Answered Prayers

July 27, 2012 2 comments
Evan recently had his 2-year-old check-up. During his check-up, our pediatrician heard what he thought was a heart murmur, so an appointment was scheduled with a pediatric cardiologist for the following week.

After some online research, I discovered that most children are diagnosed with a heart murmur at some point in their lives and most do not affect the child's health. Armed with that knowledge, Chris and I made the decision to keep the recent finding private (as possible) until we met with the cardiologist. We didn't want anyone to worry needlessly since we didn't know the severity of it.

Of course, we worried. Although we never let the other one know, actions spoke louder than words. For nine days we lived with the knowledge that something might not be right with our baby boy. We prayed and prayed, by ourselves and as a family, hoping that the news would be good.

Well, God has answered our prayers!!! As far as I'm concerned, God healed my baby boy!

According to the cardiologist, it was nothing more than "innocent background noise" and even if it persisted over the next few years, that it was nothing to worry about. To be honest, I should have asked more questions, like, "What was causing the background noise?," but I was so relieved to hear his diagnosis that I couldn't think of anything else at that moment.

Now, all I can do is thank God and smile, laughing to myself as I think about Evan being examined and calling "Sissy! Sissy! Sissy!" after he realized his cries of "Momma! Momma! Momma!" were going unanswered, and in fact, that I might be trying to help those "bad" nurses!

Thank you, dear Lord, for answering our prayers!




Splashpad Sunday

July 25, 2012 2 comments
There are so many places for families to enjoy in our city, yet, we never seem to take advantage of them. I was reminded of one of these places after dinner at one of our favorite downtown restaurants (to be featured in an upcoming blog). We decided to take an after-dinner stroll at the Riverwalk, which was only a block from the restaurant, and stumbled upon the Splashpad. It had just been turned off for the day, but I thought to myself that the kids would really enjoy playing on it.

On Sunday, after an uneventful Saturday of household chores, I decided it was time for the Littles and I to get out of the house and we headed to the splashpad!

There isn't parking down at the Riverwalk, so we parked at the riverfront entrance and started our trek to the splashpad. Chloe led the way with me following closely behind and Evan in the rear walking as fast as little legs would let him. Every once in a while I would check to make sure that he wasn't getting too far behind. If he was, Chloe and I would stop to let him catch up. During one of my routine checks, I discovered this...


That's my Evan, taking a moment to let it all in and enjoying the beautiful view! 

Sometimes we're so worried about getting from Point A to Point B that we forget about enjoying the in-between. I'm so thankful to my sweet boy for reminding me of this.

Of course, Momma never misses a photo-op!


Please ignore Chloe's "stink-face" expression! I had to post this one because it was the only shot where you could see Chloe's curls, which I just loved!


It was so funny to watch the Littles' reactions to the splashpad. In true character, Evan approached the splashpad cautiously.


First, he ran alongside the water.


Then, he tested the water.


Finally, he ran in!


Meanwhile, in true character, Chloe took a brief moment...


and ran straight in!


I love watching her run. She is so graceful (unlike her Momma).


As you can see, it was a lot of fun!







Oh, and be still my Mommy heart. The Littles actually stopped to pose for a pictures! (Chloe's swimsuit is a tad big, but should fit great by next summer!) 



We even watched a few trains trains pass by. And in case you were wondering, the sky was really this gorgeous in person! No retouching required on this photo!


I also discovered the mural of our Capitol Building that I've seen on so many photographers' blogs. The afternoon sun and shadows were pretty harsh and the photo didn't turn out quite the way that I would have liked, so this photo may have to be a re-do.


It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and I get the feeling that we'll be doing this again in the near future, but maybe with a few extra friends;) 

A Few of My Favorite Things

July 24, 2012 No comments
Since I haven't posted in a few days, I thought that I'd take a moment to share a few of my favorite things...

the beauty of the resilient Black-eyed Susans that continue to grow in the my front yard every summer despite the fact that hubby has run them over with his lawnmower for the umpteenth time;



the afternoon sun that shines through the vines and curtain of our breakfast nook window creating what can best be described as a beautiful piece of art (God's Art);


and Momma and Daughter tootsies soaking in the Alabama River.

Our Favorite Color Combo:)

Summer Days at the Pool

July 21, 2012 1 comment
"Summer lovin, had me blast!" (The tune of that famous Grease song plays in my head as I write this post.)

The Littles have certainly had a fun and busy summer, especially, our little social butterfly, Chloe! If she doesn't have an intinerary by breakfast that morning, she isn't happy. The first question that I usually hear in the morning is, " What are we gonna' do today?"

Daddy usually keeps the kids occupied at one of our local YMCA pools on his days at home with the kids! (Yes! You heard me right! Beacuse of our work schedules, Chris is at home with our littles 2 to 3 days a week while I work.)


Like their Momma and Daddy, they really enjoy the water.



Chloe has been strengthening her swimming skills with the assistance of floaties and/or under the supervision of Chris.


She starts swim lessons at the end of this month. I really hope she learns to swim (and breathe) on the surface of the water!

We also recently had the pleasure of spending an evening with my good friend, Diana, and her daughter, Sophia. Although I love spending time with the family, it's nice for me to play catch-up with my adult friends every once in a while.

Chloe loves spending time with Sophia as well.


We swam and had a nice dinner by the pool.



The adults got a little silly! (The automatic setting on my camera decided to go crazy and these last few shots are a little blurry.)



And Diana took a few family and couple shots that we rarely get when we are out.



Thanks Diana and Sophia for a fun and relaxing evening out. And thanks for introducing me to hearts of palm in salad! Yummy!

Curls

July 19, 2012 No comments
Chloe's hair didn't start to grow until she was almost two years old, so it has always been a topic of conversation amongst our family members, especially since my husband's side of the family is known for their thick hair.

During a dinner conversation with my sister-in -law, lovingly known as Aunt Sara, the question came up as to whether Chloe's hair could hold curls. I've tried curling her hair before with a curling iron, but afraid that I would damage her baby fine hair, I only did it for a few seconds and on a very low heat setting. Needless to say, Chloe's hair held the curl for all of a few minutes. Aunt Sara mentioned that sponge rollers might work.

Well, a few weeks after that conversation, as I was combing the aisles of the Dollar Tree for things that we "desperately" needed, I found sponge rollers! Of course, I just had to try them out.

Chloe was so excited at the thought of waking up with curls in her hair the next morning!


And she was so silly as I took pictures of her in the curlers...


I wasn't home the following morning when it was time for the curlers to come out, so Chris had the honor. Here was the outcome.


Can you believe that Daddy didn't know the technique of removing curlers to create a spiral?! However, Chloe just loved it and that's what really matters.

July Happenings...

So far this month...

We've celebrated 4th of July!!! I wasn't feeling well that morning, but not wanting to ruin the day for Chloe and Evan, I managed to dredge up the energy to walk in our neighborhood 4th of July parade. 




Do you notice the USMC shirt?! That's my hubby, Chris. He fought for our freedom as a U.S. Marine and we couldn't be prouder of him!



It's usually very fun. The neighborhood association decorates a float and the parade is led by men playing a drum cadence. The neighbors follow in decorated wagons, bikes, and patriotic clothing and accessories. The only downside is walking in the HOT Alabama sun. We were pretty wiped out by the time we got to the ending spot at the park.


Lucky for us, we were met at the park by Aunt Sara and her cocker spaniel, Penny! She was able to drive us back to our house in her air conditioned vehicle.



We also enjoyed the sprinkler on this hot day!




The Littles found it more fun to direct the water! They even got me a few times.


We had a Little photo shoot to satisfy my Mommy heart!









So that was our Fourth....

However, in true Mommy form, and determined to make up 4th of July to my Littles, I made the Holiday more convenient for me. I kicked off the weekend with a 7th of July Patriotic Breakfast!




We enjoyed Flag Toast, chorizo (part of my Mexican-American heritage) and eggs,...


and Blue Milk!

Cheers!



On July the 8th, we made Trifle!








Afterwards, we enjoyed the Fruits (and Cake) of our labor!



Thank you to all who serve and have served to ensure our Freedom and Independence!!!