Brenden & Claire

Mommy has strep...

2012-02-07T15:53:00.001-08:00

Watch "A brief glimpse into my day..." on YouTube

2012-01-30T17:44:00.001-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ0EXz11m6Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Claire update

2012-01-30T13:43:00.001-08:00

Well, we went to the doctor and they told me her ears are looking great, but her thoat is a mess. So this viral stuff is mostly affecting her that way and will hopefully pass soon. She's currently attempting a nap which lasted for about 15 min before the crying started up again. I'm attempting to let her cry it out so she gets a little sleep but i'm going to lose my nerve if too many more minutes pass by.

--
Erin Marie Behen

Program Services Director/Child Life Specialist
Starlight Children's Foundation WA Chapter

Check out the latest with Brenden & Claire- http://www.brendenbehen.blogspot.com/

This look says it all

2012-01-29T20:45:00.001-08:00

Still 103.2...moving into day 4...just fantastic...who needs sleep right?

2012-01-29T20:43:00.001-08:00

Naptime was a screaming bust but she and I both have slept on and off for the past 4 hours between movies and rounds of attempted play. We are all wiped out...that is everyone accept Brenden.

2012-01-29T19:02:00.001-08:00

2012-01-29T08:27:00.001-08:00

Fever is down to 102 but she is miserable. Neither Todd or I got any sleep as she was NOT sleeping in her bed.

2012-01-29T08:26:00.000-08:00

104.2...not fun

2012-01-28T21:43:00.000-08:00

Still sick...102.9 and a restless night of sleep

2012-01-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

Fever of 103...

2012-01-27T19:55:00.001-08:00

Looks like round 2...poor kiddo has a fever of 102.5 and the chills...I hate this stuff!

2012-01-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

Owl Hats...thank you Vivi

2012-01-24T19:07:00.000-08:00

Our friend Vivi made these adorable hats for the kids. You can see Brenden is clearly feeling better and Claire is as goofy as ever. Also if you look closely at the first picture some of you might recognize Dolittle in there. My Gorilla from when I was a kid that is one of the few things that made Brenden feel better while he was so sick. I'm very grateful Brenden didn't get sick on him as I don't think Dolittle would survive a trip through the washing machine.

3-2-1 cakes...Claire is a fan!

2012-01-24T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sadly this ended with her dropping it on the floor and Jayden ate the rest. So much for her "grain free" diet...

Claire loves it!

2012-01-24T17:40:00.001-08:00

3-2-1 cake variation in a cone

2012-01-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Mix 1 box of angel food cake with one box of cake mix. Take 3 tbs of mix and add 2 tbs of water. Mix and pour in bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Or for cones fill 3/4 full and place in a microwave safe cup for 1 min. Our kids love this!

Brenden update...

2012-01-23T18:50:00.001-08:00

For now we are just to push fluids, not worry about food and head to the ER if his fever hits 105. His right ear is on the verge of an infection but not the cause for the high fevers. Come Wed if he still has a fever and isn't getting better we go back for further testing to see if he has something bacterial. For now we assume viral and hope he kicks it soon. He is struggling to even walk for more than 10 feet...feeling awful for him is an understatement.

Brenden...and his "Bug"

2012-01-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

Poor kid can't kick this bug...his fever spiked up to 103.6 at 5 am...and back to 103.7 after he woke up from his nap. The pediatrician didn't want to see him until it reached 105...i said no thank you, we are coming in. It's likely just the flu but it's not affecting his GI tract at all so that actually has me more concerned. Along with the headache and complaints of feeling weak something just seems off. I will report back once we return from the doctor.

--
Erin Marie Behen

Program Services Director/Child Life Specialist
Starlight Children's Foundation WA Chapter

Check out the latest with Brenden & Claire- http://www.brendenbehen.blogspot.com/

Sick kiddo

2012-01-22T17:41:00.001-08:00

He was acting ok this morning with a low grade fever...after his nap it hit 103.6...looks like we are both taking a sick day tomorrow. Poor kid keeps saying he doesn't feel sick just that his body is tired. He was very sad we had to cancel his playdate with Maritza tonight.

We became THAT family...

2012-01-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

While shopping at IKEA this evening Brenden threw up in their cafe...we rush home to avoid this in the car to discover a fever and more vomit...fun fun. Our upstairs hallway is now lined with towels between his room, ours and the bathroom...not looking forward to this...poor kid looks terrible...

Indoor "Fun"...if that's what you want to call it...

2012-01-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

Ok...we are exhausting our inside fun resources. We have now done every single puzzle and played every game...and brought out all the hidden toys in the closets...we are ready for some outdoor fun that doesn't involve snow and massive clean up and preparation for each endeavor.

Thursday in the snow!

2012-01-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

The kids are still thrilled with all the snow...we are starting to wonder when this is going to melt. Poor Claire can't even walk in it anymore its so deep. Brenden is perfecting the perfect snowball.

More snow...and sledding!

2012-01-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Yet another beautiful snowy day spent working from home and playing outside with friends.

Today before nap we went over to our neighbors house that have a 4 year old girl Gabby and 2 year old boy Cole and went sledding down the hill in their backyard. Brenden, our timid playground kiddo decided he would try sledding by himself and absolutely loved it. Claire went with mom and dad and while she seemed to enjoy it, she wasn't begging to keep doing it. After we were all thoroughly soaked we went inside for some indoor playtime and snacks before trudging back up the hill to our house for lunch and nap time.

Todd and I are trading off watching the kids and sequestering ourselves in the office to do what work we need to take care of which seems to be working out ok. Brenden might not agree with that statement, but he doesn't get a vote yet!

Not sure how much more of this snow we are going to get, but rest assured we are making the most of it and enjoying playing in it everyday until it's all melted off. Now if only we had remembered to stock up on diapers we would have zero reason to leave the house. If the snow starts back up, looks like Claire is going straight to underwear and maybe this potty training thing will finally happen.

Tuesday in the snow

2012-01-17T14:11:00.001-08:00

The snow just keeps coming. Started at 7:30 this am and only stopped for an hour about 1. It's back and doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. We honestly don't feel at all cooped up. Between the larger house and neighborhood filled with friends and playmates for the kids we are good. Our one outing today was a family run to the grocery store for some fresh produce...and we are all set to stay put for a couple of more days.

Helping Daddy scoop the walk...not sure who was faster here...

Taking credit for Daddy's hard work...

Monday in the snow

2012-01-17T10:25:00.001-08:00

Well, looks like we are snowed in for at least one more day. These were taken late yesterday afternoon and we are getting even more snow now. It started again at 7:30 this am and hasn't stopped at all.

2012-01-15T16:12:00.001-08:00

2012-01-15T16:11:00.003-08:00

2012-01-15T16:11:00.001-08:00

2012-01-15T16:10:00.003-08:00

Nice job Todd...he's 4

2012-01-15T16:10:00.001-08:00

Mr. Neighborhood

2012-01-15T16:09:00.001-08:00

The girls

2012-01-15T16:08:00.001-08:00

2012-01-15T16:07:00.003-08:00

2012-01-15T16:07:00.001-08:00

Neighborhood fun

2012-01-15T16:06:00.001-08:00

2012-01-15T16:04:00.003-08:00

Before the real snow came

2012-01-15T16:04:00.001-08:00

Snowy fun

2012-01-15T16:02:00.001-08:00

Showing off another new outfit...had something new on everyday since christmas :)

2012-01-06T12:12:00.001-08:00

Helping daddy change my car battery...

2012-01-04T19:43:00.001-08:00

Chief Brenden

2012-01-03T17:49:00.001-08:00

It is a happy new year ...my car is in the garage for the first time in our marriage!

2011-12-31T17:10:00.001-08:00

Snuggling with daddy after a long day of garage overhauling...

2011-12-28T18:41:00.001-08:00

Joining in on the sleep action at 10:30 am along with her aunties apparently

2011-12-24T10:53:00.001-08:00

The two-sided easel...the only way a mom stays sane with 2 kids that always want to copy each other...

2011-12-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

This is how the Behen's watch spiderman

2011-12-18T18:26:00.001-08:00

Watch "Todd's moves" on YouTube

2011-12-18T16:21:00.001-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYJCN6xrOrU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch "Talking to "nemo" our elf on the shelf..." on YouTube

2011-12-16T13:27:00.001-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shikrph12UI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

"Nemo" our elf on the shelf

2011-12-16T13:18:00.001-08:00

Welcome to being a dad

2011-12-12T19:49:00.001-08:00

Watch "Brenden singing frosty" on YouTube

2011-12-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0BvRev-oxs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch "Brenden singing Rudolph" on YouTube

2011-12-12T19:35:00.001-08:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4U7mdmZAHU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Our big girl poo'd in the potty today!!!

2011-12-12T13:03:00.001-08:00

2011-12-10T19:32:00.001-08:00

Bad hair day?

2011-12-10T19:31:00.001-08:00

First Starbucks drinks

2011-11-20T16:13:00.001-08:00

2011-11-10T17:58:00.001-08:00

Cheese....

2011-11-10T17:57:00.001-08:00

Jayden cuddling with the penguins

2011-11-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

2011-11-05T13:04:00.001-07:00

Claire...that high chair is meant for DOLLS

2011-10-27T18:04:00.001-07:00

2011-10-23T19:02:00.001-07:00

2011-10-18T17:53:00.001-07:00

Not sure naptime elimination is working...2nd night in a row of the couch snooze at 5:45...mid play

Pumpkin carving with our cousins the Rodgers

2011-10-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

We decided that the Kangaroo farm, followed by Stocker Farms for pumpkins just wasn't enough today...we needed to carve our pumpkins with our cousins the Rodgers. Thankfully there was a brief naptime before we jumped into 5 pumpkins with Zara (11 months), Claire (age 2), Grifen (almost 3) and Brenden (almost 4). I'm amazed at the little mess that ensued from this endeavor. Grifen was not afraid to jump right into the mess...Claire dug in a little, but Brenden was the most hesitant to get his hands in the gunk. All in all, we had a great time and the kids all had fun playing with each other. Claire was madly in love with baby Zara and I see lots of fun with these kids as they grow up together.

Stocker Farms

2011-10-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

After we left the kangaroo farm, we headed to Stocker farms in Snohomish to pick out our pumpkins. This was the 2nd time for Brenden at a pumpkin patch (last time he was 9 months), but Claire's 1st time. Despite being well beyond naptime, we had a great time and enjoyed most of the activities. The barrel train was a ton of fun for Brenden but his mother was less than impressed and am sure will wake up with many bruises in the am. Brenden begged to go on a pony ride, so we agreed and Claire asked too. Claire however changed her mind after the 2nd loop around and cried "I don't wanna" so we had to take her off. Brenden continued for about 10 more loops talking to his pony the ENTIRE time out loud...I'm not making this up. We were laughing hysterically watching him as most of the other parents were too.

Outback Kangaroo Farm

2011-10-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today we started our morning off at the Outback Kangaroo Farm in Arlington. Colleen came along with me to help out with the kids along with 4 other Starlight families. I hadn't been back here since 2007 when I was pregnant with Brenden. As I expected, the kids LOVED it and I was pleasantly surprised at the new addition to holding a 9 month baby kangaroo boy at the end of our tour. We saw kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, an Ostrich, 2 emu's, donkeys, Oreo a mini pony, peacocks, turkeys, and much more...my favorite was seeing the mama kangaroo with a baby in her pouch, and he stuck his little nose out...unfortunately my camera didn't quite catch that one.

Brenden 3 1/2 and Claire 21 months

2011-10-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Macaroni and a little toy story 3

2011-10-02T15:23:00.001-07:00

And he's OUT!

2011-10-01T17:45:00.001-07:00

Oh how no nap days are a struggle...sesame street is the best medicine sometimes...

2011-10-01T17:42:00.001-07:00

Resting up for great wolf lodge

2011-09-23T14:23:00.001-07:00

Our nanny's sweet niece...Claire got to visit her today...helped her when she was crying too

2011-09-22T19:34:00.003-07:00

Claire holding sweet baby Olivia

2011-09-22T19:34:00.001-07:00

2011-09-22T18:53:00.001-07:00

Long overdue haircut

2011-09-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Learning how to jump in...timid but smiling...

2011-09-19T17:06:00.001-07:00

2011-09-10T11:47:00.001-07:00

Brenden and his sweet girlfriend Ayla

2011-09-10T11:46:00.001-07:00

Grandpas shoes

2011-09-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Fun with the Olsen's

2011-08-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

A fun late night play date with Maritza and Noospy (John Olsen Jr.) and daddy John...its truly amazing how well our 4 kids play together...

Another Mariners Game

2011-08-31T21:43:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to their 2nd Mariners game of the season...yes they lost...again. However we got to watch the game from yet another suite, compliments of one of our Starlight board members whose husband is one of the announcers. We had 4 Starlight families there and enough food to feed an army. Claire became OBSESSED with watermelon...aka: water mewoan. Brenden had his night made by meeting the Moose twice and being given a baseball card of the Moose. Both kids were fast asleep in the car long before we made it home.

Fun times with the Skippers

2011-08-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we had a great time over at the Skippers house...Claire fell in love with Kaidin's tricycle and was actually pretty close to being able to pedal on it. The boys played a lot of soccer in the yard and literally ran around for about 3 solid hours...all slept well that night!

Wild cats vs the wolves

2011-08-23T16:14:00.001-07:00

Obsessed with the baby outside

2011-08-19T19:55:00.001-07:00

Slightly creepy if you ask me

2011-08-15T19:38:00.003-07:00

His penguin egg

2011-08-15T19:38:00.001-07:00

Please don't fall!

2011-08-15T19:37:00.003-07:00

Watching daddy clean out the gutters on the roof

2011-08-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

Claire and the slide

2011-08-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Run from mom and monkey up the play structure as fast as possible

Step 2: Mock mom from top of structure and see just how far she's willing to climb

Step 3: race over to the top of the tallest slide and see just how fast mom runs

Step 4: Hurl self down slide as fast as possible with no thought to how you are landing

Step 5: Face plant complete with full body bounce as feet hit first causing a forward body slam...all ending with a huge smile on her face wanting to go again. We left the park 5 min later as mom quickly saw where this was going...and the ER is not where i want to go on a day I'm home alone with the kids!

Watch "Next stop X Games" on YouTube

2011-08-08T20:18:00.003-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ooq-feuDsh8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Watch "Brenden can pedal now!" on YouTube

2011-08-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqXSBo2NyRU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The kids get all the fame

2011-08-08T18:31:00.001-07:00

High Noon

2011-08-08T18:25:00.001-07:00

Daddys girl today

2011-08-08T18:24:00.003-07:00

Guess who figured out his pedals today!

2011-08-08T18:24:00.001-07:00

It all starts here...she wanted to do it alone!

2011-08-08T18:21:00.001-07:00

Action family

2011-08-08T18:20:00.001-07:00

Brenden's Big Night

2011-07-30T10:06:00.001-07:00

Her first Mariners game...spoiled in the Microsoft suite...

2011-07-29T23:06:00.001-07:00

Visiting daddy at work before the Mariners game!

2011-07-29T23:04:00.000-07:00