more firsts

Let's see, we've been so busy, but I don't want to lose the little things. Sunday, July 26th Graham rolled from his tummy to his back. Today, he went in his exersaucer for the first time! He is so strong and ready for it, but still a little too short so I put a big photo album under his feet so he can push with his legs and not just dangle there.

Also we went to the park yesterday for the first time, and we saw two lizards and a tropical frog. I took some pictures on my phone that are fun, and we all had a great time. It's so nice to have a park and a pool right here in our subdivision!!

chain reactions

you know how when you have a plan, and then one thing falls out of line and the whole day is effected by that one thing? that happens to me a lot. today it was the door-to-door Jehovah's Witnesses. they came right as I was trying to finish putting things away in the kitchen before Graham needed to eat. I answered the door, there they were, and they continued to talk to me until Graham was almost beside himself with hunger. grr... and it took over 2 hours to get things back in order. I say all of this not because it is (or was) that big of a deal, but to wonder out loud, am I the only one that this happens to? I hope not.

summary of today

Rob went to work this morning for his first day at BBC!!!

JoeAnna and Graham had their first bath together today! I was nervous at first, but it went really well and actually saved a lot of time and energy. :)

I created this blog while the kids napped.

We had 2 meals together today as a family! It was wonderful.

And I got to drive up to see my mom and dad for the evening while Rob played with the kids at home. My dad had a good day - I could tell by his facial expressions. My mom was also encouraged by how today went.

I am just so thankful for my family. Today was a good day.

where to begin...

Friday, July 17th 2009, will always be an important date to our family. This was the day we moved to Kissimmee, Florida from Holland, MI (aka home).

It was a grace-full drive. Seriously, the kids were wonderful, my parents and Rob's parents were with us and an enormous help and encouragement! We estimated it took us 27 hours from beginning to end. Not bad with an almost 2 yr old and a 3 month old. :)

Moving in wasn't bad either, hot, but not bad. We had a lot of help from the church (Bible Baptist Church, where Rob is now Director Children's Ministries) and our parents to unload boxes from the trucks and such.

The house is much bigger than our house in Holland. The main floor is actually over double the size, but there isn't a basement and very minimal storage, so we will have to be creative (and I would love suggestions). Plus we found out that we shouldn't really use the garage for storage of anything that could mold or mildew!

Monday, July 20th 2009, will also be an important date to our family. My dad, while here in Florida helping us move, was taken to the ER because of a massive headache. It turned out that he had multiple aneurisms on the same artery in his brain. One of them burst and the blood on his brain caused him extreme pain.

The surgery to repair the artery lasted approximately 9 hours in all, and it was overnight. Needless to say, we didn't sleep all that much while we were waiting to hear from the surgeon.

Tuesday morning my brothers arrived from Holland and we all went to the hospital to be together as a family. I think that's the first time in a long time it has just been us five.

My mom and brothers found a hotel next to the hospital and set up "home" there. Someone was almost always with dad.

Wednesday morning I woke up severely ill. I was running a high temperature and unable to walk or lift my own glass. That evening I was able to get on an antibiotic and have been getting better ever since.

So my family and I weren't able to visit the hospital until that Friday, and we found dad well cared for and in good spirits.

Sunday was Rob's first time teaching children's church here and today was his official "first day of work!" We couldn't be more excited! There is still so much to do - everywhere we look - but we are so thankful for our health and our family and our church.

This has been an amazing process because we have such an awesome God who knows us and cares for us in such intimate ways. Thank you to all who have been praying, and please continue to pray for my mom and dad as his recovery is going to be long and difficult.