Dad with Jonathan

My dad has been in and out of the hospital a lot lately, and is in the hospital right now. We're thankful to live close enough to get to spend time with him whether he's in or out. This goes without saying, but cancer is just a horrible thing.

I wanted to post a good picture of my dad from healthier days. This one is of him meeting Jonathan in April of 2005. We had made the trip out to introduce Jonathan to his family. (Benjamin will be this age very soon!) Dad was showing Jonathan one of his cars and later gave this Chrysler Imperial the name "Jonathan."

Giggles

Here are some of Benjamin's first giggles, which happened to be on his 3-month birthday. There were a lot more giggles, but I had a hard time recording them at just the right time.

Grace's Birthday Gift

This was our gift to Grace for her birthday. She knew exactly what to do with it! It's a magnetic doodling board. I'm sure that's not what it's really called, but you get the idea. When Jeff was trying it out with her for the first time, he made a swooshing noise when he used the level to erase the doodling. Now, when Grace erases her scribbles, she makes a swooshing sound, too. It cracks us up!

She has been sick off and on since her birthday. I am really ready for her to get better. Benjamin had a fever overnight. I hope we're not starting the same thing with him, or anyone else in our family...

Jonathan's Ladybug on a Leaf with Aphids

Balding

Yes, Benjamin's hair is falling out in clumps. Goodbye, sweet baby hair. Hello, sweet, bald baby.

My hair is falling out, too, in handfuls, as it always does a few months after I have a baby. And when it's done falling out, I have a nice amount of hair. Kind of like the amount of hair a normal person has. I am not in any danger of becoming bald like our sweet little boy will be soon!

Almost Two

I took these pictures just before Grace turned two. I thought they were pretty cute...

She can say "more purple grapes please" and likes to eat them with a spoon.

Serious brushing (or, probably, chewing on the toothbrush.)

Playing piano with Grandma.

She loves running in the grass.

And, when she fell down and discovered that the ground was soft, she decided to stay there.

Three Months Old

When Jonathan was three months old, I took pictures of him in a cute overalls outfit given to him by Graham's (and now Wesley's and Lidiyanna's) grandma Perpy. (Thanks again!!!) Just for fun, I used the same outfit for pictures of Benjamin at three months. To see Jonathan's pics, click here and scroll about halfway down the page. J's three-month pictures are some of my favorites from his babyhood. Benjamin is about half an inch shorter and more than two pounds heavier than Jonathan was at this age. He's not using his arms and hands as much, but he's laughing already. You can take a look at these pictures and judge for yourself whether you think they still resemble each other.

Just look at those cheeks!

Belly Laughs

Benjamin had his first belly laughs yesterday. I caught a little bit on video. First, though, I'll share this clip. It's what my mom was singing to him that he thought was so hilarious. Enjoy!

Vicki's Journey Home

For those of you who have followed the story of my dear friend Cherissa's mom, you'll want to know that she went Home early this morning. I don't know what to say except that she is dearly loved. You can read her blog here. Our love and prayers go out to her whole family.

Kids

Jonathan wanted to pose like this.

Grace getting into a drawer that is not off limits

Benjamin dreaming about milk

Cheese!

Here's the setup: Cheese was one of Grace's first words, but I don't think I've ever shared a video of how she says it. Even though she is talking like crazy now, she still says cheese the same way. In this clip, I'm trying to get her to say it, but first she is asking to do some laundry. (Seriously.) And then she does say it for me. This girl cracks me up. Enjoy!

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party

We had Grace's 2nd birthday party yesterday.  She's growing up as fast as everyone said she would, especially now that she has a younger sidekick!  I used her banner from last year, minus the "1st."  Last year she wasn't walking, wasn't talking...this year, she's so different and so much fun.  (And busy and challenging, but mostly fun.)


My mom helped out so much!  It was a simple, small party, but even simple and small are things I need help to accomplish these days.  Here are the cupcakes Mom made.  I still love my cupcake stand. Thanks to everyone who came and made our little party a success.  We missed those who couldn't make it.  And thanks to my sister for taking most of these pictures.


Darcy and Mary Ann's arrival


Mom and Benjamin


This is how Gracie usually looks:  on the move, unless she has stopped to ask for something she wants or to express her current and passionate emotion.



Doreen made her famous cookies even though she couldn't be there herself.


Corinne and her little buddy.  Corinne is carrying our niece, Charlotte, whom we're anxious to meet any day now.  She looks great but is ready to have Charlotte outside instead of inside!


Natalie, Mom, and Benjamin.  He is a smiley little guy...still doing the crazy back arching like Grace did.


Dad and Benjamin.  Dad hadn't seen Benjamin awake in a long time!


Time for gifts!





The dolly population has grown at our house!


A monkey and some other sweet gifts are here to stay, too.  Grace did a good job telling everyone thank-you (or, as she says, "nate-too,) and giving hugs.  I was thankful she did!


Two!  I had been thinking all week that a Good Mother would take the time to teach her girl to blow out a candle before the party.  I didn't do that...



But, Grace blew out her candle on the first try and surprised everyone, even herself.  She's staring at the smoke here.


She approached the cupcake quite differently than she did last year!


Mmmmm!


One last picture, Dad with four of his grandkids.

Gracie Quotes

This one's a conversation between Grace and me.

G:  Mad!!! (Whining sounds)
Me:  What made you mad?
G:  Sad.  (Sad sounds)
Me:  You're sad?
G:  Happy!  Feel better.


And here's a quote from Grace:

Little bird climbing up almond tree!

Benjamin Flying

Grace and My Dad

This Is a Raft...

and the kids are staying on it to be protected from the hot lava. Don't get burned!

Ready to Go

Here's a picture Jonathan took of us as we were ready to take him to school this morning. In the garage and ready to hit the road! Today was a no-shower day for me, so I'm a little grungy. Oh, well! Have I mentioned how much I love the Ergo carrier? I reallly love it. You can see here that Grace is holding Winnie the Pooh and Ballet Kitty, who have to go with us every time we go to school.

Almonds in Full Bloom