And then he was 2.

On Tuesday, I was given the opportunity to work from home with my little man. We weren't able to go outside anyway due to the rain, so I didn't feel too bad keeping Isaac cooped up.

We started out the day with pancakes[!], Isaac's most recent obsession, courtesy of Tony.


You could say Isaac was a little excited.


He did manage to pose, oh so nicely with his #2 though.


I think he's been dreaming about them.


Our big birthday plans for the evening were to go to the Maplewood Community Center, where Tony spent a good almost third of his life working as a lifeguard and manager. Thank goodness, he still has some connections and we were able to go for free, plus walk out with free guest passes for the future. Clearly, we will be going back.


Gotta love Isaac's amazing cheeseball smile.


He was way to occupied thinking of what to do next than to oblige us in a family photo though.


My two boys. Tony went back to his swim instructor roots and kept trying to get Isaac to play/learn with him. It was very sweet, even if I acted annoyed, to know that Tony will just continue to teach Isaac new things, like swimming.


Tony was so proud of Isaac's willingness to jump to him! It only took a little bit of coaxing before Isaac was all about it.


We grabbed a small cake at Target, I figured $3.00 for a cake I didn't have to bake, decorate and wouldn't be large enough for me to eat much was a heck of a bargain. Isaac had a complete one track mind as soon as I got it out.


For the last few weeks, ever since we celebrated my Stepdad's birthday, Isaac has loved the concept of birthdays and would sporadically burst out singing "Happy birthday to you." I think this face says it all in regards to how happy he was to hear Tony and I singing to him.


He was all about blowing out his candles! After the lights were turned on, he kept saying to Tony "Do candles again." and would pick them up and try to stand them back up on the cake.


Even if there was a fork involved this time, he had every intention to get just as messy as last year!


And like Kier said on facebook, "Utter bliss." But of course this boy would love a Butterfinger chocolate cake!


And that's how Isaac closed out his 2nd year. With a smile.

Gestastional Diabetes - Avoided

At my last appointment on Friday, April 15th, at nearly 29w, I had to sit through the one hour GD test. While it doesn't rank high on my ways to kill an hour, there are worse ways to be tortured. I asked before I left the appointment how soon until I would know my results. I was told that I could call by the end of the day if I was really anxious, or that I would hear by the following Wednesday if I failed. If there was no phone call, it was assumed to be good news.

To be honest, I wasn't concerned, in the slightest, so as the following week drew to a close, I just put it behind me. I assumed that I passed, just as I did when pregnant with Isaac.

I was all sorts of embarrassed to receive a phone call on Tuesday informing me that I'd failed. 141 points, with a cut off of 140. This meant that I needed to come in for the 3 hour test. I was not pleased.

My mind went rushing to all of the what-ifs and changes that would be required if I had gestational diabetes and to be honest, I absolutely let it effect my mood the evening of Isaac's birthday. It was just so disheartening to think about!

Yesterday morning I had to abstain from breakfast, drive out to Stillwater and guzzle down twice as much glucola as I had previously had to drink for the 1 hour test. Now, the first cup was fine, but having to convince myself to swallow the 2nd go round was not an easy feat. And then the waiting began. Augh. It just was not a pleasant way to spend the morning feeling gut rot, hungry and being repeatedly poked with needles.

All that said, I made the call yesterday, no waiting around this time and I passed.

Fasting: 77 Cutoff: 95
1 Hour: 154 Cutoff: 180
2 Hour: 130 Cutoff: 160
3 Hour: 139 Cutoff: 140

Hopefully this is as eventful the remainder of the pregnancy goes!

Easter '11

Easter was beautiful. Just all out beautiful. I wasn't sure how the day would turn out, as it was a departure from our normal plans, but there were absolutely no concerns! There was a bit of schedule finagling due to my nephew's schedule with his dad, our church plans and fitting time in with my family as well, but it was one of the most relaxed holidays that we've enjoyed in a long time!

As I mentioned this year was a bit odd, as my Dad and Brother were flying home from Mexico where they were turkey hunting, Tony's extended family was gathering at his aunt's boyfriend's house 45+ minutes away and my extended family will no longer be gathering on Thanksgiving or Easter. Tony's family made the decision not to drive to his aunt's boyfriend's house, so we stayed close to home.

When it comes to my family though, I'm very sad that we will no longer be convening with regularity. I'm fully aware that as families grow this change gradually occurs, but I just didn't realize the time was now. The catalyst was the fact that only one uncle is able to host our family and unfortunately, the pain of seeing so much family and especially toddlers and babies is still too much to handle for my cousin Kristi and Rob. I don't imagine when the pain will ever lessen for them.

We started the day off with a 9:00 service at church. Both Tony and I have been excited by our Pastor's messages lately and he didn't disappoint on Easter Sunday. The praise and worship was rocking as well and I couldn't stop from raising my hands. After the service, I grabbed Ben to snap a few pictures of our little family. Just a year ago, we were doing the same, and Tony is wearing the same shirt.


So after church, we went straight away to Tony's parents house for a late brunch. It doesn't get any better than eggs, American fries, ham, rolls, fresh fruit and cinnamon pull aparts. I mean honestly.

We kept getting Isaac and Wyatt to hug, but Wyatt wanted nothing to do with Isaac! It was almost like a game of tag, because Isaac kept following Wyatt around, just trying to wrap his arms around him. We were successful a few times, but neither boy looked thrilled!


After we ate Kim busted out some dye for the eggs and also a coloring set, so we stripped the boys down to their diapers and let them have at it.


Isaac needed a bit of help with the roller, but loved it!


Wyatt was determined to put the eggs in the cup, but only succeeded in dropping and cracking a few.


The paint did not dry quickly at all, so Isaac and Tony blew on it to speed the process.


My Mom planned a later afternoon gathering, specifically so that we could have time to get Isaac down for a nap. Clearly, a nap was in order. And we all indulged.


Once we got to my Mom's we did an Easter egg hunt. I don't want to go off on a tangent revisiting hot topics, but while there is a hunt, there is no mention of an Easter Bunny responsible for placing the eggs. It was the same way when I was growing up. Eggs are a representation of new life, as we have new life in Christ due to His resurrection. And if our children ever ask for the meaning behind finding and obtaining Easter eggs, that will be my simple answer. But really, how many kids do you know that seek the meaning behind candy?


I was cracking up taking these two pictures. First, the excited Isaac, running towards an egg.


And boom. I was laughing so hard! That's what I get for putting him in khakis!


Imagine his surprise when he went to go down the slide, just for fun, and also received the benefit of finding an egg!


He did so good and didn't mind one bit if Tony tried to adjust his path towards an undiscovered egg.


Tony was apprehensive that Isaac would lose interest with how many eggs my Mom made up for him, but he was equally thrilled until he found the [almost] last one. There was only one leftover that Isaac found the next day at daycare, containing some melted M&M's.


We had a fantastic meal of ribs, tequilaberry salad, beans and cornbread, followed up with a fresh angel food cake and berries! We happily accepted leftovers to bring home! I was also thrilled that my Grandparents were able to join us. That was one of the hardest parts I was dealing with in not gathering as a whole family, so I'm glad I didn't have to go a holiday without them!

We finished the evening out by going for a walk. Like I said, it was just a beautiful day to celebrate that He is risen!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Isaac Levi!

Isaac, for 730 days you have been loved fiercely. Within every one of those 1,051,898 minutes you have known love. Not a single instant of the 63,113,906 seconds were you ever lacking and yet, it's you who have immensely blessed us.

I can only imagine God's plan for your life and am hopeful to aid in it's fruition. You have grown and progressed so much in the last year! We left off here and I can't believe how quickly you were replaced by the toddling little man ransacking my house!


Just a year ago we were hearing "down" incessantly which gave way to "Where'd it go?" at 14 months.


There has been no debate regarding "forcing" sports on you. You're a true sports enthusiast!


We got to take you to your 2nd Twins game! Your first at Target Field.


We enjoyed other Minnesota past times too, like bonfires.


And cancelling plans due to Tornado warnings.


One of my favorite memories of the past year was the picnic we had in our own backyard. It is something I will always treasure.


Mama and Dadu, as you started calling him, started to go on date nights during your 2nd year. If there was any concern how you'd handle this, it was quickly dismissed.


You also demonstrated to us that you took no issue with getting dirty! Your favorite place is definitely to be outside. We hope this never changes!


Your love for your Uncle Wee Wee certainly strengthened in the past year as well. He very may be your most favorite person in the world, but I don't think your Dad or I mind at all. He's a pretty cool guy after all and as a friendly reminder, still single . . .


Just in the middle of summer, when Daddy was growing out his beard, Mama decided to let your hair grow out as well. At 4th of July you had beautiful baby curls still.


It became abundantly clear over the summer that you were going to follow directly in your Dad's footsteps when it comes to milk consumption!


We indulged at the Minnesota State Fair and you had a great time people watching! It seems like you really enjoyed it this year and we can't wait for it to become completely ingrained as a family tradition, much like our annual picture in front of the Roasted Corn stand.


In the fall when you were amazingly speedy on your feet, your Aunt Gina took some of my most treasured photos.


Who can resist your smiling face? I mean honestly?


Summer quickly gave way to fall and we spent as much time as possible enjoying the remaining warm weather.


Because sure enough, winter came in a flash.


And what a winter it was. Between the record snowfall, your first haircut and introducing you to the idea that you will be a big brother!


The end of an era. You rocked out your baby mullet almost through the end of the year.


Finally, we ended the baby mullet and traded it in for a Justin Bieber haircut.


No one will blame you though. It was all on us. Plus, you had some really exciting news to share! Although, you weren't actually excited about it.


At Christmas you received your first hockey stick!


This of course meant a much needed trip with your skates to the hockey rink! I don't think you've ever made your Daddy so proud, just by enjoying the experience with him.


Along with an impressive vocabulary and increasingly strong will, you also developed a sense adventure. Or should I say, unleashed.


Our opportunities for pictures was pretty scarce this winter due to the massive amounts of snow and freezing temperatures, but we made due.


You became quite insistant that we eat at the table for dinner, especially when we failed to maintain our family dinners and would have preferred to eat in front of the tv. We loved it.

Isaac, you've really showed a huge heart in the past year. We love to hear of your responsiveness to other's needs at daycare and love when you initiate hugs and kisses. Hearing "I love you" certainly doesn't hurt our feelings either.


In February you got to participate when we found out that our family will be expanding to include a second little boy! Again, you weren't exactly impressed, but at least we bribed you with pancakes.


Unfortunately, with all of your increased vocabulary and rationale thought, you also began to throw temper tantrums. I think I'm reminded daily by my Mom that she thinks you have my strong willed determination.


We love you more than we know what to do with ourselves.


We pray for your safety, salvation and future daily.


Please continue to be you.


And forgive us when we screw up.


We can't wait to explore with you in your 3rd year and watch how you take on the role of Big Brother. Sweet precious boy, we love you. Happy birthday.