Uts Dat, Mama!

That is the new phase heard around our house constantly these days. "uts dat, mama" (interpreted "what's that, mama") It really is cute but like most things kids say over and over again - it gets old! Kevin is talking up a storm these days. The same child I didn't think would be talking by the time he turned 2 - boy was I wrong.

We started potty training last week with him and he's doing great. We're in pull ups at school and will usually only have 1 or 2 "accidents" during the day. He will be in big boy underwear on December 1st - I think we're all ready!! Something about telling a teacher that a 2 yr old is in underwear sure gets their attention! He stays dry on the weekends with me at home, just have to remind him to go potty every hour or so and he's good. I'm so proud of him and thankful up to this point he is cooperating.

I would like to add a special prayer request for Mike - my best friends husband - who will be undergoing surgery on 11/25.

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday big boy Kevin! I can't believe you are 2 years old today. You have changed our lives so much since you entered this world and we often wonder what we did without you. I think about all the years we waited and prayed for you. Words cannot express how thankful we are that God heard our prayers and blessed us with you.

You are quite the character these days and talking up a storm. You cannot even imagine all the times we laugh when you don't even know we're watching you. You are a sweet little boy and you kiss any and everything you can - even Thomas on your toothpaste. I love that about you, little man. You have such a sweet heart and you love your family so much. You're loved at your school and church and your outgoing personality draws people to you - even strangers sometimes.

Always know your mommy and daddy love you!

Success

Kevin's procedure was successful this morning. It was over in less than 30 minutes and he did great. We were home by 10:00 and he ate as soon as we got home so he'll get 3 meals in before the probe comes out tomorow at 6:00.

We are tired and trying to keep him from pulling out the tubes and carrying out his probe recorder is a challenge but he's doing great. We did find out from his allergy test last week that he isn't allergic to anything! Yep, not even milk! That was a huge shock. We think he outgrew it somewhere between 18 months and now. We tried cheese about 6 months ago and he had a reaction but we haven't tried since. That is wonderful news for us and for Kevin. He now gets to enjoy string cheese with his friends at school and even the milk when he eats his meals. Of course I just bought the big pack of soy milk at Sam's last weekend but once those are gone, we're trying whole milk again. And yay for regular yogurt. Finding soy yogurt has become a challenge!

All in all, it's been a great day and we're thankful it's over!

He's almost 2!!

Kevin's getting closer to 2 every day and we feel it! He's got quite the personality and since he's talking up a storm - not getting what he wants when he wants it is not a subject he would like to discuss.

Our favorite phrases now include everything that starts with "I". I get it, I broke it, I reach it, I fix it, and I see it. He makes me laugh everytime he talks...it's so strange to hear it and it seems like overnight that all these words formed.

He'll also tell us "ray ray" which we've learned means "right there". So we get sentences like "mama, bird ray ray" and up until a few weeks ago I didn't know what he was trying to tell me!

The flu came and went quickly and thankfully we both stayed well through it all. Kevin does have an appt with the GI doctor at my work to discuss treatment for his reflux. Something he was diagnosed with at birth and we thought had gone away - I think we were wrong. He's not gaining weight like he should (already at 5% for his weight) and coughs his head off constantly, especially after meals. I'm so thankful I work for a hospital that can get him seen so quickly. It's such a blessing. So please be in prayer for him and the doctor as they choose the correct plan of treatment.

He's feeling better....

Thank you God for making our little boy feel better! He's had a rough week but is feeling so much better now. Praying he continues to feel better and the cough goes away completely.

Now we're trying to get back into the routine of going to bed on time and waking before 10am. Monday should be very interesting!

Let's Jump!!!

Pictures from our day at Let's Jump! Kevin had a blast!!!

Kevin is sick!

I took Kevin to the doctor today and he has the swine flu and strep throat. My poor baby!!! I felt so bad. I didn't even know he was sick....I mean like really sick. Maybe a cough, allergies or worst case bronchitis but nothing like this. He was at church yesterday and spent the morning at school. Got him in as soon as I could and sure enough...he's really sick!

We're taking turns staying home with him this week and trying to get him better. He has Tamiflu and an antibiotic for the strep. Having to do breathing treatments 4 times a day to keep the junk from getting and staying in his chest. Don't want pneumonia on top of everything else.

Please pray for my little guy that he gets better soon. And pray that Ben and I don't get sick too!!!

Progress!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep the prayers coming – they are working! Our little man is having great days at school and the biting has reduced considerably. No visits from mommy yet and he’s not crying when I drop him off in the mornings anymore. We had a blast at the zoo yesterday and I have great pictures to post soon!!! Potty training is also going well, nothing serious yet but he’s telling us when he needs to potty - even in public places!!! My big boy just seems to get bigger every day….and he’ll be 2 just around the corner. I can’t believe I’ll have a 2 year old!!!!!

This too shall pass.....

I know when Kevin is entering high school years down the road this little “problem” will seem like such a small thing but in our world now it’s big….maybe bigger for mom than anyone else but I’m the mama and he’s my world so don’t judge!

When I picked Kevin up from daycare last night I was informed that he has started biting his friends. Not just here and there but like 7 kids in 2 days. He thinks it’s a joke and likes the reaction from the kids and teachers. We on the other hand find zero humor in his little discovery and are trying to put a stop to it immediately. Now some have said “it’s a phase”, “he’ll grow out of it”, or “you just need to be patient and work with him”. To that I say “WHATEVER!!!” He knows full well what he’s doing and regardless of a phase or teething or whatever excuse you want to give, he’s almost 2 years old and like everything else in life, there are consequences for your actions. Unfortunately for Kevin, mommy works across the street from his daycare which means his consequence is mommy leaving work to walk over and fix the problem (if you know what I mean!!!). Judge if you must but we waited years and worked hard for this little boy – he’s not going to be a brat.

I fully believe in praying for your kids, even in the small things. So if you’re reading this, please pray for Kevin and his teachers, Miss Tori and Miss Blair, as they work with him to get past this stage. And pray for us as we love our child and help him learn right from wrong.

Movin’ on up!!!!

Today is Kevin’s last day in toddlers and he’s moving up to his new big boy class! He’s been transitioning all week, spending a few hours here and there in his new class but tomorrow it’s all day. We’ve been so blessed to have a wonderful Christian girl as Kevin’s teacher in toddlers and we’ll miss her so much but we’re very excited about his new class. He’s the youngest of the group but for those of you that know Kevin it won’t hold him back!!!!

He is using his sign language so much now. Last night we “quizzed” him on all the signs he knows and we’re up to 45!!!! He may not sign them but he knows what they all mean. I was so impressed and owe it all to Elizabeth who told me about Signing Time DVDs (www.babysigningtime.com) They are awesome and he’s learned so much.

He’s transitioned great into his new toddler bed. Hasn’t fallen out once and sleeps all night. He likes that I can sit on his bed with him to read books at night! Potty training isn’t into full swing yet but he does go potty for us at home and also at school. He actually went tee-tee and poo-poo at school yesterday which is big for him!!! We’ll get him on a good schedule in the next month and hope to have a potty trained little boy by Christmas.

Big boy bed and some yard work!

Ben and I had a wonderful anniversary yesterday. We were at Lowes at 8:00 buying all the supplies we needed to do a yard makeover. We started at 10:00 and finished up by 2:00. We are so proud of ourselves and enjoyed spending time together. We enjoyed a nice late lunch at Saltgrass and picked up Kevin. Ben got called into work so he came home and slept for a little bit and Kevin and I spent some time at Nana's house. We also transitioned Kevin's bed into a toddler bed yesterday. He was so excited to see it and yelled "bed" and climbed right in. I read him a story in his bed last night and he fell asleep just fine. He's such a big boy now! He is also moving up at school again!!! He's very excited and enjoys walking down the hall to see his new big boy room. They will start working more with him on his potty training and we will do the same at home. Not in any hurry but he knows the routine and seems to be ready so we'll see.

Swim lessons and pneumonia - what a combination!

Well it's been quite the week! Kevin started swim lessons on Monday and had a blast. He's not in the least bit afraid of anything and it shows! He started feeling yucky Thursday. Fever, cough, sleeping a lot, etc. This continued to get worse so we took him to Urgent Care this morning. He was diagnosed with pneumonia! Can you believe that???? He has an antibiotic and steroid that we started today. It's been quite the weekend and I'm staying home with him tomorrow. Hoping he can go to school on Tuesday if his fever stays down but I'm afraid it'll wear him out quick. So that's the summary of our week. Pray for our little man to feel better soon and that all medicine works so we don't have to visit the hospital. Here are some pictures of our first week of swim lessons...also some pictures of feeding the ducks with mommy and Nana! We had so much fun!!!!

When asked where someone or something is...and he doesn't know the answer - this is Kevin's new response!!!!

How to say "Ravioli" by Kevin Sasser

Much needed post!

I don't even want to talk about how long it's been since I've posted....let alone posted pictures! So here is a much needed post with some very cute pictures. Our little man is getting bigger every day and keeping us very busy!

Enjoy!!!!

Life with a toddler…..

As you can tell from my lack of posting this past month – our lives have been very busy!!!! Our house is officially done…they installed the heater in our bathroom just this week and that was the finishing touch on the project. We’re so happy it is finished and we are loving our house. Yes, I know pictures have not been posted – I hope to do them soon.

We cannot believe Kevin will be 18 months in a few days! Time has gone by so fast but we sure are loving this stage. He is talking up a storm – some we understand some we don’t! His sign language has been a life saver though. He will talk and sign which helps us understand those first words a little better! His potty training is going good.

Daycare sits him on the potty 4 or 5 times a day of which he’ll actually tee tee once or twice. He continues to go at home on a regular basis including waking up dry and going potty first thing in the morning! We’re so proud of him and hope his progress continues. He doesn’t recognize it as a chore just yet and because he’s still so young – we’re in no rush and I think he can sense that.

His paci transition in March went perfect! He spent the first week asking for it and then a few nights crying for it and that was it! After that first week we gathered as many of his pacis we could find and threw them all away. It was a wonderful moment for all of us! I would have preferred to break him of it when he turned a year but I was determined to have it done by the time he turned 18 months. I never thought he would have taken to the change so quickly and in less than a week be paci free!!! He’s such a big boy.

I do have a feeling they are transitioning him at school very soon! Yesterday I picked him up in a different room which usually means they are getting him used to other teachers and a new environment. 2 promotions in less than a year – not sure if mommy can handle that! He used to look so small when I dropped him off and now he looks like a big boy playing with all his friends. He drinks out of a real cup now – no lid!!! We do sippy cups for car rides but at home and school – he’s lid-free J

I hope at some point during our busy weekend I have time to post a few pictures. I have very cute Easter pictures and a few bluebonnet pictures from last weekend.

Quick update

Not much time to update you on our exciting life but here it goes....

Kevin is officially broken of his paci. This is HUGE for us! He lived and breathed his paci and to make it now 5 days without it is great.

We have also started potty training with him. I know it seems a little early but this is all "Kevin lead" not us! He used the potty several times Saturday and actually woke up dry this morning and went tee-tee on the potty!!! We're not pushing this transition at all and won't for a few more months. We let him go if he wants and only really encourage it after lunch, naps and first thing in the morning. He's growing up too fast.

He is also talking up a storm. "Thank you" has become his new phrase. He's also learned to say "no" and "no more" very clearly. He says "pa-pa" all the time (my dad is loving this!!).

Our house is officially done - except for our entry way and back foyer area. They are replacing that tile soon hopefully. Pictures are coming soon. We just got the living room furniture yesterday so it is now a completed room and looks amazing. I cannot believe the difference it has made. We love and I can't wait to show it off.

Bathroom pics!

I know what you're thinking...finally - she got around to posting pictures. Hey, don't judge me - our life has been beyond hectic. Our bathroom make over turned into an entire house make over so it's still not over yet! The floors and living room remodeling start on Tuesday.



Kevin is getting more teeth! We're getting in number 13 and 14 right now and it's really getting to him this time around. Luckily we're almost finished with this teething stuff. Just 6 more teeth : )



Okay, enough about us - enjoy the pictures. I haven't bought the accessory items for our bathroom so you're not seeing it complete but you'll get the general idea. Also enjoy the pictures of Kevin's first hair cut.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend!

I was spoiled this Valentine's Day!!!! Ben got me the diamond earrings that I've been asking for - YAY! I love them and I was completely shocked. He also got me a new cell phone - a Blackberry Curve....which I've also been asking for and absolutely love. I also got a much needed new pair of glasses. I wear contacts but enjoy giving my eyes a rest on the weekends and at night. I've had the same lenses with the original prescription since we got married over 7 years ago. This time Ben got me a cute new pair of frames, too : ) He's so good to me.

I know you're asking yourself...."Where are the bathroom pictures?" Well, our contractor came by the house on Friday, took a look around at our newly remodeled bathroom and now the beautiful tile has to be taken down and done again. The only explanation we were given was "it's just not perfect". We can live with that and understand our 2 week project has just been extended. They start in our master bathroom tomorrow!

Big boy Kevin had his 15 month check up on Friday. He is off the charts in his height - a whopping 34 1/2 inches and 23lbs 10oz for his weight, actually putting him around 50%. He was feeling better and then started with another cough and runny nose. He stayed home tonight with daddy after running a fever this afternoon. Hoping a good night's sleep and Motrin will get him back to normal tomorrow.

Speaking of big boy, Kevin got his first hair cut on Saturday. He looks like such a little man now. I do have pictures but it's getting late and we have lots of stuff to get done for tomorrow....so I'll have to post later. And yes those of you looking at the time on my post, 9:00 is late : )

Where has the time gone?

Take a look at our cute little Valentine this time last year....he was so little!
























I didn't get Valentine pictures taken this year - I'm such a bad mommy. He was sick the weekend I wanted to get them done and Lord have mercy this child needs a hair cut! He's starting to look like a girl : ) After the hair cut, I hope to get Easter pictures done.

Our guest bathroom is done in record time! I will take final pictures today and hope to have them posted this weekend. Get ready to say "WOW"!!!! You won't believe the change.

Quick update

Okay, quick update on my crazy weekend. It started at 10:30pm Thursday, ended at 3:00am Friday leaving the ER - Kevin has an ear infection. Fast forward 3 days - he is still sick. 102-104 fever all weekend. Won't eat, doesn't drink much, sleeps constantly and after a trip to Urgent Care today, he still has an ear infection. Doesn't appear the antibiotic is working like it should.... Ben is staying home with our sick little man tomorrow and I'm calling the Pediatrician. I know it sounds crazy, but I just know he's supposed to be better by now! 3 days of constant fever on an antibiotic just doesn't make sense to me. Apparently it does to the on call nurse and doctor - but they aren't his mama, so in this case, mommy does know best!!!!

I'm exhausted after no sleep Thursday into Friday and taking care of Kevin all weekend. He just breaks my heart being sick and when my constant on the go child is laying on my lap for hours at a time, you know something is wrong. We're just waiting for this to be over to have our fun little boy back.

I have lots of pictures to post since I was reminded at work last week that I haven't posted pictures in forever!!!! I'm on it ladies, just slowly getting there :)-

A Must Read for Everyone!

I do not read....EVER!! But my mother insisted I read this book and I couldn't put it down. I was finished in a week and loved every minute of it. I recommend this book to everyone.

More teeth and definite milk allergy

Well, the diagnosis is in: Kevin is allergic to milk! Who diagnosed him you ask? ME...Dr Candi, who else? And when I say milk, I mean everything dairy. Poor little guy can't even have Cheez-Its. What's life without those perfect little crackers? We have soy milk and soy yogurt stocked in our house now. Luckily fruit is still on the menu and he doesn't even know the difference. Since the removal of all dairy product, Kevin's skin is perfectly clear, no more eczema, no more red cheeks. He's cured!!!!!! For the family that has no allergies...Kevin has them all.

And last but not least, he is getting more teeth. His top 2 molars are coming in and the bottom 2 decided to join in all the fun. So he has 4 molars coming in at once. Bless his heart. That combined with a yucky cough and fever kept us home all weekend. Hoping for a great week and if our schedules work out - Kevin is getting his first hair cut tomorrow! Such a big boy.

More

This is Kevin's favorite thing to say now...."more more" He signs it as he's saying it and it's so cute! He's also using great manners and is saying "dane-du" (thank you) when he is given something. Again....so cute! And last but not least, he has learned to say "gee-gee" (Jersey). Jersey is our 9 year old beagle that could care less about Kevin but he sure adores her. He now gives her hugs and kisses each morning and is thrilled when she sits long enough for him to pet her.

We are now pretty sure that Kevin is allergic to milk. He was given yogurt at school last week and broke out in a small rash on his arms and belly again. He has been on soy milk only for over a month now and loves it. I'm still playing around with the milk allergy thing as I'm not 100% sure it was the milk that day. We're going to try again and see what happens before I officially diagnose him. As long as he's not allergic to ba-ba-ba-ba (bananas) I think he'll be okay. I swear he thinks that's all our kitchen holds is bananas. He can now see them on the counter and will ask to eat one at least 10 times a day! My sweet little monkey.

Picture Update

Sorry I haven't had time to update. We've been very busy. Kevin is getting so big and talking up a storm. He can now say ball, up(cup), dada, mama, papa (PaPa is so proud!!!), dane-du(thank you), pees(please), bah-bah-bah(banana) and des(yes). I'm sure I forgot something and most things we can't understand but he still talks! He's such a fun little boy. Here are some pictures from Christmas with Ben's family and last weekend at the park. Who would have thought we'd have 84 degree weather in January. Cold front came the next day and it was in the 30's. Go figure!

The Sasser Boys (Take #1)


Take 2


Take 3...Now what?

Lane opening up presents



Amy and Jacob hanging out



Lane playing Playstation



Jacob and Stephen

Fun at the park!!!!