Never give in--never, never, never, never!

Daniel, our April child of the month, gave me a thrill earlier this month when I went to visit their new home in New Jersey. He wanted to be at my side the whole time! Love that boy! Daniel still loves rules, and will make sure that they are followed.

One thing I will remember for a long time is a bike ride that the kids took on the way to show me Maddie's new school. I had brought their bikes up with me, which meant that the kids hadn't ridden them for a while. Daniel's legs were a bit too long for the bike, which made him sit far back on the seat. As a result, the front end of the bike was tilted up slightly, which made it difficult for him to get traction as he pedaled. Did he complain? No. Did he give up? No. Did he get sad that he was so far behind the other two? No. He just kept pedaling and trying and eventually he got to the school. Same thing happened on the way home; he was far behind but didn't give up. I think his name should be Daniel Winston Churchill Pascual.

What a darling boy!!!

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

March became the month of Spencer, who is much like that month: he is part lamb/part lion!

He lives, eats, and breathes Star Wars. When his hands are occupied with drawing (a sky full of X-wing fighters) or assembling a new Lego creation (some kind of starship), his voice is singing the Star Wars theme.

He can make Baby John laugh just by looking at him; he and Emma are best buddies; his kindergarten teacher knows that he will be polite and help the other children in the class. Every now and then, I get a deja vu sensation. He'll turn his head a certain way, or laugh a funny laugh, or ask a probing question, and I get a glimpse of Adam at that age.

Spencer, we love you and love how you are growing up!

Welcome to our family, Sadie Beth!

So....let's see... February was originally the month of Spencer, but since I spent two weeks of that month with the amazing Sadie Beth, February became the month of Sadie. Those two weeks were just a bit magical. Holding that precious baby in my arms, and watching Kate transform into a nurturing, adoring mother were gifts that I will never forget. Sadie has her daddy's heart all wrapped up as well, and there is a sweet spirit in their little cottage.

Sadie is tiny, dark-haired, dark-eyed, loves to be swaddled and snuggled, loves to sleep. Sometimes in the very early mornings (like 4 AM) she would be wakeful, so after Kate fed her, I would take her out into the living room and recline on the couch with her on my chest. When she finally fell asleep, I would wedge her between the back of the couch and my legs, and we would both sleep very peacefully until she got ready for her next meal! Grandchild #9, we love you!!!