A Fun Day

After several days of cold weather, we finally had some decent improvement! So James and I were off to the park. 

He's finally stable enough to walk around and explore. I kind of follow behind him with the stroller and let his curiosity lead. There isn't much he can actually do without help, but he still loves it. 

Here he found the drain holes interesting (and dirty) 

He watched little birds

He was a little hesitant to go out in the midst of all the big kids

and came back to look at the birds :) 

This red rolling thing kept his attention for a while. In the picture he looks concerned but he was just squinting :) 

 

This video was taken this morning. Jay and I began to notice how tall James was getting- he can reach the countertop and stovetop, and now we see he can reach the door handle. So, if I don't have the 3 upper locks locked this is what he does. Luckily he can't reach the elevator button! 

End of a trial

Today I celebrate my mom's final chemo treatment. I wish I could be there with her but I know she is surrounded by family and friends who will celebrate the end of this very trying time. There is still radiation treatment ahead but the effects on her will be very different. Her hair is already growing in- and much to our surprise we think she'll beat James hands down in that department. 

This picture was taken at Christmas, with 6 of mom's 8 grandchildren. Jude, Brady's boy, was not there and Taylor, the oldest, was not there. Mom also has a great-granddaughter! Taylor has a little girl named Layla, and even though we don't know Layla and don't see Taylor we all love her, pray for her and I think about her everyday. 

Mom and James
This is Jude, Brady's little boy- he just turned five this week! 

I'm so glad this is over for my mom. She's been through so many ups and downs these last couple months and I know when she walks away from that chemo treatment today she will feel a weight lifted off her shoulders. 

Thank you Lord for the strength you give and for the wonderful model you've given me. I praise you for your healing power and continued provisions.

 

Blessings :)

I haven't posted anything in a while because there hasn't been much going on. We had to opportunity to go to another basketball game at the Garden and James cheered on the Mountaineers! He also managed to charm some employees with his charisma and down right cuteness :) 

We have been going for walks everyday, but it's still cold so James has to be bundled up. This is the coat uncle Brady gave him for Christmas. He is much more comfortable in this one than the one we used to put on him. The old one had a marshmallow effect :)  
Believe it or not, James does have his cranky days. Sometimes I blame it on incoming teeth and other times I just laugh and tell him he'll get over it; that he can't have everything he wants- not the trash can, or the computer cords, or the camera. I know it's awful but he'll learn eventually! 
And two minutes later, he's happy because he doesn't even remember what it is he wanted so badly. (In case you wondered... James enjoys giving himself a bath while drinking from his cup. He likes to spit it back out through his teeth and let it run down his chin. Thus the wet shirt.) 
These are some of the greatest moments though- even the little tantrums. He's a sweet baby and I feel so blessed! 
Changing subjects- Lately, some song lyrics have been on my mind. A couple weeks ago we sang this song at church- "A thousand times I've failed, still your mercy remains. And should I stumble again still I'm caught in your grace. Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades; Never-ending, your glory goes beyond all fame. Your will above all else/ my purpose remains, the art of losing myself in bringing you praise. In my heart and my soul, Lord I give you control, Consume me from the inside out. Let justice and praise become my embrace, to love you from the inside out Lord."  

Another song that I listened to this week is from an artist, Brett Dennen titled "There is so much more." He says- In a world of suffering why should I be so blessed? And that is often what I ask myself. 

Date Night!

Jay and I were over-due for a night out... way over-due! So, since a favorite actress of mine was making a debut in a broadway show, Jay bought tickets for us to see "Guys and Dolls." First we used a

nother of our Dinner Cards and ate at Nocello, a sweet little italian place in the theatre district. It was delicious and we even split some Tiramisu :) 

  

Lauren Graham was Miss Adelaide. 

This is after the show- She was so nice and 

sweet to everyone. 

It's always nice to find out that celebrities 

you like, are actually really nice people!! 

I loved the show! (Jay said it was okay, but 

it wasn't really his thing I guess) 

This past weekend we had amazing weather in the city! Finally it felt like spring :) 

So Jay and I went for a long walk- from our place on 3rd and 101st to Park Ave and 57th street and back- a total of 84 blocks :)

We stopped by the 72nd street park at the entrance to Central Park and let James get out and walk around. The only thing he can really do is swing, but I think he enjoyed just getting out of the stroller.

He's such a happy baby! 

 

My two favorite boys :) 

On our way home, Jay got a hot dog from the famous Papaya King. A treat he enjoys occasionally- I was tempted to stop by Crumbs (a great cupcake shop) and Tasti-delight (for ice cream) BUT I didn't and it was hard to pass by!!  

It was a great date night followed by a beautiful weekend... now I sit waiting for the rain to pass and spring to come permanently.  

Play date with the Littles :)

Our good friends, the Littles, had us over for lunch and it was a great time for us to see little Jack who is 2 months old. He's such a sweet boy, his cheeks are adorable and although you can't see it here he has the brightest blue eyes ever! 

James just wanted to touch his face, especially his eyes. It was funny :) 

They have a great playroom in their building so we took James down there for a while to play and he had a blast. It's so funny to look at little Jack and think James was that little just 8 months ago. They grow and develop so fast. Pete was asking us what stage we've liked most with James and I couldn't answer. Every stage is a joy and a learning experience. It's so fun to play with him now, to see his face light up when he sees us, to hear him really laugh, and to see him learning (or destroying) all the time. I'm sure I'll enjoy every stage he goes through (I'm not so sure about the teenage years, but I'll love him nonetheless). What a joy he is!! 

 

These are a couple pictures from the playroom :) 

He loved these foam play mats and loved playing peek-a-boo through the tunnel.