October in Review

So I have totally neglected blogging during the month of October. Where did the month go?? I can tell you we haven't just been sitting around watching tv (although we did get cable back for basketball season...or as Gabriella put it, "that lady gave us Dora back!) Let's see if I can recap October happenings for you. We all got to go to the pumpkin patch - both kids went on the same day with their preschool classes so that was fun. Lucas and Gabriella both got to have the swine flu (oh sorry, H1N1.) As soon as Gabriella started showing symptoms they put the whole fam on tamiflu ($$ x 6). Although, Lucas was too young for tamiflu so he got to take some steroids that make him a JOY to be around. He also got the flu, but never did have a fever. His asthma just got horrible. We were back and forth every hour on whether we needed to get to the emergency room, but luckily stayed out of the hospital this time. He had tons of breathing treatments and with the steroids he seemed to battle it ok. His sleeping was horrible since he couldn't breathe (I suppose that's a good excuse). So we spent a few nights in a row with a lot of rocking and extra bottles to try and get him to sleep. He seems to be back on track now (we had to wean him off the rocking) and we are all good now. Could be a long winter though with this asthma junk, but as long as we are good about staying on the breathing treatments we seem to do ok. The tamiflu did wonders, although Shawn had a light case, Austin, Ashlyn and I stayed in the clear. This whole swine saga lasted about a week. Gabriella was over it in a day and a half, and it took Lucas about a week to get his breathing back on track. Shawn was down for a day or so, but not bad - I think because of the tamiflu. Just about everyone I know has had it now, so I think we should be in good shape and I am not planning on getting the vaccine (after much debate). So here's some pics instead of my rambling...
Lucas LOVES to be standing at all times...isn't he cute??

Here's daddy and Ashlyn just hangin' out.

Lucas standing of course, starting to learn to move those feet and cruise around.
Surprise! I'm standing again!
And here's Lucas with his future bride, Taylor...Cal came in town and we had to have some playtime - she's soooo cute!! Love ya Cal!!
Austin lost his first tooth!! Little early if you ask me. He didn't even lose it here, he was playing at Joey's. Sounded like a typical Austin moment..."Ms Jennie - my tooth fell out." At this point I can here Jennie do a little high pitched scream of excitement as Austin just went on about his business as though it was no big deal. Hilarious. I will say he was quite proud when the Tooth Fairy dropped him 5 bucks!
And of course...Halloween. Not may personal fave as far as holidays go, but the kids sure love it. Hmmmm wonder why? I have horrible pics from it, but Austin was Darth Vader as seen above, and if you look below there is a much better pic of the girls.
Here's grandma settle posing with Ashlyn, the K-State Cheerleader, and Gabriella - our own little Dora! How cute is that wig! The kids had a great time at the Trunk-or-Treat up at church Friday night, and then we had a party with some friends on Halloween night and did the "real" trick-or-treating house to house. The kids had a blast, stayed up WAY too late, and ate WAY too much candy. And to top it off, they totally did not understand the concept of Day Light Savings. Let's just say they were not too keen on "getting an extra hour of sleep".

I think that pretty much sums up our month of October. Oh, I just thought of something else - the kids had their parent-teacher conferences and both did fabulous. Ashlyn is doing great and not "shy" in class anymore. And Austin's teacher said more good things about him than I could ever count. The first thing she said to us was, "So, Austin is ready for 1st grade!". I'd say that means he is doing well. But, the thing she said that really stuck was that Austin was the kind of big brother anyone would want to have. He's very protective. I'd say if Shawn and I can teach our kids anything, it's to take care of your family. So, for his teacher to say that, I'd say Shawn and I would get an A+ so far, huh? Or at least an A-....Now, do you think all our conferences will go that well in the next 20 years??? I'll keep you posted.
And now, it's time to snuggle with the hubs. He has worked on the yard and cleaned out the garage this weekend - he deserves a little rest with his lovely bride don't you think?
Hope you are having the time of your life!
ST
ps - and I promise not to go a whole month without writing again!