Another E-baby

And here are some new photos of my cute nephew. He's about as sweet as they come, so I had to post another picture. You can also look at Amy's blog to see even more pictures and read about his latest adventures. He's finally eating well and growing... Can you believe those big eyes?

Little Ethan

We have continued to be so encouraged and inspired by our friends Craig and Valerie... They are in the midst of such a trying time as they fight for the health of their tiny newborn, Ethan. He is 6 weeks old, but was 10 weeks early and weighs just 5 pounds now. He has a severe heart defect called Tetrology of Fallot that is further complicated by a missing pulmonary valve. He is currently ventilated and nourished via feeding tube... they are waiting a few more weeks to perform heart surgery. Craig and Val have demonstrated such faith in God, trusting in His mercy and His perfect will. We have been amazed by their hearts. Ethan is adorable and we pray for his continued growth and strength... As you cuddle and love your own little ones, remember the Perciantes and so many other families who are waiting for that incredible privilege of bringing a healthy baby into their home.

Ryan

Please check out my sister Amy's blog to read about my amazing brother Ryan... Amy's words echo my heart. We are so proud of him - for his ability and talent and drive - but mostly because he is a man of character and integrity who is unselfish and tender-hearted. Amy's right. My dad would be (is) immensely proud of Ryan's performance at Nationals this last weekend. Look at forrestandamy.blogspot.com to read the whole story!

Going Green

This post is for Mom's benefit.... we are painting the house and she needed to see the colors. It has been fun to have our friend Ryan Walter and his buddy Caleb at our house. They drove from Fort Collins to paint for us. I'll post more pictures when the job is done!

Zebras and Elephants and Ephraim.... Oh, My!

We carried the Oregon raindrops with us to Wyoming, but arrived safely and without calamity from our journey. :) The girls did wonderfully - Elisa walked miles in the huge Denver Airport 'B' terminal, slept uncomfortably but well on the puddle jumper flight to JH, and kept our Norwegian seatmate thoroughly entertained. We had a great time in Oregon. It is so lush there! Mom's gardens are beautiful, and in spite of cold weather, we managed to fit in several fun outings and lots of time with friends and family.

Amy and Ephraim spent most of the week with us. He is so cute, and his little facial expressions are hilarious! He is contented and sweet and amazing. He's also tiny! Amy and I realized after a couple of kind of crazy afternoons, that having three babies on different schedules and with different temperaments makes organizing activities difficult! But we had a great time! We also took photos of the cousins at the mall -- they did really well with the posing and smiling.










One of the things Elisa was most looking forward to about our visit to Oregon was a trip to the Portland Zoo. We went on Friday... the warmest and sunniest day of our week trip. My little napless wonder wandered a little sleepily through the exhibits. She liked the great big sea lions, the hippopotamus, elephants, and especially the zebras. Nanny bought her a stuffed zebra to take home, and Elisa immediately fell asleep in her carseat snuggled with "Zoe the Zebra."

We enjoyed hanging out with Syndey Coleman and Gracie Brownlee and their mommies.... Elisa tried to potty train Sydney (9 months younger) and the two of them devoured almost two entire peppers. I wish we lived closer to these sweet mamas and their beautiful girls.

Elisa loves Emily, Ryan and Belle, too. She will miss all of her buddies, and so will I!

We also visited Daddy at the Willamette National Cemetery. That was a tough visit. We continue to miss him so much, and even seeing his gravestone doesn't make his loss feel real. I still expect him to come home. There is such a void.... even in the joy of being together, in the coos of our little ones, in the laughter... you look around and wonder what is missing. And then you realize, it's Daddy. It is unfamiliar and empty to be together without him. Our being together as family will never be the same, at least on this Earth. I find myself eager for Heaven.

Leaving... on a jet plane!

Walking across the bridge - brave adventurer!




Too Cool!




Sliding!




The girls and I are headed out to Oregon today to see Nanny, Aunt Belle, Ry-Ry, Emily, Amy, "Fo-west" and "Efrum Ahvis."Elisa has a special backpack full of books, fruit leather and raisins.... Nanny bought diapers so I didn't have to squish them in my suitcase... I think we're ready! We are so excited to meet little Ephraim. If you read this before 1:00, say a prayer for us - or maybe for the people seated beside us on the plane. :)

Pray, Mommy!

Tucking Elisa in tonight, Erik and I did our usual routine of stories, songs, and kisses. But we forgot one thing. I went to care for Sadie, and soon heard a heart-wrenching cry from the next room. Elisa sobbed - hard - for a few minutes until I lay Sadie in her crib and slipped in beside my little two-year-old. Erik followed me, and Elisa said, "Pray, Mommy." Erik, thinking she said "Play," began to gently remind her that it was time to sleep. She cried harder, reaching both hands out. "No. Pray! Need to pray." I quickly knelt beside her bed and clasped her hands in mine. We prayed, and she immediately calmed. After "one more kiss," we left the room.

It reminded me of Matthew... where Jesus rebukes the disciples for turning the children away from Him. Let them come! For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.