We fielded the following questions from Ellie this morning between 7:15 and 7:30 am:
“Are pirates real today?”
“What does dying mean?” Of course, I used the open door to again explain the plan of salvation. When I explained hell as being separated from God, Ellie responded…”so like a garbage dump.” Ryan thought that was fairly accurate.
“What is an oil spill?”
“What’s migration?”
and, the greatest mystery of all,
“Why do kid’s robes have the belt so it won’t come off and parent’s belts can?”
Hannah’s teacher sent me this e-mail the other day:
“THIS picture is evidence of what I see as a very amazing heart for the Lord in Hannah. Beyond precious to me. The pic is from chapel this morning. The fourth graders sit with kinder and grade one…each taking on the role of mentor, role model, helper, care-giver, etc. They help the little ones learn good habits for chapel, help with finding bible verses, and singing songs. It’s an amazing sight to my heart!”
It sort of made Ryan sad to not be able to interact with the kids very much for several days. Truthfully, at first, at least, he was too sick to notice. We feel like he is in the clear after being fever-free for a couple of days, so he started chipping in with the kids again yesterday. I am certainly glad for the extra hands again!
Evan had his 2 month check up on Tuesday. He’s 11 lbs. 12 oz. and 24″ long. He got a good report on all fronts from the doctor. He is holding his head up for a few seconds, making good eye contact and cooing at us, and is starting to play with his hands. It is fun to watch his development. Also, he is going about 6-7 hours between feedings at night!
We are planning to spend Christmas vacation in Mexico. The pediatrician offered to go along in case we need medical care for the children. What a guy!
Awana’s 2010
Ellie is a Cubbie and Hannah is in T&T. Hannah is thrilled that her very good friend, Abby, is doing Awana’s this year and Ellie has the same great leaders that she had last year. I think it is going to be a good year!
Well, Ryan’s flu isn’t the flu. He has viral meningitis. He was still feeling very rough Saturday morning and decided to go to the doctor to see about some antibiotics since he had had fever and a severe headache for so many days. The doctor did a CT scan and a spinal tap and was able to confirm the diagnosis. He came home and is to go to an infectious disease doctor tomorrow. So far we don’t know too much other than he is healthy enough and not contagious enough to be at home. He is still feeling the full symptoms with a little relief from pain medication to a small degree. We were told to expect 10-14 days for it to run its course.
We had been steering clear of him ever since he started with the fever on Wednesday so hopefully everyone else is not going to get it. Ryan and I though are on full alert as to the symptoms that the kids would be displaying if they contract this as well. The big girls have had their vaccinations, but we are not sure if it is for the bacterial strain or for the viral strain as well. The babies, of course, have not been immunized. We’ll be talking with the pediatrician first thing in the morning.
Ellie started Pre-K on Tuesday. She had a great time and I have a feeling that only two days a week aren’t going to enough for her. We’re taking it slow, though, since gymnastics just got a lot more demanding on its time and energy requirement.
The night before Pre-K started, she said, “Oh Man! I think I should have been practicing putting my pencil behind my ear. I don’t know if I’m ready!”
This is the elementary school principal, Mrs. Melton. It was a momentous day for Front Range Christian School because this is the first year they have offered a Pre-K program.
It is becoming a family tradition to head downtown Denver on Labor Day to enjoy the Taste of Colorado Festival. The weather was perfect, the music was great, and Ellie provided the entertainment on the bungee. Daddy gets kudos for standing in line for over an hour–Mom wouldn’t have been so patient.
Speaking of acrobatics, Ellie has moved up to the next group at gymnastics. Her coach was very eager to move her up and get her started with the next level. Ellie goes 2 hours twice a week now and so far has been whipped after class! Her coach is very demanding, but loves Ellie’s strong tenacity when asking something new of her.
Here are some more fun shots of the day:
The park where we stopped to listen to music was bordered by tons of climbing trees. Perfect for my monkeys!
Yes, she is (almost) always this happy! Of course, how could she not be when it is playtime with Daddy!
Doesn’t that face just reflect her sweet heart?
What a silly expression – I couldn’t help myself!
Here’s the latest attempt at “puffs”. The colorful hair bows sort of match her sunny disposition.
Thus is life these days. I am either playing catch up from something, holding someone – or even two somebodies, or preparing for the next thing. Not too much down time, but life is good. Very good.
Here are some cute shots of Evan weeks 7 and 8. He is a good eater and sleeper, a good snuggler, and happy when he is awake. In sum, he’s a happy, happy boy.
