Here we go again!

Here we Go Again!

Well, once again Elijah has taken another tumble! It happened on Monday morning. He turned to run away from his big brother and in his hurry he tripped over a toy and fell on a large plastic elephant. Yes, it had to be the trunk of the elephant he hit. And oh yes, once again it was his eye. For him the most difficult part of the whole episode was the fact that Daddy had to hold him down while Mommy put ice on the booboo. This kid is such a little bruizer. Nothing seems to phase him. He is so different from his big brother who hardly ever gets hurt and if he stubs his toe we hear about it for weeks. We are still trying to figure out if these mishaps are due to Elijah's vision issues or if it is just because he is all boy, a toddler and he runs full speed ahead! We have some good news to share with you. We took Elijah to a pediatric dentist on Monday. Yes, even after our morning mess with the eye. Any way the black spots on Elijah's teeth are not decay. The dentist (Dr. Kelly) said that they are stains. He feels that when the perminant teeth come in they should be fine. This Doctor whom I would recomend to anyone who needs pediatric denistry, has adopted a child and he has done alot of research on children who are adopted and their teeth. He told me that what Elijah has is common for children who are adopted. It all has to do with how a baby forms in the womb. He said that teeth are like bones and if an unborn faces trama, be it an unwanted pregnancy, drugs and alcohol or just the fact the mother doesn't have appropriate care this all plays a HUGE part in how a child's mind, body and yes, teeth are formed. He proceded to tell me that he is a big fan of adoption and wished he and his wife would have adopted more children. He also said that he can tell Elijah is well taken care of and other than the black spots his teeth are healthy. As a mother this was a relief. As many of you know you try now while your children are young to form good habits in their lives. Elijah loves to brush his teeth. I have to fight the tooth brush out of his hands every morning and every night. I keep thinking some day this will get easier. Although I have been brushing Elijah's teeth even before teeth were there. Even then he fought it.

Caleb had his first night of little league practice tonight. He really enjoyed it. He is on the team called the Astros. He is excited about making new friends and I feel this could be a good experience for him. As soon as he gets his uniform I'll get pictures.

I have began the count down! 26 days with children left. My school year ends so soon. From here on out I know it will fly. I can't wait until summer and I really can't wait to be at home with the boys. Gary however will have school until June. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. It is a struggle every week for him to leave. Elijah especially has taken this hard. Being without Daddy has made him very whiney and often a little bully with the friends at school. Gary did work it out that he only needs to go to school 3 days a week. This is so much better than 5 days a week. Well, God Bless!

Fun in the tub

These are Pictures of Elijah having fun in the tub! He is so fun at this age! So many times all I can do is laugh at him because the simple things in life bring him so much fun and laughter.

I can't believe how much he loves water. I can't wait until we can take him to the beach this summer. He will truly be a blast. I will make sure you all get a blog on that experience.

Caleb and his GOLD

certificate from bible quizzing!

We are so Proud!
Life's Precious Moments!

A moment with my parents

and my new little niece (Sophia)



Elijah being a daredevil on

the steps. He still loves hats
and as you can see he doesn't

let the fact that the hat is to

big get in his way!
One of the many things I love about living in Pennsylvania is the changing of the seasons.

Life is just like the seasons. So full of changes!

We sure have had some nice weather lately. Gary and Caleb enjoy the art of cooking out.

I also enjoy an evening of not cooking. It's kinda neat how Gary's father taught him how to BBQ

and now Gary is teaching Caleb. This has been a challenge for Gary since the loss of his sight, but it is amazing how we learn to adapt. That is why Gary has been attending the blind school.

They have been teaching him so much. He is even learning how to scrub a kitchen floor-not that he has ever needed to know this, but I like the idea of him taking his turn.

The other evening I took the dog and the boys out on a local trail in Cloe, PA

It was beautiful! As you can see from the picture Elijah has a new bike. He isn't so fond of the stroller any more so I went and spent alot of money on this tricycle that you can strap the child in and also it has a handle so I can control it. Well, the folks that made this bike must not have tried it out with a child like Elijah. He is such a bruzer. He literly forces the bike to go where he wants, not where Mama wants it. Then of course he adds his little giggles. What am I to do? He

should have been named Samson! His latest game is chase. He loves it when I try to catch him and he runs. He is so fast. I told Gary the other night I now know why God gave us Elijah, it was to keep us young. Well it is working. To keep up with Elijah you have to be on your toes.

Well, God Bless and remember to give a hug, read a book and keep safe!

Another adventure begins in our household. Gary left this morning to attend the vision & blindness school in Pittsburgh. For some reason you always think you are prepared for these life changes, then you are thrown a curve ball. Elijah was up most of the night with a fever and congestion. So the day did not go as planned. I had to take a day off work to take him to the doctor. Oh well, that's motherhood! Actually this is the part I love about motherhood the part that makes you feel very needed. Elijah is very clingy today. We will be sending Elijah to a vision specialist at the end of the month he seems to be seeing things in a tunel vision form. He does not see things above his eyes or below his chin when he is walking. So his therapist referred us to someone in DuBois. I'll keep ya posted as to how we make out. I'm praying that it is nothing. Elijah continues to amaze our household. Just today he said another word. He said "pretty". As Caleb and he were looking out the window. He loves to immitate Caleb which is great although Caleb gets upset about it. I often tell Caleb he does this because he wants to be like you. Caleb has been moved into the teen group. We had a teen get together Friday night where he played ball with the other teens. He seems to be enjoying it even though he is the youngest at this time. Actually I guess I'm the one that hasn't gotten used to him being old enough to be with the teen group. If it were up to me I would keep him little. But, like I tell Caleb " we need to put childish things behind us". I have to let you all know I had a new little great niece born on friday. Her name is Sophia Grace Hetrick. From the pictures I have seen she is adorable. We are praising God for a new life in our family! My work is going great! I have a wonderful group of students this year which makes my life alot eaiser. I only have 9 weeks of work to go then I'm off for summer vacation! I can't wait to be home with the boys. Being a working mom isn't easy, but I do enjoy them when we have time together. Elijah continues to go to daycare 5 days a week. He loves it. Although when you look at him with his peers you can tell he is delayed by about 4 months. But I don't care. He is so precious and such a loving little boy. He is the little one we prayed for! He may or may not catch up and that is okay. He is still a hat fan. He loves to wear hats! His daddy decided he needed a pirate hat. Now Gary,Caleb and Elijah all have matching hats. It is so fun to have sons. Although the Lord knows I would love a daughter we will see what He has planned. Many of you may know this already, but Elijah's biomother is due this month with a little girl. I hope his mother will step up and take care of this next little one, but we will see. Yes, I have already told CYS that we would take her if she ever came into care. Well, take time to read a good book, give a hug and say an encouraging word. Love Ya all!