Easter and Other Updates

As always, we're a little late in getting pics up, but hey better late than never! We had a great Easter this year. The kids had their first time hunting for Easter eggs. We weren't sure if they would really catch on, but they got the hang of it in no time and loved running around the yard searching for eggs. In fact, the eggs and baskets were the hit of the day. This is the first Easter that we were actually able to have an Easter egg hunt outisde. Easter in Chicago usually still means winter coats!


Look Mya, there it is!


On the Hunt


The kids are doing very well. They are talking so much now, many times in full sentences. This of course can be a good and bad thing, but mostly they just have us laughing. Here's a quick update on everyone.


Kayla is quite a chatter box. She will go on and on about anything and everything. She especially likes talking about pretty dresses and pretty shoes. Look out daddy, this girl is going to love to shop! She is starting to play dress up too and loves trying on shoes and hats. She's taken an interest in getting herself dressed too. Wow, that will make such a difference when they can dress themselves. I can barely imagine! Kayla is also mommy's helper. If I'm cooking, she is right there wanting to help. If I'm dusting, she actually knows where I keep dust rags and will dust right along with me. Hmmm, I wonder how long this will last??? I'm soaking it up now!


Daniel is our singer and musician. He is constantly singing every song he knows and often is playing the drums at the same time. If he hears a song playing, he immediately runs to get his drums (which could be his play drums or any spoon that can double as a drum stick). I really do think he has an ear for music though. Even when I have a CD on for them, a lot of times I will just find him sitting and listening. It will be interesting to see how this grows. Daniel also has the best laugh. The kid has started cracking himself up and can laugh at pretty much anything. He still thinks Braden is the funniest guy around and I just love seeing Braden do whatever silly thing he can to keep Daniel laughing. Music to my ears!


Braden is still our man in charge. He is not afraid to state his opinion and tell everyone exactly how things should be done. He remembers routines and the way we've done things and he will remember so many details. In fact, there have been several times that he reminds me to give him his medicine! He is a very independent guy, which clashes with Kayla and Daniel when they want to join his fun. But he is starting to pretend more and the other two will join whatever game he is playing and they all enjoy that. I see an awareness in Braden too. He really understands what's going on so well and I love that I can tell him something and I know he gets it. He is definitely very aware of his little world!

In health related news, Braden is doing very well. He has continued to have mild seizures about once a month or so, but we are working with a new doctor and are optimistic about the game plan for him. His condition is not serious, and while we haven't found an underlying cause for the seizures, the doctor suspects that he he will outgrow them. So we wait and pray that God will heal him from all this. And we are continually thankful that he is doing so well.

So that's the latest on the Hess crew. Three busy 2 year olds make for two very tired parents most of the time. But we're having fun and feeling blessed every day that we get to be their parents. :)