Second Chances

When I got an email from Rich a couple of days ago regarding a fascinating website he found online, I expected some interesting photos of geological wonders or maybe a list of cheap activities in the Denver area. However, what he found was a sad little blog of his own family with only one post- written almost 4 months ago. Uggh, how embarrassing! I know he was pretty surprised to see unauthorized photos of this family on the interweb (yes, I used this word as a joke). I expected a fair amount of teasing, but he merely asked me why I hadn't updated my blog. So I explained that I am little insecure about sharing my writing, thoughts, and blah blah blah with the world, and would never have a blog as good as my friend Esther's (which is awesome, by the way). So Rich told me that I need only to do this for myself, and don't make myself so crazy to make this perfect and beautiful blog that I would give it up entirely because it won't ever be totally perfect. What he said makes sense, so I am giving it a second try. (See Honey, I really do listen to you!) If nothing else, this will be a good way to record these precious early memories of this young family.

So, we just returned from Florida last week, and had a wonderful visit with my Dad and Donna. Paige finally met her Smith grandparents, and she warmed up to them right away (so did Jack, thanks to our webcam). Jack loved walks and golf cart rides with his grandpa, but I think his favorite was playing outside with grandpa on the lanai (sp?) in extreme heat and humidity...it's amazing how he doesn't notice when he is totally drenched with sweat, but if you try to give the kid a torn piece of cheese, he tells you that it's dirty and throws it in the trash. I was really proud of him, though, he got out of his comfort zone and went into the pool (clinging desperately to me the whole time) without crying. He even charged into the ocean without an adult within arms reach (much to our anxiety). Paige was born to adapt, I swear! She just loved the water, squealing, and kicking the whole time. Something tells me that The Little Mermaid will become a favorite in this house!

During our trip we were able to help Dad celebrate his 60th birthday by throwing him a surprise party. It was a huge success thanks to all of Donna's hard work and planning. Who knew that all those old folks knew how to party? Just kidding Dad, you're not that old!

After a tearful goodbye and a very smooth trip on the plane (did I mention that I have the best kids ever?), we made it back home. Less than 24 hours later, Jack came down with Ebola. Ok, not Ebola, but almost as bad (a non specific virus including pink eye, a fever ranging from 103 to 105, diarrhea, lethargy, and nasal congestion). Over a week later, he is just now returning to "Toddler Jack" and "Demon Jack" has mostly been exercised (though to be honest, the line separating the two Jacks hardly exists). So far, the rest of us have stayed Ebola free, although Baby Girl is a little warm tonight. Fingers crossed, she is just cutting teeth.

Most recent milestones for Miss Paige include rolling over both ways, sitting on her own (thus able to take wagon rides), pulling herself up to her knees, and rocking back and forth on all fours. I keep telling her that it's too soon for this, but she persists anyway. She is in such a hurry to catch up with Big Brother, and once she does, Jack better watch out (for his toys)!