What a month it has been my boy! We have done all sorts of things and been many places. It has been a crazy month filled with highs and lows as you zoomed through your 14th month and here you are at 15 months! I am going to share with you some happies and crappies we have had because what stands out to me most as I briefly reflect on the last four weeks is that we have experienced such wonderful joys, but also some trying times and deep sorrows.
Happy: Auntie Jennifer came to visit us for the weekend! I am so ashamed that I did not get a picture of the two of you together! We had lots of fun playing at home and also going for a lovely walk at Hollins. We are already looking forward to her next visit. She got a new job and starts very soon. Auntie Meg got a new job too, so proud of them, they deserve some gooey banana-hand high fives! ;)
Crappy: You got Hand, Foot, and Mouth virus the following week after Jennifer's visit and had terrible bumps and blisters all over your body! You looked ROUGH. Not to mention, you also had your first black eye from falling at school. You did not let this slow you down in the least, but the multiple nights of not sleeping very well were tough on Mommy and Daddy.
 |
| This photo taken at the preschool really shows off your shiner! |
Happy: You and Daddy really had a great week together while you couldn't go to school. I believe there was lots of manly bonding going on that has been sworn to be kept secret from me. But I think afternoon naps, running around in diapers, leaving cracker crumb trails, and watching Super Why were all part of Boys Club Business. I have been truly thankful this month that Daddy has been home with us daily.
Crappy: As I shared in a previous post, your Great Glen passed away. He called you Billy Kemp when you were born, and so in his honor, I share that nickname here. Your Papa Bass did a graveside service that I think Great Glen surely loved. I am so thankful that he could be there for us and that Grams could spend the day with you. While we spent time with Beba, Papa, and other family and friends, you got to do fun things like dance to Sesame Street and eat cupcakes. There is a silver lining in everything.
Happy: Last week Beba and I took you to Richmond to get your first pair of shoes. We had lunch with Aunt Crystal which was fabulous. Again, I failed to get a picture of you two together. Shameful! After lunch we went over to Saxon Shoes and you got to meet Ms. Bettye and Ms. Aline. It was so good to be back in the place where I spent so many hours working during seminary. Those co-workers became a second family to me and I enjoyed helping children get new shoes (most of the time)! In addition to thinking about how special it was to be able to get your first shoes at Saxon's, I considered the possibility that you might just be one of those kids who didn't like getting shoes and you would cry and be uncooperative. But, you really had fun! You are doing great in your big boy shoes!
 |
| First pair of shoes at Saxon's! |
Crappy: An ear infection caused you to spike a fever last Friday and you had another seizure en route to the doctor. I think we knew it was coming after your fever didn't come down. We were definitely proactive. I cannot live on the "shoulds", as in I should have taken you to the pediatrician before 5:00. But, even then, it may still have happened. Once again, the blessings of having Daddy here, right beside me in the car while I was driving. He was able to get in the back seat with you. Ultimately we drove you to the ER where we spent several hours as they brought your fever down. This one wasn't as scary as the first one, but still, as your mother, it terrifies me. And I know it does your dad too, although he manages to be the voice of reason for me. It was a tough 24 hours but you have been fine since on medications for the ear infection (your first). Again, in seeking the silver lining, I thank God that we are so close to the hospital. I believe that God weaves these things into the plan for our lives.
 |
| RMH visit included a new Carilion sippy cup |
Happy: You began toddler class this week! I was thankful that you were well enough by Monday to go back to school. Daddy and I took you together. You are one of the younger kids now, so the older children seemed much bigger than you. It is amazing to see how responsive they are to the teachers and to each other. I know that you will learn so much just by watching and mimicking them. I won't make this it's own crappy, but it hasn't been a bed of roses for you in your new class. You are well behaved and have been doing naps, meals, and activities well. But you have also had some interesting moments. On Monday, when we dropped you off, Daddy saw a little boy push you right when he put you down. He was steamed about it all day! On Tuesday, you were bitten! By a girl! It did not break the skin but you definitely have a bruise. Man, these toddlers are tough. Wednesday and Thursday I also signed accident reports for you for minor scrapes and bumps. But today, no incidents. Whoo-hoo! I really hope that we can keep you at this school for the next few years. It is certainly not cheap, and Lord knows you have been sick, A LOT. But, I do sense that you are learning how to do so many things. I like that you have opportunities to experience other children and adults on a daily basis.
You clomp about in your new shoes a little faster every day. You have been absolutely obsessed with the blueberry mini-muffins Daddy made for you. You have also been so excited to hide behind the chair and pop out squealing or growling when we ask, "Where's Kemper?" Bath time is splash time. You think brushing your teeth is fun and you have TWO molars that have broken through recently. I believe that makes 10 teeth total in there so far. You are fond of dancing these days to anything really, but the Daniel Tiger theme song really gets you excited. As does Super Why. We've been singing and whistling that tune for days now. Ugh. You are so proud when you get to carry a muffin or a cracker around the house and eat your snack while you explore. No need to worry about crumbs, if Sirius or Heffy don't take care of it, you'll pick it up on your next pass through the room. You make us laugh, oh my goodness you make us laugh. You've had us singing Down By The Bay as we look at and read the book daily. And each night, before bed, you bring me a book to read. Then, when you are ready to go to bed, you put your arm out and point to the crib. You then snuggle up with your glow-worm and close your eyes. What a doll you are. I try to cherish these moments because I know they will go by so fast as you continue to grow and change daily. I really can't believe how big you are, you aren't a baby anymore. But you are still our boy. We love you more than words can say.
 |
| Utter joy playing with Daddy. |
Happy 15 months Billy Kemp!
Love,
Mom
No comments:
Post a Comment