The Ratcliff Family

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:56:00.001-06:00

National Wear Red Day

2012-02-07T17:09:00.002-06:00

Feb 3rd was National Wear Red Day. Scott, Will and I all wore Red for those we know who have been affected by Heart Disease. National Wear Red Day will be a yearly tradition with our family.

Happy Heart Month

2012-01-31T16:21:00.003-06:00

Tomorrow kicks off Heart Month. On Feb 3rd is Go Red for Women day. Make sure you wear your Red and Support the fight against Heart Disease and Febuary 7th-14th is CHD Awareness week. Keep all those affected by Heart Disease in mind not just in February but all year round.

Happy 8 Months

2012-01-31T16:13:00.002-06:00

I am a few week behind on posting a picture update of Hank. He turned 8 months on Jan 10th. Hard to believe time has flown by this fast.

Happy 33rd Birthday

2012-01-31T16:05:00.007-06:00

Scott said as long as he can remember he could not remember spending his birthday outside and with no jackets on. Scott and I enjoyed lunch and a trip to the casino. We picked William up from daycare and spent the afternoon at home which that does not happen to often. Happy Birthday Scott!!

Matching Jammas :)

2012-01-29T20:04:00.003-06:00

Had to post this picture of Will, Simon and Hank. Simon, is Steve's nephew and Will's new best buddy :)

2012-01-21T14:14:00.004-06:00

Skylar, Lexi, Shiloh, Tori and William

Today I met up with my childhood friend Marly while she was in town visiting her parents from Des Monies. Marly and I have been friends since 1st grade. It is so nice to reconnect and catch up. Alot has changed since the last time we were together. Marly and her husband Eric welcomed twins Skylar and Shiloh into the world in September. Here is a picture of us attempting to get all 5 kids to focus and smile :)

William Update

2012-01-17T18:29:00.006-06:00

Our visit to the doctor have become far between and we could not be happier. Yesterday, we took William to the doctor because he has been sick. Fever, cold ,cough and puking. BOO!! He weighed 27 pounds and 35 inches. He is quite the entertainer and we have learned you have to watch what you say around him:)

He loves Thomas the Train, his art table, his baby Hank, can count to ten in English and Spanish, almost potty trained and is just so much fun!!

Potty Time

2012-01-07T20:14:00.004-06:00

Thanks to Aunt Dede we have kicked potty training into high gear. Last Saturday, while William was hanging at Swan Road, Jordan ask William if he had to feed the fishy. And he did :) So it has been a week of potty training. Besides a few accidents he is doing well. He is still in a diaper at night but I have feeling in just a few short weeks we will be diaper free:)

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T18:49:00.005-06:00

Hard to believe another year is down. Time has flown by. In just 6 short months we will have 3 year old. 2011 was a year we will not forget. I returned to work full time a year ago, my mom had her open heart surgery, Hank was born and William got a wonderful report from his cardiologists. We have so much to be thankful for and are looking forward 2012!!

Christmas Day in Red Oak

2011-12-26T15:38:00.004-06:00

We headed to Red Oak early Christmas morning. It was so nice to spend time with Scott's brother and sister in law and of course Sam. Will and Sam have so much fun together. Sally cooked a delicious meal and spoiled us all!

The highlight of William's day was delivering Gabby ( Larry and Sally's neighbors dog) her chrismas present. William loves this dog and he keeps her quite entertained when he visits:)

Santa Claus came to town

2011-12-26T15:35:00.002-06:00

We fed Santa's reindeer, put out cookies and William awaited Santa's arrival

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-26T15:27:00.008-06:00

I so graciously hosted Christmas Eve this year. We had a lot to celebrate. It has been a year since my dad had his open heart surgery. He is healthy and happy and doing great. William was spoiled rotten. He got a collectors edition Union Pacific Train, a leappad and, lots and lots of toy. Hank also joined us this year. He is such a joy and such a happy little boy.

We would also like to thank those from far away that thought of William. We missed you Grandpa Oder and Aunt Mary you won the way to his heart by delivering a choo choo train and choo choo train sheets. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!

Tubby Time

2011-12-24T04:39:00.006-06:00

Hey Santa!

2011-12-20T18:50:00.005-06:00

William's trip to Santa was calm this year. Scott and I were all prepared to join him on Santa's lap but William did great. He sat there long enough for the photo op ( he looks a little stunned :0)) and did great. He did not tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas but when I ask him in the car he said '' trucks and trains". Let's see if his Christmas wish comes true ;)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-10T20:03:00.002-06:00

Our 2011 Christmas Card

Our gingerbread train...William's favorite part of course was the candy :)

Buddy the Elf

2011-12-08T06:16:00.002-06:00

I would like to introduce you to our Elf on the Shelf and our newest Holiday tradition, Buddy. Yes, we are not that creative when it comes to a name but For those who have not read the story it is a great one. Looking forward to spending many holidays seasons with Buddy on our shelf.

End of the Regular Season

2011-12-06T18:37:00.007-06:00

We were suppose to head to Des Monies on Saturday for the Santa Express Train Ride however the weather changed our plans and we stayed in town. We spent the day hanging with the Turner and Murray families and watch the Cyclones play their last regular season game. Hank, William and Jillian are destined to be best buds ( do they really have a choice ;) ).

2 year Old School Picture- St. Albert

2011-12-06T18:35:00.003-06:00

Hard to believe that William is only 2 in this picture. He looks so big and is getting so big. Besides the "terrible" twos this is by far my favorite age. I love watching Will learn new things everyday. He is so much fun and so entertaining!

Skype

2011-11-28T19:26:00.001-06:00

Thank Goodness for Skype. Being a firefighter Scott misses out on alot sometimes. William is learning things everyday. Skype allows Scott not to miss out on these things. William everyday after "school" ask if we can " Skype daddy". Technology is amazing I we are so lucky Skype is around!

Picture Preview

2011-11-28T19:21:00.004-06:00

A Very Special Houseguest

2011-11-28T19:15:00.009-06:00

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Jordan and Steve headed to Mexico so we got the honor of watching Hank. Scott and I enjoyed having another kid around. William was jealous at times but loves Hank. I cannot wait to watch these two grow up together :)

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T19:11:00.003-06:00

Scott was on Kelly Day this Thanksgiving so we were lucky to have him home and not working. We spent Thursday at Jordan and Steve's and then headed to Red Oak on Friday. As always the time with Family was great and we were spoiled with wonderful food around us. We are so Thankful for everything in our life and could not do alot without our family that surrounds us!

This is love!

2011-11-22T06:16:00.001-06:00

Happy 60th Birthday!!

2011-11-21T18:23:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Bob Bob ( aka Grandma Kathy) birthday on Saturday. My mom's actual birthday is tomorrow. Bob Bob is Will's name for Grandma. We do not know where it comes from but mom loves it because it is unique :) We enjoyed dinner at our house along with our out of tune family singing Happy Birthday to mom. We enjoyed pie and cheescake for dessert. My mom has alot to celebrate this year and we are so happy she is feeling better. We love you mom and thanks for all you help!!

2011-11-06T18:53:00.002-06:00

I keep thinking about how much trouble these two are going to get into together in Highschool and college. :)
I

ISU vs Kansas

2011-11-06T18:49:00.005-06:00

We were finally able to head to Ames on Saturday to enjoy the ISU game. It was perfect Football weather!! GO STATE!!

Reba

2011-11-06T18:45:00.004-06:00

Jordan was nice enough to give up her Reba ticket so Scott and I could enjoy a night out. Reba is amazing and I was in heaven listening to her sing. Scott and I had so much fun and always a night out !!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T19:30:00.013-05:00

This year William was a Union Pacific Train Conductor. We went to the Old Market on Sunday for some daytime trick or treating, he had his Halloween parade today at St. Albert and this evening I took him to a few houses around our neighborhood ( I took tons of pictures for Scott since he is working). Our neighbors were happy to see him and he got tons of compliments on his outfit. I could not be more proud of him in his train gear :)

Will and his Cousins

2011-10-23T17:47:00.003-05:00

Blessed Heart

2011-10-18T17:53:00.006-05:00

Proud to part of the Children's Heart Family

His echo

He is smiling

Well William continues to amaze us! Today we headed to the cardiologists and Dr. Delaney gave us the best news we could of hoped for. Will's heart is getting better and not worse, he is gaining weight ( 28 pounds and 40th percentile) and there is no open heart expected in the foreseeable future. His pulmonary valve is leaking a little more than Dr. Delaney would like so if it does need repaired it looks like that can be corrected in the cath lab. I am so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers. Although William is not cured, to think about where we thought we would be 2 years makes William a true miracle. His heart is truly blessed!!

Ditmars Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-16T18:50:00.011-05:00

William on the Tractor Ride

His Bumpkin

Uncle Scott and Hank

The Turners

Today Will's school had a get together at the Pumpkin Patch. It was a great day and Will loved the tractor ride and picking out his pumpkin.

Train Museum and Zoo

2011-10-16T18:46:00.006-05:00

We took William to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and Zoo this Saturday.

Friday Night and the Boys

2011-10-14T18:21:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-14T18:17:00.006-05:00

We carved our first pumpkin as a family this week. Will lost interest after about 10 minutes so I ended up doing all the work while Scott entertained Will. I was pretty impressed with the finished product. Looking forward to making this an annual tradition! I love fall!

Picture speaks for Itself

2011-10-07T18:39:00.003-05:00

I have been dying to take William on the train at the zoo. His obsession for trains is almost greater than his obsession of Firetrucks. I thought I would win him over by taking him a choo choo ride. Well the picture speaks for itself :)

Hank's Stay

2011-09-30T19:47:00.007-05:00

We had a great time with Hank these last couple days. Hank is such a happy baby and Will loves Hank. However, after this afternoon he asked when Hank was going 'bye bye" :) Thank you Jordan and Steve for going on trip ( I know it was hard). We loved our time with Hank and could not be happier when he is around.

Let the Playoffs Begin!

2011-09-30T15:53:00.003-05:00

Mom and Bud

2011-09-26T18:30:00.001-05:00

A 26 month Update

2011-09-23T20:08:00.003-05:00

Will is 26 months old today:) His vocabulary is expanding day by day. He is such a joy and so much fun. He keeps Scott and I on our toes and is defintely learning what it is like to be disciplined. We have started a responsibilities chart. Small responsibilities now, that include brushing his teeth, taking a bath, eating his veggies and no whining:) . It is going over well and Will loves putting a star on his chart after he completes a task. Scott has been working a ton between mandatory overtime at work and painting on his days off keeps him busy. Workh as kept me busy as well. I love my new job and I am so happy but makes for long days for William sometimes at "school". Will heads to the cardiologists on October 18th. It has been refreshing not having to drive over Children's or even visit a doctor ( I hope I did not just jinx it) as we did before. Will is doing amazing and we could not be happier with our strong little boy. Happy 26th Month to our Bud!!

Please note the big scratch on his nose, Will loves to ride his bike and decided to take a nose dive off of it. It is time to get a helmet :)

Looking good in Cardinal Red!! :)

2011-09-18T12:28:00.001-05:00

Small World

2011-09-12T19:32:00.007-05:00

Thank you Dr. Blaylock and Taussig:)

Explaining Pulmonary Atresia in the World Herald in 1948

Letter from Dr. Taussig

Letter from Dr. Blaylock

After finishing an exterior paint job down the street from our house the gentleman started to talk to me about his twin brother growing up with a heart defect and having to go to Johns Hopkins Hospital for surgery. He said they had to travel from Underwood Iowa to the hospital because Dr. Taussig and Dr. Blalock were the only doctors to treat blue babies and succeed. This was around 1948, William in 2009 received the BT shunt. This shunt was named for the above doctors that pioneered the heart surgeries in babies and that created the shunt that saved Will's life. The gentleman let myself and Dana look at some personal letters written from the doctor's to the family and news articles about the event. Here are some letters and articles in the World Herald in 1948.

Cyclone Nation Stand Up!

2011-09-11T18:46:00.006-05:00

Coach Rhoades celebrating with the fans ( best pic I could get)

Well football season has started and once again Scott and I are Cyclones season ticket holders. On Saturday the Cyclones took on the Iowa Hawkeyes in Ames. It was a great game and the Cyclones came out victorious in 3 overtimes against the Hawks. Life was good in Ames yesterday! GO STATE!!

St. Albert Volleyball

2011-09-07T17:09:00.003-05:00

As all of you know from previous post our sitter Justine has become quite the staple at our house. We are thankful to have her 2 days a week to take Will to daycare. Without her I would not be able to work my new job and the hours that come along with it. Besides babysitting William, Justine is going to school at Creighton studying to be an Occupational Thearpist and she also coaches volleyball at St. Albert. We took Will to his first SA volleyball game. Justine and the JV squad played an exciting game and won versus Underwood. GO SAINTES :)

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T18:34:00.005-05:00

His first Firepit

Will, Jillan and Hank

Loving the baseball game

Well we started Labor weekend by taking William to the Stormchashers game, it is a great atmosphere and William had so much fun. Saturday, we kicked off College Football season with both Cyclone and Husker victories. Sunday we did dinner with the Murray and Turner families, along with a fire pit and smores. We had a great time and cannot wait for what lies ahead this fall!

Weclome " Home" Martha

2011-09-05T18:24:00.005-05:00

Upstream

Martha hanging with Hank and Will

Will and Holden

My best friend Martha returned "home" this weekend and visited from LA. We were so happy to have Martha here and so glad we got to spend time with her. Time which included dinner at Upstream, Saturday afternoon of wine drinking, football and Christy Creme and a night at home chit chatting. Sunday we took a walk on the Wabash. It was great to have Martha here and I know Colette and Kumari agree we wish she would stay :)

Future Cyclones

2011-09-05T09:29:00.001-05:00

Football is upon Us!!

2011-09-03T08:48:00.001-05:00

These Boots

2011-08-28T18:49:00.004-05:00

William has grown fond of his boots I got him a couple months ago. They finally fit him and he has to wear them wherever we go. He has a mind of his own and gets his fashion sense from his father :)

Picture Updates!

2011-08-28T18:43:00.007-05:00

Will wanted to snap a photo ( Not too bad if you ask me ) :)

Who me ?

William and Hank

Swimming at Fun Plex at my Company Picnic

Eric Church Concert

Eric Church

Date Day at Blue

So Long Summer

2011-08-21T19:37:00.008-05:00

Me and Bud

Jordan and the boys

Enjoying the water

Hanker danker doo!

William with the "babies" Jillian and Hank

Jillian and Hank

Well summer has come to an end. We enjoyed our final day of swimming at Lakeshore. We were lucky enough to have the company of the the Murray and Turner families. Hard to believe summer came and went so fast. Now, bring on our favorite season. Football season!! GO STATE and GO Huskers!!

Bond Voyage

2011-08-20T18:21:00.003-05:00

Well today we said goodbye to our very good friend Lauren. Lauren and her family have decided to leave the storms of Iowa and head to sunny California ( After Thursday can you blame them?) The Bond family will be greatly missed among all of us. Between our instant messages at work, to our Saturdays at the park it will be a little lonely around here. Like I told Lauren, she will have to make sure there is plenty of room on their couch and Thank GOD for skype.

You will be missed and IOWA will not be the same without. I know my days will not be!

2011-08-16T19:04:00.002-05:00

Getting William to eat and finding foods he likes and never gets tired of is always tough! Well we know we offically have an Iowa boy. He loves Sweet Corn. He has to eat it off the cob, with butter, salt and he has to use the corn holders (sorry I cannot think of the "offical" name) . I don't blame him, there is nothing like Sweet Corn in Iowa!!

What's Happening

2011-08-08T18:16:00.006-05:00

It seems like summer was just here and it is hard to believe it almost coming to an end. We our having a wonderful summer. Enjoying lots of time outside and enjoying our time with family and friends. Will is finally over the nasty virus that took him out most of last week and the weekend. So glad to have him back to normal. I have been at my new job for a month. I am learning everyday and completely exhausted when I get home. My brain hurts from thinking so much :) Our new daycare routine has been going fairly smooth. Justine Olsen takes Will to daycare every other day. Since I have to be to work at 6am and daycare does not open until 6. Justine is nice enough to come the mornings Scott is working overnight and take Will to daycare. We are so grateful Justine gets up so early in the morning especially when this is her summer before she starts back at Creighton. Scott's painting business started off slow but has picked back up. He has done lots of bids and our neighborhood is keeping him busy this summer. He is on house #3 in Timbercrest with a bid out on one more. As always he is working hard and staying hydrated ;) My mom had surgery almost a month ago. She is attending rehab and getting back to her normal self. She still is sore and her body is still adjusting to having "normal" blood flow. She has gone without normal amounts of blood flow in her body for so long her body is taking some time to adjust. We are so thankful for the surgery and we know mom will be as good as new in no time. Mom is one tough cookie and we are all so proud of her.

Viking Lake

2011-08-02T18:02:00.005-05:00

Grandma Sally and Grandpa Larry were camping at Viking Lake last weekend. We decided to make the trip down for the day on Saturday. Grandpa and Grandma had just gotten back from the Ratcliff Family reunion in Denver. We could not attend because Will's heart combined with the altitude is not a good combo so we had to see all the fun we missed in pictures. At Viking Lake, we had lunch, rented a boat ( Grandma Sally was nice enough to take Will back to the camper so Scott and I could enjoy some mom and dad time on the lake) and Will swam in his pool. It was days like this that make me enjoy summer more and more each day!

Day at the Pool

2011-07-27T19:19:00.003-05:00

Jordan and I are water bugs and are use to spending our summers at the Pool . We have passed our love onto the boys. Will and Hank enjoy the water and have so much fun! :)

Patch Owens

2011-07-27T19:12:00.004-05:00

Our great friends Jeff and Sandy Owens have added a new member to their family. Patch, an english bulldog, came from Grand Island, NE. He is so cute and we could not wait to introduce Will to Patch. Will's new favorite word is Patch. We are so happy Jeff and Sandy are here in Omaha and love that we get to spend time with them :)

He's two........

2011-07-23T22:21:00.009-05:00

Today we celebrated William's 2nd birthday. The included a day at the car wash, a trip to Hyvee and then a little birthday party to finish off the evening. It is hard to believe we now have a two year old in our house. He is just so much fun and makes me smile all the time!

2011-07-18T06:03:00.001-05:00

William is coming up on his two year anniversary of having Open Heart Surgery. This will be a day Scott and I will never forget. I cannot say it enough that we are so grateful for Will's surgeon, Dr. Hammel who in our eyes, along with ALL the other doctors and nurses, saved Will's life.

Here is a story about a life saving Dr. Hammel performed. We are so lucky to have such wonderful resources in the Midwest.

http://www.ketv.com/news/28550226/detail.html

Repair not Replaced

2011-07-14T06:02:00.002-05:00

Well my mom went in for open heart surgery on July 11th. They were able to repair her mitral valve rather than replace it. This is great news! This is the same surgery William will be facing down the rode and grandma wanted to try it first :) Mom is recovering slowly but is getting her strength back. She is one tough lady and we are all so proud of her. She has a long recovery ahead of her but she will feel like a new person afterwards. Mom has felt sick for so many years I do not know if she will even know what to do with herself.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. They mean to the world to all of us!!

Best Buddies

2011-07-09T13:59:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-03T17:55:00.001-05:00

I Had to do it!!

2011-07-01T18:21:00.004-05:00

I know this is the Ratcliff Family blog but I had to add some pictures of Hank. He brings so much joy to all of our lives!!

Our Overnight Guest

2011-06-29T18:39:00.006-05:00

Hank wondering why his cousin has such nerdy jammies on:)

I think Will is growing on Hank

Kisses for Hank

Will is a little protective of his "things" He decided to go night night in the bassinet:)

I had the pleasure of having Hank over night on Saturday. I would not of wanted to spend my Saturday night any other way. It was kind of strange having a baby around but I loved every minute of it. My parents did have to stop by to keep Will busy, whenever I hold the baby he wants me to hold him ( I am hoping he gets over this soon) :) Hank is adorable and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to watch him. I am one lucky Auntie!!

Tube Time

2011-06-24T18:38:00.007-05:00

Will and his Monkey from Hank

After 8 ear infections William went in for tubes. Dr. Sewell, Will's ENT, was great and told us this was the best decision we could of made. He told us he was suprised Will could even hear anything there was so much fluid in his ears. . Surgery is always scarey with Will and Children's is always great at making us feel better and comfortable. Surgery was at 7am and we were home by 9am. It was quick and well worth it.

My New Role

2011-06-19T20:21:00.007-05:00

Hank and his Godparents

Will and Aunt Jordie

Will and his Godparents

Today I became a Godmother to Hank. I was so honored when Jordan and Steve ask me to take on another role other than Aunt. Along with Uncle Joe, we watch Hank be baptized today. It was a very special day and a very special moment. Hank is so loved and Jordan and Steve are wonderful parents. God Bless Henry Michael! :)

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T20:24:00.004-05:00

Happy Father's day to Scott ( and of course my dad). Will and I are so thankful to have Scott around and help out where help is needed. I know working 24 hours shifts is not always the easiest on Scott ( or me) but we are so grateful for Scott's hard work. It is amazing to watch Scott and Will interact. I have never been so proud!

Happy Father's Day!

Jillian, Will and Hank

2011-06-14T18:50:00.002-05:00

Yes It's True....I am 30

2011-06-14T18:44:00.005-05:00

My birthday balloons

My Aunt Mary and Alex were here to visit

Me and Sandy

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of turning 30. I had a wonderful birthday that included lunch with my family and then we had a little get together with some friends from the Fire Department. I could not of ask for a better birthday week. We had great vacation and I got spend time with my family and friends. Life is good. Here is to 30 more wonderful years! :)

Our First Family Trip

2011-06-11T14:33:00.008-05:00

We headed to KC for a few days. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge ( I would recommend this place to anyone), attended Will's first baseball game and ended our stay at Coco Key at the Holiday Inn. Our trip included lots of swimming, eating and shopping. We had a wonderful time and our looking forward to doing it again next year.

2011-06-07T13:52:00.003-05:00

Every time I get the vacuum out I have a little helper around the house. He insists on doing it himself. Scott and I are hoping this last into the teenage years. For being 2, he does not do a bad job:)

Let Summer Begin

2011-06-05T17:04:00.010-05:00

Will and Uncle Scott

Will and Hank

Summer is here and so far it has not dissapointed. We have spent time on a boat, at Will's water table and with Hank. Will is adjusting to having Hank around. This summer we plan on spending alot our days together at the pool. Will is a fish. It is hard to keep him out of the water.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T17:53:00.006-05:00

Will's new Bed

2011-05-30T07:17:00.003-05:00

We have converted Will over to a twin bed and it has been very successful. We are happy to report the crib will be moved out of his room and into the spare room. Cannot believe Will is getting so big...Where has time gone?

Camping 2011

2011-05-30T07:14:00.006-05:00

We headed to Dammann Oaks for an overnight stay on Saturday. We had a great time with Family. Will was all over the place and enjoyed his time "outside"

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

Will and Hank

2011-05-24T18:19:00.003-05:00

Will is warming up to the idea of having Hank around. He walks around the house asking " Where Baby"?

Scott and Hank

2011-05-22T18:32:00.001-05:00

Heart Walk 2011

2011-05-22T07:03:00.009-05:00

Will in his survivor hat

Yesterday was the American Heart Association Heart Walk. It was a long 3 months of preparing and fundraising. The grand total for Team William was $2,300. I cannot thank all those who donated and who even participated in the walk. It means so much to us. I was talking to my mother in Law, Sally, while we were walking and it was a very emotional day for me. I am so grateful for everything and everyone!

One Week

2011-05-17T17:46:00.003-05:00

Hank...One week Old

Will, Aunt Jordie and Hank :)

Ice Cream on the Porch

2011-05-17T17:41:00.005-05:00

Will celebrated feeling better by enjoying some ice cream on the porch:)

More Baby Hank

2011-05-14T19:42:00.005-05:00

Henry Micheal Turner

2011-05-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

Hello World!
First Family Photo

Hank

Mama and Hank

I am the proudest Aunt

Cousins

Kisses

Grandma and Hank

On Tuesday May 10th at 7:20pm we welcomed Henry into our world. We will call him Hank and I have feeling he will be very spoiled just like his cousin:) After a long 24 hours of labor, Hank was very stubborn so Jordan had to go in for a csection. I was allowed to go back in the Operating Room with Jordan and Steve. It was so amazing to see Hank being born. I was so happy to share in this special moment with them. Hank is one lucky baby and is already loved so much. I am so excited to welcome him into our world!

Mother's Day Weekend

2011-05-08T19:31:00.008-05:00

Sunday Afternoon

The boys hanging out

Mommy and William

My gift from Will

I had a wonderful weekend. Scott, Will and I celebrated on Saturday since Scott worked today. We had lunch, went to the Old Market and then Scott and I were lucky enough to partake in date night. We headed to Vincenzo's for dinner and then to LaBuvette for a glass of wine outside. The weather could not of been more perfect . Today, Will and I joined my parents and Jordan and Steve for lunch. ( Scott suprised me and got off work for a few hours so he could come to lunch:) ) This will be our last offical family dinner before Baby Turner arrives. After a quick nap, Will and I headed to the fire station. Some of the firefighters got a meal together for some of the mother's. It was fantastic. :)

We clean up Nice :)

2011-05-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

Grandparent's Day

2011-04-26T18:08:00.005-05:00

Monday at St. Albert was Grandparent's day. Grandma Sally and Papa Mike were able to attend (Grandma Kathy was under the weather and Grandpa Larry was working) Will was really excited to see them. So excited he went and grabbed his coat and hat because he thought he was going home.:)

Easter on the Playground

2011-04-24T18:24:00.005-05:00

We visited Scott at work today for Easter. We were lucky enough to have a playground across the street from the Fire Station. Will and Scott had so much fun today:)

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T18:06:00.011-05:00

Loving his Easter Basket
Checking out his loot

His new bike

Two Superheros

His new do!

Getting ready for his haircut

Searching for Eggs

Scott worked Easter Sunday so we headed to Red Oak on Saturday. Will partcipated in his first Easter Egg hunt. It was cold and windy and he pooped out after 5 minutes but he had so much fun. He had a great day hanging out with his Sam and they now have matching Superman Shirts (Thanks Jer, Rachel and Sam. William will not take the shirt off )

On Sunday morning the Easter bunny delievered a basket full of goodies and a brand new bike to Will. Will visisted the Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shoppe ( he was terrified) and went and visisted Scott at work and played on the playground. I think Will had a great Easter this year:)

21 Months

2011-04-22T18:29:00.003-05:00

Here are some fun facts about Will.

Favorite Song: Wheels on the Bus

Favorite Dance: Wheels on the Bus

Favorite Food: Peanut Butter and Ranch

New Words: Papa, Grandma, Milk, Oh Geez and Huh?

Favorite Sport: Soccer

We are really excited for summer. Will loves playing ball outside and going for walks. We cannot wait to spend time on the lake this summer and we are looking forward to our family roadtrip to KC and St. Louis.

Attention Cyclone Nation

2011-04-21T18:57:00.001-05:00

The world has welcomed a new member into the Cyclone Family. Jillian Rae Murray was born on Sunday. Nicole, Andy and Jillian are doing great and we could not be happier for them. I had the pleasure of meeting Jillian today. Up next; Baby Boy Turner. We cannot wait to meet him :)

The New Generation :)

2011-04-19T18:59:00.002-05:00

Avery, Adeline, Delaney, William, Wade, Colin and Lila

Echo- April 19th, 2011

2011-04-19T13:02:00.003-05:00

William is 23 pounds and 30 inches long. He actually is moving up the growth chart and Dr. Delaney could not be happier. William was a calm as can be during the echo ( in his file they have him flagged as uncooperative) so Scott and I were rather shocked at his behavior today. He did wonderful. While on daddy's lap I blew bubbles with him and I played " Were one great big rollin railroad" on my cell phone. He actually enjoyed his echo today :)

Will is growing and his heart has stayed the same. His mittral valve is still leaking but he is on medication to help this. We are still looking at an open heart surgery to correct or replace the valve but we do not have to go back for another appointment for 6 months. This is best news we could of gotten today!

2011-04-15T20:41:00.004-05:00

Today Scott went to Maars Magnet School in Omaha to speak about what it is like to be a solider and to be deployed overseas. Our good friend Nicole, Mrs. Murray as her students call her, ask Scott to come speak to her 5th graders about this subject. They were planning on writing letters and sending cards to the troops and Nicole wanted Scott to talk to them about how much it meant to them to recieve cards. He told them what it was like to be away from family and friends, let them try MRE's and answered questions. Scott always enjoys telling stories about his time overseas and most of all he appreciates all the love and support he got while there. :)

Mama and Will

2011-04-10T17:50:00.003-05:00

William and I spent the day together at the park. We headed to Stinson Park in Omaha ( the home of the Heart Walk). It was a great day. Will loved playing on the playground and most of the playing with the soccer ball ( he is taking after Aunt Jordie) It was a great day together. I cherish them more than anything!

Opening Day!

2011-04-02T15:14:00.005-05:00

On Thursday we celebrated our second favorite season of the year.... Opening Day of Baseball season :)
Will is sporting his authentic Yankee Jersey from Aunt Jordan and Uncle Steve. We are hoping the Yankees make the post season this year and bring the World Series back to New York! Go Yankees!!

Our Expanding Family

2011-03-30T19:39:00.002-05:00

We would like to introduce Echo, Cardio and A-Rod. This equals 2 goldfish and a snail. Will loves to feed them and sit and stare at them and say " fishy." By far the easiest pets we have had:)

Week 2

2011-03-25T19:12:00.003-05:00

This week was Week 2 of Swim lessons. Will is battling an awful cold and due to his temperature issues in the pool we thought it would be a good idea to keep him out of the water. In the meantime we wanted to show off his new wetsuit. As most of you know, due to his body temperature in the pool decreasing he turns blue. Since his oxygen level is only in the 90's to begin with, along and with the combination of water he turns blue. Going into swim lessons, we know this going to happen, we prepare ourselves, but when it comes down to it there is no preparing ourselves. So in order for Will to enjoy more than 20 minutes in the pool we purchased this wetsuit. I reached out to my fellow heart moms and they recommended this may be the answer. From the looks of the pictures, he loves it and I cannot wait to try it out in the water:)

20 months Old

2011-03-23T17:43:00.003-05:00

Will is 20 months old today! So hard to believe he is so close to two years old. Time flies when you are having fun :)

I also want to give a shout out to my dad. A little over 3 months after heart surgery and he is heading back to the railroad. His first day back to work is tomorrow. We are all so proud of him and could not be happier with his recovery! :)

Will "the fish" Ratcliff

2011-03-19T17:18:00.002-05:00

A future Mr. Phelps?

2011-03-19T17:11:00.007-05:00

Will is once again enrolled in Shrimp swimming lessons at the local YMCA. Today was his first attempt this year and he loved it. He does well and seems to interact with the water alot more this year. Today they learned how to float on their back and chase a ball in the water. He was a pro.. We might have the next Micheal Phelps on our hands ;)

St. Patty's Day 2011

2011-03-19T06:52:00.004-05:00