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
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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."