Greenie!

Through thick and thin, this stuffed little thing has been there. Hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, procedures, ER rooms, airports and plane trips. You name it, he's been there. In times of need, Greenie has put a smile on our littlest man's face...

Sam, Rocco & Bubbles

Rocco loves bubbles. The kids blow them and he goes crazy. He jumps and eats them. Suddenly, the laziest dog in the world (really) becomes hyper and excited. Rocco has got to be the best kids' dog ever. He is gentle and patient. He doesn't bat an eye to eye pokes and tail pulls. And he loves bubbles...

Our Sam

Special, yes. Trouble, sometimes. Sweet, so much so. Do I feel bad for him? Yes. The last few days reminded me that he will probably struggle with certain things for a while. As "normal" as he is, there is always this "thing" that makes us worry, this "thing" that we are always thinking about. However, he not only is surrounded by lots of people who care for him enormously, but he has these incredible doctors! He has a doctor in Cincinnati that answers our emails within 20 minutes. He has an absolutely amazing pediatrician who not only loves him, but brings him treats in the hospital and brags about him to the other nurses on the pediatric floor. Dr. Levitt and Dr. Nishihara, we owe so much to you. Really, we do. This past week, Sam went through a few things. I won't describe it on here, because it is kind of yucky. But all in all and far as things go now, he should be fine. His doctors will make sure of it. And we will too.

Miles, the almost done with Pre-K, ready to start kindergarten BIG boy

Miles is a special little human being...he is almost always excited (about whatever life has brought to his attention), his memory is incredible, he loves his friends, his brother (most of the time), loves being outside, loves anything Legos, and most importantly (people actually comment on this all the time), he is downright HAPPY! We know and love these things about Miles. This week we went to his "Portfolio Presentation" at his preschool. His teachers are amazing. Mrs. Karen, in particular, is outstanding and she loves our boy. Here is her letter to him, found at the end of his portfolio...


Dear Miles,
Even before you entered our room I was looking forward to having you as my student! Your interest in space and your very amazing memory had been a topic of discussion in the teachers' staff room. You were everything I imagined and so much MORE!! Your love of learning is such a DELIGHT to see and will ensure your success in whatever you choose to do in life. Never stop asking your intelligent questions! And keep up that loving, kind spirit that you are growing! Remember...the galaxy is the limit (or maybe not!!). Come back and see me soon. Miles, you are AMAZING! You will do great things!! Love forever, Mrs. Karen

Walking to the Banquet Room with his portfolio in hand...













With Dad...

The Hose!

The Party!

This was Miles' first "kids" party! He invited all of his buddies and graciously welcomed his "customers" (that is what he called them) with a lab coat, goggles, and name badge. It was an absolutely perfect day for our budding scientist. Happy birthday big guy...

The scientists at work...




















Little Brother..
















The finale...the ROCKET LAUNCH!



















WOW! Such generous friends...

Someone is 5!

A very special little person turned 5 today! Yesterday morning, we heard him wake up singing through the monitor, "I am going to be 5 tomorrow. I am going to be 5 tomorrow!" He was VERY excited to turn 5.

Chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast...















Getting to Grandma & Grandpa's...















Crazy kids! The water was freezing...






















Solar System cupcakes...