Anthony's Mole Removal Surgery

Back on the 19th, Anthony had his mole removed. 

We've always given the kids autonomy over their own bodies. I've known for a long time that Anthony didn't like the large mole on his back. Despite it being a unique part of him that I've always loved,  I could also sympathize with him as well. I had a mole on my chest I was very self conscious about growing up and hated. I eventually had it removed some years back, and never regretted that decision. I knew I had to give Anthony the choice to do the same. We talked about it for some time, and then made an appointment with our amazing dermatologist to look it over and give his input. After we were given the green light, it was time to make the final decision....and Anthony decided yes....he would love to say goodbye to the mole so he could feel comfortable in his skin whenever he took his shirt off. 

He did so well with the surgery! I know he was a bit anxious, and getting the numbing poked into his back around the mole was pretty painful for him, but he did an amazing job at staying calm. He talked to his dermatologist the whole time and asked him some amazing questions, much to the dermatologist's delight! 

Some stitches, cream, and a large bandage to cover it, with doctor's orders to take it easy for about a week and we were on our way! 

We went back yesterday to have the stitches taken out. It looks a bit angry, and he had a reaction to where the bandage was, but overall it looks great! It will, of course, heal and lighten more as time goes on, but it makes me incredibly happy to know Anthony is pleased with the results thus far and happy about his decision. I would always want my children to make the best decisions for their body and for their mental well being. 

With love,                                                                                                            Mama Hauck

Christmas Break - Hauck Family Visit and Christmas Fun

Christmas break was a lot of fun. It was made even more special because Sam's sister Sherry, her boyfriend Jamal, and our niece and nephew Aleah and Alijah drove up from MN to spend some time with us over break! It was the very first time ALL the cousins have been together....ever!! Aleah and Elijah did come to WA years ago when they were little, but Timothy wasn't born yet. So truly, this visit was special. 

The kids clicked right away. It was like they had always been together. It truly made my heart smile. 

We did a lot when they were up. Aleah and Elijah were excited to join in on our advent calendar games. 

We had a Christmas family movie night as well, complete with drinks, popcorn, and treats! 

 

The boys did A LOT of gaming, lol. 

The boys and Jamal helped Sam burn down our huge burn pile. It took daysssss for it to completely burn. Anthony taught Elijah how to use the tractor, and being a city boy, he sure did love that! 

 

One of our advents was to make Christmas cookies. We made chocolate chip, peanut butter blossoms, thumb print jam, chocolate chip oatmeal raisin, and cranberry white chocolate chip. Timothy, Molly, and Aleah all helped bake the cookies.  Elijah didn't help bake, but he sure helped eat the chocolate chip cookies! I had to keep slapping his hand away, haha. 

One of the things Elijah really wanted to do while out visiting was shoot guns. Under Sam's watchful eye, Anthony taught Elijah all about gun safety and how to shoot. It was awesome. Aleah wanted to shoot as well, but this was on the 23rd, and Molly always sleeps over at Gma Cathy's to help her prepare for Christmas Eve, and Aleah went with her, so she unfortuantely missed out on shooting. 

 

On the 22nd, the girls and I went and got our ears pierced! This was Molly's first piercing, so it was a special day for her. Afterwards, we went out for lunch, then took them on the Pipeline Trail. It was chilly, but worth it. It was a good hike. I loved that we got a really great photo of the kids together down by the water. 

 

 

Of course, we couldn't miss this special opportunity to get Sherry, Aleah, and Elijah marked on the height board! 
 

Christmas Eve we headed to Grandma Cathy's where we all put on our Christmas sweaters for our first complete Hauck Family photo! 

We did our usual of eating tasty treats and watching Christmas movies.

 

Since they had to take off that night in order to be back to MN in time for Jamal and Elijah to get to work on the 26th, they couldn't be here for actual Christmas day, so we exchanged gifts with Sherry and the kids then on Christmas Eve. 

Then we all played the Dice Game! This was the very first time Aleah and Elijah have ever played, so it was extra fun showing them how and watching them have a good time. 

 

It was hard to say our goodbyes. I wish they could have actually stayed for Christmas, but I'm just thankful they were here at all. We packed a lot of fun into their visit, and I hope they had a great time. 

Back at home, we took our annual family ugly Christmas sweater photos, Molly and I put on our matching pj's (mine was a union suit! lol), and then Sam and I got to work playing Santa.

 

Christmas Day the kiddos did their stockings while we waited for the Grandparents to arrive. Once they did, we had our traditional Christmas breakfast of quiche, blueberry muffins, and cheesy smokies. 

After eating, it was present time! 

 

The rest of the day we spent jus hanging out, relaxing, organizing Christmas loot, watching a few Christmas movies, and then eating dinner. Christmas dinner was Sam's homemade clam chowder, my homemade mac and cheese (per the kids' insistent request!), and my mom's biscuits. 

 

 

A great winter break and Christmas in the books! 

With love,

Mama Hauck