Bethlehem

On Sunday we went to a live nativity at a church in Royal Oak. It was amazing! They had real camels, about 75 people dressed in costume and a petting zoo. All this, along with a marketplace for the kids to buy food with fake money, belly dancers and a real live baby Jesus. Grant's favorite was the Roman soldier because he pretended to be mean to people but then winked at Grant. Kate was most curious about the leper who kept yelling, "unclean." When we got home she went straight to her Bible to find pictures of the "people with boo boos." The funniest part of it all was the next day Grant kept trying to reference the whole thing but the best description he could come up with was, "mom, do you remember the Samaritan at the circus?"

The Trinity

Grant: Mom, watch out! Kate's going to touch the trinity!
Translation- Kate's going to touch the electricity (meaning the electrical outlet)

Lookin at you

Kate was resting like this while she watched Jim clean up the kitchen tonight. He put the lysol down and quick took a picture.

Christmas gifts

I finally did it. I ordered Grant a jackhammer for Christmas. Yesterday he was singing a song (he made up) about getting a jackhammer from santa. Jim was like, you HAVE you get him a jackhammer. So I went online, and who would have thought, but there are all sorts of kids jackhammers for sale. Now I just have to decide what kind of bus to get for Kate. I hope she doesn't expect one she can ride on...

Cousins

We welcome our newest cousin to the mix, baby Willa!
Grant and Kate love spending time with Oliver!

Santa

We don't really do the Santa thing. We tell our kids he is dressed up just like Mickey Mouse does at Disney World. (Don't worry, they won't ruin it for your kids.) Nevertheless, when we saw Santa at the mall yesterday the kids got really excited. Grant ran right up to him and jumped into his lap. When Santa asked what he wanted, Grant, in a very serious tone said, "a jackhammer." Santa didn't know what to do with that answer so he just gave a "ho ho ho." Kate was scared of the idea of sitting on Santa's lap so she just watched from a distance. But, on our way out of the mall she saw Santa was gone and got very sad that she didn't get to say bye to him. So, when we got home she wrote Santa a letter and told him that she wanted a bus for Christmas. What happened to trucks and Barbies?

Growing Grant

Here is what you're into, Grant:
- Spreading joy. You are always optimistic and can see the positive in everything.
-"Playing school." You love to learn and are always asking me to teach you things.
-Science books. You love to read about electricity and weather.
-Stealing Kate's stuff. Today you took a bite out of her pretzel when she wasn't looking even though you still had an entire one in your other hand.
-Using your tool set to do everything from opening my packages to helping dad change a light bulb.
-Computers. You've figured out how to use a mouse and you're loving it.
-Phasing out napping. You nap a couple of times a week now.
-Teaching Kate in whatever you are doing. You two are the best of friends.
-Little Einsteins, Mac and Cheese and apples with cinnamon.

Kate Update

Kate, here are some things about you:
-You are super sensitive, often asking me, "Are you feeling happy, mommy?"
-You are leery of strangers and most of our friends- with the exception of daddy's quiet, male friends. You ask if you can sit on their laps! You run in the other direction when I have loud female friends over.
-You are happiest when doing somersaults off the step, climbing over the couch or being thrown into the air by daddy.
-Every day when you wake up from your nap you ask, "where's my brother?"
-You become easily attached to parts of broken toys or games, carrying them around and calling them your "friend." Currently you are snuggling with a green boardgame piece.
-You love the Rhyme Bible and request the story of Jonah regularly.
-You are very attached to your pink blanket and your pacifier bib, which you call your pastor bib.
-You make us happier than we could have ever imagined. We love you, Kate.

Gym Class

Finally, an outlet for Kate's desire to climb, run, jump and climb some more...gym class! It is a class at the YMCA for 2-3 year olds. I originally signed Kate up because I wanted to see if she could follow directions. :) I also thought it would be a good idea to try something without Grant because she is like a puppy dog following him where ever he goes. The brochure said the parents were supposed to sit on the bleachers and watch but one minute in the coach said she'd prefer all the parents to leave. I did not think this would sit well with Kate but I gave her a wave and she said, "bye mom!" and didn't look back.

She LOVED the class. I watched through the windows the whole time and she listened to all the directions! They did things like the balance beam, bean bag toss, soccer and parachute. I can't even explain how much she thrived there. Can't wait for class next week.

Uncle Bryan's Halloween Costume

I had to include Uncle Bryan and his 9 month pregnant wife, Kristen's, Halloween costumes.

Go Blue!

As you can see the kids dressed up as a football player and cheerleader this year. They even learned the fight song despite yesterday's (and last weekend's, and the weekend before that's) defeat. Tonight Grant saw a Michigan State football player trick-or-treating and got in his face and shouted, "go blue!" I don't even know if he knew what he was doing but it was really funny.

Speeding Ticket

10:00am I was going 42 in a 30mph zone. :(

6:15pm Jim walks in the door. Grant says, "Dad, mom made a mistake today. She disobeyed and got a ticket, but don't worry, she said she's not going to jail."

Pumpkin Carving

Every year grandma and grandpa Koss have Grant and Kate over to carve pumpkins. This year they also decorated cookies and decorated the house with spiderwebs. Oh, and the best part was that they had a sleepover! I asked Grant what his favorite part of it all was and he said, "Well, it had to be when grandma woke me up with a nice warm pot of coffee."

Saturday Night Fun

On Saturday we went out to dinner at Miguel's Cantina in Rochester and to Yates Cider Mill. The kids had fun at the petting zoo, eating donuts, looking at pumpkins and checking out the port-a-potties. In fact, most of my time with Kate was spent with her saying she needed to go potty, followed by me sanitizing the potty and then her saying it was gross and she wasn't going to use it. In the end we had to drive to the McDonald's down the street.

Cider Mill

Time Out

Me: Kate, do you know why you are in a time out?
Kate: Yes, because you love me through and through, yesterday today and tomorrow too.

Hot Tummy

For the last couple of weeks Grant has been complaining of a "hot tummy." (He complained of us in June, but then stopped.) Last night his hot tummy kept him up until 10:45pm! I took him to the doctor today and he was diagnosed with acid reflux. She said it is not uncommon for cardiac babies to have reflux issues. This was no news to us since he had such bad reflux as a baby, but we assumed it went away. She said it is a great sign that it has been off and on so we can probably get it under control quickly. He'll do previcid for 6 weeks and then we'll move to apple cider vinegar. Considering the rough start Grant had we know it could be much worse than asthma and acid reflux. But in the Bible it says God wants to give us more than we could ask or imagine. So, we are asking God to totally take away both asthma and acid reflux. Pray with us if you will.

Visiting Oliver

We went to Detroit to have dinner at cousin Oliver's house last night. The highlight was when uncle Josh took Grant for a ride on his tractor. Kate said she wanted a ride too, which was surprising because she hates loud noises. The picture here was taken just before the lawn mower was turned on and she burst into tears. The next picture is her clinging to Jim afterward.

Grandma and Grandpa Ned visit

We had a wonderful (but too short) visit from Grandma and Grandpa Ned. The kids loved every minute of it. Grant and Kate had Grandma sitting in their make-shift restaurant while they fixed her food. Grant was so excited to show Grandpa how he could ride a bike. The day after they left Grant asked, "When can we go to Florida?"

Alarm Clock

I'm happy to report that I'm finally starting to feel better! Unfortunately, Jim is still not well. Keep praying. During my bought with mono I discovered the best invention: "It's Okay to Wake" Alarm Clock! This lovely clock looks like a standard kids alarm clock but it has one extra feature- it lights up green at whatever time I set it to. So, I can tell the kids that they are not allowed to wake up until the clock turns green. And, guess what?! They are obeying! It is the coolest thing to know that I'm not going to hear them yelling for me until 7:15 am. I wonder what would happen if I set it to 9:00am...

Cleaning

I was glad to see that in the midst of an intense day of dusting and mopping Grant stopped to play with his trucks...until I heard him saying that it was a sweeper truck cleaning the street!

Wake up Mommy and Daddy

Unfortunately, Jim caught mono. Our biggest prayer request is that Grant and Kate would feel loved by us despite how little time we are spending with them these days. It is so hard for them to understand why we seem to constantly need a nap. I should be turning the corner soon- it has been 6 weeks since my first symptoms.

Interview

Grant did an interview the other day for a group called "Inspiration Through Art." (more on that amazing organization later) Here's what he said:

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?
A: Ride bikes

Q: What makes you a hero?
A: Because I'm special

Q: What is the hardest moment you have gone through during your journey?
A: Getting shots and waiting so long at the doctor's office. Oh, and obeying my parents.

Q: If you could have one wish, what would it be?
A: To go to the zoo and play with mom's vacuum all day
>
Q: What would you like to tell other children born with a heart defect?
A: You don't need to cry. it's going to be okay.

Special Moments

Mono has hit full force. I'm only out of bed for about 2-3 hours a day. I'm so tired I feel it in my bones. The doctor said to let my body lead so I'm trying really hard to not over do it. But, during the few hours of a day that I do have energy I'm really trying to make the most of it.

In the midst of this I've had some really special moments with the kids. Kate recently started singing all the time so today she kept bringing me different musical instruments and instructing me to sing songs she learned from Barney. I did such a terrible job that it just made her laugh and laugh. It was so precious.

This afternoon Grant really wanted to walk to town (less than a 1/4 mile) so I agreed. When we were about half way there it started to rain. He suddenly turned around, grabbed my hand and yelled, "run!" We giggled in the ran holding hands the whole way home.

In spite of being in bed most of the day I feel really close to my kids and really close to God. Instead of fighting being in bed I decided to embrace it and read my Bible and pray as much as possible. If you have prayer requests feel free to send them my way!

The Monkey

Doctor

Kate and Grant's newest thing is to play doctor. They play on each other, on Grant's stuffed dog and on Kate's baby (that she named Oliver). Their favorite thing to do is look in each other's ear and say which animal is hiding in there. Grant's pulmonologist does this and Grant thinks it is so funny.They are doing a great job playing independently these days.

Mono

Big bummer- I seem to have caught mono! My doctor said to let my body guide me so I'm alternating between resting and playing with the kids throughout the day. Please pray for a quick recovery.

Oh Happy Day

Sleeping

Grant: Mom, who are you sleeping with these days?
Me: What?
Grant: I know you used to sleep with dad, but you don't seem to be sleeping with him anymore so I wondered who you are sleeping with?
Me: (brief explanation about how dad goes to work before he wakes up)

Flying High

Sweet Peggy

Sweet Peggy was sent to us by God while I was on bedrest with Kate. She and Grant had all sorts of adventures while I laid at home with my feet up. During this time we all grew very close to Peggy and she became a dear friend. Yesterday she came over to visit. This picture captures what Grant looks like when he sees Peggy.

Kate's birthday

Kate's birthday began by opening a special box from grandma Ned that contained all things princess! (See photo of Kate in her pink tutu and slippers.) Then we went to a park where we met family for a picnic. Grant's highlight was getting to have his first can of pop. After playing at the park we went back to our house for cake and presents. Kate was enamored with both her new pink shoes and her fabulous pink tea cart. She also got some giant paint brushes that looked like mops (to Grant). Grant stole them right away and calls them his "dusters." Kate didn't quite understand the concept of eating the whole cupcake but she did manage to lick the frosting off of four. They are just coming down from their sugar high today.

Fresh Veggies

We are trying to teach Grant to be generous and give to those who are without. Today during dinner he looked up and said, "I have an idea. See those vegetables on my plate? I think we should give them to someone who doesn't have any." Good try buddy.

Potty

Mom: Grant, hurry up and go potty before we go to the park.
Grant: No thank you.
Mom: Yes, Grant. They don't have a potty at the park.
Grant: Yes they do. They are called trees.

ABC's

Out for ice cream

Swimming

Kate and Grant continue to take swim lessons on Tuesdays at Goldfish. We always try to get dressed as quickly as possible after naps to arrive early to play with the chalkboards. At 4:30 Kate and I head to the small pool and Grant goes by himself to the big pool. He grabs some goggles and immediately starts talking to his instructor. Even as he is swimming he's trying to keep his mouth above water so he can keep talking! His teacher tells me he's making huge improvements. He can swim a little over half the width of the pool by himself and he loves doing cannonballs. Kate is in a phase where she doesn't like to get her face wet, except when she's going down the slide, because it is worth it!

My Sweet Kate

Today Grant, Kate and I were having a stuffed animal fight. Grant took a big wack at me with a dog that had a hard collar on it and I doubled over wincing in pain (it was a bit of an exaggeration, but it hurt!). Grant ignored my pain and continued throwing things at me while Kate came over and asked, "what happened mom?" When I told her she said, "hug, hug," and gave me a big hug. I started down a train of thought centering on how much more compassionate females are etc and was trying to explain to Grant what he should do if he hurts someone when Kate came up behind me and slammed a giant hardcover Bible against my head. :)

Hike

Today we took the kids on a "hike" along the Rouge River trail and then had a picnic under a shady tree. The kids spent most of their time throwing sticks in the river. Grant was so happy he literally galloped through the woods singing. He said he wasn't very hungry until I told him how sad it was because we were going out for ice cream afterward. When he finished his ice cream he came over and snuggled up to me and said, "if you want to share, I'm here."

Junk Food

Today I took Grant for his pulmonology check up and then out to lunch. (The doc put Grant on new meds bc his cough is still not gone.) When I was paying for lunch I bought Grant a mini Reese Peanut Butter Cup. Here's what he said when I gave it to him:

Grant: Mom, is this bad for me?
Mom: Well, it's not the healthiest thing, but I thought you'd like a treat for doing so well at the doctor.
Grant: So, you mean this is like, junk food?
Mom: It is okay to have a treat once in a while kiddo.
Grant: Wow. I can't believe you are giving me something to put into my body that is really bad for me. I don't know if I should eat it.

He did end up eating it. Is he his father's son or what?!

What they're into

Grant-playing "kitchen", mopping and doing dishes (hopefully this theme will continue when he's older), playing in sandboxes, eating watermelon, playing in the water fountain at Shain Park, swimming at Goldfish (can almost swim the width of the pool), adding a "ie" to most words (ball = ballie, book = bookie etc.) and continuing to be just about the most joyful kid I know!

Kate- riding her big wheel, using the "big" potty, trying on my shoes, going down the slide at the park over and over, doing the "hot dog dance", making calls on her cell phone, talking in complete sentences, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and rocking in the rocking chair with me after she naps while we sing and pray.

Happy July 4

This year on July 3 we went to grandma and grandpa's lake house with our cousins and their families. Unfortunately, Kate had to be quarantined because she was just getting over the hand-foot-mouth virus. The kids had a blast playing in the water, running through the sprinkler and taking boat rides. Grant even got to ride on the jet ski for the first time. What a treat! Oh, and did I mention Grant liked the dessert?

Call to Papa

Home Alone

Single moms, I don't know how you do it. God bless you! Jim just got back from being gone for 5 days. We are all so glad to have him back on the scene. Grant is still fighting a cough. We're doing breathing treatments twice a day and have two weeks to go until we see the doc again. Hopefully he will be better by then. In the mean time it is not slowing him down.

The Persistant Cough

Grant's cough is back. It disappeared for only a few days when taking the antibiotic for his pneumonia. Thankfully, we got in to see his pulmonolgist today. After listening to Grant cough and wheeze he was pretty sure it is asthma. We are going back for allergy testing in a couple of weeks to find out what Grant's triggers are. Most likely he's been dealing with this since back in October when he first came down with the cough. (He's been complaining that his stomach is hot which was probably the only language he could come up with for what was going on. Poor guy!) The many antibiotics and brief breathing treatments over the last 9 months have temporarily supressed the asthma but now we can actually deal with it head on. Grant will be on steriods for the next few weeks and then use a nebulizer as needed.

The pulmonolgist was a bit concerned by the chest x-rays that were taken recently at the ER. He wants us to repeat the x-rays again in four weeks to compare the two. Please pray that Grant's lungs totally heal and that the asthma would be gone!

Hearing God

Grant typically wakes up from his afternoon nap singing. I mean really belting it out. His joy continues to amaze me. When I go in to get him I always ask him what he dreamed about. Most of the time he says "salad." Weird. Today I tried something new. When he woke up I asked him to close his eyes and ask God to speak to him- to tell him someone to help or some way to obey today. At first he said "I can't hear anyone." Then I told him to listen with his heart. Then he told me that God told him two things. (1) that he was a soldier and (2) that he was never supposed to steal money from anyone. You can't really go wrong with either of those things!