Preschool Graduation

Cooper graduated from his first year of preschool. He loved his teacher Miss SueZan (Wight). She was so good with him. He always came home singing songs and saying nursery rhyms he learned in school. He also enjoyed the social aspect and loved this little girl names Ava. His teacher was always tell me of the funny things he said in school. She loved his "announcer voice." Congrats, Buddy!

(Pictures to come.)

Paperwork

When you have a medically complex child, the paperwork never seems to end. I had to use the internet at moms to fill out some and little man fell asleep on me.

TNA Surgery

Easton had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids in hopes that it will help with his obstructive sleep apnea. He hated being at the hospital, especially in his room. As long as he wasn't in his room he didn't do too bad. We spent a few days in the hospital due to a high oxygen requirement that they weren't expecting, but finally let us go home since I felt comfortable.

{Pictures to come.}

Nana & Easton

He adores my mom.

My Brother Graduated!

My brother graduated from Salt Lake Community College with his Associates of Arts degree. I can't tell you how proud I am of him. He has worked so hard. He's always been incredibly smart. I'm excited for his adventures to start at the University of Utah in the Fall with a major in Asian studies and Japanese. He's going to do great things.

{Pictures to come.}

Reading to Brother

I found Coops reading to Easton. Moments I live for.

Bloom {A Memoir}

I'm loving this memior by Kelle Hampton. Her daughter was born with down syndrome, something they didn't know about until she was born. It's an incredible book where she shares her experience and what she learned and went through. It's amazing. There are many things she says that I think, she is so right so I want to share them so I always have them.

"What is it about different that makes us think it isn't perfect?"

"My sister told me she wished I could see what she saw--- because what she saw was wonderful. She said I was lucky--- that I'd been offered a shortcut to what life is all about when some people search for it their whole lives and never know." Bloom by Kelle Hampton {Loving this memoir!}

Game of Baseball

We went to Aunt Johnnie's for dinner and to celebrate her birthday. All the guys started a game of baseball in the field. The look of pure joy and excitement as Cooper ran the bases was priceless! Love making memories!

Being a Kid

I too often feel so sick of cleaning up stuff, but then I have moments of clarity where I remember this is what he was made to do--- to play, to imagine, to have fun.

My 28th Birthday

I had a wonderful birthday. I had my hair cut the day before. It is so nice to have a change. I love my hair! My birthday I had dinner with Chris. The boys made me breakfast and Chris got me one of my all time favorite books--- To Kill a Mockingbird, and the new one Go Set a Watchman. He also got me a favorite movie--- The Longest Ride... Scott Eastwood is the first time I've really had a celebrity crush! Haha! He also got my my favorite chocolate... Ghirardelli caramel. The next day Chris' mom took me to have my makeup done. I even had lipstick and eyelashes on and my eyebrows drawn! It was fun to feel so pretty, but definitely more makeup than I care to wear on a daily basis. I feel prettier with less makeup, but I have started to wear a little bit of lipstick which is kind of fun!

Frederiksen March Madness

We went out to dinner for the final game of March Madness since Chris and his dad were in the finals. For the first time in Frederiksen Family history, Chris won the coveted March Madness trophy. Cooper is pretty excited to have a trophy.

My Photography - Newborn Twins

I was able to photograph newborns in a local studio I rented. I am so happy with how they turned out. For my first time really doing newborns and twins, things went really well. I even dyed my own cheese cloth the night before, which was a fun new thing to try.

Field Trip - Roy Fire Department

Easter

I wanted to take a few pictures of the boys in their Easter outfits, but boy do they not sit still! We got a few decent shots that capture their relationship and personality--- shirts not tucked in, laying on the ground, and everything.

The Meaning of Easter

After patiently working with Easton for an hour tonight trying to get him to go to sleep with his CPAP mask on, I realized that words can't describe the amount of heartache I have had for this sweet boy since he was born. It is heartbreaking watching your child suffer and struggle to understand that what you are doing is in his best interest. Then I realized that is what this whole weekend is about. Christ died for each of us. To be able to comfort us and provide us with peace, knowledge, understanding, and love. To give us purpose and direction. To give us hope. I can't imagine the pain that Heavenly Father felt watching his son suffer but the pride he felt for the strength and selflessness His Son had. I see that in Easton. He has endured so much and yet done nothing wrong. He chose this. His strength amazes me. And because Christ lived again, I know his suffering will one day end. That he will have a perfect body that will live forever and that he will be rewarded and blessed for his example on this earth. I can't thank him enough for all he has taught me over the past two years. I'm so grateful he is mine. {New record on the CPAP... 23 consecutive minutes.}

We Will See Papa Todd Again

Because Jesus Christ died and lived again, I know we will see Papa Todd again. So grateful for that knowledge. ‪Picnic with Papa Todd today.

Zoo Trip

After Easton's doctor appointment, we decided to head to the zoo. I told Cooper to get one of his hats to wear before we left. He yelled, "I want to wear Papa Todd's hat!" Almost a year later and he still talks about him every single day, which I love. I know one day his memories of him will likely fade, but I'm glad we have pictures. My dad would be so excited to watch Cooper play t-ball this summer and grow taller than him. To see Easton growing so big. We miss him so much.

Diagnosis: Sleep Apnea

We got the news today that Easton has sleep apnea. Talk about a pit in my stomach. I had a feeling they were going to say it, but it was still a punch to the gut to hear. He wasn't happy about being fitted for a CPAP mask. We will see how this goes. He has been through so much. As a mom, I just wish I could take all the pain away for him.

Joys of Being a Mom

Oh the joys of being a parent! Yup, that's my child that threw up and went right back to sleep. It is all over him. Thankfully I went to check on him before laying down. Can't tell you how many vomits I have cleaned up over the past three days between him and Easton. He has acid reflux that just seems to be bad sometimes and of course Daddy is at work tonight.

GTube

Two weeks post surgery and we were finally able to take the extension off Easton's gtube. Two more weeks and the kid can finally have a real bath again! So far--- only thing I like about gtube is I don't have to put it back in when he throws up. He seems to not be bothered by the tube. Otherwise, I hate it so far. It has caused Easton to start throwing up again. Yesterday it was every.single.feed. So we have been a bit disappointed, stressed, and frustrated. We are hoping his body figures all this out.

These are pictures from his surgery. He has his gtube placed, gallbladder removed, and his circumcision. He woke up surprisingly calm. He now has four new scars to add to his tummy and his gtube glows!

And the cute little man before surgery: