From Icicles to Popcicles in six days!

Hard to believe it was in the 80s yesterday! Just one week ago we were blasted with 8" of snow and it got down to the single-digits. When they say March comes in like a lion, I believe it must be a deranged lion with distemper or something!

Yesterday it was hot enough for the kids to wear shorts, and we found out that Katie Mei does not do well in the heat. Her hand and lips were very blue, and she was really struggling to breathe. So we had to bring out the popcicles to keep her cool. She wasn't interested at first becuase she does not like cold stuff in her mouth. I showed her how to lick a popcicle, but she still didn't want to try. So I had to pull the old switcheroo. I acted like I had something in my fingers to give her to eat, and when she opened her mouth I stuck the popcicle on her tongue. After a couple times (she doesn't catch on fast that it's a trick) she finally got the flavor of grape in her mouth and she was intrigued. So she stuck out the tip of her tongue and let me rub the icy treat on it. She decided it was good, and took over the task for herself. Alas, the girl likes popcicles!

I was delighted that she did get to experience a nice warm day yesterday, and we're having another one again today. She goes up to CHOP on Wednesday to prepare for open heart surgery on Thursday. There will be a long period in the hospital and afterwards inactive recovery which means no playing outside in the sunshine. So a few days of soaking it up now is such a blessing to us.

Please keep her in prayer during this time, and give thanks that we have access to such wonderful care at CHOP.

Love,

Petrie

Beautiful, sub-freezing blessings

Despite the cold temps and the fact that I drove home from North Carolina in the snow storm that brought it, I love this snow and the joy it brings the children. I absolutely loved playing in the snow while I was growing up in Michigan, and I know how much my kids are delighted by it. It's fun that I can't buy at the store, it's exercise, it's not too dangerous, and it gets them out of the house. What mom could ask for anything better? Well, maybe something that didn't track so much water onto the kitchen floor and required a little less clothing. But really, can we get any better than free snow??? And around here, it comes infrequently enough that it always stirs excitement and anticipation. We all love it; we just don't love driving in it while it's coming down with 35 mph gusts and additional sleet. But that's over, and today was a beautiful day!

Snowball fight yesterday while it was still snowing.

Katie Mei was totally unimpressed with the blowing wind and snow yesterday.

Loving this stuff!

Merrilee was the workhorse today.

Clobbered Merrilee with a snow ball!

There are benefits to being the baby in the family!

We have icicles!

Mom said I could taste it.

Eeeeew~Way too cold!

A Sweet Shower for a Sweet Girl

Last night my friends Katie, Pat, and Joanne had a lovely shower for Katie Mei at the Tea Room and it was delightful! We all had our girls with us, and they loved it. We had tea, soup and salad, finger sandwiches, and desserts, and Merrilee thought she had gone to Grown Up Lady Heaven. She and I ordered Tangerine White Tea, and drank the whole pot! Merrilee's favorite dessert was the lemon bars, and I was enamored with the pecan pie pieces. The entire meal was delicious.

My heart overflows with gratitude to you three for this kindness, and I cherish the memory of you celebrating my Katie Mei. Thank you for loving me and my girls.

Blessings,

Petrie

Baby videos for Katie Mei Fans only

Of course these are only going to bore those of you who aren't doting on and pandering to every whim of this child. But I know Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa are going to love them, so I'm posting them.

The First Chocolate Cupcake for Valentine's Day

I don't think there are any words needed here....

Waiting for Springtime

Just some scenes from one beautiful day we had last week. The crocuses are blooming now and we always get pictures of the kids when the crocuses bloom. I am really looking forward to warmer days and time with friends at the park.

Katie Mei had her catheterization procedure done this week, and now she's back to playing and having fun. Her open heart surgery is being planned now by the cardiac team at CHOP. It will probably take place in the next few weeks.

Happy last few weeks of winter,

Petrie

Flashback Friday

Okay, it's not quite Friday yet, but I'm having flashbacks and it will be Friday in about four hours. Enjoy some scenes from February 2005. Jacob wasn't with us yet, so it's just Girl Number One in these pics. She had been with us for eight months when these photos were taken, and she was 22 months old. The same age Katie Mei is now.

Our little family

Every girl has bed head now and then...

Hanging out.

Helping make some brownies.

One fine February day...wish we had one now!

Semper Fi, Daddy!

Do go takin' my sippy cup, ya dirty dog!