Therapy

This is the 2nd of several days highlighting Chad's time at Occupational Therapy.



The trampoline and "red ball" are two of the activities that Chad does as well. The red ball is a five pound weighted ball. Chad has to bend down to pick up the ball and then throw it over hand to Mrs. W. He has to jump for several minutes on the trampoline.

Therapy

For the next few days, I will be sharing pictures of Chad at therapy.




The first thing that Chad does when he goes to therapy is take off his shoes and socks and wash his hands. Then he and his OT (Mrs. W) make a list of what he is going to do for the day. The first activity is always the ball pit. When Chad first started, he didn't want to get into the balls. He definitely didn't want to run and jump into the ball pit. Now he runs and jumps with all of his might!

Kaylee Reads

After Kaylee saw all of the attention that her brother received, Kaylee had to give reading a try.

Cole Walks

Chad Reads

Chad ran into our room to announce that he can read the book "Go, Dog. Go!"

Happy Father's Day

I not do that...

Kaylee has some funny statements that we hear a lot. Not really sure where they come from but they are very much "Kaylee":
"I not I know."
"I not do that again." - This is said as soon as she does something that she knows that she is not to do.
"Oh man."
"No way." & "Don't say 'No way'"

Last night, Michael was messing with his new watch. He discovered that if you shake it, the night light turns on. As you can imagine, after one or two times, this can get pretty annoying.

After the second or third time, I looked at him. He said, "I won't do that again." Busted!!! We both burst out laughing!

Kaylee

Aunt Jennifer gave Kaylee this name.

Wake Up Mommy

Things have been pretty crazy around here lately. On Saturday afternoon, I was able to lay down and take a nap. I was sound asleep when I heard "Mommy, wake up. I want to show you something." I also felt the gentle touch of a hand rubbing my back. As I came out of the deep sleep, I heard the phrase repeated several times. A mother's joy to wake up to this smiling face.

Priceless...

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

...How does your garden grow???

Much better!!!! After several bad years of gardening, I am very happy to announce that we just placed 20 quart bags of chopped cabbage into the freezer. Can you say RUNZA??? Michael told me that if my "money pit" didn't start producing some produce that he was going to axe my summer project.

After a soil sample, we believe that we have solved the problem. If the 9 cabbages are future telling, we are off to a good start!

Get Off of the Cell Phone

Kaylee has been given a couple of Barbie flip-cellphones. She has at least one phone with her most of the time - either in her hand, up to her ear, or in her purse. She has been known to tell us "be quiet guys" so that she can make a phone call.

Last night, Kaylee was supposed to be helping us carry things into the house after a church party that we had at our home. With cell phone up to her ear, she was struggling to carry very much.

I heard her Daddy say, "Kaylee, get off of the cellphone."

Precursor of what is to come?

By the Numbers

Cole had his 1 year well baby checkup today. Here are the stats:

Weight - 20 lbs. 12 oz - 15th percentile
Length - 31 1/4 inches - 90th percentile
Head - 17 3/4 inches - 15th percentile

We were happy to see his weight come up over 3 lbs since his 9 month check up. He has also grown almost 2 inches! Good checkup. Thank you, Jesus!

This about where Chad was at 1 year. Chad was actually a tad heavier. Probably has to do with the fact that Chad was on formula for a few months.

Cole's Birthday

Cole opened his birthday presents from us on Wednesday. Buying a present for the 3rd child/2nd boy is tough. We were really excited to see Cole so happy with his gifts!

Our Loves

The kids did great this morning on our photo shoot!

Has It Really Been a Year?

My Little Man:
Happy Birthday Cole! It is really hard to remember a year ago. You are so much a part of our lives now that I have forgotten what it was like before you came.

When people see you, the very first thing that they comment on is your big blue eyes. Then they ask Mommy if you are "this" happy all of the time. You truly are a very happy baby. You love to laugh at Chad and Kaylee and get tickled so easily.

Your determination lead you to crawling at 5 months and starting to take steps at 11 months. You are walking around pretty well now except when your big brother and sister see it and get really excited. Then you get excited too and fall down. But, Kaylee still gets excited when you sit up!

Mommy adores your kisses and Daddy loves how you get so excited when he comes home from work. You are heartbroken when you are not included on going outside because you love to swing and swim.

I can't put into words how much we love you and praise God for allowing us to have you in our family. We pray God's blessings on your life and pray that you will choose to following Him all your days.

With so much love - Mommy

Safari Fun

Last weekend, we traveled with our friends to a Safari. We saw about every animal you could think about - beside elephants. Chad said he liked the lions best! We had a fun time.

Chad petted a lemur.

Movin' About

Cole is really getting this walking thing down. He is trying to take steps a lot and just took 5 steps a few minutes ago. Would have taken more if Big Brother wouldn't have been so excited for him! The balance isn't really the issue. We are amazed at the squats that he does. It is more about Cole remembering that he can do it and then doing it. Pretty fun to watch him romping around!

Baby Avery Update

What an emotional roller coaster Avery's family has been on. They were prepared to take her off life support...then they learned that the bleeding was from a tear and was easily fixed. Now there is concern with some bleeding around Avery's brain. Please continue to pray for this family.