Sunday, April 15, 2007

Thank you



Without a doubt, I am so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers from the past week--so grateful, in fact, that I posed my daughter for another photo. Yes, it's a posed shot. Hard to believe, I know.

Seriously though, without everyone calling, emailing, writing, et. al., I don't know where I would be. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family to show me there's more to life than crappy diapers.

Thank you.

-- Dan

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Saddest News from Wisconsin

My brother Mike passed away last night, after an incredibly arduous journey through kidney failure, two failed transplants, and subsequent internal infections and complications. His drive and determination through so many physical and emotional insults inspire us all.

Through it all, his wife Sara has been loving, steadfast, and devoted. The bright spot of the day yesterday had to have been when CJ took her first unsupported steps towards Aunt Sara while we were trying to comfort her. But that's CJ for you. I think CJ has a keen emotional intelligence that senses when it's her responsibility to entertain a bunch of completely dejected family members.

Arrangements will be determined later today, probably taking the form of something in Milwaukee and New York City. I will post them here when finalized.

-- Dan

Sunday, April 01, 2007

CJ on the phone, and at play

Yesterday, CJ was "evaluated." We took her to our adoption agency, where the conference room was decked out with toys galore. She met up with her buddy Gabriella, and the girls had a fun time with all the toys while occupational therapists assessed where they were developmentally.



The girls managed to have a good time I think.

On Friday, Meg bought CJ her first kitchen set: pots, pans, a colander, even a potato masher. CJ loves the set. Only catch is, right now she thinks everything--even the mixing spoon--is a phone:



I think the specialists would call this behavior "early-onset teenager."

-- Dan