While I was in Chicago, I took a lot of baby pictures; but since I have been home, I have been recovering from penicillin allergy followed by double pneumonia. They have not been posted on the Kodak site or anywhere else. I have to put them in order and do some labeling. My how the fellas have grown.
These portraits are up close and personal so you can see my fellas' blue blue eyes. I was sitting on the couch when I took the one of Ash; he was laying on the floor looking up. Max had been in his high-chair eating. Time he hit the floor he wanted Granny to take a picture of him. There's a lot more at the bottom of this blog.
Yesterday, Thursday April 16th, I was finally able to walk the whole 2-mile Wellston Trail, located down the hill at D.L. Fountain Park. It was like walking trails in the Smokies...cool, clear, woodsy. The trees sighed gently in the breeze while the birds trilled a wonderful cacophony of music from every tree. The mockingbirds repeated their songs, establishing their territory. You could hear the "reep! reep!" of the cardinals and the sad-sweet melody of the song sparrow. The jays were out in force with their raucous "thief...thief!" Squirrels were in a hurry, rushing from tree to tree and chattering their challenges to each other. It was a wonderful time and place to walk.
I had picked Augie up earlier at the kennel where he stayed while we went to New Orleans. He seemed thrilled when I said "Park" and "Walk," two words he knows very well. I think he liked the outing as much as I did.
Fred and I had driven over to New Orleans to attend my cousin, Cyril's funeral. We actually went to support Marillyn as she buried her husband of 52 years. Cyril had been so sick for the past few years, especially since Hurricane Katrina. He and Marillyn were trapped in their 3-foot-high attic for 3 days with a can of soup and one bottle of water. Cyril was unable to get his medicines. Water from the broken levees were about 4.5 feet deep inside their home. They lost everything. It was December or so before they were able to return to NO and begin to rebuild.
When they were rescued, they were taken to a triage center, then flown immediately out to a VA hospital in Houston...or was it Dallas? That is where we finally found them and flew them to their niece, Merrilee's house in Columbia, NC. That stressful situation, no meds for the Parkinson's disease, and shortly after returning to NO, a stroke, ultimately was his downfall. He had been in a nursing home for about 1.5 years after it became impossible for Marillyn to care for him at home.
The 1000+ miles round trip is not so easy, now that Fred and I are older. We left early Monday and returned late Wednesday. Both of us are exhausted...but we are so glad we were able to be there for Marillyn. Other than a cousin in New Jersey, she has no one. We have corresponded for years; her letters are wonderful to read. I have kept them all.
The play Fred's in, The Secret Garden, closes this Saturday, after a very successful run. He is ready to not have anyone pulling at him...mentally and physically he's worn out!
We will let him rest a little while. Then, both of us must get busy as we plan and prepare for our 40th Anniversary celebration over the June 7th weekend. The house needs cleaning from top to bottom, and so does the yard. So much to do and so little time!
Now, for those promised photos:
Max had been restricted from eating spaghetti & ravioli because he makes such a mess. I took his shirt off and gave him ravioli (with Kelly's permission). He's still messy, but he had a wonderful time eating it...some with fork, some with fingers!
When Daddy Greg lays down on the couch, be becomes an instant gym-mat for the boys. They crawl all over him; all three have a ball. And, oh, what laughter!!
Ash was standing on his own next to his Dad. When he figured out what he was doing, he became very excited, giving an ear-piercing scream!
Max is not supposed to stand on the couch; he enjoyed having this photo taken: I had asked him to stand up and smile. In the second one, he gave me a great subject for a portrait...Mom said sit down so he would not smile. I love the look he did give me.
Max & Ash are dressed in their St. Patrick's Day shirts. With the two of them sitting side-by-side, one can , one see how big the 8-month old is compared to his BIG brother.
Granny & Grandpa took the boys a play tent to enjoy inside the apartment. They had so much fun playing together under the blue dome. Max loved being in itwith some of his animals or a book.
Ash just took his first ride down the slide at the park. After a frown, he gave this huge smile and wanted more. Max enjoyed this little car at the park. The car is actually one of the other children's stroller. Everyone had fun playing in it, especially Max when another little boy took his truck.
Here's two more of Ash. He is such a cutie with those big blue eyes. He is independent, unless Kelly is around, then he is definitely a mother's boy.
1 comment:
Hi there! I LOVE the pictures! You'll have to share them the next time we're in town! I'm so glad you both were able to go to New Orleans to be with Marillyn.
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