Love

Love is on my mind.

I love God, my husband, my baby boys, my family, and my friends.  And, I can't stress to you how much.  My heart has been heavy these past couple of weeks with sad, heartbreaking news from some dear friends.  It really has made me realize how fortunate I am for all that I have and all that who love me! Thank you and I love you!

My boys have helped my heart fill with more love than I ever thought imaginable.  Here are some of the reasons why from this week:

Jak loves, Loves, LOVES his Sesame Street CD in the car.  I think it is great because he knows ALL the songs on it.  Me, being the teacher that I am, love this because I know that reciting nursery rhymes and singing songs help with fluency while reading. Hooray!  Anyway, I'm tired of the CD and ready for some different tunes.  I put in a Kids Praise CD and he got upset with me for changing his songs.  I told him that he had to sing to me "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children" before I would change the CD.  This is a big deal to me.  I KNOW he knows them, but never sings them, so I am encouraging him to do so.  Today on the way in to school he belts out in song, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children" all on his own!  He knows them word for word!  :)  I was so proud. 

Jak made a Valentine's Day necklace at school yesterday.  I told him how beautiful it was and how proud of him I was!  Stringing beads can be a challenge!  I was impressed with him.  This morning I asked him if he would like to wear his necklace to school today for his Valentine's Day party and he said, "No.  You can have the necklace instead."  I love that!  I love the necklace!  

He also made a card for Nick and me.  He wrote his own name!!!!  Wow!  This is a big deal for me.  He doesn't like to practice...rather he refuses to practice here at home, so it was so great to see!  I love him so much and all he is learning.

Frankie has been a trooper with his battle with his ear infection and then his allergic reaction to his medicine!  I'm so grateful he seems to be on the mend and his rash is clearing up.  He has been so lovey dovey and happy :)  He's always up for a fun game of pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, repeatedly shaking his head no, or "How big is Frank?"  :)  Melts my heart!  Answer to prayers!

I just had to share these with you!

Please pray for my friends that their hearts may heal.

Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Frank's 9 month Checkup

Frank had his 9 month checkup today.  I've been nervous about this check up for several reasons: 

One, Frank refuses to eat baby food or drink anything from a bottle.  He only wants what everyone else is eating and nurse (and he likes sippy cups that have the straws...and whatever Jak has).  So, obviously, I was nervous about him getting enough to eat and gaining weight. 

Second, he has been fighting some congestion and tugging at his ear.  I wanted him checked for an ear infection and to be sure his lungs sounded clear. 

Thirdly, the weather.

Well, my worries about the weather were put to rest when the clinic called and rescheduled my appointment to earlier in the day.  Hooray!  I was able to find a sitter for Jak and take Frank in before it started snowing!  That was the good news.  And, for the record, the office was planning on closing by 1:00 and possibly closing tomorrow...and still at 3:00...NOTHING!  No snow, no ice, no wind.  However, I'm sure that will all change.

The not so great news is that Frank is growing just fine in every area, BUT he is OFF THE CHARTS in his weight...the wrong way :(!  He isn't gaining much weight!  Which is what we thought all along.   His right ear is also a little red, but nothing major.  But, since he had the same condition at his 6 month check up, Doc decided to go ahead and prescribe him some antibiotics in case he has a chronic ear infection.  If that is the case, that may be why he doesn't want to eat much!  I'm nervous about the antibiotics, but if it helps him get a bigger appetite, I'm okay with it.  He sure doesn't act like his ear bothers him, but maybe he'll feel even better after the medicine is in him for a while!  Maybe he'll sleep ALL NIGHT EVERY NIGHT! ha!  Who knows!  He is just a little stinker!  ;) 

Other than his weight, he is a healthy, happy, baby! His lungs sound clear. :)  His next checkup is his one year!!!  Three months from now!  Holy cow! :)

Here are the stats for Frank compared to Jak:

                   Frank 9 months                   Jak 9 months
Length:          29"   68%tile                     29 1/4"  75%tile                          
Weight:         16 lbs. 7 oz  1.5%tile          20 lbs. 45%tile
Head Circ:      17 3/4"  38%tile

Obviously, Jak was a better eater than Frank!  I'm just so glad Frank is happy and healthy!  We'll keep chugging away, trying to get him to eat! :)