A Memory from Dominick

Me and Chloe going in that pool. We have so much fun.

Me and Chloe digging in the water.

Me and Chloe we having fun in the water - Mom, I want to go swimming with Chloe in the pool again tomorrow. I can have fun with Chloe and with me.

Dominick loves these pictures so much. He is always looking at these ones and talking about this day. This was one of Dominick's favorite memories from Indiana.

Thanksgiving 2006

Dominick and his new favorite toy - Baby Dane

This was his activity for most of the day on Friday (you can't see the t.v. that he is watching).

At Thanksgiving dinner, Kambree drug this dog around everywhere and tried to bring him home too.

Kambree was so cute holding her baby on Friday.

Kambree has never been afraid to let her hair down and relax.

This Thanksgiving was the most soggy one I can remember. It rained literally all day long here. Not to worry, it kept the helping hands of Aaron at home, and not on the football field! I am really glad that we did not have a bigger assignment this year as well, as we started the day with Kambree breaking out in a rash all over her belly and back. So, off to the doctor for me and baby. After they convinced me it was just an allergic reaction (they didn't really convince me) we left with only a dose of Benadryl, and the assurance it would go away as quick as it appeared. We went to the Martinez's house, and it was so relaxing and fun. It was a bit different for Dominick being the oldest child there (by 2 1/2 years). He was so great with all of the babies - most of the time, unless they wanted the toys or slide!! Anyway, he has taken a particular liking to our friends 5 month old little boy Dane. He loves on that baby non-stop whenever we are with them. He tells me daily that he need Dane to come over to our house. He really is so cute with him, and really soft and kind (I guess a year can really change a boy). Aaron was asked to carve the turkey, and we all sat around and watched our Fantasy Football players play games.
On Friday, we were lazy lazy lazy! After realizing that Kambree's supposed allergic reaction was on her face now, we had to call the Doctor again. I waited, not wanting to return to the Immediate Care for her real Doctor to call. Right away they knew what it was, and consoled me with the assurance that Roseola is harmless and will go away. We did venture out to the stores around 2:00, and even then, it was a crazy mess. We didn't have to wait in rediculous lines, though, because we just went to look!


Funny words from Dominick:

On Thanksgiving, Dominick had a plate with a little bit of everything. He ate 5 olives, a roll and then said "Mom, I don't like that, I don't like that, I don't like those and I don't like that." Almost in the same breath he said "I'm all done, now I want apple pie." I barely had two bites at this point, but we got him his pie - two bites into his pie, "I don't like those apple things, I am all done."

Yesterday (don't tell Aaron I am telling you this) Dominick was brushing his teeth, and Dad, after returning from a brutal flag football match leaving him vertually crippled, came to use the bathroom. He proceeded to sit down and go to the bathroom. Dominick asked if he was going "number 2" Dad said "no, keep brushing your teeth." Dominick quickly shot back "but Dad, pee pee doesn't come out of our bum."

Crazy Hair

Dominick is starting to draw people!! Don't worry, this eventually recieved some hair!

Cutest little girl ever.

This is the sweet fan hair do she did herself. I am thinking of letting her do her hair more often.

Well, obviously children want to unwind a little bit on Friday nights as well. Kambree pulled her hair out in the car, and the result was this sweet fan on her head. She is adorable anyway. Unfortunately she is sick tonight. She spiked a high fever this afternoon, and just wanted to be held. I hate so bad when my kids are sick. It is the hardest thing in the world to watch them struggle with anything. Hopefully a good nights sleep will help her (with a healthy dose of Motrin)! Dominick is doing really well, except for the fact that he is picking up some naughty words. First, he keeps calling people idiots. I can't entirely blame that one on preschool, because I realized as we (Dominick and I) were watching Sunday Night Football last night, he followed closely behind me calling Peyton an idiot - nobody's perfect! I can, however blame the naughty word he used in the car on preschool - we asked him if he was excited for his Thanksgiving Feast at school, and he annoyingly replied that "that meal sucks." Yea, I didn't teach him that. We had to put down our foot on that word right there. All in all, the Cowan's are doing well. We are freezing our *%##^ off in this crappy winter weather, but luckily our apartment is infamouse for keeping us warm - really warm.

Hollywood Here I Come

I never thought it was possible, but I know now that even a four year old can fool me. Dominick's day today was a comedy of errors it seems. He began his day on the wrong foot, when he realized that we had no cereal at all in the house. He refused any supplement to hold him until I was able to get us all ready, but nothing would do. He finally ate his breakfast (a huge bowl of fruity pebbles) at 10:00 a.m.. Everything was normal and running sm00thly again. I picked Dominick up from Preschool, and the first thing that he did was shut his three middle fingers on his left had into the car door. Nothing broken, and we're off to the library for a fun afternoon. At the library, Kambree - secure in her stroller, and Dominick holding my hand, but not five steps from the car (in the middle of the road) Dominick collapses - literally. He starts screaming "owie, owie, owie my leg." I, of course in an attempt to not get run over push Kambree, and drag Dominick to the sidewalk. Dominick is holding his left knee crying that he can't walk - huh? Ten minutes ago he was running like a maniac on the playground, and now he can't walk. Anyway, I proceed to tell him several times to walk it off (mean time several people are walking around us staring). He tries over and over, and it really appears that everytime he steps on his left leg it collapses. He even tried to hop into the library so that we could stay. I didn't know what to do, and started feeling bad for having made him try to walk it off so many times. I carried him back to the car and called the doctor. When we got to the office, Dominick continues (in tears mind you) that he can't walk. So, I carry Kambree, and push Dominick into the office. Now, what four year old do you know has the self control to sit in a stroller in a doctors office waiting area, instead of playing with the toys??? He sat waiting, and then we went back to the room. It was a bit embarrassing explaining to the nurse what was wrong. At this point, I see Dominick pull his legs up and sit Indian style on the table (hummm). I was again skeptical about his injury. So, once again I put him on the ground and told him to walk it off over to the books. After just one step, he collapses on his left leg. I (feeling guilty again) started to accept that we most likely were on our way to get a cast on his leg tonight. Then, she came through the door - a beautiful Doctor. She was the miracle cure. Dominick did not hesitate to do one thing that she asked. As soon as she had checked his joints, she asked Him if he could exercise with her, which he did. Then, out of nowhere, she puts him on the ground and says "can you jump really high?" "Yes, I am so strong" was his reply, and sure enough - he did. Then, proceeded to run and hop on one leg and tell the beautiful doctor how big he was getting. Yep, I do believe that we have a star in the making. To naturally be able to act for that long at four years old - who knew.

For one of only a few times ever, Dominick was also very excited to tell Dad on the phone that his leg was better now, and that we need to go to the library. Dad, enthusiastically agrees. Bad choice!! I won't go into details, except that as soon as we get home, Dominick - not done with errors today shuts his right thumb into the car door! As you can imagine, I can't wait for tomorrow!!!

Stripling Warrior

Strong muscles!!!

Pretty much the cutest "Stripling Warrior" ever.

Look out Lamanites!!

We held a FHE last night that included a video with the Army of Helaman. Dominick remembered a lesson that I had taught to the Sunbeams a few weeks ago, in which I made them all bandanas to march around in and be "Stripling Warrior's" with. He recognized them, and immediately ran in to find his, and then wanted to dress up as a Soldier. It was so cute, and we are so grateful for these moments where we see how much he is learning about the gospel - even if he likes them just because they have huge muscles and kill the bad Lamanites!

New England Beauty

Dominick and Simon in back yard

Taking advantage of more great weather.

She loves playing outside more than anything.

Believe it or not, this was a pretent fall - he loves attention!

The sun setting on New England

I think that I have only had a few instances the entire time we have lived here that I have felt like this, so I figured it was note worthy. I was at the beach with the kids last week, and it was an unseasonably nice day. It was 70 degrees, and sunny. Dominick was riding his bike along the bike trail, and I just felt overwhelming gratitude for the chance to live in New England. I know, I know, this is crazy talk. I am referring only to the stunning landscape, and not the not so stunning inhabitants. It was really breathtaking, the way that we walked through forest onto sandy beach, and around to lakes and parks. Really, I was grateful. I think the more that we get settled, the more frequently I will start to have these feelings, but for now, I will just make it known that I am happy here.

In other news and pictures, Dominick loves to ride his bike with his friend Simon. They are such cute friends, and he is doing so so well with his speech. Kambree just loves to follow him around, and especially be outside. Notice her huge smile. When we get to our front door, no matter the weather it is a fight to keep her in my arms until we are in the house so she doesn't run away. She is starting to jump on the bed with Dominick (risky, I know) and continues to try and run. She says more words everyday, and has an even bigger attitude than we thought. We are having so much fun with Dominick and Kambree at this age. Dominick is getting so excited for Christmas now. He is a little frustrated that we have to wait until after Thanksgiving. Apparantly a four year old doesn't see the enjoyment in a huge meal - go figure. He has a list five miles long, but still does not want to actually sit on Santa's lap to give it to him. He just told me at Toys R Us, to tell Santa what he wants for him. We'll see if I remember everything!!

The kids and I got to go and watch Aaron play soccer on Saturday for the first time. It was so much fun to watch all of those old men struggle to run that long. I am being to hard, because Aaron is a natural, and has a lot of fun playing. Dominick wants to go back every week, because there was a big play ground at the field. But he still said good job to Dad.

More Stories to Remember

My bright, blue eyed little princess (9-22-05)

This is the cutest baby I have ever seen (Dominick 6-26-02) Would you wash that hair?

So tiny, he weighed 5 lbs, 71/2 oz.

The awesome billie lights that deprived me of sleep.

Sweet dreams for our little girl!

So our Brother and Sister in law just had their first baby! A little girl named Isis. I hear she is just beautiful, and I can't wait to see and hold her for myself. Because I was wishing I could see her, I pulled up some pictures of Dominick when he was first born. He was our first child, and the most beautiful baby that I have ever seen. I remember after he finally came out I only saw him for about a second before they wisked him away to level two nursery. About a half an hour later I just had to get up and go see him. The second I saw him was surreal. I can't describe the feelings I had for him. He was hooked up to monitors and iv's and such, but I didn't notice. I must have been quite nieve, because I was never concerned about his health, despite the worry that everyone else wore on their faces. To me he was just perfect. His black hair was so cute and spiky (the nurses thought it was so cute too, they didn't even wash it!!). Now that I think about it, that sounds a little gross! Anyway, We both stayed in the hospital for a week, until he was released. He was so jondice when we got him home though, that we immediately had to get the billy lights. I didn't sleep for two days - monitoring his temperature every 15 minutes. He grew so fast!! He is now 41/2, and starting Kindergarten next fall. I can't believe it. He will always be my little miracle, and forever the cutest baby ever!

Kambree made her debut in a much different way. She came in Connecticut number one, and by C-section number two. Plenty more differences that I will spare any readers, but it was not pleasant. The first time I saw her, I can not remember very well. I was coming off of heavy medication, and only remember them saying that she has red hair? I didn't really believe them. When I got to the room and they braught her to me all wrapped up, she was stunning. She had bright blue eyes!! Her hair did have a bit of red in it, but only in the light. I remember her little cry so well, and couldn't stand to be away from her. On the last night in the hospital, I actually made them leave the crib in the bedroom so that I could sleep by her. My Mom came out the day after her birth, and not a second too soon - she saved me from another trip to the OR. What a blessing it was to have her help, and then Sue (Aaron's Mom) the next week. Dominick was so excited (most of the time). Kambree too has grown so fast. She is a little doll, and Dominick and her have become the best little pals together. I love watching them together (again, most of the time).

I have just had baby on the brain, and thought I would write down some of my memories, included with the pictures of my babies!!

Halloween Fun

Dominick, Simon and Tyler (friends from church and the trunk-or-treat)

Captain Jack Sparrow and Pooh Bear (odd combo)

Look out for the spider web!

The big costume parade at pre-school

He was so excited about his huge muscles!

I am finally back at the blogging. I just had a long lonely weekend without Aaron. He was back in Utah with his family for his friends wedding. He had a lot of fun. It has been chilly here, but still sunny and beautiful. Halloween was so much fun. Dominick had three parties, and trick-or-treating! He is going through de-tox still. For the first three, he was the best looking "Captain Jack Sparrow" I have ever seen. He looked so cute and just played the part so well. On Halloween night, he had tired of a pirates life and chose to save the world as "Spider Man". Kambree on the other hand was not so cooperative. Dominick was so excited for her to be a "pretty princess", (which I might add he picked out by himself) but she was not fond of the costume to say the least. She screamed when she saw it in the package, even more when I took it out, and really screamed when I put her in it. She ripped butterfly's off the dress and wouldn't stop ripping until it was off for good. Needless to say, she didn't participate in the holiday. She was a bit sick anyway, so it was just fine. We all went out in the neighborhood trick-or-treating, and had so much fun. This year's Halloween was a good one, and next year hopefully Kambree will appreciate the beautiful princess dresses.