Guild Gala, Eyes, Walking

I apologize in advance for not posting pictures today. I cannot find our card reader for our camera. When I do, I will post current pix.

This month has been crazy. Two weeks after the marathon, we helped to host a dinner for the Guild Gala. The Service Guild is the organization that runs the Bell Center. They host a gala (ball) two weeks after the marathon. This is how it works - you receive an invitation in the mail that lists different dinners. This year's theme was "A Novel Idea." You could have dinner at the Birmingham Country Club at a table or you can sign up for dinner at someone's home. We helped to host dinner at someone's home. Our theme was "Pride and Prejudice." We had African violets on the tables in silver containers. We rolled our napkins, tied them with gauzy ribbon, and inserted a sprig of fresh rosemary. Our chef was Franklin Biggs from Homewood Gourmet. Each guest arrived and came in for cocktails. Then we had dinner. Afterwards, we thanked everyone for coming and a little about the Bell Center. It was a lot of work but fun, too. Everyone ends up at the club at the conclusion of the evening for a silent auction, dancing, and dessert.

On Superbowl Sunday Jonathan took his first step. He has been wearing AFO's (braces on his legs) intended to force him to bend his knees. They have inspired him to crawl properly but I believe they have helped him to gain weight because he doesn't like to move in them. He has been more enamored with walking which is good but bad, too. He needs to crawl and develop those other muscles so we have to keep the AFO's on him. I have had two people stop me, point them out, and ask if he has club feet!:)

Jonathan turned 16 months old yesterday. He is making lots of sounds (Mama, Dada, etc.). He is learning to sign for "more" and "all finished." He vigorously signs when he wants more food (usually dessert - just like his mom!), when he is done with eye drops (ALL FINISHED!), and when he wants to sing. Sometimes he mixes them up - I think he is trying to communicate ideas where we don't have signs so he just starts throwing them all together in an effort to show he is trying to talk.:)

Walking is fun - Jonathan took seven steps Sunday and ten on Monday. They are wobbly, but they are consecutive! He is so proud when he has walked.

We went to the hospital last Wednesday morning so Jonathan could have his tear ducts repaired. He had tears randomly streaming down his cheeks and his eyes would clog when he had congestion. This was supposed to clear it up. His pediatrician put him on antibiotics and eye drops the Monday before the procedure and his eyes cleared up immediately. Since the surgery, he still has been on his antibiotics and eye drops. The real test will be once he is off all the meds. His eyes still appear to be draining, even with the meds. I am hoping they will clear up with time. On the way home from the surgery, we made a routine stop: Krispy Kreme. Nothing like sending the message that food heals all stress, right?

Jackson continues to be a great big brother. There are times when he slyly knocks down Jonathan to keep him from destroying a book or disturbing him at work. However, he loves to "read" to Jonathan, rejoice with Jonathan when he has reached a milestone (signed, walked, crawled), and point things out that are of interest (jets flying overhead, animals, good food). He also is Jonathan's watchdog. He introduces Jonathan everywhere we go and proudly asks people to say "hi" to Jonathan. He also pulls Jonathan away from cords, off the hearth, etc.

Thank you for keeping up with us. Please pray for us as we contemplate the decision to stay or move. We visited one school system two weeks ago and visit another tomorrow. We want to go (or stay) where it best suits all of us.

Julie:)
juliewarren@mindspring.com