Where has the summer gone?

Good question. We had originally planned to do all sorts of fun stuff once Tom got back. However, life doesn't always go as planned. Tom got stuck on medical hold for most of the month he was supposed to have off. They did some post-deployment physical and decided he needed to see a cardiologist because his resting heart rate is so low, 44 beats per minute. He's fine, and yes, still alive despite such a low heart rate. I think it's a combination of his running for so many years(at least 15!) and genetics(his dad, though not a runner or athlete by any stretch of the imagination, also has a low heart rate).

So, we've done a lot(8 weeks) of swimming lessons for Ivy. Andrew got 5(out of 6) Saturdays of Mommy & Me type swim class. He now LOVES being in pools--except when there are stairs, at which point, that would be the only place he'd want to be. Collin got 2(out of 3) Saturdays of the same swim class. During those classes, Tom was with Andrew, and we were lucky to get Ivy watched.

Ivy & Collin have also learned how to bike without training wheels. We only taught Ivy. Collin hasn't figured out brakes yet, so for now, he drags his feet going down the driveway or puts his feet down when he wants to stop. Anyway, that's been most of our summer.

Another talent

Ivy was frustrated at me moving slowly the other day. I twisted my knee hopping into the car after grocery shopping by myself Thursday night. Anyway, she was thirsty and ended up getting her own cup. "This must be my talent Mommy: pouring apple juice in a cup without spilling."

Happy 5th Birthday Collin!

This is a video I took of Collin opening presents. Thought it'd be faster/more convenient than multiple pictures.



Collin, what can I say? It's been an amazing day today! We're so proud of you for choosing all by yourself to go to primary instead of nursery at church today. And to top it off, you stayed in there most of the whole time. That hasn't happened for nearly 2 years! Mommy & Daddy were getting quite concerned but had no idea what to do. We're so thankful you're choosing to show your independence too.

Little by little thru the Spirit and trial & error thru different experiences, I am finally understanding your world. What I thought was a sensory issue turned out to be merely your frustration at wanting to do something yourself instead of Mommy "helping" you.

My birthday wish for you is to never stop being the sweet, sensitive little guy you are. More progress in certain things would be nice, but I'll wait for you to do things in your own time.