Author Archives: joel

Today Sean got his first taste of one of my favorite of life's simple pleasures - playing outdoors in the pouring rain. It was warm enough where I wasn't worried about him catching a chill. We spent a solid fifteen minutes stomping around the backyard, trying to see who could make the biggest splash. He just laughed maniacally the whole time. When we finally came in, I had to throw him right in the tub - he was covered in muddy water from head to toe.

What a month for visits! The kids have had a grandparent extravaganza this month. Ok, we maybe only two grandparents. But still, that's a high density compared to normal. Luckily, Grandma got here right as everyone was starting to feel better. She had a great time, and really enjoyed the chance to bond with her grandkids.

So far, Sean hasn't had a problem with his sister becoming the new owner of his old toys. He usually doesn't even notice those old playthings. But the Exersaucer got his attention. He spent a lot of time in there when he was small, and he loved every minute of it. Just for old time's sake, he climbed in again. As you can see, he doesn't quite fit anymore. But now Carter seems to be enjoying it too. I especially love the picture where something on the TV seems to have caaght her attention. And the picture of the two kids back to back warms my heart.

Grampy, Sean and I spent the afternoon at the playground. Sean had an amazing time, because Grampy would even take him down the slide that is too high for Daddy to handle (the yellow one). And check him out in the big boy swing!

It's been quite a while since Grampy and Sean saw each other, but they reconnected in no time. If everyone had been healthier, they would have been able to do even more together. But I still think Dad did an amazing job bonding despite all the obstacles put in his way.

This picture was taken the night before Sean started throwing up and having explosive diarrhea. All told, he spent at least a week sick as a dog, and actually ended up spending one night in the hospital for dehydration. All of this started right before Grampy arrived for a two week visit. Sean was sick the first week, and then Grampy was sick for part of the second week. At the end of the two weeks, we had all had about 3 days where everyone was healthy.

One month ago today, the Lord family lost its patriarch. He was more than a grandfather to me, he was a close friend. I have a lot I want to say about him, but not yet - I'm just not ready.

Carter tried something new today - oatmeal! We decided that she was ready for some solid foods, and she took to them right away. She was smacking her lips and smiling, and most of it actually ended up in her belly instead of in her lap. Check out the size of those smiles!