OUCH!

Will was running as fast as his little legs would carry him and tripped over an uneven place on the sidewalk. He fell. HARD. I can still hear the sound of his head hitting the pavement. He recovered pretty quickly and I was so glad that he did not hurt his eyes or teeth.

Elizabeth Ann Seton Gala 2011

Matt and I rubbed elbows with the movers and shakers of Austin and attended the Elizabeth Ann Seton Gala last night. The food was great and it was amazing to see people our age during the live auction bidding on items over $5000! The Gala raises money for the Seton Community Clinics of which I currently work as an Internist. The Gala was predicted to net over $500,000 that night. The entertainment for the evening was Clint Black! I just love his music and we got really close to the stage. He is a great performer and really personable. Even Matt, who has never listened to a note of country music in his life, said that he really liked Clint. I hope I get to go again next year.

All gussied up

Matt had to borrow a pair of boots - maybe it's time this Yank bought a pair!

Clint Black!

We were so close it felt like a personal concert - very cool!

Portland Trip

I have not even had a chance to post about our great trip to Portland. My parents kept the kids (thank you!) to let Matt and I have a few days away. I went to a great Internal Medicine conference run by the faculty where I trained all day on Thursday and Friday, but we were able to squeeze in some dinners with friends along the way. I have hardly any pictures because I just wasn't motivated. It rained the whole time we were there and it was really COLD. But I still think that is such a beautiful part of the country and I am so glad we got to experience it for three years. We drove by our old house and went to my favorite Indian restaurant while we were there. Plus, it was fun to just spend some quality time with my favorite person, Matt.

My sweet friend, Megan. She and I have re-connected over e-mail. We are in the same life stage (she has 3 kids, too) and we e-mail each other several times a week. She lives in a suburb of PDX in a beautiful house. Megs, I wish you could come help me decorate!

This is Dr. Patterson. I love him so much. We spent a month in Africa together during my residency. He is a semi-retired Pulmonologist and is brilliant.

This is Janan. We were residents together and now she works as a hospitalist at PPMC.

This is Michelle. She was my mentor during residency and we have stayed in touch since then. I always love talking with her about work/life/kids balance.

John's 12 Month Check Up

We saw Dr. Dawson today. John got two shots without much fuss. Here are his stats:

Height: 28.25 in (15%)

Weight: 23 lbs 1 oz (50%)

Head: 25%

Happy Easter 2011

Mimi bought these precious coordinating outfits for my crew. They looked so sweet. Thank you, Mimi!

First Steps!

John took his first few tentative steps today! He is walking WAY sooner than Alivia and Will. Hopefully some video of his new skill to follow soon. . .

Happy FIRST Birthday, John!

We quietly celebrated a huge milestone with John on April 17th. . . his FIRST birthday! Since we had our brisket birthday celebration the week earlier, we had a low key meal at my parent's house with some cupcakes enjoyed by everyone.

As I look back on the last year with John, it is hard to remember life without him. I can't wait to learn more about him and his personality as he gets bigger. He is really starting to crawl quickly now and has more interest in standing and walking a few steps while we hold onto his hands. I can't wait for him to start walking since it will make outings to the park more fun for him. He loves to bounce up and down to music and clap his hands.

John is always ready to give anyone a quick smile, and I still melt when I see his beautiful blue eyes. He has started to mimic sounds that we say including "Mama, Dada, uh-oh" and some others. I love to hear him babble contentedly in his crib when he gets up in the morning. He will roll around in there for up to an hour in the mornings just grabbing onto his toes, jumping up and down while holding onto the side rail, and playing with his loveys.

He is always ready to be in the middle of the bigger kids and shrieks when I place him in the playpen while I prepare dinner. He seems to be much more nimble and athletic at an earlier age than Alivia and Will. He has taken an interest in climbing which will prove to be very scary in the next few months, I'm sure. Alivia and Will never did figure out how to shimmy out of their high chairs and stand up in the seat, but John started doing that a few weeks ago much to my horror! I quickly had to find the straps that went to the high chair.

He also has started diving face first in the bathtub or suddenly arching backwards in the water! That always makes Matt a little flustered. He has a smile on his face as Matt fishes him out. He has absolutely no fear of the water and loves getting in the tub with Brother and Sister.

Our schedule is great: 7:00ish up for the day, 9:30-11:30 AM Nap, 1:30-3:30 PM nap, 6:30ish dinner/bathtime, 7:15ish down for the night.

John, you light up my life and are so precious to all of us. It has been so fun to watch you grow and see how Alivia and Will respond to you. Alivia loves to hold you and routinely calls you "Johnny-cakes." She told me the other day that the only reason she does not like riding in the way back of the car is because, "I can't see John." Will also loves to call out to you and try to tickle your tummy and make funny faces to see if you will giggle.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me such a precious gift. I must always ultimately remember that John belongs to You.

I love you, John!