You Capture: Kisses

This week's theme at You Capture is "Kisses". I guess that's because of Valentine's Day and all that. And although this is not the whole romantic sort of photo, it's a very REAL photo from the Petersonclan. It's also from Christmas, not Valentine's day, but it is my favorite kissing photo to date. You can see the whole original post here.

Except the photo of Eric and I kissing on the beach at our wedding. But that's not digital. So here we are...

Speaking of Valentines Day... Eric and I have a really funny tradition for Valentine's day. We give each other "Redneck" Valentine's gifts. These are things that we give the other person (that they would really like) but that we would like ourselves. One year Eric gave me a Leatherman tool. Last year I gave him a mixer so I could make a cheesecake for his birthday. This year he was working on Valentines Day (when he works days we don't see much of him), so I haven't gotten my gift yet, but I am sure you are wondering what I got him? A Black t-shirt (his favorite) that says, "i love my wife". Aren't I clever?! Haha.

And since this is proving to be a very random post... for those of you wondering about the scarring on my sweet Mercy's face, you can read about her here first and then here. Stay tuned... I will be posting a long update about her soon.

Sweet, Sweet Sara

Nathan's Birthday

We are in the middle of Birthday Season Part 1 at the Petersonclan Farm. Between Mercy's birthday on Christmas Day, and Josiah's on March 17 we have 6 birthdays. Here is Nate enjoying turning 5.

He was so excited to have a birthday. The poor kid had to wait to open his gifts until late at night because we were so busy... but open them he did.



Every self-respecting family needs a fireman.



He also got a bike helmet...



So shiny new you can even see the reflection of me taking the photo...






We recycled the bike Matt was given when he turned 6. Nate didn't care... he was thrilled to be able to ride it! The only other bike close to his size was the pink one Mercy won at the Pharmacy day last fall.



Look at that sweet face.



And here he is climbing a tree. I am not sure where my baby went, but he is on the fast track to growing up.

Super Heroes to the Rescue

Recently we were visited by a bunch of Super Heroes.

Meet Super Girl and Super Boy...



Joined by Power Girl.



They swing from trees...



But sometimes they fall and need a little help.



So you need to poke him. Of course.



Then you call in the help.



Who comes, from infinity and beyond.

All in a day's work.

Cincinnati Update

I know several of you have been waiting to hear how our appointments in Cincinnati went. So here goes:

- Bethany - We had an echocardiogram and EKG for Beth first thing Tuesday morning. The cardiologist said that she does show some anomolies, but nothing concerning, and certainly nothing to cause him to think that cardiac issues are at the root of the breathing problems she is having. This is good and bad news. Good because her heart is fine. Bad because we still do not know what is going on.

- Mercy - Her appointment was GREAT. We are approaching a year on the propranalol for her hemangioma. I plan an in depth photo post in a couple weeks of where we have come from. I know many of you pray for her daily, and I appreciate each and every one of those prayers. She looks WONDERFUL. Dr. Adams said that we are ready to start talking dates for the plastic surgery. This is good news. In April we will see the whole team, and I anticipate we will look at when we can do the surgeries. FINALLY we are starting to really see the end of this phase in our lives.

It was harrowing driving in the snow, but we made it to the hospital and home safely. As for me, I'm ready for some global warming. Brrr...!

Thankful for Bethany

(This is being linked to the current photo challenge here . )

The other night Bethie woke up quite early in the morning. And cried. And wouldn't be comforted. So finally I got her up and laid with her on the new sofa. And we snuggled.



At other times in my life I may have resented being up with a fussy baby while everyone else got to be sleeping. I knew as I was laying there with her that it would make for a very long day when all the kids woke up and started the day.

But this time I didn't mind. I laid there and treasured the moments. Because just a month earlier we were in the living room, and all the sudden Matt said, "Mama- Beth looks funny." I looked over there and she was laying on her back, not breathing.

All rational though leaves when you see your baby turn blue.




I thought maybe she had choked on something, so I snatched her limp body and tried to remember how to do the Heimlich. I couldn't. I couldn't remember that, I couldn't remember how to do CPR. I couldn't think straight about anything except that my baby wasn't breathing.

She finally started coughing weakly and then breathing normally again. She was dazed for a half hour or so, but soon returned to normal. I don't think I have yet accomplished the same thing.

We went to a pediatric neurologist who ran an EEG... it showed nothing. He sent us to cardiology to do an EKG and that turned up abnormal. So far we don't know anything since we don't see the cardiologist until next Tuesday. It may be a glitch in the machine, and all may be fine. It may be something else. We still have to wait to see. She had a second episode of not breathing just two days ago. I'm a little on edge, to say the least.

So that early morning, Bethie and I laid there and snuggled, and I thanked God that she was here to hug. And I listened to her babble... "Anna. Doggie. Cow. Cat. Meow. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see?" and on and on and on. But just as I was rubbing her back and reveling in her sweet warmth I heard, "Mommy. I love you Mommy."



And that is what being a Mama is all about. I love you too, Bethie.

Snow Day! With lots of photos!

It's a white, wintery day here in Kentucky. My children are having fun playing in more white stuff than they have ever seen.



They had a grand time eating it.



And getting cold in it. Please don't mention anything about the mismatched gloves. I was just happy everyone could find two gloves.

Some of us were wise and watched the fun from inside.







And sisters come visit at the window.



I love this one the best... but it is out of focus.





I love the views from our house, no matter what the season.



Sara is a budding photographer. She wants to start posting her photos to the blog also.



I don't have a macro lense or this would be more in focus, but still... snowflakes!



Look how little Anna looks under the tree!



And a little closer. She tricked me and told me she was standing up... but she wasn't.