Christmas Surprise

This year God gave us a wonderful Christmas Surprise. I was able to record the surprise - so please enjoy and watch.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

While Daddy returned to work, Eldin and I went to work on the house. We need to unpack and make sure the house looks ready to sell. In doing some of this Mom went on a mission to put up Christmas stuff. We surprised Daddy Tuesday night with the tree being up and then Wednesday we decided to decorate it. To my pleasant surprise Eldin really helped out. He even put up (set in tree) a couple of ornaments! It was too sweet for words - see for yourself

Which Ornament to put up?

Putting on my 1st Ornament

The house is looking better and we enjoyed decorating and dancing to Christmas music! This time with him was precious and I am so thankful.

Moving

So, at the last minute (~2 week notice) we had to move back to our Orlando House Downtown until we can sell it. During a week of time we went through a lot of things and try to minimize our life some. We packed and packed and packed. We used a box as Eldin's first fort to keep in out of unpacking the boxes as we were packing them - cute, but it wasn't helping. The move went really well and we are now in Orlando. This event had a big effect on Eldin that I had not planned, but through God's Grace, friends, and prayers he is doing great now.

Surprise

1st Fort - Awww...moving boxes

We are going back this weekend (12/12-12/13) to do our moving sell. Please pray this goes well as it could really bless us if it does! (p.s. this is hard for me as I want to keep a lot of stuff and pricing is going to be very difficult for me)

Sorry it has been so long

I love looking at everyone's blog sites and get sad/frustrated when people don't update more often, and here I am not updating a bit.
The Bowicks went to Gatlinburg, TN at the beginning of October. This was the first vacation that we had taken in over 3 years. We had such a wonderful and needed time of rest and fun. We went to many sites, including the Aquarium. Eldin learned the word Bear and the sound a bear makes - roar :). Although his word "Bear" sounds like he is from Boston or he is from Australia saying "beer". One day we were stopping in a store where they had numerous carved black bears and Eldin proceeded to run around the store saying: "Bear, Bear, Roar, Roar, Bear, Bear..." - you get the picture.
We returned and I (Mom) had my first craft fair selling my products. It was a success and I had a wonderful time with my dear new friend Heather.
Next on the calendar came Halloween. We did Trunk or Treat again this year (thanks to the help of some people from church). The theme we did was Bob the Builder. Eldin was perfect and Tony turned out an amazing Bob the Builder Helper (a friend let him borrow his work-line belt). Eldin had a new tool bench that we were able to fit in the back - it was great.
At the beginning of November we had some crazy things happen in our life, including a friend in MOPS losing her dear 1 year old. Peyton was a miracle baby and so sweet. Her mother, Sarah, is so sweet and has blessed my life in MOPS. Their family is in our prayers & I know they could use yours - Thanks in advance. Tony joined me and Eldin in our trip to VA. We spent a whole week with my parents. Eldin had an awesome time with his Cappy and Gram-Gram. We had a wonderful time and it was a blessing to find rest and some healing.
We reluctantly returned, as we knew the next adventure involves us moving back to downtown Orlando. Our house in Orlando is vacant and has been for a few months. This is not acceptable and we have to return and live there until it sells. Our current plan is to move on Dec. 5th and have a huge Moving Sale afterwards.
Yesterday was my birthday and Tony surprised me by taking us all for a Birthday Dinner at Dixie Crossroads - a famous seafood restaurant. The Rock Shrimp was everything they are claimed to be and we had a great time. Eldin was like a Walmart Greeter - he said "Hi" and waved to everyone that entered and walked by us (we were stationed in the front). He also flirted with the Hostess - He was a big hit.
I promise to update with pictures soon of all the events listed above, but for now I should be asleep - Thanksgiving is in the morning and we are very excited about spending it with friends.

New Year

Today was the first MOPS meeting for 2009-2010. The morning was amazing and so many new moms came to join our group. Eldin had such a good time with old and new friends. However with all the new moms came new kids that most had not ever spent time in a nursery away from mom - it was an adventure.

Tony happen to walk by the kids while 6 of them were in the large stroller (seats 6 with a canopy). Eldin LOVES to ride in this stroller with all the other kids and loves watching and observing everything outside. While Tony was walking by a new girl was going by and very sad - screaming for mommy. What happen next was described as a "cluster bomb" she set off one of the kids in the stroller and then they all proceeded to start crying, except Eldin. Eldin apparently turned his head to the little boy next to him and gave him a classic look - what's wrong with you? - and then looked up at Tony and Pam (one of the wonderful ladies that helps with our little ones) to say - "What the heck just happened?"

After MOPS the fam went for a quick bite to eat together and that is when we discovered Eldin had red bumps all over his arms. We have been battling with some allergy or other skin issues since Tuesday night and this was the last straw. I called the doctor as we left and got an appointment for 2:45. After a quick (short) nap we were off to the doctor. They believe the red bumps on his arm are bug bites (that was one hungry bug &/or bug party) and the other stuff is eczema or something that will go away (I'm suppose to wash and put moisturizer on his feet). I'm not completely convinced that is really all true, but I feel as if any immediate "scary" options are dismissed and I will continue to keep an eye on him. Since he was healthy in all other ways they decided to go ahead a give him a flu shot. This was good as his next appointment is after we get back from a family vacation to Gatlinburg, TN.

SO - now I am writing from my room (11pm) as the little boy has proceeded to sleep a total of 45 minutes and is currently kicking the wall through the bars in the crib. He is also teething his "last" two teeth. This boy is pulling out all the tricks.

Night Launch

We all experienced our first night launch and it was amazing. Above are a couple of pictures, but I know it doesn't compare to seeing it in person. I am in awe at what God has allowed us to do and the talent of people to send humans to outer space. God's speed and we pray they arrive safely home.

Say Cheese

A classic

The girls rub his head for good luck

His first ride - perfect that it is a dog

He loved his first time at Chuck-E-Cheese

Please let me have more coins & tickets

Sunday, August 30th, we were invited by our dear friends to go to Chuck-E-Cheese. This was Eldin's first time and we all had a blast. Eldin played many games and was definitely ready for ice cream afterwords.

Crazy Doctor Time

Eldin came down with a virus that is going around town - a simple fever virus. He was okay, but not eating well and so I took him to the doctor yesterday morning. He checked out negative on everything and we were sent home to monitor and work through it. Last night around midnight he woke up and was NOT good. He was having trouble breathing and after a small episode of his lips turning blue we were off to the ER. Once at the ER he cleared up and the doctors couldn't find anything wrong. The chest x-ray was clear and we were finally discharged to go home and...you guessed it...monitor him. We returned home around 5:15 am and at 7:00am he woke up with a nasty coughing and difficulty breathing. After talking to the ER and praying about it we helped him calm down and held out till after 9:00 to go the Ped. Dr. Thankfully he coughed for the doctor and we were told that he has the Croup. Dad went to work on 2 hours of sleep....I (mom) picked up a coffee and went to my job - mom & housewife. This has been a crazy 12 hours and we can continue to use all your prayers. - Thanks in advance :)

Annoying

"Yeah! Nothing is getting done today"

Today has been a crazy day. Everything that I had planned was completely shut down! My main goal for today was cut off and I had to reschedule the day. Therefore I came up with Plan B and shortly into it things became apparent that Plan C was needed. I pulled myself together and came up with another plan and then ate lunch. After lunch and Eldin woke up I was about to go out (part of Plan C) when I discovered that Eldin is sick. He is fighting what a lot of kids are sharing in Titusville. Thankfully it isn't too bad, but does involve a fever. After I discovered he has a fever of 101 degrees, I gave him Tylenol and put him down for a nap. I sat down at this point and thought I would try another plan for the remainder of my day - Plan D. I was into this plan for about 40 minutes when the baby boy shook up things AGAIN.
I have finally thrown in the towel and I am done! I will get nothing done today other than diapering, feeding, calming, and playing with my wonderful son. It's one of those days....
oh well, the house will remain trashed, the business items will be attended to tomorrow, and everything else will just have to deal with it :)

Ice Cream Video

Eldin Eating Ice Cream

Enjoy - sorry I don't know how to insert videos into the blogsite, but this will have to do.

Surprise Day with Dad

Tony took the first part of today off since this past week we saw little of him during his crazy work schedule. Things are going well for us all, but it has been very busy. Today after a quick visit to the church for Mommy related items, we decided to splurge and eat out at McDonalds. We bought his first (of many I assume) "Happy Toy" and he enjoyed the little car. The true entertainment came with his eating. Below you will see him "devouring" french fries and then truly enjoying an ice cream cone (with a little vanilla ice cream left inside). I will post the video soon, since the pictures weren't enough, but they will have to do for now. We are so blessed with this little monster and Eldin and I were SO happy to have some much needed Dad time!

















At the end he collapsed in the car ride home.

Beach Baptism

Sunglasses are Vital

Walking back from Sea

Footprints in the Sand

Yesterday was Eldin's first real time at the beach. We were there last year when IRC did a beach baptism, but he was only a few months old and in his car seat as we had to leave early to meet some friends in Orlando. This year was different! While we were a little late, we had a great time. A lot of people turned and and many were baptized. After the baptism we all share some late lunch and enjoyed the waves. It was pretty chopping yesterday and we loved it.
We all got some sun, but no one got badly burned. Also in another bit of amazing news - Eldin didn't eat any sand! We plan on going back later in the year and build sand castles, but it was hot enough and we had had our fill for the day.

Return

While we have returned from an amazing trip from Kentucky, I have not been able to pull my stuff together enough to get photos and info on our trip. My great sister-in-law, hence forth known as sis or Holly, was able to get some photos of our trip up - please follow the link below to see
http://kentuckyfriedgrahams.blogspot.com/

We had a great time and miss them all already. During our time there Holly gave me a fabulous new haircut. We got to spend some time with Olive and the gang. Cappy and Uncle Daniel worked on his truck, then Daniel and I made some great soap boxes.

After we left my brother had an great Art Show open to the public. Thankfully we were able to see his work before it opened. One of the numerous pieces was a set of beautiful tables inspired by Holly and his new daughter, Olive. - the piece was named Deer and Fawn (I think :))

We came back hitting the ground running and when I have another chance I will update on those items.

Thanks for your grace and patience....

Secret Mission

Yesterday Tony, Eldin and I kidnapped the Gaudi girls (Faith and Mary) during their lunch break at Summer Blast to take them to get ice cream. We picked them up and told them we had a secret mission and them must come with us now. (of course their mom was meeting us at the ice cream place and the leadership at IRC were in on it all).
We hopped into the car and were off. Do not worry - we saved the ice cream from the evil sun and made sure it was all eaten before the sun could melt any of it.

Big Week

he loves to read

Ethan Key & Eldin - best buds


This week has been a huge week! Eldin was released from all specialty doctors - GI and PT. He is just a regular kid following normal development stages and doctor visits. I can not express how excited we are to be at this point. God has answered all our prayers and we know that each one of you made that difference in lifting us up in prayer. Thank you SO much. Below are a couple of pictures from this week of our little guy growing up.

Music

Tony loves his music and Eldin is following in his footsteps. Eldin dances even when there isn't any music playing - he has the Kingdom music playing in his life.

4th of July

We had an amazing 4th of July (me being sick besides). The Gaudi's invited us to join them for their family tradition of setting off great amounts of fireworks. Eldin and I set back with some of the kids and moms and watched the boys set it all off. Eldin had a great time and made some great friends in the process. Graham crackers and fireworks - what more can a boy want?

Hide & Roar

In the last couple of days Eldin has found amazing amount of joy hiding behind a chair and popping out crying "Roar". When I act surprised he giggles with his whole body. He then proceeds to walk back a couple of steps to "hide" again. After a couple of times he is already giggling when he is hiding. He is in a moment of pure joy and happiness! No matter how you feel or what your day has been like, you can not help but laugh and smile along.


We are SO blessed with an amazing son! Eldin's name has the following meaning:

El- God
din - noise


There have been jokes and discussion about his name since God gave us this name. We tell people that we believe that Eldin will make a mighty noise for the Kingdom of God. Recently I believe that the noise God gave Eldin at this time comes from God's Laughter. Eldin's laugh is truly divine. All melts away! I thank God for so many things and now one of my favorite things is the gift of hearing heavenly laughter - especially that he is giving it through my son.

Break Down

Ok....So I finally broke down and started a blog. Don't worry, I don't think the earth stopped spinning yet :). We, the Bowicks, have an awesome website:
www.row15.com
but it is hard updating it with quick, short, funny, must tell event all the time. Therefore, I am breaking down and starting this up.

I hope that you enjoy the tales! I know that I enjoying reading some of my friends stories on their blogspots.

Without further ado....