Spring Beauty

Spring is here! We've had some cool and windy weather for a few days, so when the sun came out today, we made sure to get outside.

We've been doing the typical spring stuff around here... planting flowers, mulching, and getting ready to plant the garden!

The house projects are lining up, too, so there's a lot going on here!

Keith's dad is coming in on Friday to spend Easter with us, and the following week, the kids and I will be making a last-minute-decision trip home!

Bella really looks forward to seeing Nonna and Pappy, and was pretty relentless that I hurry up and "get the tickets!"

The weather seems to be pretty nice everywhere, so get out and enjoy it!

Bubble Birthday

Yesterday was Bella's third birthday (Luca's was March 3rd), and we had a small party with friends and neighbors for the kids. This was the 2nd party for them, as we had an early one with our family when everyone was visiting from back east.
Our beloved Miss Cathy got them a bubble machine, and it made an otherwise foggy day a celebration! Luca couldn't get enough of them - he squealed, stomped and danced! Bella was tickled as well, and had a blast running through them.
When cake time arrived, we decided to let Luca tear into his cake since he no longer has the cast on. He was tentative at first, but then went for broke, as you can see.
We had a great time and great company. Bella especially, will remember, and talk about, her birthday for a long time to come!

Cast Away

On Friday, Luca got his hand back! (No, his left arm didn't disappear, he's just enjoying running free without his "blue torpedo".)
We learned that his 4th metacarpal his still not totally healed - as it was pretty crooked from the break. The bone will remodel over time, and become straight again someday!
After multiple washings, the stink is almost gone, and Luca is slowly starting to use his right hand.
Also, I took this picture because he is finally enjoying the grass. He was afraid of it for a long time, but recently took his first few steps on it. Now he's running like crazy everywhere, and we're wondering if getting his helmet off in 2 weeks is a good idea!

Daylight Savings Celebration!

The weather here has been soooo beautiful lately that it just seemed appropriate to celebrate one extra hour of daylight (and playtime) with a BBQ!
Amie, Matt and Garrett came over this afternoon, and we had good sun, good company, and good food.
I've only lived here a little over a year, so I still get amazed at the "niceness" of the weather here. Luca has been having a great time exploring things like grass (now that he'll walk on it) and flowers. He loves going for walks in our new wagon - I take his helmet off and let his little head air out in the breeze and sun!
We're kind of like kids on vacation, but we'll get used to it - eventually!

Off and On

Well, today Luca got his smelly, food-laden cast off! It was such a relief to be able to wash his little arm and trim those long fingernails! But Luca wasn't too happy about getting his blue weapon removed, as it had become a part of him!

I had to bring out the reserve lollipop to help him through it. (NO, I DO NOT advocate letting a 1-year-old enjoy such a potential airway hazard, but desperate times call for desperate measures!)

Then it was off to x-ray, only to discover that those little bones just weren't healed enough... therefore, Luca was the proud recipient of a brand-new blue long-arm cast. It was decided that since he is basically unstoppable at this very active age, we are "protecting him from himself," as the doc put it. This one will be on for another two weeks, and then hopefully off for good!

Luca seemed relieved to get the cast back on... I think he missed it while it was gone. He was an angel this time around - he just leaned back and let them do it!

I was truly hoping that by his 1st birthday, which is tomorrow, all of this - the Doc Band and the cast - would be behind us. Yes, we are disappointed, but we have faith that God is molding him into just the perfect little guy He wants Luca to be.