For Timothy, on his 3rd birthday

On August 10 (almost 2 weeks ago), Timothy turned 3. Sadly, Mommy's been a little behind on things, but here it is now. Late, but no less sincere. =)

Timothy,

Three years ago, you joined our little family, and forever changed our lives for the better. Over the last three years, you've taught us so much about ourselves, and about parenting, and we are forever grateful. Your sweet spirit brightens every day.

You started out so tiny and helpless, we couldn't believe you were really ours to raise. Such a tiny miracle. From the beginning though, you captured us all with your sweet spirit and sense of the dramatic. =)

You grew quickly, and won hearts everywhere you went. Your smile and laughter are infectious, and your sweet spirit still has people telling us what an angel you are - no matter who watches you.

Right now you are obsessed with all things fire department related, and we can't leave the library without at least 2 books about firetrucks. Not that you only want firetruck books. You love books of all kinds, and are sad when I cut you off because the library bag is full. Anyone who will read to you is an instant friend.

You are also obsessed with puppies, and have shared this obsession with your little brother. I love to hear the two of you panting and barking in the backseat together. [Although the persistent requests for a puppy or two of your own I could sometimes do without. =)]

You are such a great big brother! You don't always get along with your brother, that's normal, but when you do, it brings joy to my heart. You are always eager to help me with him when he's fussy, and you love to tickle him and make him laugh. He wants to do everything you do, and you are learning to love teaching him.

You also love your Daddy, and think he's the coolest person ever. You especially love to help him with his tools. You have an uncanny sense of knowing just what tool is needed for the job. More than once you've come to me asking for a tool, and it was exactly what Daddy needed...he just hadn't told you what to ask for.

To me, you are still me cuddly boy, who still finds time for hugs in the midst of his busy day. I love your questions, your smiles, the way your mind works- in ways that take me completely by surprise. I am so glad the Lord sent you to our family.

Happy Birthday my son!

My Baby is One!

One year ago today, Andrew Joel Keisling joined our family, and life has never been the same. We can't imagine life without his smile, his laugh, or his irrepressible determination. =)

Andrew my son, you came to us quickly (once you decided to come) and energetically. Your coming was greeted eagerly by many family and friends, especially your big brother.

10 days after your birth, we moved half way across the country. (As it turns out, newborns travel really well, since they still sleep most of the time.)

Once you became aware of the world around you, it had your full attention. You were constantly watching, observing, and trying to explore. It was very frustrating for you that you were so limited at first, but it never stopped you from trying.

Then you were on the move, and nothing was safe. =)

You love balls, kitty cats, and food of all kinds, but most of all you love your big brother. He is the coolest person in your world, and you want to do everything he does.

We love you Andrew Joel! Happy 1st Birthday!

Of bikes and car collisions

Since we've moved here, John has taken advantage of the bike-friendly paths, and the short distance to work, and has biked whenever he can. Monday morning, I got the called that every wife dreads:

"Hello?"

"Mrs. Keisling, this is the Coralville Police Department-" (at which point I kind of stopped comprehending things for a minute)

As soon as I was able to understand that John was okay, I was able to start breathing again. The policeman assured me that while my husband had been hit by a car, he seemed okay (nothing broken), and was just on his way to the hospital for observation. His things were at the police station when we were ready to pick them up.

I called John's cell, and he sounded okay. He in the ambulance, and said he'd call me as soon as they were done checking him out at the ER. He might even go into work after he was done.

Eventually, I was able to put the whole story together:

John was biking to work, and had the "walk" sign in his favor. A car at the cross street began turning right without checking for pedestrians, and ran into him. Thankfully, neither of them were going very fast, so while John was thrown onto the hood of the car, then onto the road, nothing was broken. Just very badly bruised.

The ambulance took him to the ER where they took over a dozen x-rays of every possible broken area, especially his ankle, which swelled alarmingly. Then they put him on some fun pain medication, and let him sleep for a little while before he called me to come pick him up around lunchtime.

Needless to say, he didn't go into work that day. He's still so sore today that he hasn't gone in more than a few minutes. There are some really pretty bruises forming, but he has happy oxy-codiene when the pain gets really bad, and he's spent a lot of time just resting. Timothy has been really helpful in "taking care of Daddy" bringing him water, ace packs, and whatever else he needs. It's so sweet! (of course, for Timothy, the highlight of Monday was seeing the ambulance that brought Daddy to the hospital)

While John is recovering, his bike may not. Thankfully the other guy's insurance is going to pay for repairs or a new bike, depending on the extent of the damage. Mostly it's the wheel that's ruined, but we'll see about the frame when we take it to the repair shop.

In the meantime, I am amazed at and grateful for God's protection in our lives. According to the police officer, John's accident was fairly minor compared to many he's seen. And, since John's vacation starts next week, he has extra time to recover. =)

Happy Birthday John!

Thursday was John's Birthday, and we made a weekend of it.

Thursday night, John came home to a homemade sign that I cut out after Timothy colored. "Happy Birthday Daddy!", and some decent grill tools. These he promptly put to use with his very yummy steaks. The boys enjoyed them almost as much as we did. Timothy put a piece in his mouth and said "Steak Daddy! Moo!"

Friday John and I went to see one of his summer stock shows, while the boys stayed with some wonderful friends. Then on Saturday, we headed up to Cedar Rapids for a Minor League Baseball game. Birthday money from John's Mom bought us dinner out, and from my parents, great seats five rows behind home plate.

We were close enough to see all the action, and the boys loved that they got to high-five the mascot. The game closed with Fireworks, which the boys both loved. John was happy that he got to take his boys to the game, and it didn't hurt that the home team won. =)

4th fun at the Keislings

This 4th was a fun mixture of low-key and frantic. Frantic because we had to leave our complex and hour and a half before church so that we wouldn't get blocked in from the parade route. Low-key because we had a nice finger-food dinner with friends.

The neighbors hosted a little party, at which there was LOTS of food, some good conversation, and a massive rainstorm. Thankfully the last part waited until after we ate, and was gone in time for the fireworks. We had some sparklers and confetti poppers (Iowa has the strictest fireworks laws I've ever seen), and the boys had a blast.

They ate well, especially Andrew, who went around helping himself to whatever anyone would give him, and Timothy himself put away a substantial amount of food. He seemed to especially enjoy the baked beans.... =)

Timothy got his first sparklers, which he really loved. And John discovered just how fast 25 sparklers burn when they're tied together. (Now to keep small boys from imitating Daddy....) At dark, we walked a few blocks toward the park for a good view of the fireworks. They were pretty impressive for a small town. A good 4th all around. =)