Micah's GF/CF progression

I took Micah's picture the day we started his gluten/casein free diet (March 8th) and again 2 wks later. Other than the shiner, I think he is looking pretty good.

The pen scribbles add a nice touch, no?

His eyes are definitely brighter and the bags are not as deep. He actually looks happy in the 2nd one. By the way, I didn't tell him to look miserable the first time. It has been a difficult process, but it has definitely been worth it.

Oh and because the other cutie wanted in on the fun, too.

Easter

I hate holidays. I really do. The end.

Turn the Beat Around

Earlier this week, in the middle of yelling at Micah, I stopped my sentence. It suddenly hit me that Robert and I wanted our children. We kinda planned them and were thrilled to find out they were coming. Yet, there I was yelling my heart out at my sweet, although testy 3 year old son. Where was the respect? How had I, in such a short amount of time, come to show such harshness  to one of my favorite people in the entire world? It made me really, really sad. :(

 We have been an AP family pretty much from the beginning. We parent peacefully and treat our children with respect and dignity. So, I know better than to yell at my kids and I strive to not to it, but failed a lot. For some reason, I'd just kinda of spiraled out of control.  How I went from kissing and nuzzling the innocent babe gifted to me, to bullying him, I've yet to figure out.

 In that epiphany of a moment, I knew that I would either continue on in the way I had been or I'd get my act together and start living everyday with my children the way I intended to from the start. These little people were being treated like a cat that someone had abandoned on my doorstep in the night. Something to deal with until I found someone to take the problem away. That would stop right there and then.

 This entire past week has been SO wonderful! The house is happier. (Though as I write this, Micah is screaming at me that the candy on the fridge is not mine and I need to give it to him NOW.) I have enjoyed and relished my kids and their antics. Taking the time to step back without reacting has allowed us to all reconnect.

I'm not unrealistic. I know that eventually I will lose my temper and get loud again, hopefully that is a long way off. Thank God for second chances.

New Foods

I'm not pointing fingers or anything, but somebody thoroughly enjoyed his avocado, salsa and Fritos lunch.

Hanging Out

While Super Robert worked on the boat, (again), the boys and I goofed off outside. Note his cool seat and dress socks with tennis shoes. What a dork.



Micah dug happily in his sandbox that is now like beach sand. I accidentally left the lid off during a storm. I think he would play in there with his construction trucks all day.



And Elias, funny little man. He and Micah brought their carrot muffins to the table outside. I look over and true to his caveman style, he is face planting into the muffin instead of picking it up.



He'd climb into the chair take a bite, get down go to the other chair, climb up and take a bite. Repeat until it was gone. What goes on in that little brain?

Happy Birthday Micah

3 years old. It is still hard to believe my baby is 3. We celebrated on Saturday at one of our favorite parks. Micah loved his car cake and playing with his little cousins. Hands down, his favorite gift though was the Power Wheels Jeep P-Pa and Grandma got for him. He crashed into trees, ran over my leg and screamed if anyone went near it. All in all, he had a good time. We finished the day with a trip to Wal Mart and grilling steaks with Daddy Robert. Oh, by the way, Micah calls Robert, Robert or Daddy Robert. He really is one cool kid.



These are pics from birth to 3. I know it's cliche, but the time really does fly.


Micah and Elias both enjoyed helping make the cake, which just involved them licking the spoon and bowl. Surprisingly enough, gluten/casein free cake can be GOOD! So good in face that my tummy hurts from eating too much the last few days. The boys think so, too.



A St Patty's Day birthday is a pretty sweet deal. Everyone celebrates with you!