Bike Wash!

In an attempt to waste time and not follow the big kids to Dairy Queen, my neighbor and I convinced the kids to wash their bikes. I mean who wants to be seen riding a muddy bike down the street - right!


Oh yea, and Kambree really did learn how to ride her bike with no training wheels. I didn't think it could be done this early, but she was motivated by a comment I made purely to indulge her. I told her if she learns to ride her bike that Aaron and I would get bikes so that we could all ride as a family on the trails in town. When she learned, she came running over and said "mommy, mommy now you and dad can get bikes!" Should have seen that one coming!

You Know it's Spring When...

Warm spring rains bring green trees, grass and bushes - plus the best puddles ever!


Left my rain boots at school mom - no problem, he doesn't mind!
Check out that bottom lip! For some reason she thinks that only she can splash the boys - she would think that, she's a girl!

Race to the puddle!

MOVE IT!!!

It is "Friday Movie Night" at our house and the kids decided to have a dance - off (just like Alex from the movie)! Get the dance floor ready Jordan and Jen, Dominick and Kambree are bringing their moves!


Everett tries to get in on the action too. He has been finding his voice, but like his older brother Dominick when he was a baby refuses to perform in front of the camera. We are encouraged by the fact that Dominick's fear in front of the camera has obviously worn off!

Scared in the Night!

Have you ever been in a deep sleep, but suddenly had the creepy feeling that someone was watching you? It's a terrible feeling, especially as you come partially out of that deep sleep and start to become aware. That's when you start to feel the fear that the someone watching you might be someone bad and that you may be in danger.

A little while back I had this feeling. It had been a rough time (read: draining) so when I hit the pillow I was zonking out like an R.E.M. seeking sleep champion! I was out like a light on this fine evening and enjoying it immensely, however, in that blissful state I suddenly had a panicked feeling. I was being watched!

(PAUSE for Editorial Context:
In describing it now the process of going from hibernation quality sleep to awake and scared like a little school girl seems slow, but keep in mind the transition was nano seconds in length. We're talking ultra high speed change. I know, I am quite an amazing specimen. Thank you.
CONCLUSION of Editorial Context)

In the transition from peaceful to scared to death, I started out laying on my right side with my back towards the doorway.

(PAUSE for Editorial Context:
This is a vulnerable position we must all come to grips with and conquer our inner demons to enjoy. You have to get to a point in your life that sleeping on your favorite side, and just plain good sleep, mean more to you than the possibility that a monster, or more likely a serial killer could enter your room and creep up to you as you have your back turned. Now, in writing this I am sharing a feeling that I hope, for my sake, is not unique to me. I'm a grown man now, so I am happy to say that the back turned to the door side of me wins out 9 times out of 10. It's only after watching a horror film or going to bed before Monica when she's mad at me that my fear side carries the day and I sleep vigilantly with one eye open, facing the open door.
CONCLUSION of Editorial Context)

In the nano seconds it took to sufficiently build my fear of the person watching me I turned quickly and squealed like the hog about to be captured and slaughtered for an Easter feast. Aaaaaaaaaaagh!!! It was all for naught. For before me stood a slightly frightened 6 year old. Freshly waken from his own scary experience. That nemesis of dreams, the nightmare. Needless to say, I added to his fear, at least for a moment. But that quickly changed to laughter as my 6-year old son took a laugh at 3:35 AM at my expense. No harm. No foul. After all who was there to witness the spectacle other than the two of us. Monica was still sounds asleep. (I realize the absurdity of of my faux-comfort in the lack of witnesses since I am broadcasting this from the house tops now.)

I came to all the way and took Dominick back to his room. Comforted him, despite my racing heart and near death experience. The next morning I woke up and hear Monica and Dominick laughing. I didn't think anything of it until I heard Dominick scream and both of them start laughing again. Then they took their show on the road and came up stairs where I was just waking up. Both were still laughing. Then Monica recanted the story and both continued to laugh that I actually screamed in the night. Ha ha, real funny. I can't take too many blast to the ticker like that, but apparently I am destined to.

The last few nights, Kambree has been coming in to our room. She has had night terrors on and off, but more recently she has been coming in to our room when these occur. I have to say, I don't know if I am in love with this. She use to just sit up in her bed and scream, "DAAAAAAAAD!!!" at the top of her lungs until I came in and laid by her.

(PAUSE for Editorial Context:
The kids yell for me in the night because their mom is a lost cause once she's asleep. She can't hear Kambree's blood curdling screams or me stubbing my toe and almost cursing up a storm, or even Everett crying. She's getting a little better with Everett. No, I'm not foolish. I know I'm not the kids first choice. Kambree made me painfully aware of that when she started out screaming Mom. It was only after several times of me answering the screams for Mom that she realized that in a life or death situation you go with what works. You scream Dad because he's the one that will hear you, not necessarily because he's the one you want to come.
Conclusion of Editorial Context)

Well, last night I got that same scared feeling that someone was watching me sleep, but rather than get scared I quickly turned to find Kambree. You see, several nights of the terrified feeling that someone was watching me gave way to a sort of internal alarm clock that goes off and says, Kambree is scared. She's standing at the side of your bed watching you sleep. It's quite amazing really. She doesn't even have to say anything. Again, hold your applause. I know I am an impressive specimen.

Anyway, the point of this long and dragging post is to embarrass myself even more than I already have. I pulled Kambree into our bed, it was about 2:50 AM. Around 3 AM Kambree started to get out of our bed. That was strange, she never does that. Because it was uncharacteristic I woke up and went with her back in to her room. I tucked her in and asked her why she was getting back in her bed. She didn't seem interested in talking, only sleeping. Then it dawned on me! Was I snoring?, I asked. Kambree, with heavy eyes and a big grin on her face said, "It wasn't too loud Dad." Then she drifted peacefully off to sleep. It wasn't too loud Dad? Are you kidding me?! If it wasn't too loud then why did you make the impossible decision to face the monsters and the fear rather than being stuck by your log sawing Dad?

Wow! That one hurt.

I hate the hospital!

Well, you probably saw with Monica's post earlier that we are at the hospital today for Everett's surgery. Things went well. He is out and his lips are together now. We are trying to adjust to his new look and as of now, we really miss the old Everett. The new Everett is growing on us fast.

Everett has been a champion, but that doesn't mean he has enjoyed every minute!

Things started out so calm and peaceful. Everett seemed to be fine and dandy.

Look mom, new lips. Well, lip now - three lips down to one.

Everett's comfortable accommodations.

The cute things on his arms will be his best buddies over the next two weeks. They protect him from touching his face.

Mom holding our little man.

For more pictures from today see: Everett's Surgery Album

New lips for Everett!

I can't believe that the day has come. Driving in to the hospital this morning, it was really surreal to think that by lunch time Everett would look completely different (not to mention be in a lot of pain).

I have to say, it has got to be one of the hardest things to give your baby to a doctor and watch them walk down a long hallway knowing you are completely out of control. I am a real controlling person to say the least and handing Everett over this morning went against everything inside of me.

Aaron quickly reminded me of Everett's blessing and I truly do feel good about this surgery, his surgeon and the medical teams at this hospital. We have been very blessed in the doctors and surgeons for Everett and myself.

Anyway, my purpose for this post was not to dwell on my silly anxiety but to take a look back (as if it has been that long) at our sweet little Everett's journey. We have been challenged to say the least, but are so lucky to have him in our family. Dominick and Kambree love him like crazy and we all are going to miss his cute, cute cleft smile.

Thank you also to all who have prayed for Everett and our family through all of this. Because of faith and prayers I have been carried through much of the last few months. I know for sure I could never have done this alone and I am grateful I never was.

Here are several pictures that are in chronological order going in reverse. He is now three hours into surgery and doing well (they call us to update us). I am grateful for blogging to distract me!

I will update (maybe not immediately) when he is out of recovery and eating in his room. Can't wait to see his new look!
Getting ready for surgery. One last photo with our baby before his new lip!
Everett's surgeon Dr. Reid. He is a really great person not to mention surgeon. Despite being on different (and competing) cleft lip/palate teams, Dr. Reid sent us to Dr. Figueroa (the orthodontist) because they don't have an orthodontist on their team at the University of Chicago. Actually, Dr. Reid only knows of 4 orthodontists in the entire country that make these devices for infants. We really are blessed.
Look at how adorable he is in his little gown. He woke up starving (surprise, surprise) but was a real trooper waiting to go back.



Just last night - his lips and nose are ready!


I think Everett is getting too big for his big sister to control him! Look at those chubby legs!
My two happy guys.

One week to go!
This is the reason we all want to keep his lips like this!


Aaron blessed Everett on March 22 in Utah - we are so grateful for all our family that could come! And, thank you for your help in keeping him healthy.



I have never thought sucking your thumb could be so cute, but I can't get enough of him - it is so darn cute! Not to mention how much happier he is.
The famous Dr. Figueroa! This is Everett's orthodontist who is the unsung hero behind his awesome nose! Dr. Figueroa made his NAM device and adjusted it weekly. He is an amazing person and Doctor who sincerely cares about these special little kids. We are really grateful for his work!




I can't get enough of his smile - it was hard for him to start, because of that tape.






Hate to show him crying, but this is a great shot of the great progress to his nostril and also his palate.
That is one big ball in his nose!


Day 1 for the NAM device - it is amazing how much he changed in just a few weeks!
These next few are Everett's 2 week photo shoot. I love these pictures of him so much!






Getting to know his big brother.





It is funny to look at this picture and think that I didn't notice his jaundice!

I hate to show this, but look at this horrible tape job that the resident surgeon did at birth! He did see the tape job later on and admitted that he did a very poor job. Good thing he is just learning! Check out his nostril as well - it is amazing what the NAM device has done!

Dad quickly became an expert at feeding him - a really nice change for me!

Welcome our little angel Everett Kevin Cowan. December 11, 2008 5lb. 14 oz. 19.5 in. and beautiful!!