Colby and his bike

Well, I cannot imagine a more proud dad than Curtis. He is completely biased, of course, and always thinks his kids are super stars, but Colby's latest accomplishment really put him over the moon. As a true sportsman who loves biking and has talked incessantly (since the day they were born) about taking the kids mountain biking with him as soon as they are old enough, I don't think even he could have predicted what Colby would be able to do at 2 years and 5 months old. Paisley has been riding her bicycle without training wheels since August (she is 4 years old, mind you)... and Colby watches her and watches her and you can tell that he wanted to do it too. However, he would patiently ride her old bike with training wheels hoping for the day he was tall enough to ride her "big girl" bike. He'd ask everyday, but Curtis would simply respond "One day, Colby, one day you can do it too!"

Well, Curtis saw this look in Colby's eyes the other day as he was watching Paisley ride. He seemed to be dissecting inside his head how she was doing it all so Curtis decided to remove his training wheels and see what happened. Sure enough, Colby got on the bike, took off, found his balance pretty quickly and never looked back. Oh, sure... his stopping isn't very pretty, but he can ride in circles or straight and even change directions with no problem. He doesn't even want Curtis to run beside him (which gives me slight heart failure). Even I have to admit, it is impressive to see such a little guy riding his bike all by himself.

I'm sure it won't be long before he's jumping curbs and doing other tricks that I'd prefer he never learned.
Check out the video and see for yourself.

Praying for Sterling!

Please keep my good friend, Roger, along with his wife and little boy, Sterling, in your prayers. Sterling is 5 years old and I can still remember holding him for the first time when he was just a newborn. He was the sweetest little baby and holding him brought home for me the miracle of my own little blessing growing inside my belly (I was pregnant at the time and anxiously awaiting Paisley's arrival a few months later). Sweet little Sterling - whom God graciously placed in Roger and Becca's care to raise and to love - has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. They will know more about his condition as they continue to do tests on him over the next few weeks. Right now, it is a waiting game - and I know they need all of our prayers. As a parent with a child of nearly the same age, I cannot imagine the fear and helplessness they must be feeling right now. I pray that they will get strength from all those who love and are fervently praying for them. Their faith is amazing!

God, I ask that you comfort Roger and Becca and lift them up during this time. Carry them when they cannot move... love them when they feel anxious and unsure... reassure them when they are afraid. Place your loving, healing arms around Sterling. Give his young body the strength and ability to fight and to overcome. In your precious son's name we pray. Amen!

2 weeks and counting...

I know I haven't been the best blogger as of late. I have to blame it on nesting. I have been busy cleaning and sorting and planning for when my sweet baby girl arrives. We are at 2 weeks and counting (but remember, I'm always late so it could be 3-4 that we're looking at). I would be lying if I said there were not moments when I thought "what have I done?" - simply because life is going to be somewhat chaotic for a while and I know that. However, I am really excited to hold her and see her sweet little face and get to know her personality. Paisley cannot wait for her to arrive as well and asks me every day when she will get here. I wish I had an answer for her - we'll all just have to wait and see.

Come on out, baby girl - we cannot wait to meet you!