blessed beyond measure

Trey has given up naps, at least when I am in charge. Naptime was one more area of contention we didn't need, never failing to cause a huge blowout between him and me. So no more naptime. This has made bedtime much easier. We have an addition to our normal routine called "downtime", where we all sit together on the couch in the dark, with the TV on low. Trey is usually asleep within 10 minutes. Aden hates tummy time. At least when I remember to give him tummy time. I can't feel but so bad for forgetting, because when I remember, we get this: Trey will now use the pedals on his tricycle. Not on command, of course, only when he feels like it. Aden is beginning to use his hands. When we are having a chat at the changing table, he will reach up and touch my face. He is also starting to bat at the toys on his floor gym. Trey has had maybe two cups of apple juice in the last week. This is big considering we used to go through a gallon of apple juice in abo...

Fatherhood Brotherhood Yes, that would be Trey, naked, reading the Bible to Aden. Trey Romping in the hot summer sun Trey calls this his "frustrated tree", where he goes when he gets angry outside. It's a good thing we don't have a frustrated tree inside. There would be someone sitting under it all day, every day. Trey's first time jumping off the dock. He was so proud of himself. Aden

It's been a little while, and for good reason. We continue to struggle with Trey as he asserts himself. It has been a totally unexpected learning experience for us, both on the parenting side as well as on the spiritual level. How great is the Lord's love for us that in the midst of our sin, He sent His Son to take our place on the cross. And how He must grieve as we daily disobey Him, throwing our self-centered and in-the-moment tantrums, knowingly and willingly stepping into sin. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace to me. Here is a little random catch-up on us. We visited the allergist to again have Trey tested for his milk allergy. The test results showed that he remains highly allergic to milk. So we'll keep on keeping on. And praying for no slip-ups. Trey begins preschool on September 2. Or shall we say, the first day of preschool is September 2. Whether he cooperates enough to attend has yet to be seen. When we talk about it he is pretty excited, but wh...

Aden is growing up! At two months old, he is developing his own personality and starting to entertain us. He enjoys sleeping, and sometimes it takes a great effort to keep him awake for a stretch before bedtime. He tends to fall asleep quickly in his car seat, and many of the places we have been, he has slept through the entire trip. It is especially impressive at church. People just marvel that he can sleep through so much commotion. Aden is not yet into toys, but does enjoy face-to-face time. Loves hearing Trey make a racket. And Daddy has found "the position", where Aden loves to lay belly-down on Daddy's legs, while Daddy pats various rhythms on his back. Aden continues to love laying on his changing table. Sometimes he will cry no matter what we do with him until we take him there. His way of telling us what he wants. He smiles and coos a lot, especially while on the changing table. That beautiful toothless grin is just heartwarming. He may or may not have giggled a ...

Trey must have thought his peach fuzz was out of control the other day when he grabbed his Granddad's straight edge razor and went to work on himself. I know kids grow up fast, but holy moly, slow down!!