The Clayton Crew loves you one million Cheetos...

One Proud Big Brother...

2012-01-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Kason was super excited to go see little brother today since he hasn't seen him in a week...

but Max had other plans! He wasn't quite sure what to think of his wiggly, boisterous brother who kept poking him due to excitement! Since Max has been in the PICU, we haven't been letting Kason come visit, but he kept asking about Max and was wondering when he was coming home. Therefore, we had a child life specialist meet Kason and visit with him about his brother being in the hospital. She gave him a puppy dog to bring to Max and walked him into his ICU room...boy was Kason so proud! As for Mr. Max...

today has been the first day I have seen any improvement as to him feeling better. He actually woke up for awhile this afternoon which he hasn't done in days. Hopefully the doctors will try lowering oxygen pressures tomorrow if he keeps making progress through the night and we can at least transition to the regular pediatric floor in the next few days. Then proud big bro can come visit him everyday until we can make a run for it and head home!

Max Is One!!!

2012-01-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, Daniel and I were proud to introduce our newest addition to the Clayton Crew...

Maxwell Brooks Clayton! Odds were against our little love bug from the beginning due to being born at 27 weeks and weighing only 1 pound 13 ounces. Max was so tiny that he could even wear Daniel's wedding ring as a bracelet...

Daniel and I wondered if we would even have the chance to celebrate this day with him after our year long roller coaster with Mr. Max...

but thanks to the healing power of God and the little warrior fighting with all his strength...we rejoice in Max turning ONE today!

Of course in Maxer style, we celebrated in the hospital...

Max was admitted on Tuesday for respiratory distress from catching an oh-so lovely virus and has been hanging out in the PICU for a few days. It seems almost appropriate to celebrate in the hospital because he has been here for every single holiday this past year except Halloween...so why make his big day any different? Of course in my mom style, I had to decorate his room for him...you know I can't get away without a little happy cheer. I had a great day and couldn't stop beaming from ear to ear, but unfortunately he hasn't felt really well today and slept for most of the day. The staff at Covenant is absolutely amazing who love beyond belief and tried to help make his big day super special! We were surprised with a birthday sign...

signed by his NICU nurses and Dr. C! His doctor, residents, and nurse even sang him Happy Birthday this morning! His nurse was hilarious and created a birthday station on Pandora and had it playing all morning for him. He was also brought a few goodies...

and had a few visitors stop by to give him some lovin'...

Some of the staff brought us cupcakes to celebrate with Max. He isn't eating baby food yet, but was definitely eyeing the delicious sweet...

So I put a little frosting on his thumb so he could try it out...

Well, he wasn't too impressed...

Oh-well, we can try again when he has actually tasted something sweet and yummy! Daniel and I couldn't be more proud of Maxers and his perseverance in his short life already.

He has added so much joy to our family and we feel blessed to be able to celebrate this huge milestone in his life. The Clayton Crew looks forward to seeing the way God is going to use this little warrior for His glory in the years to come!

Scrub-a-dub-dub...

2012-01-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

my favorite little men in the tub...

Last night we had our first brother bath time! Kason was so sweet and gentle with Mr. Max. Kason helped me poor water on him and wash him off. Then we decided to create mohawks for the both of them...if you look real hard you can see Max's mini-mohawk!

You will never believe...

2012-01-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Max smiled and giggled for the first time!!! Daniel and I have been working with him for a LONG time to try and get him to smile. We know when he is happy because he will coo and talk to us, but never has smiled back at us. My wish was for him to at least smile by his 1st birthday and he showed off last night for us...

You will have to excuse the pictures...they aren't very good because I was trying to tickle him under the chin and take a quick snap at the same time...but you can see his little quirk of a grin!!!

So, this story actually began on Saturday evening. Maxers was having a good 'ole time swinging away when Daniel started tickling him under his chin and before we know it he giggles! Daniel kept tickling him and he giggled two more times...we were ecstatic as you can imagine since we have been waiting for months for this type of interaction. Then last night while I was putting Max's pajamas on and I was talking to him, he smiled back at me without me tickling him! It was pure bliss my friends!!! Of course Daniel and Kason had to join in the fun with me so we all crowded around his changing table acting like fools smiling, giggling, cooing...just about anything to get him to respond back.

I tell you what, this feeding tube has made the world of difference for our Mr. Max. He is much more content, cries and fusses less, and is just way too much fun to be around. Since I don't have to worry about him loosing too many calories now, I have been moving his awake/play time all around the house...

His little temper kicks in for a few minutes to let me know he isn't happy about the new change in scenery or activity, but he eventually gets over it and enjoys himself. I made another attempt at the bumbo chair today and after propping him up with many blankets shoved in it, he actually played for a few minutes before getting tired. I'm telling you, he just keeps getting better and better...I'm lovin' it! Another new development for Max is that he got his Mic-Key button yesterday...

The feeding tubing that he had is for temporary feeding tubes, so he had a Mic-Key button replace the tubing. He will keep the Mic-Key button for around 2 years. I've already been asking our OT when we can start baby food with him and she said it will still be a couple of months. So maybe by the summer we will have a giggling, baby food eating, sitting up little boy...I can hardly wait!

The Letter C...

2012-01-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Kason, Addy, and I have had so much fun during this cold spell trying to come up with fun things to do indoors! We have painted in the windows...

and we studied the letter C! The little rascals helped me make cookies...

the really yummy Peanut Butter Blossoms with kisses in the middle. These troopers unwrapped all the kisses and pressed them into the cookies. Then on the second batch, they pressed their forks to make an indention in regular Peanut Butter Cookies...

After Daniel got home from work, the big kids and I took the cookies to one of our neighbors house which were college kids! Of course we couldn't study the letter C without one of Kason's favorite past times...

cars! We even made ramps out of pool noodles...

we had a lot of fun trying to see how much air time the cars could catch! We couldn't leave out the little lady in our lives, Miss Addy, so we made crowns on her behalf...

The funny thing is Kason kept telling me he was a princess...yes my friends, you heard right...princess! Therefore, I had to launch a mini-speech in order for him to understand that our little lady is the princess and he is the prince...or to not even be confused by that and say king. I'm thinking I may need to rent a fairy tale movie so he can understand...I'm not sure if I want him wondering around in public announcing he's a princess! :) I think the highlight of the week was when the three of us celebrated Baby Yaya's birthday...

with cupcakes and candles! And yes, we may have sung Happy Birthday a couple of times and blew out the candles several times...

you know, just for fun! I told Kason before he knows it...

we'll be having a real party for him and Max as they turn 1 and 3! Time sure does fly by when you're having fun!

Back in Business...

2012-01-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

What an awesome week this has been! The Clayton Crew finally got back to our daily routines, Superkids started, and Addy came to play! Of course we can't leave out Maxers...

he has been playing up a storm right along with us! These past few weeks have been a little crazy with getting everything reorganized from Christmas, Kason went to visit his Nana and Pops, and Daniel went on a ski trip with the college kids. While Daniel was packing, Kason just had to try on all his cool gear...

yes my friends...even his ski socks! Daniel and I plan on taking the boys skiing next year and Kason can hardly wait...

he is just a little excited to try! As for what Mr. Max is up to these days, well I am working really hard with him on sitting up.

He is no where near ready to sit by himself, but he is doing a really good job with head control so I'm working on helping him strengthen his core. Max seems to enjoy himself when we try and can sit for 2-3 seconds with heavy support before toppling over. Kason has even joined in the fun...

We saw the nutritionist yesterday and Max weighs exactly 12 pounds! We are headed in the right direction and couldn't be more excited. She is even having me increase his caloric intake during his continuous night feed. With Max getting the right amount of calories daily has not only helped him become more active, but boy let me tell you he now has a temper...it is hilarious! Don't get me wrong, this guy has cried, screamed, and whined a ton these last few months, but it has never been full force. Now that he has his full energy and you do something that he doesn't particularly care for, he surely lets you know through a full lung cry...I love it! You must think I'm crazy for being happy about that, but when your baby is sick and is just trying to survive and then he does anything like a regular, healthy baby...it just brings a smile to your heart to know that he is getting better.

These two boys make our lives better. Even when my hair is frazzled, laundry isn't put away, dishes need to be unloaded, Max is whining, and Kason is trying to shoot hoops with the pot you are cooking dinner in...even then, when I'm at my wits end from a long, busy day...I stop and smile because I couldn't be happier with my blessed life! :)

Happy New Year...

2012-01-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

from the Clayton Crew! We ended our last week of 2011 just relaxing as a family together...it was fabulous! Daniel had the entire week off, so we treated ourselves to good old family fun around the house!

After a crazy month of being in and out of the hospital and two holidays, it was a much needed time of rejuvenation for me and Daniel. New Year's Eve was just as relaxing...I made homemade meatballs with a red wine sauce served over spaghetti pasta and it was crazy delicious! We had fun ringing in the New Year together...

especially Kason...

of course Daniel was the only one who actually stayed awake until midnight...the rest of us pooped out early!

After spending more time in a hospital this past year (7 months total) than at home...we are definitely looking forward to the year 2012! Here's to hoping that this new year is less eventful medically, but more eventful through Clayton Crew adventures and fun!

11 Months Old...

2011-12-31T11:05:00.001-08:00

Our little love bug is almost one! Time sure does fly when your having fun lovin' on the cutest baby! Let me tell you friends, this little guy is doing AMAZING!!! Daniel and I absolutely hate that he has needed surgeries lately, but they have helped him improve so much...he is almost a completely different baby...I'm lovin' it! I'm sure you are a Curious George just like me and are wondering what a feeding tube looks like in a baby...

not too scary looking! The vertical scar on the left is from the shunt and the horizontal scar under the tubing is from this surgery. We see the surgeon again on January 9th and they will change the tubing to a Mic-Key button...I know you are probably even more curious now...so no worries, I'll fill you in when that time comes. We know the full feedings are working because he is weighing a little over 11 pounds now! Maxers has a difficult time during his day feedings because they go in so fast, but is one happy camper after his all night feedings...

The pump slowly feeds him for 10 hours so we wakes up refreshed with a full tummy ready to play! Mr. Max isn't interested in a bottle at all and won't even suck on it, so we are having a Speech Therapist come work on some feeding therapy with him. I try once a day now and am about to start 2-3 times a day since he is feeling better...I know he will pick back up eventually...persistence is the key with this little guy! What I'm most excited about is how active he has become since the feeding tube surgery. He woke up Tuesday morning feeling tons better and hasn't stopped wanting to play since then!

Maxers is cooing way more than he ever has and is starting to interact with us more now...his focusing has tremendously improved. He is loving be held which is a big change for us (good change might I add) because he has never wanted much physical contact, but now he doesn't want us to let him go! Since he is having to stay in the nap nanny so much he will now watch me walk into his room and follow me around the room which may not seem like much of a development for you, but is a big deal for him!

He is still around a 4 month old, but is slowly creeping towards a 5 month old this past week alone. I have a feeling that he is going to move beyond this stage this next month...at least that what I'm hoping considering he has been around a 4 month old developmentally for 5 months now. He finally started teething recently and loves to chew on anything he can get near his mouth. Nothing soothes Mr. Max better than his thumb still...it is hilarious at night because you can hear him smacking due to sucking on his thumb so hard! Max is still lighting up the Clayton Crew household and we look forward to celebrating a year with him real soon!

Clayton Family Christmas 2012...

2011-12-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

After church and a few long naps, the Clayton Family Christmas was under way...

The more gifts Kason opened, the more he figured out the fun of just ripping open a present...there was even a point when Daniel and I were so proud of him because he had a mess around him! One of the highlights was when Kason received a new leaf blower from Aunt Michelle and DB...

he loves it so much he hardly ever puts it down...maybe just for sleep! He was spoiled rotten this year thanks to everyone...

he has had too much fun playing with all his goodies. There were even points of the weekend where he wouldn't eat or sleep because he was too excited to play...gotta love two year olds! As for Maxers, he hung out with us this time while we opened gifts...

He even let Nana have a little fun with him...

Of course after Mr. Max's bedtime, Kason had to steal all the attention back because he could hardly wait to play with his new Lego's...

Can I just say that Christmas was fantastic this year? I know I probably say that every year, but I just love hanging out with everyone, eating some seriously scrumptious food, and watching the boys play. Due to Max's medical situation, it seems that Christmas was more special to me this year...in that spending time with family is so precious and something we all take for granted. I pray that next year in 2012, we all will take more time to appreciate the loved ones in our lives and not take for granted the gift God has given us each and every day!

Up on the Rooftop...

2011-12-28T08:05:00.001-08:00

Santa Claus came to visit Kason and Max!

Since it was Sunday, we woke Kason up to do presents from us before church and he was just a little bit out of it at first...

After some milk, he decided to perk up and check out his Santa gift...

a red bike just like he asked for!!! Do you remember Pop Rocks? Well, Kason got some candy cane flavored ones in his stocking and wasn't quite sure what to think about it...

Each year, the boys only get three gifts: something they want (Santa gift), something they need, and something we can do together as a family. Kason's something he needed was a green ladder since he always has to "fix" things around the house. Funny story though...

Daniel had to paint the ladder green so he hid it at Aunt Michelle's and DB's house. He snuck it into our house on Christmas Eve and sat it in our bedroom. Daniel and I were cooking dinner when Kason comes running into the kitchen saying, "Hey, did you guys see that green ladder in there?" I stared at Daniel, baffled and had him repeat himself. Kason proceeded to tell us he opened our bedroom door and found it on his own...after the shock...Daniel and I couldn't stop laughing! I'm thinking we just had a major parent fail!!! For Kason's family present he got a...

guitar to rock out while Daddy plays his guitar! Kason being the great big bro that he is also unwrapped all of Max's gifts while he slept. Maxers got a toy for his car seat from Santa, an Under Armor onesie for something he needs, and a guitar rattle to jam with the guys! As for me, I normally don't share all my gifts, but can't contain myself because my husband is amazing...he got me Brad Paisley tickets!!! I'm a huge music junkie and love concerts, so I'm just slightly pumped! :) Due to our crazy stressful year, I gave him a relaxation Christmas and the boys gave him their version of a back massage...

Daniel puts on his shirt I made and the boys drive cars on his back! After all the present unwrapping fun, the boys got ready for church...

Since Mr. Max is still home bound, we stayed home and played...

Max had a great first Christmas...

Although, Daniel and I look forward to him ripping open his own gifts next year along side his big bro!

Here Comes Santa Claus...

2011-12-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

Kason has been soooo excited about Christmas this year and could hardly wait for Santa! Christmas Eve was a big day for him since he knew Santa was coming that night. Therefore, he woke up ready to play...

While the boys kept themselves entertained, I worked like a mad woman to get everything finished for Christmas...that week and a half in the hospital really put me behind! I will say, that I was a little sad because I had a lot of Christmas activities planned to do with Kason that we didn't get to, but I just keep telling myself that at least we all get to be home together for Christmas. Plus, now I have less to plan for next year since I can just recycle the fun! We did have a few activities planned ready to go already with Aunt Michelle, DB, Nana, and Pops while we waited for Santa Claus to arrive! For dinner, Kason helped DB make a Christmas Tree pizza...

Then we had to sprinkle magic reindeer food (thanks to Aunt Shaye) on the ground outside to help steer Santa to the correct house...

Our little reindeer was too excited!

When we came back inside, Kason picked out which goodies to leave for Santa. Of course he happened to choose not only his favorite, but "Santa's" favorite as well...

yummy oreos! We couldn't end the night without the Clayton tradition of reading...

The Night Before Christmas with Pops! Of course, we did have a few problems heading to bed since not only Santa was going to be sneaking into the house in a few hours, but also because there were way too many goodies to play with already!

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T12:01:00.001-08:00

from our little elves...

to yours!

Best Christmas Gift Ever...

2011-12-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

our family is all home together! Max's surgery went really well on Wednesday and since it is the holidays, our surgeon surprised us today by letting us go home early! While I was super excited, I'm not gonna lie...I did have a mini-freak out session. I hadn't quite learned how to take care of all the medically necessary tasks for Max, so we pretty much had a crash course this afternoon. Mr. Max is really doing well considering he has had 3 surgeries in less than a month. I'm telling you he is quite the trooper...

You may be wondering what type of surgery Max actually had. The surgeon placed a feeding tube into his abdomen on the left side and did a Nissen Fundoplication. A Nissen is a procedure that won't allow Max to have any more acid reflux, spit up, or vomit...ever...yes, even as a kid or a teenager. Eventually over time the Nissen will loosen up from growth and he will be able to vomit, but not for many, many years. As for the feeding tube, I will now be able to feed Max just a few drops of formula in a bottle so he can still practice swallowing, but he will now receive all feeds through his G-Tube. I will feed him every 3 hours (4 total) in the day and then he will have a continuous feed for 10 hours through the night. I have a feeling that we may start seeing a little fat under Maxers skin real soon! As you can see, Kason is super excited for his little brother to be home...

as for Max, well...he has been really happy too except for when Kason is smothering him! Can you blame Kason though? Who wouldn't want to smother Mr. Max with kisses? Especially since Dad and Kason have been apart from Max for a week and a half!

So, the Clayton Crew can't thank the surgeon and hospitalist enough for blessing this family with a Christmas together at home!

What this season is all about...

2011-12-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

As Christmas is drawing closer it is even harder for our family to be split apart as we spend time with Max in the hospital. I must say that this little man...

is such a trooper! It is very difficult for him to understand everything that is going on and why our family has been separated so much this past year, but God has blessed Kason with such strong character already that some days we forget he is a two year old and not a little man! We also can't thank our families enough as we basically "wing it" during this holiday season. This weekend was the Maddux Family Christmas so Mimi and Doc came to visit...

Mimi helped me make Max's room more festive by bringing a little holiday cheer to everyone...

If you look closely in the pictures you will even see we wrapped the head of Max's crib with lighted garland as well! Mimi and Doc ordered us yummy Carino's for our Christmas meal...

and one of Santa's favorite helpers brought our gifts...

This little elf really enjoyed opening up not just his gifts, but all of ours...

which was hilarious to watch because he might possibly be the cleanest kid I've ever met. He would rip off small pieces of wrapping paper at a time and then put them in the trash...I mean seriously kid...where is the ripping open of presents? I'm thinking Daniel and I need to really initiate him and maybe have a "present opening training session" before the big day! As for Maxers...

he just hung out in his bed entertaining himself with the endless joy of staring at his hand! During Mimi and Doc's visit, Kason had a special treat of seeing Arthur Christmas at the movies and we even had a sweet friend come sit with Max tonight so we could all go see Christmas lights together...

which of course Kason loved! I couldn't stop smiling while watching him dance and try to stay with the rhythm of the lights on the house that was timed to music. Even though this isn't an ideal situation, what joy to be able to spend time with our loved ones...

'tis the season for family togetherness whether it is around your family tree or around your precious loved ones!

To My Husband...

2011-12-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

my best friend...my counselor...my encourager...my sunshine...my love. Today we celebrated our 9th anniversary by bringing our youngest son to the hospital...which has been our second home (sometimes 1st home) throughout this last year of our marriage. We have faced more struggles through these last three years than some couples face in their lifetime...so I would definitely say we are living up to our family motto, "Enjoy each day of our life as an adventure!" We both joke that our family takes the "scenic route" and I must admit that there isn't another man that I would choose to be by my side through this journey. As with every marriage relationship we have known our bad days but what I love about you is that you always bring the laughter through the heartache. I can't even count the times when you will crack a joke or do something silly while we are in an intense debate (where I am determined to win my side might I add), but then end up smiling from ear to ear with tears realizing how ridiculous our fight was to begin with. You are a man of love, compassion, and integrity. I knew I was choosing well when I met you, but had no clue the full potential of my choice until I have leisurely strolled the scenic route of life with you hand in hand. I can't imagine what the uncertainty and pain you have lived through not always knowing the fate of your wife and both sons on several occasions throughout these past three years...but yet, here you are encouraging, loving, and bringing laughter to not only our home daily, but to the lives of others. Most people feel honored to have the opportunity to be friends with an amazing man like you, but I...I have the immense pleasure of being married to you. I can't thank you enough for revealing God's love to me through your life. I can't thank you enough for showing me what it means to be a real friend. I can't thank you enough for being the best dad a wife could have ever dreamed of to parent children with. It makes my heart smile to see you in our sons and to know that I would be so incredibly proud if they grew up to resemble who you are. You simply amaze me with the way you can't wait to play with Kason immediately when you get home from work...or the patience you have with him when you are really ready to pull your hair out...or the love I see in your eyes when he can't wait to help you "fix" something around the house...or the way you are already teaching him how to take care of a lady by trimming roses from our backyard and filling a vase for our kitchen. I seem to think most days that you are a modern day superhero in husband form! Most people say they hope for another 9 years of happiness and memories...but for me, I know that we didn't just survive these past 9 years, but we lived each day to its fullest with as much fun and laughter as possible. So here is to not just hoping, but confidently knowing that with you as my partner in life and service to God, bring on our forever because we can find the joy through all adventures of life!

Max is Rockin' Out...

2011-12-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

in the hospital...yet again...I know, bummer right?

Unfortunately Max has been really struggling with eating and has lost all the way down to 10 pounds 6 ounces. He is utterly adorable with clothes on, but does look a little scary without any on...I'm thinking he just needs a fat injection! Due to his poor nutrition, Maxers is surgically having a feeding tube placed in his abdomen tomorrow or Friday morning to help increase his daily calories and assist in putting on some much needed pounds. I keep teasing him telling him that I'll gladly give him some of my extra fat, but apparently there isn't a transplant surgery for that just yet! :)

He also has been struggling with respiratory congestion and is being treated for aspiration pneumonia. Who knows how long Daniel and I will be vacationing in the hospital again, but as always will keep everyone updated. Please send up an extra special prayer for him today because he is extremely unhealthy right now and we sure want this little rock star to keep rockin' out with the Clayton Crew!

Miss Sadie Kate is Finally Here...

2011-12-11T14:59:00.001-08:00

So excited to announce that Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan left for the hospital Thursday morning awaiting the arrival of Sadie Kate Dodson. This gorgeous little diva made her grand entrance Thursday night, December 8th at 8:16 pm!

Don't you just love her already? I do! Everyone thinks she looks just like Shaye, except she has the most adorable kissable cheeks! It was really difficult to not be with Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan during this joyous occasion, but I was able to sneak away for a day trip on Saturday and surprise Shaye. Flying round trip to Dallas in a day was tiring, but let me tell you it was most definitely worth my while!

I could not get enough lovin' with my favorite niece and am already missing her! I first went to the hospital to meet Sadie, but then was tickled when Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan let me ride with them as they brought Sadie home for the first time...

Her going home gown I think already establishes her sense of style and I can hardly wait to watch her blossom over the years...

The Clayton Crew cherishes the Dodson family...

and we can't wait for the cousins to grow up together! Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan will be amazing parents and we look forward to seeing the way this new little sunshine lights up their life...

*You can check out Shaye and Bryan's blog to see their amazing delivery story here!

Holiday Fun...

2011-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

We have had to put our ABC learning on hold as our days are filled with holiday fun! Daniel and Kason picked out a real tree for our front room...

and this tree is solely Kason's! We are slowly finding and creating decorations for the tree...I'll post a picture when Kason has finished his masterpiece! Kason and Addy wrapped their books for their gift exchange at preschool...

They picked out their wrapping paper and tag...I folded...they taped...I mean seriously taped! I don't think there was a square inch tape free on the back side! Kason and I wrote a letter to Santa using pictures he and Daniel printed out together...

I asked him questions and he answered by telling me what to write in his letter: Dear Santa, I have made good choices and have been a good boy this year. I even helped mommy with my new baby brother and helped daddy pump the bike tires. I would really like a red bike and a green ladder. Thank you for Jesus and pray. Love, Kason...I love that last line! I asked him if there was anything else he wanted to tell Santa and that is what he said word for word...hilarious. You can tell he is learning a lot in bible class too because the other day at lunch I saw him making this creation out of his food...

he told me he it was Noah's Ark and the raisins were the animals...I love his little imagination!

Cheers for Mr. Max...

2011-12-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

So happy to report that Max finally sat through an entire ABR testing to check his hearing...it only took us four tries over the last four months, but hey...we finally made it through! Good news is that his hearing loss isn't as significant as we originally thought. He only has mild to moderate loss in his right ear.

The audiologist said we would test again in about 6 months to see his progression. If the results are similar, then they will recommend a hearing aid with low amplification so that Max doesn't lose any ground in regards to speech. Until then, the Clayton Crew is going to keep working and playing with this little love bug to help him grow!

Ever since Max has come home from the NICU he has hated his bumbo chair...I'm guessing he has some weird negative vibes and association with that thing! Since he loves to sit up and look around, my sneaky little momma self got smart. I move his high chair onto our coffee table so he can be part of the action with the big kids and practice working out his tummy muscles so he can learn to sit up...and he loves it!

*On a side note, Kason got his first bloody nose and busted lip yesterday during PE at preschool! Unfortunately we don't have a cool story to share, just that he bulldozed the floor with his face...

Daniel and I are pretty sure we have many more to come in our near future with this rough and tumble little man! Watch out Christmas pictures...here comes a fat lip!

It's Beginning to Look...

2011-12-05T09:43:00.001-08:00

a lot like Christmas! The house is decorated, we have Christmas music lingering in the background most days, and there has definitely been some snuggling under blankets by the fire already this season! Then this morning Kason woke up to a special treat...

snow on the ground! Of course we had to bundle up and see first hand...

Kason and Addy had a lot of fun golfing in the snow and trying to catch a few flakes...

Now we are back inside trying to warm up our tootsies! The Clayton Crew hopes your home is filled with as much laughter...

warmth, and joy as ours is throughout the wintry season!

North Pole Breakfast...

2011-12-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

This morning, Santa sent one of his little helpers from the North Pole to visit Kason for a few weeks before Christmas...

Kason feasted on snow frosted donuts and candy cane kisses swallowed down by hot chocolate with floating glaciers!

Kason decided to name his new elf friend Donner after one of Santa's reindeers. He was so excited because Donner brought him a special gift...

Merry-Okee...a Christmas karaoke microphone that plays music and changes your voice to be like an elf! Kason is already having so much fun pretending to be an elf that Daddy said it may "accidentally break" sometime in the near future!

And the countdown begins...

2011-12-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

to Christmas...the Clayton Crew's favorite holiday! We are so excited at our house because we have an advent calendar to countdown the days to when Santa Claus plans on visiting two little adorable boys...

You will have to check back to see all the fun activities and goodies that Daniel and I have conjured up for our little man! This season is also beginning to be more fun this year in particular because Kason is starting to understand more. He is sooooo excited about Santa Claus and has already told us (very specifically might I add) what he wants: 1. a red bike and 2. a green ladder..isn't that hilarious?!? As for Mr. Max...

I think his only wish is to feel better and I'm pretty sure that has already been taken care of! We have had a few days of super fussiness and wasn't quite sure what was going on...we thought he might just be super sore from surgery. Then yesterday, he woke up in the best mood and has been playing like crazy...

The only concern we really have right now with him is that he lost over a pound with everything going on so he is now exactly 11 pounds. You know for us, we may be throwing a little happy dance, but unfortunately for him he needs all the extra pounds he can pack on. I keep trying to convince him just how amazing food really is, but he hasn't quite caught on yet...unlike our other little guy. Don't worry, the rest of us Clayton Crew intend on bringing him over to the dark side real soon...maybe we can even convince him to add a few fat rolls!

As of right now, we are just so happy to have this precious gift at home with us. And don't you be sitting there thinking, "Wow...she has already shopped and wrapped." Oh-no, I'm not wonder woman! Since we are also counting down to the day our favorite niece is born, my mom brought their gifts on their last visit in case they were preoccupied cooing with another baby! Hopefully pictures will be coming real soon of a new addition to the Maddux side of our family tree...we can't wait Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan!

Swagger Wagon...

2011-11-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

I have seriously embraced motherhood in a huge way because a couple of weeks ago Daniel and I became proud new owners of a Toyota Sienna...that is right my friends, a mini-van! I learned my lesson of never saying never again because I was adamantly opposed to driving such a "mom" car. Due to Daniel's car starting to break down, we began to explore possibilities of SUV's with a third row seat for our new family car, but quickly realized that an oh-so "hip" van was the right fit for our needs. Best part is...

the kids love it! No more Kason trying to chew on Max's oxygen cord or sticking his grubby fingers in his face...that is right...we all have plenty of room. I actually can't believe I'm about to confess this...*sigh*...I agree with the kids...*sigh*...I absolutely love it!

Yes, I still shake my head and remind myself when searching for my vehicle in a parking lot that this mom mobile is my new baby. But when you are walking to load up with two toddlers, an infant carrier, diaper bag, purse, oxygen tank...you know, mom essentials....and all you have to do is press one tiny button and the doors open...I'm telling you it is motherhood heaven! Out are the days of juggling and balancing while loading everyone up and in are the days of pure practical bliss. I'm in love my friends and hopefully you won't be too embarrassed to still send a smile or a friendly wave my way when you see me rolling up in my new swagger wagon!

*You can check out our new ride by watching: Swagger Wagon

10 Months Old...

2011-11-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

Mr. Max is finally home after an extended hospital vacation. He is doing really well considering he just had two brain surgeries in one week. He is finally holding down all his bottles, but we aren't back to full feeds yet. Poor guy has had to basically live in his nap nanny for about two weeks to keep the fluid draining. During all this craziness, Maxers turned 10 months!

He is still developmentally about a 4 month old and is still weighing around 12 pounds. He isn't really doing anything new, but he did discover that he has a...

foot! It is hilarious because now he lifts up his left hand and left foot to look at. At the hospital, he was grabbing the cord and pulling his foot closer to him! Oh the simple things in life that entertain us! The other thing that keeps Max occupied are rattles...

he loves to shake them like crazy...that is until he bonks his head and starts crying! I know you may think that is sad, but Daniel and I are so excited to see him playing like a baby!

Turkey Day 2012...

2011-11-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

What could be better than spending the day with this little pumpkin...

or this adorable little turkey?

The Clayton Crew had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We were blessed to spend the day with really great company: Nana and Pops...

All of us enjoyed a day of watching the parade, tossing around the football, making turkey day crafts...

like this fun puppet! We also enjoyed making cinnamon crisps with left over pie crust thanks to Nana...

and of course we can't leave out the seriously good food! We had a couple of dips to snack on...

before the feast!

This holiday I decided to make a little more low key so we could show case Kason's fabulous turkey centerpiece...

Since we were all about turkeys, Kason just had to have a turkey drink...

And yes friends, I was the torturous mother who made their kids take the dreaded sibling picture!

As you can tell, Max wasn't too happy with me...what can I say...I was just too excited to be home with my boys! The torture ended soon enough with Maxers passing out...

After all the gobbling, Daniel and I wobbled down to the hospital with Max late last night because we were concerned he was getting too dehydrated. We met up with our neurosurgeon and he decided that Mr. Max needed the shunt, so he operated on him around 1:00 am this morning. Max is doing great, just resting today and is slowly eating better. Even though we were sad that Max had to be operated on again, we are so thankful that he will now have permanent relief. Even after an eventful Thanksgiving, Daniel and I are so thankful to share our days with our adorable boys...God is good!

We Are Outta There...

2011-11-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

Max finally stuck his thumb out long enough for the doctors to release him so he could hitch a ride home for the holidays! Big brother came to the hospital everyday to help cheer Maxers up...

and then entertained the rest of us with his karate chopping ninja skills...

We are glad to finally be home and let Max settle back in. Even though he is acting his normal self, he is still struggling with keeping anything down or even wanting to eat. All that vomiting seems to just wear him out...

Thankfully he still has enough energy to charm us all...

with those big baby blues! Now time to go into crazy mode and get everything ready for Thanksgiving!

Tough Guy...

2011-11-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Mr. Max is doing so good! He has handled getting back into his schedule and is sleeping well which we are thankful for. The only problem we are having now is that he isn't eating very much and is having a difficult time keeping it down. We are staying for sure one more night to help with his fluid intake and monitoring. Kason is sure missing his buddy, so he colored a picture for him...

Since we moved out of the ICU into a regular room on the pediatric floor, Kason was able to visit for a little bit...

as you can tell, he was a little excited! Of course I didn't mind the visit either since I am missing my other little man. I tell you what, Daniel and I have a couple little gladiators on our hands because these two don't give up without a fight! I am so proud of our little tough guy...

Holla...

2011-11-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

Max just wanted to say "holla" to everyone and let you know that he is doing great. His endoscopic third ventriculostomy (official surgery name) went well this morning in regards to immediately relieving pressure and fluid from the brain. Unfortunately, our doctor said that everything looked worse than he originally thought and therefore will most likely have to put a shunt in. Max is going to have another MRI in a few weeks and we will go from there on what step to take next. As of right now, he is zonked out in the PICU and oh so adorable...even with a few stitches. We will be in the hospital through the weekend and then I'm positive we can all make a jail break run for it by Monday :)! Thanks again for all of our prayer warrior friends lifting our little fighter up for us...we love you and appreciate you more than you know.

Our Favorite Turkey...

2011-11-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today was Kason's Thanksgiving lunch at Superkids so Daniel and I stopped by to hang out with our little turkey.

Kason had a lot of fun gobbling down goodies...

and hanging out with his buddies...

Jayton and Ryan! I think Mrs. Lara has a little bit of trouble on her hands with these three turkeys!

B is for...

2011-11-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

bumble bee, boy, birds, backpack...the list could go on and on as we discovered studying the letter b! Unfortunately, life has been a little crazy around the Clayton Crew household so we did a little sampling of the letter b over several scattered days throughout a few weeks. A few of our activities included playing baseball...

our little Babe Ruth...

has gotten really good at smacking the ball to the fence! Kason and Addy had way to much fun stomping on some bubble wrap...

Of course we couldn't go without bugs...

so we not only sorted some, but we also watched "A Bug's Life". One of my favorite days was pajama day where we had a book party...

under a tent!

For our breakfast, Addy, Kason, and I baked Banana Nut Bread. Then we just had to play doctor and go through two packages of Band-Aids...that is right friends...two packages...I think I need to hit up the Dollar Store for more :). We had boo-boos everywhere! Check back next week as we explore the letter C!

Our Little Love Bug...

2011-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Mr. Max is slowly, but surely growing and getting better little by little. Not a day goes by where Daniel and I don't thank God for our precious addition to this family...

even through the uncertainty of his life and the struggles that we have endured as a family through this situation...we are blessed with the joy he brings to the Clayton Crew. All three of us can't wait until Max can join us in our family fun instead of hanging out on the sidelines...

Until then, we are going to keep working with our little love bug! The Occupational Therapist has Max wearing a spiffy red brace on his right hand...

and he doesn't quite know what think...

Max actually doesn't mind wearing it, which is a good thing because he has to wear it most of the day. Due to his brain hemorrhage on the left side of his brain, we have been told that he will most likely have cerebral palsy on his right side. While there is movement there, we have noticed that he doesn't actually use his right arm or hand unless you force him. His right hand stays clenched most of the time, so the brace has two purposes: 1. to help open up his right hand and 2. for his brain to remember he has a right side. The brace works well for him because he has started to not only look at his right hand, but will try to suck on the brace!

Trick or Treat...

2011-10-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun filled day of Halloween activities. Kason, Addy, and I partied all day before going to Trunk-or-Treat tonight at the church. Beware...this is picture overload on this post! The cute little ghosts started the day off with a Jack-O-Lantern Toss...

followed by a little ghost bowling...

after that they went on a mummy hunt...

The little munchkins also colored a Halloween page, played with stickers, and of course had endless fun with balloons (they seem to keep these two entertained for long periods of time)! Since we were ghosts today, we had to make some artwork to match...

After all this fun, we topped off our morning with a spooky lunch before nap...

mummy bananas, spider cookies, bat sandwiches, and ghost poop swallowed down with the oh-so quenching orange milk! Don't worry, Max held his own with these two sugar high toddlers...

I'm still not quite sure how he was able to nap with all the running and "Boo" screaming that was taking place! After our eventful day, Kason transformed into a golfer to go sneak some treats...

Our little Payne Stewart is at that phase in picture taking where all he says is cheese and I can't seem to catch him smiling sometimes...so please excuse some of his funny faces!

After trick-or-treating, Kason participated in the carnival games with our college kids...

which of course he loved since most of them contained some form of hitting or throwing an object! Thanks to Aunt Michelle, all three of us were able to enjoy a night out...

hopefully next year we will be able to add another little trick-or-treater to our festive night!

9 Months Old...

2011-10-31T10:51:00.001-07:00

Mr. Max is inching even closer to his first birthday as he is now a 9 month old...adjusted he is a 6 month old...in reality he is developmentally around a 4 month old. Maxers is finally weighing around 12 pounds. He is no longer just batting at objects...Max now reaches for objects and grasps them in his hands. Daniel and Kason started a game with him where they will smack their lips and Max will return the sound. It is hilarious to play with him and Max has even started the smacking to see if anyone is around!

Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan sent us Max's Christmas gift early and it is the most amazing thing...may I introduce you to the Nap Nanny. I had looked at one while he was in the hospital, but never did take the plunge in purchasing it. When we were in Frisco, Max borrowed his cousins and fell in love. I even rig it at times so he has toys and a mirror to play with...

then of course he wears himself out...

and catches some needed zzz's! Max sleeps really well and occasionally has rough nights like most babies. He still has his extremely fussy days, but those are decreasing in number. Max is starting to really enjoy being held even more and more along with interacting with with others. He really likes his big bro...

often times if he starts fussing Kason will cheer him up. I even heard Kason telling him one day, "It's okay Max...Mommy is taking good care of you." So sweet!

I never seem to get tired of watching my boys adore each other!

Raider Power...

2011-10-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Kason was soooo excited yesterday because Daniel took him to his first Red Raider football game!

He practiced yelling for the team all morning getting ready for the big game...we practiced getting our guns up and shouting "Raider Power"! He could hardly stand it! One of our college students plays football for Tech, so he also had to practice cheering him on.

It has been really cold here lately, but our little warrior refused to bundle up! You can tell by the evidence of a snotty nose and a red face how cold he was. Daniel said he finally gave up and wore his Tech sweatshirt.

Kason had so much fun and we already can't wait to take him back again next year...hopefully all of us can go then because I am missing me some football action!

Couples Baby Shower...

2011-10-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I threw a couples baby shower for Shaye and Bryan along with their good friend Jenny James. We had so much fun planning a UT Football themed shower for a baby girl by blinging it up with leopard! Every guest received a leopard football invitation in the mail inviting them to help Bryan and Shaye get ready for the big game day...

Front door wreath...

The frame above read..."Every girl should be three things: classy and fabulous with a love of burnt orange!"

The canvas above read..."Some girls are just born with glitter and burnt orange in their veins!"

Of course we had to have concession stand of food!

Jenny and I had to "Call a timeout and say thanks before Shaye pops!"

Waitin' on My Niece...

2011-10-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the privilege of taking Shaye and Bryan's Maternity Photos! Here are a few that I loved...

Isn't Shaye the cutest preggers?

Halloween Happenings...

2011-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Kason and Addy had one fun morning at SuperKids because it was their Halloween Carnival! I dropped off two of the cutest kids...

a precious ghost and an old timey golfer! My parents hung out with Max this morning so I could help out with the carnival which was a hoot!

My mom helped me make popcorn balls last night for Kason's class, so he could hardly wait to come home from school today to try one...

Kason and I like to treat his teacher each month, so to go along with the Halloween theme we made Ms. Lara...

Witch's Brew which contains a yummy jar of ingredients for Smores Bars!

Max's Upcoming Procedure...

2011-10-24T08:02:00.001-07:00

The neurosurgeon decided not to wait the original 6-8 weeks and called us back in for another consult this past week. He decided that we need to go ahead and do an endoscope on Mr. Max to help drain the fluid. Therefore, Max will be having surgery on Friday morning. The hope is that the procedure will release pressure in his brain and help resolve the hydrocephalus that has developed on the left side of his brain. If the surgery works for him long term then it may save him from having a shunt put in...which would be fantastic. Unfortunately this means me and the little guy will be hanging out in the hospital all weekend long...

bummer! But, if it helps him feel better in the long run then it is totally worth it. Please say another prayer for our little warrior!

Twinkie Celebration...

2011-10-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Our family has adopted a new tradition we are all excited about, so last night we held our very first Twinkie Party! Throughout the year any time someone in our family has something exciting to celebrate, then they will receive a themed little gathering where the main dish is the oh-so tasty Twinkies! *What is so great about this tradition is the entire party costs less than $5!* Last night we had a Little Man Party...

in honor of our little man getting rid of his binka (aka pacifier)! I decorated our plates with appropriate attire...

poured us all milk (Kason's favorite)...

and also made sure everyone had their mustaches ready...

Kason invited Aunt Michelle and DB to join us...

we all had a blast! Daniel took Kason to go pick out any balloon he wanted for the party which he thought was way too cool. We sang "If You're Happy and You Know It" together and celebrated with Kason as he is leaving baby days behind and growing up to be our little man!

My Seriously Good Looking Guys...

2011-10-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

my...my...I sure am surrounded by some handsome fellas!

A is for...

2011-10-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

apple, ant, airplane, arm, alligator, and Addy! The little munchkins had a great week studying the letter A. We started by apple stamping...

after two stamps, Kason was more interested in smearing the paint!

We made some fun snacks like ants on a log...

and alligator chompers...

We also searched for ants outside, but I think the most fun we had was playing charades. Being an alligator was the kids favorite...

I'm thinking charades will be a weekly keeper because we had too much fun flying around as an airplane and eating each other up with our alligator chomps!

What a Trooper...

2011-10-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

This poor little guy has so many doctor appointments and therapy visits that it is a full time job for me just taking care of him! On Tuesday, after dropping the big kids off at pre-school we had a neurosurgeon appointment followed by an ENT visit...which was all during his nap time overflowing into his next feeding time. He finally gave up and passed out on the doctor's table! The neurosurgeon is still trying to find the best route in resolving his brain hemorrhage so we are going back for another consult in 6-8 weeks. The doctor is concerned that he is too thin to do a surgery or even to go in and scope out what is going on. Since he is fairly stable, he wants to wait until he gains a couple more pounds so we can lower his risk of infection. When we go back in a few more weeks, we will hopefully have more answers on what we need to do to help Mr. Max out. He is getting better every day in so many ways, but fluid continuing to build up around his left side of the brain can't be too pleasant for the little guy. Please keep praying for our little fighter!

Do You Ever Wonder...

2011-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

what life is like with two year olds or do you remember what life was like with a two year old...

that is right friends...messy fun! Yesterday, the kids had Mr. Potato Head going along with Lego's followed by some jumping on the bed fun! As you can see, we have a blast every morning. And yes, I do let the kids play until their heart is content which usually means one disastrous house that one must tip toe through in order to not puncture their foot with a plastic toy. No worries though because these guys are pros at cleaning up and have everything back in place by lunch time! We all love to "get each other" as the kids call it...

sometimes intermingled with tickles and giggles someone might sneak a kiss in...

usually it is me, but yesterday it was Kason! These kids play so hard that their is no contesting sleep time. You know how some kids go to sleep with a stuffed animal...

well ours is obsessed with sports and last nights choice was to sleep with his soccer ball!

Jam Session...

2011-10-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, Daniel and I took Kason to his first official concert...The David Crowder Band.

To say the Clayton Household hearts Crowder is an understatement, it is more like the Clayton Household SERIOUSLY hearts Crowder! We met up with the Roberson clan...

Kason had so much fun seeing friends and jamming out with the music. He kept dancing, clapping, and pointing to the stage saying "David Crowder Band up there"!

Daniel and I enjoyed a family date night with our little man...

we may have possibly damaged some of his hearing, but I'm thinking it was totally worth it for a jam session with other Crowder groupies!

Get a Whiff our Our Weekly Fun...

2011-09-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Kason and Addy have been exploring their 5 senses this week. We have spent a ton of time outside because not only is it fantastic weather, but it is a great place to discover our senses. Our home is near a busy road and a fire station, so we had a great time listening to the cars. We would play a game to figure out what type of car was driving by...a fire truck, ambulance, or Kason's favorite, a motorcycle. Kason and Addy also loved listening to the birds chirping. I attempted to play I-Spy with them...that may take a few more times to catch on! Daniel just planted flowers outside, so we enjoyed "sniffing" them (their words). Our cooking activity this week was making Rice Krispie Treats...

I thought it was a great texture for them to touch and help press down the yummy treat into the pan. They didn't quite know what to think about the stickiness of the marshmallows and we even had a little panic attack at one point! Of course my little pig finally started eating it off of his hands when he realized it was scrumptious and there was no need to panic...he then proceeded to lick the bowl clean...yep, he is definitely a Clayton! Today, Kason and Addy painted in the bath tub...

which they loved...who wouldn't, right?...Any chance to get messy!

A lot of giggles and squiggles were taking place!

By the end of our "painting session" the entire tub (and some walls) were covered along with two wiggling toddlers! When it came time to clean up, I think they had just as much fun filling up their bowls with water and dumping it around the tub and on themselves. Tune in next week as we begin to practice our ABC's!

8 Months Old...

2011-09-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Mr. Max is 8 months old by his birth date, 5 months adjusted from his due date, but developmentally is between a 3 and 4 month old. He is still cute as a button and I just love to steal all his kisses! Max is extremely skinny and is only weighing 11 pounds, 11 ounces. I started putting him in 3 month clothing because I was tired of all his other clothes...therefore, they are a little huge, but he's still adorable...just has a saggy bottom! Max is growing really well in length and is now measuring 24 inches. Our nutritionist is worried about his weight and since he burns more calories than a normal baby does just by breathing and he is only drinking a small amount, she decided we needed to try adding a little more calorie and fat to his bottles...so we are now to put Canola oil in each bottle...weird huh? I guess whatever puts a little roll on those legs is worth it!

Max is finally really enjoying play time and being held for an extended period of time...I am talking longer than his usual 15 minutes! Kason is having too much fun playing with him. The other day I had the boys on the counter playing while I cooked dinner and I was just beaming to watch the two of them interact with each other. Yes, Max is still having trouble sitting up, so when he starts to fall over like the previous picture, we have to blanket him in the bumbo to prop him up!

I can already tell that these two are going to be the best of friends...

or maybe just wrestling buddies!

Circles, Squares...

2011-09-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

and triangles...oh my! These guys are too much fun to play with everyday! Don't worry, we have our moments of craziness and time outs...but overall they are great kids. Last week we studied one of Kason's favorite things...shapes!

I created a hopscotch in the hallway out of shapes. Kason and Addy had fun bouncing around from shape to shape. As you can tell, Kason learned how to cheat and brace against the wall for support...at least he is learning how to problem solve! Kason cracks me up because for some random reason this guy loves hexagons! We also made peanut butter play dough that is edible...

I gave the kids mini cookie cutters to cut shapes out with. If you look closely, we had to have a ball of yummy to eat in one hand while Kason cut out shapes with his other hand! We also had a fun time playing with the shape sorters and picking out shapes in everyday objects. I am still amazed by how smart two year olds are!

Brotherly Love...

2011-09-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Kason is always trying to help me feed Max by holding his bottle or patting him with me while burping. Since Max is finally eating like a pro...in 30 minutes with each bottle...I decided today was a great day for him to really help.

Kason thought he was such a big boy and couldn't stop beaming at Max and then at me. He only held him for a little bit, but it was enough to definitely make his day! He tells me all the time, "I love Max".

Earlier today Kason was holding Max's hand, talking to him, and laughing. Before we knew it, Max looked right at Kason and cooed. It was precious to see our boys bonding for the first time...not just Max being attacked with brotherly love from Kason!

Cheers for Max...

2011-09-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

We are having a huge pep rally at the Clayton Household cheering on Max because he finally learned how to suck his thumb!

I know that probably sounds silly to most, but if you lived with this little guy then you would create your own cheering section for him! Mr. Max unfortunately is an extremely fussy baby and cries a lot...I mean, a lot. Once or twice a week he will cry for 2 hours straight and there is nothing you can do to soothe him or calm him down. I mean NOTHING...holding in various positions, rocking, swaying, bouncing, play gym, bumbo, swing, feeding, mobile...it is really sad because you just have to let him cry it out in his bed. Max just figured out that when he is really upset he can stick that little thumb in and it instantly begins to soothe him. Of course he has to whine to me a little bit intermingled with sucking his thumb, but then he usually gives up and calms down. Max wakes up crying a minimum of 4 times a night (crying varies from 10 minutes to 2 hours) and last night was heavenly because he put himself back to sleep in less than 5 minutes each time...WOW is all I can say...I actually got sleep!!! Daniel and I met with a neurosurgeon today to get an MRI scheduled to make sure his brain hemorrhage is taking care of itself and he doesn't need a shunt put in...if he needs a shunt then it means that Max is having inter-cranial pressure which is like having a headache 24/7...therefore the crying makes complete sense, just sad for Mom and Dad who can't help make him feel better.

When Max is happy and awake, he is a complete joy! He is still enjoying looking at his hands and is starting to hold on to objects other than hands or blankets...

Max is rolling completely from his back to his tummy so he now prefers to sleep that way. Another huge break through is that when Max is finished eating he will allow me to hold him in a cradle hold and he will look at me! This is huge for two reasons: 1. Max doesn't like being held up close to your body unless he just finished eating and is about to go to sleep and 2. Max doesn't like to look at you straight in the face much less the eyes. Now he will lay in my arms, look at me while I visit with him, and coo occasionally...it is motherhood bliss! Therefore, I think Max deserves cheers all around!

What a Great Week...

2011-09-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

It felt like we were a normal family, not isolated in our house by ourselves...it was fabulous! Daniel and I have been extremely cautious about a lot of people coming to meet Max, but we couldn't deny our good friends...The Roberson Family, so we had them over for dinner on Tuesday.

Kason had more fun playing with Kyle, Katy, and Kesley...

he was even a party animal and stayed up past bedtime! Then yesterday, I took Addy and Kason to the Science Spectrum for a little playtime...

which they both loved and were all smiles!

He made music and bubbles...

Kason loves firetrucks and was so bummed when he couldn't get past the wall to drive it...

at least he was able to play with a tractor...

One of my favorite times was when he put on a puppet show...

he made my heart smile!

1...2...Buckle My Shoe

2011-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

3...4...we learn numbers more! This week the little stinkers reviewed their numbers. Kason, Addy, and I counted...a lot...this week. We decorated our favorite numbers...

We also practiced writing our numbers...

in shaving cream! Kason could draw a one as you can see above (a simple straight line), but his interpretation of the other numbers was pretty funny. I also drew dots with the cream for us to count...

which Addy loved since she wasn't too interested in getting her hands dirty. Kason on the other hand...

had a blast! Last night I ran to the store and I came home to giggles and saw this...

one little man pigging out on oreos with his daddy!

Of course Daniel tried to justify it by saying they were "counting their oreos" before they ate them! Hey, at least we got dad involved in our counting craziness!

I know...I know...

2011-09-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

It just takes time, but as a mom of a preemie like Max and even Kason, you are really uncertain of what the future will look like for them. Due to Max's history, even though you know he isn't developmentally equivalent to his age, it is still hard to see other babies who were born around the same time doing so many things your little one isn't. Therefore when he finally meets a developmental milestone, it is a huge celebration!!! I am so proud to say that Mr. Max...

finally figured out he has something called hands and these weird long skinny things move them around! He has been hilarious to watch this week as he tries to move this hand in front of his face with a perplexed look. During his breathing treatments the last two days he has even been trying to reach his hands towards the nebulizer. The last two weeks have been refreshing to see the way Maxers (as Kason and I call him occasionally) is starting to grow out of the newborn stage. He even started rolling from his back to his side! It seems as though we now have a 3 month old on our hands...yahoo!

Shhh...Don't Tell...

2011-09-10T17:20:00.001-07:00

we snuck Max out of the house to go visit family last weekend! Daniel and I figured that if he was home bound here, why couldn't he be home bound at Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan's house too?

We really do have to go on lock down without Max getting out of the house except for appointments once November gets here and sick season really begins...therefore we thought sneaking out now was good timing. Besides, Uncle Bryan hasn't been able to meet Max before due to his treatments so we thought it was about time!

My parents drove up so we could see each other. The boys were troopers on the trip which made the trip even better. Max doesn't handle change really well, but he acted like nothing phased him!

Kason of course was too excited to see everyone and he basked in the glory of special attention. He recently has started watching small amounts of TV and movies so he fell in love with Aunt Shaye and Uncle Bryan's media room.

Kason and I do a lot of singing and dancing everyday, so when a song came on our favorite TV channel Nick Jr., he just couldn't contain himself...

as you can see my sister falls into the same category as me...what can I say, we know how to have a good time! Kason couldn't wait to meet his new cousin that we have talked so much about...

he kept patting Shaye's tummy saying her name (which I am unable to disclose at this time). Isn't Shaye's tummy just precious? She is 27 weeks and due around the beginning of December...I can hardly wait! On our way home, we couldn't help our selves so we stopped in to see Nana and Pops...

Kason had a great time playing outside in the amazing weather we have been having lately. Max and I relaxed all day which was fabulous. Of course, Max couldn't help but get some good lovin' too...

All in all, the four of us had a great time and I can't even begin to express how fantastic it was to get out of the house. I didn't go anywhere on the trip except to two houses, but still the change of scenery and good company was worth my while!

First Day of Preschool...

2011-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of Superkids and Kason was so excited...

we couldn't keep up with him on his way to class!

We look forward a fun year with Mrs. Lara's Zebra Class!

Color Party!

2011-09-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

This past week Kason and Addy reviewed their colors. Addy was a pro, but I am still debating if our little man is color blind...or it could just be that he is too busy playing to care about colors! Throughout the week we played with play dough, sorted our snacks (goldfish, fruit salad, m&m's...you know...fun kid food), and even had the special treat of coloring with markers. Of course Kason is wondering...

"Why can't I play with markers everyday? It is not like they are messy or anything!" Then on Friday we celebrated our colors by having a color party!

I decorated the living room with streamers and balloons. When the kids woke up I passed out colorful party beads!

Addy and Kason enjoyed green eggs for breakfast along with colored milk!

All three of us had a balloon fight...

and we ended the day with finger painting a rainbow!

By the end of the week Kason was saying most of his colors...especially brown and black which I am thinking may be his favorites.

7 Months Old...

2011-09-03T14:28:00.001-07:00

Max is officially 7 months old according to his birth date, adjusted he is 4 months old, but in reality (developmentally speaking) he is a 2 month old. He has finally figured out that he has a tongue...

and he loves to wiggle it around! Mr. Max is also finally cooing!!! It is so much fun to hear him make little noises and they actually sound like a mini-laugh. Max has finally started to bring his hands together mid line and it is adorable watching him hold his own hands. He still doesn't know how to self soothe, but he is finally starting to try to suck his thumb. He doesn't quite have the hang of it yet, but he is catching on. One of my favorite things he is currently doing is making hilarious faces...

I think he is channeling Elvis..."Hunk-a-Hunk-a-Burnin' Love" baby!

Random Acts of Sweetness...

2011-08-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

Even though Kason is all boy and is our rambunctious little man, he has such a sweet heart. He loves to care for other people and it is so exciting to watch him at such a young age show random acts of sweetness. As I have previously shared, he enjoys taking care of his baby and pushing him around in his stroller...

but last night I noticed that he also enjoys taking care of...

his cars! This stroller also comes in handy because I have Kason help me put laundry away so we load it up with what he has to put away and whisks it away to our rooms! I also wanted to share a few other random acts of sweetness that have happened these past few days...

1. The other night we were playing hide and seek under the blanket while laying on the couches. Daniel and Kason were hiding under the blanket and I was supposed to figure out where they were which was so difficult due to Kason's giggles, wiggling toes sneaking out under the blanket, and Daniel saying shhhh, but somehow I still found them! Daniel said something along the lines of hiding so mom can't see us and Kason somehow thought Daniel said Jesus. Therefore, Kason pops his head up and tells us, "I'd give my blankie to Jesus!" We all began to smile and we said, "Wow Kason, that is a big deal". Then he responded to us by saying, "Yeah...I'd give my binka to Jesus!" Daniel and I melted because if you know Kason this is HUGE...he won't part with either his blankie or binka with anyone...they are attached, but apparently, for Jesus he would give everything!

2. Like I have mentioned in the previous post, Kason adores Addy. So whenever I ask Kason to help Addy with something, he puts his hand at the small of her back (like a little gentleman) and escorts her to wherever we are headed in the house. Don't you just love his manners already?

3. We like to head butt around our house so I got really scared when Kason sat by me and said, "I have to head butt Max." I nearly panicked, but told myself to remain calm because I don't want to freak out on Kason while Max is in my lap and scare either one of them...but before I could do anything, Kason got real close to Max and gently laid his forehead on his then looked at him and smiled real big. It was such a sweet gesture and now I guess Max has officially been initiated into the Clayton Crew!

Introducing...

2011-08-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

the Anderle family!

Meet our friends Joni, Addy, and Bradley. Joni is a fellow teacher friend and asked if Addy could come play with Kason during the school year. Kason is super excited to have a new play buddy. Addy is the most precious little lady and Kason just adores her. They play so well together and are learning how to share amazingly. Kason cracked me up the other day because he was marching over to take something Addy was playing with, then he stopped and said out loud, "I have to share"...then walked away and found another toy! I couldn't believe it! Kason has really thrived with Addy around this week and it has been especially nice when taking care of Max throughout the day. Max is such a trooper with these two...he amazes me how he can sleep through everything...I mean screaming, running, banging. (Maybe I should record that noise to play at night to get Max to sleep!) The other morning there was a bathroom situation with the big kids I had to attend to while feeding Max so I laid him down on the couch for just a quick minute and this is what I came back to...

Our days are full and busy so I have created a daily schedule (shocker huh?). Along with outside playtime, free time, eating, nap, etc. I am planning daily activities for Kason and Addy so that they can learn through discovery play. This week we had fun reviewing our body parts. Kason and Addy made monster faces with stickers, we the sang "Head and Shoulders" song, read books labeling body parts on characters...that sort of thing. I also plan on having these two cuties bake with me once a week...

Today we made banana nut bread for breakfast tomorrow! They did so good helping me...

I am thinking I may need to make them smaller aprons...

Oh-well...they are precious anyway! I just know these two are going to be chefs before the end of the year! That is if we can keep them from spilling everything or licking everything in Kason's case...

Check back every week as I share Kason and Addy's journey through their second year of life together!

I Heart Nap Time...

2011-08-20T09:15:00.001-07:00

We have been home now as a family for nearly a month and I must confess something...I am exhausted! It is a joy to stay home with my guys, but I didn't quite realize how tiring watching two kids was compared to one...or should I say watching a baby along with a bundle of energy.

This little man is really turning into a pre-schooler not a toddler anymore. I even had to run to the store to buy him 3T play clothes this week...yes, you heard me right...3T! Can you believe it, he isn't even 2 1/2 yet! To go along with his growing size is his growing attitude. We are still dealing with his aggressive behavior of hitting and throwing things (please tell me this will end sometime!) and now we can add into the mix of him trying to tell us what to do...yes "trying" is the operative word. Of course you would never know because in true kid style, he saves all of his bad choices for home! I know Kason is trying to to figure out this whole independence thing, but I am beginning to think that time out may not be working quite as effectively as it was. Daniel and I also have to be careful to make sure he doesn't see us laughing after he has just made a bad choice. We usually look at each other and say, "Did he really just do that?" On the bright side of things he is still a really good and happy kid, just growing up...

Kason has fallen in love with cars and all transportation in general! We made a tent this week to play under and even had a picnic lunch...

I must also share with you that I love bible class at church. The other day we were reading one of his transportation books and when we were on the boat page, he said "Where is the ark?"

As for Mr. Max, well he is still chugging along fighting off the not so gentle love of Kason. Little siblings seem to become bullet proof thanks to their older siblings! Kason tries so hard to be calm and gentle, but he just gets too excited sometimes about Max...which in reality isn't a bad thing at all.

Max has a ton of appointments coming up in the next few weeks (audiologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, opthamologist, etc.) so I will keep you updated on what we find out. Please keep him (and us) in your prayers because he has been waking up screaming bloody murder in his sleep for several nights now and we aren't quite sure what that is about. All I know is that I heart nap time for all three of us!

Just an Ordinary Day...

2011-08-12T12:47:00.001-07:00

in the Clayton household consists of playing, giggling, eating, sleeping, laughing, and playing some more! After tweaking our schedules, I think we have finally found a comfortable daily routine for everyone.

Max has started to enjoy playtime even more as the time passes. He really enjoys tummy time and Kason likes for Max to watch him play. He even tries to help Max play with him.

Of course Kason is still getting adjusted to having all sorts of baby stuff around that he thinks he needs to try things out after Max does...

Max is also starting to enjoy bath time more. When we first brought him home he would scream the entire time, but now he just chills...

and seems to relax in the warm water. He still needs boundaries, so I found if I lay a wet towel around his legs he feels more safe and calms down.

Kason on the other hand only calms down when he is asleep! This last month his imagination has really taken over and he is starting to do a lot of "pretend" play which Daniel and I are loving. The other day he was playing with his baby and Daniel asked him what baby's name was, he gladly answered with "sister". Who knows where that came from?

Then I asked him while he was pushing "sister" around where they were going he answered, "We have to go to Walmart"! I am too excited to stay home with him daily and continue to learn more about his intriguing little mind. I just love playing with him to see what he is going to do or say next. On Tuesday when I was working on my shopping list, Kason proceeded to tell me he needed to make a list (you know, since he has to go to Walmart and all). Therefore I printed him off a page and he worked on his list alongside me...

Gotta love two year olds, especially this one!

These are a Few of His Favorite Things...

2011-08-07T08:59:00.000-07:00

when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when Kason is feeling sad, one quick facetime to his favorite friends and then he doesn't feel so bad! Daniel and I can't deny the love Kason has for his grandparents. Even when we talk about them, he starts smiling real big! We try to facetime, talk on the phone, and show Kason pictures of them often since he doesn't get to see them all the time. Therefore, what could be more fun for Kason than having grandparents come visit along with having new baby brother home!

Max also enjoyed a little one-on-one time...

Of course both boys were spoiled rotten thanks to their grands, but of course Kason isn't complaining about it...he is all giggles!

Even though I have to suffer through the dreaded "Where Nana and Pops go?" or "Where Mimi and Doc go" a million times, it is worth it to see the smile these grandparents put on Kason's face! I just have a funny feeling that Mr. Max will beam with joy when we mention their names as well. I don't think these two boys could be any more fortunate to have such fabulous grandparents!

That's My Man...

2011-08-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Daniel raced in Crested Butte's Alpine Odyssey. It is a 62 mile course mountain bike race in Colorado that had to be completed within 9 hours and my hubby did it in seven!!! Not too bad for his first time.

Daniel has raced in several rides, but this is his biggest race that he has ever competed in. The race was difficult because when he trains it is obviously in the vast flat lands of Lubbock, but he took on the mountains and altitude no sweat...well maybe just a little along with exhausted legs due to all those climbs!

A big surprise that was announced at a meeting the night before the race was that Lance Armstrong was riding in the race!

Of course Lance pretty much ditched everyone in the dirt, but it was still exciting for Daniel to ride in the same race as him. Daniel even got a spot in another race at the Leadville 100 in a couple of weeks. I so wish I could be there cheering him on like I always do, but I know that me and the boys will be there next year as his personal cheering section!

I could not be more proud or smitten by my handsome mountain man!

The Daily Life of Mr. Max...

2011-08-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of people wondering about Max's daily routine, his equipment, and an update. Therefore, I hope this following will help bring you insight to Mr. Max's daily life...

The monitor on the left in the blue bag is an apnea monitor which he only wears at night when he sleeps for an extended period of time. It monitors his heart rate to make sure it isn't too high or low and also monitors if he stops breathing for an extended period of time. The monitor will alarm us so we can check on him. The smaller monitor in the middle also watches his heart rate, but it focuses on his saturation levels...this monitor stays on him 24/7. For a BPD baby (regarding his lung disease) his saturation level should be above 88. Max is doing really well because he stays in the 90's for most of the time...he will occasionally drop lower if he is upset or kicking too much. The last piece of the puzzle is his oxygen concentrator...

The concentrator stays plugged in 24/7 in his room. We switch him over to a travel tank when we take him to appointments...which he isn't crazy about! More insight into his personality include that he is a wiggle bug and kicks constantly. He loves to sleep on his back, tummy, and sides. A big new development is that he is turning over from his tummy to his back!!! Max can also roll to his sides, just not completely from his back to tummy yet. He loves to lay on his back or sit in your lap and stare...

*Side note...his mobile drives me crazy because it doesn't coordinate with his mountain/backpacking room, but he got addicted to this fisher price mobile/entertainer in the NICU so I sacrificed good looks for practicality...you can't blame me can you? :) He still is extremely fond of his swing and we are warming him up to his play gym. His tummy hurts him often, so...

he wears this little tummy buddy that you heat in the microwave so it soothes him. Unfortunately he isn't fond of a pacifier so I am working on trying to find a way for him to self sooth himself...we are getting there, slowly but surely. Max is on 6 different medicines throughout the day and is eating every 4 hours, except through the night. Feeding is our one major struggle due to his oral aversion from being on the vent for so long in addition to his acid reflux. Max is finally not fighting me (I mean screaming, spitting the nipple out, jerking his head, arching his back...you get the picture)! He is relaxing more to feeding times and he didn't even have a fountain of vomit all day yesterday...yeah Max...making progress! Another new development is that we are finally feeding under an hour...today we had one feeding in 30 minutes...wa-hoo! Max is home bound through the winter except for Dr. appointments which he isn't too keen on...

I don't think he quite knows what to think about being in new places. He met his pediatrician last week so she could meet him and hear about his journey. She thought he looked good and has referred us to a pediatric pulmonary specialist who will focus on his lung disease.

Today, Max had another hearing check and unfortunately failed it on his right ear yet again. Therefore, we are seeing an audiologist on Friday to discuss further what this means for Mr. Max. Daniel and I aren't too worried because he can at least hear on his left and it just means that Max will have another fashion accessory to go along with his monitors! So stylish! :)

I'm Lovin' It...

2011-07-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I knew being home with my boys would be great, but I never dreamed it would be this amazing! I love waking up to the bundle of energy and giggles that Kason constantly fills throughout the rooms of our house...

or maybe just the kitchen cabinet! I also look forward to spending the whole day with this wide eyed cutie...

Max is doing way better than I ever thought possible at this point...I was preparing myself that it would take him a little longer to adjust. But, oh-no, I already have this little guy sleeping through the night!!! Of course, I am still not getting all my zzz's thanks to middle of the night wake-up alarm calls and sneaky medicine tactics while Max is snoozing. It also didn't take me but a couple of days to get him in a great daily routine and today he even was awake for quite awhile to play!

Kason is still so proud to be a big brother and help me out as much as he can. He loves to help burp him, give him kisses, push his swing, and my personal favorite...

hold his little brother's hand!

Does it get better than this as a mom?

We Survived...

2011-07-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

the first night and first full day at home with our handsome fellas...

Last night was eventful, not due to Max's sleeping, but because there was a two hour period where the apnea monitor went off every 10-15 minutes because the leads weren't working right. We definitely got that fixed quickly this morning and haven't been bothered since...so maybe tonight will go smoother! Daniel and I kind of wondered what was in store for us this morning when Kason woke up. There were two scenarios we had played out: 1. Kason was still excited about new baby brother or 2. Kason realized that baby brother wasn't going anywhere and he has just taken up part of his attention around the household. Fortunately Kason couldn't wait to see him this morning. In fact, he was so amped all day that he didn't even take a nap...now if you know our little man real well, you know immediately that is not him at all...Kason still naps about 3 hours every afternoon. I guess he was just too excited like his mom and dad! As for Max, he is adjusting amazingly well here at the house. He spent some time today playing...

One of Max's favorites is to sit up and look around. We tried the bouncer at one point in the day and he was not crazy about it, but Kason sure was excited...

he sat next to him and wouldn't stop giving him kisses. Max napped even better today than yesterday, so I am pretty hopeful I will have him in a good schedule within a week. Due to Max being on oxygen (the concentrator is in his room), he is limited to roam only two rooms in the house: his bedroom and the living room. Therefore, I spent some time today getting everything settled in for him and created a little "Max Play Zone" in the living room...

This will allow Max to sleep in his room and play/eat with the rest of the family in the living room. This picture makes me smile because you can see some of his tails trickling over the floor and through the hall! You will also notice that we quickly switched the bouncer to a swing which he is loving much more! Even though we are exhausted due to sleep deprivation (the good kind in deed if there is such), we are still bubbling over with joy that our little cutie is home with us...

and we didn't even make one trip to the hospital, or weigh diapers, or take his temperature, or press the alarms pause button, or scrub in, or...well I guess the list could go on!

Welcome Home Max...

2011-07-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

After 6 months: aka, 26 weeks: aka, 182 days...our Mr. Max is finally home with us! The last 24 hours have been exciting, nerve racking, exhausting, and emotional all wrapped up in one bundle of joy. We hope you can share in our joy as we have brought Max home today...

Last night Daniel and I roomed in with Max at the NICU to make sure we were comfortable with all his equipment...which is quite a task in itself since he is on oxygen and two monitors! Within this last week we have been Infant CPR trained, car seat trained, monitor trained, medicine trained...I think you get the picture...I felt like I went back to school for a nursing degree! The last test that we needed was Max's car seat challenge...

which he rocked! Then after getting all cleaned up, we spent some time visiting our nurses and saying goodbye...

One of the most exciting parts of this morning was Kason meeting Max (which has only happened one other time when we took pictures...4 months ago). He had a slumber party with Aunt Michelle last night and she brought Kason up to the hospital while we were leaving. Aunt Michelle said he was screaming the whole way there so excited to meet Baby Max! He smiled at first...

but then eventually panicked. I think he didn't quite know what to think about not being able to go back and forth between me and Daniel without Max and all his cords being in the way. He finally calmed down and was on cloud nine during our car ride home.

Max wasn't quite sure what to think about everything. He kept looking around, then would finally get settled in, and before he knew it he had a little hand touching him and then giggling!

Kason couldn't stop beaming the whole way home...

he just couldn't help himself from holding Max's hand and saying his name over and over. When we got to the house, Aunt Michelle and Kason surprised Max with...

welcome home balloons! We can't thank Aunt Michelle enough for helping us out during the craziness this morning.

So now, the Clayton Crew officially makes four...

With one amazing older brother and one precious little brother...

Daniel and I couldn't feel more blessed or honored to raise these two miracle babies.

We Love our NICU Nurses...

2011-07-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

While we are super excited about Max coming home this week, we are sad to leave our nurses. To say that these ladies are amazing would be an understatement! Both the day nurses and night nurses all love Max as much as we do, so that allows Daniel and I to rest easy when we are not there knowing he is in good hands. I joke all the time that they are my personal therapists while we go through this difficult journey! I can't even explain how many hours we have spent fleshing out what we are dealing with, sharing stories about life, teaching us about how to deal with a special needs baby along with the loads of laughter that we have shared by Max's bedside. They bring so much encouragement to our lives and I truly feel strengthened just from being around all of them. I am going to miss them like crazy and tell them all the time I am going to come back to visit just so I can have an adult to talk with during the day! Pictured above are Kristie, Lin, and Emilia whom Max and I really enjoy spending time with! Kristie was actually one of Kason's NICU nurses and we have been so glad to reconnect with her again. One of our primary care nurses is Auntie Lin as we call her...

Max knows her so well that he even has better days when she is taking care of him. She exudes with love for him and it warms my heart to see someone else outside of family that adores him the way we all do. We are going to miss our Lin so much, but she has promised to come over for play dates with Max!

You may be wondering why Mr. Max isn't sportin' his nasal canula. The poor guy's nose is really swollen and bleeding on the inside due to the irritation of having a canula on for an extended period of time. Lin put him in an oxygen tent to allow his nose to have some time healing. Of course I couldn't help sneak him out and snap a few pictures of that adorable face. I couldn't stop laughing at him though because he is mesmerized by the lights and wouldn't stop looking at them...he was in a trance!

Too Excited...

2011-07-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Daniel and I are not the only ones making preparations for Max to come home next week...little man is too! While I was working on separating the toys between the boys' rooms I heard him talking to baby saying, "Let's go night-night baby." Then I looked over at the bed and saw this...

He was tucking baby into bed and stroked his face like we do him...too precious. Then when "night-night" was over (it lasted all of 5 minutes), he put baby in his bouncer for play time...

but then thought, hmmmm, that sure looks cozy...

maybe I'll join him! Kason is really doing well understanding that Max is his baby brother and starting to understand that Max is coming home. He goes around the house labeling what belongs to him. I can't wait to see how much Kason is going to love Max!

Today, Kason was surprised with a special treat. One of our college students, Katie, picked up Kason and Marley (a friend from church) and took them to see Winnie the Pooh. He was soooo excited...

I couldn't get him to focus for a picture! This was Kason's first play date without Mommy and I think he felt like a big boy...I know it sure felt that way to me.

Kason had a great time...and I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends in our lives! Thanks Katie!

Bribing at Its Best...

2011-07-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

So, Kason has been ready to potty train for quite some time, but due to Max's situation we have held off since we live part-time at home, part-time at the hospital. This past week we thought we might start introducing a few key essentials for potty training before we really dive into it. Right now we let him go whenever he wants and aren't too concerned if he says no. We just have him in Pull-Ups until we really get going. We are waiting until Max gets home so that way I don't have to worry about him regressing and then cleaning up accidents for two rounds instead of one! So far, he has really done well...the first day we tried he went 4 times...not bad for just testing the water. Kason gets excited about his singing potty...

he loves it! When he gets off to wash his hands, it starts singing to him so we dance along and we clap our hands while usually shouting...it is way too much fun...who knew potty training would be enjoyable? (Of course we haven't went strictly to underwear yet, so I am sure I will be whistling a different tune real soon!) After the excitement, he starts yelling "M&M" since that is his reward...

Daniel and I have never really bribed him, but boy does it work like a charm! Sometimes he will say, "Momma, I want an M&M"...then I proceed to tell him he has to go potty to get one and before I know it he is running to the bathroom stripping clothes! And yes, he gets an even tastier treat for the other business but we haven't yet attempted that one...he is holding out until he is forced to...little stinker. Kason's last step is passing the football down the Red Raider field on his potty chart that I made...

We are starting this for the next round...the undies! Once he scores a touchdown, Daddy and Kason are going to get a little prize together! I will keep you guys updated on how he does...wish us luck!

*Oh- almost forgot. I have to share a little story from his first attempt at using the potty. He kept saying he wanted an M&M that day and we don't really give him sweets, so I told him if he used the potty he could have one. We got situated and it took him a few minutes, but he finally looked up at me and said "Momma, go get those M&M's!"

Sigh...

2011-07-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

Look closely ladies...

is that not one amazing hubby! Daniel and I have been working like crazy to finish the last bit of our renovations and get everything squeaky clean for when Max can come home. I just couldn't help swoon when I turned the corner and saw this...

Daniel got Kason up from his nap and instead of bothering me with my cleaning project, he became super-husband and dad all in one! Sigh yet again...back off ladies...he is all mine!

*Our house is finally close to being finished...yes a year later...but hey, we have had one crazy year! When we finalize everything, I promise before and after pictures will be posted because we are so proud of our little flipper.

Let Freedom Ring...

2011-07-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

or rather holler in Kason's case! Mimi and Doc came to town this weekend and Kason has had a blast...

especially today. We had a homemade 4th of July here at the house...it was relaxing, fun, and seriously scrumptious. Kason had fun splashing around while Daniel grilled out burgers...

Then Kason had to strut around in his fireman get-up for all of us...

cute and hilarious all rolled into one! (Notice his new boots...he has hardly taken them off since Mimi and Doc spoiled him!) Kason also learned how to use a walkie talkie which he thought was way too cool...

Daniel, Kason, and I were blessed to spend the holiday with both my grandmothers...

Granny and Mama. To top off the day, Kason got to do one of his favorite night time routines...

cuddle on the couch and watch the Rangers before he drifts off to sleep in his bed or in tonight's case, zonk out after all his hard core playing!

Brand New in Red, White, and Blue...

2011-07-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Max wanted to tell everyone...

Happy 4th of July!!!

Mr. Max has been dubbed "King of the NICU" since he is the oldest baby, so he enjoys spending some of his day checking out all of the prince and princesses around him.

He also LOVES watching the fish swim while sucking on his binky...

and hanging out in the swing! Our 5 month old is weighing in at 10 pounds and starting to slim up some from the steroids that bulked him up. He is as adorable as ever with his huge blue eyes and is tracking really well when people talk around him...he is starting to look for people now when he hears them. Max had a special visitor this past weekend...

his great-grandmother, Granny, stopped by for some Maximus lovin'!

Unsolved Mystery...

2011-07-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is an investigation happening in the Clayton household. I am trying to narrow down a suspect for a few mysterious ransacking events happening in Kason's room. Clue #1 happened on Monday night. When I went to get Kason up the next morning I found this...

let me clarify that Kason's room is neatly picked up every night before he gets in bed, so I thought "Hmmm...maybe he dumped the contents on the floor during the day and I just didn't notice it." So that night, I surveyed the room before I walked out of the room and everything was nice and tidy just as it should be. So the following morning I began to get curious when I was left with clue #2...

So I reassessed the situation and talked to Kason about not getting out of bed until I come in the next morning. I left being proud of myself thinking that everything in his room was nicely tucked away just like a certain little someone should be until clue #3 popped up again...

So I set up a stake out last night and walked in to...

and a little boy laying in his bed with a smirk across his face behind his binky! Can you believe it...

our little mischievous guy turning into a rebel! Now I look forward to waking him up every morning just to see what present he has left for me from the night before!!!

Vroom...Vroom...

2011-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Mimi and Doc sent Kason a special packing that consisted of a family date to Cars 2 in the theaters! Kason was so excited...

because this was his first movie to go to! Of course, he had to sport his new shirt...

We all had fun watching him stuff his face with one of his favorite foods, popcorn...screaming when the cars came on the screen...making sounds like "beep, beep" and "vroom, vroom"...yelling for Tow Mater...

He did well considering he never watches TV or movies at home since he is too busy playing...I guess the big screen entrances us all! Now he tells me everyday, "I wanna go see cars"...I think he is hooked...thanks Mimi and Doc!

Hello Friends...

2011-06-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

Max is doing so well that we are trying not to get too excited because there are little whispers of getting to bring him home soon! Since he is a little older now, he is enjoying awake time...

he LOVES to sit up and look around in his Bumbo chair. But, before you know it he throws in one of these...

then he after many eye rolls and head nods trying to stay awake, he usually ends up...

snoozing anyway!

Summer Fun...

2011-06-16T17:35:00.001-07:00

is what Kason is all about! Two weekends ago we went to church camp to meet up with Daniel and our college students who were the counselors and staff for the teenagers...

Kason LOVED being there with everyone and even had time to shoot a few hoops...

One of my favorite moments was when two of his friends helped me take care of him during worship on Saturday morning...

is that not the sweetest? Kason has also had a blast at home playing, no rather squeezing, play dough...

he kept cracking me up because he didn't want to create anything, all he wanted was to squeeze it...I guess whatever makes him happy! Kason also had a special treat because he had a friend come over and play on Monday. I took them out to scribble with sidewalk chalk...

I couldn't get Kason to stop because he thought it was so much fun, but Addy on the other hand...

just felt like she needed to supervise Kason. Then today, I was cooking dinner and cleaning dishes when I looked out the window and saw this...

The two guys were taking out the trash, but...

when Kason noticed the sprinkler watering our new grass...

he just couldn't help himself!

Good News/Bad News...

2011-06-05T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am both excited and saddened to share with you the Good News/Bad News with my sister Shaye and her husband Bryan. First lets start with the not so fun stuff before the drum roll of happiness...

Bryan has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Stage two. He has already began treatment and is hanging in there having good days and bad ones. I know so many of their friends and family have been prayerful warriors for them, and I ask that now of you. Even though the cancer is treatable, they have a long road ahead of them of sickness before he is completely healed.

Now after this dreaded news, the very next day they found out some amazing news...they are expecting with their first child!!! I have been asking her when she was going to make me an aunt so I can spoil someone other than my boys...I also keep telling her preferably a girl, you know since they have so much control over that! We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Baby Dodson around early December...these two are going to be not only loving parents, but full of fun as Kason can testify!

*You can read their story and follow them on their journey of surviving cancer to the new addition to their family here.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame...

2011-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks...oh wait...just popcorn does the trick with Kason! So just root, root, root for the Rangers!

Daniel took the college students on a trip to Arlington for the game, so Kason and I thought we would meet up with him...

our college students...

Mimi and Doc...

and Daniel's cousin, Clay!

Since Kason loves baseball, he had a blast! Check out some of the new things he did: drank Dr. Pepper for the first time...

got a tattoo...

and played Rangers Plinko...

then to end the night, he did one of his most favorite past times...

played tee ball!

4 Months Old...

2011-06-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

and so much to share!

Max is officially 18 Weeks old and is still sending Daniel and I on a crazy adventure! A week and a half ago Max had to have a bi-lateral hernia repair surgery. I wasn't nervous about the surgery because it is routine, but I was nuts about...

him being put back on the vent! To be honest, this was the most anxious I have been during this entire four months...which sounds crazy considering everything we have went through with him. I was really worried that Max wouldn't come off the vent if he was put back on for a third time, but after 5 days of letting his lungs rest...

he was so ready to get that tube out that he nearly pulled it out on his own! He still doesn't stay awake for really long periods of time, but when he does he loves to look around (like above)...

and lounge in his bouncer. I think he is at the point where he is ready to have a change of scenery...he seems to get really tired of being in his bed all day. Max is also a super fussy baby which I don't blame him after all he has been through...I say that he just likes to tell us all about it, what all he has fought through. But, when we do finally get him to sleep...

he snoozes up a storm! Max is around 8 1/2 pounds now and is just as precious as ever...

I mean, do you see that precious little arm roll?

Aren't you just tempted to give it a squeeze or a smooch? I know I do everyday!

Braggin' Rights...

2011-05-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Kason's first year at Superkids Preschool was just what he needed! I was a little worried at first that it might be too much transition from going to our house to Memaw's house to Superkids throughout the week, but he handled it like a pro! Kason learned so much at school this year and absolutely loved it...we already can't wait for next year to start. He had the best teacher, Mrs. Stacey who I always say should move up with his class since we love her so much...no I'm not bias at all! :) At the end of the year, she gave all her kids an evaluation and below you will see our little smarties results...remember he just turned two...

End of the Year Evaluation...

Given by His Teacher: Mrs. Stacey

Colors: Kason was able to tell the me blue, yellow, green, orange, and brown. As a group he is able to tell me all of them.

Numbers: Kason got to this point and told me "I am done"! Made me laugh! As a group he is able to count to 15.

Alphabet: As a group I have heard Kason sing all the letters.

Shapes: Kason told me triangle, square, oval, heart, star, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, and that an octagon says stop!

Body Parts: Kason is a pro when it comes to showing me different body parts.

*I know I like to brag on the little man because I am soooo proud of him! Even though he was born at 29 weeks, he has no more delays and is so smart...how could I not share? Just on Monday, he sang parts of the ABC song with me, counted to 15 with little assistance, and even spelt his name! Gotta love this kid!

Little Stinker...

2011-05-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

is still lighting up our days with joy! As most kids...

he loves stickers...so much that if you don't watch out, everything is covered in them!

Kason also loves to help out...

whether that be mixing...or helping clean off the spoon!

Mimi and Doc...

2011-05-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

were able to hold Max for the first time!

Also on their visit, they decided to take Kason to...

Chuck E. Cheese's for the first time! Of course he loved the firetruck since he loves cars...

and loved anything to do with balls!

Kason got so excited when it was pizza time along with the singing show...

to say Kason had fun might be an understatement...

just look at the proof!

Permanent Resident...

2011-05-09T19:49:00.000-07:00

Since Max has become a permanent fixture in the NICU, the nurses decided to help him feel more at home by moving him into a big boy crib...Daniel and I even purchased him a mobile to look at whenever he is awake!

Since Max is growing so much...he is now 7 1/2 pounds...and since he will be in the NICU for a few more months, the crib provides him with a little more wiggle room to catch some zzz's in!

He is also spending a little time propped up in his boppy once a day, along with...

lounging in his bouncer! Doesn't he look like cozy? Now all we need to work on is transitioning Max from a permanent resident to a temporary one!!!

Put Me In Coach...

2011-05-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Kason is ready to play!!! We are having too much fun with this summer like weather that basically the Clayton Crew is all about outside fun right now. Daniel and I took Kason to his first baseball game to watch his friend Kyle play and he had a blast! Of course Kason had to immediately begin practice...

so he can play with the big boys some day! Also in this warm weather, he is enjoying what all kids love...

a little sprinkler fun! Our family spends most evenings on our back porch,

grilling out some scrumptious food, watching Kason play,

and admiring the most beautiful roses...yes, I have the pleasure of gazing at these gorgeous flowers that are filling our backyard with beauty and fragrance!

Thrifty Fifties Program...

2011-04-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Kason had his very first school program tonight and he was adorable! We were so excited that we sent these invitations to our family...

Daniel, Kason, and I practiced his songs along with a few moves...

and of course he already has the "I'm one cool dude" look down! His class did so good...

as in actually sitting still during their songs! These wiggle bugs stomped, clapped, and a few even tried to do the bunny hop...

but for the most part, they just all sat still looking smooth! Kason even had a little fan club...

we were so excited Aunt Michelle and DB came along with Mama and Troy! After the program Kason played with one of his good friends Colson...

these two stud muffins are a double trouble when they are together!

Yesterday I Should Have...

2011-04-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

been delivering Max because it was his due date! Instead, we celebrated Mr. Max turning 3 months old!!!

I joke with him all the time about how his Daddy and I are way to young to be having heart attacks or getting gray hair...so he better knock it off and get better! Some days he cooperates and other times I think he is just snickering on the inside at us saying, "Hey, isn't this what kids are for?" Well, after many late night calls from the hospital (yes, this is when our little peanut decides to show off for everyone), this is where we are at: Max started crashing after his last steroid treatment and had to go on the C-Pap...remember that scary looking get up on his face awhile ago.

Max was not too happy with that contraption, so he got mad enough that the doctors decided put him on another round of steroids (which will be his last because he can't have any more...there are too many serious side effects). Of course, in Max style, he is doing great again on the steroids. He was able to go back on the nasal canula and the nurses are even able to lower his pressure and oxygen level. Mr. Max is around 6 1/2 pounds and is in the general population...which means he is out of his private room!!! He even gets to spend a small part of his day sitting up in his boppy looking around. We are really enjoying seeing him wide-eyed and bushy tailed!

Kason Easter Egg Hunting

2011-04-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

Kason had a lot of fun hunting Easter eggs...especially when he opened them up to see the goodies inside!

The Coolest Two Year Old...

2011-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

or at least that is what his momma and daddy think!

Nana and Pops...

2011-04-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

were able to hold Max for the first time!

Easter Fun...

2011-04-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

After preschool today, Kason enjoyed himself by coloring...

followed by an Easter egg snack from the school's Easter Egg Hunt...

Side note: Do you remember smarties? They must be a "kid favorite" because Kason loves them and I remember the tasty treats myself as a kid. Oh the good days...where all you worried about was which sticker to put on your egg...

Aunt Michelle came over and helped us out with the decorating of eggs...

which eventually turned in to smashing and banging the eggs on the table. You can see the damage this poor egg suffered until he thankfully handed it over before it became completely demolished!

Gotta love boys and their destructive behavior...

plus we gotta love our Aunt Michelle!

I displayed the few lonely eggs that somewhat survived Kason's Easter assault!

Hoppy Easter...

2011-04-21T20:58:00.001-07:00

from one of the cutest little bunnies around!

Van Gogh Protege...

2011-04-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Daniel and I thought we might have a little fun tonight by providing Kason foamy shaving cream mixed with food coloring for a good old fashion finger painting mess! He had so much fun splattering the goop everywhere...literally...shower curtain, top of the shower, on the tile floor...

all over his head, everywhere! It turned the water a disgusting lake color, but hey, look at his masterpiece....

a work of a genius...or maybe just a two year old!!!

What is That?

2011-04-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

I know right? Those words ran through my head as I watched them switch Max from the ET tube to the Nova setting on the ventilator. After Max was put back on the ventilator Monday, the doctor decided to try him out on a new ventilator that the hospital is looking at...which in my opinion is really neat. Believe me, I never thought I would get so excited about a ventilator! Basically, the entire time Max has been on the vent, he tries to breathe over it...well this vent allows him to breathe at his own rate and provides assistance only when he needs it. Cool, right? Anyway, Max had the ET tube taken out on Wednesday, and was put on the Nova setting which requires the set up in the funny picture above. The Nova setting works similar to when the tube was in, but it provided even less assistance. Thankfully, he was placed back on the nasal canula yesterday which allows us to see the little cutie's face better...

I am not really sure how to explain how he is doing because he had to go back on steroids again...hence the even chubbier, kissable cheeks! The steroids work wonders on him, but it is a false perception of how well he is doing because after steroids he crashes. The doctor hopes that this round will give him just enough boost so that he won't go back on the vent. He is 6 pounds right now which is awesome, but as I always say...we just need to get those lungs working like the rest of his body!!!

Even though he is a little hot pocket (as in, they have to let him stretch out and cool off at times), he still enjoys being swaddled up all nice and cozy!

Not Ready Just Yet...

2011-04-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am sad to report that Max was put back on the ventilator early, early this morning. As I stated in the previous post about him, he was starting to really get worn out and eventually it took a toll on his lungs. Therefore, he is back on the ventilator where they are going to let him rest for a bit. He has had a really stable day compared to the last few days, so it was nice to see him resting peacefully and catching up. I am not quite sure how long it will take him to recuperate before the doctor starts to wean him again...this time without steroids. No worries though...plenty of cute pictures will continue to be taken for you to adore him even more!

Scavenger Hunt...

2011-04-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

You can go on a little scavenger hunt over at Only Imagine Photography to see some adorable pictures of our little peanut. (Just click on the link and it will take you there directly.) We were privileged to have a friend from church, Lynette Reeves, come take pictures in NICU of Max and our family. If you take a gander, you will get to see Kason first hand meeting Max for the first time (kids are not allowed in the NICU). You will see his face of, "Who is that and why is my mom holding him?" While he wasn't quite sure what to think, Daniel and I were so excited to have our family together for the first time!

Too Precious...

2011-04-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Max had an amazing week after being taken off the ventilator. He responded incredibly to the steroids which was a blessing. And I must add that I am loving seeing his adorable face everyday without all that tubing in the way!

He loves his binky so much that he was even allowed to bottle feed this week, which saying he LOVED is a major understatement! The little peanut devoured his bottles when he was allowed to try and shocked all of the nurses. Apparently most babies who have been vented for a long time have an oral aversion towards anything in their mouth...but following in big brother's footsteps, he doesn't have a problem with gobbling down goodies!

So after a big week with great improvement, we were trying hard not to get too excited because we knew his "rebound" was coming up this weekend once the steroid was out of his system. Unfortunately, Max is having a harder time than Daniel and I expected. He seems to be plum tuckered out. The doctor is considering a few alternatives to try and help Max not have to be put back on the ventilator. As promised, I will keep everyone posted about our love bug that is sending us all on an emotional roller coaster!

Peaking Through the Window...

2011-04-09T20:49:00.001-07:00

What does he see? Look closely at the hint below...

Any guesses yet?

Just add watching daddy (or really anybody) mow the lawn to Kason's favorite things to do list! He will intently watch yard workers for a good 20-30 minutes out the window...we won't watch any type of TV/movies, but if it involves outside we magically have an attention span. I am envisioning our own little yard man blooming real soon...I am liking the sound of free labor!

*I just have to comment that in the first picture Kason was eating a snack and had crumbs everywhere...yes, I clean the floors, but as you can see even our little neat freak was disturbed!

Leap of Faith...

2011-04-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have the extraordinary task of being a wife and mother on a full-time status starting...well I guess since the moment Max was born! Daniel and I have decided that it would be best for our family if we took a giant leap by me resigning from teaching. While I am going to miss my kids and the most amazing women that I work with, I am excited to accept my mission of the daily caretaker...as in laundry, wiping dirty noses, cleaning dishes...you know all that fun stuff! I am delighted and all smiles because a burden has been lifted off my shoulders just knowing that I get to spend my days filled with the simple pleasure of taking care of my guys. Of course I have just thrown that on Daniel's shoulders, so pray for his stress level now and that he doesn't get sick of me being around more often! :) Words can't describe how much fun we are going to continue to have...don't worry though, plenty of pictures will be taken for blackmail later on in life! I keep envisioning mud being tracked into our house from the boys playing outside...which won't matter because I will eventually learn to just hose them off before they can come in! Most likely our big windows in our living room will be shattered from baseballs thrown...who knows on this one, it could really be any of us considering Daniel and I already play catch in the backyard! I've heard rumors about the countless emergency room visits we will attend, bugs suspiciously playing peek-a-boo in pockets, me begging for the boys (Daniel included) to put on something decent that isn't a t-shirt/tennis shoes/baseball hat for the dreaded family picture, shopping at Sam's in order to keep their bottomless tummies remotely full! In all, I can guarantee you that this Clayton Crew home will be full of laughter and adventure on a daily basis...so why don't you just stop by and join the fun at anytime! Who knows...I just might even fix you dinner!

A Free Man...

2011-04-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Max was taken off the ventilator today and is so doing well so far! He responded amazingly to the steroids which we can't stop thanking God for. It is really sad when he tries to cry because he is hoarse due to the tube being in his throat for so long, but it is still adorable to hear his rough little noises that he makes! He has these precious chipmunk cheeks and a tiny double chin that make me laugh. Apparently these chubby, kissable cheeks are common on preemies that are born tiny because when they start to gain weight they store all their fat in their cheeks!

I love it! The challenge now is for Max to be able to breathe well with just the nasal canula once he gets off the steroids which won't be for a few days. I will keep you posted as to how he is holding up...thanks again for your prayers!!! This little guy is soakin' them up!

Daniel's Mini-Me...

2011-03-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wherever Daddy is...Kason is!

When Dad sets up his tent to get ready for camping...so does Kason!

Kason has grown to love the windows down...

and drink from Daniel's water bottle...all just like Daddy!

He even likes doing pull-ups...of course with Dad's assistance!

My heart melts at these two partners in crime...laughter...and love! Nothing beats the amazing love this man has for our son. I am the luckiest gal in the world...I am reminded daily thanks to these two!