This Week

This week, I am thankful for this AMAZING weather. The boys and I played outside a lot today.

This week, I am so excited I get to host a shower for my favorite neighbor, Mindi and her daughter, Olivia. My house will be full of pink for one day.

This week, I get to decorate my house because my BFF gave me all of her decorations because she is moving and getting new stuff. Thank you, Jenn!!! You are the best!!

This week, I am putting all of my fall/halloween decorations out. This means more of the cooler weather, right?! This is the start of my favorite time of year-holiday season. Yayayayay!!

This week, I am making some fall decor crafts (and will hopefully post pics). Last week I made the boys' Trick or Treat bags. Both of these crafts I stole from others' blog posts. Thanks for sharing!! I L-O-V-E crafts! Bryan makes fun of me saying I need a "craft room" like Will Schuster's wife. I think he's right.

This week is the last week Jayden will be 10 months old. I am so excited to be planning his one year party!! :)

This week I am feeling very very blessed. Amazing husband, two awesome sons, wonderful friends and family, church family, sweet dog, house, a/c, bed, food, warm water, I could go on and on. Thank you, God, for continual blessings!!!!

Pictures!!!

It's Been a While...

I know it's been a while since I have written on this thing. I am going to try to get better at that...

So, here is the latest on what is going on with us. We went to San Antonio for a short family vacay. It was so much fun!! We went to a wilderness park where we got to feed the animals as we drove around. Bryce was loving it! He got a little scared of the zebras because they "had big teeth." He wouldn't feed them from his hand (which you aren't supposed to do anyway, such a rule follower :)). We went to Sea World and just HAD to sit in the splash zone (Bryan's words) at the Shamu show. Bryce thought it was funny, Jayden didn't like it so much but got over it fast. I didn't realize how cold those whales needed their water to be. We stayed at a really cool hotel that had 3 pools. Bryce was swimming every chance he got. We walked the Riverwalk and had lunch/caught up with a college friend who lives there. It was a nice getaway.

Bryce started his second year of pre-k. He did MUCH better this year than last. He walked right in, saw play-dough on the table and started playing. He asked me if I was going to stay with him (with a little quiver in his voice) but after a quick explanation of his day and that I would be there to pick him up, he was fine. Yay!! Made for a happy, relieved mommy!!

Jayden said his first words!!!! Other than Momma and Dadda, that is. He loves playing patty cake. We were walking around Hobby Lobby, he was sitting in the cart. He grabbed my hands, clapped them together, and said "pat, pat, pat"!!!! So precious!! Later that day, he said "hi" to me. Now, I try to get him to say it, and he smiles and hides his face as if he is shy. He does it some, but not often. He also started waving, giving high fives, and we are now working on blowing kisses. He is signing "more" when he wants more to eat. He started signing more when he wants to eat in general. Trying so hard for him to sign eat, but he just signs more for now. :) He has 6 teeth!!! WOW! The top 4 came in all at the same time. He was sad, but not as sad as you would think. He has some separation anxiety...not fun...He does not like going to Sunday class. But I am stubborn and he WILL like it one day. :) At his 9 month appointment, he weighed 19.7 lbs and is almost 28 inches long, both in the 25-50%.

I think that's it! You are now caught up!! All 2 of you that read this. :) I just realized Bryan hasn't uploaded the pics yet (I don't know how to do that-don't judge) so I will do pics later.

6 Months

FREEDOM!!!!! :) We have reached the day!! Jayden is now allowed to be out in the world. So far, we have been to a softball game where they dedicated a bench in memory of sweet Pam Kiser, a surprise birthday party for Erin Leeser, church, eating out at a few restaurants, a youth group event, and a few outings to Target. Other than crying when we all yelled "Surprise" at Erin, he has done really well. I thought he would be overwhelmed by the amount of people gathering around him, but he loved it! I am so thankful.

Here are his stats:

Weight: 18 pounds

Height: 27 inches

Head Cir: BIG!! But I will let you know this when we go to his 6 month appointment.

He is now constantly smiling and laughing. He has such a wonderful personality. He is content most of the time. He is rolling over, mainly from his back to tummy, but occasionally will roll from his tummy to back. He loves chewing on his hands and feet. Whether he is on the floor, in his swing, exersaucer, or in your lap, he is always moving. I think we have another active boy on our hands. We have not started him on cereal yet because he is doing so well on just milk. I better get on that...

We went to the cardiologist this past week. He is doing very well!! They are always so impressed with his growth, and the fact that you can't find his ribs because of all of the rolls. He is still on meds (and will be for a very long time) for his rapid heartbeat and it is still doing it's job. We also found out a while back that he has a premature heartbeat. Our doctor said that is nothing to worry about unless there are two or more premature heartbeats in a row, which has never happened to him. So, we have a lot to be thankful for. We are so blessed at how well he is doing. We thank God multiple times a day for our precious "little" boy. He has changed our lives in so many ways. I cannot imagine our life without him.

here he is with his heart monitor on

Bryce is such a good big brother. He is so proud of Jayden. Yesterday at church, people would come up to see Jayden, and Bryce would yell, "That's my baby brudder!" :) Made me so happy. :)

I know this was long. I had a lot to update. We are so ecstatic to be able to take our boy out. I have been missing church and playdates so much!!! So, those of you around this area, you will be seeing our faces A LOT!!! :) Watch out world, here comes Jayden!!!!

Convicted

I have been reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan and am completely convicted. I have been living my life, not bad necessarily, but not always listening to the Holy Spirit. I oftentimes take the Holy Spirit living inside of me for granted. Why do I do that? I have no idea. If I listen to the Spirit, my life would be so much easier. Why do I try to even attempt things on my own? God knows more and can lead me in such a way that I don't even know how to explain, and I know that. So why do I try to do it myself? I am not just talking about the big things, but also about the day to day life-how I phrase things to my kids today, how I phrase things to my husband today, how I spend my time today, what I choose to do with/teach my kids today, what to cook today, I could go on and on. My goal is to wake up every morning and ask God to lead me, through the Holy Spirit, to what he wants in me and my day (actually His day). I want Him to use me the way I was made to be used-by Him and not me.

"I don't want my life to be explainable without the Holy Spirit. I want people to look at my life and know that I couldn't be doing this by my own power. I want to live in such a way that I am desperate for Him to come through. That if He doesn't come through, I am screwed." -Francis Chan

Bryce is feeling much better! Thank you, Lord. We still have not slept through the night, but maybe that night is tonight. :) We have been fever free since Thursday. Thanks for your prayers!

On another note, please keep Michael Bonine's family in your prayers. Michael was an amazing 34 year old dad, husband, son, brother, friend, etc. who passed away from a brain aneurysm. They have a long road of healing ahead of them.

No Rest for the Weary

Poor Bryce has had a fever since Sunday night. After spending $100 at the pedi on various tests, we find out he has a virus and there's nothing we can do about it.

Lovely.

For the past 3 nights, he has woken up multiple times (9 last night). He was absolutely delirious, saying crazy things as if speaking in tongues, shaking all over, crying and coughing. He also did not take a nap yesterday, and only a 30 minute nap today and no nap for Jayden. This also means Mommy didn't get any rest.

The dr said if he still has a fever Thursday, to call and come back. He is currently on Mortin and has a fever of 102.5. Needless to say, I am sure the doc will be seeing Bryce's cute little puffy, red-eyed face again tomorrow. I might have to take Jayden along this time as well. He is sneezing and fussy. No fever. Please pray he doesn't get this. This might mean a trip back to TCH for him.

I finally uploaded a few pics of Bryce's birthday. I tried doing this soon after his party, but I kept getting kicked off the internet and losing what I had already done, and getting frustrated. So, I quit so that I would not throw the computer out the window...

I cannot believe I have a 3 year old. He is just precious and I love him so much!! We had a blast at the party! And, more importantly, so did the kids. :)

Bryce is turning 3 on Saturday!! I cannot believe I have a 3 year old. Time sure does fly!! I love that kid so much and we are so blessed to have him. In celebration of his birthday, I asked him a few questions. Here are his answers:

Q: What is your name?

A: Bryce Ala [Allen] Borden

Q: How old are you?

A: Three

Q: When is your birthday?

A: Jauawy Thutee [January 30]

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Green

Q: Where do you like to go eat?

A: Chick-a-way. Moooooo

Q: What toy do you like to play with the most?

A: Dinosaurs

Q: Which books do you like to read?

A: Two Fish [One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish], David Goliath, Jonah, Caterpillar [The Very Hungry Caterpillar]

Q: What is your favorite dessert?

A: Ice Cream

Q: What movie do you like to watch?

A: The dinosaur one [Ice Age], Letter Factory

Q: What is your favorite sport?

A: Baseball (I was pleasantly surprised at this answer-thought it would be football)

Q: Are you big or little?

A: Widdle, no I BIG!!! (showing his muscles)

Q: What do you like to do with Mommy?

A: Play with toys

Q: What do you like to do with Daddy?

A: Tackle him!

Q: What do you like to do with Jayden?

A: Change his diaper

Q: What do you like to do with Buckwheat?

A: Chase her

Q: Who made you?

A: Mommy, Jesus....God made me!!!

Q: Who loves you?

A: Mommy loves me!

Q: Who else loves you?

A: Mommy, Daddy, Jayden and God

I am sure I could have kept going. He loved the questionnaire.

His "Tractor" party is Saturday, so pictures are to come!!

My sweet little boy has colic. Poor little guy just cries and cries in the evenings until I pick him up. He looks up at me and sees me looking back at him, and then he relaxes a little and almost immediately stops crying. He knows that when he is in my arms, he is okay. He trusts me entirely knowing that I am going to take care of his every need. I cannot help but think of God every time I have Jayden in my arms and he does this. When we are in God's arms, we can rest and relax knowing He is going to take care of us. Sadly, so many times, we try to do things on our own when all we have to do is let God hold us, look up to Him as he is looking back at us, and sigh in relief knowing He is in control and we have nothing to fear. Yet another lesson we can learn (or be reminded of) from children. Praise God that we are not in control and He is!

PS-I really need to take blogger 101. Anyone up for teaching someone who is computer illiterate???

We had a blast this Christmas break!! It was actually nice and relaxing. We couldn't make the trip to Dallas to visit family because Jayden can't get out yet, so Bryan's family came here. It was a lot of fun! Bryce loved having his cousins here and Lynn and Stephanie loved holding and loving on Jayden.

Bryce is such a good big brother! He is always kissing on Jayden's head and talking to him in this really cute, high-pitched voice (which makes Jayden smile). I am so impressed with how he treats his little brother. Bryce has always been such a big helper, and he loves helping me out with Jayden. He helps change his diaper (he even throws the dirty ones away for me), he shakes toys in his face and says, "It's okay, baby Jaynen" when he is upset, and even shares his toys with him. I am so relieved there is no sibling rivalry (yet).

Jayden is growing so much lately. At our last doctor appointment, he weighed 10 lbs 4 oz. I know he has got to weight over 11 pounds now. He is now 9 weeks old!!! I cannot believe how fast time flies!! He is sleeping at least 5 hours at a time at night. Last night he slept 8 hours!!! Mommy was happy. He has been smiling and even laughed for the first time two nights ago!! It was such a sweet sound. He lost a lot of his hair and looked like an old balding man, but it is now starting to grow back. It is quite a bit darker now than it was. We have discovered he has reflux and colic. There was some rough times there where he would not stop crying almost all day. He is now on Zantac (poor kid is on so much meds) and only cries during his "colic time" (which is at night) and seems to calm down if I hold him.

We are so blessed to have two amazing boys. I love them more than I could ever describe.

Okay, I think I am caught up now. We have another cardiology appointment in mid January, so we will keep you updated about that. Hopefully I will write another blog before then. I am going to try to keep up with this thing....we will see....

PS-Bryce will be 3 at the end of this month. I cannot believe I (almost) have a 3 year old!!!!

Santa Came to the Borden's

And Bryce was scared of him!!! He was even scared to go to sleep that night for fear of Santa getting him. Poor thing. Jayden was not scared.