My mom and I took the kids to Anderson, Indiana to stay with Phil and Kylee. We had a great time! The kids were just about perfect both there and back, despite the long car ride. And they LOVED their uncle and auntie. A fabulous trip, but good to be home too :)

These two are the reason I wake every morning. Just loving them to pieces!

Brandt wrote on his facebook status the other day, "God works in mysterious ways." I feel like I have said that many times over the past two weeks. It'll be two weeks tomorrow that Dale was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The last two weeks have been a roller coaster- good days and bad. I am doing my best to trust God through this, realizing that He has a plan for Dale and the family, yet I still struggle with being frustrated and asking God, "Why?"
We are seeing lives changed, even our own, and relationships grow and rekindle through this... so yes, God works in mysterious ways... yet I'm still so sad.
Still praying for a miracle- because He can!
Love you, Papa!!! :)

A few Easter favorites :)

We've had a whirlwind of a week. For those of you not on facebook, here is the website to follow Dale's progress and read his story. He begins chemo tomorrow. We're going to fight this thing! Thanks for all your prayers-

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dalesorbel/guestbook

Went to Mall of America today with kiddos and Grammy... rode a roller coaster, among other rides, with my girl...heard great news about a friend...going to make chocolate chip cookies today...57 degrees and sunny... heading to the park... a fabulous day!

Gotta love these two... even on long, tiring, and rough days :)

Tonight is the night! Tonight I will let my child cry. Tonight starts the process of getting him to sleep through the night. Eli has been battling this nasty sickness for about a month now. The last couple of days have given me hope that we are on the up and up! His cough is better and he is no longer wheezing. And he's pooping again (YEAH!). So, I will no longer cater to his needs at night. He has been waking up 3-4 times a night for the past few weeks and I, of course, have been catering to his needs since he's sick. But no more! I had to blog it, so I would actually follow through. I'd appreciate prayers :)

Lutsen skiing and Underwater World. Skiing was a blast! Couldn't beat the weather- 47 degrees and sunny :) Snow wasn't super, but it was still fun. The best part (besides hanging out with my hubby) was sleeping through the night for two nights in a row!!! Yesterday, my friend Amber and I took the kiddos to the Mall of America. We did Underwater World and ran around the park for awhile. Addie LOVED every minute of it.

Kiddos are starting to feel better! Brandt has worked from home the last couple of days, so we had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather :) Sunday B and I leave for Lutsen for three days. Can't wait! It'll be a much needed vacation-- thanks, Mom and Dad :)

I again have to praise God that we have had pretty healthy kids for the last 2 1/2 years... cause we're getting hit hard this month with sick kids :( Right now they both have bad colds again, but I'm pretty sure Addie's is another ear infection. We are off to the doctor here after breakfast. I am really struggling with patience. Addie is just as frustrated as I am about it-- she's miserable. She doesn't want to do anything but sit on the couch. And she's bossy, short-tempered, and other times just so sad. It's horrible! But she refuses to wipe her own nose, or blow in a Kleenex, so every 2-3 minutes I hear, "Nose again!" and I have to wipe her nose. Ahhh! I know, "This too shall pass"--- but it's hard when you're in the middle of it and the end seems so far away. I would appreciate prayers for patience, so I can just love on these kids while they're sick.

Teething = no fun

Elias is popping his front teeth, and he is so sad!! He'll go in spurts where he just cries and cries. I wish they didn't have to go through it. He turns 6 months in just a couple days- oh, how the time flies!

Addie is doing well-- potty training is still going great! And we decided she seems more confident now that she doesn't wear diapers anymore. Maybe it's because she just seems older :(

Well, nap time is over- got a shower in- it's a good day ;)

Quote of the day from my newly potty trained little girl (conversation as follows):

"Mama, I gotta go!"

"Ok, then... let's go!"

(While sitting on toilet) "Mama! I did it! I pooped!"

"Great job, Addie!"

"Mama, you wanna see?"

"Yes! Of course I want to see!" (I mean, what else do I say??)

(While looking into toilet) "Wow! Mama, that looks like a GIANT SNAKE!"

I just had to laugh... that's one for the baby book :)

Puzzles... my new love. I decided as a stay-at-home-mom, one of the things I am going to get into is puzzles. It's just so peaceful to sit down and work on a puzzle. Probably because it's so mindless. So I started with a 1,000 piece hot air balloon puzzle :) And believe it or not, Brandt and I work on it most nights together. Kinda romantic, huh? ;)

Potty training this week... it's going as good as can be expected. A few accidents and a few successes, but I think she's getting it! Brandt is home for the next four days, so it'll be nice to have company. Potty training = homebound = long days :) B and I are celebrating Valentine's Day with a dinner/movie date Sunday night. A date night is long overdue, so we're looking forward to it! But my hubby surprised me with my Valentine's present... I get to sleep the next four nights and he will get up with the little guy!! It's been a rough last few nights with Eli- he's been waking up every 2 hours, so I am excited to get a little rest. The best present ever!!!!!! Happy Valentine's Day, all :)

Best Friends :)

"These are a few of our favorite things..." (I made B do this--thought it would be fun!)

Steph:
-chocolate chip cookie from Potbelly
-Diet Coke fountain beverage
-open mouth baby kisses
-LOST Seasons 1-5 :)
-cinnamon sugar pretzel from Target
-reading books to both babes
-hanging out with 24 anxious dancers before a competition
-7:30PM when the kiddos go to bed :)

Brandt:
-shopping the clearance aisles at Target
-spying on other people's lives on Facebook
-small group
-playing basketball
-Cheez-It Mix
-Vanilla Coke Zero
-7:30PM when the kiddos go to bed :)

Addie:
-fishy crackers
-tea parties
-t.v.
-pink blankie
-Pizza Hut dates at Target

Eli:
-his Daddy
-sweet potatoes
-any toy he can get to his mouth
-Mommy's milk :)

I am so thankful that my kids have been healthy. Last night we paid for it ;) Addie had a bug, or food poisoning, or something... but she was sick- really sick. It's amazing how much more it feels you love your child when they are sick. After throwing up what I believed was her entire stomach last night, she slept with me in bed, and then proceeded to wake up and throw up 5 more times in the next few hours. I remember when I was young, my mom would rub my back, hold back my hair, and say, "I wish it was me and not you." I was doing and saying the same things last night. So sad. I'm also amazed at how having a sick child makes me fall in love with Brandt even more. We were like a well-oiled machine last night... he was sleeping on the couch, but would hear her, run in and sit with us, then empty the bucket and make sure we were both tucked in before heading back to the couch. And the cycle continued. It's so nice to be with someone to go through the ups and downs of parenting together- the easy days and the hard days. Last night was definitely one of those hard days. Today Addie is doing well. She's eating a little and has kept it all down. She's tired, but has still been her funny self :) And my little boy has been perfect. After about 4 nights of waking up every 2-3 hours, last night he slept 9! It's like he just knew we needed to take care of Addie. And today he's been calm, played on his own and taken three separate hour-long naps. Thank you, Elias! And thank you, Lord :) We're on the up and up!

I am amazed at the very different talents, gifts, and passions God has given each of us. My brothers and I are living completely different lives right now. I can't imagine living in either of their shoes, and I'm sure they feel the same about mine ;) Jeff just moved out to LA, spending this semester at the LA film school. He recently landed an internship with a small production company and is on cloud nine. When he's not in classes or at his internship, he's hanging out at the pool and exchanging contact information with big time producers. I can't even imagine!! On the other side of the world ;), my brother Phil works as a Senior High youth pastor in Anderson, IN. This morning he met with the mayor of Anderson to talk about ways they can continue to help / reach out to the youth in the city. WHAT? The mayor?? He has such a heart for those kids. I couldn't be prouder, and I'm just the big sis ;) And my day?... I spent it having a tea party, playing baseball in the basement, hitting up Super Target for lunch, and cuddling on the couch with my two babes. Three very different lives, but all of us carrying out the passions/gifts God has given us.

Eli's 4 month stats :
Weight- 18 lb 2 1/2 oz
Height- 26 1/2 inches

B starts school this week. He has Wednesday and Saturday classes. Dance is in full swing! Competitions every Saturday. This weekend we head to Waconia. That's all for now :)

My goofy kids!
I wrote on facebook this week that I love being a mom! I don't regret the decision I made to stay at home with the kids every day. It's the best job in the whole world :)

Well, we are back into the swing of things again. B is back at work, and we are back into our weekly routines :) We did conquer the sleeping thing with Elias! He will nap and go down at night awake, without crying, putting himself to sleep! It's a miracle. And it was pretty easy. I'm thankful Brandt was around to help make it happen, because there were a few days when he cried for awhile before falling asleep... but he learned very quickly and it has made a huge difference!! Most afternoons I find myself pacing the house, or cleaning, or actually pulling out a book because both kids are napping and I don't know what to do with myself. So nice :)

Merry Christmas!
We've had a busy, but fun last few days. We were able to celebrate with both sides- the Sorbels before Christmas and my family on Christmas day. As we were talking about Christmas being Jesus' birthday, Addie of course wanted to make a cake and bring birthday hats. On the way to my parents' house Christmas morning, Addie looks at me and asks, "Mama, where's baby Jesus?" Brandt nodded at me and I began to explain as best I could about Jesus, where He lives, and why we still celebrate. So after lunch that day, we sang "Happy Birthday" and Addie blew out the candles on the cake, announcing that Jesus lives in our heart. Good girl! :)
Other exciting events this week...
-We started rice cereal with the little guy. We also moved Eli down to his room and big crib. And we're also letting him cry himself to sleep instead of doing the 'bounce and lay him down carefully' thing ;) So, some big events in the little boy's life!
-Brandt and I had our first overnight away last night. We went and saw a Cirque holiday show and stayed overnight. Then today we saw AVATAR. It was a great time. And I got 8 hours of straight sleep!! Much needed :)
Brandt is off work for the week. Looking forward to lots of family time.

Recent pics for your enjoyment :)

Addie's first gingerbread house! What a masterpiece ;)

My precious boy. Elias is just a sweetie! Of course we have our moments/days, but overall, he is an easy, easy 3 month old :) For about a week now, he has been sleeping 9-10 hours a night. Last night was 11. Amazing!

Other updates...
We have our first dance competition of the season tomorrow night. My girls are way excited! I'll let you know how we do!

Brandt is traveling for work all next week. Kinda sad about it, but I can't complain. It's been a long time since he's traveled...

God is doing some amazing things through our small group right now. Digging into our spiritual gifts, and both of us are feeling very challenged.

Looking forward to Christmas with Addie. Such a fun age! She's going to really get into it this year-- hopefully the giving as much as the receiving ;)

We had a little photo shoot with a friend last weekend. Despite the cold weather and the uncooperative kids, she managed a few good shots! Click on the link to the right- "Kendra's Photography" to check them out :) Thanks, Kendra!

A few pics from our week. Duluth... Thanksgiving celebrations... a quick, but perfect week :)

Brandtis is done with his semester!! Yipee! Now his week off can truly begin :) Cute story... B got home and Addie goes, "How was class, Dad?" (a typical conversation) Then she proceeded to ask, "What songs you sing at school today?" We tried to explain that dad had to take a test, and he didn't get to sing songs at school today. Such innocence.

This picture is to prove to my husband that I in fact do tummy time with Elias. Or at least I did this morning :) And yes, it's 8:30AM and both kids are sleeping- Addie still in bed and Eli down for a nap. And the best part about that... I got to shower this morning!!

A couple pics from our weekend. Looking forward to next week- Brandt is home all week, we're taking a trip to Duluth, and of course... Thanksgiving dinner!

2 month appt today... even though he's 11 weeks...
Length- 24 inches
Weight- 15 lb. 9 oz.
3 Shots- no fun :(

We had an unexpected visit from Phil and Kylee. It was great to hang out with them, even though it was only for a short time. Things are going well in the Sorbel household. Brandt has just two weeks left of school for this semester. Yeah! Eli is sleeping much better at night. He usually wakes up once, around 2 or 3 AM, and then sleeps til 6:00 or so. Although I am thankful for the longer chunks of sleep, I'm not thrilled about the early rising ;) We have Eli's 2 month (which will actually be 11 weeks) appt. this Wed, so I'll update with his stats. Addison is going through a bit of a phase... bossy, emotional, and demanding! We're working with her on obeying and just being kind. She's great with Eli; it's me she's rude to. Ironically, her class at church has been talking about obeying- so hopefully that will hit home for my girl! I'm aware that she's only 2 and I know I was the same way. I guess it would be appropriate to say Thank You to my parents for dealing with my attitude- What goes around, comes around!

Halloween was a blast! Brandt and I got to take Addie trick-or-treating while Eli stayed here with my mom and dad. She loved it! We lasted about 45 minutes before she was asking to go home. Then yesterday she asked if she could go trick-or-treating again after her nap :)