TWO

Happy Birthday, Owen!

I can't believe he's 2! My how time flies. Owen had a great party Sunday night with all his grandparents. His favorite gifts were a toy cell phone and a tricycle. Mommy's excited about the trike too. It has a handle so I can push him when he's learning or gets tuckered out. I hope to have him ride it when we walk Liam to school next year around the corner.

Today Owen had a great workout with Carrie. He worked so hard! he did the best going up the stairs that I've ever seen him do and stood pretty well a few times from the couch cushion (on the floor.) Standing from the bottom step isn't a big enough challenge for him any more so Carrie is pushing him a little harder. I just can't wait for him to get new braces!

Speaking of braces... Carrie and I were talking about the appointment I've been trying in vain to get at the local brace shop. Arrrg! Then she told me it is often even 6-8 weeks after the appointment until you get the braces because they wait around to file with insurance for some reason. My heart sank. That would be like March/April!!! I would like to build a relationship with a someone locally for braces, but maybe that can wait... I want these new braces like yesterday! I totally don't mind going to Indy. I like the guys in the brace shop there. they have a quick turnaround and I needed an excuse to go down anyway so we can re-apply for Children's.

So after therapy today I called down to Riley. Asked to get in as soon as possible and the lady said, "How about today?" We didn't have anything planned but going to the library today, so what the heck! I scrambled to feed the kids lunch and get the Children's paperwork in order. My Aunt Betty happened to stop by and graciously offered to stay with the older two. (They had a ton more fun than if they had spent the afternoon in the van. Thank you, Betty! Turned out to be a lifesaver, as Zane chose to be incredibly fussy! It would have been mayhem.)

We made it in the nick of time. Owie did great getting cast for his braces. We chose red, foam, blue straps and a car and truck accent ribbon. should be cute!

And here's the kicker.... Jerome (my new hero) said he'd "put a rush on them" and we could pick them up Feb 6th! That's like in 10 days! We are going on a "mini family vacation" that weekend—doing the Children's Museum and swimming etc—so we'll be in Indy that day. I can hardly believe we can have them that fast!!! I am beyond excited today. can you tell?

We had just enough time to apply for Children's Special Health Care. The one office stops taking apps at 3:30, but they were nice enough to help us at 4:00! I have a few more items to fax/call in, but that should get the ball rolling.

Then after getting incredibly lost for an hour, we spent some time with my sister Mindy and Tim. Owie got more presents... a matchbox car, video and some more brace-friendly socks!

So it's been a busy day! I felt a little bad taking the kid to Riley ON his birthday, but it was for a happy reason I suppose.

I wanted to reminisce here about the last 2 years, but won't do that just yet. I need to get to bed.

check out the new pics!