Bubby boy,

You are growing so quickly.  Getting taller each day and learning new things.  We can't believe you're almost 2!

This weekend you've given us quite a scare. You developed a cough on Wednesday and it seemed to get worse on Thursday and into Friday morning. You were also having trouble breathing. Mommy had to work on Friday so daddy took you to our family doctor. They measured your oxygen levels and they were incredibly low. The ambulance came and took you to Seattle Children's Hospital.
The doctors did some breathing treatments and tests to figure out what was going on. They think it started with a cold and developed into something worse in your lungs. They told us you have asthma and colds can be much more serious because of this. We're learning how to prevent this so it won't happen again.
You're still at the hospital getting oxygen and treatments. Getting a little better and thankfully getting some sleep.
Thank you to all who have called, emailed, texted and prayed for our little bubba. And thanks to those who have watched Madelyn girl-Myra, Heather and Grandma Izzy!

And now for some stats:

-You weigh around 23.5 lbs

-You are now in size 24 months and 2T clothes and PJ's.  Wearing size 5 and 6 shoe and size 5 diapers.

-Going to sleep around 7pm at night and getting up around 8am.   Napping from around 1pm-3pm each afternoon.

-You are all over the place.  You get into EVERYTHING and are so very curious.

-You are still very into balls and anything that's round and looks like a ball.  You have a pretty good arm and love to play catch.

-Still not quite into tv shows/movies.  There's too much to do; no time for sitting still.

-Still not talking a lot.  Saying mama, dadda, ball, tickle, please, sissy.  You try to say Madelyn.  She loves when you "talk" to her.

-You continuously do everything Madelyn does.  Sometimes both of you end up in trouble because of this!

-You love going outside to swing and run around. 

-Getting so much better going into the nursery at church.  You've been fine once we leave, but now you're not even crying then!  Such a big boy!

-Your favorite foods are still banana, bread, mac and cheese, pizza, peaches, pears, mandarin oranges.  You're not a huge veggie fan and still haven't quite grasped that you won't get anything extra until you eat what's on your place.  You'll learn little boy.

-You love to dance and listen to music!  Anytime music comes on, you stop, smile and get your groove on.

-You enjoy playing your instruments and banging on your little drum.

Getting into everything!

Hanging out at Guitar Center

Silly boy!

Off you go!

Proud of yourself for getting on the couch

Smiley boy

Checkin' out the view from your playhouse (thanks again Fitch's!)

Easter

Love you Theodore!

-Mommy and Daddy

Crockpot Beef Enchiladas

Crockpot #17 is beef enchiladas.  As you know, we're huge Mexican food fans around our house.  I really enjoyed these enchiladas and they are pretty easy.  I serve them with rotel (recipe here), fruit and a small salad. Crockpot Beef Enchiladas Ingredients: 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. stew meat or other beef, cubed 1 large can mild (red) enchilada sauce 5-7 burrito size flour tortillas 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 beef bouillon cube (optional...if you like it salty!)

Directions: Place meat in crockpot Pour in enchilada sauce Throw in beef bouillon cube (optional) Cover Turn on LOW for 7-8 hours When it's tender, shred beef Put desired amount of beef and shredded cheese in flour tortillas  Fold like a burrito Put as many enchiladas as it'll make in a greased 9x11 dish  Pour leftovers from crockpot on top of enchiladas and throw some cheese on top Broil in the oven for about 5 minutes Enjoy!

Dancing "Happy"

Here's the best video I could get of Madelyn and Theo dancing to "Happy"...

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter weekend celebrating Christ-his death, burial and resurrection!  The choir and orchestra did a fantastic job this morning and Pastor William's message was spot on.  Loved it. The kids did some egg hunting indoors yesterday.  It was rainy most of the day (who would have guessed we live in Seattle?? :).  They both loved collecting the eggs AND eating the candy.  This morning they both got little stuffed bunnies and some bubbles in their baskets.   We tried our best to get a picture or two before the service this morning.  Some of them turned out ok :)  Theo doesn't stand still very well so he's a little blurry in one of them.

Madelyn & Theo Update

I haven't updated on the kids or put many pictures of both kids on here recently.  So I thought it was about time!     As I mentioned in Madelyn's 3 yr. post, she is talking so much.  I love it.  Tells us exactly what she's thinking...all the time.  Theo boy doesn't have a chance to get a word in.  He loves to watch her and does everything she does.  Whether it's dancing at the dinner table (or anywhere else for that matter) or reading books.  He watches her every move and mimics her.  I need to try to get a video of them laughing together.  It's so funny.  If one of them starts, the other one gets going and they can't stop.    Their newest thing is running up and down the hallway downstairs.  Madelyn will start, then Theo jumps in.  They chase each other.  Yeah...probably not the safest thing to do (sorry mom :) and most parents don't want their kids running in the house, but I love the energy they get out and they have so much fun doing it.  The dogs get into it as well.     I want to write down these memories so I can remember them and this is my outlet to do just that. Guess you all will get to read about them :)   Hopefully I'll get a video of them dancing on here pretty soon.  They love the song "Happy" by Pharell Williams.   It'll start and I'll see them smile at each other then get their groove on.     Madelyn had her 3 yr. old checkup at the doctor this past week.  He said she has come a long way since last year.  He was surprised with her chattiness and how social she is.   She has gained 2 pounds since last year, but shot up about 3 inches.  She knows the alphabet, colors, shapes, counts to 20 and tries to go further, knows how many fingers you're holding up.  I'm so proud of how far along she's come.  Ahh...tears.     Theo will go to the doctor at the beginning of June.  We'll see how he does.  We took him with us to Madelyn's appt. and he loved looking around at everything.  Didn't sit still, of course, never does, but he had fun being there.  

Madelyn-1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young" AND we got this one on the first try!  Normally it takes about 10 times to get a take that is publishable :)

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot Recipe #16 is chicken and dumplings.  I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this.  We've had it a couple times now and the kids like it too.  Of course I always throw some cheddar cheese on top :).  You can serve it with grilled sandwiches and fruit, or by itself.   Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings Ingredients: 3-4 boneless chicken breasts (I use frozen) 1 tablespoon butter 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can of mixed veggies (drained) 1 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp pepper 1/2 tsp onion powder 1 cup of chicken broth pinch of salt 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces (will be used 2 hours before it's done)

Directions: Place all ingredients in crockpot except biscuits Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours About 2 hours before serving, tear up the biscuit dough into 1/4th's and place in the crockpot Cover after putting the biscuits in Cook for 2 more hours on LOW   Done!

Madelyn-Romans 3:23

Romans 3:23     "Everyone has sinned, no one measures up to God's glory."   

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Crockpot Recipe #15 is mac and cheese!  I made this on Madelyn's birthday because it's her favorite and I had to work all day.  Fixed it the day before, put it in the fridge and Tamara started it the day of.  I was pleased with how it turned out since you don't have to cook the noodles before hand!  Love that.  You could serve it with ham (recipe here).   Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients: Cooking spray 2 cups milk (I used skim) 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk 1 egg 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (you can use more if you desire!) 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni  

Directions: Spray the crockpot with cooking spray In mixing bowl, whisk together milk, evaporated milk, egg, salt and pepper Pour mixture into the crockpot Add cheese and uncooked macaroni Stir gently to mix Cover Turn crockpot on LOW for 3-4 hours until macaroni is tender   I'm going to try this with velveeta soon and see how to turns out...I'll let you know!   Yum!   

Madelyn-Matthew 22:37

Matthew 22:37

Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."

-Megan

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken

Crockpot Recipe #14 is Buffalo Chicken.  I normally put this in a bun with some cheddar cheese on top.  It's a little spicy so beware!

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken
Ingredients:
3-4 Chicken Breasts (I use frozen)
1 pkg. ranch mix
3/4 bottle Franks Redhot Wings Buffalo Sauce (there are other brands as well)

Directions:
Place chicken in bottom of the crockpot
Pour sauce and ranch packet on top of chicken
Cover
Cook on LOW for 6-7 hrs
Shred chicken when done

-Megan

Madelyn's Dentist Visit

Today Madelyn had her first "official" dentist visit/cleaning.  She did such a good job!  She was a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up to her hygienist, Emily.  She had her cleaning then Dr. Onishi checked her teeth, then Emily applied some fluoride.  Madelyn seemed to really enjoy it and loved getting her new toothbrush!

Theo watched every second of it and was ready to hop in the chair when Madelyn was done.  It'll be your turn soon, little buddy.