Cody's hospital visit

Hanging out with dad in pre-op before surgery.

Exploring the play area on Thursday. First time out of bed, he did great!


Chillin' with a popsicle. The boy ate about 9 of those the first day!






Daddy and Blakey visiting!

He was such a trooper. The pillow he is lying on was given to him by the volunteers at Cooks. It really is a great hospital for kids.

Watching tv in bed.

Playing Nintendo with Blake (shocker right?)



I love you Cody!



A nap, finally. Poor kid wouldn't ever give it up!


Blake finally climbed in with Cody. He was scared he was going to hurt him.



Let's get out of here!! Chillin' in his wagon for the ride out!





Thanks to everyone who has offered your support, love and prayers. It has made a very difficult week and little bit easier. Cody is very lucky to have all of you in his life!!!

Happy New Year!!

Cody, Drew, and Blake...ready for New Years!!


...And the inevitable "silly face" picture.


New Year's feast of pizza and chips!


Cody with his sparkler! Blake was scared of them.





All the kids ready for their New Year celebration..at about 9:30. They counted down and cheered and blew their horns. Except Blake...he said it hurt his ears.



Mad Blakey.


Happy New Year Cody!!


A long night of partying, and now we're passed out in Drew's bed. Happy New Year everyone!!!



WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2009!!!

love, The Crosslins.

Christmas 2008!!

Christmas was lots of fun this year. We looked forward to having Santa come for many weeks. We made and decorated cookies to leave for Santa, and left him a glass of milk too. The boys wanted to leave them on their table so Santa could sit and rest. I think Santa did very well...our boys are definitely spoiled! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!

The boys by their special contribution to Santa

Blake and Daddy

The goofy boys in front of the tree.

Pre-chaos...after Santa made his visit...

Cody opening his pile from Santa



Blake was very proud of his pile!

Checking out what Santa left in our stockings.

Comparing power rangers...

The after picture....

Visit with Santa and Christmas crafts

A very successful trip to the mall followed by Christmas crafts at home made for a very fun day!! We listened to Christmas music and decorated paper trees and snowmen, and made a little paper chain for our tree! It really put me in the Christmas spirit!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We decorated the house and our tree last week. Cody was very into decorating the house. Blake helped, but not as excited about it as Cody. We are excited because while the boys "got" Santa last year, this year they REALLY get it. They talk about the reindeer, and they know that Santa's watching (does the holiday season have to end?), and they know Santa comes down the chimney. We're already planning on making chocolate cookies and milk on Christmas Eve.

More turkey day pics

Blake and Taylor ready to watch Wall-E

Cody and his favorite cousin Collin watching Wall-E



Pictures of them walking will always be my favorites. I just love them!!


Chasing chickens at the house behind us with Kylee.

Kylee and Cody

Turkey Day '08

We headed to Waco this year for our first Thanksgiving with the Crosslins in about 3 years. The boys, as usual, were thrilled to spend time with their favorite cousin Collin, and all the girls. They played so hard and crashed last night when we got home. It was a fantastic football weekend too, and we had a great time cheering for all our teams. The Bears almost did it...they've come a long way!!

Mom, Taylor, and Blake post Thanksgiving dinner.

Me and Mom!

Tadd & Taylor

The boys playing Mario Kart...again. I think they spent 90% of our time there doing that.

Cody being silly with his Papaw.

Soccer Party

Soccer is officially over for the fall season. We had our last game this past Saturday, followed by our team party. The boys all got trophies, which they were very proud of!! Coach also gave them nicknames based on their personalities. Cody was "muscle man" and Blake was "speed racer". We had lots of fun playing soccer and look forward to playing again in the spring!

In memory of Cameron Brown

This is a sad post, but I wanted to mention Cameron as a reminder for all of us mommies and daddies to hug our precious angels and be grateful for their health and happiness.
Cameron is the son of a girl I met on a mommy forum before the boys were born. He has a sister who is the boys' age. Cameron has been fighting childhood leukemia for 5 years, and sadly, lost his battle on Thursday night. He was 9 years old.
I can't even begin to imagine what Lori and her family are experiencing right now. How confusing it must be for 5 year old Samantha. Thinking of him makes it a little easier to listen to the whining and fighting. My boys are healthy and they are here with me.
Cherish every moment. Please pray for the Brown family.

Courtney

www.caringbridge.org/visit/cameronbrown