Wednesday, March 23, 2016

ZOOM...ZOOM...ZOOM...one year gone in the blink of an eye!


What an amazingly busy year we have had. To be honest it feels like Kalyn has been with us much longer than a year (Feb 2, 2015 Gotcha Day)
Every day is a blessing. Here's just a brief summary of what Kalyn's been up to this past year....


In June, we traveled to Branson with Grandma Terri, Grandpa Jim, and Uncle Jason.  That was fun and a new experience for the whole family. 
In July we quickly discovered that Kalyn is highly allergic to mosquitos. He had two reactions that required steroids,  one including the swelling of his right ear. This picture captures Kalyn enjoying a local natural water feature
 (his ear a bit swollen still) 
In August Kalyn was showing off his art and fine motor skills. He loves anything that involves a mess! 
In September we began using Kinesiotape which encouraged his should muscles to engage. We put his "Wings" on for about 6 weeks.  

In September we sold our old house and bought a new one. Wow!  We didn't realize how little our old place was. We are so thankful for the lives we meet and paths we cross AND all in God's prefect timing. Stumbled onto some property we had been praying for in August, sold our old house, and moved in a month later. It was a doozy, but so worth it. 
All the kids enjoy the wide open spaces 
on our 10 acre farm. 
Thanks to our awesome realtor!
In September,  Kalyn also got his first professional haircut!  Thanks Ashley! 
In October, we announced that we would be taking another leap of faith to get a second orthopedic  opinion and travel to Shriners - Philadelphia. 
We would later discover it was one of the best decisions of our lives. 
In October, we also published our fall family photos.  Debuting the new farm and of course the cute kids!
Kalyn enjoyed checking out the tractors by G and G Thompson ' s house! 
We have also learned to just love Kalyn for his need to co-sleep. Since day one Kalyn had not slept well unless snuggled up to someone. For the first 6 months that was mommy and daddy's bed. I've we moved then it was big brothers bed.  We cannot deny that cute face and loveable little brother.  Who wants to be all alone? Kalyn's sisters sleep together too. Maybe this phase he'll grow out of. For now,  we are all content....especially big brother!
In November, we traveled to Shriners Philadelphia.
 
Kalyn even got to visit the beautiful Jersey shore and see the ocean for the first time. LOVED IT!
In December,  the kids had off from public school and enjoyed the home life for a change. We played outdide, played silly Ganges together,  and enjoyed family time. Kalyn's first Christmas involved ALOT of gifts with wheels. 
We also enjoyed playing in the snow.  
Christmas! Christ is Born!

In January Kalyn had a tonsillectomy and adnoidectomy. He is doing well!  He no longer snores,  he speaks clearly, he eats better,  and overall seems much more rested.
In February and March we added a bunch of two legged creatures to the family,  including 6 duckies, and 33 chickens! Not like 2 dogs and 5 outdoor cats are enough.  Hazards of having a farm I guess. 
We also cleared some brush and hung mommy's hammock she got for christmas. The kids of course continue to enjoy this the most!
This....the story of our busy, chaotic, fun, sporatic, happy, wild lives...WE ARE BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE!