{ Family Pictures }

Family Night at FMG

Last night was Early On's family night at the Frederik Meijer Gardens.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Early On, it is Michigan's early intervention and support system for children who have developmental delays.  We've become involved with the program as they have provided Henry's physical therapy. 

 I just have to say that Claire makes me laugh everyday.  And last night was no exception.  Here's a picture of her on the way to the Gardens - she had fallen asleep in the car with a pair of pants on her head and her sunglasses on upside down. 

Once we arrived at the Gardens, though, Claire was ready to play.  We had a great time with all the activities they had available for us.  They had animals, crafts, music, storytime, snacks, and even hearing and vision tests for the kids.  Fun Fun!

  

A Big Birthday Weekend

This past Saturday was Henry's birthday, and while we spent a lot of time reminiscing, we certainly did plenty of celebrating as well!   

Sleeping soundly the night before his birthday.  I want to remember him like this as he'll never again be my little baby.  He's growing way too fast.

Last fall I bought this little ride-on giraffe and intended to tuck it away for Henry's first birthday, but, of course, I ended up letting Claire play with it in the meantime.  Well, on Saturday morning, Henry opened his gift and looked at it for about a second before he turned to play with his car, and Claire was all excited about finding "her" giraffe once again.  I guess that plan backfired!  Live and Learn.

After opening Henry's gift, we headed to Holland as I wanted to take some Tulip Time pictures before going to my parent's house for a Birthday/Mother's Day Party.  The tulips were pretty much gone, but we did find a couple patches of color.

Claire and the sad looking tulip she found on the ground.

We left just in time to miss the rain and then headed over to my parent's house.

Henry was excited for his party.

We made some of his favorite foods for lunch.

And then he opened his gifts.

His own set of blocks from Grandpa and Grandma. 

Grandma opened a couple gifts for Mother's Day.

And, of course, a birthday cupcake!

Because what's a party without being covered in cupcake crumbs!

I think our fun afternoon was a bit much for these two who cozied up with Aunt Kelsey to read books.  Andrew even fell asleep there, and Claire came awfully close.

Then Sunday morning, we were able to have our second full day of celebrating both Henry's birthday and Mother's Day.  We first went to church, and then headed home for more family fun.

Grandpa and Grandma Rosen came over and we walked to Aunt Linda and Donna's house to see some remodeling they've done in their kitchen.

Donna, Great Grandma, Grandma, Henry, Linda and our furry friend, Toby.

We then went for breakfast with the family, and then back to the house to visit with Grandpa and Grandma Rosen and Great Grandpa and Grandma Nash.

Walking home

Sunday evening we met with our Care Group from our church.  We love this group.  Truly, they've come to feel like an extension of our family.

Monday evening was our final celebration at the Puplis home where Grandpa and Grandma grilled hamburgers and put out a small feast for us.

Henry visited with Great Grandma.

Claire made funny faces with Aunt Melissa.

Our "almost got it" family picture. 

Another perfect day for visiting outside...

And then crawl into bed to watch tv with Grandma.

It was a very full, but very fun, weekend.  Thanks to all our family for celebrating with us.  We enjoyed our time with each of you!

A Belated Birthday Blog

That was then...

Henry's Omphalocele at birth.

Henry after the first of his three surgeries.

And this is Now...

ONE YEAR OLD!

Henry, we love you so much, and simply can't imagine life without you.  There was a time when we were told we might need to plan your funeral, and now I look at you so full of life, brimming with smiles, and I am overjoyed.  You have been so strong, so brave.  And now we look forward to this coming year, full of hope for all that you will learn and discover.  The possibilities are endless!

The following is a music video of Laura Story's song "Blessings".  When I hear this song, it still takes me back to those first few months of Henry's life.  It often played on the radio as I went back and forth from the hospital, and it was very much a message I needed to hear at the time.

{ Birthday weekend pictures to come shortly! }

Claire's Song

While brushing Claire's teeth, we usually sing her the Books of the Bible song, and though some of the names are a bit muddled, she definitely knows them.

I like the part where Claire gets upset with Henry for taking her block...

A little insight into our lives.  Oh well, one lesson at a time I guess!

Life in the Last Week

A couple random pictures:

Claire wears Joe's childhood glasses. 

She's been a daddy's girl lately, saying several times a day, "I have to call my Daddy", whenever she can't find something, or a toy needs to be fixed, or pretty much whenever she sees something interesting -- like the garbage truck, a lady bug, or a booger...

After struggling with a fever for a week,  "Mr. Crabby Pants", as Claire so affectionately referred to him, was feeling much better last week. 

It's good to have my happy Henry back!

A rainy day activity for Claire...

And a rainy day activity for Henry!