BJ at 5. . .

Nicknames: Beej, little man, stinker, lovebug, bug, Captain, bud, Stink, Little stink, Bugaboo

Weight & Height: growing like a weed, 44 lbs?

Hair: Blonde, getting darker :(

Favorite foods: "hot dog, mac and cheese" 

Favorite toys: "scooter, race track, CDA van, little cars, bike, fire truck"

Favorite stuffed animal: "Husker pillow pet, Braveheart the bear"

Favorite animal: "bear"

Bedtime: 8 p.m.

Wake-up time: 6:30 a.m.- as soon as his "Ok to wake" clock turns green

Naps: one nap a day for 2 hours, pretty much every day

Favorite person: "Daddy and Paola, and Grammy and Pop and Mommy and Anika when she's not stealing things"

Latest Accomplishment: sat for 2 hours with Daddy assembling his first (208) lego creation, passing his first swimming lesson class, being more aggressive on the soccer field, going to his first movie in the theater
Likes: "play with Daddy and Paola, and with Mommy" "playing with firetruck, house house" ride bike/scooter, soccer, coloring

Dislikes:"I don't know anything I don't like" "purple lettuce" green beans, black beans, not getting to choose, finding self control

What he is saying: 

What gets said about BJ most often: how well mannered he is for everyone else

Fears: "monsters" "nights" "robots"

Health: DON'T ASK :) only allergy left if peanuts, although he's not doing dairy currently given his gut situation 

What he wants to be when he grows up: "work with Daddy"

How he's like Daddy:he likes Mommy, has a mischievous grin at times, loves to "drive the car", wants to do EVERYTHING Daddy does
How he's like Mommy: his coloring, his hugs, love of cuddling, short fuse for frustration

Funny things he's done lately: Instructing his sister "This is a no for safety reasons Anika" , saying " You can't sleep all day, because you'll be starving for breakfast and lunch at the same time."

Sweet things lately;  1. Daddy night so BJ had been exited about a popsicle all day. Brandon cut a popsicle in three for BJ, Daddy, and Anika. Anika dropped hers and was upset. BJ said. "That's ok, that happens sometimes. You can have mine" and handed her the popsicle. 

2. Mom, I want to snuggle with you all day long. 3. Love hearing "Anika, can I play babies with you?"

Moments

BJ turned 5 today.  That seems totally surreal.  How did my sweet chunk-a-monk baby boy turn 5?  And as this milestone is reached it just reminds me how much I want to hold on to the sweet memories with him.  Some of the highlights for me today:

"Waking him up" (he was already awake but I went upstairs) with a chocolate muffin (his wish for breakfast) with a lit candle, watching him blow it out, and then ask to do it all again.
Watching him pretend most of the morning it was relighted, after I only relighted it once.
Watching him bound into preschool, wanting to help carry the huge plate of cookies we made to share with his class.
Seeing him run to the truck after class, ready for the next adventure.
Seeing him drink in the fact that Daddy, Mommy, Paola, and Anika all got to go to the park for a picnic with him.
Watching him show Daddy "Airplane park" and tell him that now he is jumping on a plane to fly to Omaha.
Checking in on him at nap time, after he insisted he did not want to take a nap, he wasn't tired, and seeing him totally sacked out.
Taking him to his first ever in the theater movie- just his dad, him, and me.
Getting him into the movie free after the ticket counter guy said "How old are you buddy?" He says 4, I correct him to 5.  The ticket guy says "you say 5, I heard 3 which means you're free today"
Sitting in that movie, in a theater all to ourselves, eating smuggled in nuts, M & M's, and gummy bears with a huge soda his Dad got us to share.
Running to the bathroom 3/4 of the way through after he drank so much soda.
Running back to the theater after the bathroom and his asking me "Mommy, when we get back to the movie, can we snuggle?"
Spending the rest of the movie sitting with a backrest in my back, because I wanted to snuggle with my son.
Watching him get so excited to open his presents, but not so much that he forgot to share.  "Anika, how about we both get 2 laps around on the scooter then switch?"
 His letting Anika have the first 2 laps :)

I wish I could drink in every precious moment and not forget it, only cherish it.  And yet I know I've forgotten more than I remember.  And not every moment is precious, but it is ours.  My sweet bugaboo and me.

Look at that sweet boy. . .

 Almost 1 vs. 5

 Playing house house

 Soccer- sweet smile

Anika-isms

Gotta love 2 year olds.  For previously being behind- Anika loves to talk now. I wanted to get a post out on some of her -isms so we don't forget them (we still joke about BJ saying "toes on" instead of bare feet).

"Hold you" = hold me
When asked how old she is, she responds with 2 1/2 (even though she won't be 2 1/2 til Feb.)
"Tomo stas" = como estas
Choosey= excuse me
"Baby Ray is crying"- I hear this all day long- her doll is named Baby Ray (after her cousin) and evidently he cries a lot, but is only helped by her kisses.
"An-kin-ka"- what she claims her name is some days.
"Underwear on"= underwear (whether on or off)
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 8, 9, 10, 11, 8, 9, 10, 11
Toccer game = soccer game- yelled at random times
Pinking about it = Thinking about it (what she does on the way to soccer practice)
Mommy, eating.  Mommy, raining. Mommy, told (cold)- the way she runs a commentary on our day.
"Heard it" if she hears a noise
"Noisy, Mommy, noisy"- for a loud noise
"Read. the. book" (Hard to describe her intonation)
"Doctor's. HOUSE"
When dancing "Mom, tetchups" (ketchup which means dip)
"Anika, do we hit?" A: "Yes" Mom: "No" A: "No, no hit"
"Anika, why are you sitting on the step?"  A: "Hit brother" Me: "No, you didn't hit brother"  A:"Bite brother" Me: "No, you didn't bite brother" A:"Hit Mommy" Me: "No, Anika, let me tell you why you are sitting on the step"


Love this girl!

Gastroentereology

One of these days I'll go back to posting about things non-medical :)  Today was the BIG day- time to get some answers from the GI guys.  Except, there weren't too many answers, just more of a plan :)  So, talked to the GI doctor.  I'm usually good at remembering BJ's docs names, but I'm losing track.  Anyway, she took time with us and listened fairly well without feeling too rushed.  I tried to be helpful and print up his past medical history, a quick summary, and a quick diet log (all in fear she would say it was diet related and send me on my way).  In the end, she glanced at this stuff, but took my answer that he had a good diet.  She examined him again-he is a trooper.  He deals with some of the "ickier" exams better than most male adults :)  And then she offered the kids juice and goldfish or teddy grahams so we could talk longer.  (Interesting strategy- after we've discussed whether or not he has a healthy diet- and since I had already let them have raisins).  Basically, she wants us to continue what we are doing with the Miralax, just be more regimented in it.  We also need to keep a log of his bowel movements and his tummy aches.  She suggested we continue to keep him off dairy as a dairy allergy (even though his previous dairy testing is negative) could present this way.  She also wants us to do a blood test for celiac (gluten allergy) but we can wait a little while to see if our insurance company accepts our appeal on the cystic fibrosis carrier test and do both tests together.  (I love it when pediatric docs understand how traumatic blood draws can be and are cool with "grouping" them).  We will go back in 2 months, and if there is no change at that time, she will suggest a colonoscopy to get to the bottom of his issues.  Thanks for your prayers!  Here are some cutie pictures to share!

Recent family photo, done by our amazing photographer.  www.brynmarae.com

Recent couch fort

Anika in her pic clothes, playing with trucks

BJ pouting-not sure why, he wouldn't tell me this time

Anika, stealing Mommy's necklace at soccer practice

 And smiling at herself :)

 BJ's soccer picture- love that smile!

Cardiology

Thank you for your prayers, BJ has a (upper limits of ) normal sized heart that is strong and healthy!  The cardiologist we met with today looked over his x-ray, did an EKG, thorough exam, echocardiogram (ultrasound of his heart), and declared his heart to be healthy.  He did not laugh and say we didn't need to be there, and thought it reasonable to investigate given BJ's lung history.  Additionally, he did not detect any leaky valves or small holes in his heart.  BJ did a great job listening, sitting still, and chilling while they checked him out.  Anika, however, in true little sister form was disappointed they didn't do an EKG ("stickers, Mommy, stickers") or echo ("lay down, Mommy, shirt off") on her.  However, the nice part about a peds office is that they are used to typical 2 year old behavior.  Next week, GI.  Thanks again for your support and prayers.  Specifically, I would pray for wisdom on the part of BJ's doctors, answers, and avoiding a surgery to fix his GI system.  Also, patience and peace Brandon and me even if there are no answers.  We would love to get to the bottom of these issues and know how best to help him.  Thanks to everyone.

Update

Thanks so much for everyone's support and prayers over BJ's health.  Even if we don't have a ton of information more, it has helped immensely with peace for me over what is going on.  Thank you so much for that!!  (Even the sheer numbers of people who read the blog- 110 views is astounding.  Thanks for caring enough to read) I don't have a ton of answers for my update today, just some more info.  Tomorrow we head to the cardiologist for them to check out his heart size.  I'm half expecting the cardiologist to say we don't need to be there, and half expecting another slew of tests to be ordered.  We'll just have to wait and see.  Our insurance company doesn't want to cover the genetic blood test our pulmonologist wants to have done, so we did a sweat test and it came back negative.  Negative, as in, BJ does not have cystic fibrosis, definitively (within whatever false negative rate the test has).  Yay!  But he could still be a carrier and have similar issues to what he is having now, with less negative impact for his future.  Praise God!  Then next week we had to the gastroenterologist to see what they have to say about his poor gut.  He's had a bad week last week discipline-wise, but it may be just all the chaos.  That's really all I have for you right now.  I'll see what time/energy I have to update tomorrow after cardiology.  Thanks again for your support.  It has been amazing.

Health

I'm really hesitant to write this post for a lot of reasons, but the whole point of the blog is that this is our family, our life, so I'm writing it.  I am unbelievably thankful for BJ's health (and improved health).  I had no idea what to expect back in residency with a sweet asthmatic baby, pulling long hours at work to come home and do neb treatments, stressing about taking more sick days, etc.  We could have it so much worse.  Plus, there are countless moms whose greatest nightmares have come to life in their kids awful diagnosis or worse.  In no way am I trying to compare myself to them, or belittle them.  Their strength is amazing on a daily basis, and they deserve years of pampering.  But, I'm also allowed as a mom to feel and be frustrated :)  And today, I'm tired and frustrated.  It came to our attention quite a while ago that BJ was having some issues with his gastrointestinal tract.  I, being the lovely Dr. Mom, didn't panic and took forever to make an appointment for him to be evaluated.  So, we had him evaluated and found out he was horribly massively constipated.  A total shock to both of us, but I saw the proof, so I have to agree.  We brought him back home and set out to "clean him out."  Anyone who has ever had a colonoscopy, bless you- that stuff is dreadfully disgusting.  We spent the day in tears.  BJ crying because it tasted awful AND he wanted to eat AND he didn't want to drink anymore.  I cried trying to explain why he had to go through the awfulness AND trying to rack my brain on how to make it better.  And Anika cried because she wanted to drink what her brother was drinking :)  Prototypical Anika!  We survived, the medicine seemed like it was doing the trick, and we hoped and prayed we never would have to do that again.  He got set up on a daily regimen to stay cleaned out and we went on our merry way.  Except, it didn't seem to be changing any of the original issue, and now BJ was complaining of belly pain.  So, back to the doctor, another x-ray, another eval, and we find out, the clean out didn't do a lick of good.  Not one iota of change.  I could have cried.  Seriously.  So, back to the drawing board on why my poor kiddo is so constipated. We completely dropped dairy from his diet.  We had a thyroid study drawn (gotta love blood work in this age group- I cry because he cries), and were sent back to the pulmonologist to evaluate for cystic fibrosis.  (Side note to catch up- we've had the sweat test for CF done twice before with no results- and it isn't the diagnosis you want your kid to have, if you have a say in it.)

Fast forward to today.  We have an appointment at Children's with pulmonology.  No appointment at this facility is cheap or fast, but they are amazing with kids- so we keep driving the 45+ time to come.  Plus, BJ knows the place, and his favorite doc is there.  We haven't even had vitals done when the nursing assistant helping our doc out today tells us to head down for a chest xray.  Not what I expected, but they are pulmonary, and I know enough to not argue (too much) with our docs.  Head down, back up, pulmonary function testing- hysterical in a 4 year old, back the room, meet with the nursing assistant, wait for the doc.  (Might I say as my sweet guy who normally naps is fading fast at my side).  (But clearly I feel I need to draw out the drama because this post is already longer than it should have been.)  So anyway, he thinks the chance of BJ having CF is extremely small (mental sigh), but that he might be a carrier and thus having some issues because of his carrier status.  He wants to run an expensive genetic test to see if BJ is a carrier and get him in to GI.  Great, fabulous, done.  Until the next part.  And oh yeah, we did a chest x-ray because his heart looked big on his abdominal x-ray and it is big on the chest xray too.  I need you to see cardiology.  I totally laughed.  Seriously, out loud, laughed.  I think he misunderstood me, because he started to explain why it was important  But I understood, just was shocked and overwhelmed at the idea of another issue to figure  out.  My sweet child- the proof that you can do everything right, breast feed, make your own baby food, have a dog, get rid of the dog, feed him a diet that is healthy and full of fiber, and pray over him- and still have things not go right.  I smiled, thanked him, walked out, attempted to schedule 2 visits, scheduled one, called Brandon, got Beej buckled in his seat, and cried.  Cried that my sweet "healthy, normal" son has more in his continuing health saga.  Now, at the ripe old age of 4, will have a PCP, pulmonologist, allergist, ENT, general surgeon, gastroenterologist, and cardiologist.  Some days, I find that exhausting.  And some days, I remember my friends and acquaintances who are morning a loss of a child, or praying he or she will leave the hospital and live a life as normal as BJ has it. Thank you Lord, for keeping him safe AND healthy.

Our little gentleman

This post is in no way a "bragging" post.  I have made countless mistakes parenting (Brandon has made a few) over the last 5 years, but despite that and because of God's grace, we are seeing a sweet little gentleman emerge from BJ lately.  It is so great to see glimpses of what we are working for over time.  Lately, he's been doing much more mature things, like asking how he can help, helping watch out for his little sister, offering affection/complements on on his own, and rubbing backs/giving hugs when he can see I'm getting frustrated.  I'm so proud of the little man he is becoming and thank God regularly for the blessing of BJ in our lives.

BJ's war wounds

It has been a bang up week at the Workman household.  I slipped down the stairs and jammed my little toe to the black and blue, semi limping stage.

Anika fell backwards off a chair (after being reminded repeatedly to sit down).

As I was reveling with an acquaintance about how great it was to have just one child with me at the library, Anika pulled a large computer monitor over onto her thumb.  I was panicked on the bill of the monitor (which was fine), Anika walked away with a stamp and an ice pack (way to reward my negligence).

But BJ wins the prize for the most significant "owie" in the house.  We attended an au pair party (think 75 or so families plus au pairs) at a local splash pad park.  BJ (I think) was really showing off for Brandon since he hasn't gone with us to this particular park.  He decided to climb a 6' tall rock tower and wave at his mom from the top.  Brandon warned him that he needed to be careful, he might hurt himself, but he reassured his father- 'I got this, Dad' and then proceeded to fall off, slamming his face into the rock on the way down. Brandon was right next to him, but couldn't grab him. Luckily he landed on his feet, but was spitting blood everywhere when he landed.  Sweet boy was in a ton of pain and very scared, but has been brave ever since.  His face looks really bad, but the worst is a cut inside his lip- all the way up.  No stitches, but lots of ice, soup, and Popsicles.  He has really struggled with eating ever since- only soft, small foods- and nothing acidic- he's definitely missing eating our wonderful cherry tomatoes this week. But after driving home from the incident, he did decide to visit the neighbors for some extra sympathy- so I think he'll be okay.

Day 0

 Day 1 (you can tell, he's still not happy with it).

Anika "2"

Nicknames: Sister, Baby Girl, Little Miss

Weight & Height: 24 lb 8 oz, (I'll have to check, I've forgotten)

Hair: Blonde

Favorite foods: hummus fingers, fruit, muffins, bread, desserts, (but she really isn't picky)

Favorite toys: BJ's toys (including his cars), her babies, stroller, phone, purse, bracelet, necklace

Favorite stuffed animal: her baby

Favorite animal: doggies

Bedtime: 7:00 p.m.

Wake-up time: 6:30 a.m. or 7ish

Naps: one nap a day for 2-3 hours, pretty much every day

Favorite person: BJ, Daddy, Papa, Grammy, Mommy, Angie, Paola

Latest Accomplishment: potty training (she does really well with Mom 95% of the time, less with others), working on putting up "2" on her fingers
Likes: playing with BJ, playing outside, spending time with Daddy, coloring, swimming, doing ANYTHING BJ does

Dislikes: sharing, finding self control, being left at home when Daddy or BJ goes somewhere else

What she is saying: alot! Baby, potty, Daddy, night night, Mommy, all done, look at that, read the book

What gets said about Anika most often: how much she looks like Mommy, how pretty her eyes are, how fearless she is

Fears: not much!!  being left, not a big fan of the vacuum  but she will jump in the pool, down the stairs without someone catching her

Health: she has been very healthy

How she's like Daddy: likes her cars, likes to go fast (and encourages Daddy with a "whee" from the backseat), her laid back, enjoy the ride attitude
How she's like Mommy: she likes to work out with Mommy (2 year old push ups are pretty cute), likes her veggies, how quickly her emotions can change :)

Funny things she's done lately: her constant dialogue, I can't tell you how many times with BJ's recent injury she has related "Brother, owie, fell down, hurt lip",her laughs, grabbing any phone and saying "Hi, hello, hi, hello"

Baby doll scooter from BJ

 Birthday dessert at restaurant 

 Pretty pink toes on her birthday

 Monster truck with BJ

 Anika's party decorations

 In the crib with her new baby

 She loves to smell the flowers :) 

The World According to Anika. . .

We have had major changes in our house in the last few weeks.  Angie, our amazing au pair for the last year and 9 months left to return home to Mexico and continue her studies.  So, last Friday, Paola, a great new au pair from Colombia, moved in with us.  I was worried about the transition for the kids, especially Anika since she really hasn't had anyone but Angie watch her.  The kids have done great and accepted Paola quickly.  I keep reminding myself that they are 4 1/2 and almost 2 and that having them be excited about someone new does nothing to negate their love for Angie.  In essence, celebrating the new chapter is not dishonoring to the last.  Tonight while snuggling before bed was the first time I heard Anika talk about the change.  (Mister Josh was Angie's boyfriend here in the states)

A: "Paola, bye-bye"
Me: "No, Anika, Paola isn't going bye-bye, she's just downstairs.  Do you love Paola?"
A: "Yes"
A:  "Angie, bye-bye"
Me: "Yes, Angie went bye-bye.  Do you love Angie?"
A: "Angie, bye-bye"
Me: "Yes, Angie went bye-bye, but she will always love you.  Do you love Angie?"
A: "Yes"
A:  "Mister Josh bye-bye too"
Me: "Yes, Mister Josh went bye-bye too"

It was said with all the tenderness a little girl of almost 2 can muster, but proof that there is love in her heart for both the old and the new, Angie and Paola.  Angie, we miss you, things are not the same without you, and we will never forget you.   Paola, welcome to your new home, we are excited about your addition to our family and can't wait to see what the next year has in store.

Angie and the kids

 The kids attacking Mister Josh

Paola and the girls today

Anika

So I think being the firstborn, BJ continues to get a lot more exposure on the blog- big triumphs, learning to put his head underwater, riding a two wheeler, etc, but Anika is pretty stinking cute herself.  Right now she speaks in short choppy pharses.

While watching me do an exercise video:  "Mom.  Run.  Push. Stroller."  She's worse then Pedro in guilt tripping you for an inside workout.

When she's stuck home with mom instead of everyone else:  "Bro?"  He's gone baby.  "Daddy?"  He's gone too.  "Work (knowingly)"  "Angie" she's not here  "Mister Josh"  He's not either.  Just stuck with your mom.

Daddy has been priming her lately for the favorite answer.  "Anika, who's the best"  Big grin "Daddy"  (Although tonight, Angie stayed for dinner-which isn't her normal lately.  Her answer on who's the best?  "Angie" then laughing and watching Daddy's reaction)

Picking up any phone and saying "Hello, hi, hello, hi"

She wants so badly to be a big girl, she was heartbroken all week while BJ got to stay at church for VBS and when we went to pick him up and see the final songs, she insisted on finding him in the crowd to sit or stand by him (and he sweetly welcomed him, although mom was asked to go back to the back :))

The other thing is she is so quick to apologize. I'm sure this is just because she wants to get on with playing, but after 30 seconds on the steps she was "trol" [self control] and is ready to say "rorry"

Last thing, not a speech thing, but needs documentation.  Her "help" while making brownies resulting in a laxative in my coffee pot. Her affinity for all things lotion- sunscreen all over her, vaseline everywhere- 4 days to wash it out, and motor oil on the carpet- but that's another story :)

What a sweet blessing she is to our lives.

Stand strong

BJ got to attend VBS this year at our church.  The theme was Kingdom Rock and all about standing strong with whatever comes your way.  He had an absolute blast and came home singing songs and talking about everything he learned.  I'm so thankful for Godly adults and teens in his life who take time out of their day to help with this amazing week.  One day, Angie and I were discussing a mouse that has decided to join us in the house the last few weeks.  He's been a bugger to catch and has eluded a 3 adult chase through the main floor and no less than 6 traps filled with PB (big step seeing as BJ is allergic).  I was saying it is dumb that I'm scared of a little mouse, and BJ pulls me close as says quietly in my ear, his secret "Mom, next time you see the mouse, you need to stand strong"  Yes, buddy I will, but can you hold my hand when we see it?

So Blessed

I was getting discouraged about my job, and then I had 2 super fulfilling work days in a row.  Praise God!

I worry about raising my kids right and doing the right thing- and they knock my socks off. Praise God!

I worry about financial burdens and working hard pays off in blessings from God!  Praise God!

I worried about the right person to watch my kiddos, and God blessed us with Angie for the last 21 months.  Praise God!

Why do I even bother to worry.  Now if God could please, please, please take care of the mouse in my house :)

Raising kids is tough, anyone who says differently isn't a parent.  And even though I totally support Brandon's job, it does get tiring at times when he's not home (heck, it's tiring when he is home).  But there are nights full of doubt and full on exhaustion.  It makes me really thankful that my hubby comes home- that we aren't separated by months of deployment or by heaven's gates.  But sometimes things happen and you think, "God, that is better than I deserve."  Tonight was one of them.  I thought Anika might be ready to potty train a few months back and so we started- for about an hour and a half, after which we gave up.  But I think despite her young age, my biggest mistake was telling BJ to stay out of our way.  He is a great big brother.  So when we decided to try again this weekend, I asked for his help.  He high fives, he congratulates, he asks if she's "clean and dry," reminds her of stickers and prizes and explains everything to her in great detail.  "We're going to put you in a diaper tonight but don't worry, you can wear underwear again in the morning and go potty in the potty and get prizes."  Sometimes she wants her space but usually she wants her brother.  I (along with help from my great Nurse Kathy) got a bag of prizes to reward her efforts and stickers for being dry.  All weekend long BJ wanted stickers and prizes too-which probably helped prove to her what a big deal it was to get them.  The prizes are all "girly things" like bracelets and necklaces, but to BJ they are prizes worthy of attaining.  Lately, when Anika comes to pick out a prize, she picks one out first for BJ.  And since she is giving it to him, sharing it with him, I haven't discouraged either one of them.  But tonight, at dinner while BJ was praying, he thanked God that Anika wanted to share a prize with him.  Melts your heart a little.  He wore his blue sparkly necklace around all night with Anika.  Then, after we had put her to bed with her big brother speech "There are no scary things, no loud noises, Mom and I are here, and you are safe," he came downstairs and asked for the prize bag.  I asked why, and he said "I want to put this necklace back in the prize bag for Anika so she has more prizes for going potty on the potty."  Really God, some days I am not a good enough parent to deserve his tender heart.  Help me to learn to cultivate it well.

The kids together at Harmon Park in Kearney

 The next few shots show the laughter and fun they have together. . .

 My sweetheart son

Speechless

Being someone who really likes to talk, it's not often you find me speechless, but conversations I was expecting for later in life can do that to you. . .  I came home to quick pick up the kids for a soccer party on Wednesday and walked into a mine field with BJ.

"Mom, I need to tell you about a conversation I had at school today" (Me: thinking did you just say converstaion?)  "But I need you and I to keep this conversation a secret, from Angie and Daddy, don't tell anyone"  (He did say conversation).  In respect to him-the conversation will remain a secret.

On the way to the party:
"Mom, when I grow up, who will be the mom of my children?"  Wowzers- hmm "Buddy, your daddy and I are praying for an amazing girl to be the mom of your children"
"Why can't Anika be?"  "Because we don't marry our sisters BJ" "Why" "Because we don't"  "Oh"
"Where do children come from Mommy"  "From God buddy, they come from God"
"But how do we get them?"  "God gives them to us BJ, don't you remember when Anika was in Mommy's tummy?"  "Oh yeah. . . but Mommy, how did she jump out of your tummy?"  Pausing to think. . . "BJ, that is something your Daddy and I will talk to you about later" (Delaying the inevitable :))
"Why not now?  Is Anika to little to hear?"  "Something like that buddy"

The next day:
"Mom, when I was hiding in your closet, I found a sword.  I think we can use that sword to cut the heads off bad guys when they come to our house"
"I see, BJ- but that sword isn't very sharp, I'm not sure it would work for that"  Anika tired of being in her car seat, starts to cry.
"Mom, we should stop talking about this situation, Anika is afraid we might cut her head off" (Did he just say situation?)  "Okay BJ"

Ahh BJ, you left your mom speechless.

Words, bracelets, bikes, and nuts

Momentous times at the Workman household.

Anika's speech is really taking off.  Because of our schedule today, she was finished with her nap as BJ was going down for his, and I couldn't keep her quiet!! Many evening on Skype BJ and Brandon have a hard time talking because she is so insistent on yelling out her words for Daddy :)  I'm so proud of the progress she has made, she's doing awesome!!  She is very insistent on acting and doing everything the rest of us in the house are doing- she likes to make trips to the bathroom to sit on the potty (but doesn't actually use it yet), take her babies for a walk with her purse in hand, and loves to have her wrist filled with plastic interlocking rings as her bracelets (despite actually owning some bracelets of her own).  She loves to laugh and giggle and has gotten to the stage where she cracks herself up :)

 Here she is "reading" with BJ, with her bracelets, and her favorite "loveys" in hand.

BJ also is growing in leaps in bounds.  BJ received a bike from us for his 4th birthday, which we took the wheels off and have been using as a balance bike all winter.  Last weekend Brandon decided BJ was ready for his wheels on his bike.  He explained that we weren't going to use training wheels and that if it wasn't fun we weren't going to bike, but BJ was up for the challenge.  He started practicing after church on Sunday, and after nap time was ready to show me his moves.  I was skeptical, but as always, should trust my husband's judgement ;)

Today was another great milestone for BJ.  After failing his peanut challenge last fall, our allergist was anxious to try and see if we could introduce other nuts into BJ's diet in hopes that nut "sensitization" would help him outgrow his peanut allergy.  We arrived early this morning ready to test Dr. Dan's theory, and BJ was up for the challenge.  Due to some miscommunication, I had to leave the hospital shortly after BJ's challenge had started, and he had to stay with Dr. Dan while I was gone.  He made Dr. Dan's day, reading "Curious George" and talking his ear off, while continuing to challenge nuts until I came back.  The day was a success.  BJ "passed" 6 other nuts, pistachio, almond, cashew, walnut, pecan, and hazelnut.  He ate all of them without complaint or hesitation.  This gives us the go-ahead to allow him to have any nut other than peanut as long as we are confident the food is not contaminated with peanuts.  We celebrated with cashew chicken and nutella pie for dinner tonight.  BJ has already asked if he can have nuts with breakfast tomorrow :)

Anika's new words

Anika is a bit delayed in her expressive speech- I have no doubt she will not stop talking after this improves, but we are working with a wonderful speech therapist Judy.  In 3-4 sessions Anika is signing and attempting to speak more. It's great!  Officially I think her first word was mama, but since we kept waiting for more and better defined words, we may have missed the next few.  Now she signs please, all done, more, sleep, milk, and sometimes shoe.  She is saying quite a bit more too- mama, dada, brother (which is a bit more like bo-bo), please, yes, no, wa (for water), uh oh, sometimes up, happy (although we haven't heard it in a while), bubble, hop.  Today after Judy was here she did animal sounds really well.  It is so cute to hear her say "ruff, ruff" "meow" "moo" and occasionally "quack, quack" She's so proud of herself.  AND she loves her "school" when Judy comes- she has started running around like crazy when she comes.  What a sweet talking girl.

  Here we are at the zoo on the Carousel.

Mice, coolant lines, hearts and Jesus

Brandon had a rough night tonight.  Rental cars, mice, and coolant hoses do not mix.  He was stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere Texas.  He called to pass the time and talk with BJ (which he does almost nightly).  He sent pictures of the coolant hose that was chewed through, the mice bed below it, the tow truck, just like a good Daddy who knows his vehicle obsessed 4 year old.  Then later tonight as I'm putting him to bed, BJ looked sad.  I asked him why and he said he was worried about Daddy and the mouse and the car. We called Daddy to check on him, who reassured BJ he was safe in the cab of the tow truck with his new friends Chris and Albert.  We hung up, feeling much reassured.  I reminded BJ that God was also in the tow truck keeping Daddy safe.  BJ: "But where is God sitting, Mom?" Me: "Where do you think BJ?" BJ "I don't know"  Me: "Maybe next to Daddy, cuz you know he can be everywhere.  He's next to you, next to Daddy, and in Mommy's room all right now"  "And you know where else God is BJ?"  BJ: "Where?"  Me: "In Daddy's heart" BJ: "Why"  Me: "Because Daddy asked him to live in his heart with him."  BJ: "Well is he in my heart too?"  Me: "He can be if you want to ask him to live there.  Do you want to ask him to live there?"  BJ nods.  We prayed together to ask if Jesus would live in BJ's heart, then we went to bed.  I'm not sure how theologically sound that was, but thank you Jesus for the faith of a 4 year old, who melts my heart on a daily basis.  And dear God, please help me have the words to teach him.