This week the world lost a wonderful man, Donald E. Sherwood II passed away on Monday due to natural causes.

I will miss you greatly!

Update

I don't know what it is about my household or family but this past week Connor and I have been sick... again! A baby with congestion = no sleep for mama. I am very glad that Josh arrived home on Monday night to help take care of us, unfortunately he had to come home to a sick family. Today he is enjoying some guy time and went fishing with two of his friends, it's about time he has some time fishing. You'd never catch me out in this cold, but he likes it and that is what matters.

For the past two weeks Connor has been having some trouble sleeping. Besides his stuffed up nose he just was not a happy camper. I discovered last night the culprit to his discomfort, a new tooth! That makes three! And sure be it, he only woke up once last night. Josh and I however kept waking up through the night wondering why he hadn't woke up. Funny how that works! I just hope that he continues sleeping long hours, I could really use the rest.

Halloween was fun at our house. The boys were dinosaurs, Keegan a T-Rex and Connor was a Pterodactyl (minus the wings because they hit his face when crawling around). We loading Connor in the stroller and headed down the street for tick or treating, after just three houses Keegan was done and wanted to head home. We spent most of the night handing out candy and watching cartoons.

Love you all!

Projects

This week has been filled with projects. Keegan and i have been working hard on a surprise for Josh. My almost 29 year old birthday boy has been working very hard at work and deserves something special when he gets home. I hope he likes it because it has taken a lot of work so far, and there is a lot more work to come. One benefit of him being gone at work for such a long time is that I have plenty of time to get things done around the house before he comes home again.

Connor is getting two more teeth in, so he hasn't been sleeping very well. Waking up every hour or two is very tiring and is making me a very grumpy mommy. I hope that he starts sleeping better... and soon.

Love you all!

It has been a week and a half since Connor's surgery and he is doing very well. Besides the occasional bump during wrestling matches he seems to not even have any discomfort. Throughout his recovery he spent many nights in bed with josh and I due to his pain. Now that he is (almost) pain free we have been working to get him back on to his sleep schedule as quickly as possible. This has not gone successfully. Right before Josh came home I finally had him sleeping through the night with only one wake up for feeding, and now all that had work is lost.

Both of my boys are currently in their beds crying because they don't want to go to sleep. Funny how they decide to test me when daddy isn't around.

Love you all!!!

Surgery

Thank you to everyone for their support yesterday. Connor's hypospadias repair went well. It was definitely rough having him in surgery, but at least it's done. Now all we need to deal with is the healing process.

Our day started with dropping Keegan off at Amrita's for the day (thank goodness for her), then we headed to the hospital for a 10:00am check-in. Like normal hospital procedures we had some waiting to do, but I was fine to hold on to my baby as long as possible. The following two hours consisted of signing paperwork, meeting with nurses and doctors, and a few laps around the day surgery unit. Finally at 12:30pm Connor was taken back to start the procedure. I was a nervous wreck! I am so thankful to all the family and friends that called, texted, and e-mailed, it was just the distraction that I needed. Josh tried his best to keep me calm, poor him. Not only dealing with his son in surgery, but dealing with his wife was the bigger battle. After two hours Connor was out of the operating room. I didn't waste a second getting back to him as fast as possible. By 4:00pm we were glad to be heading home.

This morning Connor is acting more himself, he is in a little bit of pain, but that is to be expected. Thank you again for all the support.

Love you all!

Thanks

At times of great sadness it's nice to know that you're surrounded by people that love you. These past few days have been hard and I am thankful to have great family and friends that have been lending their support. My real hero's this week are my Mom and Amrita. They have called everyday just to check on me and ask how my day is going. Thank you! I had no idea that this year would be so tough to handle, but with Josh gone at work it makes it that much more emotional when talking to the boys about Grandma Dorothy and looking at pictures of her. I am extremely happy to know that in many ways Keegan remembers Grandma, it may only be memories of what we've told him, but at his age that's all we can hope for.

Thank you again Mom and Amrita. You have no idea how much your thoughtfulness means to me. Life can be beat you down sometimes but knowing that I have people like you in my life makes the hard times not so bad.

Love you all!

Remembering.

Tomorrow, September 15Th, marks two years since Dorothy passed away. This is a very hard time for our family as we remember the wonderful person that she was and the struggles that she faced battling cancer. No matter how much time passes by I can't think about her and not be sad, wishing that she was still here with us. In honor of her the boys and I are planning on watching videos, look at pictures and talk about the wonderful grandmother that they have watching over them.

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and I encourage every woman out there to talk to your doctor about your risks. Ovarian cancer is hard to detect so be knowledgeable about the signs and listen to your body. For more information on this and other cancer related topics visit http://www.cancer.org/

Love you all!

These past two weeks have been wonderful with Josh home, it's going to be sad when he goes back to work. We've had many things going on around the house. I've been busy working on projects. The first to be completed were Halloween costumes for the boys. Keegan decided that both he and baby Connor needed to be dinosaurs, so Keegan is a Tyrannosaurs and Connor is a Pterodactyl. I know that it's planning really far in advance but if I didn't do it now I know that I wouldn't get it done in time. Next on the list were special t-shirts for Keegan, Grace and Aiden for our trip to the show Walking with Dinosaurs (I wanted to be sure that the kids could be spotted easily in a crowd). Lastly, I made curtains for Keegan's oddly shaped bedroom window. I searched many places for blackout blinds that would fit his window but the cheapest i could find was close to $300! After loosing the patience to search for curtains that would work, and be cost effective, I went to the fabric store. And for the grand total of $15 we have a way to keep the evening sun out of his room. I love having the time to do these things!

We are also happy to share that we are on our way to having grass. The past three days have been filled with workers raking the dirt, spreading top soil, planting trees, and finally today hydra seeding. Now we just wait... at least next year we know that we'll have a yard to play in.

Love you all!

SICK

I don't know what it is with our family but we are all sick....again!

Connor started it with a slight cough that quickly developed into a cough/runny nose/fever combo. Then Keegan decided to get a fever that lasted all of one night then nothing for another 24 hours and he was hit hard with the same as Connor. As you can guess with two kids being sick it didn't take long for me to join them in their misery. I only hope that we can kick this before Josh gets home on Thursday.

Last night I got Keegan and Connor both asleep in their rooms by 9:30pm and poured myself into bed shortly after that. Then I am suddenly woken up at 11:45pm to BOTH of them crying for mommy. I fed and rocked Connor back to sleep quickly, but Keegan was not going down with out a fight. Needless to say by 1:00am my bed was crowded with the three of us coughing and sniffling for the rest of the night. Can you say nap time anyone!?!

Love you all!!!

Family fun

We have had the pleasure of having Chrys, Grace and Aiden come over for some quality play time. It is wonderful to be spending so much time with my brother. In true guy fashion he has a little trouble doing Graces hair, so I've had my skills tested trying to braid her hair. Not only does she have more hair then anyone I've ever known, (thanks to her mom) but I haven't needed to braid someone elses hair since my soccer days, twelve years ago! Aiden is just a ball of energy and isn't afraid of anything. In true daddy-son relationship they love to rough house, thankfully for me Keegan gets his wrestling time in with Uncle Chrys.

Love you all!

Welcome to the world!

On Thursday July 28th at 5:22pm baby Brookelynn Denali James entered the world. Proud parents Chris and Tammy were surrounded by family and friends. On Saturday they ventured home to start their new life as a family of three.

Congratulations!!!

Love you all!

Lifetime moments

Yesterday was one for Connor's baby book. His first tooth is on its way! A very small ,very sharp corner of a tooth has broken skin. This was discovered early in the morning as he was chewing on my hand. Later that evening as i was telling Josh about his growing baby, Connor decided to start crawling! He doesn't have the coordination down quite yet but he can definitely move across a room. This new development frustrates Keegan, no longer being able to keep his toys out of brothers reach.

Let the sibling fighting begin! Round one!

This week my grandparents celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary! WOW! We should all be so lucky to spend that amount of years with the one we love. To celebrate the family, including Naida and Kent in town from Colorado, met at Southside Bistro for dinner. Unfortunately Connor did not want to take part and after a long time of trying to soothe him I had to excuse myself and take the kids home. The screaming did not let up for a long time. Hopefully the gathering tonight will go a lot more smoothly.

Love you all!

Updates

The kids have gotten over their colds but I am still very sick. I went to the urgent care this morning. I am at the point of not being able to sleep because I'm so uncomfortable! And the doctor there told be that I have a bad sinus infection that has spread to my throat. WONDERFUL! Now I'm taking these pills twice a day that look like they're meant for horses, hopefully I'll be feeling better soon. Josh gets home in one week! YA! We are very excited to have him coming home, this gone five weeks home for one thing is very hard on our family (especially when I'm sick) I hope that from now on he sticks to the four and two. I guess the good thing is that we'll all be healthy by the time he gets home.... hopefully.

I've been trying to post pictures on the web page but for some reason it's not letting me. As soon as I can figure it out I have lots of pictures to share.

Yesterday my mom and Larry started the Yukon River Quest. I've been looking at the pictures online and the weather doesn't look like it's been cooperating very well, so I hope that they remain safe. Check out www.yukonriverquest.com for more information and up to date results.

Love you all!

Book thoughts

I finished reading I'd Trade my Husband for a Housekeeper and I loved it! I recommend this to everyone that's married, whether it's been one year or ten it's funny and insightful. I've ordered their other book, hopefully it's just as good.

SICK!!!

Yesterday all three of us woke up at about midnight with horrible colds. Congestion, sore throat and runny nose. Connor had it the worst with the addition of a fever and teething. We stumbled through the day and I was happy to say goodnight; however, that happiness didn't last long. Connor woke up minutes later screaming. My early bed time of 9:00pm turned into a late 11:00pm. Thankfully we all got lots of rest with only a few minor screaming fits. Unfortunately it looks like today won't be any easier, I feel like I've been hit by a bus. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.
I'm very thankful that Josh is at work right now, even though I am miserable he just wouldn't know how to handle it. Don't get me wrong he is a wonderful husband and father but we're a lot to handle when we are all sick. Just me alone is a lot deal with, (I don't know how my mother did it) but put a whining toddler and screaming infant on top of that, and you have one unpleasant household.

Right now Keegan is eating and Connor is sleeping, so I'll sign off so I can have a few moments of peace before someone needs something again.

Love you all!!!

...more later!

I know that it has been a long time since my last post but we have been incredibly busy. Between my two beautiful boys and moving into a new house there hasn't been much down time.

Keegan is loving his new room and seeing all his toys again. It was like Christmas all over again. Thanks to daddy he has a very special addition to his room, a fish tank with two fish! I am very happy to say that he even helps me feed them every day. The toilet training is finally starting to make some progress, and I'll just leave it at that.

It is wonderful having all of our baby supplies around and (some what) organized. It makes life with an infant so much easier. Although Connor still wakes up throughout the night to eat I hope to soon start putting him in his crib at nap time to get him used to it, so some day soon I can have a kid free bed again.

It sounds like nap time is done for now.... more later!

Love you all!

Politics

I have to share my thoughts on this on going debate that has taken over the media about Arizona and illegal immigrants.

There are many people that enter this country and contribute to the wealth of the United states, but there are many others that enter the US by illegal means and now there is an ongoing debate about their rights and others that share their ethnicity. I don't agree in racial profiling but how else do you expect to find illegal immigrants? If a person is stopped by police due to their ethnicity, unless they are in the US illegally, why is there an issue to show that you are a legal resident? I don't get it!

I have more to rant about, but a child is waking up.

More later.

The Boys

Not much new to discuss this week. We've been wrapped up watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs (Go Penguins!) Connor is fascinated watching hockey. He will happily lay on the floor and watch the game, he and Grandpa Fish (Larry) are a perfect match. Keegan on the other hand is a ball of fire and could care less about hockey or sitting still. He and I have been butting heads quite a bit these past few days, his answer for everything is NO!

Heck with the terrible twos, these are the frightening threes!

Love you all!

This weekend the boys and I have had the pleasure of spending time with mom and Larry. Today, we went to visit Grandpa Grant and Georgie and then I drove mom out to see our new house! Keegan was thrilled to run around and check out his new room, he even started telling me where he wanted everything. It was very exciting to see all of the progress that has been done on the house in the past week. All the flooring except the carpet is in, the fireplace tile has been set and is just waiting for grout, the remaining light fixtures have been installed and the shelving in the closets is in. So all that is left is the carpet, bathroom sinks, toilets, kitchen counter top and the appliances installed. It may sound like a lot but it is amazing what can be done in just a few days. In fact, we are now hoping for a May 15th closing date instead of May 28th. Lets keep our fingers crossed!

Love you all!

May 28th!

Our offer was accepted!

The house is not fully finished so we get to pick out some of the final touches and really make it exactly what we want. It is located in Westpark, (where our old house is), right on the corner when you turn on Big Bend Loop. The lot a little over 10,000 sq ft so there will be lots of yard for the kids to play in. Keegan is very excited about having his room full of all his things again. And I think dad and Leslie are especially happy at the thought of having their house back to normal again, although I think dad may tear up a little. As of right now our closing date is May 28th, giving us a month between when our Illinois house closes and when our new Alaska house closes.

We are so happy that things are finally coming together and hope to have all of our family and friends over to our new home soon.

Love you all!

Home (almost) sweet home

Josh and I are VERY happy that the sale of our house is starting to come to an end. Josh is currently driving from the Indianapolis airport to Effingham Illinois in order to empty out our house, do a few repairs and say goodbye to his friends and family. We'll be back to visit someday but not for a while.

Last Saturday Josh and I met with our realtor here in Alaska and went to look at some houses. After viewing just three houses we found one that we love. And today I put an offer in on it. I hope to hear back sometime early tomorrow. Lets keep our fingers crossed that it goes well.

Love you all!

Spring

It has been a challenging adjustment being a mother of two, but not because of Connor, it's Keegan! he has been misbehaving and throwing fits every chance that he can. And here I was thinking that the newborn would be more work than the two year old, boy was I wrong. Soon I won't be able to blame it on the terrible twos, my baby boy is about to celebrate his third birthday!

We have been enjoying Alaska's sunny,warm weather and went to the zoo this week. Keegan had lots of fun running around with Patrick, Cassy and Carson and looking at all the animals. The brown bears were even out enjoying the spring time sun. I am so excited for warmer weather. I can't wait to start taking long walks with the kids again, especially with our new double jogger.

Love you all!

On February 17th 2010 at 2:21pm Connor Grant Chapman entered the world.

I'd love to write a lot more but I'm out of time...

Love you all!

Family

Only 15 days until my due date! I am definitely having more trouble with moving around and finding clothes that I fit into. I am so excited/anxious for this little boy to arrive, i wish the day would come already. But until that day comes I am enjoying the time being a family of three.

I feel so lucky to such great family members around me. Dad and Leslie are an endless supply of support. whether it's letting us stay in their home, watching Keegan or simply making dinner they are always helping out in some way. What has become a weekly ritual for Keegan and I is every Saturday or Sunday we go over to Mom and Larry's house and hang out for the entire day. Now to some people this may sound a little dull but it is anything but that. There is always some kind of sport being played (which means there is always betting), and of course all kinds of food. There is never a shortage of feeling loved and taken care of when I'm with my mom.

I hope the next time I write will be to say the baby has arrived, but I think that's just wishful thinking.

Love you all!

Kitchen

The deconstruction of the kitchen is complete and is now being built back up. My dad and step mom have wanted a new kitchen in this house since they moved in seven years ago and finally that dream is coming true. Josh and my dad took out the cabinets last week, the electrical work has been done, and now the drywall guy will be finishing this weekend. The goal is to have the new cabinets go in early next week! Keegan has been enjoying being the little helper. Whether it be climbing up and down the ladder, getting tools out or simply watching the action, he loves being involved.

Love you all!

Five more weeks!!!

Only five weeks until my due date!!! To many people that may seem like a long time from now but to Josh and I it's only a short while until we are parents of TWO little boys. Although we are anxiously waiting for our house in Illinois to sell, we are prepared as we can be set up in my parents house. I look forward to having the extra hands around when the baby arrives, Keegan will need lots of extra attention.

Love you all!

Happy holidays!

It's been a wonderful Christmas and New Year's! We got to spend a lot of time with family and enjoyed being together. Keegan is surrounded with a mountain of new toys and still gets excited every time he finds something different. His favorite is his new train set, we've even heard him get out of bed in the morning and start playing with the trains. I guess it's a good way to give us a little more sleep time!

The baby boy in the belly has been growing like crazy, we only have six weeks until we finally get to meet this little man. He loves to squirm and kick around, especially when he hears Keegan talking. One thing that I find very funny is that almost every time fishing is mentioned he gets excited and starts moving around. Josh is going to have his hands full with two little fishermen.

Love you all!