight!!! The part that is so hard on Kevin is that when Cooper wakes at 3:00 or 4:37 or 5: 59, Kevin is the one he cries for. This has been a very rough few weeks on Kevin...especially since the oral steroids are keeping Coop up at night. He was up at 3:00 last night so I went to check on him and he was wide awake. Thankfully he let me lay down with him until 4:30 at which time I decided I was going to let him cry himself back to sleep. No such luck. Kevin got up with him and was up until 7:30. It is one tired household this morning.

Madelyn is just as happy and chipper as can be. She spent a few days with her grandparents this week which really seemed to kick start her new year!

We took both of the kids on the dart train down to the Science and Nature Museum. In typical Madelyn fashion, she went from one thing to the next without paying much attention to what was going on. She did enjoy digging in the sand for dinosaur bones and that kept her attention longer than anything else. Cooper was really enjoying it but having a hard time keeping up with Maddie because he actually want to stop and see everything! I do believe his favorite part was the small fire truck that he was able to "drive". He also liked the sand...except for when Madelyn dumped it on him!

almost New Year

2010-12-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

Wow...December was such a busy month. I can't believe that Christmas has already passed and that the New Year is quickly approaching. We spent the last 2 weeks trying to keep Cooper well and out of the hospital. He was having another allergic episode like he did at the same time last year. He almost missed Christmas with my family again. Kevin was so great about taking care of him so that Madelyn and I could spend time with the family while in Houston. Madelyn was such a good girl when we were down there and we couldn't be more proud of what a sweet little girl she is!

We celebrated Christmas with Kevin's family the Thursday before. We had a yummy meal of El Fenix and came back to the house to exchange gifts. The kids got the perfect gift from Grandma and Grandpa...suitcases! For those that know us well, those come in handy! We followed that Christmas with The Wier Family Christmas on Sunday. Its a sort of "Family Reunion" that the family does each year. It was a lot of fun this year and the kids always enjoy the time with their grandparents, Uncle, and soon-to-be Princess Aunt Alison.

That Tuesday we drove to Houston when Kevin got home from work. Both of the kids fell asleep when we were about 20 minutes from my dads house!

When we were in Houston, Kevin woke me abruptly from a nap. At first I thought something was wrong with Cooper but he quickly told me that the admission lady from nursing school called to offer me a spot. I really thought I was dreaming at first but I checked my e-mail and sure enough...there was an e-mail from her asking me to join the program. Merry Christmas to me! I was/am so excited. I'm scared but excited! I am so thankful that Kevin is so supportive...I wouldn't be able to do it without him. I think he was more excited than I was! I think I was just shocked but I truly believe that he knew it would happen so it was as much a surprise for him as it was for me.

We spent the 22nd celebrating Christmas with some of our best friends, Trent, Kelly, & Addison. I love to hear Cooper say "Aason" and Maddie was great at being the "big sister" to both Addison and Cooper.

We spent the 23rd with Momo (my mom). Maddie, her cousin Kaytie, Momo, and I went to see the Tangled movie. I thought that Maddie was the only 4 year old who ate popcorn like she hadn't been fed in a week but Kaytie does the same. I was scared to stick my hand in the bag for fear that I might get it slapped by one of them!!! We had a great time celebrating Christmas at Momo's house, watching the kids play, and eating some yummy fajitas! Maddie got a Tangled doll that she wanted. When someone asked her what Santa was bringing she said, "well...I wanted a Tangled doll but I got one already...so I don't know!"

The 24th was spent at my Aunt Kay Kay's house. The entire family was there...I think it ended up being around 40 people?! My cousin had her 1 week old baby there and I got to hold her...its funny how you don't ever remember your own kids being that small! She was precious. Santa came riding up on his bike and both of the kids did great with greeting him. There was something about Santa that made them feel right at home (it was their Paw Paw P) and I love seeing the wonder in their eyes as they see this jolly man dressed in red. Trust me when I say that Madelyn had a lot of questions about Santa and his bike! The kids were spoiled rotten once again by the gifts that the family gave them. We are so, so thankful to come from such loving families who celebrate the reason for the season.

Following Christmas at the Reneau's, we didn't Christmas at my dad's house. Its always nice when we can sit around and enjoy the company...its not often that we get to see my brothers and their families all in the same spot. Once again the kids were spoiled rotten. In the midst of it all, Kevin was on the phone with Cooper's doctor, trying to figure out if he needed to go to the hospital or not. Thankfully our doc said hang on a bit longer because we were doing everything for him that would be done in the hospital. Reluctantly, we had to pack up and make the rainy drive back to Dallas late that afternoon so that Santa could come to our house.

We got home LATE from Houston so we had to quickly set up Santa's snack. Poor Santa...it consisted of expired milk, cranberry juice, Ritz crackers, a piece of cheese, and a piece of chocolate. Next year we will have to plan better and either bake or buy cookies before hand ;-)

We were so tired on Christmas Day! Cooper woke up really early and I kept him in his room as long as possible (which wasn't long) so we woke Madelyn up at 6:30 to go downstairs. I think they were overwhelmed by the presents just laying there, unwrapped. What do you play with first?! We spent the next few hours opening, sorting, putting batteries in things, etc. I was exhausted by 9:30 but the kids were still rip-roaring and ready to go!

All-in-all, we had a wonderful Christmas. We are so thankful to get to spend the holidays with both sides of our families and to see the kids spend time with them. As a parent, that is the best gift you can receive...seeing your kids spend time with your family.

With nursing school starting soon, I'm not sure how far my posts will be spaced but I promise to do my best with hitting the high points! Happy almost New Year to those reading this :-)

pre-Christmas 2010

2010-12-21T10:43:00.000-08:00

It has been way too long since we went to Houston last! We are all excited about visiting with family and friends and celebrating the birth of our Lord. Today is the day we head to Paw Paw P's house - the drive will give us time to figure out how to keep the kids out of the pool :-) Merry (early) Christmas!!!

Mary & Joseph

2010-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

I wasn't home to hear this story first hand, but Kevin shared it with me and I still giggle when I think about it!

Kevin said the kids were being unusually quiet so he decided to check on them. They were in the office closet and Maddie was leading Cooper around by his hand. When Kevin asked what they were doing Maddie told him that Cooper was Jesus and she was Mary. Then she proceeded to tell Kevin she had a baby in her belly and it was Baby Jesus! At least we know she is listening at church! Today when they were home with me, Maddie was putting baby blankets around her and Cooper's head and she said they were dressing up like Mary and Joefuss (aka Joseph).

Later this afternoon the kids made Gingerbread cookies with me. It was a disaster, but they had fun, so that's all that matters! Trying to explain that they couldn't eat all of the cookies was the hardest part.

This evening Madelyn and Cooper were playing again. He was laying on the floor and she was covering him up. He sat up and that didn't make Madelyn happy so she sat on him. He cried out and ran to me, very upset (and he is tough so I knew that she had hurt him). A minute later he started gagging and threw up all of himself and me. It scared the crud out of me because I wasn't sure if she internally hurt him when she sat on him. Madelyn ran and hid...not because she was in trouble for sitting on him but because it stunk so badly!!! I think he is okay but we are keeping an eye on him.

I know I have said this before but I will say it again...there is never a dull moment around here!

growing up

2010-12-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the kids Christmas Program at their daycare. God bless those teachers who put together something like that because I don't know how they do it! Cooper was smack dab in the middle and didn't do anything but pick his nose. Madelyn did a great job of signing but we realized about halfway through the first song that she needed to go potty. She did the tee-tee dance for the rest of the performance! Thankfully it didn't last too long so any accidents were averted.

When we got home Madelyn told us after dinner that her tummy was getting big and growing up...growing big like an apple!

Madelyn got her second set of ear tubes on Tuesday. She did GREAT! She has no clue what the doc did. She was just happy that they didn't give her a shot. She bounced back like a champ and she seems back to normal...whatever normal is!

Cooper is 2 weeks into his antibiotics for the sinus infection and he seems to have hit his peak for getting better even though he isn't 100%. I have a feeling that we aren't going to get an "all clear" with the next CT scan but as long as he seems to be feeling well and is happy, I'm not going to complain. I am beginning to think that he will just have to "grow out" of this particular "illness" that he keeps getting. Maybe when he learns to blow his nose and spit, things will be better. I never thought I would want a child of mine to spit but I want Cooper too :)

My posts have been few and far between these days. Between working, doing school work, being home with the kids a few days a week, taking the kids to various doctor appointments, and trying to plan my "academic future", blogging has sort of been put on the back burner. The kids are constantly doing and saying things and I think to myself, "I need to blog that" and then forget. I apologize. Right now, it's bedtime and I am being called...have to run for now. Don't want to miss them growing up cause they are doing it everyday!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T06:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for in the Wier house. God has blessed our family and today is just another reminder of all we have to be thankful for. Cooper is continuing to feel better every day and Madelyn is learning and developing her own personality through numerous questions and being read many books.

I asked Madelyn what she was thankful for this year and she told me, "family, food, my room, and my toys, and my friends."

I asked Cooper what he was thankful for and he told me, "my yogurt all gone!" Then I asked him what made him happy and he told me "Daddy. I happy." I asked him if anyone else made him happy and he told me, "Cee-Cee happy." (Cee-Cee is his teacher at school!)

Happy Thanksgiving to all from the Wier household!!!

doctors and Choir Open House

2010-11-18T18:41:00.000-08:00

Choo Choo!

Madeline & Madelyn

Madelyn's Choir Open House was this past Sunday at church. We have quite the little singer on our hands! She did so well and had such a fun time. I am adding a pic of her and her friend Madeline from church as they shared snack following "the show". She is also going to be in a show at her school and has been singing us the songs at home. She sounds like a little angel and I never get tired of hearing her sing.

Well, some of you know by now about the craziness that went down after our 7:45 doctor's appt yesterday! The doc decided to do a CT Scan to confirm that Cooper did in fact have a sinus infection. We were so far from home that it didn't make sense to go home and turn around and come back. Sooo...I kept Cooper busy by running some errands and taking him to the mall to ride the train and escelators. Then we met Kevin who let me have a break to eat lunch (Cooper couldn't eat or drink a few hours before the scan so I didn't want to eat in front of him). Kevin took him back to the mall to ride the train and escelator and he ended up falling asleep on Kevin's shoulder. Had the scan, made a mad dash to get the c.d. to the doc, and followed up with doc. He does in fact have a sinus infection...a pretty bad one. All of the sinuses in his face are completely blocked. The doc really hates to do sinus surgery on someone so young so we are going to wait and see if the antibiotics word. Cooper is having another scan on December 17 to determine if he fully recovered from the infection or not.

Then my scope surgery was this morning. Paw Paw P came into town to help watch the kids so I could recover and Kevin could go to work after it was over. They had so much fun with their Paw Paw P and of course, he spoiled them rotten (isn't that what grandparents do though?!) I was sad to see him go but so thankful he was able to be here. There is nothing like the comfort of a parent when having a surgery. I won't bore you with the details but I am sore and tired so I won't be on here much longer. I am adding some cute pic's that were snapped the last couple of days!

Waiting on a doctor

2010-11-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard that song by Brad Paisley called "Waitin on a Woman?" Well, right now I am "Waitin on the doctor" to call back and that song keeps playing in my head! My son's health may not be their top priority but gosh doggit, it's mine. Let's hope it's worth it...waitin on the doctor!

Let me back up a bit. Cooper's cough came back full force when he was at his grandparents house this weekend. I'm sure that someone who isn't used to this might be a startled but Kevin's parents did great with starting his breathing treatments. He showed some improvement Sunday night/Monday morning but was back to his old tricks by yesterday evening. I kept him home from school today and by 1:00 I knew that it was out of my hands and I needed some help. Took him to the doc and alas...they peg him with a sinus infection. One thing I have learned since we began dealing with Mr. Cooper's health issues is that children his age shouldn't be getting sinus infections.

So he is now on 3 weeks worth of antibiotics and the ENT squeezed him in for a 7:45 appt tomorrow morning. Please pray they are able to tell us something. For now, I have to run because he just woke up again and is crying out for his mommy...

Whoop

2010-11-14T08:14:00.001-08:00

The kids went to stay at their grandparents house this weekend which gave us the opportunity to go to an A&M football game. We haven't been to a college football game in over 5 years so we were really excited and to top it off, A&M won! What an awesome way to top off our kid free weekend! I am missing my little ones though and looking forward to seeing them later today. The house is so, so quiet and clean without them here!

time change

2010-11-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

Apparently time change isn't going over well in the Wier house. Not so much for the kids but for me! It is giving me some quiet time to update the blog though so I'm not complaining (although I might be at 6:00 am!)

So the steroid has kicked in for Coop and he is doing a better than he was yesterday. Still sounds like a cement truck in need of a tune-up but he is happy and sleeping so we will take it. Coop had a run-in with the hardwoods this morning before church. P.J.'s have never mixed well with hardwoods and now he has a bruise on his forehead to prove it. School pictures are this week so his bruise will match the one Madelyn had last year...probably from slipping on the hardwoods as well!

The steroids mixed with the albuterol from the nebulizer made for a good half an hour of Coop shouting "yee-haw" repeatedly. His sounded more like "yea-haw" but we got the message loud and clear. So then we decided to share the "yea-haws" with all of the grandparents over the phone and that made him very happy! I'm still laughing about how funny it was!

I picked Madelyn up from choir at church this evening. The entire ride home was asking questions about why it was dark early, why she couldn't see anything, why was I driving a different way to get home (even though I wasn't), why I didn't go to church (even though I did...I just left early to go to work), and if she could have peanut butter and lettuce (celery) for dinner (and yes, she did!) Finally, right before we got home, she told me, "Mommy, I ask too many questions." I asked her where she heard that from and she said, "me!" I am guessing she didn't understand the question but I'm sure we will revisit the subject soon, knowing her!

I did ask Madelyn on the ride home what song she sang in choir and if she would sing for me. So she sang "Jesus Loves Me" and I told her that she sounded like an angel. She then proceeded to tell me that is what her teacher said on Halloween but then the angel bit her leg?! Not sure what it was all about but she knew EXACTLY what she was saying so I let that one go. Sometimes its just easier that way!

jinx

2010-11-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking I might have jinxed myself with the last post about being paranoid. The day after I posted it, Cooper woke up coughing. It was worse the following morning (yesterday) and then again today. We broke down and had the doc paged this morning. They had us put him in the "red zone" which is a battery of breathing treatments where he does one after another. Thankfully the doc on call broke down and called our actual doc and they called him in a steroid. It doesn't seem to be helping much but we are hoping he wakes up feeling better tomorrow. We have no clue what he is allergic to that is causing this reaction but whatever it is, it needs to GO AWAY!!! He is so pitiful, won't eat, and just doesn't feel well. I have a feeling its going to be a long night...topped off with any early morning resulting from the time change!

Then there is Madelyn who beat my rear in Memory AGAIN this evening! I don't even have to let her win...she is just that good at it!

I do have to share a funny story from today. On the way to the store this morning she pointed at something out the window and I heard Kevin say, "Maddie...that's not the finger you are supposed to point with!" I just kept thinking she flipped the bird to someone on the Tollway and it made me chuckle!

paranoid

2010-11-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

I find that Cooper has been doing so well that I wake up each morning with the feeling that this is going to be day that he is running fever and the cough has returned. I feel like I spend the first 5 minutes of his morning following him around making sure everything is okay. So I do believe that makes me a paranoid parent. We are in the midst of "sick season" where everything under the sun is being passed around and I'm just waiting for "our turn". Stomach bugs, strep, flu...I don't even like typing those words! We have dealt with so many other illnesses that you forget about the "normal" issues such as teething, nightmares, potty training...I feel like potty training just snuck up on us with the little guy!

This morning when I was brushing Cooper's teeth he pointed to the brushes (in the correct order) and said, "daddy brush, mommy brush, Ma-me brush, MINE!" I just can't believe how much he is talking. I think I heard the words "chocolate milk" about 300 times yesterday!!!

Madelyn is at an interesting stage right now. Everything, and I do mean everything, is a negotiation and she has some reason in her little head not to do what we ask! Its frustrating but I also realize that she is growing from the experiences. She is testing limits, forming her own thoughts and ideas, and just growing up (sniff, sniff). She just received her 2nd soccer trophy this week...and she will tell you, "Look...my name is right. M-A-D-E-L-Y-N"!

Halloween Pic's

2010-11-01T10:53:00.001-07:00

Before church. Cooper sat in Big Church with us for the first 1/3 of service and did great! Then off he went to his class without crying!!!

Our Pretty Princess

One Cute Cowboy

Trick-or-Treat

2010-10-31T19:18:00.001-07:00

We had a very busy week followed by a very busy Halloween! Maddie dressed up as Snow White (she decided to switch it up from the Pinkalicous outfit she wore to school) and Cooper was the cutest cowboy the wild west ever saw! Kevin took them to Trunk-or-Treat at our church where he got to see friends from our Sunday School classes and let the kids do some trick or treating. I met them when I got off of work at our friend's house. We had dinner and then headed out the door for some more trick or treating!

You can tell Maddie doesn't wear a lot of dresses and she kept tripping and falling over the long skirt on her gown. It didn't slow her down though and she was able to keep up with one of her best pals, Joshua. Cooper on the other hand was trying to juggle the cowboy hat and walking in boots. At one point, after he was tired of walking and mommy was carrying him, he started to repeat, "My boo's, my boo's" and of course it took me a minute to get what he was saying. He was saying, "My boot's, my boot's..." One of his boots had fallen off! Thank goodness he let me know or we would have been down a shoe!

Maddie was a fan of trick or treating and came home with a loot. Cooper did a great job but the whole thing just wore him out! We have two tired pumpkins who are in bed and a mommy who is right behind them. Pictures will follow! Good night...

funny little people

2010-10-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

We have 2 funny little people living in our house :)

We had a pretty eventful weekend that started out with Kevin and I getting to see game 6 as the Rangers beat the Yankees. It was AWESOME! I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it and don't know that I ever will again. The energy in the air was electric and I have never seen Kevin happier :) Big thanks go out to our friend Lisa who watched the kids so that we could go. She came over last minute, we bought tickets online, and then Kevin drove like hell to get us there in time! So worth it.

Madelyn had soccer pictures and a game on Saturday morning. Pictures went great (I think) but as soon as they lined up for the pledge before the game, a "boom" of thunder hit and Madelyn freaked out! She started balling and refused to play. Thankfully there was lightening shortly after and they called the game. She made a b-line for the car after that!!!

We went to church this morning as a family. Cooper did his normal screaming fit that he does when we drop him off and Maddie just bounces right in to her class after giving me a quick kiss. She had choir again tonight and she told me after she got home that "I love choir".

Cooper is talking up a storm...he cracks us up with some of the things that he says. His appetite returned today and we couldn't feed that boy enough. And he won't let you forget the chocolate in his milk and only wants his daddy to rock him to sleep these days (sniff, sniff). Our baby boy is growing up!

Soccer Tots

2010-10-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today was Cooper's first day of Soccer Tots. Just like his big sister, he loved it! And just like his big sister, he is not fast! But he had so much fun. He laughed, and laughed, and laughed some more. He liked the coach and all the fun games that coach had to teach us. He was especially good at standing the cones back up with the tip of his foot. He has amazing coordination for only being 2.

Did you get that part where I said "us"?! When Maddie did her Soccer Tots we sat on the sides and watched but this was a class that the mommy's participated in so I didn't get to take pictures :( I was sweating by the time we left! And Maddie had to go with us. She didn't understand why she couldn't participate so that was a tough battle because she is one strong willed child who likes to play soccer!

When we left class, Cooper turned around and said, "Bye-bye Coach"...it was so cute :)

The "Wall"

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Houses

Princess Soon-to-Be Aunt Alison & Madelyn

Love, Love, Love this picture of Madelyn with her Grandmommy
(did I mention that she got bangs cut this past Friday)?

The "Wall" is the nickname that Madelyn was given at her soccer game on Saturday! She was playing goalie and wouldn't let (most) anything get past her. She was so brave...too brave for mommy's liking! There was a little boy on the other team who would rear-back and take a punter kick and I was so scared he would catch Madelyn in the face. Not once did she get kicked and I think that she became his worst enemy ;)

After soccer we went to the Arboretum with Grandma, Princess Alison, and her mom who was visiting from Jasper, Indiana. Princess Alison is Maddie and Cooper's soon-to-be-aunt and she is so, so good to them. We got to ride a bus to the Arboretum (it was so crowded that we couldn't park there), ate lunch outside, and walked around to see where Chris and Alison's ceremony would take place. It was beautiful...it reminded me of the secret garden! Then we walked around and looked at the pumpkin houses before loading the bus. Maddie's favorite part was riding the bus!

We replaced our banister over the weekend! I say "we" but it was really Javier who did the work. Maddie calls him "the man" and that is what he is...the man! He did a great job! Kevin is now staining the wood before we get the new carpet installed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it helps with the kids allergies this fall/winter.

Kevin has been working around the house and he now has a little helper. He gave Cooper his own tape measure and Coop pretty much walks around the house measuring things! He couldn't find it earlier and he was about to have a meltdown. He went to the drawer, pulled out Kevin's, showed it to me, and then said "mine?" So we walked around looking for "his" until we found it and he went right on measuring! He is talking so much and so much clearer. He says a lot of "daddy's truck", "mommy's car", "baby night-night", etc. What a fun time!

Rotten Pumpkins

2010-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Cooper was so upset (a.k.a. tired) when we got home from the pumpkin patch and nothing made him happy. He needed a bath, dinner, and to go to bed all at the same time. So we took care of 2 out of 3 by bathing him in the sink while he ate blueberries! He ate about 1/2 of the carton before we took them away. He livened up after that and had a good rest of the evening...he even ate a good dinner!

Watch me pick this one up!

Did I mention that I love pumpkins?!

This picture was taken right before Cooper launched that pumpkin out of his hand!

We took our 2 pumpkins to the patch yesterday and come to find out...they are rotten :-) Cooper was so tired after his first day back at school that he spent most of his time either throwing a fit or throwing pumpkins! Maddie did a good job...she is just rotten anyways ;-) We were able to get a few pictures but nothing of them together (surprise, surprise). Every time we tried, Cooper decided to push Maddie away and he ended up in a headlock (that's my girl)! Just another day in paradise, right?!

Maddie went to the dentist yesterday and she did GREAT! She let them look, clean, floss, and even put some fluoride paste on her teeth (once she found out it tasted like watermelon). So glad she has better teeth than her mommy! Next time she goes, Cooper will go with her to get a sneak peek as to how its done!

Cooper's Birthday Weekend

2010-10-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here they are trying out their new pillow pets

Happy 2nd Birthday Cooper

Practicing before the game

Wishing he was out on the field with Madelyn

We had a busy weekend around the Wier house. Madelyn's soccer game was Saturday morning. She still wasn't feeling 100% following her ear infection so it was a battle for her to make it to the end of the game...she was one tired girl. Uncle Chris, Princess Alison, Grandma, and Grandpa all made it out for the game!

Trent, Kelly, and Addison (some of our best friends) met us at the soccer field and came back to the house with us. Shortly after, Momo arrived from Houston. It was good to see our friends and Momo...just wish the visits could have been longer!

The party went great! We couldn't have asked for better weather and Cooper had a blast playing with all of his friends. Unfortunately, he started running a fever last night and ran a fever all day today. Poor little guy...you can just tell he isn't feeling well.

pumpkin patch

2010-10-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

The church by our house had their pumpkin patch put out yesterday as they do every year around this time. It has been a tradition to get pictures taken each year at the same "patch" so I am looking forward to returning sometime soon!

Yesterday we passed the patch on the way home from school and I told the kids to look as we were making the turn. They were both so excited to see the pumpkins. Of course Maddie wanted to know why there was a pumpkin patch and if today was "Pumpkin Day"?! So I told her that they put the pumpkins out for us to celebrate fall, October, and Halloween. So she asked if it was Pumpkin Month?! I told her not exactly. Then she wanted to know if today was Halloween?! I tried telling her that Halloween is October 31st and she asked if Halloween was tomorrow?! I guess she figures things out by asking questions. I was just sorry I couldn't give her a better answer to her questions!

Cooper looked over and said "pumpkins" when he saw it! That was the first time I heard him say that word.

For whatever reason, that car ride was one of the sweetest memories I shared with the both of them! I'm looking forward to picking them up again today to see what they say about it :)

funnies for today

2010-10-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I handed Maddie her clothes for school and told her to get dressed while she was watching her show. I was in the backroom doing laundry when she came running in for help. She was stuck in her night shirt! She had somehow gotten her head and arm in the same hole with the other arm still in its original hole! I helped her remove the shirt and then noticed something was sticking out of her pants. She forgot to take off her night shorts before putting on her pants. Once I brought it to her attention she laughed and said "oops" as she ran off!

Madelyn's make-up soccer game from 2 weekends ago was this evening. She played a mean goalie! She probably blocked 10 shots from going in. She had her knees bent and her arms were up and ready. I have NEVER seen her so focused and I was extremely proud of her! When we showed up we realized that Maddie was playing her second cousin Logan on the other team. At one point she completely knocked him over but not on purpose...she was tripping over her feet and she ran into him. Poor Logan! It was good to see him and his dad there.

Cooper on the other hand had me running around like a chicken with my head cut off! Younger siblings at a 4 year olds soccer games is a recipe for disaster! I am worn out and I wasn't even the one playing!!!

photos

2010-10-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

I was away from the kids for 4 days and I am so glad to be back home with them! Maddie has already made me laugh out loud a few times since being home and I thought I had better write down what she said before I forget.

Madelyn and Cooper were playing doctor (they are good at it) and she was administering a shot to Cooper. She told him that the shot was going to a rainbow so that it wouldn't hurt him.

The sun was in her eyes this evening and she asked us if we could go to the store and get her a rectangle for her window to keep the sun out of her eyes (the "rectangle" is the sun visor that Kevin and I both had down...she wanted to know why she didn't have one)!

new year

2010-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today I looked back to when I first started this blog. A year ago this time, we felt like we were drowning in quicksand with Cooper's health. So much didn't change for almost a year but about 5-6 weeks ago, Cooper took a turn for the better (KNOCK ON WOOD)! He enjoys life so much more when he is feeling well. Sometimes, he acts like a run over dog and is so silly that you just can't help but laugh with him! His mood is contagious! We still wake up every morning wondering if this is the morning that it returns, but when he meets you with his big smile, its easy to forget the concern.

Madelyn has been so good given the heath issues we have faced since Cooper's birth. She shows genuine concern for him when he isn't feeling well and hopes that he doesn't get shots every time he goes to the doctor. She has taken to the fit throwing and spontaneous tears lately, but we are guessing its just a stage she is going through. She had her first night of gymnastics tonight and said her favorite parts were the flips and trampoline!

The kids have been home with me 2 days a week now for the past few weeks. I was really excited about spending more time with them but I'm not so sure they share the feeling :) Cooper seems okay either way but Madelyn is so busy that she gets bored rather quickly. By 8:30 a.m. she is asking what we are doing for the day and when are we leaving (the house)! She is the busiest 4 year old I have ever known but I guess she gets it from her parents (and grandparents)!

Cooper has been in his toddler bed for an entire week today. Every night he cries less and less. I think he cried about 1 minute this evening when I realized I snuck out of his room. He quits crying, goes back to his bed, and when we check on him, he is fast asleep. What a champ!

Our social schedule looks like this...

Sunday - Sunday School for both, Children's Choir at Church (Madelyn)
Monday - Soccer Practice (Madelyn)
Tuesday - Gymnastics (Madelyn)
Friday - Soccer Tots (Cooper)
Saturday - Soccer games (Madelyn)

It tires me out just typing it all!

church

2010-09-26T17:51:00.001-07:00

Madelyn and Cooper were pretending this evening that they were going to church. We asked Maddie the name of their church and she said "Bible Jesus" which got a chuckle from us :-) Her faithful servant Cooper seemed to enjoy their time at church!

so...the check-ups'

2010-09-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

The check-ups went pretty good, all things considered. The hardest part for the kids was actually waiting on the doctor and waiting for the nurse to come in and give them their immunizations. Thankfully I took a bag of Skittles (to bribe them) and they worked really well. Both of them were fine with the doc checking them out.

Then they brought in the needles. Then all hell broke loose. Thank goodness Kevin came for this appointment. We let Cooper go first since he only had 2 shots and Madelyn had 5, plus she had to give blood. Needless to say, we had 2 kids who weren't in a great mood this evening, but I don't blame them. Maddie looked like she got in a fight on the playground with all of her band-aids.

I left with Cooper to go to Wal-mart to pick something up for dinner and to get the kids a "prize" for their traumatic afternoon. When I got out of the car with Cooper, a car quickly approached me out of nowhere and asked what kind of perfume I wore. I remember reading the e-mail warning of this and I quickly said "no thank you" and walked in a different direction. I hope that Cooper was unable to pick up on my uneasiness. I asked the guy at the front door where the security guard was but he didn't speak English. So I told the pharmacist, since they seemed to be the most competent person in the entire Wal-mart. Then I spotted an off-duty police officer and told him but he seemed more interested in his shopping. So I called 911 and they thought I was trying to complain about someone soliciting. I asked the lady if she had ever heard of this ploy to rob or drug women and she didn't know what I was talking about. Go figure.

So all in all, this wasn't the best day.

check-ups

2010-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the much dreaded 2 & 4 year check up's for the kids. I decided I would pull the band-aid off all at once and take them at the same time as opposed to two different appointments. Maddie hasn't received a shot for some time now so I have a feeling it is going to be the hardest on her. Cooper will probably pull his pant leg up and do it for them :)~

With every birthday the kids have, we realize just how small our house is. I feel like the toys are everywhere you turn...but that is probably because they are EVERYWHERE you turn!

Cooper slept in his toddler bed last night. Kevin decided last night that he was going to convert it. Cooper was NOT happy about the change. It took a long time to get him to sleep and then we he woke up, he ran straight to the door while crying at the same time. You would think he would like the freedom but "no thank you" seems to be his motto! Hopefully each night the change will get a little easier and less scary for him.

biopsy results

2010-09-19T17:46:00.001-07:00

Cooper's biopsy results came back clean!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

early Christmas

2010-09-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry I didn't get around to posting this yesterday. We started the day early with going to Medical City for Cooper's endoscopy. He did amazing! The only thing that upset him the entire time was me going behind a wall to fill out paper work and not being able to have a drink of water. Of all the things that could have upset him, those were small potatoes! So glad that Grandma came with us to help...filling out his medical history and medication lists can take awhile!

He woke up from the anesthesia, sat up, and immediately asked for his i.v. to be taken out (it consisted of him holding up the hand that had the i.v. and saying something that sounded like "out/off") so the nurse took care of it. He drank his juice and we were off.

I guess I forgot the most important part in between all of that. The doc came back and said that the pictures of his esophagus were clear and that it looked like that of a normal little boy. I was shocked and elated for Cooper at the results! This was such a relief as parents because Kevin and I have no idea when it is flaring up or when he is hurting. That is one thing (out of many) that is still a mystery with this disease. We are now waiting to see if the biopsy comes back normal. If so, then we don't have to visit the G.I. doc again until the springtime! We will continue with his restricted diet and with giving him oral steroids twice a day (and a few other med's but I won't bore you with that)!

After all that, I was flying to Houston last night to arrive early to prepare for the kid's double birthday party tomorrow. After 5 gate changes and 2 broken planes, I made it to Houston at about 10:35 last night! At much as it stunk to have to wait, I was super glad they didn't put me on a broken plane! I guess I should pay more attention to the news when they talk about American Airline planes being grounded due to maintenance errors.

Needless to say, I thanked the God Lord for many answered prayers yesterday!

4

2010-09-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

We officially have a 4 year old living in the house! Madelyn turned 4 on Sunday and we celebrated her big day with friends and family. This was the first year that she was into opening her gifts and she loved everything! We did a scavenger hunt, ate cupcakes, and the kids played outside. Seems our 4 year old has figured out how to swing on her own. The party was low key but a lot of fun...just how we like 'em!

Cooper has enjoyed Madelyn's birthday as well. They both play with the dollhouse that she got and there have been numerous times I have found him just watching her play with it. They have had a few tiffs but for the most part have been playing really well together. Maddie spends a lot of time showing Cooper how to do it and Cooper is her spokesperson when she needs help. This morning he came running into my bathroom saying, "Mommy help, mommy help, mommy help..." and he wouldn't stop until I went in to the other room to help them out. Sure enough...Madelyn needed help and Cooper was so proud that he had enlisted me for the job :-)

Cooper's endoscopy is coming up this Thursday. We are anxious to find out what the GI doc has to say. Stayed tuned for an update on the little man.

hair

2010-09-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent picture I took of the kiddos. Cooper has taken to wearing hats and looks super cute in them. The hats keep us from having to get his haircut so often because he hair grows as fast as his daddy's.

Madelyn's hair is getting long which means we battle more with fixing it. Her Zu-Zu pet hair is growing out so she has a rooster tail on top of her head that is about 1-1/2 inches long and sticks straight up most of the time. Impressive.

This morning Maddie was picking the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charms and she told me, "Mommy...I ate all the puffits out!" Where the word 'puffits' came from, I have no clue, but it was funny!

Cooper likes to fall over on things. He will stand on the couch and fall over and laugh. He will stand on the bed, fall over, and laugh. Same thing with the beanbag. Until he fell on to the beanbag and hit his head on the french door. I swear that boy is going to send us to an early grave. I see trips to the ER in our future with him. At least this time there was no blood or broken glass...just a scare and a good cry (from Cooper...not me)!

SA and Birthday

2010-09-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

We went to San Antonio this weekend and stayed with The Cisneros Family to celebrate Isaac's 4th birthday, Kevin's 35th birthday, and Labor Day. We had an awesome time! Maddie and Ike slept in tents in Ike's room and they did great once they got past the idea of being in the same room. They only got out of their tents a few times before falling asleep. Cooper slept in Nate's crib that was in the room with Kevin and I. We were a little scared of how he would do but he didn't wake once until last night. We were very grateful for the sleeping arrangements because I know it wasn't easy for Tony and Rachel having Nate in their room.

Saturday was Ike's birthday party and I don't know that I have ever seen Maddie have as much fun as she did that day. She made friends with 2 boys who were a few years older and they played and played and played...and she kept up with them! Iron Man showed up to the party which was a treat for everyone...it was the first time for the kids to see a super hero! Neither one of them ran off screaming which was much better than we expected. Iron Man didn't get to stay long though because an older kid was trying to blow his cover ;)

We celebrated Kevin's birthday last night with a steak from the grill, potatoes, and veggies. We ate outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather with great friends. We spent about 6 hours on the road today. Traffic was terrible so needless to say we were ready to get out of the truck. Maddie left lovie in SA but I just put her to bed and she didn't ask for it. Does that mean that my baby girl is growing up?!

Few key notes from the weekend...

Cooper liked Max the cat. Max did not care for Cooper. Max bit/scratched Cooper yesterday and Cooper really had his feelings hurt. He also broke the skin and bruised Coop. Max is lucky to still be breathing. Cooper called him "bad" and "no" from then on out.
Cooper fell out of the tree house and landed face first. My heart about jumped out of my chest but he cried for a second and shook it off. (sigh) Boys will be boys.
Madelyn got hit by a moving swing...twice. Both times she got right back up and kept going.
Maddie might have a future as a soccer goalie!
Nate, the wild man, smacked Maddie in the forehead with a piece of CARS track...Maddie cried and has some slight bruising/scratches on her forehead.
Nate bombed me in the head with a plastic Buzz Light year from about 2 feet away. I was super surprised and it HURT!
Kevin was accident free this weekend!

Despite the injuries, we had a great time and were sad to come home. We have never seen the kids play as well as they did this weekend. It was such a treat for everyone involved :)

big news

2010-09-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

We have some big news that we are pretty excited about. And NOOOOO...we are not pregnant so don't even think about it! The kids are going to get to go to school part-time for the next few months (to hold their spots in daycare) and they are going to stay home with me 2 days a week! I am excited to get to spend more time with them during this "waiting period" and I hope they will be excited to spend time with me too (wishful thinking)!

Also...Grandma and Grandpa are making their way back to Texas! They probably won't be in town until later next week but we are hopeful that they will make Madelyn's birthday party. That was a nice surprise for all of us to hear...we have missed them!

Cooper pulled back the curtain earlier and said "raining raining raining"...and it was raining! He is constantly surprising us with new words and funny faces that he has picked up. He has had a good couple of days, both health wise and attitude wise. Check back tomorrow because it changes on a daily basis!

Maddie is ready for her birthday! There are 3 or 4 friends in her class at school and her friend Issac that share a September birthday so there is a "birthday buzz" in the air. She got invited to a party that is the same day as hers but earlier in the day so it is going to be one busy day for that little girl. And we read Pinkalicous AGAIN tonight...she has memorized most of the book (and its not a short book). At least the girl knows what she likes :)~

and the beat goes on

2010-08-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me where the title "and the beat goes on" came from?! Maybe I just feel that its the story of my life right now. For those of you who might not know...I no longer have my job with Kevin's company. With the economy not picking up, they just didn't have enough work to keep me busy. I was sad because I loved working there and seeing Kevin throughout the day but I also know that they kept me there as long as they could. So...right now I'm just doing school work, preparing for birthday parties, keeping house, and laying low. Both of the kids have check-ups soon, Cooper has an endoscopy in 3 weeks, and then he has 2 appointments with specialists the following week. His doctor appointments alone could almost be my full-time job! Both of the kids are still in daycare. If we pull them out then we have to get back on a waiting list to get them back in. Not the best situation with me not having a job but it is just temporary until I find out about nursing school in about 6 weeks. I have prayed for years that God would give me patience and I believe that is what he is doing right now...giving me a situation that requires me to have patience that I seek!

Madelyn had her first soccer practice of the season last night and Kevin said she did really well (I was home with Cooper). He said she has skills but we need to work on her speed (she gets that from her mommy)! Best of all, she enjoyed it! She bounded through the backdoor like a lion let out of a cage to tell me all about it. I love that at this age the sports are all about fun and not competition.

Cooper is really trying us these days. We realize on a daily basis that we have no clue, as parents, what we are doing or why God thought that we should be blessed with these two! Does he go to time out, do we let him throw the fit and ignore him, does he get a stern talking to, or do we need to give him a good whoop on the backside of his diaper?! All have been tried and all have failed. For being the littlest person in this family, he wears the pants! Maddie came in and told me Sunday morning before church, "Mommy...Cooper is being a turd to me." Join the club!

weekend wrap-up

2010-08-29T17:51:00.000-07:00

We started off the weekend finding out that Madelyn had an ear infection. Thankfully it was caught before we were well into the weekend. She was able to start antibiotics and seems to be feeling just fine (even though her ear never hurt...she was taken in because she couldn't quit coughing at night).

I took both of the kids to the spray park yesterday with our friends Nina, Alex, and Sabine. Maddie LOVED the spray park...Cooper not so much! Had to call in back-up (a.k.a. Kevin) to come get him so that I could let Maddie play longer. We then went back to our friends house for Maddie to play. She actually took a good nap that afternoon, which she needed. So did mommy :)

Kevin cooked another brisket on his smoker yesterday and it was really good! I'm not much of a bar-b-que fan but he does a great job. Had leftovers today as well!

Uncle Chris, Princess Alison, and the Thornhill family came over for dinner last night and we let the kids stay up late. They were having so much fun that we hated to put them down. We thought we might get lucky and they would sleep late but no such luck...Cooper was calling my name at 5:30 this morning!

Church was great this morning. Both of the kids moved up classes. Maddie did great...Cooper got moved back down to his other class because he didn't transition very well. He was soooo tired from being up at 5:30 and crying so hard at church that he passed out on the way home.

Madelyn started Children's Choir at church this evening and it seems to be a hit with her! She has been humming and singing "Father Abraham" since she got home...I love to hear her sweet voice sing :) Daddy followed up the Choir practice with a trip to McDonalds. She told me, "I had chicken nuggets, french fries, and ketchup. Lots and lots of ketchup!"

funnies

2010-08-26T15:04:00.001-07:00

Earlier, after Cooper got done telling me "no" when I asked him to do something (no shocker there). I told Maddie, "Cooper is mean to Mommy" and she said "I know"!

The kids were looking at pictures of their grandparents. She got to a picture of Grandpa (Kevin's mom) and she said..."Look...there is my new friend Grandma"! I just laughed because I have no idea why she said it. Her and Grandma have been friends for about 4 years now :)~

Chillaxin

2010-08-26T14:00:00.001-07:00

Cooper was chillaxin this morning before school, drinking his milk and watching his stories!

bath time

2010-08-24T14:42:00.001-07:00

They can't help but to be this cute :)

good times

2010-08-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

Well...I had to get my big, funky toe worked on yesterday. The doc pretty much did everything but remove it. So when the kids saw it, Maddie was worried and Cooper just kept saying "bo-bo" and pointing to it! Maddie was very concerned about why it was wrapped up, why I needed to keep my foot propped up, and why the bandage was still on it this morning. Then she accidentally stepped on it but she didn't realize it (ouch!) :)

Cooper is still doing better (knock on wood). Praise the Lord for the good days he has!

Kevin is back from the race in Bristol and we were all glad that he is home! It was a long weekend without daddy around. The kids did great but mommy was still exhausted!

2010-08-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Last night I made hot dogs for dinner with watermelon, blueberries, and strawberries. For the first time in months, Cooper asked for more (well...more hot dog and watermelon but not the other stuff)! I was so happy that I could cry! I gladly gave him more.

Madelyn continues to grow like a weed and asked for more as well. She was so hungry after school that I had to remind her to slow down a few times! That girl can eat! I so glad that she likes things like watermelon, strawberries and blue berries. I have no problems giving her seconds, especially when she asks for things like that!

We surprisingly had a pretty uneventful evening last night. It was Kevin's first night at Bristol so I was a little worried having to do everything by myself. I think I remembered ALL of the medications, to brush teeth, and to pack for Houston.

Today was p.j. day at school. Of course I couldn't send them to school in the p.j.'s they wore to bed or someone might think they came from the streets! Coop had spilt chocolate milk down his shirt and Maddie was wearing one of my t-shirts that went down to her feet! Her new "thing" is to wear mommy's t-shirts to bed and I can't tell her no because I remember wanting to do the same thing when I was little! It was easy to dress them this morning though!

So off to Houston we go to have dinner with Momo and swim at Paw Paw P's. Wish me luck with the drive...I'm gonna need it :)

website

2010-08-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

Below is a website that Kevin found regarding Cooper's condition. I wanted to share this with the people who follow the blog in the event it might shed some light on what he is going through. This scares me but I am thankful that we found a doctor in our area that deals with this condition and possibly a support group. It's nice to know that we are going crazy...

http://angelsforeos.org/about.html

great news :)

2010-08-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

The kids are going to have a new aunt! Princess Alison (that is what Maddie calls her) agreed to marry Uncle Chris yesterday and we are all so happy for the both of them. When we told Maddie and Coop this morning that Princess Alison was going to marry Uncle Chris she said "good" like she really understood and that Chris had made a great decision!

Last night was the first time we left the kids with a sitter to go see a movie. The girl who came over is a education student at Texas A&M and also goes to our church. She did great with them! First thing Madelyn said this morning was, "I want that teacher-girl to come back and play puzzles with me. She read both my library books" which tells me that Maddie enjoyed her company!

Cooper is doing much better. I didn't have much time to post when he got sick on Thursday. He woke up with a 103.7 fever so he was for sure staying home with me. He was very sleepy all day and wouldn't eat or drink a thing. We got him into the Allergist/Immunologist who said "I think he has a sinus infection". It took all of my control to not unleash the fury that I felt inside when she told me that because I know that is not what he was dealing with. We left with an order to get a chest x-ray and a little boy sleeping limp-like in my arms.

He ran fever again the next night even with the Tylenol and Motrin every 4 hours. It broke the next morning but he still wasn't himself. So off to the pediatrician we went on Friday evening. They told us "its a viral infection"...

Good news is that he has been doing great this weekend! Eating, pooping, sleeping, and playing like a normal little boy. Still has the unexplained "noisy breathing" but we have come to live with that as normal!

Maddie is just as happy as can be. She has really gotten back into puzzles so we spend a lot of time finding puzzles pieces that have been "lost" or that Cooper has taken and ran with! She has been very patient with Cooper and likes to pretend play that she is his teacher. She also pretends to read from her books which makes me so excited that she is in the first stage of learning to read (even though she doesn't know it yet)! The teacher that I used to be tries not to hard to push her so I like when these things come to her naturally. I can't believe she is about to turn 4. Maddie has had quite the appetite these days. I think she ate a "personal" sized watermelon in about 3 days!

sigh...

2010-08-11T19:04:00.001-07:00

I feel like beating my head against a wall. I'm guessing that Kevin feels the same way even though he doesn't show it.

Had to let Cooper cry himself to sleep tonight. He has been up half of the night the last 2 nights; he is tired and so are we. The medicine makes him unable to sleep even though he is exhausted. Because he is tired and can't sleep, it makes him not want to eat and he is in a bad mood. Poor guy. I'm tired but I have no clue how he is feeling.

We started him on a pro-biotic to see if it does anything to help his situation. At home, he is down to eating pretty much yogurt, blueberries (sometimes), goldfish, cheese, and Fruit Loops. Tonight I pulled the vacuum cleaner out during dinner because I thought it might distract him from crying. It did, and we felt bad, but we were able to get some food in him by doing that. If I have to vacuum every night during dinner to get him to eat, that is what I'll do. He still isn't gaining weight so we are thinking that we might have to take him to a nutritionist sometime in the near future.

We are so lucky that Madelyn is such a great little girl. Through everything we have gone through with Cooper, she could have turned into an extremely jealous sibling (and I wouldn't be surprised if she had) but she hasn't. She is helpful and tries to show him the right way to do things. She eats and sleeps like a champ (knock on wood). Don't get me wrong...she has her moments...but for the most part, she is amazing. She has her daddy's temperament and my desire to please people. We always get the best reports from her teachers at school and she is just so happy to be there. She has even been sleeping at school again!!!

I am so thankful for both of my children and know that God did give us 2 that seem to work together. They are a team. We are a team. I hope Team Wier gets some sleep tonight :)

1 little, 2 little, 3 little indians...

2010-08-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Maddie was worn out when we left Houston yesterday

She even slept through Cooper jabbering, throwing his lovie, and picking up his paci with his toes (as seen in the picture)

This little indian had to do a breathing treatment this morning

This little indian had just gotten done with his treatment and paused for a quick photo

Don't get any ideas. We still only have 2 little indians running around our house :) They received some head-dresses from their grandparents in the mail and I promised them they could run around the house in them this evening. This morning they got to try them on for a photo shoot!

notes

2010-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

This morning Kevin told Cooper to come into the kitchen to take his medication. Cooper look right at him as he plunged out the medicine and said, "I want that!" Is he too young for an Intervention?! Poor guy is still suffering from the esophogisitis but he slept well and is his normal self (whatever normal is for him!) We have been giving him breathing treatments and he is also on steroids. He was a maniac in the truck on the way home from Houston last night and refused to be quiet and sleep (even though Madelyn slept through all his commotion). I looked at Kevin and gently reminded him that Cooper was on steroids :)

Madelyn was a maniac in the swimming pool yesterday! She was coming down the slide on her stomach and jumping off the side and landing on the turtle float. She missed probably the first 15 times she tried but she kept swimming to the side with the turtle, climbing out, and trying again. Finally, at about 4:00 pm, she said she was ready to get out of the pool. One of the only times I have seen that girl admit defeat...she was TIRED! First thing she told me this morning was..."I had fun at Paw Paw P's" and I knew the car ride was worth it!

more...

2010-08-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Took Coop to the doc to have his new ear tubes checked. Tubes looked great but he has a nose full of puss (and the just washed his sinuses out when he got the tubes). So...another 21 days of antibiotics. We think he just picked up a little "bug" from school (talked to the teacher and most of the kids have the runny nose issue right now) but its so hard to tell what is a "bug" and what is the esophogitis. Either way, the little guy is happy and full of himself that we can't ask for much more than that!

Seems we have stumped Madelyn with a puzzle finally! She was flying through her 24 and 63 piece puzzles so I bought her one that was 150. She wanted to put it up because she "couldn't do it" but I wouldn't let her put it up. She is going to keep trying. I think she doesn't like being stumped but I know she can do it. I guess this is a lesson of "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

We are off to Houston this weekend to visit with family and friends. Another car ride. Please pray for no vomit and a seemingly quiet trip (yea right!)

Pep-a-Rally

2010-08-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

One of Cooper's favorite things to do is play in the kitchen. The other day I found him trying to dress himself in the cook's hat, apron, and hot mitt so I helped him out before he blindly ran into a wall (he had the apron over his head like a ghost at that time!) He says, "you hungry?" and then proceeds to cook you something. Everything he cooks is "hot" so you have to blow on it. Then he asks, "more?" It's very cute!

Yesterday was Madelyn's Pep-A-Rally (as she calls it) so Kevin and I left work for a little while to go watch this event. We had no idea what the expect but we surely got a treat! The little "squad" did about 5 cheers and 3 dances. Maddie was one of the youngest, smallest girls there but she did good. It was so fun to watch the organized chaos and we giggled so hard at some of the moves that we were almost crying. Here is a picture of her in her "uniform"...

weekend

2010-07-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

We have had a great weekend at home. Today the kids went to the first gymnastics class. Maddie did very well and said that she liked it. You can tell she was really thinking about how to execute what they were working on and she really wanted to talk to the other friends (she is quite the chatterbox) but she did really well. Cooper on the other hand...he might be a little too young! I was so worn out from fighting him for 50 minutes. Following directions doesn't seem to be his thing so we may wait a little while longer before signing him up!

Kevin took Madelyn to see Toy Story 3 today and she ate all of her popcorn and was ready to leave! She spilled half of the bag during the previews so she didn't make it very long! Kevin made her stay though and they finished the movie!

While they were at the movies, I took Cooper to the mall and Toys 'R Us. He LOVES him some Toy's 'R Us! He tries out all of the toddler beds, sits on all of the Power Wheels (more than once), plays with the balls, and trains, and cars...and we didn't even have to buy anything! I think we spent about an hour in there and he loved every minute of it!

dinner

2010-07-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last night we had out first experience with a child refusing to eat so...he went to bed without dinner :( Trust me...Cooper was given many, many chances to change his mind. We even brought him back down from his room for another chance. He wouldn't budge and we realized that we didn't need to budge on the matter either. So he went to bed at about 6:30. He slept through the night which led us to believe that he was just really, really tired. Either way, it was a hard, guilty feeling for Kevin and I. Sometimes, this parenting thing is hard...

ears

2010-07-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Cooper's new tubes seem to be helping and he went through the procedure like a champ. He hates getting the ear drops but Maddie hated them too so we weren't surprised.

Lord help the teachers that the kids are going to have. We just signed them up for a trial gymnastics class at ASI gymnastics! This should be fun :)

Garner - Day 4

2010-07-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Day 4 was our last day. You could sort of feel the "let-down" in the air as the adults knew what tomorrow meant. The kids just went right on playing which is good...they didn't need to be burdened...just to enjoy themselves! We drove out to Los Maples (I think) and had lunch at this amazing little diner. Then we drove back to the house and got ready for the parents to float the river!

Yup...that's right. Maw Maw Nita and Aunt Mindy watched all 6 of them while we floated the river with my dad. It was a lot of fun!

We got home and they were all enjoying hamburgers and french fries. Well...they were eating the french fries and had hamburgers on their plates. You know how it goes!

Most of the adults stayed up late but I went to bed when Maddie did. They got up so early the entire trip that I was exhausted by day 4.

And the day we left...well...there isn't much to say. Maddie cried that she didn't want to leave the river house. 2 weeks later she is still saying she wants to go back to the river house. I guess that means she had a good time :)