Rice, Rice Baby and other tales of triumph!

After our trip to the ER and subsequent doctor's visit. Moo is back to normal! He is now on Nutramigen a hypoallergenic formula that is predigested or something like that. He wasn't too keen on it at first, but with a little bit of rice cereal in it, he is a little more willing. The doctor also gave us the go ahead to try rice cereal off of a spoon. Mattie is pretty good at this whole thing and is slowly but surely getting more down his throat than down his shirt. On the 30th, we go back for our regular visit, and we will start other foods. I have been stocking up on Totally Toddler stain remover.

We also made a trip to Louisville to see Randy's Mom and Grandmother. As you can see, Randy's Grandmother ("Granny Annie") enjoyed a little time on the floor with the Moo! They giggled and played so hard, that Mattie slept all the way to Bowling Green. He even slept completely through a feeding -- and that NEVER happens! Aunt Carol, Uncle Randy, and their new dog Lexie came by. Lexie and Wechsler enjoyed meeting each other. Wechsler was tired from the trip too! It has been a while since he has been on such a long journey. He did get a few road snacks and that made him happy!

Then Sunday came and with it Randy's first Father's Day. We spent the afternoon at a luncheon at Granny Peggy and Poppy's house. Cousin Maggie even made a surprise visit. Moo was great at the party but fussy before Church and when we got home from the Luncheon. We are expecting a few teeth in our future! We think Randy liked his new Calphelon pans and Black and Decker tools! I think he was surprised with such a good haul! Will update more when I get photos back. Moo made it to the big Summer fun fest at Granny Peggy's and to his first swim party! He is quite the water baby!

A Very Scary Day by Mattie Moo

Today was a scary day for me. Mama is beginning to run low of milk and was wanting to supplement with a formula. She called the doctor and he recommended two different formulas. Mama must have picked the wrong one, because no sooner has I put it to my lips then I began to spit it out. Within minutes, I had red and white splotches around my mouth and I began to breathe funny. Mama and Daddy dropped everything and took me straight to the hospital emergency room. As they waited I got sicker and sicker. I threw up and began to get red and splotchy all over. At times I would rattle when I breathed. Mama and Daddy were brave even though we were there 4 hours. I cried at most of the procedures, but at other times I was smiling and fun. They held me and told me I would be alright. They took my blood, gave me a steriod shot, and took 4 x-rays and said I would be okay. I am still red and will have to take the steroids a few more times (think this will hurt my chances of playing baseball?) Granny and Poppy came to town to see me at the ER. I am home now. I have eaten a little of Mama's brew and am resting comfortably. Please say a prayer for me (and for Mama and Daddy) as we look for other feeding options. Love and Red Splotches,
Mattie Moo

Mattie's Secret to Sleeping Success

We have set up a little routine for Mr. Moo, and we think it helps him get ready for that sleep he does so well!
6:30 bottle
7:00 nap
7:30 watch Wechsler chase the toy, laugh raucously
8:00 play on the mat
8:30 wrestle on the big bed -- more tickling and laughter ensues!
9:00 watch Baby Mozart -- wait to see if the plot changes!
9:30 bath
9:40 bottle and repeated recitation of the Going to Bed Book
10:00 Sleepytown!

Of course, he doesn't wear his robe every night, but I thought he looked quite debonair. If only he had an ascot!

Sad for me, Happy for you, Middlesboro!

It is almost here. Phil and Barbara are really leaving in one week. I am very sad, but I am trying to enjoy them while they are still here. I look forward to meeting Jeff and Shelly and the journey they will make with us. I sent them a card of welcome. I also sent a card to Barbara and Phil's new church with a letter of introduction. This is what it said...
Greetings to you, the Congregation of Covenant United Methodist Church!

I feel confident that it is with a heavy heart that you say good bye to your own, Pastor Bowling. He is most likely going to share his gifts and blessings with another church as he has been called to do, as is the way in the Methodist practice.

I too am bidding adieu to my minister, but my loss is certainly your gain. On June 18th you will be blessed with the leadership of Dr. Philip Hill, and what blessings he has to share. Brother Phil has certainly been an asset to our community in the 9 years he served at St. John. He is an inspirational speaker, knowledgeable theologian, compassionate caregiver, and gifted teacher.

I have faith that Mrs. Arnett will be thrilled to have his strong and powerful voice in the choir loft, because he is a beautiful singer. Mr. Coston will be glad for the support and dedication he has to nurturing young believers and bringing others to the faith. I can tell you that Brother Phil brought our newborn son into the faith and brought my husband and I back to it.

In addition to his ministerial work, Brother Phil is an avid outdoors man and fisherman. While in Hopkinsville he served as the DJ for the high school soccer games and the assistant coach of a high school tennis team. His wife Barbara not only teaches a popular and active Sunday School class and coordinates the snack suppers for the Sunday night youth group meetings. She is a chemistry and biology teacher, “hardcore” scrap booker and card maker, photographer, and apple pie baker! So you can see, we are not only losing a minister and his wife. We are losing dear friends.

I know you will grow to love Phil and Barbara as we do, and I am writing to ask you to please look after them. They will be sorely missed at St. John and in Hopkinsville. On communion Sunday when you sing “Here I Am Lord,” please think of us. After you hear Brother Phil sing it, you will understand. I am sure Brother Phil has big shoes to fill, but standing at 6 foot 7, he may have just the feet for the job!

Best wishes and blessings on you all!
Yours in Christian Love!