We interrupt this program...

About once a year I find a way to hack into this site and say a few words. Then Courtney changes the password and I go back to the enjoyable role of reader here on the blog. But wanted to let you know how much Courtney appreciates the way you respond and encourage her on a regular basis.

The update
yes, this week is really shaping up to be one of the most physically exhausting weeks we've ever had as a family. Zeke threw up this morning and again tonight, Courtney actually took Ben to the doctor today because he cried for over an hour straight today and continues to be sick with the runs. And prego is ...well...pregnant! The stress from the boys I think is wearing on her body like it is on my brain. All that to say, your prayers and encouragement are coveted and received with more appreciation than we can communicate in writing.

Hopefully we will be on the mend by the end of the week. Thanks for checking in! talk to you again in 2012.

This is what our house looks like right now:

Zeke is entering his third week of hives. We have been to the doctor's office twice and they say this is just a virus and how it is showing itself.

Ben has had some stomach issues since Thursday. He hasn't eaten even half as much at any meal as he typically does. He has just been puny, whiny, and miserable. I took him to the doctor today and they said he has a stomach bug. This afternoon, he busted out in hives.

I am still battling constant nausea, and the whole first trimester exaustion. Spence has been a superstar taking care of the three of us, but I'm sure he can only handle so much more.

This post isn't to make ya'll feel bad for us or anything like that. It is purely to say that I will return once we are feeling a little better and I am not wanting to be asleep by 9.

Can you curl yout tongue?

At dinner the other night, the boys were being silly and sticking out their tongues. I curled my tongue for the boys and this is what resulted:

I love this!

I adore when kids squat while they are doing other things. I tried to get a cute pic from behind but he kept standing up and turning around to see what I was doing.

Valentine's Treats

Being a "Slacker Mom" (shout out to Lara and Michal, thanks for letting me steal this), I headed out this morning to get Valentine's treats for my sweets. I wanted to get just a little something. I thought I would get those cute mailboxes that all my friends seem to have from Target's dollar spot. Well, when I arrived at Target on Valentine's they were all gone. So, I went to another Target, and they were out as well. I decided to get creative, and this is what I came up with for my boys.

Zeke gets candy and a car

Ben gets candy and car, as well

Spence is getting candy and a Starbucks card

One Last Christmas Present

Spencer and I found out we are expecting Shelton baby #3 in January. We are very excited to grow our family to 5 this year!

Here are the facts:

• Due September 17, but doubt that we will make it that far. With Ben's early arrival/crazy delivery, Dr. Brannon said that he will induce me IF I make it to 38 weeks.
• Yes, we do know what causes this, please stop asking us that
• I told Spencer by giving him a present with lots of 3 things- a 3 ring binder, a pack of 3 pencils, a book about 3 frogs, 3 Musketeers bar
• Zeke prayed tonight for the baby and then asked me what kind of baby I am holding
• I am feeling pretty much like trash all the time
• I have already gained weight, my belly is poking out, and the jeans that were falling off of me two months ago are being held together with a hairband
• I am not really liking food at all. When I do want food, Doritos and hot dogs are DELISH

Zeke at 2 and a half

I haven't updated about Zeke since his two year update. He is definitely due for one, so much has changed since August.
He weighs 32 lbs. I'm not sure of his height, but he had grown for sure. He mostly wears 2T clothing, but can wear some 3T shirts.

• Enjoys: books, Little Einsteins, Cars characters, playing fumble-roo-ski with Dada and Ben, praying and singing songs
• Turn-Offs: being told "no", putting on shoes and coat (likes going places, but hates the getting ready process), the end of a movie
• Strengths: great memory, heart for praying, thoughtful brother, pretty athletic
• Vices: throwing tantrums, choosing to play instead of nap, extremely picky eater

Favorites of Zeke currently:

• Foods: chicken nuggets, french fries, peanut butter on ANYTHING, candy, fruit
• Songs: Fruit of the Spirit, My God is So Big
• Shows: Little Einsteins
• Books: a Lightning McQueen book, a truck/car book that makes sounds, any library book
• Toys: Lightning McQueen, Doc, Mater, Harold the helicopter (from Thomas), balls
• Activities: riding his bike around the house, going to Marbles or Museum of Life and Science, playing at Chick-fil-A, playdates

Things I don't want to forget:

• very structured in routines
• likes to pray
• pretend play is emerging ("I'm like a kangaroo" and then bounces around the kitchen)
• sleeps really well at night
• still loves his cup of milk and Sports Center in the morning
• tries not to hit Ben, but instead will block Benjamin out of the play area that he is trying to play in
• could read for hours
• loves his big boy bed and enjoys showing it off
• very much a big boy instead of a baby

he stacked his pillows up and fell asleep behind them one day

Silly cheese face that he makes