Little Boy Noises

Graham loves to talk and sing! He's been experimenting with all kinds of different sounds. Lately he sounds like he's trying to imitate a lion or dinosaur. It's so cute. He's all boy!

Occupational Therapy

Graham and I went to his 4 month old checkup last Tuesday. The doctor was (again) surprised at his size! She said he's about the size of a 9 month old - 18.5 pounds, 27.75 inches. I brought to her attention some concerns I have about his hands (not opening his thumb and forefinger). She agreed and referred me to a physical therapist. We went to that appointment today. Turns out that for fine motor issues he needs to see an occupational therapist instead of pt. They were really nice and we're going back tomorrow to have a thorough evaluation.

I've been teaching for 5 years and I've always observed how sensitive and emotional parents are about their children, not that I judged them for that. I now, however, know exactly what that feels like! It's so hard not to get sensitive and defensive when someone is talking about your child. If and when I ever do go back to teaching I think that I will always remember how that feels, and be able to have more empathy.

Back Home

Well, we got home from our vacation last night. We are so glad to be home! We really enjoyed our time at St. Simons. We had a lot of fun hanging out with my family last week. We played a lot of our favorite game: peanut, took a lot of walks on the beach, went sailing, enjoyed many wonderful meals together, and we all got hooked on the show LOST (my parents brought season 1 on DVD).

Graham has been changing and growing all the time! He is rolling over pretty easily now, although he doesn't like it when he gets stuck on his tummy. We're not quite ready for him to become mobil! He has just recently started rubbing his eyes when he's sleepy. He's really trying hard to put his feet in his mouth! He has

also gotten to where he doesn't ever want to lay his head back. He really wants to be standing or sitting up most of the time (with help, of course).

Chad has gone back to work today and Graham and I are getting back into our regular routine of playing, doing chores, and running errands. It's crazy to think that if I was going back to work this year, today would be my first day back. What a blessing to get to stay home and take care of Graham!

Joe Bagby

I'll never forget when Joe Bagby and his family came to our church in Sweetwater the summer before my 9th grade year of school. I was so thrilled to meet Hope and Joy, his twin daughters who were my age. Joe was such an immediate blessing to our congregation. He poured life into it in every way. It was always so evident how much time he spent in prayer and fervent bible study to bring us messages from God's word. His sermons were always filled with emotion and I always left feeling uplifted and convicted. He always carried his worn bible, folded in half, as he spoke. I'll never forget the first night I spend at their house. They had only been in Sweetwater a few weeks. Paula was gone for some reason so it was just Joe, Hope, Joy, and I. The power went out that night and we had a wonderful time singing and talking by candlelight late into the night. Joe was always so selfless. He and Paula are raising their 2 granddaughters Kylie and Maddie. Their home has always been so completely welcoming for me. A place where I also felt at home.

My thoughts and prayers are with Joe and his family right now because he has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. I am just so amazed, looking back, at the way God has used him to impact the 4th and Elm Church of Christ, and the entire community in Sweetwater. I can't imagine how different my life would have been without him, and I know so many people who feel the same way. I know and believe with all my heart that God can do anything and I know God can cure the tumors if that is his will. Please pray for healing for Joe, and peace and comfort for his family. I hate to see them going though so much pain and hurt. I love them so very much!

Chad, Graham and I have really been enjoying our vacation to St. Simons Island! We've done a lot of walking on the beach, laying around at the pool, shopping, and most of all: being lazy. It's great. We've also been playing a lot of one of my favorite games: peanut (aka Nertz). Graham has just been going with the flow.

We took him in the pool one time and he didn't seem to mind very much. I've been very relieved that he's been eating and sleeping on his regular schedule. He's been working hard all week on rolling over, and has rolled over all the way a couple of times. If he's on a blanket on the floor (which he loves) he can now wriggle himself all over it. I'm just bracing myself for whe

n he becomes completely mobile!

We are spending this week with Chad's mom and Tom and our good friend Lori Beth. We'll be spending next week with my parents, aunt Missy, and my grandparents. It's so wonderful to get to relax and spend time with our families! Although I suspect that they are most excited about spending time with Graham.