Hello all-
We hope that this newsletter finds you all well. We are moving right along. We have had a rough year so far, but we are hoping that things will start looking up soon.
Nate has had a lot of health problems this year. His insulin pump broke a little earlier this year and he had a hard time with his diabetes until we were able to get him a new one. He has also been having some abdominal pain for the past couple of years on and off. Late last year it started to get really bad and has continually gotten worse. We went to many doctor appointments, had a couple of CT scans, and were hoping to find someone who could really help us. We were finally able to get into a GI specialist and he gave us some insight on the possible causes of the problem. He performed a colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago and upon finding nothing out of the ordinary he referred us to a surgeon. Nate finally went in for an exploratory laparoscopy this past week and the surgeon found and fixed a "sports hernia". We are hoping that it will solve the problem. Nate is recovering nicely and is anxious to put this all behind him. Nate just recently got called to be in the Young Mens Presidency. He is really excited to go on the campouts and do things outdoors with them.
I am still just being a Mom. My days consist of cooking meals, cleaning up, getting kids ready for school, changing diapers...the usual. I am currently crocheting some hats for a photographer in trade for a photography shoot. I have had fun trying my hand at new things and learning how to make fun baby items. I still volunteer at the elementary school a couple times a week and I love being involved in the kids schooling. I was able to go up north to visit my family this past week and see WICKED!! It was amazing! I wish that I could see it again...wishful thinking huh??
Brinley is quickly approaching her eighth birthday and I cannot believe it. She will be baptized on July 11. She is growing up so fast. Brin is still a great helper and loves to spend time with Kamri. She reads very well and her teacher said that she wishes she had "a whole class full of Brinleys". Brin has lost a lot of teeth and they are starting to all come in. She has quite a little attitude and we are quickly realizing what it is going to be like having a teenager. We are definitely not looking forward to that.
Addie is still a little lovey. She loves to give hugs and kiss others. She just turned six and is getting cuter by the day. Addie loves school and is so excited to go to the "new school" next year. We are thinking about sending our kids to the new charter school next year and Addie really wants to go so that she can be in the dance class. Addie is our little comedian and is always trying to diffuse an uncomfortable situation by being funny or acting silly. She is still wanting to be like her older sister and tries hard to be a "big girl".
Porter will be four in a couple of weeks. He recently learned how to ride his two-wheeler and he thinks that he is the stuff. He really loves to play the Wii and he begs every day for a DS since all of the neighbor kids have them. He has been enjoying his preschool class and he is just starting to pick on his alphabet. Porter is a little charmer. He is a super naughty little guy, especially when he is bored, but his little smile can just melt your heart.
Kamri will be one at the end of this month. I cannot believe how quickly the time has flown. She is an extremely happy baby and always has a smile on her face. She has seven cute teeth. She will probably be walking within the month. She didn't care to move for quite a while. When she finally learned to crawl she took off and now she is ready to start running....probably to get away from all the kids that are up in her face. Kami is the cutest little thing and we love having her in our family.
Well, that is about it for us. We continue to work and play. We hope that everybody is doing well. Until next newsletter...
Love,
Nate, Mindy, Brinley, Adalynn, Porter, and Kamri Cowan
P.S. If you want to keep an eye on our family I occasionally update our blog at www.thecrazycowans.blogspot.com
Nate & Mindy Cowan Family