Lesson 12

This is going to be another "twin" post with your brother.

I know, I know. A long time since my last post. I know I say it every time, but we've been pretty swamped. Dad had his pacemaker put in, and just as things were getting back to normal around here, he had to go in for his valve repair. That took open heart surgery, and 6 weeks of recovery time before he's getting back into things. Let's see, we got a dog. She was a beagle. She was 7, but she kept doing her business in the floor. Even our bed. We tried our hardest to re-train her, but after 2 months we ended up taking her back to the rescue. You handled it well, Dad didn't even though he's the one that made the call. We've spent the summer swimming, going to the park, and even a couple trips to Paradise Park. We've spent a lot at home too, we got lucky and had a pretty mild summer except for a couple weeks of crazy hot. You've been swinging outside and now that you're walking, you've been running all over. It took us 2 months to find shoes to fit, you have my feet. Sorry. ;) You are all about animals right now. The cats are like living play things for you. You chase them around, run up on them while they're sleeping then come to a dead stop before you gently lie your head on them to hug them. It's adorable. Which brings me to lesson 12...


It's good to care for living things. Even just plants. It's very good for kids to do it. One day, when I have grandbabies, plant them a garden. It doesn't have to be much. We did tomato plants in 2 large planters on our deck and various herbs in some window boxes. You're not really old enough to do much but play in the dirt... you're favorite pastime. Though, you have enjoyed eating what we've grown. Which, after your brother's picky eating, I was hoping you'd be a good eater. Tending a garden helps teach skills. Patience, self sustainability, it grows a knowledge of how to care for plants, and makes kids more willing to try new foods. Right now, our herbs are looking a bit ragged, mostly because it was a learning curve for me, I've never grown and used fresh herbs, but they're great. Much cheaper too, we're going to expand next year I think. If nothing else, $50 will buy you a summer of "something to do" with the kid(s). 

Lesson 11

You were so cute for your birthday party. :) You tore into your cake, just ate and smeared it all over your face. I ended up tossing you in the tub before presents. You're almost walking. You just need a little bit more confidence, you've already learned the walking part, and a few times you've let go of the couch and stood. You're different from your brother, for now anyway, it seems like you don't have the same confidence he had at your age. I don't know why that is, I can only hope that you grow into it. Which brings me to lesson 11...


Self confidence is a hell of a thing. It's something that can't be given, but can be taken away. I was a horribly self conscious child. I was wary of everyone that spoke to me. Constantly looking for the hidden meanings in compliments, aware of people who were talking softly. It wasn't fun. I hope you don't have that experience. All I can tell you is this: When you get older, one day you'll wake up and realize you don't care what anyone but your friends and family think. Then, you'll realize that all that time you wasted being so concerned about others was a giant waste of time and energy. No one cares that in the 4th grade my foot fell asleep and I fell flat on my face when I stood up. No one cares about the time I went to work and wore 2 different shoes on accident. Those experiences aren't remembered by others, they're remembered by me. Those experiences made me who I am today and yours will form you into the adult you'll become. Hopefully, they'll make you more compassionate for others. More likely to help others. Less likely to laugh at others expense. It sucks that you can't just skip to the part where you're full of confidence, but embarrassing situations is how you learn what really matters. Hell, you may grow up to be one of the most confident people in the world, then this lesson will be worth moot.

Lesson 10

We just finished the holidays. I think your first Christmas was awesome, if I do say so myself. You stayed interested in opening packages, you LOVED your red car toy, and you were even able to eat some solid table food. Now, I'm thinking about your first birthday party. We'll have it here, and I'll probably find some place to cater food. You're getting bigger everyday, stronger, and louder too. In fact, there's not much we can do to keep you from squealing every morning at 8, which wakes up Dad. Dad had a pacemaker put in last week, you're so young, I doubt you even noticed anything different. Though, there is already a difference in how Dad can play with you. He can't lift you yet, but he already has more energy and is more excited to see you than I've seen in a long time. Which brings me to lesson 10...

Someday, there might be something you'll have to have "fixed" about your body. It could be a pacemaker like Dad, or it could be something as simple as a diet change. Don't ignore the problem or wait it out. The doctors told your grandparents that Dad wouldn't need a pacemaker until he was much older and only if he fainted. Your Dad has never fainted, but has spent the last dozen years being tired all the time and not knowing exactly why. His quality of life has already increased past anything he had as a child. Make sure you take care of these issues because it could mean the difference between staying inside all the time because you're too tired to go out or having the energy and ability to really enjoy everything life has.