Meet & Greet

Monday evening was meet and greet at little cowboy’s preschool.  He will officially start school on September 7^th.  We worked hard to build up the event and explained that Mommy and Daddy would be there the entire time.  When we arrived at his school all the 4-5 year olds were leaving plus the two classes of 3 year olds were arriving.  To say it was overwhelming is an understatement.  We quickly introduced our little family to his teacher and then she suggested that we walk around the room to check things out.  It is a darling classroom.  We had fun looking for Keeler's name on the birthday calendar, at his assigned seat and his little locker space.  We were also excited to see that we know a few of the children and their parents that will be in his class. 

Little cowboy was really excited to see all the toys and wanted to play with everything.  However, he was uneasy about playing with the other children and insisted that I find out the name to each child that he interacted with.  He did great exploring the room for about 20 minutes. 
Tyler was talking with one of the other fathers when Keeler asked for a hug.  I looked over and saw that he was crying while Tyler was holding him.  We asked what was the matter and he asked us, “Why is my teacher not teaching me anything?”  It was so sweet and it was hard not to laugh.  We tried to explain that we were just meeting her but he continued to be emotional and at that point we felt that it was best to make our exit.  He proceeded to be upset on the way home.  He said that he was sad because he didn’t get to meet ALL the kids.  He is such a sweet and emotional little guy.  We will continue to pray that he does well with the new adventure.  In the meantime we plan on reading him his books about going to school and build up the experience as much as possible.   

“My silly cowboy…” 
My co-worker / dear friend, Maria was so sweet and brought over a huge bag of precious baby clothes for Kallahan.  I started washing some of the clothes – let the nesting begin!  When Keeler saw the little clothes he started asking 100 questions.  I think he was confused that the baby actually had laundry and he was insisting that they were his clothes.  I told him they are too small for him BUT he wanted to try this one on – so we did.  He found it pretty funny that he couldn’t even stand up!

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  

Psalms 118:24

Drummer Boy

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” 

-Luke 9:24-25

This Sunday's gospel reading was about "taking up your cross."  And of course, I try to relate every reading and every scripture to Tripp's situation.  But this one was easy.  Tripp is carrying his cross every second of every day.  He is TWO years old and he's been through more pain in his life than most of us combined, yet he carries his cross with such grace and with a smile on his face.  I realize that he gets his strength from God, but some days it's just overwhelming to see.  Ok, so my point?  Isn't innocence just beautiful?  Even in this situation... where Tripp is too small to even know to trust the Lord.  When we all are handed our crosses (and EVERYONE has a cross, no matter how big or how small), don't we all wish we could carry them with the innocence of a child?  Without complaining, without wanting vengence, without humiliation?  Don't we wish that we could just trust in God that He knows what is best.  Instead of praying and trusting, do we throw blame and finger-point?  I know I'm guilty a lot of times.  Because it's hard.  I wish I had the strength and innocence of my little man... trusting, smiling, and fighting through the pain.  Because as we ALL are having to work hard for our seat next to God and work on carrying our crosses like He wants us to, I am certain Tripp's seat already has it's nameplate engraved as "Drummer Boy." 

So it's about time for an update, right? 

Things have been about the same over here lately.  Last week we had a little scare with one of the sores on Tripp's ankle.  It was red and draining and his foot started to swell, but we started him on an antibiotic  (the only one we have left that's sensitive to the pseudomonas that he's covered in) and things are looking a little better.  Still not 100% though.  It's still pretty painful for him.  

Last night was a bath night and I gave him his pain medicine and at about 9pm, I tried laying him down on the table and when I did, he pulled up and turned completely over on his stomach (first time he's done this on the bath table).  WE ARE IN TROUBLE.  So I guess we've been a little spoiled at bath time because he's been so good and so still for us.  But he's obviously had ENOUGH.  If he can help it, no more bath time for him.  SO, since there would be no way that we could "handle" him rolling over like that while he was naked or I would tear his skin... I had to put him back on the rocker, give him a sedative (which I hate), and wait for it to kick in before we started.  So at about 9:30, we tried again and he was knocked out.  He let us undress/unbandage him without crying at all, but then after we got him out of the tub and back on the table, he cried the entire time.  It was terrible.  He cries if he's sedated and he cries if he's not.  But at least being sedated, he can't roll over like he did.  

Playtime has still been about once or twice a day that he will stand.  And the rest of the day is spent rocking with us in the rocker.  Each time he stands is just a few minutes- but you know me... I catch all of those minutes on video:) 

So here they are... my baby's mad drumming skills!

I thought I'd never see my little angel drumming again.  

He's such a little blessing.

And as always, thank you all for the continued outpour of love and support you've given us. 

It carries us through each and every day.

Love,

All Boy!

My talented BFF, Sabra Turner and her hubby joined us on Saturday evening for a trip to the farm.  The guys wanted to practice shooting clay pigeons for next weekend’s opening of hunting season.  Us girls tagged along to support the guys and get some fresh air.  Sabra came with camera in hand to take some outdoor shots with her new camera.  As always, this lady amazes me with her wide realm of talents, from baking to design work and now pictures taking – she can do it all! 

Little cowboy had a blast being outside and Sabra captured his excitement about being around guns for the first time.  For a mommy, that is not too fond of the whole hunting sport, I was a little uneasy but have to admit it was pretty cute to see just how “all boy” he was once he got to fire his first gun.  However, the adventure was conducted with complete assistance and a lecture regarding gun safety.    

tired of taking pictures and walking

Mommy carried little cowboy back to the guys and their hunting spot

Cowboy was a little timid at first....

Now the fun begins! 

helping the big guys

Little cowboy's first shot

Safety First!

Waechter Farm & Ranch

Take your kids hunting and you won’t have to go hunting for your kids.

Granny, a gift from God!

I just wanted to share a couple pics of my little cowboy.  When I went to pick him up from his Granny's yesterday they were out playing restaurant on the front porch - out of a cardboard box.  He said his restaurant was Chick-fil-a.  It was hard to get anything ordered because as usual, he said, "I have a problem...um, I'm out of that."  What fun a cardboard box can be, the little cowboy was is in Heaven. 

We are so blessed to have Granny in our lives.  She takes such good care of our little cowboy and never ceases to amaze me at how much energy and enthusiasm she has with him.
Today, Keeler and I went to the park before it got too hot.  Since then we have been playing at the house, mostly coloring.  He is grounded from markers and paint for awhile since he marked all over his neck and hands on Friday morning.  He asked if I would color with him and added, "you're a super colorer mommy!"   I think our positive reinforcement might be making an impression.  This evening I am looking forward to getting to see one of my besties that is in town for the evening.        

 "A granny holds tiny hands for just a little while... but our hearts forever." Author: Unknown 

Growing and Glowing...

Yesterday, I had my 34 week appointment.  At my last appointment I was measuring a few weeks small but we are back on track!  I measured right at 33-34 weeks and gained a little over two pounds.  The doctor reported that everything appears to be right on target.  We have our next appointment on Sept. 12^th and thereafter we’ll start going every week.  As Tyler said, “we are about to enter where we have never entered before.”  He was referring to experiencing all the final stages of pregnancy that we missed out on since Keeler was early.  My doctor talked to us about actually “going into labor” and what to expect since this will be new to us as well.  In many ways I feel like this is my first experience since Keeler came in such a “shocking way” plus I was so medicated it all seems like a blur.  The thought of delivery is starting to make me a little anxious but that is nothing compared to the excitement I feel about meeting this little cowboy. 

After the appointment, Tyler and I went on a little date and enjoyed the afternoon together.  We went to a diner that Tyler recalls going to as a child.  It is the cutest place in Garden City called Traditions.  It’s a little soda shop / cafe that has been around since 1943.  They have restored the building with the original signs and décor to the way it looked in the mid 1950's. Tyler enjoyed a hot roast beef sandwich and sundae while I had a piece of coconut pie.  Then last night we had a Big Brother viewing party with Sam and Sabra.  Yes, we have our guys addicted to it too.  I was so much fun, we are considering making it a Thursday night tradition. TGIF!!

"You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast. These are some good times…

Sweet Bedtime Moment

Since school will be in session soon and with a new baby on the way – my thoughts, it’s a perfect time to start enforcing a more scheduled bedtime.  While Tyler was mowing, I managed to cook  little cowboy dinner, take our baths, read him a bedtime story and get him in bed by 8:30p.  Ahhh, I had just sat down to watch Big Brother (guilty pleasure), when here comes Keeler.  'He can’t sleep.'  I let him watch the show with me with the stipulation that he stay quiet and just relax.  What's better than snuggling up with a sweet lil' cowboy? 

After the show, we made bedtime attempt number two.  Within minutes – “I can’t sleep with all this noise.”   The noise, he explained was his stuff animals, they were talking.  I removed close to a dozen various animals from his room and while I was walking out of his room I told him “sweet dreams.”  He responded, “Mom, love me forever.  Do you look up over my bed?”  I was caught off guard...  then realized that he was referring to my favorite children’s book ever,  Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.  I proceeded to quote the book:

"yes, and if that little boy is really asleep, I pick him up and rock him back and forth, back and forth and sing, I'll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I'm living my baby you'll be." 

It was hard to hold back the tears... it was such a sweet moment! 

P.S., Thank you for the recommendations on heartburn relief.   Going on two nights without any issues. 

 

September's Meal Plan

I mentioned a few days ago that I'd actually got around to doing up a menu plan for September. I thought I'd share it with you in case a recipe might interest you or you'd like to use the menu plan for yourself! Most everything listed are ol' faithful recipes (I'm in no position too get to creative right now!) but there are 4 new recipes I'll be trying out so I'll let you know how they turn out! You'll also notice a few things are repeated such as chicken dinners and pizza. These are family favorites and commonly frequent our table!

My plan is to recycle this plan next month making minimal changes according to what didn't go over well with the family and what gave me heartburn! ;)

Happy Meal Planning!

Sept.1: BBQ Chicken Caesar w/ Garlic Bread
Sept.2: Sweet and Sour Meatballs w/peas
Sept.3: Macaroni and Cheese w/ broccoli (Piper's Birthday supper choice!)
Sept.4: Quesadillas, Crispy Sweet Potato Fries and salad
Sept.5: Chicken Stew and rolls
Sept.6: Chilaquiles Casserole w/ salad
Sept.7: Baked Chicken Penne w/ asparagus
Sept.8: Broccoli Quiche, rice and corn
Sept.9: BBQ Hamburgers w/ veggies and dip
Sept.10: Pizza Party!
Sept.11: Chili and cornbread
Sept.12: Slow Cooker Roast w/ potatoes and carrots
Sept.13: Sweet and Sour Tofu on rice
Sept.14: French Chicken Broccolo Supreme *New Recipe*
Sept.15: Creamy Corn Chowder and rolls
Sept.16: Spaghetti w/ salad
Sept.17: Chicken Dinner (Taitum's Birthday supper choice!)
Sept.18: Chicken Soup w/ Garlic bread
Sept.19: Chicken Pot Pie  w/ baked broccoli
Sept.20: Portobello Philly Sandwiches w/ Oven Baked Fries and carrots
Sept.21: Tex Mex Shepherd's Pie w/ salad
Sept.22: Spinach, Mushroom and Pesto Lasagna *New Recipe*
Sept.23: Veggie Omelettes, Hashbrown Casserole and Berry Smoothies
Sept.24: Chicken Curry, Feta Dip w/ bread and Greek Salad
Sept.25: Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Sept.26: Chicken Dinner w/ Twice Baked Potato Casserole *New Recipe*
Sept:27: Chicken Peanut Noodle
Sept.28: Tacos w/ veggies and dip
Sept.29: Chicken and Baby Corn Curry Soup and Sweet Potato Biscuits *New Recipe*
Sept.30: Homemade Pizza

*If there are any meals listed that don't have a link but you would like a recipe, just let me know and I'll send it to you!*

**Editted to add: Feta Dip, Crispy Sweet Potato Fries, Twice Baked Potato Casserole and Sweet Potato Biscuits!

From Head to Toe

Today I saw our 3rd baby via ultrasound.

You'd think that it'd be no big deal having done this two times already.

But I am mesmerized and amazed by this little life growing in me.

I get giddy and giggle as my baby flops around,

Kicking feet, arms flailing, heart thumping.

This doesn't get old.

I love you, little one, from head to toe!

¹³ For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

Hairy Situations

Pregnancy Old Wives Tale #1:  “If a pregnant woman experiences heartburn throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, she’ll have a baby born with a full head of hair.”  The proof is in the pictures, check out Keeler’s newborn pic:

            If I was a gambling women, I would say Kallahan is going to have a head of hair as well.  Just like I did with Keeler, I have started experiencing TERRIBLE heartburn in the middle of the night.  I know that there is no scientific proof to this wives tale but since I was NPO (no food / no drink) for almost two weeks leading up to Keeler’s delivery and still required Prilosec® in my IV – it’s got to mean something, right?  I guess we will have to wait and see if my prediction is true, in the meantime I will continue to pop Tums and sip on hot peppermint tea.  If you have any other suggestions, they would be much appreciated.  This morning, my boss told me to try drinking apple vinegar with a little bit of water, we will see how that goes.  I am up for anything!  I have not slept well the last two nights.

            Both my cowboys got haircuts this weekend.  Keeler has only had one other professional stylist experience since my mom and Tyler’s cousin typically cut his hair.  They are both retired stylists, it’s so nice to have them in the family to offer their services.  Keeler sat and watched Tyler get his haircut, this helped excite him because he is typically game for anything that daddy does.  When it was his turn he sat in the chair like such a big boy.  After the cut, she washed his hair and reported that it was the first kid she had shampooed in the sink.  Tyler informed me that it was an odd request but it was included in the package, so hey let’s get it done!  Even today, Keeler asked me, “do you like my haircut?”  He is very proud of himself.

“Hair today, gone tomorrow.”

A Plant Fanatic and Budding Photographer

One thing I do not have is a green thumb.

I love the idea of having a pretty little flower bed or fresh veggies from my back yard but my ability to make that happen, so far, is non-existent.

In time I hope this will change.

I'd really like to learn and get better at this but it just hasn't happened yet!

On the other hand, my little Piper girl is a plant fanatic.

She LOVES to water them and reap the benefits of having cared for a plant.

I adore watching her work away at watering her tomato plant that her Mookie and Papa gave to us.

 (Without her, I'm sure it would be dead by now.)

Its also enjoyable to watch her find a ripe tomato and gobble it up!

Today I handed over my camera so she could take some pics of her beloved tomato plant.

Here's what she took:

 

Not too shabby, huh?!

She's shaping up to be quite the photographer, too!

I think she is gonna LOVE the kid camera we got her for her birthday!

Hmmmm....

Perhaps I should also get her an indoor plant to take care of during the cold winter months!

Making The Weather of Your Home

Pure Joy!

33 weeks pregnant!  It has actually been the hardest week yet.  I have experienced a lot of swelling in my feet and hands and really just don’t know how I will get any bigger.  I called my doctor on Thursday because I was very concerned with the swelling, especially when my hands got to the point that they felt like they were on fire.  The nurse reported that it was “normal” and advised me to sit with my feet elevated as much as possible and watch my salt intake.  You all know how easy sitting around in the recliner was with my little cowboy around.  Tyler was great and gave Keeler his bath each night and didn’t give me too hard of a time for not cooking.  I don’t know how I feel about still having six weeks to go. Work wise, I have one large project to complete before I will feel comfortable working from home.  But on the home front, I am so ready to meet this lil’ cowboy and not be pregnant.

This weekend is flying by too quickly.  Why is it that the week will crawl on forever and then it seems that Saturday and Sunday are gone in a blink of an eye?  Again we have stayed in town, which for us is very unusual.  My cowboys had fun playing with a rocket set that Keeler’s friend Damien gave him before they moved away L.  Shout out to the Cates family now residing in OK– we miss you terribly!  Look at the pure joy on my little cowboy’s face.  He was having so much fun.

Today, Keeler and I had a relaxing day at home.  I caught up on all the laundry while Keeler played very well by himself.  Then we made a loaf of zucchini bread, it turned out great.  Thanks aunt Samantha for the zucchini!  Later this afternoon we had to deliver some supplies to Tyler to the farm.  Keeler got to visit the pigs and help Tyler with his pickup repairs a bit. This evening, Granny has invited us over for ribs.  A nice evening with family sounds really pleasant.  Enjoy the remainder of the weekend.    

"A family is a little world created by love."  Author: Unknown

Getting Back to Normal

Its amazing how good housework feels.

Especially planned housework.

I've missed my routine.

But first there was first trimester nausea,

then awful flu,

then bottomed out blood pressure that landed me in the hospital.

And the disorder in my home nearly kills me!

Not that its a terrible disaster.

But it hasn't been its normal self.

So for the last week, as I've been feeling better,

I've been fixing all that.

One day at a time.

I'm trying my best not to overdo it.

So its one major housekeeping task per day.

Plus LOTS of planning for the coming school year.

I'M SO EXCITED TO START SCHOOL AGAIN!!

Yeah, yeah, I'm a little strange.

(But you're the one reading this!)

Also, I sat down and planned all our meals for September.

Oh, how I've missed my meal plans.

Not that I'm complaining.

Despite my health issues, this summer has truly been a vacation-

Relaxing and rejuvenating.

I think that has a lot to do with my awesome little family

And their ability to be flexible and joyful and fun

Even when things aren't normal!

But it is so good to be getting back to to our version of normal!

So in the near future I'll be sharing our homeschool plan, this summer's giant blessing, and a photo shoot of the girls! I might even get around to telling you about how much I love cloth diapers, the adventures of moving 2 silly sisters into the same room and my contemplations on Sunday school and youth groups!

Aren't you excited?! ;)

Have a good day!

My dad sent me an email this morning with this picture

 included that simply said, “Have a good day!” 

It made my heart melt to see me little cowboy and know that my dad was thinking about us today.  This picture was taken in February of 2010 at a friend’s wedding.  Toby and Anne asked us if Keeler would be their ring bearer – they had a gorgeous wedding and it was so fun to see my little cowboy in a suit.  My dad loves this picture, stating that Keeler looks like a used car salesman.  I hope that you smile when you see this cutie and have a good day as well! 

"A photograph can be an instant of life that will never cease looking back at you."  Brigitte Bardot

I Like Her.

Where did my baby go?

I wonder as I watch her

Long legs hanging down from the kitchen chair

Head bent over serious colouring concentration

Intent on staying within the lines

She used to sleep in my arms

With those big puffy baby cheeks sticking out

And I'd cover them with kisses

Before placing her in her crib

All soft, sweet baby goodness

Now it is different

Instead there is a routine of

"Mama, can we talk one minute?"

And bedtime is filled with questions and answers

And giggles and prayers filled with thoughts that make we smile

There are still lots of kisses

Though on cheeks not quite so chubby

And its her arms that wrap all the way around me

But its all a happy-sad

Because she's my girl

Who is learning and growing

And filling my world with joy

Just like she has everyday since I knew she existed

I like her

And all she is becoming

My baby turned girl.

 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 127:3

{Reflections after reading Do You Like Your Children? @ Raising Homemakers}

Do Re Mi, LSU, and Shoo-Fly Concert

Just HAD to share this new video from last night.  

I took the chance of standing him up by the couch just to "see" if he would play for a minute and so glad I did.  

I don't think it's possible to love this little rotten boy any more. 

(Please excuse the awful singing, as always:)

And yes, he is in a pink shirt.  You know it's cute...

Love,

Making progress...

Hello... we are still here!  

I'm not really sure where to begin because it's been so long!  It's been nearly impossible for my mom or me to get too much of one thing done because Tripp is constantly in one of our arms- and usually just switches back and forth between the two of us as he pleases! So I'll start with the progress that he has made since the last blog post.  I think the last time I posted, he was improving after we started the antiviral medication.  Well, things are honestly just about the "same."  His skin still looks great (as in great, I mean his "norm" from before he was so sick), and his mood as been pretty good overall.  He still is not standing up to play.... THOUGH, he did stand up (not by choice) a few times in the past week and actually realized that it wasn't so bad.  It only lasted literally a couple of minutes at a time... but it's definitely progress.  Here is a video from when he did stand up for those few minutes- because OF COURSE, I videoed literally every second of playtime. 

I think someone is going to be a little Tiger Fan:)

But for now, he is spending literally every waking minute in the rocking chair with either my mom or myself rocking him (his MeMe has been out sick for the last two weeks and then out of town this week).  In the past 5-6 weeks, since he got sick, he has gone straight from the bed in the morning- to the rocking chair all day long- and then back to the bed at night.  And just lately (within the past 4-5 days), he has not even wanted to go in his bed.  If it was possible, he would want us to rock him 24/7.  But some point at night, I finally get him to settle for his bed.  

I think his pain is under control for the most part.  I'm coming to the realization that diaper changes and bath time are never going to be pain-free unless we totally knock him out.  And to me, it's just not worth it because he feels so much worse afterwards.  I have not been giving him the extra sedatives anymore for bath time... and he still cries (on and off), but he's MUCH happier and playful afterwards than he was while he was getting all of that medicine.  Once we figured out what was going on with him and the antiviral started helping him, I started to taper down all of his other pain medicines.  And just recently Dr. Defusco decided that she wanted us to try the Methadone again.  This is a different type of pain medicine that works on different pain receptors than the morphine/oxycodone/dilauded.  I don't know much more about it other than it's supposed to be better for him to use "long term."  So we are in the process of trying the Methadone again (at a higher dose than last time) and trying to taper him off of the other pain meds.  Right now, it seems to be helping with the pain, but making him a little more sleepy than I would like.  But we need to give it some time to see if it's going to work for him. 

For the most part, he is back to his rotten, fussy, smiling and hammy little self.  Other than him not getting up to play, he's doing okay.  He's like a king with his 3" memory foam in his pillow and under his butt.  And he knows it, too.  It's hilarious.  He's got us wrapped around every one of his little raw fingers and we are cherishing every minute that we get to spoil the heck out of him.  I wish I could video just how darn cute he is, but he won't let me.  I have to be VERY discreet when I'm taking a picture or a video cause he will fuss and start swinging at us:) 

 Every couple of days, I will notice that he's running a fever (~99-101.7ish).  But for him, finding the source of the fever/infection is close to impossible.  So right now, I think the worst area for him is his mouth.  It seems like it hurts him really bad and has an odor back.  Not to mention the 100 ulcers that you can see when he cries:(  So Dr. D is going to start him back on the Clindamycin because that works the best for his mouth... we think.  

Dr. Defusco is still making house calls- she actually came by yesterday.  We got to visit for a while and talk about all the recent medication changes.  She's wonderful.  I know I've said it a million times... but I could never say it enough.  We are truly blessed to have her.  She's another one of God's small favors:)

So now speaking of wonderful people... I really really don't know where to begin.  I have so many people to thank that have been sending their love and support.  There have been so many people who are just taking it upon themselves to do fundraisers for Tripp.  So many, that I don't even know if I would be able to recognize everyone if I started listing.  There has been so much awareness being spread and so many people are starting to find out about Tripp, EB, and all the other children/adults that are suffering with this disease.  It truly is overwhelming.  I hope everyone knows how incredibly grateful I am.  There are so many people taking time out of their own busy lives to organize fundraisers for Tripp (which no matter the size, are very time-consuming!)  And the cards, e-mails, and gifts that I have received are countless!  I don't possibly know how to thank each one of you (though I am trying... so pretty please be patient with me:)  At the very least, please know how much this all means to me and how much I appreciate all of the love and support that you all have given to my son and myself.  

Please keep the prayers coming.  I know they are working.  

And thank you all again, from the bottom of my heart, for being SO wonderful!

Love,

Me and My Daddy

            On Sunday, I woke up feeling very tired and sore.  It was probably because I did more physical work on Saturday plus we stayed up late playing games with our couple friends. But Tyler was very helpful and took Keeler to the farm for morning chores while my mom and I finished up some projects.  Keeler had a great time.  He even got to pick some fresh corn and “help” fix an irrigation motor. 
            After a quick lunch, Grandma headed back to Texas.  Keeler was ready for a nap after his eventful morning and when he woke up we had a family day.  We chalked on what Keeler refers to as the “highway” – the driveway.  Keeler ate so well at dinner that we took him to the park.  For those of you that aren't around him much, the little cowboy never eats!  I hate to make a big deal of it but felt he deserved a reward for doing well. 
           It was such a beautiful evening.  Hopefully the extreme summer heat is finally coming to an end.  Two other little boys, all right around Keeler’s age, were at the park as well.  He played so well with them.  We found out that one of the boys will be attending his preschool.  He interacted so well and took the role as leader in their pretend play.  He told them the jungle gym was a boat and it went from there.  Tyler and I sat on a park bench and watched our little cowboy make friends.  It was a proud moment for this mommy! 

             I was also able to get some online shopping done for Keeler.  Since we cleaned out his closet and noticed that he was in need of essential items, I knew that I needed to get some items picked up before school starts.   I was stressing about getting this done since travel restrictions are in place with my pregnancy.  Fortunately, when I checked my email I had a some special offers from Gap and The Children’s Place, both with free shipping!!  I was able to get three pair of jeans, some long sleeve shirts, two pair of wind pants, a pair of shoes and several pairs of socks for less than $200.  I think this will put us in pretty good shape. 

"A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to play with his child." (Author: unknown)