Ka-chow!

You have to know this little guy to know "Ka-chow!"

For the Con-Man, "Ka-chow" = Lightening McQueen!

Tonight, when he took his eye to his toy box, I loaded him up for urgent care in his "Ka-chow" jammies, "Ka-chow" slippers, and with his "Ka-chow" toy car (the woobie was temporarily unlocatable). He was so brave. He didn't even cry. Nor did it phase him that his eye was leaking blood. Instead, he skipped around the urgent care office, and laid still waiting for his "Ka-chow" tracks (steri strips) to be put in place.

"Two tracks!" he said. He can't wait to show all his friends at school tomorrow!

I am so glad we had the Christmas pictures done just hours before!

Liberty and Justice

This past week, we celebrated the brave men and women who dedicate and sacrifice their lives to serve our country.

As such, Katie learned all about the "veterans", and practiced filling in the blanks on the pledge she has been reciting now for two years.

But, on this day...for some reason...it was all about her. She gets her sense of humor from her Father.

Finding your voice

I remember when we found out we were having a boy. Other Moms warned be it would be different. "You will love your children the same," they would say. "But, your relationship with your son will be different."

While I didn't think it was possible, they were right. I do love my children the same, but my relationships with them are different.

I have told your story before. After eighteen months seeing an Early Intervention Specialist once a week, you still hadn't found "your voice". You were two years behind, and the specialists offered me no options, despite my expressions of concern.

I have always believed God puts people in your life for a reason...be it good or bad. Thankfully, God put a friend in my life who cared enough (and knew enough) to show me I did have options. I needed to see a developmental pediatrician for a medical opinion. Thanks to God, my dear friend, and a few good doctors, we received your medical diagnosis and began our treatment plan.

Since that time six months ago, you have indeed "found your voice". I will never forget when you said "Mama" for the first time, "Love you", or "I can talk". Sure, you may not be able to say your name, but you can spell it! Your words aren't always clear, but you have come leaps and bounds.

We look forward to celebrating your progress again and again! We have so much hope and are so proud of you!

http://youtu.be/oCFwnqzI6pg

Tombstones

Joe was driving Kate back from horseback this evening...

Kate (pointing out the window): I saw the stones. They are by the church. That's where you are not allowed to go.

Joe (looking out the window): Stones? Oh, the tombstones. Do you know what those are?

Kate: No.

Joe: When a person dies, their body is buried in the ground and marked with a tombstone. Their body stays in the ground and their spirit goes to heaven.

Kate: With their head?

Some things are just worth documenting...

Weird Science

When the cold air moves in and the kids get restless, we look for something fun to do as a family. This weekend, Joe had a rare Saturday off so we found ourselves heading South to explore the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. 

 It's entrance sits overlooking the Baltimore Harbor, and even on a bitter cold day, the view from the front steps is spectacular!  Daddy sure is proud of his hometown - how is it he says it, Bal-mor?

 The kids enjoyed learning all about Dinosaurs (shown below sitting in a dinosaur nest)

 and other inticing topics such as the various types of noises humans make (I bet you can guess what their favorite was!)  Obviously, they are very curious at this age!

 Daddy, the weather man, even found his own exhibit to enjoy, and picked up an idea to share for Kate's upcoming science project...Tornadoes!

 Katie learned about physics while laying on a bed of nails...

 and Conor tried out a space suit when learning about gravity. 

 All of our newly acquired knowledge made us hungry, so we continued our adventure along the harbor.

 It was Daddy's idea to introduce Conor to Hooter's.  I swear it is the fried pickles he is giving a thumbs up to in this picture.