Parker had a meeting with a sleep specialist in the cities at the Children's hospital. They determined that Parker does have a sleep disorder that doesn't allow his body to slow down at sleepy time.
It's nice to finally have a little understanding as to why the kiddo hasn't had the best of luck at bed time, and also why he ends up in our room every night.
Each of the kidlets had their own holiday program with their classes!
Parker dressed up as a reindeer and did the hokey pokey!
It was pretty adorable! He even had a speaking part!
It was his very first concert {of many} and he did wonderfully!
Peyton did swell as well! There was no doubt that he would, he is a little super star!
Preston plays the flute and had his third concert of the year!
It's so surreal sitting in the audience as a parent when it doesn't seem all that long ago that I was the one up on stage...
I was a bit of a creeper when I came home one night. I saw our tree through the window and I stopped to take it all in. Then, I remembered I was carrying my camera!
Izzy is still pretty lazy. She loves to lay on Bentley. It's quite comical!
The kids received an X-Box with Kinect for Christmas from their VERY generous grandma and grandpa. I think they were a little excited...
We have a tradition of reading a holiday story every Christmas Eve...
The kids and dogs all cozied up on the floor to listened while Bryan read...
Another tradition we have is to feed the reindeer out front and set out cookies for Santa!
Once the kids were all snuggled in their beds, Santa came!
Santa was sneaky this year, just like he used to be when I was a kid. He left a list....
And numbered all of the gifts so the kids couldn't sneak any guesses while mom and dad were sleeping.
The kid's eye sparkled with delight! So did our hearts!
Parker's bike broke last summer, so he has been asking for a new one ever since... luckily the snow held up so he could try out the one he got from Santa this year!
We wrapped up all four {or was it five} Christmases by snuggling in and watching our favorite Christmas movie, The Miracle on 34th Street!
Somewhere along the way, Peyton snagged the flu. Then, so did Bryan. And so on and so on. Parker was in urgent care with a spiked fever and double ear infection and mom got a taste of it all, which left us tucked in for most of the week following Christmas.
Luckily, we all got back on our feet just in time to toast to a New Year!
2011 was one of our most blessed years. We grew emotionally, renewed our vows, followed Preston on his traveling baseball team, laughed at Parker's daily comedic acts, watched Peyton's artistic abilities flourish, started rebuilding our lower level, made career changes to follow our dreams and spent cherished hours with the most fabulous friends and family.
Wishing you all a wonderful and fulfilling 2012!
Great photo's! Can I ask a personal question about your son's sleep disorder? Our oldest son has had trouble with sleep for a loooong time now, and we are at a loss how to help!?!?! Did you get a Dr's referral? My personal email is zoe72sam@aol.com if you'd rather not post too much info. If you'd rather not comment at all I understand. Happy New Year guys :)
ReplyDeleteThese are great! I love your idea with the numbered presents. So cute!!
ReplyDeletehope everyone is feeling better! santa is one heck of a wrapper out your way! thanks, as always, for sharing with us! Happy 2012!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI was just browsing your blog site and was wondering if you could share what kind of camera you use? I have been looking for a good DSLR camera and I just love the quality of your photos and the special effects so was curious if you dont mind saying what you use. Thanks
Heres to an even BETTER 2012 and hopefully some more sleep :) ! I feel ya with the whole sleep issue, my oldest has Williams syndrome so he has had a lot of trouble getting to sleep. He has been doing pretty well, but we go through phases with him. I have heard melatonin works well although we have'nt tried that personally. I'm sure your Doc will take care of all of that though :) It is always a relief to have an explanation!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of your flu bouts! But glad it didn't stay long and you were able to enjoy the new year! Beautiful pictures! I love your idea of numbering the gifts! Sneaky Mama, you. Love!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! You boys are the cutest guys ever and I must admit the newest addition to your family almost makes me want to get another puppy (I said almost)! Hope you are doing great and that everyone is feeling better - the sickness has hit our house this year as well and just doesn't seem to want to go away! Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI came over from your organization blog and would also love any sleepless kid tips/how you are getting medical help tips you can share, i.e.. My 5-year-old daughter has a terrible time falling asleep and it is a huge strain on our whole family. Please email me at k.diddle@gmail.com if this is something you feel comfortable sharing with me. Thank you!
ReplyDelete- Kath
so precious!
ReplyDeleteyour little guys are too too adorable! you are the cutest thing ever!
ReplyDelete@Kristen & John,
ReplyDeleteI have a Canon Rebel XSi. Here is the scoop:
http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-challenge-project-photography_07.html
xoxo,
Jen
Jen, you even make the flu sound warm and cozy lol loved this little recap! Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the scoop about your camera! I loved the post and am totally wanting a canon rebel xsi now and thought it was funny how many people have asked you the same question! I am tempted now to just buy the body of the camera for less price and skipping the lens kit it comes with to go on and purchase the tamron 28-75mm. After researching that one and seeing reviews it looks awesome but not sure if it is good for beginners....decisions, decisions;) Thanks so much for the response!
ReplyDeleteHello, I just happened to hop over from your organizing blog and see this post about your son's sleep disorder. You must be so happy to have an "answer." If you have the time and don't mind, would you share some more information about when/how you noticed sleep issues? My email is: atmgd 03 (zero three) at gmail dot com. Thank you, so much.
ReplyDeleteit would be so helpful to hear more about sleep issues etc, if you feel like sharing roizmans@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteit would be so helpful to hear more about sleep issues etc, if you feel like sharing roizmans@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog thru your other blog, which I found thru Pinterest - isn't the cyber world great? LOL I just have to tell you that I don't usually look at blogs that don't have food or crafts in them -- but I am definitely adding yours to my Reader. Your kids are ADORABLE -- I have 2 boys so I'm quite partial to the males :) Your house is beautiful, your dogs are the cutest & I'm loving your photos. What kind of camera do you have? And yes I've quickly peeked at your other blog -- I am by no means organized -- maybe you'll help me change that :)
ReplyDeleteMichelle (I'm in Wisconsin also!!! You must be farther north -- we've had just one inch of snow so far this winter. Until later today, that is!)
Ha -- never mind about the camera -- I should really read previous comments BEFORE posting!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering where you got the blue pillows (the kids used when they were lying on the floor listening to Bryan read? That is exactly the kind of pattern I have been searching for!
Thanks!
Sharon
Hi Sharon!
DeleteHere is the pillow source: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Pisa_20_Square_Outdoor_Pillow/310/
xoxo!
Jen
Hi how did you do that effect where you blurred out everyone in the photos except your son? thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi how did you do that effect where you blurred out everyone in the photos except your son? thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna!
DeleteIt was the "soften" effect in the online photo editing program, Picnik.
xoxo!
Jen