Let the Good Times Roll

Annie hit a developmental milestone today: she rolled over! We've been waiting for her to do it, and she rolled over twice today while my mom was watching her! Amy was a little sad that she missed it, but we're thrilled that Annie is right on track, developmentally speaking. My mom spread out a blanket on the floor and laid Annie down on her belly. She rolled right over to her back and has since gone back the other way, so she's come "full circle," so to speak.

She's also been a lot more agreeable lately. She's gone from fits of scraming and crying when not being held to lots of laughing and giggling, curiously looking around when she's in her bumbo. It's like a whole new little girl (not that we didn't love the cranky one but I'm glad we're done with all that screaming!)

In other news, Josiah's canine teeth have arrived! They were the only things missing in his big teethy smile, and I noticed today that the upper ones have broken through the skin. His hair is getting longer, too. I guess he's due for a haircut, but I really like his hair longer. It's fun to moisturize, brush and comb.

He runs everywhere; no joke! His two speeds are "walk" and "run" and let me tell ya . . . he's fast. We took him a local park for their summer concert series and let him loose. He just ran up and down the hill, running with (and into) the other kids and having a ball! It's a great way to meet people; he goes right up to anybody, which usually results in "sorry about that; here's your ball back..." or "Josiah, that isn't your handbag . . . give it back to the nice lady."

This should be a pretty fun summer!

Annie's Dedication

We've been looking forward to this weekend for a long time! Annie made her official debut at church as she was dedicated along with little Ian Bishop. Our family looked on with pride as we promised to raise her in the Faith and commit ourselves to providing a loving, nurturing home for her to grown and thrive.

Josiah was on his best behavior (although at one point he saw Grandma and Grampop and got really excited!) and Annie did her best to hold it together. I'm sure it was frightening for her under all those lights and with all those people; given the circumstances, she did great!

They had a reception for the families after the service, and I got a great shot of Annie and Ian, the other little boy being dedicated that night . . .

Pony Rides

Both Amy and I were off work today, so we headed to the local zoo. We had a coupon for a free pony ride, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see my little man on a pony! We could tell he liked it even though he had his serious face on the whole time. At one point, he even reached out to stroke the pony's mane. It was the cutest thing ever!

Ironically, waiting in the pony line was another little brown boy with white parents. They struck up a conversation seeing that we had adoption in common. Their little boy was from Ethiopia and they had a challenging time with the court systems and flying back and forth. What surprised me, however, was the assumptions being made. She asked us if we get "looks" from people and launched into a tyrade about how she can't believe how people are still fighting the civil war in 2009 and she's disgusted by the bigotry and racism in society. She went so far as to say that she's glad the civil war wasn't today because she's "be out murdering people." How do we always find these people???

I wanted to point out to the woman that the entire conversation was racist, but instead just grinned and nodded and gave Amy that wide-eyed look that says "get me outta here!" They seemed like nice enough people, but we didn't adopt so that we could join the NAACP or speak out during Black History Month. I want Josiah to embrace his heritage without getting tangled up in all the reverse-racism "lookin' for a fight" nonsense.

Other than the pony rides, Josiah seemed to favor the buffalos and the prairie dogs but still got the most satisfaction tugging on an artifical tree in the reptile house. I guess he's just an easy guy to please!

First Fruits

Annica had her first taste of "real food" today in the form of pomegranite applesauce. She was admittedly more messy than Josiah's first bites of Motts, but to each his own. She's right on schedule, so we're praising God that there were no developmental delays with the premature birth. Our little "miracle baby" continues to amaze and inspire us every day!

When It All comes Down...

I really want to sound off on the John & Kate divorce announcement, but I'm not going to go there. I think how easily that could happen to any one of us and what that would do to our precious families . . .

When you get married and start having kids, you can see your whole life ahead of you. No one plans to see that dream crumble in brokenness and heartache. I couldn't imagine just "visiting" Josiah or "catching up" with Annie. I count on waking J up every morning and seeing that big smile. I carry him into Annie's room where she smiles and giggles at him as they get changed and ready for the day. As mundane as that may be, I need that every day.

Amy and I have been married for over 12 years now. We've sat down with a Christian counsellor on more than one occasion to help us sort our feelings and communication issues that we just weren't equipped or willing to deal with. But we always come back to the table. If I were in John & Kate's shoes, I'd cancel the show immediately and get with somebody that can help sort out all those feelings of anger and resentment. Especially for the sake of those kids!

I guess that's my point; when it all comes down, even when the walls feel like their closing in all around you, it's not hopeless. But you have to be willing to come back to the table. Be honest with yourself and with each other and talk, I mean really talk, about what you both want out of life and what's standing in the way. Seek out a friend or counsellor if need be, but keep talking.

Years from now, we're going to see the Gosselin kids on some "E! True Hollywood Story" episode and their going to point to today as the day that shaped them, for better or for worse.