It Comes With the Territory

Why does it feel so right to indulge our children when they are sick? Grant is currently sitting in front of his computer with a plate of cookies and cheetos. (Yes, he is four and has a computer in his room. Just one of the many things I said I would never do when I was a parent.) Perhaps it is not so much that he is running a 102.3 fever, but more the fact that I just realized it after two days of Micah saying, "Grant sure does feel warm." In my defense, Ava has been congested, running a fever, and uncharacteristically whiny. Grant, on the other hand, has been his usual upbeat self. I just figured if he felt bad he would let us know. Of course, I should know better. This is the child who was running around the doctor's office with a 104 fever. The doctor said, "He's not acting sick," and abruptly sent us home with the advice to pick up some OTC pain reliever. Two days later Grant was taken by ambulance to the ER in respiratory distress. Four days in ICU and a pretty penny taught me that even when Grant doesn't "act sick" he very well might be sick. You live and learn.

What's New?

A lot can happen in a year's time. Micah and I have a new baby girl, Ava Grace. I am still amazed that she is really here. Micah and I discussed the name Ava when we began dating over 10 years ago. We agreed that if we ever had a daughter we would name her Ava Grace, Grace after my great-grandmother. There were many discussions about this little girl (mostly between my mother and I) long before her conception. There were many outfits and toys purchased (again before her conception and mostly by my mother). :)

I often wondered if I would have to mourn this life that would never come to pass, but God saw fit to bless us with this precious little girl. Some days I can not believe Micah and I are parents to these two darling children. I pray that God gives us the wisdom to raise them up in a way that glorifies him.

Watercolor

If you've spent any time in Texas you know the weather can be very unpredictable. Last weekend we were barbequing in shorts and t-shirts. Seven days later we are bundled up in winter coats and Grant's ski toboggan has been unearthed from the bottom of a drawer. The cold front forced us inside for the day. (Okay, maybe it was 50 degrees out today, but the wind was ferocious! ) For fifteen whole minutes, Grant was entertained with watercolors and a Dora coloring book. My friend Jamie took pictures of the fun!

Visiting Gigi and Paw Paw

Grant and I had such a good time at my parents house today and yesterday. Last night, I cooked dinner for everyone (whole wheat pasta with lemon, fresh basil, and capers; Parmesan crusted chicken and salmon). Dad did help by grilling the salmon. I'll never hear the end of it if he doesn't get credit for this. After Grant went to bed, Mom and I watched Peggy Sue Got Married. She has been trying to get me to watch ever since I was pregnant with Grant! Nicholas Cage is really terrible in this movie. Today I spent some time outside taking pictures of Grant. It was such a wonderful way to kick off Spring!

My friend, Amanda, and I took our kids to the Arboretum yesterday. I like to imagine that I am English royalty and this is my own private garden (that I allow countless tourists to visit).

Eli and Grant had such a good time running around. Here a few pictures of our precious boys.

I must confess. I have been guilty of coveting the digital SLR cameras of others. Thank the Lord . . . I can stop coveting! I now have my own Canon 40D! Through obvious divine intervention I was able to buy a friend of a friend's camera. I am now on a mission to figure out what the heck I am doing. This picture of Grant on the slide is my first attempt to convert a picture to black and white in Photoshop.

There's Something About Grant

Leave it to my son to create a "There's Something About Mary" moment with his own snot. If you have a moment please click on the picture and see this close up. It's priceless.