[Moriah] Parenting Is... #21

...watching in amazement as your child uses his imagination for the first time.

For the very first time that I've seen, our 15-month-old used his imagination to play make-believe, rather than simply playing with the physical aspects of his toys. He was holding a red cup from his stacking cup set when he reached into the cup, pinched his thumb and index finger together as though grabbing something, brought his hand to his mouth and pretended to eat some make-believe food out of the cup. He was quite amused with himself and chuckled adorably as he pretended to eat over and over out of the cup. When I saw him and started laughing at how cute it was, he shocked me again by walking over, dipping his hand in the cup and trying to "feed" ME whatever it was he was imagining! Every time he discovers something new, I am completely amazed and it just melts my heart.

[Daniel] Parenting Is... #20

..."And so, the teddy bear music sings throughout the quiet house."

[Daniel] In Loving Memory Of Grandpa P

My Grandpa P. died early this month (January 6, 2008) st 75 years old. He had been battling cancer for almost a year, which started in his liver and spread throughout his body. He was able to stay at home up until the end and my mom & Grandma were there with him when he passed. His obituary can be viewed here.

He was a wonderful person and I feel privileged, as I did with my other grandpa, to have known him and spent time with him. He always made time for Patrick and I, especially when we played sports when we were younger. He and Grandma loved attending concerts, especially Patrick's recent performances at UW-La Crosse.

I have many fond memories of playing cards and other games with him, of stories from his childhood and younger years and from trips we went on with him. You will be sorely missed Grandpa but always in our hearts.

[Daniel] Parenting Is... #19

...the pride and excitement that comes with first steps.