Look-A-Like...

Do you think that these two look alike? The picture on the bottom is Arianna eating at 5 months and the top picture is Neal eating at 4 1/2 months. The older they get the more I think they look alike...

Health Update

Last week we went back to the ENT for Arianna's appointment. She had been sick that entire week so I was really glad that we were headed to the doctor. Turns out she had tonsillitis and was put on some antibiotics. The ENT also made the decision that her tonsils and anoids had to come out. The ENT said that they were both too large and that they were blocking her airway and draingage. He also said that they probably always had some infection which always made Arianna feel crappy sick. This surgery is a little more intense than tubes and she will have to spend the night at the Children's Hospital. Originally her surgery date was July 9. I was really bummed because it was so far away and I knew that she never felt good. But, we were put on a waiting list and the doctor called the next day bumping us up to June 11. PTL! That means her surgery is coming quickly (it also means that I don't have as much time to dwell on it!). The doctor felt that this was very needed and would help with many of Arianna's health issues. He said it would clear up her gagging, vomiting, refusal to eat, nasal voice (which I took some mild offense to, I think her voice is super cute!), her ear infections and obviously her tonsils always being infected.We know this is what is needed, but obviously we I, being a mom are worried about her having surgery again. I am very thankful that it's going to take place in a VERY good hospital and that we are spending the night. After tubes, she did not wake up well so it will be nice to have some nurse back-up! So, thank you for all your prayers. We will keep you posted!

Oh what fun...

Jason got me the most amazing Mother's Day present (well, besides the children, of course!). He allowed me to go to the store and pick out purchased this super high-tech camera. I can't wait until this summer until I have all the free time I can muster with two small children and I have more time to figure this camera out! Seriously though, this camera has all the bells and whistles and I love the pictures it takes...it also helps to have the cutest models EVER! Here are a few of the shots I took this past week (sorry so many of them are of Neal, trust me..he's an easier model to catch right now!)

How do you know your normally spunky 2-year old isn't feeling well? She says, 'momma, I just lay here with my pillow and watch Mickey Mouse' breaks my heart. We're going to the ENT tomorrow and we're praying for some answers!





mmmm, food. Neal has been enjoying his nightly rice cereal. The doctor thinks it should help with his acid reflux because it 'helps keep things down' in very doctor words.




Trying to get a creative shot of the two of them. Neal ALWAYS has his hands in his mouth. It's never just one hand either..it's always both of them.




I think he looks like a great thinker here; or maybe he's just looking for his other hand.

My mom and Neal enjoying a quiet moment on the deck. I can't wait for this summer when I can be there ALL THE TIME. I'm sure my mom is looking forward to that too... ;)

OH MY WORD, can he get any cuter?

So stinkin' cute. Seriously, I am totally smitten by this boy. Look at those eyes!


and if I do say so myself...she's pretty darn cute too!

This one I tried some editing with the color. The picture itself though, I think it looks like Neal is saying his nightly prayers. He's probably praying that his crazy big sister isn't going to jump around him again!

Neal Update

I finally took Neal into the pediatricain yesterday and he was 'diagnosed' with severe acid reflux. He's always been a spitter, but the doctor thinks that he has major heart burn while sleeping...hence, the not sleeping. Anyway, he gave me some ideas of how to get Neal to sleep and last night Neal ate at 7:15pm, 1am and then 6am. It is a HUGE improvement. We're hoping and praying this continues. Thanks for all the advice and help! I'll keep you posted!

another prayer request...

this one's for me. the last few nights Neal has been up...all night. Since last Saturday I've not received more than two hours of straight sleep. With working full time and being home with the kids in the evenings, I'm about ready to run away lose my mind. I've talked with the pediatrician and he's not sure what would be causing this. They upped his reflux medication, but it doesn't seem to be working. I'm beyond exhausted. My body is literally starting to fail. I have been getting migraines, achy, sore throat...you name it. I can't let him 'cry it out' as he's screaming at the top of his lungs, has huge tears and sounds like he's in pain. If anyone has any ideas of what we could try PLEASE let me know. Please pray that Neal starts to sleep soon...and that my little man will start to feel better. Thanks so much.

What we've been doing...

Not much new going on in the Nikkel household. Jason has been very busy with some spring painting jobs and I've been busy being the mom of two! ;) Things are going well. Neal has suddenly stopped sleeping which has been really hard on me but last night I finally gave him some Tylenol because his gums are pure white and swollen...and it dawned on me, TEETH! He slept much better after the ora-gel and Tylenol. My sweet happy baby is back! Here are a few pictures of our happenings lately.

I've been experimenting with my camera lately. I REALLY want to get a newer, better camera to play with. But, I thought this one was cute with Neal smiling in the background and his cute little pudgy hand!

Tub Time -- Arianna and Neal love taking baths together. It's so much fun!

After tub time -- smiling at the super cute baby in the mirror.

I really just thought this outfit looked cute on her which is why I took the picture. ;)

This is my pure joy...