Shaving

We watched A LOT of Home Alone over the winter break. You love the basement scene and talked about it during our nightly stories. You now have your own shaving set to play with before bath time.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III • 85mm • f2.8 • 1/250

Goodnight, Sweet Zain

Tomorrow, we will say our final good-byes. But tonight, sweet Zain, we say one last goodnight.

You were born with degenerative hip displacia and your hip sockets never quite formed correctly. We found this out when you were only 6 months old. I remember crying in the vet’s office that day thinking that we were going to lose you then. The vet gave us some meds and told us to try to build up your muscles, so your daddy took you to OU Stadium every day to run stairs. Before we knew it, you were running around the yard again as happy as ever.

That was 12 years ago. TWELVE! You’ve lived to be an old man in dog years and you’ve been a hyper happy dog the whole time. From carrying the cat around the yard by his head (never hurting him, of course), to hiding in the bathtub when little kids came over, you were always ready to lick someone’s face and lay your head on their lap if they decided they didn’t want to pet you right then.

When Gray was born almost three years ago, we thought you might be scared of him like you were of other kids, but he was your favorite person to chase and lick. His face was just the right height for your tongue. We wish he could have more time with you…just as we wish we could have more time with you.

Unfortunately, buddy, your hips have given up for good this time. That’s too much pain to go through for an old man. So, we said one last goodnight this evening with steak and lots of love under the setting sun. You’ll get to spend one more night under the stars with your life-long friend, Nalla. We are so happy we found you wandering around that house so many years ago.

Goodnight, Sweet Zain.

Gran’s Shoes

You had a great time tying your gran’s shoes tonight. After a long weekend at home, you finally got to go back to school today to play with your friends. It was really hard to say goodbye this morning, but our time together tonight was extra special (jumping jacks were involved).

Before I Knew You

“Close your eyes and think of something peaceful.” Those were Becky Bailey’s instructions in that conference room so many years ago.We were learning how to wish others well.

I closed my eyes. My mind drifted to something peaceful. I was holding a baby boy on my shoulder, gently rocking him to sleep.

I didn’t have or want kids at the time. Working with little ones was enough for me then. Still, rocking that baby to sleep was the most peaceful spot in my mind.

Perhaps my soul knew you before I did. Because years later, rocking you to sleep is my peaceful place.

On the eve of your second birthday, it is hard to believe that you are growing so quickly. Even when you’re throwing a fit because one of your terrible parents is forcing you to put on a clean diaper, you bring a spark of excitement to this world.

We are so glad that you are here, Jelly Bean. Happy Birthday!

Cannon

I’ve known this little guy since he was born…and his mom and dad for a lot longer. He is such a cutie! Those eyes are going to break some hearts someday. It is so much fun to watch him grow up.

Hot Coffee

The best part of wakin’ up…is watching you pretend to drink your daddy’s “hot coffee” when he is finished.

 

 

Movie Night

Your cousin came over last night to hang out so that his mommy and daddy could go play kick-ball in the blazing hot weather (crazy). We were more than happy to hang out with him in the air conditioning. Yes, you have some lazy parents.

When your cousin walked in the door, you both squealed and started running around the house. After you wore yourselves out a little, we had some dinner and settled in to watch a Thomas movie. The look on your cousin’s face is because there was a scary train in this particular scene. Who knew that Thomas-the-Train could be considered a horror movie for toddlers?

Vintage Toys

Are 1980’s toys considered vintage now that it is 2013? I can’t really be old enough to have toys that are considered vintage…can I?

You love the Little People house I found in the attic over the weekend. Your trains go through the front door and your fire truck fits in the garage. I watched you give the baby a kiss on the head after you put him in the chair. You play with this house for quite a while on your own, which is really fun to see. I’d like to know what is going through that little brain of yours.