Tucker is Here!

I have a new nephew and my kids have a new cousin. We couldn't be more thrilled!  We are so excited to have Tucker in our family.  He is adorable.

 

Max LOVES babies.  It really brings out the sweetest side of him.

 

If you need a genuine smile from Max, put a darling baby near him.

Max was so excited to hear his cousins name just happens to be his favorite wonder pet, Tuck.

Hank also enjoys holding a newborn.  He ran home from the bus stop the day Tucker was born, ready to head to the hospital to meet him.

Randy and Tucker also had some quality bonding time.

I can't believe the infusion of new life that has entered our family this past year.  I have two new nephews, a niece and a darling baby of my own.  We are so blessed to have them all here and healthy. 

 I can't believe Sarah and I don't have a picture of Sam and Tucker together.  Maybe it's best to keep them separated for a bit since Sam could eat him for a mid-morning snack!  He looks gigantic in comparison.

Sam had the privilege of a Grandpa Sherm rocking session.  I'm so jealous.  If only he could hold me like that.

This post was supposed to be entirely dedicated to Tucker but I have to acknowledge this lovely lady's recent birthday.

 My beautiful, amazing, mother had a birthday on Sunday and I love her so very much.  I can't imagine my life without her.  I am so lucky to have her darling little mug around me so often.

These kids are pretty lucky to call her their grandma. 

Happy Birthday Mom!

One Year Down

One year ago today, Hank was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and our lives changed forever.  I went back and read the post I wrote the day after the diagnosis and boy was I clueless about what was in store for us.  I'm actually grateful I had no idea.  This disease has proven to be both frustrating and heart breaking for Hank but through it all, he does everything he needs to do to be healthy.   He has endured thousands of shots, thousands of finger pokes and the annoyance of counting every carb that enters his mouth.  I was certain that a year into diabetes, we would have it all figured out....boy was I wrong!  I've learned that there are instances that make no sense, high and low blood sugar with no explanation, and the impossibility to be perfect.  Through it all, I am proud to say that Hank is growing, thriving, and hospital free for a year.  Hank and I were discussing the possibility of someone finding a cure for type 1 diabetes and he replied "but I like being diabetic".  It has become who he is and he is a stronger person because of it.  

 His brothers adore him and look up to him.  Max always tells me, "when I'm 6, I'm going to get diabetes just like Hank".  Fingers crossed that doesn't happen!

If anyone could make diabetes look cool it would be Hank.  He hasn't let it stop him from doing everything he loves to do.  The sky is the limit for Hank, and who knows, perhaps he will have a career in the NBA.  He is confident that is going to happen.  Whatever he decides to do, I guarantee he will continue to inspire us all.  There is a definite cause for celebration today, I am so grateful it's not last year at this time!

The Latest

 It seems we keep finding ourselves at Sundance these days.  With winter dwindling down, I feel like we have to capitalize on the fact our kids are finally enjoying skiing.  Well, Hank is really enjoying it...jury is still out on Max.  He said he was excited to go but I knew it would last two runs or less so Sam and I waited in the lodge for Max to get tired.  It didn't take too long!  While Randy and Hank enjoyed the lovely spring skiing, Max, Sam and I ate cookies in the lodge.

A cookie can change Max's attitude around in a hurry.  It was St. Patrick's Day and Max was pumped to find a leprechaun hanging out in the lodge with us.  When I told him it was just a guy dressed  up, he agreed until the man seemed to suddenly disappear.  Then he knew it was a real leprechaun.  

The snow conditions were looking pretty dismal on Saturday but a storm front rolled in on Sunday and dumped 37 inches of snow in the mountains.  When I checked the snow report on Monday morning I wished I could call in sick from the daily grind and enjoy a day of fresh powder.  Luckily I am married to a man who "called in sick" so he could take care of the kids and grant my wish!  It was the most heavenly snow I've ever skied in.  I felt like such a rebel ditching out on being a mom for a few hours.  It was exactly what I needed.  I feel so close to my grandpa up there.  Being alone on the mountain really does a lot for my soul.  I'm so grateful for Randy, who understands that!  

One of the perks of March in Utah is there can be feet of snow in the mountains and lovely 70 degree weather in the valley. Perfect park hopping weather.  We found a new park in Saratoga Springs that is pretty sweet.

 Max really enjoyed himself on the swings.

 Of course Jack, Sarah, and Grandma Jackie joined in on the fun.

 Oh mama, such a little mug!

 Sam sat the park experience out for a luxurious nap.  Man I can't take him anywhere!

I had a beautiful picture of Sarah at the park but deleted it as per her request. She could go into labor at any moment. She is such a good sport and never misses an outing.  I can't wait for my newest little nephew to join the family.

Sam is totally stoked to see his buddy!

A Weekend @ Sundance

 What a beautiful weekend we had!  It was non-stop fun.  Saturday afternoon I decided to take Hank up to Sundance for a few hours to see how well he retained what he learned from his lesson last week.  It was such a thrill for me to be able to take my son up on the mountain.  He has perfected his snow plow and has no fear!  We jammed out to "Party Rock Anthem" on the lift, ate treats, and made at least 10 runs.  It was so warm.  We didn't even need our coats. 

 Man I love this kid.  I really enjoy any one on one time I get with my children.  Randy gladly stayed home with Max and Sam so Hank and I could bond.  Great memories were made!

Sunday was our 3rd annual Karlito Ski Day up at Sundance.  My grandpa would've been so proud to see all of us up there.  I don't see my cousins, aunts and uncles enough.  It was such a treat for me to hang out with everyone all day.  Jeri took our kids so Randy and I could really let loose.  It was awesome.

 Here is most of the crew eating lunch. 

From left to right: Chloe, Becky, Randy, Hayley, Annie, Logan, and Riley.  

Phil, Gabe, mom, Larry, and Wyatt missed out on the picture taking.  Family meant everything to grandpa.  I can't think of a better way to honor him than by being together.  Everyone that couldn't make it was missed, namely my sisters!  I can't wait for my kids to join in next year. Such a great time.  Long live the Karlito Ski Day!

6 months

 Half a year with this little squirt, unbelievable.  It feels like he has always been part of this crazy family.  His Grandpa Griff affectionately calls him "Lieutenant Dan" (Forest Gump reference) because of his short legs.  It makes me giggle every time I see him. I couldn't have asked for a more easy going child.  If I could be guaranteed another Sam, I may consider having another one.  He is that scrumptious.

Randy helped me out and took Sam to his 6 month check-up since I had an appointment with a healer (an entire post needs to be written on that experience).  Here are his stats--I'm actually a little surprised his weight isn't off the charts.  He is such a little chub.

Weight: 18 lbs 60%

Height: 27 inches 76%

He isn't showing any desire to crawl or scoot.  He is pretty content just chilling in his saucer.  He eats pretty much anything I give him and up to this point it's only been vegetables.  He is currently out for the night by 7 p.m. and takes a nap when our schedule allows for one.  Sam totally goes with the flow. Other than a mild case of eczema on his tummy, he is a healthy, happy baby.  I am so grateful for my little Sam-man!

Best Money I Ever Spent

I am not a ski instructor. I realized this when we took the kids skiing a few weeks ago. I decided instead of wasting anymore time I would invest in some lessons. Hank was not on board with the idea at all. Max was surprisingly excited and willing to partake in some instruction. After some screaming and fit throwing from Hank, he finally agreed to a ski lesson with Nadia. 

 I just knew he would love it if he stuck with it.  Who would've thought Max would go into a ski lesson so willingly?  He strapped on his skis and headed off with Nadia no problem.  He was doing awesome until he forgot how to stop and ran into the rope tow.

 He hurt his leg and said he was going to sell his skis when he got home.  The good thing about Max is he has a tendency to forget things quickly.  A cookie and some chocolate milk turned his mood around.  Hank stayed out and perfected his snow plow for the rest of the afternoon.  The weather was gorgeous.

 Hank made several runs and had a blast.  I am so proud of him for sticking with it.

 

Randy and I had great company as my parents joined us in the lodge while Hank had his lesson.  I think they bought just about every treat they could find to make Max happy.  We took turns hiking up the mountain to spy on Hank's progress.  It was so adorable to watch.

 Sam was a real problem, as usual.

 I was afraid he would be cold but most of the time he didn't even need a jacket.  He loves being outside,  and being with Grandma Jackie and Grandpa Curt.

Even though Max had a little mishap the kids learned so much.  Hank can't wait to go skiing again so it was 100% worth it.  He is so athletic, I knew it wouldn't take long for him to catch on.  I am looking forward to taking him up for a little mother-son ski trip very soon!

TGIF

By the time Friday rolls around, I am burned out by the daily grind.  This morning was a prime example of that.  I lazily looked out the window before I woke Hank up to find 6 inches of fluffy new snow.  My plans for a quick workout session, clean house, healthy eating regimen, and a shower went out the window.  Instead, Max and I invited Jack over for a romp in the snow, decided being productive today was overrated, and chose sugar to be the only thing we would eat.  I'm not sure how a snow storm caused all that.  I am pretty sure I am just exhausted and lazy but we had a blast in the snow.  The kids were ready to come in about an hour before I was ready to come in.  Kids these days don't know how to play, I swear.  If Sarah wasn't 9 months pregnant I guarantee she would've played with me.  I love how she was here by 8:30 this morning! 

 Jack came up with this pose all by himself!

I snapped this picture a spit second before this snow ball hit my face.

Today would've been a glorious ski day.  Skiing this weekend is going to happen!  Normally I would be ticked off by a snow storm in March, but this is the first real snow of the winter.  I really hope it's not the last. 

In other news, my mom bought Sam some jeggings...

Sam and jeggings could not be a more genius combo.  For those of you who are unclear of what a jegging is, it's basically a cross between jeans and leggings.  It is ideal for the fuller figured baby.  Lots of spandex to stretch around his massive thighs and booty!  He may never take them off!