13 months

Our littlest munchkin is 13 months old!  He is 20 lbs 14 oz and very active.  Table foods are preferred over baby food now, which in some ways is easier.  I just loved making his food so much, I miss knowing he is getting great nutrition.  These days he eats what he eats, and it's not always the healthiest.  Veggies are hard for him to chew with his 8 front teeth so he tends to go for the breads and crackers.  

He is still cruising and walking with our help, but has no problem jetting up our stairs... very quietly I might add.  When he is caught he giggles and tries to climb even faster!  so funny

The nightly wrestling matches with Daddy have become more interesting to him.  He joins in at will but often retreats quickly after.  He likes to make sure Mommy is nearby for comforting as needed.  I love it!

Screaming has become his communication method of choice.  Although he knows a few key signs he pretends he can't, or simply chooses to scream instead.  We're working on it.  He is babbling more and making some really cute sounds.  He loves to 'talk' to Josiah, watching his brother very closely for an example.

One of his favorite words is 'Abby'!  It sounds more like 'Abm'.  It's about the most precious sound I can imagine.  He says it so lovingly too.

I just love kissing those soft little curls on his head!

Oh, and he is giving kisses now too!  sweet wet ones!

Gone Pick'n

This summer we've enjoyed spending time on our property picking some blackberries!  Patrick's favorite dessert is blackberry cobbler, so we've made a few.

Josiah is learning the technique of picking... avoiding the stickers and all!  There have been a few tears.

Guess Who...

Jumped off this...

today!

(Wishing we had our camera while watching our 4 yr old Josiah jump off the high dive without hesitation and swim to the side all by himself!)

Prenatal Models

What would it be like to actually hold a model of your unborn baby?

Instead of just seeing an ultrasound image or even a 3D or 4D experience, you can touch an accurately sized replica of him or her.  After having a micro preemie we know first hand what a 23, 28, 32 and 34 week old baby looks like.  But for those who long for an extra measure of bonding during pregnancy this clip might hold an important development for just that.

The bigger interest for me is the possible uses of this technology to promote LIFE for the unborn to those who don't understand fetal development.  Who can hold a life size model of a 10 week old fetus and deny his/her humanity and unique form.

Could this be the future of prenatal experience?

(pause the blog tunes @ the bottom of the page)

Special visitors

The boys are off at the pool and as I sit with Abby who has a little fever I thought I should update a bit.

We've had a wonderful week of visitors!  First my mom and dad came for a short but sweet time together before they head back to China.  After some good talks, good food and fun just being together we said good-bye for another stretch of separation.

This past weekend Papa and Grandma were here and the kids enjoyed more grandparent love!  We all headed to the botanical garden and later celebrated Papa's birthday on Saturday.  Patrick and I got up early to sneak out for a quiet breakfast together yesterday morning, thanks to grandparents!  This might become a new tradition... "date breakfast"!  If only I were more of a morning person.

There is another new visitor that arrived at our door step Friday, although not a temporary one.  Our last appointment with Abby's neurologist we discussed her seizure patterns and complications associated with the status (prolonged) seizures that she is prone to.  The doctor has ordered home oxygen for an extra measure of support during times of cluster seizures or illness that usually leads to the long, stressful seizures.  So now we have a concentrator, 2 O2 tanks and one portable tank at our house.

Happy 1st Birthday Levi!

Dear Levi,

What a wonderful first year we have spent with you. Today we remember 1 year ago when we first met you face to face and how in love we were! Now you are one year old and have such a precious personality. You like to be held and to cuddle, you are a very fast crawler, you think biting is funny, you don't like green beans or squash, you adore your big brother and have started saying Abby's name. You amaze us with your ability to learn and to love. We are so happy you are in our family and you bring a fresh delight each day.

We are so proud of you and we pray that you will grow to be a young man who loves our Lord and who loves to learn His Word and who follows in His footsteps no matter what! You are a special boy.

We love you Levi! Happy Birthday son...

Levi Turns one! from patty hull on Vimeo.

On his own...

Our second small munchkin has spent the past few days in TN with Grandma and Papa... all on his own! We met them halfway on Sunday where we handed him over for a uniquely special time alone with them. He has been anticipating this trip with great excitement and by the sound of his little voice over the phone he is enjoying every moment!

I am however missing him...

The house is very quiet and although I have one less child to feed, bathe, play with and potty I have not accomplished the things I thought I might while he is away. Oh well.

(Receiving his gymnastics medal)

We head up to meet him tomorrow and spend the weekend with our wonderful family. It will be a welcome break.

Abby has had a good seizure free week! Aside from some very fussy (and late I might add) nights she is making some slow progress.

Our appointment with neurology went well last week and it has been decided that we will get oxygen and a pulse ox monitor in our home. It will be used as needed for days or weekends like we've had in the past 6 weeks where she could benefit from a little extra help. Or should I say that I would benefit from a little extra information and peace of mind. Either way we should be getting them in the next few weeks.

Levi's first Birthday has snuck up on us and we will be celebrating a little early while in TN this week! The thought brings mixed emotions. We are so excited and amazed that our smallest munchkin has already reached this milestone, but a little saddened at the passing of time. He is such a delight and showing more and more personality and spunk with each day.

We are still so in love!

Recent visit to the Botanical Gardens: