Bumps and Bruises

Life with a son is drastically different than life with a daughter.  Both pose their own challenges. Dramatic daughter vs. calm son.  Fearless son vs. cautious daughter.  Even at their young ages, the differences are glaring.  But one of the major differences is Micah's injury list vs. Abby's.  In fact, I can't even think of Abby ever being injured (which is a good thing, don't get me wrong.)  However, Micah has had stitches, busted those out and had to be glued back.  He has had two black eyes and now another trip to the emergency room can be added to his resume.

On Thursday night, Micah fell hard into the corner of the bench in the living room and he immediately fell to his knees, screaming and holding his head.  (I would like to mention that Micah rarely cries when he falls.)  I was standing on the bench trying to get a balloon down that had floated to the ceiling.  In the amount of time it took me to step off the bench and pick him up, his head was swollen in the exact shape of the edge of the bench.  The spot was sticking out of his head about 1/2 inch in less than 10 seconds.  I looked at Josh and he said "We should go!!"  Of course, this was bed time and the kids were only in there underwear/diaper, no pajamas yet.  So I quickly dressed Abby and scooped up Micah and we were out the door.  Abby was very confused and scared about the situation, but she cooperated quite well.  We dropped her off at the Andy and Jessica's (the best neighbors ever!!) and headed to the emergency room.  We planned on going to CareFirst, but they do not check head injuries.

Once we arrived at the hospital, we began to second guess our decision because his head was looking much better.  However, we decided to go ahead and have him checked out.  It was a very quick visit.  We were in and out in less than an hour.  In fact, the nurse practitioner was in and out of the room before vital signs or insurance information was even taken!   Needless to say, everything was fine and by Friday, his head was simply a bad bruise.  We are generally not parents that overreact.  In fact, we are pretty laid back about all injuries.  However, when it is an injury involving the head, I become very concerned.  We may have overreacted but I would rather be safe than sorry!!!

Micah has definitely had his share of injuries, bumps, and bruises, but he handles it all very well and then loves to show off his battle scars!!!

Here are some pics we took with Josh's phone!!

 Micah playing at the ER.  He hated the ankle bracelet he had to wear.

 Close up of the bump.

 The swelling is gone, but the bruise is pretty ugly. 

Happy Mother's Day

The best part of me is in my children.  All the positive qualities that I possess are reflected in their little personalities, only on a magnified level.  They bring such joy to my life and fill I void that I didn't even know existed until they were born.  My favorite thing about my life is being a mother and a wife.  Thank you Lord for all the blessings that I have been given.

This morning, I was awakened to excited giggles from the kids as they brought me breakfast in bed.  Daddy said that Abby even helped to stir the muffins!  I must say that Josh and the kids outdid themselves.  I had eggs, sausage, pancakes, and chocolate chip muffins!!  What a feast!!   I wish that I had taken a picture of it.  I was then treated to a different card from everybody.  Josh said that Abby and Micah each chose their own card and "signed" it in their own way.  I was given some new foundation (which I needed) and a pedicure (which is long overdue.)  I told Josh that it will be like shoeing a horse:)

After church, I planted some flowers, took a nap, and then played in the yard with Josh and the kids.  It was the most enjoyable day that I have had in quite some time.  The weather was great, the activities were great, and the company was the best.  It was one of those days that I could repeat over and over.

Thank you Lord for all of the blessings in my life and I hope all the moms had a blessed Mother's Day!!!

PUPPIES!

The day Josh and I departed for Hawaii, our very pregnant Boxer, Penny, went to our neighbors and had a litter of puppies.  A BIG litter of nine puppies!!!  Andy and Jessica cared for Penny while we were gone and then we brought them to our house.  Five weeks later, we have nine, fiesty Boxer/Lab puppies and one mama dog who is ready for her brood to leave the nest!!!  Free for the taking, if anyone is interested.  Before they start going to new homes (hopefully), I thought I would catch a few pictures of the puppies and the kids.

Abby's favorite puppy...it is going to be a sad day when this one leaves.

Obviously, the little brown loves Abby as well.  Look it his little paw on her face!!

Let's Play Ball!!!

(Friday)
After struggling through a few practices and several cancelled games, Abby had her first game last night.  Although the team lost (6-3), I thought all the girls did a great job.  They had not practiced in over a week and the game was at 8:00 (when most girls six and under are in bed).  Abby played catcher and really enjoyed it.  She did a great job catching the ball and throwing it back to the coach.  She also hit the ball twice.  The first time she got out at first and didn't understand why.  Josh said she started crying and saying how hard she had tried to hit the ball, so Josh had to explain the out to her.  The second time she was up to bat, she hit and made it to first.  She eventually was moved all the way around the home.  I was so proud of her focus and effort at the game.

(Saturday)
Today "The Heartbreakers" continued in the opening season tournament. The first game was at 1:25 and all the girls were on fire....only two strikeouts the entire game!!! Abby once again played catcher and made two base hits. The girls ended up winning the game 8-0!!! Their next game was at 4:50. By this point I think the girls were tired again. During the first game, Abby would hustle on and off the field. During the second game, so dragged on and off the field. She had her first strikeout during this game but actually handled it quite well. However, the second time she hit the ball...and got a double!!! Unfortunately, the girls ended up losing this game 3-2, but still played hard. I am so proud of Abby and her improvements over the last few weeks. I hope her enthusiasm continues. Go Heartbreakers!!!

If Abby sees me or Josh, she loves to give us a thumbs up!!

Abby ended up scoring during this inning.

Micah LOVES the ballpark.  He also loves the dugout.  I caught him trying to sneak in!!

Go Heartbreakers!!!

Even after the games, Micah loves to be in the middle of the activity.