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!!