Happy Birthday!

Before 7:00 AM yesterday, Katelyn came to me in bed and asked, “Can I wake up Daddy and tell him Happy Birthday?” I was very tempted to let her wake him up…how many people get a birthday kiss from an adorable little girl BEFORE 7 AM? But, since it was his birthday, I made her wait until 7:30 AM. So generous of me, I know.

We had a wonderful family day yesterday celebrating Bill’s birthday. We took in a leisurely picnic at the park, played on the playground and followed-up at home with a nap. We haven’t taken a day like that in a very long time; one of those days where you don’t worry about the laundry, the dog-hair balls growing in the corner or the never-ending to-do list. We just enjoyed spending time as a family, laughing and playing.

And for dinner, we officially welcomed in spring: we pulled out the BBQ and cooked up some tri-tip. The girls severed Bill a delicious Angel-food cake covered with whip cream and berries. And the special treasure he received was a birthday crown, made especially for him by Katelyn and Vanessa. He proudly wore it ALL DAY!

Cheers for a bright year, full of dreams. I love you.

Special Time

Ever since my girls were infants, I have cherished our special time in the rocking chair. It is a great place to read books, snuggle, or comfort a tear. Now that Katelyn is a “big girl”, she doesn’t need, or ask, to be rocked every night like she did when she was “little”. But she knows that it is still a special place for her and me. Tonight when I was tucking her into bed, she asked, “Mommy, when I am 100, will you still be able to rock me?” “Of course,” I responded. “Forever and ever.” I figure with the advanced medical technology we have today, anything is possible. I may be rocking her from my wheelchair, but at least we’ll still have our special time together.

For those with passion

"Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence. It is no more or less than faith in action." - Henry Chester

Striving to grow

How does one go from being a "strong woman" to a "woman of strength"?

This is something that I am always struggling with. I know this question is focused primarily towards my female readers, but I would be interested in listening to a guy's perspective too. This is a rather personal topic, so instead of opening up this post for comments, if you have insight to share, please e-mail me. Please help me grow...

Valuable Resources: Books

At Katelyn’s four-year check up, her doctor advised us that it was time we start the serious conversations about privacy and your body belonging to you, as well as stranger-awareness. Two difficult topics to discuss with a little one. Where do we begin? Books, of course, I thought. It has been a very gentle way to introduce these topics. It is nice to use a book to be able to relate it to her, in her own world and from her perspective.

We always read to our children, and were even before they could understand our words. We are trying to instill the value of reading with them. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for new books. I was recently sharing with a friend a book that I’ve been reading and it came to mind that we are each other’s best resources for good reading material. I would never recommend a book that I didn’t enjoy or grow from and assume that she probably wouldn’t either. And no one has enough time to read the millions and millions of books out there.

So why not share your good reads with others? As we all continue in our own journeys, we will each come across new experiences. Perhaps a book listed here – or recommended by one of you- could help another person out. I’ve posted (in the right-hand side bar) several of my family’s favorite books and will continue to update with new favorites. If you have some favorites yourself, let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

Progress

Vanessa’s vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds right now. Pronunciation is still difficult, but we now can get two-word-sentences. Occasionally, if she really wants to send me into shock, she’ll throw out a three-word-sentence. I firmly believe that her early intervention is completely responsible for her progress. I wouldn’t want to imagine where she would be without having received any type of assistance.

But given all of this, she has several one-word-sentences that just make me smile.
Nonut = Donut
Nasty = Said when looping at her poop
Oman = When being dramatic about something she did
Icky = Snot. She usually says it when she is showing/giving me the snot on her finger.

Heaven Sent

I met Grant last night and rocked him for over an hour!

Precious.

Another Miracle is Born

My dear friend Jen delivered a healthy baby boy this morning. Baby Grant joins big brother Jordan, who is Katelyn’s oldest friend and one of her closest. I am very excited for them and the joy that having a newborn brings. They have so much to look forward to: the 12+ diapers a day they get to change, the every-three-hour feedings, the crying-for-some-unknown-reason-even-though-you’re-feed/changed/warm, the backaches from carrying the baby in his car seat everywhere, the re-baby-proofing that they’ll have to do at home…oh, an endless list! But the most precious thing that they have to look forward to is the unconditional love they have to give and will get back in return. And the first smile. And the warm snuggles. And the pure happiness that only a baby can bring. I haven’t met Grant yet – hopefully tomorrow! – so don’t have any pictures to share. But soon, as I cannot wait to meet this new little guy.

Welcome little one!