Long Time No Blog

Long time no blog, eh? I have been focusing my energy toward other things these days, but don't worry, I will get you all caught up.

I was in a graduate class for five weeks and recently finished. I have also been preparing for the upcoming school year. I will be working for a new district and in a new position. I was laid off in the spring and sought out other employment. I was offered a job that I have always dreamed of, and am very excited about it! I will be teaching at the same middle school I went to in a 6-8 classroom for students with moderate cognitive impairments and multiple impairments.

J has been going to physical therapy twice a week and working on gaining flexibility in his wrist. We are pleased with the progress we've seen so far. And the really exciting news in our family? J is enrolled to be a full-time student at a local college this fall! We've been discussing this for years and I am so proud of him for pursuing it.

These changes will of course bring challenges, but I am very confident that we'll be just fine!

When we're not busy with school, work or therapy we are chasing around our little Deeg. Deegan is much more stable now and is practically running... we'll call it speed walking for now. He cut two new teeth this week (which wasn't so fun) and can now say "Moo" and "Baa" like a farm animal. We've been putting a lot of miles on our bikes and using this new bike seat we got for Deegan. We love the seat, Deegan loves the rides, and we love exercising.

I'll be posting a bit more this week to get caught up before Deeg's big day!

Wordless Wednesday

Deeg's New Wheels

Grandpa, also known as "Bumpa" got Deeg some new wheels. These cozy coupes have come a long way since I was young!
Deeg was content cruising along.

Don't you love the vanity plate?

More Chompers

Deegan's smile is changing...

These three new chompers have moved down even more. When he smiles or laughs we can see them. They really change his "look" and he looks so much older.... which makes me ask myself where did my tiny little baby go? He is beginning to look and act like a toddler. We are starting to plan his first birthday... but I still call him my little peanut.

In the Mouth

Deeg likes to hangout in the flowerbeds and planters among all the plants and woodchips.

Momma starts to shake her head and say "no-no."

Momma says "no-no" in a louder voice with a fimer tone.

Deegan ignores Momma and goes for it.

Momma puts the camera down and fishes the woodchip out of Deegan's mouth.

Cluck, Oink, Moo

A few weeks ago we celebrated my birthday. We always go to my mom's for dinner and enjoy the same delicious meal and dessert per my request, so of course we had that planned. We also had an open house to attend. But J said that we could do anything I wanted in the morning. What did I want to do? Spend some time with my two favorite guys outdoors at the Nature Center. I love my husband, I love my Deeg and I love the outdoors...

What are they looking at?

The sheep were excited to see us because we brought carrots. If you have carrots, they'll like you too.

Deeg was having a good ol' time. We enjoyed watching these guys roll around in the mud...

Deeg didn't think the chickens were too interesting. He does like to eat chicken though... especially when it's mixed with apples.

And Deeg couldn't stay in the backpack for too long, so we let him loose in the shade. He tried to eat several sticks. He also wants to run with sticks. I feel that a 11 month old walking with stick is equally as dangerous as a five year old running with scissors.

What a great way to start my birthday celebration. How did I end the celebration? With the ice cream cake my mom has been making for years. A thick Oreo crust, ice cream, heath, chocolate fudge... perfection.

Splash!

Earlier this week we packed up the car and headed to the spray park. We met some family that is in town so the kiddos could splash around and cool off.
Deegan wasn't sure what to think about all of the activity. He was so busy watching the all the kids running around that he didn't pay attention to the water for several minutes.

Then he realized how much fun the water is!

He did a lot of crawling and exploring.

He was really enjoying himself!

After being at the spray park for half an hour, Deegan started taking interest in the water. He loved touching the fountains!

Deeg and Dad walked around for a bit.

And the kiddos enjoyed some posicles. It was a fun time, hopefully we'll get back to the park again soon.