Thank you Grandma!

It was wonderful to have Mary-Ann come for a visit the past two weeks. I think Isaac tripled his vocabulary while she was here because she read to him so much and spent so much time with him. Ryan and I are still going through withdrawals as well. She spoiled us rotten! Let me just say that it's rough having to take care of your children without grandma around. I got weepy saying goodbye to her, but luckily we'll get to see her and the rest of our family in a few short weeks. Here are some pictures that were taken the day she left. Thank you so much, Mary-Ann! We love and miss you!!

At the Zoo

You know that song by Simon and Garfunkel about the zoo? The elephants are dumb, and the zoo keeper is very fond of rum...something like that? Anyone? Never mind.

It's been going through my head lately, especially since we took a little trip to the zoo a few days ago. Isaac has become quite fascinated with the animals in his picture books. He can tell you what the following animals "say": the lion, the horse, the sheep, the monkey, the snake, the doggie, and the elephant (in both languages, mind you! I know, he's pretty much a genius--what can I say? Grandma has been working with him a lot since she got here, so we can't take all the credit).

He was awestruck when he saw the animals in real life. It was pretty cute. He just kept "roaring" at the lion and making elephant sounds when he saw the mama and baby elephant. I have never been a big fan of the zoo, but seeing his excitement made me love it more than ever before. I'm sure it won't be our last trip. Isaac and I in front of the tortoises African Lion, African Grandma Ryan, Isaac, mama and baby elephant This is a random picture I took the other day, but I thought it was so cute. Most of you know we are moving to a new apartment this weekend, so our current residence is somewhat in shambles. Isaac found pleasure reading in Maddie's baby bathtub. He also somehow converted one of the moving boxes into a makeshift slide, where he kept going down it, saying "weeeeee, weeeeee." Cracked me up.

Grandma

The multi-tasker. Quite impressive, don't you think?

Staying Afloat

As everyone knows, many parts of Iowa are under water right now. Luckily we have been able to stay dry and only a few of our basement storage items were damaged due to the flooding.

We are also doing great with the new addition to our family. She is our little princess and we love having her with us. It has been great to have Ryan out of school and Mary-Ann here. Three adults and two children aren't bad odds!

Everyone has been asking about Isaac and how he is adjusting to the changes. So far he has been doing great. Grandma is keeping him busy and spoiling him every chance she gets. As far as how he treats Maddie--I'm pretty sure he thinks she is a toy or something. He points to her a lot and says "baby", but he pays much more attention to his new car than he does to her. We'll see how long that lasts. Sleep-deprived and all, we couldn't be happier. Maddie's first day home Maddie with Grandma Mary-Ann Isaac's new toy--baby sister "gave" it to him the day she came home from the hospital. Ryan and I agree that it has been a great investment--he loves it! This one's for Grandpa Mike--it almost fits like a glove, don't you think? (though Ryan and Grandpa Lynn would disagree) Go Padres!

Gratitude

As I think about the events of the past weekend, I am overcome with a sense of gratitude for all of the blessings that my family and I have been given. Heaven seems that much closer with a little one in our family who was just there.

I have just felt an outpouring of love from our family and friends. Thank you to everyone. Even though we miss our parents and siblings and wish that they could be here with us, I have to say that we are among some of the best people in the world here in Iowa. I don't even know where to begin to thank you all for the acts of service and visits and phone calls and emails and support! You are all wonderful! Thank you for becoming our family out here.

Here are some pictures that were taken yesterday.

Aren't I lucky?