The past week has been long and stressful, but not due to children. About a week and a half ago we learned that my Grandmother was in her final days of life. We traveled up to NY sort of last minute, and I had the honor of spending time with her in her last hours and minutes of life. I expected it to be creepy and unsettling, but the truth is that it was one of the most intimate, beautiful and peaceful things I have ever experienced. Without any pain or trauma, my grandmother breathed her last breaths and closed her eyes and went to heaven where she now lives what I believe.
See some pics of our trip and kids here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ng.mangine/UpstateNY
We had all sorts of drama on our flight home-- it's way to long to get into tonight, but we ended up driving the rest of the way home (from Baltimore) as there were all SORTS of problems. Nick and I were up all night and the kids didn't fall asleep until 1AM... it was kind of stressful.
Nico had his first day in the toddler room at church today-- and so did I! I am working in his classroom for a while, at least until he feels comfortable. He did well.
Many of you have been asking about his tests-- everything has come back clean... he's totally healthy. We've gotten rid of the skin problem-- we don't know for sure that it was scabies, but we are suspecting it was since Nick got them too! :) After he was treated for parasites his belly situation has improved and he's just a typical kid now.
Josiah continues to grow and thrive... he's a happy baby and a good night sleeper, but not a good napper during the day. He and I get our "good time" together while the others are napping. I am trying to look at it in a positive light so I don't get frustrated that I don't get any down time.
Nia is becoming more and more of a grown up young lady every day. She's gearing up to be the flower girl for "uncle" Scott's wedding... she's very excited. She starts preschool next week-- how did that happen?!?!
Nick's busy trying to balance the demands of work and family-- it isn't easy for him but he's working very, very hard as he strives to be an excellent husband, father and employee. He was very supportive during this time where were up in NY with my grandmother.
All in all, things are good. I know I sort of gripe on here all the time about being so busy. I don't mean for things to come off negative-- in reality we are so very blessed. We are all healthy, we have an amazing family, awesome friends, a church we totally love, and our work in Haiti at the Haitian Children's Home which is what we believe we were put on this earth to do. Who could ask for more?
