Visit from The Brawners (minus Jason)

Alison came down for a visit with her folks in San Antonio and her sister who now lives in Circle C. She came over with Jackson and Mollie Jane on Friday and Mandy came with Elle (6 mos) and Birdie. The kids had a blast playing in the backyard. And Will just thought Jackson hung the moon. It was funny to watch how Will copied everything Jackson did. And Alivia and Mollie Jane are both very close in age and enjoy spending time together so much.

The next day we all met at Phil's Ice House and had good burgers, fellowship and ice cream! Once again, the kids just got along so well. We are looking forward to gathering again in August at the lake. We missed having Jason around who is doing some of his Army training and has been away from his family for about 9 weeks (3 more to go).

I long for Alison and Jason to move to Texas - anywhere in Texas. Although Austin would be my top choice! :-) We share such a history together and I enjoy being with her (and her sister) so much.

PS. Melissa is due with her second girl (Greer Alison) this June! She will join Harper who turned 2 recently.

Spring Break 2011

After a grueling slow start to our Spring Break week battling our latest GI bug, we managed to go to the Botanical Garden with Mimi, Emily, Avery and Paige. It was a pretty day and some of the flowers are starting to bloom. The kids had a great time exploring. It was a great morning outing.

Big Milestones for John!

1) His 2 upper teeth are really starting to show

2) He said "Uh-oh!" two days ago.

3) He said "Mama" while we were riding in the car to pick up the kids from preschool

4) He is starting to clap

5) He got his first haircut last week.

He is 11 months old and just is so cute. One of my favorite things to do with him is "eskimo kiss" where we rub noses together. He always giggles and smiles when I do it and seems to really like it.

The MacKays

I love Jim and Betsy MacKay for so many reasons. They are dear to my heart. They live in Portland, OR and graciously agreed to let me live in their daughter's bedroom (she wasn't using it!) for about a month when I started my residency at PPMC in 2002. Matt stayed on in DC for his job and came about 6 weeks later. The MacKays did not know a thing about me except that Bob and Cherry Raley knew me and The Raleys are good friends with the MacKays since they went through medical school together many years ago in Dallas. Jim actually graduated from the residency I went to!

I will never forget my first day of residency. I awoke in Sarah's room, had a little pity party because I missed Matt terribly, put on my clothes, grabbed my new white coat and walked upstairs. Thankfully, Betsy was there and helped me get a bowl of cereal and calmed my nerves. The last thing I remember saying to her was, "I hope I don't kill anyone today." (I didn't).

I also spent every Thanksgiving with them because I would send Matt to Austin to go hunting since I was usually working. They are both foodies and had an amazing spread at their house every year and made me feel like one of the family. I try to call them every Thanksgiving to check in.

Their oldest child, Andrew, has Down's Syndrome and they have handled it with such grace and humor. He just turned 40 and came along on their visit to Houston and Austin. They spent about 2 hours with me before they headed to the Raley's for the night. I am so glad they got to meet my kids. And Matt saw them briefly, too.

Thanks, Dr. and Mrs. MacKay for all you did for me.

Well Child Checks for Alivia and Will

I took Alivia and Will in for their 5-year and 3-year well child checks today with Dr. Dawson. They passed with flying colors and were really good. They both got one shot and did not even wimper. Although Alivia did save her band-aid to show me how much blood loss she endured after the shot was given. :-)

Here are their stats:

Alivia:

43.75 inches (75-80%)

44.25 lbs (75-80%)

Will:

39.75 inches (90%)

39.75 lbs (90%)

Dr. Dawson was struck how they both were "squares" and essentially had the same numbers for height and weight - curious, indeed. Dr. Dawson asked if I had any concerns or questions, and after thinking awhile, I honestly could not think of one thing. Praise God!

Sisterly Love

Alivia really loves John. They have a special bond already. When she gets in her booster seat in the car she always makes sure she pokes her head from behind the seat so that John can see her and give her a giggle. She likes to hold him and usually does so about once a day. She willingly will get his paci or pick up a toy for him when he needs it. She is a great mother's helper.

PS. John is 10 months old now!

Delayed Valentine's Day

Matt scheduled a surprise Valentine's Day outing last night. It was lovely to get away for a nice dinner and de-compress about the day over a good meal. We went to Parkside on 6th Street. We tried raw oysters for the first time (hmmm, still not sure about them), and split fried calamari, lemon risotto and a steak with fries. Yummm. We were going to go to a hip bar nearby, but around 9 pm, Matt said, "I'm tired. . ." I was glad he said it first because I was thinking it, too!

I can admit that I love Matt now more than when we first started dating because of the history between us and life's journeys we have shared - medical school, DC, Portland, residency, Remy, international travel, Austin, starting a new business. . . oh and three kids!!!