Thankful

Some things we are thankful for this Thanksgiving Day:

bluegrass

yoga pants

cinnamon rolls

flannel sheets

curry

napping

tickles and giggles

gorillas

Above all, we're thankful for two little miracles names Caleb and Kai.  They fill our hearts with gratitude like nothing else in this world!

I am also particularly thankful this day for a husband who, despite working 16-hour days this week and who is completely sleep-deprived himself, took on the role of Super Dad today so I could sleep in a little plus nap this afternoon.  Super Dad also made dinner and took care of Caleb all evening so I could give Kai my undivided attention.  And right now Super Dad is cleaning up the kitchen.  I am incredibly thankful for that man!

Oh, and I'm thankful for baby slings so a Mama can snuggle her baby and still move around.   And for bottles, so a Daddy can feed his baby too.  So thankful for little things like these!

Happy Thanksgiving!

One Month Young

Kai is one month young already!  The month has been a blur, but a good blur.  There's not much to report except that this sweet moose baby is a strong and content little person.  He doesn't fuss much, he sleeps incredibly well overnight, and he's big and strong enough to endure the tough love of his brother :)  For example, last night while Kai was doing tummy time I walked into the living room to find Caleb sitting on top of his brother while he watched TV.  Kai had let out a squeak but was otherwise calm in the midst of his confining situation.  He's a strong kid to contentedly withstand the 27 pounds that was straddled on top of him and pinning him down :)

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I recently found this hat at Old Navy and couldn't resist it!  He wore it to church this morning since the temperature was freezing.  Kai needed a hat anyway and now he's ready for his first Minnesota winter!

We love love love this baby boy and already can't remember life before him!

Indispensable

I recently read an article in Christianity Today about the importance of remembering that children are full members of the Church despite their limitations.  Despite their running down the halls, despite their wiggling in the pews, despite their loud and incoherent gibberish, they are part of the Body of Christ and members of His Church.

When talking about unity in the Body of Christ, the apostle Paul said that the parts which seem to be weaker than others are actually indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22).  I had never thought of this verse when I thought of children, but now it's all I can think about when I gaze at our squirmy, bobble-headed boy.  He can't sing, can't pray, can't ponder the beauty and majesty of God, but he brings praise and honor to our Lord by bearing His image.  This precious little creation who is completely dependent on us and who is a seemingly weak member of the Body of Christ is indispensable.

We have never understood the love of the Father so profoundly as we have when we adore Caleb and Kai.  They are teaching us about the Father's love, and that is just one way they are indispensable.

A Week with Grandma and Grandpa Clark

This past week was spent playing games, reading books, taking naps, eating out, watching movies, visiting local attractions, and lots of time playing and snuggling with our two little Horn boys.  In other words, my parents were in town!  They flew to Duluth last weekend to meet Kai (who they declare is the sweetest little baby) and they spent all week here.  It was a great week!

My parents love to play games, and so do we!  Cribbage, Chess, Bid Euchre, Settlers, Ticket to Ride....  There are few things sweeter than sitting around a table playing a game while eating cookies and drinking pop.  And although Caleb was already in bed when the games were pulled out, Kai usually joined us for the fun.  We like to start 'em when they're young :)

We all enjoyed a good nap from time to time too.  My dad logged a few good naps with Kai throughout the week.

But we didn't stay home all week either!  We ventured to the Railroad Museum at the Duluth Depot, went to the Lake Superior Zoo, took Caleb to the library, and went for a walk on the Lakewalk.  We went out to dinner a couple times too.  Caleb was particularly excited to hang out at Dubh Linn Irish Pub and watch people play pool.  He kept shouting "ba BA!" which is how he says "ball" :)

It was a good week.  We were so grateful my parents could fly out to meet Kai.  It was good for Caleb to reconnect with them too.  He hadn't seen them in four months and I don't think he remembered them, but he had a great time playing with them.  Hopefully he'll remember them by the time we fly to Michigan for the holidays next month.  Either way, it's bound to be another good week of games, books, naps, movies, eating treats, and lots of playing and snuggling with these two little Horn boys!

To Be A Little Brother

"What is it like to be a little brother?  Hmmm...  How shall I describe it?"

"To be completely honest, I usually sit around like this and try to process the whirlwind that is happening around me: balls flying through the air amidst loud squealing and the occasional tantrum followed by the running of little feet and the random toy tossed on my lap."

"And every once in awhile when he's jealous of Mama's attention, my big brother climbs into her lap but completely ignores the fact that I'm also in her lap and thus sits on top of me, which squishes a squeak outta me."

"But I suppose it's not all bad..."

"There are times when he comes over just to pat me on the head, and I like that."

"Of course, there are also times when he comes over to vigorously bounce the bouncy seat and I feel like an earthquake just occurred."

"But when he pulls a blanket off the couch and drags it over to cover me up, then lays down next to me and snuggles for a minute - that is what makes this Little Brother business worthwhile.  I like that, a lot."

Gram

This week has been filled with highs and lows.  The biggest high: Eli's grandma came all the way from Georgia to meet Kai!  The biggest low: Eli spent every spare moment working on a huge presentation he has to give tomorrow.  It was extremely unfortunate timing but there was nothing to be done about it.  So Gram and I hung out with the kids while Eli went to work, then came home and worked, then stayed up all night every night and worked.

Having Gram here was such a blessing!  She cooked meals, folded laundry, changed diapers and loved on our boys every day!  I couldn't have asked for a better companion while Eli was working like a dog and burning the midnight oil.  And of course she was delighted to meet our precious Kai and to spend time with Caleb too.

Eli's presentation tomorrow is the "Grand Rounds Presentation" he has to give this year.  It's a big deal.  It's supposed to be good enough that people can get CME credit for attending.  (Continuing Medical Education is partly how physicians keep up with licensure requirements).  The title of his presentation is "Contributions to Global Healthcare from the Developing World" and it's bound to be good.  I am so proud of him for working so hard this week even though it was the last thing he wanted to do.