Nathan finally finished his science fair project and won third place. He is now an expert on microwave oven safety.








It is January, and we are still enjoying Grandpa’s delicious apples!












Martin Luther King Day was "Mega Mystery Ride Day" for the five older kids. Jared took them to The Kangaroo Zoo, lunch, and a 3-D movie. . .







. . . while Mom got some one-on-two time with the twins.

Today we are grateful for the countless hours of service given by our parents over the past year. Grandma and Grandpa Workman have been here almost every day helping with kids, housework, laundry, laundry, and more laundry.

Although it has been a challenging year, we will always be grateful for the priceless opportunity our children have had to spend time with their grandparents and to learn from their examples.

Gabe's Fan Club

Who ever would have thought we'd say it? "WE LOVE BOTOX!" It turns out Botox isn't just for beauty pageants; it also works well for treating people with cerebral palsy by numbing the spastic muscles. Gabe got four injections in his adductor muscles (inner thighs). He'll have to reapeat the injections every 3-6 months. Botox prevents his legs from being so tightly scissored together that his hips eventually pull out of joint. We have always been skeptical of long-term medications, but we are learning to be grateful for them when they really work. Gabe's medications have made an amazing difference in his comfort level and happiness. He is working hard at gaining head control. We are so grateful his new shunt is working the way it should!

I am just amazed at the large team of people who are helping this little guy: rehab doctor, neurosurgeon, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapist, vision therapist, developmental specialist, not to mention friends and family! That's a lot of love pound for pound!

Zeke On-The-Go

Zeke is all over the place now! We thought it was pretty nice when he learned how to sit. That lasted about a week. Now he is crawling, and we have to keep our floors really clean, or he'll do it for us. He is right on-par developmentally for his age, 7 months (adjusted for prematurity).  We are grateful for his playful, easy-going temperament. He ate his first cheerios yesterday!

The twins lights up our world!

Gabe's once fleeting and rare "happy moments" are now getting more frequent and enduring for longer stretches of time. He has the sweetest little personality and loves to be cuddled and held. Gabe's smiles and coos bring indescribable joy!

One of our favorite things each day is getting Zeke from his crib when he wakes up. He has this explosive grin, and he kicks his feet in utter excitement, like he just can't wait to see us. It gets mom through the day no matter how tired she is!

Sam

Sam and Zeke are quickly becoming inseparable. In fact, when Zeke is napping, Sam gets anxious for him to wake up, and often speeds up the process by climbing into Zeke's crib with him.




Sam spends most of his time holding the babies, singing silly songs, cuddling and reading with mom, doing crafts, or "fighting monsters". He has tried sleeping in every bed in the house, but doesn't like any of them (except ours :). He says the other ones all have bad dreams in them.  We are grateful for all the smiles and laughter Sam brings into our home.

Welcome 2012!

We set our kitchen clocks ahead two hours and welcomed in the New Year (Eastern Standard Time) with caramel brownies, kisses, and party hats. Then we sent our kids to bed. Eliza came back upstairs and said, "Hey! My bedroom clock says it is only 10:15!" Clever girl!

Our family goal for the new year is to "Live in Thanksgiving Daily". Today we grateful for a husband and father who devotes himself so completely to us.