April 2011

Wow, has April been busy for us! 

We started the month off by having our second ultra sound for McGee number 3. It was our 20 week ultra sound and we were able to find out the sex. Happy to share with everyone that we will be an all BOY family! Chloe and I are out numbered. But that's okay, we like it that way! Our ultra sound was a little scary, but everything came out just fine in the long run. The ultra sound tech either couldn't see Brock very well, or did see some things that were not normal and they correct themselves. We got a phone a couple days after our ultra sound letting us know that Brock had cyst on his brain and his kidneys were enlarged. Bryan and I were a ball of nerves until we were able to get a high risk ultra sound. We were reassured that Brock is perfectly normal, and he does NOT have cyst on his brain. His kidneys are on the larger side, but that is normal for males. They tend to hold more urine than girls. We will more than likely have another ultra sound in 3-4 weeks and have his kidney's checked again. Praise the Lord that Brock's brain is developing like is suppose to! 

The weather has been amazing the month of April, so we have been trying to do some stuff outside. I say trying, because Bryce has been having some allergy issues. This poor kid is so tough, and strong! His skin has been broken out all over his body and we haven't been able to cure it. We found him a new allergy dr here in Surprise and he has been helping Bryce a lot! Not something that Bryce nor mommy and daddy wished for, but gotta do what you gotta do. Bryce is highly allergic to EVERYTHING outside. From trees, grass, plants, high pollen counts...you name it he has a problem with it. In the 3 weeks we have been trying to keep him indoors we have seen such a huge improvement in his skin. He is not waking up in the middle of the night crying because he itches and he is not scratching as much! 

We watch the pollen count like crazy, and the minute we see it has dropped we try to go and do something outdoors. 

Here is some of the things we have done in the month of April (most is before we found out Bryce couldn't be outside) 

We extended the kids play area and planted a tree in the middle. The boys were thrilled to pick out and plant flowers. 

(Project complete)

Bryce being Cookie Monster

Bryce loves to eat like cookie monster...but he know he is only allowed to do this when he is OUTDOORS. 

 My sweet-pea Isaac

This is Isaac new way of saying CHEESE! 

 Whip Cream Art

Both boys were shocked when they found out they could actually eat the paint (actually colored whip cream)

More indoor fun in the month of April

Stuffington Bear Company is one of a couple bear factories left in the USA. It's located in Phoenix, and they offer FREE tours everyday. It's like a giant build-a-bear factory. Bryce picked a 4 foot snake to stuff and Isaac picked a brown teddy bear. The process included stuffing, sewing, baths, and picking colorful ribbon. Bryce named is snake Rango after the movie Rango. The new is starting to wear off, but he still loves his snake.  

 One of the largest bears I think I have ever seen.

Getting ready for Easter

We took a trip to downtown Glendale and found Cerrerta Candy Factory. We found the prefect chocolate bunnies for Easter at the candy factory...and we got a take another FREE tour and see how all the yummy chocolate was made. 

(Picture above is Bryce and all his little friends)

Easter comes early.

We celebrated Easter a week early with the family. Grandma was going to be out of town, and we didn't want her to miss all the Easter fun with the boys. What a great time we had with Great Grandparents and Grandparents. The boys had an egg hunt inside, colored eggs, and daddy cooked ribs out on the grill for the family. Best part of the evening Great Grandma jumped on the trampoline with Bryce and Isaac. Great Grandpa was a nervous wreck the whole time she was up there. 

 Isaac's Easter basket

 We were going to wait and give the boys their Easter basket on Easter day, but Bryce went into our closet and found them...so they got all their Easter goodies early as well. 

 Bryce at our mom's group egg hunt...Isaac had to miss out because he was sick. 

 Bryce and his Great Grandma Peterson

 They did such a good job coloring eggs

Great Grandparents are the BEST! 

I wish the boys had a opportunity to spend more time with their other 4 Great Grandparents. I think it's great that our kids will grow up having great grandparents. I don't remember my great grandparents, but I know Bryce will remember them with a smile in his heart. His eyes always light up when he talks to Great Grandma Peterson on the phone, or when he gets to Skype with Great Grandma Higgs. 

 Bryce and Great Grandpa Peterson

Cactus are in bloom! 

Bryce cactus collection are in bloom.

 (This picture was taken at evening...the blooms close during the night and open during the day)

 (Full sunlight during the day)

 Bryan was off for Good Friday...so the day was his. He choose to go to the Desert Botanical Gardens

 Brothers! 

He is growing up before our eyes...he turns 3 in less than 2 weeks. He never fails to amaze us at what he can do or has learned! He is now riding his bike all by himself. Where has the time gone? I can remember the day we brought him home, and after than it has gone by so fast it's pretty much a blur. I wish we could hit freeze for a month or two and just enjoy our "little" ones! ~ We love  you so much Bryce and we are SOOOO proud of you!