Recap

Our fifth March For Babies has come and gone.  We were so blessed to have a weekend full of family, friends, fun, and time to remember Nash.  We spent one day at the Perot Museum in Dallas, went to the Ranger's game, did the walk, and had a wonderful evening at our friends, Mandi and Kort's house.  In all, we raised $9596 for the March of Dimes and we are so, so proud.  I try to convey how much the donations mean to our family in the thank you emails I write, but it's so difficult to put into words.  It's unbelieveable to think how many families reached into their pockets to help us out, and in turn are helping to save the lives of babies.  Amazing.

 Cousins!

Fun at the museum.

Team Heart's Content

Miss Brady

Sievers Family

Miller Family (Brad's sister)... who came all the way from Connecticut!!!

 

This past weekend was spent in Lewisville at a baseball tournament for Tater.  His 6U team plays "up" against the 7U teams and ended up getting second place in their bracket - which is pretty stinkin' great!  We were so proud of our little boys - especially their seven-run rally in the last inning of the semis to take us to extra innings (where we won!).  They played so, so hard - 2 games on Saturday and 3 on Sunday - and didn't get done until after 9:00pm.  No doubt they were exhausted on Monday... I was!

 

Poor Knox and Brady got toted around to all the games and were quite the little fans, cheering on Tate and his teammates... they've kind of turned into little mascots.

 

On our way to the tourney...he must have picked that up from his dad.

Dirty, dirty boy.

Taking a break between games at the mall.

Poor buddy... fell and got a BIG bump on his head.

This face says it all.

Job well done, Eagles!!!

 

 

Love to y'all,
Tracy

But

Today at school, all the parents of next year's Kindergartners are coming to sign their kids up for next year.  I should be joining them.  I should be a part of it.  I should have a little boy, eager to become a Brinker Bear like his big brother. 

But I don't. 

My heart is heavy today.  I keep glancing at Nash's picture, trying to imagine him as a five year old.  He'd be so big...  I'm sure Tate would be telling him all about what to expect next year... the teachers' names, how lunch works, what they do at recess.  And Nash would be soaking it all in, waiting for August to roll around. 

But he isn't.

I don't like days like today.  They sneak up on me and pull at me; leaving me drained and sad.  So, so sad.  Most days are better than this.  I wish I could skip over them or at least press a fast forward button.  Anything to move to another day.

But I can't.

I'm jealous of all the moms in our foyer today.  Filling out the paperwork, handing in the immunization forms, asking the questions.  I got to be that mom last year and I should get to be that mom again this year.  Two years in a row.  I remember when Nash was born, I thought about what it would be like for my boys to go to school together only one year apart.  I was so excited for all they would experience together.  I even figured out that Tate would have Nash at his same school for nine of the thirteen years. That's going to be so fun, I thought.

But it won't.

I miss my son every minute of every day.  Every ounce of me is incomplete all the time. 

But... somedays are so much harder. 

Love to y'all,
Tracy

This is My Life.

As I wrote in my last post, things seem pretty crazy around here lately.  Every night, I find myself worn out and feeling like I didn't even come close to accomplishing what I had set out to when I got up that morning.  I tell myself, "Tomorrow, I'll do the things I didn't get to today.  I'll start fresh."  And then the next day comes, and I find myself having the same internal conversation because, low and behold, the day got away from me again.  Everyday seems crazier than the previous one. 

But as of today, I think I'm going to STOP trying to get through the crazy parts (because every part is crazy) and just tell myself, "This is my life."  And dang it, it's a pretty good one.  I may not accomplish all my tasks off my to do list; I may not feel like everyone's needs are met every second; and I may not always keep it together.  But maybe instead of trying to change all those things, it'd be more beneficial to just accept them.  I live in a house with three kids under six.  I work.  I "wife."  I mother.  I, like most moms, stretch myself pretty thin sometimes.  So maybe instead of feeling down and out at the things that don't happen in a day, I should just change my attitude and be thankful for all the things that do. 

Here's a glimpse into my Monday evening... I'm sure you all can relate...

Pull in the drive way, three kids in the car.
Garbage day tomorrow - Pile it up super far.
Tell boys to get out and Brady starts to cry,
My arms are full already - Boys want to play outside.
Get them through the gate - Drop my stuff on the floor
Brady hears the boys - She's out the dog door!

Now what was I cooking?  Check Pinterest to see.
Oh, yeah, Taco Egg Rolls -a new recipe!
Door banging open - Knox comes in with "grace."
Sheds his shoes and his pants - a little dirt on his face.
Start browning meat; phone rings - "Hello?"
March of Dimes update... Now where did Tate go?
Find him outside.  Has baseball tonight.
Run up for his clothes.  Still holding phone tight.

Door bangs again.  Here's Tate and the dog.
Mud on them both - two shoes, four paws.
Brady is whining - I hand her a Ritz.
Hides from the dog, then throws it - gives in.
Meat is now brown - where to go from here?
Recipe's on phone, which is still on my ear.

Find some dirt on the couch and also the floor.
From a knocked over plant - What's a little mess more?
Grab dirt devil - Leave it next to the pile.
I'm still on the phone - may be there awhile.
Throw Tate his clothes - hey, what is that noise?
Brady's in pantry - throwing food like they're toys.

Brad's home - "Clean that dirt?" I point.  Take a look.
Knox needs dinner - oh shoot. Gotta cook.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  Bon Appetit!
Grab Tate his hat and we throw on his cleats.
Yelling baby - "Here's some fruit.  Quiet, please."
Put her in her booster, now she's yelling for cheese!
Whisper good-bye as big boys go to play.
Brady wants out.  "Shoot. Forgot Gatorade!"

Hang up the phone.  Now to finish the food.
Knox yelling at Brady for stealing his spoon.
Peek at the table, she's sitting on top.
Some spilt milk on her toes, a lego in her mouth.
Dinner is over.  Clean the milk.  Knox wants toast.
Not up for this battle - So I go grab the loaf.

More crying - One's hungry, one's bothering her brother.
Grab Brady to hold... "What I am, a mother?!"
Need crockpot - For tomorrow, our menu is soup.
One-handedly dump stuff in a gross mound of goop.
Crockpot in fridge - now make lunch for Tate.
Find some forks and some knives - Grab Brady a plate.

She's back in the booster - for round two, not round one.
Wipe down the kitchen - The egg rolls are done!
Cut them to cool - Make some salsa for dipping.
She tries it AND likes them! Get her water for sipping.
Sit down for a bite - Wrap the leftovers up.
Finish making Tate's lunch - Now Knox needs his cup.
Brady is finished.  Clean table and girl.
Grab her and Knox - Up the stairs in a whirl.

Start tub while Knox strips - Brady runs from the room.
Chase her down, put her in.  And finally...PHEW!
Wash and scrub - And time to play.
I sit back to see foot that's been hurting all day.
One ant bite from Easter - Getting big, getting red.
Take some pics, text mom.  "Should I be worried?"  Press send.

Stand up to get littles - Water looks funny.
Brady pooped in the tub!  And it's totally runny!!!
Make kids stand up, drain tub. - This is totally gross.
Grab handfuls with toilet paper.  To the toilet they go.
The rest is too mushy and spread all around.
Shower head is spraying the poop on the ground.
Down the drain.  409 time.  And that's how it goes.
On the tub, on the toys, and on all twenty toes.
Repeat and repeat and repeat once again.
Fill the tub with more water.  Take two, my sweet friends!

Look back at phone.  Mom's on her way.
Head to Care Now - And she stays to play.
One hour, two hours. It's already nine.
Two shots and two meds.   My foot feels fine.
Pharmacy's closed. Try another they said.
Go home to wait.  Brad has kids put to bed.

Check on Knox.  He's awake.  Tuck him in.  Say good night.
Check on Tate - he's up too! Blankie missing - not in sight.
Search around and I find it.  Tate's happy as can be.
Check on "Poopy Princess" - who's actually asleep!
Head downstairs for a chat.  Knox is yelling once more.
Go back up.  Take him potty.  And again, close the door.

Pharmacy again to pick up my pills. 
Home again now, after all of my thrills.
Ready for bed, kiss to Brad from his wife.
Thank you, dear God, for these loves of my life.

Once you're a mom, this is kind of what your life looks like day in and day out.  It's always something.  So instead of trying to push through to get to the next day, I've decided it's time for me to just bask in the craziness.  After all, it's just another day at the Sievers's house.

Love to y'all,
Tracy

When It Rains...

What a week it's been!  I'm feeling a bit pulled in a million directions... as we often do as mothers, right?  Between wife, mom, teacher, volunteer, sports fan, cook, chaffeur, and cleaning lady (I should be fired from this one), I always feel like my plate is full.  But now I'm going to add nurse/caretaker/pratically single mom to this list because Brad is having shoulder surgery today.  Ugh. 

With the March for Babies coming up quick, I'm trying to get a final push in my donations to get to my goal, yet feel like I'm never really doing quite enough.  I'm also blogging for the Family Teams Blog (www.marchforbabiesfamilyteams.blogspot.com) when I get the chance. 

In addition, I'm waiting on some results of a vote that should be taking place in these next few weeks.  Last week, my friend Vi and I went to Austin to testify at a hearing to the Public Health Committee in support of House Bill 740.  This bill would mandate all newborns be screened for critical congenital heart defects by way of pulse oximetry before leaving the hospital.  This is the little clamp they put on your finger to measure your oxygen levels.  The test is noninvasive and the thinking behind it is that a low oxygen level is a good indicator of an underlying heart defect.  We were honored to speak to the lawmakers about how important this is and are really hopeful that the bill will be passed on to the next step.  Check out the link to see us in action... around the 1 hour 35 minute mark.  http://www.house.state.tx.us/video-audio/committee-broadcasts/committee-archives/player/?session=83&committee=410&ram=13031310410 

And finally, yesterday we found out that my grandmother fell and broke her hip and will be having surgery today as well.  My mom left early this morning to be there, so I'm going to have my plate full this weekend.  Thank God for my dad and some great friends that are helping me with getting everyone where they need to be.  But I have a feeling I'm gonna be worn out come next week.  I'm praying my grandma is strong and has a successful surgery, but it's scary with her being 86 years old. 

Here's to hoping this is the last bit of this "stormy weather" around here.

Love to y'all,
Tracy

North Texas Eagles

This weekend was spent at Tate's second baseball tournament of the season.  The boys are really working hard and doing a great job.  They seriously improve every single game.  Unfortunately, they went 0 and 4, losing a couple close battles up till the last inning.  They're trying hard to keep their chins up, but it's getting difficult when they're all used to playing on teams that do pretty well.  They don't really realize that the teams they're up against are the best of the best from all over DFW. 

Despite how the games ended up, Tate did a pretty solid job.  He bats second in the order (our very own Elvis Andrus) and rotates from left field to short stop to catcher.  He hit a homerun both yesterday and today - which is technically more of a double with some overthrows, so he can then run the rest of the way home.  But for the sake of six year olds, they call these homers and get stickers for their batting helmets, so we won't argue.  

Like I said, overall, job well done, Eagles.  You made us all proud and we're looking forward to rooting you on to your first victory! 

 Playing some left field.

 Ready for the pitch.

Baseball ready at short.

Single up the middle.

Watching his teammates.

Favorite cheer: B-U-S-T! Bust it, Baby!  Bust it!

Behind the plate... gotta love that form.

Action shot.

All smiles in the dugout!  

Love to y'all,
Tracy

Busy, Busy

I feel like I'm in a whirlwind right now.  Actually, let me rephrase that.  I always feel that way about my life, but right now it's on major crazy tornadic whirlwind mode.  Home, work, husband, kids, dog.  You know the drill.  But now that March For Babies is in full swing, things have really heated up... 

I am part of the Family Teams Committee for the Dallas event and we have been having some conference calls and plans are underway to make this year's March the most successful ever.  I was then asked if I could be the guest blogger on BOTH the Dallas March For Babies blog AND the Texas March For Babies blog.  I've already done my first one for the state.  Check it out HERE. 

In addition, my friend Vi (infant daughter Taryn died in 2009 of an undiagnoed heart defect) and I went to the Capital in Austin a couple weeks ago with March of Dimes to ask Senators and Representatives for support of various bills that would be coming across their desks in the upcoming months.  One such bill, HB 740, is trying to change a statute in order to ensure that babies can be screened for CCHD, Critical Congenital Heart Disease.  This is obviously an issue that is near and dear to our family.  If the bill passes, all babies born in Texas will not be able to leave the hospital without doing a pulse oximetry reading (the little clamp they put on your finger to check oxygen levels).  By doing this, the doctors can detect CCHD before a baby shows signs of the condition, allowing for the proper treatment to be given to prevent disability or death.  Now Texas must add this screening to ensure the safety of our babies. 

A couple days ago, we got an email saying HB 740 is being pushed ahead and is going to be discussed in the next couple weeks.  They are asking us both to come back to Austin to testify during the hearings regarding this bill.  Can you believe it?  We're just a few moms.  Two ladies that met by a common bond... the deaths of our little babies from undiagnosed heart defects.  I am so blown away that our voices are about to be heard.  For Nash, for Taryn, and for all other babies that left this earth much too soon. 

I'll keep you posted on what's going on.  Say some prayers for us to get through to the legislators, so that HB 740 will pass with flying colors.  Let's save some babies!!!

Love to y'all,
Tracy
 

Oh Knox!

Okay, first off, I should formally apologize to my little Knox, for consistently writing things on here that he will, undoubtedly be embarrassed about when he is old enough to read this himself.  But, he's so stinking funny that I cannot help myself. 

I swear I don't know where he gets these things from.  I can assure you, it's NOT from his mama... not that I'm pointing any fingers...

Yesterday, my mom and Knox had the following conversation after a trip to the potty (in which he insisted on standing while he peed... without a stool... so his "stuff" was resting on the seat... ew...so he used his entire hand to wipe off any stray drips... double ew).

Grandma: Knox, you need to wash your hands.
Knox: No, I don't.
Grandma: Yes, you do.  You touched your peepee when you went potty.
Knox: I don't have to wash them.
Grandma: Yes you do.
Knox: No... I don't have to wash my hands when I touch my peepee.  GIRLS have to wash THEIR hands when they touch my peepee!
 
What the heck? 

Love to y'all,
Tracy