Liv is now a rolling over machine. Her first offical role over was on my birthday, December 15th. She was 2 weeks old. I was there to witness the roll.

I worked when Holden was little. I worked some really bad hours some days. It was too demanding a job with a young family. I was the manager of a group home for adults with disabilities. It sounded so awesome! I thought $21, 000 was a lot of money. I was naive:) I loved the people I helped. I still think of all of them often. They were like a second family. But I missed out on so much with that job. Sometimes I'd have to work until 10p, midnight and until 3am. It was hard to try and be a mom and wife with that kind of job. I was lucky to get a job as a case manager with more family friendly hours. I had a large caseload of kids with disabilities and I helped those families with respite care, school issues, and working to make a normal life as possible for the kids. When I was pregnant with Grace we really became serious about developing a plan that would allow me to stay home. Things fell into place (Cory worked very hard at making it happen)...and when Grace was born we decided that I would quit my job and be a stay at home mom. I was going to be able to be there for all the firsts for my kids from here on out!

It was hard to adjust to a new lifestyle but I loved it...still do. I am so very thankful that we were able to make it happen. I will never regret that decision. What does all of this have to do with my beginning entry that Liv can roll over? Well, we have been working with her for the last 2 weeks on rolling over with no luck. Then yesterday Grace got some new gold nail polish, so while I was painting her tootsies and fingers, Liv was laying next to us on her back playing with a toy. I had been talking to her as I was concentrating on the perfect paint job (if I paint outside the lines...there is trouble). I glance over at Liv...still there...but wait! She was on her back and is now on her stomach! She rolled over, holding her head up high with a smile on her face. She did it...right under my nose! I missed it. I can't believe I missed it. I missed her triumph. Crap!! But since then I have witnessed many of roll overs. Yeah for Livie...it won't be long before she is getting around by herself.

Grace had her 5 year check up yesterday. I made Cory come with me because I wanted him to assist when it was time for her to get vaccinated. I had prepared her for one poke..not three! Of course the topic of discussion was incontinence. Grace shared with Cory that we really need to fix this problem. It has not gotten better with the tonsilectomy, which they thought. We have decided to start a medication to help her stay dry. We are kind of hoping that if we can help her out and use medication for a couple of weeks...she'll be more successful. We have gotten to the point that we are afraid her self-esteem will become effected by the reactions from us and others. We don't want to damage her in that way. Crossing our fingers this medication helps! Our doctor is a little perpelxed by her. She told us that Grace is a sophisticated, special kid. She had a lot of positive remarks about her. She asked where she gets the strong willed trait. Cory and I look at each other and said "We have no idea!" Both Cory and I are laid back and flexible. Grace can be...but she can also be bull headed. Usually when it comes to clothing, shoes, and accessories (help me!). I guess when I was a kid and more realistically through my high school years...I was strong willed. Independent. By my college years I had mostly outgrown my strong willed days. So I guess it is just a little pay back for my challenging days adn Cory is along for the ride. BUT, I would not have Grace any other way. She is unique, loving, giving, funny, and entertaining.

As long as this entry has become about the kids...I can't leave Holden out. He is as busy as ever...and if there is a minute of down time...I will hear about it. "I am SOOOO borrreeddd!" I can give him 5 ideas of what to do and he will have an excuse why none of those will work out. He is at an interesting age right now. He is approaching 8. I can see how he is starting to seperate himself slightly from us. He still loves to cuddle up and read a book, organize a family night, or go for a bike ride together, but he is definately into friends right now. He asks for sleepovers every weekend, never wants to go anywhere unless it involves fun, and wants to stay up late. He is still very in love with his little sister, but he is busy as ever. You may find him digging a 3 foot deep hole, for instance, behind the house. He may be playing a game of football or hockey with the neighborhood kids. He is non stop. I guess that would explain why he asks for food ALL THE TIME! Today I was driving by his school and noticed his class practicing the mile run (remember that?). After I dropped of his cousin at school I caught his attention waving my hand out the window yelling "Hey Holden, go buddy, run!" I think he was shocked (and probably embarassed), but he kicked it up a few notches:)