Beating the Heat: A Video

Lillian believes that when the weather is hot, one should wear as few clothes as one’s mom will allow; it’s easier to get mom to let you strip down when there’s water involved. And, once you get going, in the interest of science you need to see what will happen when you shovel dirt into the pool.

Not Camera Shy

I’m ready for my close-up, Mr Demille.

Lillian and Tails

Thanks, mom!

There are certain things that excite mothers and grandmothers: one of those things is when their 21-month old girl finally has enough hair for them to start teasing it into twists and tails.

Playing Ball: A Video

Enjoying a Spring Day

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Lillian sometimes seems to be a small energy source wrapped in a layer of skin: she goes and goes until she runs down, sleeps and recharges then starts again.

She’s developed a temper and throws the occasional tantrum, but learned early on that throwing yourself violently to the floor can cause pain. Now, she carefully lowers herself to the floor, eases her head back, looks around to see who is watching; only then does she let loose.

Her pediatrician was happy to hear that she’s reached the tantrum stage: it’s another sign that she’s on target developmentally; mom and dad aren’t quite as thrilled with this developmental stage.

Lili had her first ever bout with cold and fever: as a precaution, we went and had her lungs x-rayed at Texas Children’s: happily, they were clear. She has passed on the cold to her mom, dad, grandma Nancy and great-grandfather. Not one has sent her a thank-you note.

Water Baby

I like water.

The Wisdom in Nursery Rhymes

Ouch.

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed;
One fell off and bumped her head.
Mama called the doctor,
The doctor said,
“No more jumping on the bed!”

Hunting Easter Eggs

Happy Easter!

Ladybug

My ladybug PJs

The chief blogger hasn’t blogged much lately as parental care giving has consumed most of his time.

Lillian is 19 months old and growing like a weed. She’s getting taller: her mom and dad keep moving breakables and bottles to higher and higher shelves. She’s a bundle of energy, in constant motion whether awake or asleep. She’s a talker, babbling mostly, but there are real words mixed in. She’s a walker, and when she has her shoes on, she’s a stomper.

Lillian and her folks drove up to Huntington last weekend for her cousin Katelyn’s third birthday party. Katelyn is enamored of princesses, and so that was the theme of the party. Lillian thinks her cousin is very cool and sophisticated. (Katelyn let Ashley know that Lillian told Katelyn that Lillian wants a princess party for her second birthday in August.) Lillian also loved visiting with grandma Peggy and grandpa Keith, and her aunts Cari and Elli. Ashley and Josh had a great time, too, despite the torrential downpours on the drives up and back.

On the phone

Ashley continues her cancer therapy: she’s back on the full dose and will have a scan in a few weeks that will tell whether the Zelboraf is stopping the growth of her cancers. She’s lost her eyebrows and most of her hair, but she has some fetching hats and scarves to wear when she goes out (MariCarmen Wiedemann knitted several matching caps for Ashley and Lillian). Ashley has to be very careful to limit sun exposure on her skin due to the drugs she is taking: they’ve caused a lot of skin problems. She’s also having joint pain and stiffness; she uses a cane sometimes when her knees and ankles are affected. But despite all that, her spirits remain good most days, and Lillian’s always there to brighten her spirits.

Girl With Rock

I enjoy giving rocks to my friends