Will Walk for Food

My last post was two hours ago and indicated that Michael took a few steps at once and hadn't repeated it much since the first few times on Friday. I stand corrected. What the boy won't give for an ice cream sandwich...

Days of late

Our days are busy and full with lots of new things every day to celebrate and mourn. Another such one are the first steps of our big boy. Michael took those coveted first steps on Friday and was able to get to three before falling. He's since done it about 10 times, but usually stops at the one and doesn't really seem to realize he's done anything. I think he's so accustomed to holding our hands and walking, he doesn't realize he's not. I don't think he'll be sprinting anytime soon, but he's on his way. Otherwise, the shots below are just some nice moments frozen in time.

Seven

I have so many posts I've been meaning to add...and tonight I'm on my own and have the time. In the spirit of beautiful friends, here's a simple photo that illustrates the importance of friendship. Though not every post here is about the kids, this blog serves as an e-diary, if you will. It is my account of our wonderful lives, things I want the kids to know about us, them and how thankful we are to be blessed with the people who are in our lives. The peeps pictured here are part of that. Big time. They are the Seven.

Not forgotten

Yesterday, many people lost a wonderful person. My beautiful friend, Cindy Vickers, was not yet 60, but lost a very short battle with cancer. Cindy had waited so long for a grandchild and her daughter, Kindra will deliver a little girl in August. Though we only knew about Cindy's illness for a little over a week, we never stopped praying that she'd make it to that delivery. I suppose she'll watch it from overhead now.

I'd known Cindy since I was a kid, but not really until I turned 22 when I went to work for Renaissance. Those memorable years formed a friendship that stuck. Cindy and her family decorated our wedding (for nothing... just out of love) and helped throw one of my baby showers when we had Elena. She was even at my bachelorette party, despite our age difference. She was just a beautiful soul, full of energy and laughter. She will forever be missed by so many. She will certainly be missed by me.

Last night as Elena, Michael and I were praying before bed, I was teary as we prayed for Cindy's family. Elena said, "Don't worry, Mama. There are lots of newborn babies." I froze and asked her what she meant. She didn't really know, she just said she wanted to make me feel better. It did. She's spectacular. Bye, sweet Cindy Lou... may your soon-to-be newborn granddaughter hear stories of you that make her know how wonderful you were.

Surprise

Ryan flew to surprise his Dad for Father's Day. Having booked the flight six weeks ago, we're not sure what the bigger surprise is... that we were all able to keep it quiet or the actual surprise. We celebrated Ryan's Father's Day last weekend and had a difficult enough time keeping THAT a secret. Elena, of course, wanted to tell John all about it because she's not aware of Daddy's whereabouts for the weekend. We figured she's better off thinking he's on a work trip, because she wouldn't understand why she couldn't go. I think the surprise went over well though and I think it's a Father's Day John won't soon forget.

Elena-mania

Elena is the best big sister alive. She is so good about playing with Michael, watching out for him and making sure that he doesn't eat everything he finds (a task in itself). She kisses him first thing in the morning and ''ooos and ahhhhs" with every little milestone. She's very protective and will introduce him to people we meet... "This is Michael. He's my little brother. He's one and I'm four and a half" (the all important half).




















She's not without her challenges and they do seem to mount daily, but the child is honestly just bliss. Her kind little heart, her 'doing well, thank you' (When someone asks her how she is... Her Mom's grammar influence, thank you very much) and her uber long tales of nothing and everything make my heart swell and really do fill me with pride. She's a lovely girl both inside and out. She's my La and I've got the 'crazy love' for her.

Uno, Miguel!