Grandpa Gary

Psalm 61:2 "When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

As I was thinking about journaling this week, I thought my main topic was going to be about how Connor gave himself a frenectomy on Sunday and how seeing him hurt was not easy. I have no words for what I'm actually going to write because my heart cannot make sense of what has happened. Daddy is gone. I have lost my daddy, Connor has lost his grandpa. I know I will see him in the future but there are so many things I am going to miss. So many memories I was looking forward to making.

Connor, let me tell you about your grandpa. He was so proud of you, and he loved you so much. You were his very first grandchild, and he thought you were so amazing. He was a sensitive man, and had a lot of wisdom. He was never one to shy away from his opinion, though he was always quick to say "Now, you don't have to do what I say, but this is what I think...". Of course because of what he said you knew you were going to take his advice. He had a great sense of humor, of which he always said "No one ever laughs at my jokes," but boy would he know what to say. He had the best father of the bride speech I have ever heard. He had the whole room hanging on his soft spoken words. I loved his laugh. He he decided he was going to have a great belly laugh, it brightened the whole room. You knew he was up to something or he thought something was funny when he would wrinkle his nose and purse his lips a certain way. He was humble and didn't give himself the credit for how smart he was. I will miss not having his insight. He was a do-it-yourself-er and knew how to build anything. I had swing sets, tree houses, child sized chairs, bookshelves and all sorts of amazing things created by him. He would have made things for you, I know. He was already preparing the cabin for the coming years of you playing there. You both had so much fun together there this year. You would climb up into his lap to get him to play with you, and he would lay down on the ground and get you to roll cars back and forth. He was trying to figure out how soon he could get you up on his motorcycle. That was his outlet. Motorcycles were a passion of his. He would ride the way some people would jog. To clear his mind and feel invigorated. He loved to swim and dive as well. He was a fish in the water, and so graceful off of a diving board. He would have had you swimming soon, he was the reason we introduced you to the water so quickly. I'm so sad that he will not be able to teach you the strokes or how to water ski. I promise you will learn, but he was such a good teacher. He loved to help people and was never afraid to get his hands dirty and chip in. He loved to put his dirty hands in my face and tease me. He was sentimental and would hold on to things for the memories they held. He loved the Lord, and I have memories of him with his Bible by his bed side. He and grandma made sure we grew up going to church, just like daddy and I take you to church. He believed in tough love, and would tell me "no" if he knew I didn't need something or just to make me a better person and not spoiled. He spoiled me in other ways. I knew he loved me, he told me all the time. Every time I would get off the phone with him he would say, "I love all three of you". Tim was a son to him, you held such a special place, and I was his little girl. You will hear stories about grandpa as you grow, from all of us. Your uncles and aunts have a big job of helping his memory stay alive for you. I hate that we're are all so spread out right how, but he would be happy to know we will all be with each other soon, for him. I know as the days go by it will be easier, and my heart won't hurt as much, but right now your sweet little laugh helps get me through the day. You have his eyes, the same interesting color of grandpa's eyes stare back at me when I look at you. They were such kind, loving eyes, full of love.

11 Months Old

The time has passed and the calendar keeps progressing. I keep telling myself that the date is wrong and we aren't nearing October, but alas, Connor keeps getting older and on Sunday he turned 11 months old. Sunday was surely charged with emotion for many reasons. I always love my time as vocalist in Club 252 in our Children's Department at church. I consider a great responsibility, and enjoy watching the children respond. On top of that it was the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 and it is something very powerful to reflect upon especially when you consider the future of your child. He is growing up in a world very different from the one Tim and I grew up in. Each generation has new challenges to face, and I pray daily for Connor's future.

Our theme this month with our Children's department is "Knowledge" and they were able to use many of my own classroom items to decorate our stage. I love bringing Connor to rehearsals and he seems to enjoy it too. He loves loves loves music, and he will stop what he is doing when he hears it to dance and sing along. I could not be anymore thrilled with the joy that music brings him. Another favorite of Connor's is any type of ball. If he happens to spot one from across the room he will make a bee-line straight to it. Basketballs, footballs, baseballs, and much to Tim's chagrin, soccer balls as well. He knows how to throw them, spike them, and kick them. We have an athlete in the making for sure. He also has a great fascination with remote controls and cell phones. They are the surest bet to make him happy. Calling and texting people, or changing the channel are a great source of pleasure and amusement!

His walking improves with every passing day, though he tends to want to crawl if he needs to go to the middle of the room. Last week I spoke too soon with saying he had 2 molars. By the very next day we were on to molar number 3. They may be the worst teeth to break through. It has been intense, but now I'm more willing to give him food to nosh on. Boy does he love solids! Real noodles, real rice, real chicken....yum-o. Our little adventurer is still scaling things, but we see it as a positive. I feel this is reflective of his personality, of his fearlessness, of his inquisitiveness, of his determination. He is incredible!

Evel Knievel

Gather 'round ladies and gentlemen to witness the incredible, fearless acts, of one amazing 1o month old.

My child is a dare devil. Watch him closely because I'm sure the Grand Canyon is next.

Connor is certainly all boy, and figuring out how to get up as high as he can is a specialty of his. He truly is one to watch very carefully. Poor grandma didn't know she was getting an acrobat back this school year. This is a relatively new talent, as his balance and strength get greater and greater with each day. It started with things relatively close to the ground, and has increased in height with each day.

Bumbo, check.

Play Tray, too easy.

Couch, piece of cake.

We try not to laugh, but it is just amazing to witness. I'm sure this has spawned because he doesn't want to be locked into any one place. So he will find any way to break free. His squeals of victory as he reaches his freedom are his way of mocking us. Saying, "Ha ha mommy and daddy, I have out smarted you!" Connor Knievel really is brilliant. He loves to figure things out, and daily amazes us with his skills.



Watch out, he's a rule breaker!

He has been on a roll this week. From getting better and better at walking, to growing new teeth, we are constantly on our toes, while he seems to be on everything else. Yes, I said new teeth. We have two new molars growing in. One peeking through on the bottom, one coming through on the opposite top gum. The poor baby has had a sore mouth, which leads to all sorts of other headaches for everyone. But, we face each new day with heads high, a little more bags under our eyes, and the thankfulness for having such an amazing (fearless) blessing.

Walking

The milestone has been achieved, and this little guy took his first steps yesterday, August 29, at 10 1/2 months old. Yes, he has taken a step here, and a step there, but this was actual foot in front of the other is succession, walking. Granted he may be stopped for Walking Under the Influence, but I assure you, his wobbly steps are strong and purposeful. "No officer, I only had 2 bottles."

Over the past week his standing has gotten longer and longer. So last night, during dinner, he was being very good and standing well. He had already eaten, and dinner usually consists of me sitting on the floor with him getting every other bite in my mouth. I decided we should probably get out the good video camera (surprise, surprise) and film this achievement. After turning it on and getting him standing it seemed like he was trying to go somewhere and that's when mommy and daddy learned a valuable lesson. Connor responds well to bribery, especially of the food persuasion. He loves food, and we had the perfect morsel of temptation, macaroni and cheese. One single piece of macaroni on the end of a fork got his little feet in motion and the rest is history. His longest run so far is about 6 swaggering feet. He leans with it, he rocks with it. After he was tired out we got one little clip on our cell phones to send to Uncle Casey, and I'm so glad because I used that clip to show just about anyone who wanted to see it again today!!! The kid is amazing if you ask me!!

Parties and Standing

Connor's best playmate, Nathaniel, turned 1 this past weekend. I can't believe how fast the boys are growing. I still very clearly remember Sarah and I pregnant together. She was due the day of Connor's baby shower, and she still came, uncomfortable and all. I'm glad these two little boys have someone so close in age to play with. I'm glad these two mama's have someone so close to relate to. Sharing stories over Panera while the boys make a mess of their snacks is priceless.

Nathaniel's birthday party was at a beautiful little park in Boca Raton that happened to have a great little splash area. Connor and the rest of the kids couldn't get enough. On a hot August day nothing could be better than cool water being splashed on your face. Connor "dove" right in, and didn't want to stop. He played so hard he gave himself road rash on his little feet. He drags the tops of his feet when he crawls, and the rubber was just too much for his baby skin. We don't think he ever noticed. He never once complained or cried, he just kept splashing. Sadie, Nathaniel, and Connor along with the other little ones squealed with delight with every squirt, splash, and sprinkle. The party was a hit!

Speaking of babies turning one, I can't believe I have already started ordering things for Connor's. With each box that arrives I'm reminded of how big he is getting. My newborn is an infant, who will soon be a toddler. He doesn't realize it but he is ready to walk. He will let go of things while he is cruising, take a step, hold back on and continue in the direction he was going, never realizing what he did. He'll take steps back and forth between mommy and daddy, but nothing on his own accord. He is starting to stand on his own, and I love seeing how controlled he is and I watch in amazement and he slowly lowers to the ground to crawl to his next adventure. He hates being boxed in, and wants to go everywhere and do everything. He loves to throw his baseball, and is very interested in books. He also has a tooth coming in, top gum, in the back, I'm guessing something that chomps. This explains the runny nose he had a few days ago. Connor is such a big boy, now if he would only sleep through the night...

I am choosing not to mention how traumatic is was going back to school this week after having a glorious summer with Connor. I will mention that the first time I came to pick him up,after a long day away from him, he created the most beautiful and extreme squeals of delight and excitement of which I have never heard. That alone makes it worth it!

Guise Lane

Guise Lane, Matterhorn Lane, Swiss Lane; welcome to Little Switzerland. This is the land of hummingbirds, wildflowers, waterfalls, and Guise's. Haha. Located in Cashiers, North Carolina, our little development is near and dear to me. I have countless memories of wandering these woods, and I couldn't wait to take Connor. Of course he won't truly be able to appreciate it until he's well into his boyhood, the introduction this summer was still priceless.

On the way to Great Grandma and Grandpa's house. I know the path well. When we were little we took this path countless times a day to go play with the Davidson's. Now that we are all getting older, I can't wait until Connor's taking the trip to play with the Davidson's offspring. I love that each generation can appreciate it.

Connor and my Grandpa Ernie are 90 years apart. It is always wonderful to spend time with him and listen to his stories. Of course some are repeated (like knocking down the trees and building the roads himself through our woods, or how he got his education on the GI bill), but we are always excited to hear a new one, and you know, the repeats are good too. He truly wants us to take advantage of what the world has to offer us, and look for ways to use what is available. He told us over and over again on this trip to find a career that we enjoy, and then "work, save, and invest". We have control of what we put our effort towards. Go after our dreams..."We live in the great country, America". I hope to share his stories and wisdom with Connor as he grows older. I think Tim is hoping Connor inherits the Guise love of flying.

We have certain staples of every NC trip. The "Bear Picture" started much before my time. There are pictures of Aunt Kim and Uncle Scott sitting atop this very bear. This infamous bear was pretty stationary for most of our yearly shots, but in the most recent summers it has become somewhat of an adventure trying to find it. It originally was built into the side of a mountain next to a wigwam, and a local "Chief". We have many many shots in this location. One year while on our way into Cherokee to find our bear, we found it wasn't there. We asked as many people as we could and found it in front of the Drama Inn next to the pool. No longer in it's original place of prestige we pressed on with our tradition. Last summer the bear was missing again. More sluething and we located our illusive carnivore in front of a newer Inn in the pouring rain. This year she was in the same spot and Connor was ceremonially inducted into this amazing bear club.

Another staple is Silver Run. When we were little no one knew about this beautiful spot, now there is a parking lot and a bridge. I say the bridge is for wimps, so we maintained our course via a fallen tree that has been there forever. When we got there it was just us. In the 30 min we were there a half a dozen families were swarming the place. No worries, I got pictures of Connor in the very same spot we have of Uncle Casey and I over the years. We even got his little toes in the water, and he had so much fun splashing around in the cold stream.




We made it up to Trillium and even into town for some music. We had a full circle moment when we took Connor to the very playground Tim and I discovered last year. While I was pregnant, Tim and I stood in front of this grand set and dreamed about our little boy. This year, although a little wet, Connor got to play, swing, slide, drive, and crawl all over this fun play yard.

Speaking of playing, Connor got to spend great quality time with Grandpa Gary. Grandpa Gary had cleared a play area for him and even had some of our old toys out and waiting for Connor's arrival. He spent time down on the floor endearing himself to our little boy and it worked. They took walks to look out over the porch, and Connor liked to show Grandpa Gary his toys. It was very cute. Dad couldn't get used to being called "grandpa", I guess he needs to hear it more!


North Carolina never lets me down. There are hikes like Whiteside, and waterfalls like Dry Falls. The temperatures are always pleasant, the people are kind, and there is always something to do. We took Connor down to the lake where he played on the beach and enjoyed the waves the passing boats made. Eventually we will take him to Klingman's Dome, Dollywood, and countless other favorites. I cannot wait for the mountains to unfold before him as the years go by.

We left NC Sunday morning and before our flight enjoyed some time in Atlanta by visiting the Georgia Aquarium and the Coke Factory. We truly had fun in both places, but the aquarium was just incredible. Connor of course loved the fish. He would reach out and try to touch them, and then was in awe by the huge whale sharks, rays, and grouper. The World of Coke was fun, and we left with a belly ache after sampling the many different flavors from around the world. We eventually planted ourselves in front of the Diet Coke and we were happy clams. The highlight for Tim was seeing the 2004 and 2007 Boston Series World Series Championship rings that Coke was given by the team to celebrate their longtime partnership.
It seems to us that Connor found his big boy look in North Carolina. Even after only 2 days Tim thought he looked different. Grandma Glenda and Aunt Kaitlyn both think he looks extremely different and cannot get over the change. He turned 10 months old while we were away and I want to slow time down just a tad. No new teeth yet, but he his crawling like he in a race, cruising like it's in style, and can take a few unsteady steps towards where he wants to go. Not walking yet, but certainly mobile and fast. The sound of heads bumping on things is a regular sound around here. It will prepare him for boyhood and sports. Good thing he loves baseballs and footballs.

Roseola Blues

Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children in which a high fever and skin rash occur.

Symptoms
A fever usually occurs before the rash appears. It lasts for 3 (sometimes up to 7) days. The fever may be as high as 105° Fahrenheit, and it generally responds well to acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Between the second and fourth day of the illness, the fever drops and a rash appears (often as the fever falls).
The rash starts on the trunk and spreads to the limbs, neck, and face. The rash is pink or rose-colored, and has fairly small sores that are slightly raised.
The rash lasts from a few hours to 2 - 3 days. It usually does not itch.

Other symptoms include:Irritability; High fever that comes on quickly

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The fever started Thursday. Grandma had picked Connor and I up from home, and as we drove Connor screamed the entire way. We couldn't figure out what was making him so irritable. Once arriving at grandma's house Connor was still not right and that's when we discovered it. He was certainly hot to the touch, now to see what the thermometer would say. The first reading was 99.8, we waited a few minutes, gave him some baby tylenol and tried again. 100.6 came across the little screen. It was climbing even after the medicine. I called the pediatrician, made an appointment and then called daddy. They fit us in late in the day and daddy was able to be there. We did not see Connor's pediatrician, but it didn't matter. The doctor checked him over thoroughly and found nothing else. Dr. Gallego then informed us that Connor may have roseola, but we won't know for a couple of days because it manifests in a rash after the fever goes away. He also told us that there happens to be an outbreak right now in our area of roseola and that there was nothing to worry about.(Nothing to worry about? How did this happen? Where in the world could he have gotten this? We go from our home to grandma's and very few places in between. Then we started the math of figuring out the incubation period and we are pretty sure he got it in the nursery at church.) The doctor said to monitor the fever, continue with the tylenol, and if anything changes to bring him back in.

Connor's fever continued to hover around 100 degrees on Friday, and by Saturday it was a thing of the past. No fever, and no rash. Could the doctor have been wrong? Sunday, still nothing. I was a little confused, but I wasn't asking questions. I would continue to quietly observe. Monday morning came the manifestation. Not bad mind you, but a little speckle of red dots behind his ears and the back of his head. There were a few patches on his neck as well. It almost looked like heat rash, just tiny little dots. He also was very irritable and clingy, each nap time was a nightmare. He wanted to be held all of the time. Playtime held no luster; toys meant nothing. He wanted to be up, and even then he wasn't happy. I called my pediatrician and after speaking with her about all of this, and filling her in on our visit with the other doctor, she confirmed that it was roseola and that it was not anything to worry about. The fevers were over, and she was impressed that they didn't get as high as they typically do. She chalked it up to the fact that I still nurse Connor. She said the rash would spread over the next few days, and then it would all be over. Interestingly enough, the rash never really spread. It is now gone from his head/neck, but never traveled anywhere else. That is fine by me. It was only a very mild case. The irritability and clingy-ness is still there, but daddy seems to think Connor does it because he knows I'll appease him. Sick babies need their mommies, and I'm a sucker for arms up. Praise the Lord Connor is ok, and we came through this without any battle wounds. I know many people were praying for him, and I'm sure that is the main reason he relatively coasted through this. Now for the clingy behavior to cease, and we'll be flying high.

Connor is still trying his best to walk. He took a few steps away from the table and towards daddy last night, but I'm not sure he knew what he was doing. It was adorable though. He stood for a few seconds holding onto nothing, and then step, step, fall into daddy's arms. He's picked up trying to say "bye-bye" now, and all of his words light up my day. So far we are up to Mama, Dada, Rara (Roxy), Ah-ah (grandma), Eh-oh (hello), baaaa (bye). Also another new activity comes in the form of piercing, high-pitched, shrieks to entertain mommy and daddy. He loves to hear how loud he can get. He also loves our reaction to him. He's a performer for sure!

We did family night at the beach this week. It was a farewell of sorts for Uncle Casey who left this week to make his way back up to school via North Carolina. It was a beautiful evening and a great time to reflect on the wonderful memories we made this summer. It is amazing to see how similar Uncle Casey and Connor are. I love the bond that they have, and that was only strengthened by the time they had together the past few months. Good thing we're heading up to NC next week to savor the last little bits of summer there.