Six Years of Snoring!

I remember bringing Aiden home from the hospital six years ago! He was very much different than his big brother. From day one, Connor was attached to me day and night; he slept with us most of his first year! Aiden, on the other hand, was happiest in the cradle. I laid him there one night and placed myself in bed--right beside the cradle. I wasn't close enough to the edge of the bed, I feared; one ear was free and clear from any blanket or object that would obscure my sensitivity to his whimpers and cries for food, a diaper change, or a sweet little cuddle! Only...I never had to fear missing his sound...he was snoring!!! From my very first memory, Aiden hasbeen a snoring little guy. Over the years, it progressed to daytime snoring and night terrors.

So, on the tenth, Aiden chose Daddy to accompany him to a sleep study!

He was thrilled to have a little one on one time...

A yummy bedtime snack...

and a finger flash light!!!

The reports came back and showed that he has 3 apneic periods during every hour of sleep....conclusive of sleep apnea.

He woke, a little sad, confused, and a bit angry...poor boy. I'm certain once his adenoids and tonsils are removed he will know a good night of sleep as he has never known before. I hope it helps him, in so many ways. I'm prone to believe that the sleep apnea has actually caused more problems with his growth and temperament than we ever realized until now.

Sweet Aiden, may you only become sweeter!

We love you!

By the way, he was asked to give a talk today in church...I forgot, as I always do! When I walked by the primary room, he was standing at the pulpit...silent. My jaw dropped, my eyes were wide, and I was in shock. The primary worker came to me and said that he had told her that he was ready to give a talk, so they allowed him to go up there. While up there, he looked, smiled, and began saying a few things, very quietly. Another worker prompted him a few times....and all I could do was smile, as to hide my sadness and disappointment in myself. When he finished, I went to him from behind and hugged him so tight, kissed him, and let him know how proud I was of his courage and determination to do what was right. He turned around, hugged me, blushed from ear, to cheek, to chin, and told me that he loved me. I have praised him all day for his courage....and he has smiled each and every time!

Aiden "Obii"

Guess who turned 6?

Aiden Obadiah...or Aiden Obii!

The day started off with a hug and a Happy Birthday wish from Daddy! Aiden then rushed into my room as soon as Daddy left and was greeted with a big Happy Birthday from me! As his Daddy relayed to me, he had a grin from ear to ear! He ate brown sugar bagels with butter and powdered sugar sprinkled atop for breakfast, and a medley of cereals for lunch--three different kinds, together in one bowl, FULL of milk!

Aiden took a picture with his dog...the closest he can get to a dog!

Liddy was simply thrilled with the party! Can you tell? :)

Aunt "Un-tana" (Santana) and Uncle "Gave" (Gabe) came with little Chloe. (Pronounced in Little Lydia fashion!)

Papa enjoyed some pizza! I told everyone to microwave their pizza so it was warm; when I walked into the kitchen I heard a strange loud sound. I looked at Manual who opened the microwave...with the loud noise still going...and touched his pizza. I could only assume it was cold because he fumbled a little and then removed the plate from the microwave. I gracefully asked him if he would like some help. I turned off the exhaust fan and heated the pizza! The unfamiliar has a tendency to make anyone uncomfortable...it was a cute site!

Kids...being kids! I guess Gabe fits in there! :)

Mimi hugging the Birthday boy!

Aunt Sunny awaiting her Birthday Boy in a few months now!

Miss Emma fought her way out of eating pizza...because she wanted cake! It's alright Emma...I totally understand!

Lydia hung out in the chair all night long...with her buddy!

Maya devoured PIZZA!!!

I loved watching Aiden open his gifts...and seeing the present from Mimi wrapped in the funnies brought sweet memories back!

The boys were fascinated with the funnies!

Sweet spider man, oh how I love thee!

Blow...blow...BLOW!!!

He claims it took 6 blows this year....last year, it took 5!

Aiden has taught us that life is about having fun, exploring, dreaming, loving people and the great outdoors. He's also taught us that life can be about being disappointed and turning that disappointment into deep love for the offender in an instant. I cannot tell you how many times I have punished him, received a dirty look and a scream of anger from his lips...and only moments later received a HUGE hug from him. When his Daddy is feeling down, his heart is full of love and compassion for him...you will always hear Aiden say, "I love Daddy"! Tonight he gave his chocolate to his little sister, Maya, at the dinner table because Maya was crying for more food. It was his Birthday chocolate bar. He had already split it in half for him and Connor, and when Maya cried he found a way to please her. I told him that he didn't need to do that...his smile turned into a sad cry with large tears rolling down his cheeks. He said he wasn't able to eat it anymore since "Maya made it gross". Aiden naturally loves to make people happy...even when it means giving up a piece of what he loves to do, to have, or to feel, for another persons happiness.

Aiden, you have taught me more than I can teach you...I love you little dude!

Grandma Fultz

It's been 9 years...as of April...since Steve and I were wed! We got away for a few days in Santa Fe, NM. The best thing we could find was a short hike to a water fall that you couldn't even get near, but...it was fun. Lovin' the matching glasses!

Steve thought it'd be funny to be a boy again, and he pricked his finger in the process!

We came home and enjoyed time with Grandma...and the kids. Maya ate her heart out...as she usually does with anything chocolate!

The boys cuddled Grandma...as though they were still 2 years younger. Connor was a bit shocked when he tried to walk up Grandmas legs, while holding her hands, and his butt fell straight to the floor. He's tall, almost eight, but still so young and innocent at heart!

Daddy sported his new glasses...looking sharp, as always!

Mommy pleased Miss Lydia by cuddling and reassuring her almost every second of the day!

And Miss Maya...ate her heart out some more. Grandma found a new hair do that suites her pretty locks well! Watch out Elvis, there's a new kid in town...and she's irresistible!

More cuddles with Grandma!

Farewell play! This was on the morning Grandma was leaving us... :(

And the boys came home to an empty house...well, a family of six doesn't create an empty house, but being home without Grandma after having her for a week leaves an empty heart. When the boys got off the school bus, they looked shocked that Grandma wasn't there...even though they were warned well in advance. Aiden got into the car and cried...no, he screamed...the entire ride home. Connor got home, and sadly read the letter she left them.

Grandma's make the world a happy place...we miss you Grandma Fultz!

Momma's Day!

So, prior to Mother's Day--not even thinking of Mother's Day--Steve and I splurged a bit on fitness gear. The good thing--the hospital we work for will reimburse a certain dollar amount for us...the bad thing--well, there isn't one!!! I will refuse to feel guilt buying this jogger which will bring so many good memories for me and the girls. One of my passions in life is running, and it's easy to see that I have given it up over the last 3 years. I am now starting over and loving each step of the journey...and Steve's gonna try to do it with me! I have fond memories of running in a single jogger with my little Connor...it's so much more than a run to the children...it's good quality time and an example of good living!

So...we made the jogger a Mother's Day gift....kinda! :)

I worked all weekend...as I did last year. The hardest part for me is not being able to go to church and truly enjoy being spiritually fed. But we tried, and then my husband wrapped his arm around me and said, "You really need to go home and get some rest." With my best intentions in mind, we left...and I slept a few hours before heading in for work again.

One of the best things young motherhood offers is the ability to wipe a tear away, make a hard day...not so hard, comfort a weary soul, and instill deep love into such beautiful tiny hearts.

I am not perfect, but I love these children so much. The boys drive me crazy most days, but I am learning in my conversations with other "mother's of boys" that I am completely normal in that stance. Yet, they can be the sweetest and most gentle beings towards me. As I was carrying groceries into the house last week...I struggled with several bags, one of which had all of our cold items. Connor was tailing behind me with a few bags of groceries while the other kids sat in the air conditioned car...awaiting their rescue! Connor and I both placed our bags on the kitchen floor, and he instantly--without hesitation--and in a deep, mature (yes, he was seeking the mature sound!) voice, said, "Mom, you can put the milk away, I will take care of the rest!" He then brought every bag into the house for me leaving me to gather the girls! Voila!!! I have growing children who may add some ease to all my Mommy duties in the home!

Aiden is full of cuddles and love for me. He's a charmer!

Maya waved bye to me yesterday and blew kisses, but as soon as I closed the front door, I heard her start in a whimper...and then a sad cry followed. I usually am able to put her to bed before I leave....she never sees me actually leave for work. My heart sunk, but Mommy's love for her has instilled that deep love for another into her heart--it is a beautiful thing!

Miss Lydia has had a hard time lately...growing pains I guess! She is trying to be assertive and at times she comes off aggressive. I have to intervene, and that ends in tears and sorrow. On top of that, she is still battling a respiratory virus. I am amazed how quickly the tension rises within me when I hear her break down over and over again....but I am more amazed that the simple and humble approach of loving and cuddling her can ease her heartache in an instant. When I display frustration, she gets worse--when I simply touch her hand, kiss her head, or cuddle her tightly, she calms!

I'm so sorry you are having growing pains Miss Lydia--the emotional ones--we'll get through!

It did hit me, out of the blue, that my Shane wasn't in my arms. I walked outside when we were at church, holding my Maya, and I suddenly sensed my baby boy. I went from thinking of the ground I was walking on (I was literally thinking of how nice it was to be wearing boots while walking in the sand...to avoid dirty feet!) to a collision of thoughts that led me straight to Shane--it felt beyond my own doing. I was outside with my girl, just the two of us, and the air was still and quiet. I wonder if he was there for a moment. I shed a tear, and hoped that he could feel my deep unending love for him.

My kids made me so many pictures and cards this year...some with Daddy, and some at school. This one above is from Aiden. It is Mario from Super Mario Brothers! The top bubble says, "Wrote by mustachio!", and the bottom says "I love Moms!"

Connor wrote this letter at school...

Daddy made me a card as well...

And Aiden wrote this letter for me at school!

The top is from Miss Lydia, and the bottom from Aiden!

And guess who loves me???

Yes indeed, Connor loves me!

He came up with this entire letter with accessories all on his own! So cute!!!

I taped them all up on my cabinets here at home...

...and they will stay there for awhile! I LOVE MY KIDS!!!

Easter...alas!

Easter weekend was busy, fun, and totally out of the ordinary for our family!

Lydia officially participated in the Easter prep...and we pleaded, in thought, for the Easter Bunny to visit us on another night. Mommy and Daddy were both scheduled all weekend long...the Easter Bunny was good, and came back to our house...many nights later!

Aiden chose green for his eggs...

Connor chose blue...

And in the end, most of the eggs ended up pink and purple. Having a little girl in the house--who loves to get her way--made for a pink Easter! She took all of the boys eggs, that I hadn't snatched away prior, and redyed them to her liking!

We enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt at Mimi's house...of which Miss Emma, a mere 3 years old, took first place!

Aiden took second place, and Connor was third!

I guess we can officially claim Emma as a big kid!

Lydia did well, but was a bit confused!

And Maya sat and enjoyed one orange egg while her younger cousin Chloe tried hard to snatch it up when Maya wasn't looking!

On good Friday we got together and enjoyed a feast in the good old New Mexican style...salmon burgers, shark, shrimp fritters, corn fritters, chili...and so much more!

I captured an image with my soul mate!

And I caught Mr. Connor searching for a TV show...boys!!!

Aiden stayed true to his nature...and enjoyed the great outdoors!

This is my Momma and me...practically twins!

Miss Maya ate the crumbs off the floor and enjoyed being independent!

We tried so hard to gather the kids around Mimi...but the little ones wouldn't have it, and the older ones were too intrigued with their treasure to look forward, even for a moment!

Then, on Easter morning, I took the kids to church off of no sleep. I lasted a good 50 minutes before the tantrums from my children (who did not have Easter morning chocolate) and every other families children (who did have Easter morning chocolate) finally drove me out the door. When I parked the car in the driveway...mind you, I was driving because my husband was busy working at the hospital...I instantly fell into a deep sleep. My head literally fell down, and I woke moments later to drag the kids inside...

That was the best picture I could get of them...Miss Lydia was busy walking away!