Kyle's Magical Day

One of the most popular attractions in our area for children is The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum. John and I have been very excited to bring Kyle to experience the "magical excitement" of the museum. We have been waiting for the perfect time, so he could enjoy what it has to offer and today was the day we chose to visit for the first time.

Kyle absolutely LOVED The Magic House!! It is filled with activities for children to explore, pretend, discover, play, construct, and create. Kyle was able to pretend to be working in a bank, a restaurant, grocery store, as well as being a mechanic. He also enjoyed the "construction zone" pretending to be a construction worker, wearing a tool belt, painting, etc. One of the cutest areas is the "Star-Spangled Center" where children can sit at the President's desk and play in a jury room. "Once Upon A Time...Exploring The World of Fairy Tales" is a limited time exhibit which Kyle enjoyed. He was able to have a hands on, interactive experience from several of the most popular fairy tales, including Jack and The Bean Stalk.

This is just a small sampling of what there is to see and do....it is impossible to explore the entire Magic House in one visit. Kyle had such a great time, we decided to purchase a yearly membership. With the membership we have free admission for an entire year, as well as a few other perks. We look forward to our next visit in the very near future!!

Kyle, the mechanic, filling up the windshield washer fluid. Our future Mozart.

This place is electrifying!

Kyle serving Mommy and Daddy some pizza. Kyle also enjoyed the museum gift shop.

Spence Saturday Snip Its

I love Saturdays, which means my boys and I have some family fun! This morning, John and I took Kyle to a "Planes, Trains, and Things That Go" workshop sponsored by the Parents As Teachers group through our local school district. The event was advertised for ages 2-5 so we figured it would be a perfect outing that Kyle would love, since he is all about "things that go". The majority of the children there were younger than Kyle, but it certainly didn't stop him from having a good 'ole time. By far, Kyle's favorite part of the morning was "driving" the fire truck...he has seen a fire truck up close and personal on many occasions, but it's always fun and exciting each and every time.

Kyle, The Fire Chief, driving the fire truck

We were experiencing a "heat wave" in the St. Louis area today with temperatures reaching into the 5o's. We couldn't pass up the awesome opportunity, so this afternoon we headed to the park to soak up the "warmer" temperatures. Kyle has been antsy to get outside and has been asking to go to the park practically everyday....unfortunately everday the answer is no, but today his wish came true! Kyle was so happy to be set free and was able to run off some much needed energy. John and I enjoyed the fresh air as well....The Spence Family is ready for spring!

So happy to be on the playground. Whew...here I come!

Ready, Set, Go!!!!!! Can you catch me???

My two favorite "boys".

Micro Preemie Miracle

Today at Kelly's Korner, she is hosting a "Show Us Your Life - Ministry". These posts can be on a wide variety of topics to help encourage others through something you have experienced. I chose to participate and introduce you to my micro-preemie miracle.

My micro-preemie miracle son, Kyle, was born on October 5, 2005 at 25 weeks gestation. Kyle was 1 lb. 10 oz., was 12 inches long and spent 86 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He has shown us that he can make it through anything...from his respiratory/breathing issues, infection, laser eye surgery due to ROP, many hours of therapy, wearing a helmet due to plagiocephaly, and his many doctors appointments. I am so thankful that Kyle is such a healthy and happy (most of the time...LOL) preschooler. Kyle's main challenge from being born a micro-preemie is his developmental delays. He has received therapy services since he was eight months old and continues to receive services through our local school district at preschool. I have come to realize that Kyle is on his own little time line to meet milestones and age appropriate skills. I will probably always worry a little more about things since he had such a rough start in life, but with his zest and love for life, I know he will be just fine as he grows up...just may be a little more challenging at times.

My main purpose to share this blog post today, was to encourage other parents who may experience prematurity...preemies are strong, little fighters who will never give up! With the wonderful assistance of a top notch NICU staff, therapists, teachers, and a very determined little guy we have come such a long way on our micro-preemie journey. It isn't something I wish upon anyone, but the outcome can be very rewarding if you are ever faced with this challenge in life.

Kyle in the NICU

Kyle - Age 4

Friendship Day Party!

This morning Kyle had his Friendship Day Party at preschool. The school district doesn't use the term Valentine's Day for religious reasons, so hence the name Friendship Day. The party was during the last hour of school...complete with a card exchange, crafts, games, and of course party food! The children decorated shoe boxes with pictures and hearts to put their cards and other goodies in. Kyle brought a fun, festive, holiday bag for each of his classmates. Inside the bag was two boxes of sweetheart candy and two small size play-doh containers. It seems the majority of preschool age children love candy and play-doh, so I figured it was a good combination. He also gave his classmates a picture search Valentines card. I'm sure a good time was had by all celebrating the true meaning of Valentine's Day...Friendship!

Kyle is all set and ready to head to his Friendship Day Party!

Goodie bags for his classmates.

Happy Mardi Gras!!

HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!!

The Spence Family would like to wish everyone a Happy Mardi Gras! Once again, we are wishing we were in New Orleans for the celebration, but we are there in spirit...especially Kyle! He was sporting his purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras shirt to school this morning and last week he brought king cake to share with his classmates during snack. I would love for Kyle to have the Mardi Gras experience as he is growing up, but it seems to be a difficult time of year for our family to travel. St. Louis does celebrate Mardi Gras, but on a much smaller scale. We haven't attended the local parades, but hope to in the years to come. Being from New Orleans, I'm sure I would be very disappointed with the parades, since New Orleans is the true Mardi Gras, but I'm certain Kyle would enjoy the festivities that STL Mardi Gras has to offer.

Happy Valentine's Day!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

The Spence Family would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! We had a wonderful day spending quality time with one another. John and Kyle brought me a dozen beautiful roses and gave me the sweetest cards showing their love and appreciation! Kyle also brought home special artwork he made at preschool, especially for Mommy, which I will always treasure!

John and I celebrated Saturday evening with a special Valentine's date night! We began the evening with dinner at Candicci's, a local Italian restaurant. The meal was delicious and we enjoyed every single bite! After dinner we enjoyed a drink, relaxing by a fire, enjoying our time alone, having an adult conversation! To end the evening, we went to The Sky Music Lounge to listen to a local cover band...extremely loud, but we enjoyed the music and people watching! John and I always have a great time on our "dates" no matter what we decide to do. As much as we love Kyle, it's nice to get out and about with each other. Hope everyone had a special day with their loved ones!

Who Dat!!!

SUPER BOWL XLIV

Super Bowl Sunday was a very exciting day for anyone who LOVES the Saints, as well as the city of New Orleans. The Saints won their very first Super Bowl in history! I was thrilled the Saints went all the way...not only for the fans, but for the city itself. I'm sure this brought some much needed energy to the city after what everyone experienced in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina. It was a great game, which had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats until the end when "Who Dat" nation was standing on their feet celebrating the win! Of course, we watched the game in St. Louis, cheering for the Saints all the way, dressed in our black and gold. Kyle was so proud he even wore his Saints jersey to school to show his New Orleans Saints spirit!

Kyle, the cutest Saints fan! He was holding a football that was signed by

Ricky Jackson, who was recently elected into the Hall of Fame.