SPRING BREAK 2010

This was a nice, quiet, uneventful spring break! The boys and I sat at home and did absolutely NOTHING! I have to say I really enjoyed it! It was wonderful sitting on the floor with my boys playing games, reading books, watching Thomas the Train (over and over again) and not having to worry about getting ready for work the next day.

I look forward to the summer months that await us....

Chase's egg, nut & peanut free - Sugar Cookies!

It was great feeling handing Chase a cookie for the very first time and knowing he (we) would not end up in the back of an ambulance. Thank you Food Allergy Mom!

The boys watched lots and I mean lots of television. There were a few chores I wanted to complete around the house and the television was a great babysitter! So thank you Thomas and the television!

Like I said lots......

and lots!!!!

Chase feeding himself....not the best idea!

It was time for a haircut - Blake & Chase!

My mother-in-law's bluebonnets are in full bloom - spring is almost here!

Blake had his buddy over to play! We spent a couple hours outside enjoying the weather!

Nothing like boys! I have no idea what they are laughing at!

Chase is always watching from a distance. I'm not sure if I should be scared, yet!

Ended the play date with faux hawks!

Blake reading his book with his Tag pen late one night!

Building a lego tower with their mammy and daddy

Sunday night running the last bit of energy out of them!

Update on my sweet allergy boy!

Chase just turn 16 months on March 13th. He is totally obsessed with Thomas the Train, and follows me around the house pulling his imaginary horn and saying, "Choo Choo." This is Chase's way of telling me he wants Thomas on the big television. He loves his big brother and follows him around everywhere. Anything and everything Blake does even if it's not funny, is funny to Chase!

Chase waves and says, "Bye-Bye." He is totally a mommy's boy! Always wanting me to hold, rock or play with him. If you know me I'm sucking it all up! I know it won't last long and one day there will be no rocking, but only hunting with his dad and big brother!

We are still and always will be fighting his food allergies! Late at night - like tonight - is when I sit in front of the computer reading and reading research, recipes, and any other information I can find on food allergies. Chase has had a couple of reactions, but nothing that has required E.R. care. Zyrtec is our best friend. If I feed him something new I know pretty fast if there is going to be a reaction. Usually, a hive on the face, throat or chin is the first sign of an allergic reaction. Two ml of Zyrtec reverses the reaction almost instantly.

We always have our epi-pen close by and I'm not afraid to use it!

I have recently bought some dairy, egg and nut free cookbooks. I'm really excited to start our new way of eating. Pretty much a dairy, egg and nut free family! Chase will remain on formula until he is on a good diet. My goal is by the end of the summer he will be bottle and formula free. Last week he had his first "real" meal - chicken, rice and peas - and loved it!

Overall, I have a happy, healthy, energetic toddler!

One great thing about having a little brother....

you still get to watch Barney!

Snow In Texas.....

THAT IS FOUR INCHES OF SNOW!

Amazing to us Texas Folks - Especially the Graff Children!

And now he is 5....

Can you believe it? FIVE years old? I know I can't believe that he will be starting school in six months.

I had his party a little different this year. Usually, we have his parties at our house with all of our friends. Well, I decided to try it at a local park in town - Bee Creek. So, I reserved the pavilion just in case it was STILL raining because up until the week of his party all it did was rain. Plus, I really wanted his classmates to attend the party and us living so far out I was worried that their parents would not want to adventure out.

We had to bring Thomas the Train - not a party without Thomas Blake with his cousin, Kourtney, and her friend, Allison.

One of the Millhollon girls, Riley

Something about the train all the kids love - possibly because it's Thomas or just something to ride.
Blake's little cousin, Brantley

Avery - one of Blake's classmates

Of course, April made the cake and it was great!

He has been asking for months how long until his birthday. Even at times asking if I could move the months a little faster. Now I wonder how long he will give me until he starts asking again?
Blowing out the candles
So, I wanted a really good pinata...one that would last through quite a beating. So, last weekend we took a a trip to Houston and found a little hole in the wall pinata store. They had the best pinatas everything from Disney princesses, Star Wars, trains and much more. We just happen to arrive at the right time and what did they have a Transformer.

Man....it was one tough pinata.


Blake did everything from hitting to stabbing the poor Transformer. It finally took an adult to break it open.

Of course it was filled with lots of candy!

Overall it was a great party! It was nice having it at the park. All I had to do was show up, have the party, clean and leave. The kids enjoyed the playground and Thomas.

I enjoyed watching my son play with all his friends and celebrate his birthday!

My goal was to post pictures from the day he was born, but I never really got around to scanning them in...mayber later.

So, here is our family five year later.

Blake with his great-grandmother

Blake Michael Graff was born:

February 21, 2005

12:02 p.m.

20 inches long

8lbs

Blake now is:

42 inches tall

37 pounds

and

A BIG BROTHER!

Blake - YOU ARE ONE AWESOME KID!

Your daddy and I love you so much