Haiden enjoys playing golf in the backyard. He watched the US Open last week and now pretends to be Tiger Woods.

I filled a small storage container with water, bubbles, and bowls. Ella loves filling the bowls up and dumping the water on the patio.

The past couple of days have been quite eventful. We walked to the neighborhood park and it was nice to get some exercise. I took them to the library on Friday and enrolled Haiden and Ella in the summer reading program. Each week we document the number of books we have read in a journal and take the journal to the library. The kids spin a wheel and get the prize it lands on. Haiden won a free game of bowling so I guess that means we have to take him bowling soon :). On Saturday Brian and I took the kids downtown to PBS Meet in the Park. It is a really neat event where the characters from PBS meet with the kids, there are 3 stages of entertainment, and over 40 booths with activities. The kids had a lot of fun and we then had lunch downtown. We thought it was a pretty successful outing.

As I have been home with the kids these past two weeks I find more things to worry about. Even though Haiden has made huge gains I still see some "autistic" characteristics. I'm concerned with his receptive language and think it is linked to his poor attention. I've also realized that he needs improvement with his problem solving skills. My days have been spent challenging him to pay attention and think problems out. He also has a new obsession...Wheel of Fortune. I enjoyed his obsession with drums, football, and golf but Wheel of Fortune is a little more difficult.

Ella's receptive speech is much more advanced than her expressive speech. She gets very frustrated because she can't always communicate what she wants. She has learned to use crying to get what she wants and I've had to put a stop to this. It has been a difficult week for the princess but in the long run it will be the best thing for her. I just may need to purchase some ear plugs :).

Lounging!

Ella eating chocolate chips!

Having a dance party! Haiden loves the song "I Like to Move It" by Will.I.Am

Haiden and Ella love helping me wash bottles.

Daddy gave Mason a mohawk.

A couple nights ago we had a nasty storm. I got all the kids out of bed and put them on the couch with me.

Being a mom of 3 kids is such an awesome feeling. I didn't think I could love anyone as much as I love Haiden and Ella but my heart has grown just as much for Mason. He continues to be a very good baby, only crying when he is hungry. Haiden and Ella have been a little more emotional but overall they are adjusting well. They are both constantly trying to get our attention but I think they just need some reassurance. As Haiden talked nonstop yesterday I reminded myself several times that at least he is talking. Monday was the first time I've been home with all three kids by myself. It went surprising well. We were able to do calendar, story time, swim lessons, go to CVS, play outside, and have a dance party! I know it won't always be this easy but it is nice knowing I can do it.

Mr. Mason

Haiden playing in his tunnel. Ella was terrified of it.

I got this toy out of the closet and Ella thought it was great!

Haiden still not too thrilled to be in pictures with his little brother. Although, yesterday he looked at Mason and said, "I love you."

Ella admiring her little brother. She is like a little mother hen always wanting to help and be by Mason.

Something to Think About

When Haiden was born he received the Hep B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. At two days of age he had jaundice, at three days old he was only sleeping about one hour at a time, at four days of age he had "colic", and at five days of age he had cold symptoms. The first five days were only the beginning of a very long road of sicknesses.
When Ella was born she received the Hep B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. At two days of age she had jaundice and had to stay in the hospital an extra day and then go home with a billy blanket. At three days of age she was sleeping about two hours at a time, at four days of age she had "colic", and at five days of age she had RSV and stopped breathing on two occasions. She was then put on an apnea monitor. The first five days of Ella's life were just the beginning of a very long road of sicknesses.
Mason DID NOT receive the Hep B vaccine. At two days of age, healthy and no jaundice. At three days of age, healthy and sleeping 3-4 hours at a time, At four days of age, healthy and happy. At five days of age, healthy and happy and no cold symptoms.
Coincidence? Maybe, but I think otherwise. Like I've said before, I'm not anti-vaccine but I am anti-unsafe vaccines. To learn more about vaccinations in our country and the devastating results our nation is seeing, visit www.generationrescue.org.

Mason Michael McKinney

Such a cutie!

Haiden wasn't too thrilled to take this picture and Ella wanted to steal the spotlight.

Ella giving little brother kisses.

Enjoying out little guy, and some quiet, before we went home.

He looks like his Daddy!

Mason brought Haiden spy glasses and Ella a pink pony. As you can see Haiden thought his glases were pretty cool.

Mason Michael McKinney just a few minutes old!


We came home Thursday night with a healthy little boy! It was a little overwhelming at first but we are all adjusting to the change. On Friday Haiden kept his distance from Mason and has pretty much stayed that way. He will go and look at him but that is about it. Last night Brad and Tara Sablehaus brought us a wonderful dinner and we really enjoyed their company. Brady and Haiden had a fun time playing together and Cole is getting so big. Haiden had a birthday party to go to so I was on my own with Ella and Mason. It wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be. Ella can't get enough of Mason and she is my little helper. She did get a little jealous a few times and popped him in the head. I think this will be a work in progress. Mason has his days and nights confused so we are running on very little sleep but enjoying every moment.

He is Here

Baby McKinney arrived last night at 5:00 weighing 9lb. 9oz. and 21 inches long. After a small bout with some breathing issues and low sugar, he is doing well. Of course we think he is absolutely perfect! Big brother and sister have been by to visit and have had mixed emotions. Haiden thought he was pretty cool at first but now isn't so sure. Ella was all about her "baby" last night but did not like mommy holding him today. We still haven't decided on a name but have it narrowed down to three. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be able to post his name! I'm having trouble loading pictures so I'll keep trying.

Another Reminder

I found this poem today that I had written, with some guidance, about two years ago and it was just another reminder on how far our little guy has come.

HAIDEN
When you walked on your tippy toes at the age of 11 months we called you Skillful.
When you playfully flapped your arms at the age of one we called you Adorable.
When you methodically lined up cars and trains at the age of 15 months we called you Eccentric.
When you memorized the alphabet, numbers and colors at the age of 18 months we called you a Genius.
When you jumped down 6 stairs at the age of two we called you Fearless.
When we told them all that you can do at the age of two they called you Autistic.
And as you keep challenging yourself to reach out to us at the age of three we choose to call you...
Awesome!