Thomas Turns 5!

Wow did we have fun! Who can believe that we have a 5 year old? It seems crazy that he is that old. I know all of you parents out there know exactly how I feel. Anyway here is the low down on the big party:

We had his party at Circus World in Hendersonville. We had never been but it was great! We did the "armband party" which included ice skating, bumper cars, laser tag, a 3D movie theater and virtual roller coaster. It was a boy's (and his daddy's) amusement park. The party included a cake for 20, pizza, and soft drinks. This was one of the few times Thomas has had soda. After all if you can't be indulgent on your birthday when can you? Here are some pictures:

Ready for action! How cute is this?

Pizza and Chocolate Cake! Apparently the hats were entertaining, too!

Cousin Justin was our best ice skater but they all had great fun!

This is the best picture of my moving target. They had the whole area lit in red and purple lights.

Lily enjoys something a bit more her speed!

Thanks, Great Grandma!

My soldier in his Armor of God! The aftermath: every present opened, inspected, and enjoyed before bed!

Thanks to all who made this an extra special day! We love you all!

Update on Prayer Request

For all who prayed for Thomas: His headaches seem to be caused by a sinus infection. He has to take a 21 Day round of antibiotics! Hopefully this will take care of it. Thanks to all who prayed!

Prayer Request

Thomas has been having unexplained headaches for a couple of months. His pediatrician's first thought was his eyesight. That turned out to be fine. Our next step comes tomorrow. He will be undergoing 2 CT-Scans. 1 of his brain to search for neurological issues and 1 for his sinuses. Its not completely out of the question for him to have sinus issues. His history of ear problems coupled with Thad's sinus issues make it a likely contender.

We are asking for everyone to pray first, that God's will be done and that He would equip us for whatever that might be. Second, for an end to the headaches. Last, for some clear answers and a resolution.

Thanks in advance to all our prayer warriors.

Baby Scalf 3.0 Update

We would have a picture of the baby's face or something else but as with his or her siblings, this child is stubborn. Thad and I have no idea where that trait comes from. (Insert the appropriate amount of sarcasm here.) Baby Scalf 3.0, whom we have dubbed "Punkin", was laying facing my back with absolutely no intention of turning to show us his or her face. We tried pushing on my belly, rolling on my side, wiggling the ultrasound transducer but no dice. All we got in return were kicks and punches and further curling into a ball.

We weren't even able to see all of the preferred angles of the heart and abdomen. So far everything that should be there is and there aren't any extras. I will have to go back in for a follow-up ultrasound with the hope that we can get a better angle on those things we couldn't see. We are hoping for a nice 3D picture for the next time. Check back often.

Still with all that curling and obstinance we did get a nice shot of one foot and the placenta. Its amazing to see these beautifully formed little people.

Way to go, God!

On a side note, the placenta is not as innocent as it looks. When I delivered Thomas the nurse asked me if I wanted to see the placenta. Not knowing what I was in for, I said yes. BIG MISTAKE! It looks like one of those punch balloons decorated with red, pink, and purple splatter paint that has been half-filled with water. Almost like a giant beef liver or something. NASTY! They told me it looked great. Yeah, uh-huh.

So, if you are ever asked, JUST SAY NO! I put it in my birth plan with Lily that they shouldn't even ask because I had no desire to experience that again.

Kid Comedy

Since Thomas was born I have been in the habit of smelling his precious hair. You know, baby smell then kid shampoo. Anyway, last week he was sitting on my lap and I sniffed the back of his head which he thinks is very funny. He asked me, "what do I smell like?"

"You smell like a five year old boy."

Then he turned around and sniffed my hair obliging me to ask, "so, what do I smell like?"

"You smell like a one hundred year old girl!"

I couldn't stop laughing. He didn't quite understand why.
***********************************************

Monday morning I am in the kitchen making Thomas' lunch and getting everything ready to make the rounds to take Thad to work and Thomas to school. Lily usually takes this time to wander around the house babbling and just enjoying herself. She is very much like a clockwork mouse in that respect.

She stopped for a minute, walked over to me and began to back up to my legs. The next thing I know I hear a rumble coming from her diaper that would make any grown man proud. I look down with my mouth hanging open and say, "Lil, what was that?"

"Butt. Out." She pats her little hinder and walks away.

For the Love of My Electric Skillet

For the longest time I didn't understand the logic behind having a separate appliance like an electric skillet. It seemed redundant.

Now I have seen the light!
Can you hear the choir singing the Hallelujah chorus?
Do you see the brilliant light emanating from my kitchen?
Thank God for the inventor of the electric skillet!
Thanks, Dad and Mom, for my skillet!

Last night I browned some turkey kielbasa and red potatoes and wilted some spinach in red wine vinegar all in the same skillet. Its non-stick surface means I can do these old-fashioned dishes like "fried taters" in very little oil or fat and still achieve that perfect crispy, soft potato combination. The even heat and ability to control temperature are awesome. That's much harder with a regular skillet on a burner. Now I don't have splatter on the stove top and only one thing to clean.

I'm looking forward to trying out some other dishes. If you have any suggestions please leave them in a comment!

If you don't have an electric skillet get on or put it on your gift wish list.