Happy Mother's Day to All

We celebrated Mother's Day today. We had a good crowd out to the house - Grandma M, Grandma A (who brought Cousin Jacob and Cousin Michael), Aunt Molly, Uncle Chuck and Cousin Cole. Aunt Tiffany and Uncle Mark were out of town, so they couldn't come. (Cole is pulling Jacob and Michael while Rebekah helps push.)

The weather was so nice that we stayed outside and even set up tables and had lunch outside. The kids enjoyed playing outside and did a pretty good job of sharing. Five kids and 3 swings (only two that have the extra support for a toddler), 3 ride on toys, 3 balls and 2 wagons took some good sharing skills.
While we were playing, Daddy headed off on a Fire Department call. I stepped inside, to get dessert ready and heard on the scanner that the call was just up the road from us. I told the kids (and the adults) that we would see a Fire Truck pretty soon. The Rescue went by and captured the kids attention. We had four kids all standing by the fence watching for the next Fire Truck - Sarah was more interested in the balls that were in the yard. (Left to Right: Cole, Michael, Jacob, and Rebekah.)


We had a great lunch and lots of fun, so I call it a success.

We have had a lot going on this week... And Sarah is growing up fast.

Sarah graduated from her high chair to a booster seat at the table. She was trying to climb out of the high chair all the time, so I figured we'd try making her a big girl at the table. Now she has figured out that she can tip her chair backward by pushing on the table with her feet. Hopefully we can get that one stopped. She is pretty insistent that she needs a Dora placemat when she sits at the table, but she plays with it - picking it up, sliding it around the table, etc... Rebekah seems to have taught her some bad habits. We're working on both of them.

Sarah, also this week, figured out how to climb up on the rail of her crib. Twice, while I was in the room, she climbed up and sat on the rail of her crib. I wouldn't let her go any farther than that. The next step in that is to fall to the floor. Not really what I want. So now what? I dropped the spare bed in Rebekah's room to the floor (box springs and mattress) and put the rails on it. That was Friday morning.

After our errands Friday, I tried to put the girls down for a nap (both in Rebekah's room). Well, it didn't work. They would not go to sleep. At bed time, however, they did cooperate. It took some persuasion, but they cooperated and slept until 6 this morning. It was a bit of a struggle to get them to take a nap this afternoon, but we finally had some success. Again, it took some effort to get them to cooperate at bedtime tonight, but they seem to be asleep.

We'll have to see how the girls do in the same room. One of the changes that we have to make is that Rebekah cannot have her tummy drinks at night since it wouldn't be safe to have Rebekah connected and Sarah free. So, she needs to get them in during the day, or she'll get bolus feeds at night while I sit in the room with her. So, I guess that pretty much puts an end to pump feeds. So much for the supplies we got this week.

We have Rebekah scheduled for Horse Riding Therapy, starting a week from Tuesday. We are looking forward to it. I think Rebekah will enjoy it. Only time will tell.

We got a package this week from Yamhill Carlton High School - the High School that adopted Rebekah as their Sparrow. The package was from one of the classes, with a Mother's day card and gift. It was so very thoughtful. It never ceases to amaze me how unexpected packages can arrive at just the time when we are feeling down. So thanks to YC High School for being an encouragement to us once again.

I have spent a lot of time this week thinking about the Moms who have lost their children to cancer - Maggie's Mom, Nikolette's Mom and others. While I may be frustrated with Rebekah's issues, I know these Moms would give anything to be worrying about problems like Rebekah's. It reminds me to be thankful for what I have - my little girl is alive and generally enjoying life. What a blessing that is, regardless of any of her issues. It all comes down to perspective. I'm going to choose to love my girls and thank God for each day that I have with them.

Happy Mother's Day to each Mom who reads this - enjoy your day! Children are a blessing, and each day with them is a blessing (even the bad ones).