Boden Took 7 Steps, etc.

Boden took seven steps today!

Before Patrick left for D.C., he said, "Boden might be walking by the time I get back," because the baby had just taken five steps.

Looks like he was right!

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On another note, a friend called me to ask if I could watch her son for her while she rant to a doctor's appt. Her original sitter canceled. I said I would do it and I'm so glad :) I like having a network of moms that share and help out. I feel so connected. *Warm Fuzzies*

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Wesley rides his bike without training wheels. That's kind of old news, as in two weeks ago, but I forgot to update. Maybe I did, not sure. Anyway, yup, Patrick and a neighborhood dad taught him how while I was at class one night.

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Patrick is in D.C. again. He says the meetings are boring. I think it'd be cool to be in the Pentagon though ya know? How boring can it be? Oh, never mind, I just remembered who he works for.

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I just turned in a paper that I really like. It's a proposal for electronic support groups for isolated moms. Nothing new, really, but I certainly enjoyed diving into the literature/research about motherhood, depression, environmental support, stress, connection, familial ties, etc. That was a blast. And can I just say I LOVE that I can do my research from home? Thank you, online libraries and online access to professional journals everywhere! I love being a student again :D

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Don't tell Patrick, but I just reorganized our office space. I have to get it ready for my research class this summer. I hear it's a tough one. So if I can get an idea about what I'll have to do/read before hand then I can get an advantage on the summer work. Of course, I still have four projects and two tests coming due this semester. Perhaps, I won't be getting a head start after all.

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The dogs are great. I am teaching them NOT to bark when our neighbors ring the door bell, which is every day. Especially because little children come by to see if Wesley can play (I love that!) and I don't our dogs scaring them.

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That's all for this random update! Read more!

What are these toes up to?

Wesley enjoys helping me pick out plants at the garden nursery just around the corner. He usually pulls the wagon, often asking if he can pull Boden. 

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Virtue of the Week(s)

Our virute of focus for the next two weeks is: 

Responsibility!

This virtue will be our main topic at our "Don't Waffle" Saturday morning family devotions this week and my "Hearth and Soul" ladies devotions next Sunday night. 

It is the primary focus of our point chart, through which Wesley earns points and saves them for rewards. It is also our primary focus in our lives right now as we look for ways to act now rather than later and own our actions as well. 

I have a list of things to act on right now that I am putting off for various reasons. Sometimes I shy away from conflict, so with this virtue in sight I am praying to develop the assertiveness, focus, and fortitude to take the actions that I've been putting off. 

I'm looking for a childen's activity for this Saturday's devotions ... something focused on responsibility. So if you have any suggestions ... please share in the comments. And if you have any thoughts and/or tips related to this virtue. Please share those as well! 

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First Step!!!

Saturday, April 11, 7:10 p.m., after many failed attempts, Boden Lee took his first step (toward his Aunt Casey)! He got right back up and took another!!

 Thank God for the drive to grow and move forward ... My son reminds me that belief and follow through can take a person anywhere!

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Upside Down World

I know people without children who don't get it ... the "it" being we parents and our odd behaviors and thoughts in relation to our children. I don't get it either. All I know is that I think every little thing these children do is amazing and I adore them ... even at 2 a.m., and then 3 a.m., when little feet pitter patter into my room or a little baby stirs to let me know he is hungry again. The nights can be long and hard, but somehow I find more energy than I need to get through the day ... which can be equally long and hard ... but I think they are the most precious days I may know so I try to take it all in. 

Here is a picture of Wesley at his gym. 

Isn't he amazing! I'm glad I'm in good company and that my world isn't the only that seems upside down at times. 

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Bubble Trouble

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