Brianna and the potty

We are starting the process of potty training even if we didn't want to with Brianna. Last Thursday evening Kalen was giving Dylan a bath and Brianna went to Daddy and said, "Daddy, poop potty", and got the insert that she sits on. We were amazed. She did it and all by herself. We reward her with ice cream. She really isn't into anything besides ELMO and Nemo so I guess I'll have to go get her stickers for future trips to the potty. So if any of you parents have ideas on how to make this something consistent please let us know:)

Call Me crazy but........off to Fairytale Town we go

Last week I decided to take Dylan, Brianna and my niece to Fairytale Town. I had Stephanie (our friend/Respite worker) go with us to help out. We had MaryEllen come with us so her mom could get a break since she just had a baby. So the 5 of us piled into the van and off we went. We were too behind schedule, as many of you know I try to be as punctual as I can.

First stop.....the Old woman who lived in a Shoe Slide. Brianna and MaryEllen loved it. Brianna was a little aprehensive at first, but then all her fears were gone. I was trying to figure out a way to have Dylan go down the slide but it would have been really hard climbing narrow stairs with Dylan in my arms not holding onto anything. So he had to sit this one out.


Those two girls are too funny. I'm gald that Brianna has someone in the "cousin" field to play with.


MaryEllen was our tour guide. She really wanted to go into King Arthur's Castle. So we all piled onto the throne and had Stephanie take our picture. Either Brianna or MaryEllen didn't want to sit down so Stephanie I think did a great job snapping our photo.


Our happy Dylan. He loved listening to the different music that was playing throughout Fairytale Town. Dylan did a great job tolerating the heat. It was starting to warm up when we were there. I think he really enjoyed listening to all the sounds that were around us.


Brianna having a conversation with the turtle she was sitting on.

More slide, more slide. She was nonstop when it came to slides.

MaryEllen is so sweet with Dylan. She likes to come up to Dylan and say hi to him when he is in his chair.


Brianna, Stephanie and Dylan. His smile says it all:)

We had lots of fun at Fairytale Town. We are probably going to be going back there one day soon:)

Kalen meets Baby Henry

Kalen wasn't able to go to the hospital after Henry was born since he had to work. He finally got a meet him a few days later. Kalen was so happy holding Henry. He was so bummed when it was time for Henry to go home.

Our sweet Henry:) He loves his "Soothie".

One happy Uncle.

Our "Superstar"

Glasses, Glasses, Glasses. Did someone say glasses? While we were shopping during our getaway, Kalen saw this glasses and got them for Brianna. We saw a shirt that says" I love grandpa" and we thought that was pretty appropriate since she loves Papa so much. She was strutting her stuff. It was fun.

Our trip:)

Kalen and I had a great time getting away for the weekend for our anniversary. We were able to spend time shopping, eating and relaxing without any kids. We are so grateful that we know Stephanie Brown. She is our respite worker/friend. We've known her for 3 years and the kids love her. It's been so nice being able to get a break. So below are a few pics from our "holiday" as my mom called it. Oh yeah I can't forget to thank my parents. They were kind enough to come sleep over so Stephanie could get a break. We couldn't have done it without so much help.

It was super windy at the beach. That's some crazy hair.

Kalen looking happy at The San Francisco Zoo. It is a real neat zoo. We are hoping to take the kids one of these days.

I wish I could wake up to this everyday. Good thing we are only a few hours away:)

Brianna and her hair

I was so happy that I was able to put Brianna's hair up into a "nub". She hates it when we try to do her hair. I can't figure out why. Papa has even tried to help and she won't even let him do it. So any ideas on how to get a little girl's hair done would be greatly appreciated.



The picture says it all...."cheese". Brianna is such a camera hog. She loves getting her picture taken and looking at it on the camera. She is also in love with her toothbrush and loves to brush her teeth multiple times a day.

Henry Richard Faulconer has arrived.......

He's here...Brian and Lori (my brother and sister-in-law) welcomed Henry Richard Faulconer into this world on August 14, 2007 @ 12:47am. Lori's labor with Henry was much better than Lori's with MaryEllen. Henry weighed 7lbs 9.6 ozs and was 20 1/4 inches. He is a cutie pie. All are home. MaryEllen is adjusting really well to being a "Big Sister". Send your congratulations their way when you see them.

The proud parents:)

Brianna was fascinated by her new cousin Henry. She got his name down pretty quick and kept saying "Baby Henry" and wanted to touch him. She was very gentle and loved looking at him.

Dylan and a cup

I am happy to report that Dylan a few weeks ago sippped a little from a cup. I thought it would be a one time thing, but last night Kalen tried again and he sipped a little bit of chocolate milk from a soft spout sippy cup. I'm so happy that he is getting back some of the skills he lost last summer. And I am happy to report for the past 3 months Dylan has been eating great again. Back in June he decided that he would and could eat a waffle again. Kalen and I are excited because that means that we have more food options for Dylan again. Dylan has found a new love of food to add to his list---Spanish Rice. He loves spicy foods....he definitely like mommy and daddy:) We are so happy that he is eating more foods and hopefully the feeding tube will just be for medicine and occasional liquids for when he has seizures:)

Need help......

Alright everyone. I need ideas on what I should get Kalen for our 5th anniversary. any ideas would be great! Thanks ahead of time.

Francesca

Dylan....

Dylan enjoyed therapy today. His therapist has noticed a changed in his muscle tone in his hands and face. Dylan is also sitting more erect when he is sitting in his wheelchair. He really likes riding on his horse Bender. I'm glad that he is able to participate in an activity in the community, although it's a long drive.

Bubbles.......

Say Cheese........ Brianna is such a goof. She loves getting her picture taken. She loves playing with bubbles on the patio. When Daddy BBQ's he always does bubbles with her. She loves saying "Bye Bubbles, Bye Bye". We love watching her play. We can't believe that she will be 2 in a few weeks. She acts more like 5.

Pampered Chef

Well after much decision I have decided to reactivate as a Consultant with The Pampered Chef. I am really excited so if any of you need anything, (tips, products, advice, etc......) you know where to find me:) I think what I am so excited about is that I will be able to get adult time. Yeah!

Hippotherapy

Hippo what.......? Dylan started horseback riding therapy back in July out in Lincoln, CA at Ride To Walk. It's quite a drive for us, but it has helped him a lot. Plus he enjoys riding on a horse. He rides on the same horse every week. His horse's name is Bender. From the pictures it doesn't quite show that Dylan likes it, but he does. He just doesn't like his helmet going over his eyes. Trying to find a helmet for a 4 year old was a little difficult. Grandpa Faulconer got to walk along the horse with Dylan a few weeks back, because they were short of volunteers. Grandpa really liked it. Dylan especially likes it when the therapist stretches his arms and legs. Let's see what progress will occur with this therapy:)

And we are off.........

I'm so excited. Kalen and I made reservations to go out of town for our 5th anniversary. We are going to San Francisco. For those of you that are like....."they were just there", we are going to a different part. Kalen has never been to the SF Zoo, Golden Gate Park or Muir Woods. I'm so excited.

Our last getaway was for my birthday back in June and it was the first one in four years, just by ourselves. We were so happy to be able to spend time together without the kids. We love them but.......those of you that have kids know what it's like. My parents watched the kids. We are so grateful to be so close by to them and for all the help they provide.

We are trying to plan a trip with either just the two of us to Hawaii or taking the whole family. A six hour plane ride with Dylan and Brianna should be interesting. So if anyone has any tips for taking kids on planes for that long of a plane ride let me know.

That's all for now.........

Kalen and his bum knee

Kalen and I try to make it to the gym together a few times a week and this past week Kalen over did it on a machine and now has a small tear in his ACL that he had surgery 4 years ago on. He's been taking it easy and using crutches. Think good thoughts for him.

Brianna and chocolate

We got a chocolate fountain and used it at my Sister-in-law's Baby Shower. Brianna climbed up on a chair and started putting the skewers in the chocolate and licking it off. It was a kick to watch.