Some recent pictures

When did he become a little boy?

I looked at this picture of Elijah and realized that he looks like a little boy. He's not a baby anymore.

There is a small part of me that is sad about that, but I have to admit that I like that he is becoming more and more independent. He doesn't need me like he once did. As long as I can keep the perspective that parenting is not about how my child makes me feel, I am good with this. I am proud with him when he tries something that he's never done before. The smile of accomplishment on his face never ceases to warm my heart.

I am also glad that that independance will give me the opportunity to once again use some of my non-mommy skills. To have something to add to a conversation besides his latest tooth (which popped out this morning) or the state of his bowel movements. It will be nice to going biking or cross country skiing without the thought that I have to hurry home to feed him. Someone else can do that. Yup. I think that this independence thing will be nice.

Fun in the summertime

I am happy to report...

that we have found childcare for Elijah.

I am also happy to report that she surpasses the minimum requirement of having a heartbeat. While it is a greater distance from home than I would like, we feel really good about the situation and think it will be a good fit for our family. There are several other kids at this home daycare and we think it will be nice for Elijah to have a chance to socialize with other kids every day.

Who knew that it would that challenging to find care? I actually had someone at a daycare laugh at me when I told them I was looking for full time care in September. Having said that, I also had daycares sympathetic to my situation. Several places tried to direct me to various home daycares.

I am so grateful to everyone who prayed and sent me possible options. In the end there were several opportunities available to us and it didn't feel like we *had* to take this one because it was the only option. We were glad to find that there were several other situations that would probably have worked out as well.

So the lesson to be learned is this: If you plan on having kids at any point in the next 10 years, and you think you might be going back to work, put your name on the waiting lists. Or, you can also believe that God will work things out and provide a home daycare for you. Either way, today our family is happy to report that Elijah will enjoying some great care in September.

A good time was had by all.

A better weekend we could not have had.

We had the privilege of spending the long weekend with treasured friends in Minneapolis. It was a perfect summer vacation - some shopping, a little bit of fun at the zoo and good times with friends.

Elijah with his older and wiser friends. They will teach him all he needs to know about Pokeman and the world of little boys and girls.

A John Deere tractor at the zoo.

Wouldn't you be happy too if someone pushed you around the zoo and you got all the puffed wheat you wanted to eat?

Good neighbours

Today I am thankful for our neighbours. We've got two great families living on either side of us. Both of them have been super generous. One of them gave us a play structure for Elijah and last week the other one offered us a bed for him. More than that, they are a friendly hello when we're outside. It's nice to know that when we venture away from home there are trustworthy people keeping an eye on our place.