Sunday, July 28, 2013

Summer Update

Summer has been busy for us, so I haven't had the time to post a lot other than pictures. Here's an update to what has been going on in our crazy lives!

ALEX:

Alex went to the eye doctor on July 3rd and we finally scheduled his strabismus surgery for September 13th. I really thought it would have been done by now but the Doctor was waiting to see how strong his muscles would get. They have gotten stronger over the three years, but there is still crossing and his left eye is more dominant. Both eyes will be operated on to strengthen the muscles. Hopefully it will only have to be done once. He is having it three days after he starts preschool but it is on a Friday and hopefully he will recover pretty quickly.

He also went in for another round of Botox on July 19th. The first round was done in on February 15th on his adductor muscles. This time we had his hamstrings done. The Botox blocks the nerve to that muscle so it stays relaxed and doesn't tighten up. It's amazing what a difference it makes for him. He is able to sit better and we are hoping it will encourage him to walk more in his walker. I am sure I has to feel better for him as well. It isn't a pleasant feeling when your muscles are tight!

His Physiatrist (Physical Therapy Doctor) keeps telling us how good his looks and how well he thinks he is doing. You have no idea what that means to us.

We haven't seen his neurologist in a year and a half and that appointment is coming up in three weeks. I always have mixed feelings going into that appointment because I feel like it could be a really good appointment or a really depressing appointment. Areas where Eric and I think Alex is doing well the Doctor may just crush us in saying something we wouldn't expect. He is all about statistics though, so I try not to look to much into it. There is no telling what Alex is going to do.

As I have said many times in previous posts, Alex is an amazing kid. He has a smile that not only can brighten your day but it can melt your heart. He's happy, funny, adorable, lovable and determined. He isn't walking or talking yet, but he knows his peeps that's for sure. The other night before bed, I asked him where daddy was and he turned his head looked at Eric and smiled. I asked him where Evan was, he did the same and once again when Eric asked him where mommy was he turned around and looked at me. Of course we made a big deal out of it and he got super excited!

Thankfully Alex is a content kid. He is happy with his favorite toys, his favorite foods and his Mickey Mouse. He will occasionally get frustrated with his AFO's if they have been on all day or if a toy falls off his stander tray or in the car. He definitely has a voice even though words aren't coming out yet! Most importantly, he loves his brother.

I am so proud of Alex's hard work in therapy and all of his accomplishments and seeing him struggle with certain things is hard, I wouldn't trade him for anything! He is my little monkey!





EVAN:

Where do I begin?  Evan has two sides to him: the loud, busy, stubborn mischievous side; and then he has the adorable lovey dovey side to him. He loves hugs and kisses and making his brother laugh is a daily duty for him.

Evan likes to get into anything and everything that he shouldn't. He wants to be independent and thinks he can throw a tantrum to weasel his way out of things. He is a handful and there are days where he runs me ragged.

He is a really smart kid. He knows a lot for just turning 3 - and I would say it's all happened in the last 6-8 months. His words are starting to form sentences now, he knows all of his colors, his ABC's, he counts to 13 (then starts back at 7!)  He is excellent at the Find it books and puzzles. He knows a lot of objects visually and isn't afraid to get what he wants. He loves his brother a lot and like Alex, he is also very determined.

He just recently started pedaling his tricycle and he now rides it on our walks. He LOVES the mall - any mall. He is fascinated with the place - I don't get it. He enjoys going to the park and more recently can't get enough of the beach. He has no idea how much he is going to love our vacation at the end of August when we go to Myrtle Beach. He is NOT going to want to leave!

I am so proud of all of his accomplishments and although he gives me a run for my money nearly everyday, I wouldn't trade him for anything! He is my Pit bull!





Having twins is both challenging and fun all rolled into one. Seeing how different they are just amazes me; how they have the same DNA and are closer than the average siblings but are so very different. I think it is neat how they differ and that they look like brothers but aren't identical.



So that is all for now. Hope everyone is having a nice summer!!
Enjoy it because it will be over before we know it!







Friday, July 26, 2013

Photo Friday

This picture was taken exactly 3 years ago today when our precious boys were 10 days old. Eric is holding Evan and I am holding Alex. Below are pictures of them today.
 
July 26, 2010
Evan - July 26, 2013


Alex - July 26, 2013


THEY ARE SO HANDSOME!






Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Twins turn Three

Happy 3rd Birthday Alex and Evan!!!

Today was a fun filled day of things they love.

First, they had pancakes for breakfast. Shirts were not needed!





Next they painted...
 

 




The beautiful masterpieces


Evan had pool time and they both went on the swings


 
 After lunch, we met up with Blake and Casey at a local waterpark to cool off from the heat. Of course it was a hit!
 




 Eric and I took the boys out to dinner where they had pizza...their favorite!
 





Then Home to open presents!






Can't forget the cake and ice cream!!!!!!!!!






Three years has gone by fast and they have changed our life. We are truly blessed and cannot wait to see what this next year has in store for us as a family. Happy Birthday Boys!!


Sunday, July 14, 2013

Alex & Evan's Birthday Celebration

July 13, 2013
 
We celebrated Alex and Evan's 3rd Birthday this weekend with our family and friends. Their actual birthday isn't until July 16th, but I wanted to share some of the fun they had. We had a Detroit Tigers Theme Party. They had a GREAT time and got so many nice things. We are truly blessed with the most amazing family and friends.
 
 
 


Amazingly delicious cake my Sister in Law made!

 


Singing Happy Birthday!


Enjoying Superman ice cream and cake
Enjoying Superman ice cream and cake





Opening Presents



Alex enjoying his presents
Alex looking adorable



Evan enjoyed opening presents this year
Evan opening his present
 
Happy 3rd Birthday to our handsome boys!


Friday, July 12, 2013

Photo Friday

Happy 60th Birthday to my Dad today!!!
 
Here are some photos of Alex and Evan with Grandpa!



 

With Evan - July 2010




 
 
 







Christmas 2012






With Alex - July 2010







 





 




Halloween 2012



 
 


 



Friday, July 5, 2013

Photo Friday (4-H Fair Edition)

Today was "Toddler Day" at the 4-H Fair so we took our little monkeys! They had a really nice time! They both enjoyed the rides and seeing all of the farm animals. Here are a few pics from our adventure!





Mommy and Evan on the Ferris Wheel
Daddy and Alex on the Ferris Wheel
Alex cooling off in the AC
Evan riding on the Carousel Bench (He doesn't like the horses!)




Evan feeding the Goats

Evan liked the Elephant Ride



Alex's Favorite! The Carousel



View from the top of the Ferris Wheel