Bye-Bye Miss Jean :-(

Today Ben had his last speech therapy session. Miss Jean came and sat with him for about 20 minutes and it was clear -- rather quickly -- that Ben is speaking above his age. She calculated that his speech is roughly that of a 4 to 4 1/2 year old! It seams that in the last three months he progressed so quickly that he is now passing his chatty sister! We are so excited, but so sad to see out visits with Miss Jean end. The whole process was so easy and the people were wonderful. As an aside I would really like to know who taught Ben the word "why?" as this is a constant question. And if you ever ask Ben "why?" he now answers 'because". He is too funny and we look forward to hearing him express his thoughts on the world around him....well maybe. ;-)

Much thanks to Miss Jean and all the folks at Early Intervention for another wonderful success story!

Happy Father's Day!

Today for Father's Day, Chris did not get to sleep in. He did not get a special dinner and he did not get a new driver --mostly because he said HE wanted to buy it. What he did get was 2 hours to watch a great show on TV, uninterrupted nap time and no baby duties until tubby time. He also got handcrafted cards made by two of his three offspring. (Christian does not like painting with his brother and sister) Above are photos from the scene that Chris came downstairs to after his pre-work nap. Maddie was painting her body and Ben was mixing them all up for make a masterpiece. (Mommy was hysterically laughing in the corner!)

A-Team Party!

The A-Team had a reunion last night and it was such fun! Maddie, who is not very affectionate, loved snuggling with Uncle Joe and then with Aunt Jaci! The kids received some great new toys -- one of which makes noise! Below is a video of the fun that can be had with hula hoops! Maddie and Ben had a mishap and Ben conked Maddie in the cheek with his noggin -- I cut that part out. They had such a good time running around the yard and then playing with the hulahoops like trained dogs.

After the kids went to bed, then it was time for fun as adults -- Catch Phrase time! Thanks to all who came, we all miss you tremendously! We hope ot have another reunion before the end of the summer.

Backyard Observations

I am sitting in the sun room checking email as I have sent the little cherubs out into the yard. As with most things, we started with a time out for throwing sand, Maddie's favorite pastime. Then we talked about keeping the sand IN the sandbox. Another time out and then bliss...

Maddie played quietly in the sand box while Ben threw stick into a bush.
"Mommy look!"
"What are you doing Ben?"
"I throw stick!"
"Why?"
"Because"
"Because why?"
"Ummm..... because."
"OK."

Next came a visit from the water meter reader. Maddie walked right up to him and hugged his legs. Is this the same child who screeches "NO!" whenever a member of her family tries to hug or kiss her? I guess you need to be someone new.

From there we moved onto the sun room where a toy workbench/table saw was the latest and greatest thing. They took turns saying "hi" to each other through the holes in the cork board back. On to the saw and then back to saying "hi" through the cork board again.

In the midst, I sneezed. Maddie just said "Bless you" for the first time today. She may learn manners yet. I am so proud. I still melt a little when Ben says "thank you" or answers with a "you're welcome". Little steps. Little steps.

Now back outside where we played our favorite game of "Mommy is going to get you!" Lots of giggles and scampering about.... such fun.

At 12:30 they walked right into the sun room and into the house. No screaming, no fits, just walked right in for a drink and lunch. This morning has been as close to perfect as I would ever want. I just had to type in all in for future appreciation.

A Visit with Kiley and Yemmers (oh yeah, and Aunt Michele)

Yesterday we had a visit with Aunt Michele who brought Mommy's "niece and nephew", Kiley and Yemi. We had a great time walking them on their leashes around the house!

Aunt Michele and Uncle Dave are MARRIED!!!

Friday was such a beautiful day. Aunt Michele and Uncle Dave got married and had the most wonderful wedding and the reception was just over the top!. The Pastor did such a great job with the wedding. She talked about Seamus (we miss you!) and how he led Michele over to the party where she met Dave. Then she talked about the "break" and how they found their way back to each other. It was just perfect.

The reception was such fun and everything were beautifully. Michele's parents had Irish dancers come and perform for the happy couple and Bud gave a beautiful speech -- not a dry eye in the house! It was a glorious day and the best wedding ever! Congratulations to Dave and Michele. Chris had fun with the camera and additional photos can be found on the Ben and Maddie photo link to the right. Please join us in wishing Mr and Mrs Patterson and happy and wonderful life together!!!

The Easter Bunny 2009

We took the kids back to see the Easter Bunny this year. I prepped them a bit better by talking about the Easter Bunny -- and explaining that he is the biggest bunny you will ever see, but he is soft and cuddly, just like Teddy! Ben was really excited and kept saying "Ea-sah Bunny!" on the ride over. Maddie, well she was ignoring me hoping it would go away. We took them right before dinner and Maddie was happy until she saw EB and realized that she would be expected to actually approach that freakishly large rabbit. She was pretty brave and we made it quick. No wriggling this time and Ben actually did not smile, but also would not get off EB's lap. It is so much fun to see them change from one year to the next. Hopefully they will mature enough to get the concept of Santa by December!