Hunter turns 17!

Not to be outdone, my very first baby had a birthday in January as well. The big 1-7! which is shocking since I'm still so young myself (I kidd, I kidd).

My handsome 17 year old!!! with the two younger ones, I always discuss their stats. So- at 17, he's 5'8, 138 pounds and in a size 11 shoe. :)

This is what happens when I attempt to take a picture of my three kids together. Fail. 

Too cool.

Presents

Cake!

We had a nice time celebrating. He's really a remarkable young man. Junior year has been going well for him- grades are good, he's doing well at work (knock on wood) and he's scheduled for the ACT's in April. Yikes!!!

Driving

Know what makes me feel old? aside from my birthday yesterday (37...ahem...29 again), my first born is officially on the road as a licensed driver! He has had his temps for almost a year, but we held off on letting him get his license as a motivator for school his sophomore year. So- I finally signed him up for driver's ed through the school in the spring and he successfully completed the needed amount of drive time. A huge thank you to my father who took him driving (a ton) and worked on maneuverability with him.

Hunter finished his in cars with the driving school in May and we finally felt like he was ready to take his test in June. The first opening was July 3rd, so off to the BMV we went! He used my dad's car as it was a little smaller than my SUV and it worked out really well. He hopped in the car with the driving officer and started the maneuverability portion first. My parents and I hid behind a car and watched the entire time. We saw him drive through the cones and reverse back into them- completing that portion with flying colors! I got all teary eyed with pride for him knowing he passed that section and knew he'd be fine on the driving portion.

About 5 or so minutes later, he returned to the BMV, huge smile on his face. What a huge accomplishment for him- and such responsibility.

He's only had his license for 5 days now, but it has been wonderful. He has made 2 little trips to the grocery store for me, and has driven to work about 4 times now on his own. Fingers crossed he continues to be cautious and safe. Now I know what my parents went through... a few more grey hairs may have popped onto my head these last few days. I will blame it on the teenage driver, not the birthday.

He's on a plane!

OK- today is the day that I put my baby on an airplane to travel alone for the first time. He is a pretty seasoned traveler, thanks to my parents and constant trips to Florida and cruises with them. But this is the first time he's flying alone. Off to another state to visit his dad. I'm so proud of his independence, his courage, the man he is becoming.

This is the "are you kidding me? you're really taking a picture?" look. 

We woke up about 5am and we were out the door at 5:45. Got to the airport, parked, went to the ticket counter and then I stood in line with him as far as I could until he needed to go through security. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him and to be careful (voice cracking the whole time) and I was on my way. I came to work early and am now waiting for texts from him to say he got there safely. I have already been updated that he got breakfast and was at his gate. Prayers for a safe return and a great visit. Sunday cannot come soon enough when he's back on the ground with us!

And as an add-on to yesterday's post, Owen drew a few more things before bed. Too cute to not share and document.



This Owen described as "Germy. He got sick and puked". Germy looks pretty angry if you ask me. He must still be traumatized over his and Quinlin's recent bout with a stomach virus. 

This he described as "Owen with a rainbow and a sun"

His drawings are awesome. I can't wait to show them to him when he's older. Big weekend for the kids- Quinlin gets fitted for her dance uniform tonight, they have two birthday parties tomorrow (one inflatable jump zone place and one is bowling), Sean and I have date night tomorrow night, and then big shopping day on Sunday to get everything we need for thanksgiving. And of course, a trip to the airport to pick up Hunter. I think the kids will get a kick out of going there.

Sophomore

School started yesterday for Hunter... sophomore year.

He.is.so.old!

Learner's Permit

Watch yourselves on the road- student driver coming through!!! We were so excited this morning to get Hunter's learner's permit. He studied in the car on the way there, we had all documents in hand, and we gave plenty of time to get to the BMV to take the test. We pulled into the parking lot and there was probably 14 people in line waiting for the doors to open. I couldn't believe it (note to self- avoid Tuesdays and Saturdays at the BMV).

So we got in line and when the doors opened, we went to the secondary line for written examinations. Lucky for us most of the line in front of us was for the actual driver's tests, so we were able to bypass a long wait. We showed our identification, Hunter took the vision test and then off to the computer he went for the written portion of the exam (why do I not remember taking a test prior to the actual driver's test?). He passed to the point where the test automatically stops once you get a certain amount correct. We then walked next door to the License Bureau.

We filled out more paperwork and then we were done. Temps in hand- we were on the way home. Now we just need to start actually letting him drive. He's hoping to get on the road with Sean this afternoon (aka- drive around a vacant parking lot). Let's hope the F150 isn't too intimidating for him to attempt to learn on.

I am officially old...

No More Braces!

As I mentioned yesterday, we had steak for dinner as we were celebrating Hunter's braces coming off. It was a long time coming as he had the braces put on in March 2010 so he was eager to be free of them. I must say, his teeth look amazing. His mouth was so overcrowded in the beginning and the teeth were all jammed and crooked. His orthodontist had his work cut out for him, and did an incredible job. I would recommend him to anyone!

Yay Steak! He hasn't really been able to eat them while the braces were on, so thoroughly enjoyed dinner that night. Mind you, he took a little plate and no veggies, but that's ok.

and for comparison...this is Hunter about a week after he got his braces on:

His teeth were very crowded...

Yay- new straight teeth. And, should I not add how old he looks now???? when did that happen?

Diagnosis: Abdominal Migraines

Hunter woke up Sunday night just before midnight not feeling well. He started throwing up at 4:20 and threw up 12 more times by 7:30am. I called nurse on call, was sent to the local hospital pediatric emergency room and he threw up twice more on the way there and once more in the room.

He was given morphine, zofran, pepcid and an iv.

we left the er and got home around noon where he was still in pain and threw up again. So- we went to his pediatrician at 3:45 and she was surprised the hospital didn't just admit him for the day/night. She gave me the choice to send him back to make him comfortable or to try and see if another dose of zofran would help. we went with the zofran (2 shots) for immediate relief. My poor little guy. he went home and slept. what an ordeal. worse feeling of helplessness knowing there is nothing you can do. He stayed home from school Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

when we left the er our papers said he was diagnosed with vomiting. Ok. I'm pretty sure without a medical degree I could have told them that. assclowns. And- vomiting is a symptom, not a diagnosis.

After being examined by the pediatrician and researching her diagnosis, we think he needs to see a pediatric gastroenterologist because he has episodes like this every so often. My pediatrician thinks it could be migraine related (some people get migraine headaches, some people the migraine presents itself in the stomach).



It's so crazy to think this is something he could deal with for the rest of his life.

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/abdominal-migraines-children-adults

Tell All Tuesday

It's been a little while since I did a post of my random thoughts...

• Well, I thought we were over the house hunt and going to put it off for a few more years. We found another builder that looked intriguing so tonight we will go and look at a few homes for sale. They aren't in the school district we were originally looking at, so I think we'd be looking to build somewhere else... and then could still hold off a little while.
• Unless we get totally blown away tonight. We will see. There is a park right down the street (maybe in the development) complete with playground, basketball courts, etc...
• Hunter doesn't want us to move and not have a pool for the summer.
• Hunter goes both ways on moving... fresh start, new friends are the pros... leaving old friends is the main con. Though- he'll be driving in a year anyway and the magic of facebook would allow him to keep in touch with everyone. Plus- if we were to build, that takes time anyway between selling our house and actually starting the build.
• But- the city we originally wanted to move to has much cheaper taxes... I cannot believe how much taxes are around here.
• The kids are good. Owen is so sweet... If Quinlin says no to something, Owen is quick to swoop in and say yes. even the simplest things like wanting a kiss. "No Mama" says Quinlin and Owen chimes in "Mommy- I'll kiss you". or "No mama, don't sit next to me" and Owen says "Mommy- sit next to me". I think it's hilarious.
• I'm missing $40 from my wallet this morning. Kind of pissed.
• Sean is looking at a motor for his little green fishing boat tonight... hence realizing the $40 is missing. Again, pissed.
• Hunter had a stomach bug last week and missed 2 days of school. so hard in high school to miss time. I hope he catches up and the grades don't fall too far behind.
• Work is busy. I need catch up days...
• On the meal front, I finally decided to start cooking again. Menu items for this week include(d)- chicken enchiladas, meatloaf, chicken Marsala, french dip sandwiches, and shrimp and broccoli pasta.

I think that's all my random rumblings for today... off to search for my money.

Hunter turns 15!!!

‎15 years ago, my world changed. I was thrown into an incredible journey of motherhood with an amazing little guy who would become my very first knight in shining armor and has, to this day, grown into an amazing young man.

We celebrated on Friday (his actual birthday) and the poor guy had to wait until almost 6:30 to even open his gifts. I had been horribly sick all week and couldn't get in for a doctor's appointment until an open clinic at 5pm. So- I came home, we opened gifts, and then left the kids with a sitter and took Hunter out to dinner. I tried to be a trooper for him, but was just so incredibly miserable.

Anyway- back to gift opening:

 Owen and Quinlin tried to open most of the gifts. They were thoroughly disappointed when most were clothes.

 He did get a golf lesson with an instructor and simulator though as something fun to do.

 Owen loved wearing Hunter's new shirts!

 We took him to dinner and he was "too cool" to pose for pictures. hahaha

And- so it's a normal birthday post like his brother and sister, at 15, Hunter is 5'4, 108 pounds. He actually is now almost taller than me. I cannot believe it. Size 9 shoe, Adult S and M shirts, pants just now able to wear men's sizing (otherwise, size 16 at Old Navy).

I tried to do the birthday quiz on him...but he's too old to play along:

1. What's your name? Hunter ____

2. How old are you? 15 (eye roll)
3. Where do you live? (eye roll)
4. what is your favorite color? blue
5. what do you want to be when you grow up? a doctor or something with forensics
6. who is your favorite person? eye roll
7. who's your best friend? Mike
8. what is your favorite tv show? NCIS, CSI, Tosh, World's Dumbest
9. what is your favorite food? cheeseburgers, wings
10. what is your favorite drink? Sprite, Mountain Dew
11. what do you like to do for fun? snowboarding
12. what do you like to play outside? snowboarding or street football
13. what is your favorite song? too many to choose
14. what is your favorite movie? "I don't know Mom. Do I seriously need to keep answering?"
15. what is your favorite book? too many to choose


Happy birthday Hunter- we love you and are so proud of you!