Lily and Wyatt: An Interview with Two 5 Year Olds

I decided to ask the kids some questions and see what their responses are now that they are 5!

What are your favorite colors?

Lily: pink and purple

Wyatt: orange, blue, and green

What is your favorite food?

Lily: broccoli (not sure where this came from, she does eat it but not often)

Wyatt: peanut butter and jelly

What is your favorite drink?

Lily: juice

Wyatt: chocolate milk

What is your favorite toy?

Lily: Littlest Pet Shop color by numbers

Wyatt: Truck with ramp and car

What is your favorite thing to do at school?

Lily: Play with my friends

Wyatt: Play with friends

Are you excited to go to kindergarten?

Lily: yes

Wyatt: yes

What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Lily: play on the swing set and ride bike

Wyatt: play with the neighbor girl

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Lily: a ballerina

Wyatt: a work man that works in dirt (construction worker)

What are you looking forward to doing now that you are 5?

Lily: Helping with more chores around the house.

Wyatt: Yeah, me too! :)

Happy 5th Birthday, Lily and Wyatt!

5 years ago today, Lily and Wyatt entered this world! They have been a double blessing in my life from the moment they arrived. God has used them to teach me countless life lessons and He used them to give me hope and to be my light and laughter during the hardest days.

Happy 5th Birthday, Lily and Wyatt! I love you!

some pictures and a check up

Here are some recent pictures, mainly of Lily. They aren't the best pictures ever, but I felt like I hadn't put any up in a while. We were in Illinois for a few days last week to see family and friends and to celebrate Lily and Wyatt's birthday with Ryan's family. It was fun but busy trip.

Papa Steve had balloons and streamers at his house -- it was hours of entertainment!

Chairs they got from Papa Steve...they were watching either Goofy or Chip and Dale (the classic cartoon DVD's from Auntie Amanda and Uncle Nick).

On Friday, we celebrated with Grammy. We went to Woodfield Mall and ate at Rainforest Cafe for the first time -- it was not too traumatic, they just had to get used to the thunder. Lily wanted her picture taken with Grandma and the snake that hangs outside the restaurant.

Lily was happy to come home and see her Papa Les too!

Monday I took the kids in for their 4 year check-up. I am sure most people don't want to know the details of their weight and height, but I like to write it down so that I can remember it. (I wanted to compare this year to last and I didn't write it down. :( ) They both did great at the visit. They were excited to do the vision and hearing tests and get weighed and measured (HUGE improvement for Wyatt who used to scream about getting on the scale). The worst part for all of us was the 4 shots that they each had to get -- they both cried and Mommy almost did too.

Lily Grace:

Height: 37 1/2" (10%)

Weight: 27 lbs. (3%)

Vision: 20/30

Wyatt Ryan:

Height: 41" (70%)

Weight: 36 lbs. (50%)

Vision: 20/30

two pictures to capture our weekend

Happy 4th Birthday, Wyatt Ryan and Lily Grace!

Happy Easter!

4 Years of Double Blessings!

Lily Grace Sweeney

April 3, 2006: 4 lbs. 3 0z.

April 3, 2010: ~ 24 lbs.

Favorite colors: pink and purple

Favorite activities: coloring, reading books, playing with you babies, playing outside, laughing with your brother.

Favorite foods and drinks: chocolate milk, juice; you don't love any specific foods, but you will eat most things.

Personality: Lily you are very independent most of the time. You love to laugh and giggle.

Things you learned to do since your last birthday: ride your big girl bike, write your name, recognize your letters and some numbers, memorize your Cubbie verses, get dressed by yourself, go potty, put on your shoes, and draw pictures of people.

Wyatt Ryan Sweeney

April 3, 2006: 4 lbs. 13 oz.

April 3, 2010: ~ 32 lbs.

Favorite colors: blue, orange, and green

Favorite activities: playing outside, laughing with your sister, driving cars, read books, and cuddle with Mommy.

Favorite food and drinks: peanut butter and jelly, tacos, chocolate milk

Personality: You are getting so brave. You are slowly becoming more independent, but you still love to be with Mommy! You love to laugh and be silly, especially with your sister.

Things you learned to do since your last birthday: ride your tricycle, go potty, memorize Cubbie verses, recognize letters and numbers, put on pants and shoes -- sometimes your shirt too.

Celebrating Ryan

** Thank you so much for all the kind words, prayers, thoughts, emails and comments yesterday. You all made Ryan's birthday special to the kids and I! **

Here are pictures of our birthday celebrations today. We sent Daddy balloons twice. The first time it was just the kids and I. The second time my friend, Nikki, came so that she could capture some pictures for us. While we were waiting for her to get there we made a snowman for Daddy! I enjoyed lunch with friends at Qdoba -- my favorite! They also got me a bouquet of a dozen "roses" which were actually some FABULOUS chocolate covered strawberries. And the kids enjoyed cupcakes from a local bakery. We are still planning to go out to dinner with my mom to Texas Roadhouse -- I don't like steak, but it was a favorite for Ryan so I picked steak place for his birthday.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

** remember to turn off the music on the blog to be able to hear the kids **

Happy 29th Birthday, Ryan!

Today would have been Ryan's 29th birthday. I am not sure what we would have done as a family if he were still here -- his favorite dinner, a few presents, quality time with the kids would probably have been at the top of the list.

Instead, we will do little things to celebrate the life of a wonderful husband and daddy. We are hoping to get balloons to send to him and to have cupcakes in honor of him. I am also going out for lunch with some girlfriends while the kids play at my sister's and all three of us are going to dinner tonight with my mom.

an emotional week

It is going to be an emotional week, it already has been an emotional week.

On Monday, my sister, April's, father-in-law passed away. While it was not completely unexpected, it seemed to be sudden. Jim was a godly man; he is in heaven rejoicing now, free from the pain of this world. I asked Casey yesterday if she thought Grandpa Jim was in heaven telling Uncle Ryan all about how we were doing and all about Jessie (who was born after Ryan died), she got a big grin on her face and said "yup". Please be in prayer for April, Steve, Jack, Casey, Charlie, Jessie, and all of Steve's family as they are grieving the loss of a dad, husband, and grandpa.

For me, all the emotions come flooding back as I stop to think about his wife and all that she is facing. The ache and loneliness of living life alone. The nights lying in bed and not hearing the steady breath of her husband sleeping next to her. The lack of companionship at dinner each night. My heart is so broken for her! I know that it will be hard to be at the visitation and funeral later this week. It just brings back so many memories! My heart hurts for those who loved him most.

Ryan's birthday is also coming. The anticipation of Disney has helped to process through some of the sadness, but as March 2nd moves closer, my heart aches to celebrate Ryan's 29th birthday with him. I am sure that he would LOVE teasing me about the fact that I am in my 30's and he is still in his 20's.

An update on the kids (by request):

• Both kids seem to be feeling much better. The coughs and runny noses are pretty much gone -- yay!
• They have both given up naps for the most part, although they still get rest time each day to help restore my strength (and sanity) to make it through until bedtime.
• They are super excited about Disney. They will dance around the house singing "we're going to Disney!" and they tell everyone (including strangers) that we are leaving in a couple weeks.
• I realized yesterday how big they are getting when I was watching my niece, Jessie. She was standing on the floor looking up and me and she was so far away! I can't believe how tall the kids are getting -- especially Wyatt. He is starting to need 5T pants for the length!
• They continue to love going to AWANA Cubbies and learning their bible memory verses.

I will try to get some pictures up later this week, I don't think I have taken any in over a month! Thanks for your prayers for my sister's family and for me as we journey through this emotional week.

Birthday Pictures!

Here are the pictures from Lily and Wyatt's many different birthday celebrations.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lily Grace and Wyatt Ryan!

Happy Birthday, Lily and Wyatt!

It is so hard for Mommy to believe that you have been in this world for 3 years! You make me smile each and every day. You are best friends and you watch out for one another. You love to laugh and play together. You both love to be outside and read books. You both miss your Daddy. You know that you must love and obey Jesus to get to heaven someday.

Lily Grace:
You favorite colors are pink and purple.
You love to eat most fruits and vegetables and will try almost anything that mommy puts on your plate.
You are a "girly-girl" who loves pretty dresses and new shoes.
You are a great mommy to your babies, but you love to play cars with Wyatt.
You enjoy coloring, stickers, markers, and painting.
You are independent, but you also love to cuddle.
You almost always have a smile on your face.
You are so excited to meet the Princesses!
I love you my little princess!

Wyatt Ryan:
Your favorite colors are blue, green and orange.
You love Lightning McQueen and Mater.
You love to play with cars, trucks, and trains.
You are timid and shy...Mommy's Little Boy!
You are very protective of "your" Lily.
You do not like new things, but almost always enjoy them once you try.
You are a more picky eater, but you enjoy PB & J and most kinds of fruit.
You are very loving and will always say "I Love You" to Mommy and Lily.
You HATE being in water, including the bath tub.
I love you my little man!

*Remember to turn the music off on the blog.

Catching Up Again

We have had a busy few weeks and I thought that I would update with pictures.

Two weekends ago, we had visitors from Illinois. My good friend, Kandy, her husband, John, and their son, Jackson, came up to see us for a few days. Here is a picture of Lily and Jackson playing together in the basement. We really enjoyed seeing them!

This past weekend we had a visit from my good friend, Val. It was great to see her (and her engagement ring). It was great to have some girl time too! Lily and Wyatt always love having a visit from Auntie Val...especially when she spoils them for their birthday!

Sunday morning, we lost power at the house. We enjoyed our breakfast by candle light!

Lily and Wyatt are turning 3 on Friday, but they have already celebrated twice. Erin (our favorite babysitter!) came over yesterday to give me some time away and to celebrate with Lily and Wyatt. She is such a gift from God!!!!

Unfortunately, birthday week has been interrupted by a visit from a stomach bug. So far it has only hit Lily and I, but it is definitely having a big effect. This is a picture of Lily sleeping on the family room floor at 10 am this morning after being up for only 2 hours. Hopefully some good sleep with help her to feel better quickly!

In case you missed it, check out the post below to see some cute pictures of Lily and Wyatt taken for their birthday!

Happy Birthday, Valerie!

I just wanted to take the time to say Happy 30th Birthday, Val!

You are an amazing friend and I am blessed to have you in my life. I am so excited to see all that God is doing in your life. Enjoy your special day!

Celebrating Ryan

We have been celebrating Ryan's birthdays in different ways throughout the day today. When the kids first woke up we said "Happy Birthday, Daddy" and we talked about his birthday party in heaven with Jesus.

We watched our "Daddy" movie in our jammies! How good it was to hear his voice and his laughter this morning!

Later in the morning, the kids asked for Ryan's cell phone. I got it out for them and they called Daddy and asked how he was doing in heaven on his birthday (this was completely their own doing -- so precious!).

Our next adventure was getting balloons to send to Daddy. They each picked two latex balloons (Wyatt: green and blue; Lily: purple and purple) one to send to Daddy and one to keep. We also got a Mylar birthday balloon. We went to Daddy's place and sent the balloons to Daddy in heaven.

What could be better than McDonald's for lunch to celebrate Daddy's birthday?

Of course we had to enjoy some ice cream after eating such a nutritious lunch! :)

The best part of the day was going to see a movie: Under the Sea 3-D. Ryan LOVED movies, so I thought this would be a perfect way to celebrate his birthday. It was the first movie the kids have ever been to and they did really well. Wyatt would not wear the glasses, but it was fun anyway.

Looking silly in our 3-D glasses!

My evening ended with a group of friends at Qdoba for dinner. The friends God has brought into my life through our church are truly a blessing to me. They gave me a gift that honored who Ryan was and I am speechless at their thoughtfulness and compassion.

Here is what was written in the card:

Happy 28th Birthday to Ryan -- In honor of him we have purchased a memorial brick at Wrigley Field home of the Chicago Cubs. May his memory & legacy live on as a blessing to you and your kids and the generations to come.

Thank you so much to all of the thoughtful and generous people who gave to make that wonderful gift possible! I am so blessed to have you all in my life!!!

This has been a day of both tears and laughter. I am thankful for Ryan and for the life he lived. I am thankful for the blessing that he was in my life and in the life of so many people. He was an amazing husband, daddy, son, brother, and friend.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Today is Ryan's 28th birthday. Ryan loved birthdays, he loved having a reason to spend time with family and to have fun. I am sure that he is having quite the celebration in heaven this year. Ryan was truly an amazing man!

Please enjoy these pictures of Ryan from our 5 years of marriage!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

** Don't forget to turn off the music on the right hand side of the blog.

Birthday Blessings

Today is my birthday. It is a bittersweet day for me. I am missing Ryan, but I am feeling very loved by all who have taken the time to send me birthday wishes. Lily and Wyatt keep saying, "happy birfday, mommy" and giving me lots of hugs. The girls from church took me out for lunch and made sure that I had a few of my favorite things today. I am so blessed!

I also received a treasure today! An anonymous person sent me flowers. The card reads: Kristin, Ryan would have wanted you to have these today. I have no idea who sent these, but thank you for your thoughtfulness today!

Happy Birthday, Papa "Seeve"!

Today is Ryan's Dad's birthday.

Lily and Wyatt wanted to send along their birthday wishes to their papa in Illinois! :)

Remember to turn off the music playing on the blog.

Wyatt was saying "see, see, see" at the end because he wanted to watch himself on the camera :)

Elmo "Happy" Cake

Lily and Wyatt have a great love of Elmo even though they do NOT like Sesame Street. I had bought Elmo plates and napkins back in March in anticipation of their 2nd birthday. I was planning on making them an Elmo cake too. Due to Ryan getting sick and being transfer to U of M, we were unable to have a birthday celebration for Lily and Wyatt.

We were supposed to have a visit this weekend from Patty, Stefanie, and Daniel. Daniel just turned two and also likes Elmo, so I decided to make the Elmo cake for the three 2 year olds. Unfortunately, Daniel got sick so they were unable to come. Lily and Wyatt were already looking forward to Elmo "Happy" Cake, so I decided to make the cake anyway. Lily and Wyatt were very excited when they saw him finished -- they enjoyed eating the "happy" cake too!

Thanks, Kelly, for all of your help with the frosting! Thanks, Lori, for letting me borrow the pan!

Happy Birthday, Lily Grace and Wyatt Ryan

It was two years ago that I was the one in a hospital bed. We were awaiting the arrival of our two little miracles. At 9:20 pm tonight, Lily Grace will have been in our lives for 2 years. At 9:37 pm tonight, Wyatt Ryan will have been in our lives for 2 years. It is unbelievable to me! At some times it seems as though it was just yesterday. At other times it seems so long ago. I am so thankful that God has entrusted me with these precious lives!

Happy Birthday, Lily and Wyatt! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Two Side Notes:

1. I am hoping that today is another April 3rd filled with miracles for our family! Please continue to pray that the doctors have wisdom and that we see some positive changes today.

2. Check out Confessions of a CF Husband; his wife is just got out of surgery where she received her new lungs! Praise God for the miracle occurring in another family today!