Happy Birthday, My Little Miracle Boy!

Dear Kiefer,

It is your first birthday. What a special day to celebrate! One year ago you surprised us all with an early arrival. You were so tiny...3 lbs. 1 oz and only 15 inches long. The nurses scooped you away and you were taken to the Neonatal ICU. It was hard to see your tiny body hooked up to cords and machines. You had a ventilator helping you breath and IV's running into your belly button. Even in those conditions, along with being so small, you seemed strong and brave to all of us.

I visited you twice a day while you were in the NICU. Daddy and Krue would visit you after Daddy got off work each night. It was very hard to leave you in the hospital, but we knew you were getting great care and that you would be home soon. We were finally able to bring you home after 6 long weeks.

You have such a special birth date. January 29th was the same day your Grandma Kimm died twelve years earlier. We truly believe that she was your guardian angel that day you were born, watching out for you and keeping you strong.

We look at you now and can't believe you are that same little boy that was born one year ago. You are 23 pounds, happy and healthy. You have a "love of life" that is contagious.

We are so blessed to have you in our lives, Kiefer. You are a gift from God and have taught us to appreciate life so much more. You are one tough little guy to have gone through everything you did, and we love you so very much.

Love,
Mommy (Daddy and Krue)

Funny Dinner Prayer

Tonight at dinner I asked Krue to say the prayer before we ate. He agreed. We folded our hands, bowed our heads, and this is what I heard....

"I pledge allegiance, to the flag...."

He said the entire Pledge of Allegiance! I didn't stop him because it was too cute. I couldn't believe he could say the entire thing! I guess they have been saying the pledge every day at school and Krue mistook it for a prayer. It does say, "Under God" in it... I'll give him that :)

Just had to share another funny "Krue Moment".

Kiefer Is Crawling....All Over the Place!

Last Saturday, Lee had the boys down on the pool table rolling the balls into the pockets. Kiefer decided "no more of this sitting around business...I'm going after those balls". And he did!

Kiefer is officially crawling!
Yeah, Kiefer!

Now we have to watch him like a hawk! It's like he has been sitting back watching everything, seeing how things works, making a game plan in his little head on where he wants to go and what he wants to explore....and now he's off!

For the Love of Sports

We all know Krue loves his sports. Here are some fun things that Lee and Krue have been doing together.

Every night after dinner, Lee takes Krue and Kiefer downstairs to play while I clean up (a nice break for me). Most of the time Krue wants to play darts with his Daddy. He is turning out to be quite a good little dart thrower. He gets a bulls eye once or twice a night and almost always hits the board. Lee uses the opportunity to work on Krue's numbers while they play. Pretty cool!
A couple of months ago Lee put up a basketball hoop in Krue's bedroom so he could shoot some hoops indoors. I painted a backboard to give it the full effect. This morning Lee added another special touch to the room ... basketball court lines! Now Krue is working on his 3 point shot! He loves it and would spend all day in his room (if we were there watching!)
Swoosh!
Kiefer and Daddy cheer Krue on.
Two points!

Busy Boys

Here are some shots I have taken over the past month. Krue and Kiefer keep me very busy because THEY are very busy!

Peeking over the couch at Mommy
Krue being a goofball
Checking out Daddy's face
Eating dill pickles (taking after their Mommy)
Kiefer loves Krue's new piano, too!

Such a Sweetheart!

Krue has been so expressive and affectionate lately. Here are some examples of why he has been making my eyes tear up and my heart melt...

We have been talking about emotions and I will ask him, "Are you tired or sad?" "Are you angry or happy?" He will answer what he thinks he is. The other day I asked if he was sad or happy? He replied, "HAPPY! You make me happy , Mom!"

One day Krue was giving me a hug and said to me, "Mom, you are nice. You a nice girl."

At one of our Christmas parties Krue discovered candy and chocolate right at his level! Cool! After eating as much as he possibly could, he walked over to me and said, "Mom, my tummy hurts. Wipe it off."

I was giving Krue a snack the other day and when I handed it to him I asked, "What do you say, Buddy?' He replied, "Thank you. Thank you for YOU, mom."

These special little moments are priceless ... and make all of your hard work worth it!

Our "In-Town Gang"

It is not too often that our "In-Town Gang" gets together anymore. With 7 kids total (and one on the way) it makes it difficult to plan spontaneous get-togethers. Lee and I had the whole group over to our house on Saturday night...kids and all! It was so much fun.

The "In-Town Gang" includes: (left to right) Kelli, Melanie, Shane, Lee, Neal. I am taking the picture and Jeff and Rachelle had already left.



Ian and Krue had so much fun together. Let the mischief begin!

Can't wait until next time!

My Boys

Lee snapped this picture of us the other night while I was feeding Kiefer. This is my favorite time of the day...cuddling on the couch with my boys. What a nice feeling!

Coffee and Playdate

Today my neighbor, Melanie, came over for coffee and brought her two kids, Lauren and Graham, for a playdate. They had a blast playing with all of the new Christmas toys. The highlight of the morning was when Lauren and Krue decided to put on a performance for Melanie, Graham, Kiefer, and I. It was so cute! Can't wait to do it again.

New Years 2007 - Florida Style

For our 8 year anniversary/New Years, Lee and I were invited down to Jacksonville, Florida to stay with our good friend, Jon Nodine. My best friend from birth, Sarah (who is also Jon's sister), along with Jon's girlfriend, April ("Lips"), were also in on the fun.

Let me tell you...those Nodines know how to entertain. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, Jon, Sarah, and April showed us an unbelievable time! And the weather was perfect!

Day One: Brunch, Beach, Outdoor dinner on the water, Fun night out!

Day Two: EPCOT, Around the World, Amazing Fireworks display to music at midnight!

Day Three: Lunch at Planet Hollywood, Relaxed back at Jon's, Hot Tub, Pizza on the Beach

Day Four: Breakfast at a cute little cafe, Flew back home

Enjoy the Pictures!

High School Friends Christmas

Every year at Christmas time, my high school girlfriends try to get together for an evening of laughter and catching up. We didn't have the best turnout this year...but it was still really fun! The above picture is Tyson, Sarah, Myah, and me. Schlaura came as well, but had to leave early. Tyson brought her newborn daughter, Marin, which was fun!

It was great to see you girls!!

Nagel "Immediate" Christmas

The Thursday after Christmas the Nagel Clan (Immediate Family) got together to celebrate their Christmas. Ben and Brandi graciously offered to host and we had a great time. It was such a beautiful day, so we spent the first part outdoors. The kids enjoyed the swingset and the boys enjoyed Lee's remote controlled car :) Ben and Brandi's bulldog, Moose (Dudley's brother), even joined in on the fun! We enjoyed opening presents and having everyone together (minus Amy). It is so cool to see all of the Nagel siblings under one roof. It is a rare occasion anymore!

Not the best picture...but you can still see all of the great-grandchildren! I am trying to imagine what this picture will look like in 10 years. Holy Moly!