Reading Books

Every night as part of the bedtime routine, we look at and/or read Mikaela's books.  She usually hands me the one she wants to read, we read it (or at least flip the pages) and then she picks another.  Sometimes she looks at the books by herself.  Tonight, she handed me one book and took another for herself and indicated I should read it.  As I did, she mimicked me by "reading" hers, this time actually talking aloud instead of just looking at the pictures and flipping pages.  I'm sure this is a typical developmentally stage, but it's the first time I've seen it and I couldn't be more proud.

"Eggs-citing" Easter

Easter weekend began last weekend when we had an egg-dying party with our life group.  This was Mikaela's first experience with it, but the adults had a blast creating 3D, tie-dye, and other original creations.

Getting ready to dunk the egg

  Gran & Papa Bill had sent Mikaela a Veggietales Egg Dying kit that included stickers which were a big hit with Mikaela.

Adding stickers to her pink egg

 

Mikaela's finished egg

Chris experimented with double-dying to get unique colors and of course hidden messages using the wax crayon.

The Burns - Cory was especially a fan of tie-dyed eggs.

Wayne dying his first egg of the night, which promptly broke.  Poor Wayne!

Finished products

On Saturday, we took Mikaela to "Easter Eggstravaganza" which is the egg hunt/carnival our church does every year.

Our life group helps run the photo booth every year where people can come and get their photo taken either as family, or just the kids, or whatever.  Mikaela and her new pal Hailey (my best friend's niece) posed for a few.

 

 Apparently, Hailey has been taught "funny face" where she pulls her mouth wide with her fingers.  Mikaela decided to join in the fun.

Hailey checking to see if Mikaela was doing it right

teaching her the proper technique

I think Hailey was suggesting another adventure and picture time at the photo booth promptly ended.

 The toddler hunt was the last of the three so we spent some time wandering the carnival exhibits prior to the hunt.  Mikaela and Hailey have fun riding scooters.

Soon it was time to get ready for the hunt.  It was windy so Mikaela's hat did not stay on long.

 

 

The toddler hunt took place in the playground area of the church grounds.  Several toddlers were more interested in the slides and climbing equipment than eggs.  Mikaela was content with one egg for each hand so Mom and Dad had to pick up a few extra for her.

not interested in placing them in the basket

After church on Easter Sunday we went to Graemma and Graempa's for a delicious meal.  Here is a picture of Mikaela running around before lunch.  She was constantly on the go today so we didn't get any really good shots of her outfit.

 Getting ready for lunch.... Her bib says "Egg Hunt Champ"

The weather was getting iffy so we just decided to "hide" a few eggs around the living room for her to find.  She found them fairly quickly and eventually got the idea to actually put them in the basket this time, but not before clanking them together a few times.  It's a good thing they were hard-boiled!

We hope everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday.  And though the eggs and chocolate bunnies are nice, we celebrate the true reason for this joyous day.  "He is not here; He is risen!"  Matthew 28:6.  There is a line from a song (Veggie Tales - "An Easter Carol") that, for me, sums it up - "He died for us to give us life, and to give us hope, He rose."  We are so grateful for that Hope.  Happy Easter, everyone!

April Amusements

 Here are some happenings of April at our home.

taking an afternoon nap

When Mommy first got her walking book, she used a crutch to help her get used to walking again.  Mikaela liked the crutch.  Here she is mad that Daddy is taking it away.  Yes, tantrums have started...

a girl and  her dog

kisses

a staring contest?

Hail

My car in the hail, but no damage thankfully...

out for a walk

on her chair on Graemma's porch

playing on Graemma's porch

eating dinner at her table at Graemma and Graempa's

And we'll end with a nap...

Exciting News!

God continues to show us He is in control and providing for us.  Today Mike got a job!  It is not a teaching job, but we had begun to think that wouldn't happen when layoffs were rumored, and then real so he went looking elsewhere and landed a technology type job, thanks to a contact with a friend at church.  Praise the Lord! Thanks for all who have prayed for us over these last several months as Mike was searching.  We feel God's hand in this endeavor and are excited to see what opportunities and blessings await our family.

Now if we can just get my hand back to normal so I can sign well, life would be grand!

Bye Bye, Boot!

At my doctor's appointment today I was pleasantly surprised to know I no longer needed to wear my walking boot!  I hadn't even brought shoes in preparation for this!  I have an ankle brace, 2 weeks of pt, and several at home exercises to get my ankle/leg back in shape, but woo hoo, Praise the Lord!

The hand is about the same which has become quite frustrating to me, but I have a follow up on Monday so we'll see what the doc says about that.  OT continues 3x a week for probably another 6 weeks at least.

Soft Kitty

One night when Mikaela was very fussy and we had tried virtually everything, we started singing songs.  Interestingly enough, the one that seems to calm/quiet her the most is the "Soft Kitty" song from "The Big Bang Theory."  This video shows Mikaela attempting to sing it.

And for those who are unfamiliar with the song or the show... here's a clip:  

This boot was made for walking

Here is my walking boot.  I still use a crutch to help me get around, but at least I'm walking!

 I am still not back at work yet.  I am not sure when that will be.  I would imagine it will be when I can drive that I can return to work.  I have an air cast for driving but given my limited foot movement, I don't think I can push a brake or an accelerator well yet and I certainly don't want to be in another accident!  Maybe in a couple of weeks...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my hand splint.  It will be cut down on Tuesday at therapy as doc says my finger is healing well.  My range of motion is still limited, but I'm making progress.