1. Our lives are just not that exciting
2. We have been really busy (although, not with exciting things)
3. I really didn't think anybody actually reads this thing.
This past week, however, I have been asked by more than one person if I am ever going to blog again, to which I replied with one or all of my previous three reasons of why I had stopped. I was surprised to hear these people say that a.) they checked my blog daily, b.) they were not concerned with the excitement of my life, but were interested in what Reed was doing, boring or not, and c.) it only takes a few minutes to jot something down and upload a few pics. So, having been humbled about this issue, I am now back by (sort of) popular demand.
When I look back on the last 5 months I realize that there are some exciting things to share.
In October, Dane's sister Devan gave birth to her first child, Liam Alan. It's so much fun to spend time snuggling with this sweet little boy. I'm afraid though that when we visit I become a baby hog. I see this as a win-win though. I get a "baby fix" and Devan and Chadd get some much needed break time free of the demanding need for attention that babies have. So, really, it's an act of service. I'm such a great sister-in-law ;)
Reed is super interested in "baby Liam" (said "we-um") and loves to hold him for about 5 seconds at a time as well as pet his face.
My family is also expecting another little one in late February. My brother and wife will be welcoming a baby boy to their family. My niece is super excited to have a little brother and the rest of us are looking forward to loving on another little Lamb.
In November I accepted my dream job at Greenville College (my alma mater). I am now the Associate Dean of Counseling Services on campus and I love it. It was amazing to me to see God's hand in the whole process and I couldn't be happier at how things turned out. Currently I am commuting 50 minutes each way every day, but the plan is for us to eventually move to Greenville. We would like to put our house on the market this spring (April, maybe?). I am not worried at all about this because I know it will sell for asking price within the first week. If you know me at all, you know that last sentence was in fact a lie. In reality I am actively in denial about the fact that we will be attempting to sell a house in a market that is down more than when we bought it and then trying to find a house to rent/buy in a small town nearly an hour away from the comforts/convenience the city provides with hardly any money to put towards a down payment. It's all good. No need to worry. This is certainly a continued act in trusting that God will continue to provide for us as He always has.
But, as I have been told, you all don't necessarily care about the details of our lives and are more interested in what Reed is doing.
On December 2, 2012, Reed turned two years old! We had a lovely little get together at my aunt's house and Reed got some pretty awesome gifts.
In October we saw the pediatric orthopedic for the LAST TIME!!! Reed had an x-ray and they determined that he is no longer bow-legged. This may seem trivial to you, but it was enough to make me cry. Praise God for His work in our son. Reed continues to be pigeon toed, but this has gotten a lot better and the doctor assured me that this will continue to get better. She also said that it's really not a big deal and he may always turn his toes in a little bit.
Reed went to the eye doctor just this past week to check-in on the status of his eyes (we do this every few months as follow-up care for his surgeries). His eyes continue to be fine. He uses them together, tracks objects just fine, and this time they even did a vision test (which he passed) using pictures of objects for him to identify instead of the letters you or I are asked to point out. We will go back this summer and he'll meet with the doctor and have his eyes dilated.
Reed can count to 10 and sing the first half of the ABC's. We're working on identifying colors now. He loves to watch Little Bear, Max and Ruby, Backyardigans, and Curious George. Some of his catch phrases right now are:
"I'm coming too!"
"No, I do it."
"No! I don't like that!"
"I muv you."
"Come on in!" (used when opening the door)
He is certainly expressing his independence and it's neat to see him figure out how to do something or how something works. He throws more tantrums now, but from what I've read/been told, this is common at this age since they are realizing that they can be independent and want to be given the chance to have some control over their world. I guess that's where the term "terrible two's" comes from.
He still loves to read and ask questions. I love that he is so curious about the world around him.
Reed on his birthday. He doesn't look thrilled in these pics, but I promise he had a good day.
Reed loves to help. Vacuuming is one of his favorite chores.
Thanksgiving 2012.
Just hanging with mom.
Christmas Eve 2012. Santa came!
Christmas at Papa's.
Excavating at the Science Center with Pat and Pop.
Hot cocoa!
Zoned out with dad.
Moving forward I will do my best to post at least one blog a month. We've got some exciting changes coming down the pike!
