Last Buddy School

 Sensory Table

 Containing Juliette

Maya wearing her chef hat craft 

    All the students and teacher Jamie during circle time

Luca and Yami with their tasty snack!

 Many Fridays mornings this year were spend in a wonderful way at Jamie's preschool, as Luca liked to call it "buddy school" We really enjoyed making new friends and spending time learning together! Thank you Jamie for your creativity and energy! We enjoyed being apart of it!

My Dream

This event took place a few weeks ago:

I had a dream the other night that I had arthrogryposis. I told Luca about my dream. And said, "but mom, you don't have arthrogryposis. You wouldn't like to have it. It is no fun to having arthrogryposis." I said, "why is it not fun?" Luca said, "because I can't raise my hand up to my shoulder." I said, "I am really sorry you can't do that Luca." And we both cried.
Later that night, I shared the story with John, and then I wept. It brought me back to the pain I felt when I first found out about Luca having AMC. It felt like a fresh diagnosis because it was coming from Luca. I wanted to cry all night long, just sitting in the pain of how sad it is that he has limited muscles in his arms, and feet.
He is expressing his thoughts, feelings, complaints about having AMC often. Today he said, "I wish I could just wear socks and shoes and not AFO's."
Ever time I dress him and feed him, watch him fall I wish so badly that he didn't have arthrogryposis. But he does and I pray that he and all of us will not only learn to live with it but live fully with and into this calling God has for Luca's life.

Luca dancing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQb_EZ8LYrU&feature=youtu.be

Mother's Day

A big Happy Mother's Day to our mom's! And Grandma's-We wish we could have been with all of you too today!

I had a special day, work in am, while John and Luca made me a cake (the chef pictured above), a delicious shrimp lunch made by John, then we went to the recreational pool this afternoon/evening

for a lot of fun! Luca is doing an amazing job swimming and Juliette loves the water.
Luca also made me this special flower (pictured below) at school for mother's day and hid it in his room till this morning. So sweet!

Cookie maker and chef

Luca and I made cookies together during Juliette's nap. Here is the chef in his apron, before and after:)

Summer weather

Yesterday was 86 F, here in Seattle. We are surprised and happy if we get this temp. in July or Aug! But May 6? Wow, a record high for Seattle and we enjoyed it! John and I had our first day off together in a few weeks between me going to NC and our work schedules. Luca had school in the am and then after rest time we hit the beach at Alki, then the kids went around the block (luca on his bike, Juliette trying to keep up on foot) and then John and I went back to Alki for a date, dinner, a walk, and to watch the sunset! What a fantastic day! Here are a few pictures of it!

 Luca had the idea to build a 6 room hospital (with a little help from daddy) during rest time

 Ready to hit the beach

 Sand projects

 Transferring rocks from bucket to Frisbee top- Juliette's project:), Digging a hole to fill with water-Luca project

 Water for Luca, more rocks for Juliette

 Little lady and her daddy

 "Let us back OUTSIDE"

 Hello little sunshine!

Sweet Juliette

Luca biking Juliette walking

Luca biking, Juliette walking

Luca biking

Luca riding his bike

Luca on his bike!

Luca riding his bike!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvmtUInyI9s&feature=youtu.be

Trip to NC

I just got back from a wonderful visit to Greensboro. My dear sister, Betsy, recently had an adorable little boy, Jacob Matthew! It was such a joy to get to spend time with my new nephew and my niece, big sister Sophia! I also got to spend time with my brother, Josh and Meagan, Molly, Annie and Owen. They have all grown so much since I saw them last a year and half ago!
John did an awesome job taking care of our kids at home in Seattle. I am so glad that I did not bring my kids so I could be auntie all weekend long! Such a joy! Thank you to all those who had John and the kids over for dinner each night I was gone. That was hugely helpful!
Here are a few pictures of my trip. Wish Greensboro and Seattle were much closer! I miss everyone already and Luca said, "mom, let's all get on an airplane and all go back there tomorrow!" I wish we could!

 Jacob at 2:30 am...he likes to be awake while others would rather be sleeping, but he is so cute and gave me lots of smiles at that time, so I wouldn't complain, but sleep for your mama!

 Annie's 6th birthday party! Molly turned 8 this week! Happy Birthday sweet girls! I love you both!

 Jacob sleeping during the day. Such a handsome little guy!

 Me with all my Adams' nieces and nephews! I love being an aunt!

 The new family of four!

 Molly, Annie, and Owen loving on Jacob. He loves them already!

 Josh, Katie, Betsy with the kids, missing Meagan in the picture who was being the photographer

 Jacob at 2:30 am again, could he get any cuter?

 Me and baby Jakie!

 One sister picture taken on the last day...like usual...how do we always forget to take a picture together.

 Betsy, Sophia and Jacob. Betsy is amazing mother and sister!!! Love you so much and miss you like crazy already Bets, so glad I could come this last few days!!!