On Father’s Day I posted some recent pictures of Tyler in his daddy-element on Facebook. As I was collecting the pictures I was struck (again) with how lucky I am and how lucky my kids are to have Tyler. He’s such a wonderful match for each of us. I wanted to put pictures here on the blog, too, to remember this season (all from...
I can’t believe we are already celebrating one week with Leslie! I am surprising myself with how much I am adoring the newborn phase. Yes, we are feeding constantly, or so it seems. Yes, I’m tired (what else is new?). But she is so soft! I can’t stop rubbing my face on and kissing her soft hair and cheeks. And she smells so good....
Zum abenteuer! (German “To the adventure!”) It’s been a phrase Tyler and I have used now since the dating years. This month we had separate big adventures: I went galavanting around Italy with my sister, and he held down the family fort at home. All in all, I am so proud of him (not to mention infinitely grateful) at how well he managed the kids,...
Whitney has so much joy. She delights in the simple things. She loves people and joining in with whatever the fun is. She really enjoys her life. She has her own ideas of what she wants (and is typically stubborn about getting it). I love hearing her laugh. I’m constantly reminded how worthwhile her life is. It’s worthwhile of her delighted experience of it,...
Lord help us. We have some stubborn kiddos. We are in a stage where they want to do everything by themselves, but can’t quite do it yet…or can’t do it in any reasonable about of time. This is true for everything from getting dressed and buckled in car seats to pulling the wagon and pouring their own milk. Oh that I would be more...
Tyler’s out of town for most of this week. Nothing like travel and having to dust off the super suit alone for a few days to remember how much I absolutely love and appreciate my husband. The kids are constantly asking for Daddy. Where is he? What’s he doing? Declaring that he’s working or perking up and saying “Daddy’s home!” Nope, he’s not honey....
Whitney’s Down syndrome was not a delivery room surprise. We found out late in the 2nd trimester. I wanted the delivery to be as normal and natural as possible, Down syndrome or not, birth is birth. Monday morning, and the room was buzzing with medical staff in anticipation. Buzzing because baby has Down syndrome and a known heart condition, and buzzing because Mama was...
The last couple of days have really stunk. So today I’m working on thinking happy thoughts…with memories from the last few weeks. Happy is….baking zucchini chocolate muffins and bringing the special treat to daddy while he works. Mickey Mouse pancake breakfast with cousins (a.k.a. the Gramby Special) Polka-dot swimsuits and princess float rings. Watermelon and water tables Sidewalk art with nieces and first swings with...
Tyler, I love how you do Daddy. …with snuggles, and tosses up in the air, sleeping giants, and kiss-chases. With walks, stories, strength and comfort in times of pain, guitar and piano lessons, talking about the wonders of nature, pulling bike trailers, singing songs to help with calming. With building block towers and typing ABC’s, signing questions, and practicing prayers. We are lucky to...
Let it be known that I’d like to be done with hospitals and funerals for a while. While I’m at it, I’ll add breakups and unemployment to the list. Done. Thank you. The mess of things gone south for those close to us is enough to make one wonder if it’s contagious. Nevertheless, the importance of the shadows in life is not lost on...
Whitney made a friend at an appointment this morning. A six-year-old girl with Down syndrome entered the room and zeroed in on Whitney, coming over to proclaim her “sister” and sat forehead-to-forehead cupping her face, whispering secrets, and looking into her eyes lovingly. It was precious. I soaked in this beautiful moment of kinship. I’m not usually one to try to make best friends...