Time for an Update

It's been nearly 2 weeks and I am really tired of seeing me and Randy in our ski gear every time I check my blog.  I have a bunch of random pictures so I will organize them by giving a quick run-down of everyone in the family.

Sam

Let's begin with my adorable, squishy Sam.  He is creeping up on the 6 month mark, can't believe it! Time is moving at a rapid rate with this one but I am enjoying every second of this baby.  I really drop everything to just love this little boy.  The laundry, dishes, my personal hygiene can all wait.  I don't want to miss a second.

His thighs are a sight to behold.  They are amazing in every way.  You can bet the other members of our family feel the same way.  If you're ever feeling down, angry, frustrated or just plain out of sorts, feel free to stop by and get your Sam fix.

Max

Max had a fun Valentine's party at preschool.  It seems that I signed up to help with every single party and field trip this year.  I'm really glad I did.  It is so fun to watch him at school.  He is such a good boy.  Max continues to be a supportive brother and cheer Hank on during all his games.  Max has also made a new friend.  Ryan lives just down the street and his brother plays basketball with Hank.  Max first bonded with him during a game and they have become little buddies.  It's really cute to watch.  He was really in need of a friend.

My kids love the Shawn White Collection at Target.

Ninja on a Wednesday morning...why not!

He took his new BFF on a joy ride around the neighborhood.  They were squealing with delight.

The kid loves his jammies...seriously would wear them all day, and sometimes does.

Max and I have a lot of time together while Hank is away to school.  He is such a great help with Sam.  Sam LOVES Max so much, his entire face lights up when he sees him.

Hank

Hank just finished up another successful Jr. Jazz season.  He is so fun to watch.  Hank has really improved this year.  He began the season taking a shot every single time he touched the ball but by the end I noticed him passing the ball if he didn't have a good look at the basket.  Hank was rebounding, stealing, fast breaking, and just overall out hustling pretty much everyone on the court.  The thing that impresses me most about Hank is he always gives 110%.  He doesn't let diabetes ever stand in his way.  He rolls his eyes when I insist on checking his blood at half time but he always does it, crams fruit snacks in his mouth and continues on.

 

Hank, Alex and Nate really make a dynamic trio.  They practice after school as much as they can.  Alex and Hank had a few Stockton to Malone moments in their last game.  I never get sick of watching him compete in sporting events.  I can't wait for baseball season to start!

When Hank isn't at school or balling on the court, he insists on going to Jump On It as much as possible.  He's quite the little gymnast.

Hank was recently the friend of the week in his class.  We put this sweet little poster together.  It makes me want to cry.  I don't know why...my little boy is really growing up.

On Saturday we headed to the diabetes expo...total snore fest, however he did get his face painted.  Yes, he is eating a giant cookie at the diabetes fair! 

Randy

Randy successfully whipped these little boys into shape, and by the end of the season they were executing his fast paced offense perfectly.  He is so great with these kids.  Coaching is an exhausting job but Randy gladly does it for Hank season after season.  Randy has little to no time for himself these days.  Between work, coaching, constant playtime with the boys, and attending to my every need, I think it's time for Randy to take a vacation to visit his brothers. 

Annie
I wish I had a beautiful picture of my palsy free face to post here but unfortunately, nearly 6 months since the onset, it's still hanging on.  I am a little worried this might be my face for good.  I am about 75 % back to normal but still unable to smile my normal smile.  It's a little discouraging, not going to lie.  I guess maybe I should go back to Dr. Ding for a few more treatments.  I am desperately trying to find some balance in my crazy life as a mother of 3 children.  I have rededicated myself to a regular yoga practice and I love any chance Randy and I have to sneak away to dinner without the kiddies.  At the diabetes expo I met some awesome women that have children with diabetes.  I think I am ready to open myself up to the diabetes community now.  I have been so overwhelmed by it but I realize they are the only people who truly understand what it is like to have a child living with this disease.  I found so much comfort and support chatting with these ladies.  There are many opportunities for our family to get involved and serve in various events.   Who knows were this crazy disease will take us.

 I also love reading this book...

It is amazingly uplifting.  I read from it every day.  Man I am a sucker for a good self help book.  Apparently I need a lot of help. 

I think that about sums it up.  I have to say, life is pretty good for the Griffin's.

Those Who Gator Together, Stay Together

If you know Randy at all, you know the man loves himself a head gator.  What's a head gator, you ask? It's that lovely red turtle shell surrounding his face.  It is ideal for keeping warm on a frigid day of skiing.  I am a bit too vain at times to wear one so I didn't take it with me.  About an hour into our ski experience, I was freezing.  I didn't want to admit it but I wished I would've brought my head gator.  Just as I was shivering on the lift, Randy reached into his coat pocket and pulled out my black head gator.  He told me he packed it just in case I got cold.  I was so happy to have it!  Randy is always looking out for me.  I can rock a head gator and know Randy thinks I am just as beautiful as ever.  

Our ski day was perfection.  Kate and Dan gave us passes to Sundance for Christmas and watched our kids all day.  We haven't gone skiing alone since before Hank was born and we were long overdue.  I am so grateful we enjoy doing the same things together.  After all these years, I am happy to say there is no one I would rather hang out with than Randy. 

Look at that scenery...breathtaking every time.

The snow was amazing.  I was surprised given our lack of snow in the valley.

I don't think there was a run we didn't attempt.  We were skiing maniacs.  We even got air on Griffin's Ledge for old times sake. 

  I am so blessed to have Randy as my partner in life.  Happy Valentines my love!  

P.S. You look hot in your gator!

5 months

 Oh Sammy-boy, how has 5 months gone by so quickly?  You are such a dream.  I am obsessed!

Here are some of the things I love about Sam at 5 months old.

 He goes to bed around 7:30 p.m. and doesn't make a peep until 7 in the morning.  I am up with his older brothers WAY more in the night.

 His chubby cheeks and juicy thighs are so ticklish and almost always result in a deep belly laugh.  His smile and squeal are infectious and turn any sour mood around instantly.

 He is rolling over...sometimes.  Once he gets to this point, there is no turning back.  His round little body has no choice but to flip over.  His brothers were both crawling at this point but Sam is taking his time.  I am absolutely fine with that!  He is also getting so close to sitting up on his own.

 He puts anything and everything in his mouth.  No teeth have broken through yet but I don't think it's far off.
I am pretty sure his eyes are turning brown.  Maybe he can have one trait of mine!

His hands always seem to find my hair.  Maybe he will have a hair fetish like his big brother Hank!  He is getting so big.  His 3-6 month clothes are painfully snug so he is rocking 6-12 month gear all the time.  Kate thinks he looks like a starfish, which is a pretty accurate description of his body type.  His formula goes straight to his mid-section!  He is fat and happy, just how I like it.

Sam only gets fussy when he is tired or hungry...or away from his mama.  He kinda likes me which is awesome.  Not to say I didn't enjoy my other boys when they were babies, but I have really loved every second of Sam's babyhood.  He is amazing.  I am so lucky! 

Happy Birthday Hank

On February 2nd, this little stud turned 7 years old.   It also marks my anniversary of becoming a mom.  This little kid changed my life forever and I am grateful every day to be his mother.  He has been looking forward to his birthday for the past 364 days!

Hank is an early riser and Sam made sure to wake up in time to see his big brother before school.

 He requested waffles for breakfast, and I had to include a few candles and serenade him with a Happy Birthday tune like only I can.

 Hank's favorite gift was his official Miami Heat uniform.  Whose #99 you ask....

 Oh, that would be Mr. Hank Griffin.  He also got a Shawn White jacket, earphones, and a Michael Vick action figure from Max.  Max was still sleeping when Hank left for school so he insisted on taking his present to Hank at school.  We also delivered sugar cookies for his birthday treat.

 I am a little surprised Hank kept his birthday crown on for the entire school day.

It just so happened that he had a Jr. Jazz game scheduled on his birthday.  He looks forward to these games all week long.  He couldn't wait to show off for his adoring fans.

He had quite the cheering section.  I was amazed at the amount of support.  Hank was thrilled. 

 Sam and Grandpa Curt had some quality bonding time.

 My camera doesn't take action shots very well but trust me, Hank was all over the court!  He certainly put on an amazing performance.  He scored 18 points, a dozen rebounds, and more hustle than all the other kids combined.  After the game I told him how proud I was of him and he said "I really tried my hardest". That is  one of the reasons I adore this little boy.  He always strives to do his best.  He is certain he has a future in the NBA.  With this kid, nothing would surprise me.

 We came back to the house and opened presents with the family.  Hank got so many awesome gifts from everyone.

 He picked out a Brian Urlacher cake.

I didn't realize I got trick candles for his cake.  He was about to pass out from blowing so hard!  Our celebrations weren't over yet.  I hosted a friend party the next day at our house.  My mom helped me set up all day and took care of Sam while Randy and I entertained 12 little boys.

We played a series of "minute to win it" style games.  They are sucking up m & m's here and transferring them to the green paper.

The boys are trying to keep the balloons off the floor for a minute here.  We also did cup stacking and throwing balls through a hula hoop.

Brett and Sarah let us borrow their double shot and it was the hit of the party.

After the boys had enough of the games they headed outside to play football in the 20 degree weather.

Here is the crew eating pizza.  Of course there was a fair amount of burping a farting and being gross little boys.

Despite all the grossness that comes with being a boy, they were very sweet and appreciative.  I heard a couple boys say it was the best birthday party they had ever been to.  

It's safe to say his friends know Hank well.  He got every sports ball you can imagine, NFL trading cards, a Shawn White wallet, and nerf guns.  I pulled a grandma Joanne and had all the kids tell Hank what they like about him before he opened their gifts.  They were so cute!  

Hopefully Hank had the best birthday ever.  He is such an amazing little boy.  I am so proud of him and love him so much.  Happy Birthday Hanksta!