Laughin' time

From time to time Jude says to me, "Mama, is it laughin' time?" It's cute, and I think it's because sometimes we say things like "dinner time", "church time", and "sleeping time". My response to that question is, without exception, this: "Son, it's always laughin' time!" Life is just too short for any other response. The video's grainy, but well worth a listen. Enjoy!:

We love our Chiro!

So...we switched chiropractors some time ago. As you know, sometimes you have to makes these kinds of switches in life when your philosophies don't line up. Anyhow, we're now with Dr. Grigg at Chiropractic Unlimited in Grand Rapids and we love him. He is SO good with Jude. Check it out:

Mama's Graduation

In addition to raising Jude this last year and nine months, I've also finished my master's degree. Jude got to see his mama in a graduation ceremony, and in another year or so, he'll get to see his papa in one also. What better way to send the message that education is important than to value it ourselves? Jude was great - the morning of the ceremony we had to leave for Big Rapids by 6am and we didn't get home until the afternoon. He was very well behaved, and it was such a joy to look up into the stands and see my family, including my two guys - the most important family I have.

Babe's First Trip to the Barber Shop!

We haven't had Jude's hair cut since he's been home for a couple of reasons:

1. I love his fantastically coiled curls, and everyone I've talked with wants to cut, cut, cut them off - not cool. God made them, we love them, and we're keeping them as long as we can!
2. We wanted to find someone who knew what he was doing and who would walk with us to care for Jude's hair well.

Well, we've found him! Today I took Jude to see Paul Frazier at International Profyle Barbershop in Kalamazoo. Paul came highly recommended, and we are well on our way to becoming fiercely loyal! He is clearly accustomed to trimming up little guys, as he was great with Jude (very patient with those three-year-old wiggles). He was also patient and kind with my sometimes ignorant questions, which I deeply appreciated (seriously, Paul, if you're reading this...more than you can imagine), and Jude's looking as darling as ever.

I have to say, Jude wasn't too sure about climbing up in that big chair and he wanted me to stay very close...but Paul won him over in no time. Take a look:

After Jude's appointment, we went to see his Papa at work, and Matthew, of course, told him he was looking good. Then, he called his Grandma LaLa and left her a message that said (in "Judanese" of course), "Gamma, I dot a hurcut. It went gate. Uhm lookin' good. Bye!"

A Bubble Machine for Easter

We don't really do baskets for Easter, but we do give token gifts in celebration of Christ's resurrection. This year, Jude got a bubble machine, and he positively loves it. Take a look....

Still needed at GLA...

The need in Haiti is still dire. Thanks to so many, there's been a huge outpouring of donations to GLA. If you would like to know how you can help, take a look at this. Scroll to the bottom to see what's currently needed.

When Mama and Papa Bring Me Home...

Jude continues to keep us laughing, as three-year-olds are wont to do. And, he's as sweet as they come. We talk about Haiti frequently, as we want him to know about and be proud of his national heritage. We want him to know how much we loved it there, and what a joy it was for us to be able to go there. The other day, he saw a photo from before he came home. "Who is that?" I asked. "Dis id baby Jude when mama n papa bring baby Jude home," was his reply. Very cute.

So, in honor of those wonderful memories, here's a picture from just after he came home. Those of you who see Jude frequently know that it's been a long time since he fit in a sink!