Birchell Easter

We decided to celebrate Easter with the Birchell family on Saturday this year. We woke up early, got dressed in our "bright" clothes, and all headed to the garden spot. Tessa graciously came and took our family pictures this morning. It was a lot of work, but I was amazed with the kids. They were well behaved, and got through it fast. Thanks Tessa! After pictures we went to Granny's for brunch, and an egg hunt. There were lots of eggs and lots of kids. It was perfect. Then the kids dyed eggs, and my kids got tired. We walked them home and put them to bed. Here I sit two hours later hoping they wake up in time to go to the matinee with everyone, but I'm kinda thinking we will have to miss it. As Brilee was going to sleep she said, "Thanks for giving me such a fun day Mom."


This is an old picture that somehow has missed the blog... but it's cute!

 Bronson took a nice nap with Uncle Ben

 I told Bri that the Easter Bunny might think she is so cute that he will want to take her to be his helper. Awhile later I hear her say to Mar, "I have to stay inside because I am so cute the Easter Bunny might steal me." 

 It's always a little chaotic, but fun!

 I love seeing all the kids running through the field! 

 Money egg!

 Mar Sue found a money egg!

 Happy girl!

 Jens is so good to Bronson. He takes good care of his baby cousin.

She is OUT! So is Bronson, but he would wake up as soon as I took his pictures. 

11 Months

B-Man is 11 months old today! I cannot believe we will be planning a birthday party during the next month! He is such a sweet and happy boy. He is very scheduled. As long as his basic needs are being met, on time, he won't give a person any issues! He still takes two 2 hour naps. He loves his bottle and baby food (thankfully because until we see the allergist that's all he gets!!)

I've always loved Bri's 11 month post, and so I'm doing the same for our little boy!!
My 11 wishes for Bronson Jake:
1. Health.
2. Always feel and know how loved you are!
3. Good friends.
4. Happiness will always come easy
5. See the best in the world and those around you.
6. Be best friends with your sister. Siblings are crucial in life!
7. Enjoy the little things and appreciate the big.
8. Always be gracious.
9. Value education and push yourself to achieve whatever you want.
10. Work hard
11. Be strong and confident within yourself.

We love you little boy!!

No Eggs Allowed!

This weekend has been big in our family! We are putting Bronson's puzzle together. For the past couple of months Bronson has being having these HORRIBLE puking episodes. They were so random, and were not a result of his reflux. He would eat something, start gagging, get really mucussy, violently vomit, struggle to breath for 5-10 minutes, start breathing, and then cough like a seal for hours after. Anyone who saw them instantly knew how weird they were. I have had him to the doctor, been on the phone with his doctor, and been in constant worry about what was going on with Bronson. It was horrible. One of the worst times Julie and Jaylie were at my house to witness. He scared all of us. I decided that day that he could be allergic to bananas, but I also mentioned to Julie that he only seemed to do it after eating cake. The next Sunday he did it again at Granny's after eating chicken noodle soup. It was really bad as well. I took him to the doctor and was told he probably had a small esophagus and needed to outgrow it. I listened to him, but knew there was more to the problem. I began only feeding him baby food. He didn't have an issue for over a week. Thursday night I made the mistake of feeding him chicken noodle soup again. About 10 bites into the soup it began. Jake and I had him on the neubulizer, and finally after 15 minutes got him back to normal. I had the suspicion he was allergic to eggs. I called Dr. Staker's office Friday morning and explained what was going on to them. They told me I needed to mash his food up more, and also blamed it on choking. So again, I listened, but knew that I was clearly not explaining what was going on. I had the plan to video the next time it happened. About 3:30 Friday afternoon Stacia called and said, "Come to Mom's. Bronson is definitely allergic to eggs." Grammy had given him a SMALL lick of cake batter and twenty seconds later his reaction began. I got to her house, and said I need a doctor to see this to understand it. We hurried to Dinoland Pediatrics and they knew instantly he was having an allergic reaction. They stuck him with an epi. pen, gave him a steroid, and admitted us to the hospital for observation. By the time we were done in the clinic he was already back to normal, and I knew he was fine. The whole time in the hospital he was so hyper and laughing hysterically (except when they were giving him the ridiculous IV).  At 9:15 the doctor came and released us. We now have a referral to Primary Children's to see an allergist. We will find out exactly what he is allergic to, but we are pretty sure eggs are the culprit. I worry there will be more than one food item on the list, and so I am anxious to get to the bottom of this. Until then, we avoid eggs, and so far so good. He has been nothing but the awesome little boy he is all weekend. This boy keeps us on our toes...

Other news from our weekend... one of our heifers finally had her baby! It's a little bull, and it's adorable. All went well. The only hiccup was when one of the others heifers tried to steal the baby. We got that taken care of, and have a healthy little calf. Four more to go!

A Conversation to Remember

Tonight, as I was folding laundry, Jake was getting Brilee ready for bed. Brilee had been in the bathroom forever, but finally announced she was ready for her bed time story. They went to Bri's room and picked a story. They were getting ready to read it when I hear:
Jake: Bri was is your sleeve all wet?
Brilee: Oh, Dad where does the stuff in the toilet go when you flush it?
Jake: Outside. Why is your sleeve wet?
Brilee: How does it go outside?
Jake: Through the pipes. Brilee tell me how you got wet?
Brilee: I didn't go outside when I was in the pipes.
Jake: You were reaching in the toilet?
Brilee: Yea, I wondered where the stuff goes.

Earlier in the day Jake and Bri went to ride Goldie while Bronson napped. Jake called after an hour and told me that Bri wanted to play in the horse trailer with her cat. He let them, and he said she was wrestling it. She then leaned against the trailer door and fell out. She landed face first in a huge mud puddle. (I'm still not convinced it was accidental.) The girl makes us smile!

Ski Trip

We were able to get back on track with our annual ski trip this weekend! We were all excited for different reasons. Bri couldn't wait to stay in a "No-tel", Jake and I wanted a get away, and Bronson was just a long for the ride. The kids headed out with my parents Friday afternoon. I was nervous about how Little B Man would do traveling without his Mama, but there was NO need to worry. He napped and traveled happy. They picked up GMA and GPA and went to dinner at Chili's. It sounds like Bronson made some messes, but all in all, it was a good outing. Jake, Stac, and I left after work, and made record time. We haven't traveled to the city without kids in a long time, and it really is amazing how much faster everything goes. We got to Salt Lake in time to say hi, and send Grammy, Papa, and Bri on their way to get Del from the airport. While we went to dinner at Zuppa's. I really wish Vernal would get a Zuppa's. We got back to the room visited for awhile and headed to bed. Brilee had a sleepover with Uncle Del and Aunt Stacia. She told them "spooky" stories all night. Bronson fell asleep, and for the first time in FOREVER he slept all night long. (In his life he has slept four nights, and two of them were this trip. I almost wanted to move to Embassy Suites in West Valley... ) We woke up early for breakfast and to send the mighty skiers on their way. We took Bear swimming, and then Grammy, Bri, Bronson, Jake, and I went shopping. We started at Toys-R-Us and then went to Scheels. We spent our whole morning at Scheels. We rode the ferris wheel and went bowling there. It was super fun. After shopping the kids fell asleep so we went to the condo. Bronson stayed asleep during the transfer from car to bed, but Bri woke up. Bronson took a three hour nap, Bri played, and Jake and I went to lunch and Costco. We met back at the hotel for happy hour and more swimming. We finally put the kids to bed, and Grammy stayed with them so we could go to dinner. It was fun, but I felt bad Grammy didn't come too. (The kids appreciated being able to sleep!!!) We went to Texas Road House per Jake's request, and he didn't let us down! After another awesome night we loaded up and headed home. It was a great weekend. Thanks Mom and Dad! Thanks Del and Stac! We love you all!