Quickie update

Life is still busy here, but I want to get a quick update up while I have a free minute or two. I know our family members that don't get a chance to see Avery and Tate often appreciate the regular updates, so I apologize for making you wait! I'll get pictures up as soon as I can... time is really in short supply these days!

We've been busy with a few activities since our last update, but mainly just daily life. With me working three days a week until 6, Josh working whenever it's not raining (plus 2 weekends a month at Scheel's), trying to squeeze Tate's therapy activities in every day, making sure Avery isn't pulling Tate's arm off or poking his eyes out, trying to spend quality time with just the two of us, and oh, details like eating and sleeping, life is very full. We love it, but it can be challenging at times.

Avery's bible school program was fun (and a little funny). She stayed up in front of the church for the entire program. I was surprised by that because she gets shy and overwhelmed pretty easily. Josh and I realized about one minute into the program that Avery probably won't be going into acting or music though... she stood up in front and clapped one or two times (off rhythm, just like her daddy who has to watch the crowd to clap to the beat :) during the half-hour program, waved at mommy a few times, and otherwise just stared out into the crowd. I don't mind that she didn't sing. The part that cracked me up though, was that we video taped the entire program; we watched it with Avery that night and she sang along to every song and even knew the actions. Maybe next year she'll actually sing during the program.

The Relay for Life went very well. Josh and I each snuck in a quick hour of sleep at some point during the night as we had to drive back to Moorhead the next morning (the relay was in Anoka... a suburb of Minneapolis for those that don't know), but spent the remainder of the night walking or spending time with the rest of the team. Avery was up until 12:30 and had a blast with Auntie Taylar and Paige (Josh's cousin who is Taylar's age). She loves trying to keep up with the big girls! At midnight the girls were dancing to the live music- I told her she could stay up as late as she wanted and she was did very well all night. Thanks to all of you who donated, the Relay event ended up raising $49,960! Not too bad! I'm not sure if we'll do the Relay again next year, but it was a fun event and a great way to raise money for a cause as well as remember Andre'.

We drove back at 7 AM the next morning. After a few hours of sleep we headed to the Redhawks game (baseball) with the Down syndrome support group. There was a picnic before so we had a chance to meet a few other families. It's always nice to meet new people, but I really appreciate the fact that we've met many great people and families that we never would've met if Tate didn't have Down syndrome. The game was fun. Despite little sleep, Avery did well and had fun eating cotton candy and dippin dots.

Tate had therapy again this week and we're now working with him on the exercise ball. We have him either sit (supported by us) or have tummy time on the ball and then bounce it gently. The bouncing makes his muscles have to work harder and is another way to help increase his head and trunk control. As an added bonus, he loves bouncing so thinks that his ball exercises are fun. I never mind doing his therapy stuff with him, but when he smiles and has fun in the process I actually look forward to the work. We'll try to get some pics of him doing his ball work so everyone can see what I'm talking about.

The rest of the week has been full of normal activities. I finally hired a new receptionist and she starts on Monday. I really think she'll work out well and am excited to be able to hand off some of my administrative stuff.

Thursday was Anna's 3rd birthday party. Avery had a blast at the party. I'll post a picture on Tuesday so you all can try to guess what she ate. There was a little bit of everything left on her face. Seriously, this kid should wear a bib until she starts kindergarten. I love her dearly, but her eating style will keep Clorox in business for at least the next few years.

Josh's mom Linda was here for the week to watch Tate while my mom and grandma are in Norway. We really appreciate the help and I know Avery loves having her grandma Linda here. Linda really caters to Avery's every command (and I mean command, not request... she's quite bossy); Avery needs the attention right now so we appreciate her help very much.

Sorry for the abrupt ending, but I really should be doing paperwork. Check back Tuesday for pics.