Sunny Days

We are enjoying sunny days in the Wiley family! I mean literally and figuratively! Christopher had his LAST visit with the surgeon last week. He weighed in over 16 pounds (which means he gained at least 1 pound since the last time they saw him 1 month ago). No more surgeons or Children's Hospital! [Well, I am actually planning on taking Michael and Christopher to the hospital to donate some 'clearance' toys to Happy Wheels after school gets out.] Christopher has been doing all sorts of new things like trying new table foods (pizza crust, banana, beans, shortbread cookies, shredded chicken, and more!), clapping his hands, practicing walking with a walker, clicking his tongue, shaking his head "no" (which is QUITE adorable!), and talking all the time (dada, occasional mama, uh oh, yeah, and more). He isn't very interested in standing on his own so I don't expect him to walk for a little while longer. He's taking his good sweet time.

Through all of these changes, I still stop and think about how lucky we are to even HAVE Christopher to go through all of these stages. I mean, it was special when Michael hit milestones, but it seems a little sweeter to see Christopher doing new things. I am beginning to forget the days that I spent watching my poor baby on a ventilator in the PICU. I still have random moments at work when I glance at a phone or e-mails to see if I have any messages about the hospital. Crazy, right? I know.

In other news, Michael helped me bag up some food and carry it to the mailbox for "Stamp out Hunger" through the postal service on Saturday. I just so happened to look out the window when the mailman came and took the food so Michael and I watched as they took it. We talked about sharing our food with other people who don't have any. I thought it was kind of fun to see his excitement! I hope I can start teaching him the importance of giving to others. He might not be as enthusiastic when it is TOYS we donate to Happy Wheels next month, but I think if I mentally prepare him in advance, he will understand.

Well, I have a million things to say and not enough time. I've even given up daily facebooking to make better use of my time! Boy, that was HARD!!!! But I know so many great things I can do with my family instead.

Have you hugged your "babies" today? Remember, each and every day is a gift from God. Kiss their cheeks, enjoy their smiles, make a mess and don't worry about cleaning it up, and savor every moment of the time you have together.

Stacy { <>< }