Evan Coloring

Evan likes to color. Here he is coloring for his Mommy's birthday. Evan let me trace his hand for her, too. He likes to say "color." It is looking like he may be a "lefty." He holds a crayon with his left hand and he kicks a ball 90% of the time with his left foot. We will have to wait and see.

Lunchtime Last Day

Evan was so cute today at lunch. He had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I put grape jelly on it. He usually had strawberry jelly. Evan really liked the grape jelly. He said,"Yummy" and fed himself all of it. He, also, told me "Chips." Today was the first time that Evan initiated feeding himself. He was so cute trying to get the spoon into his mouth to get the blueberry yogurt. He showed great improvement as he did it. He is just a joy to have around.

Evan My Big Helper

At the beginning of his stay with us, Evan was unsure about the vacuum cleaner. I vacuum every day. Today, when I was cleaning, Evan wanted to help. I took this photo just as he started to push the vacuum cleaner. With my help, he pushed it down the hallway and into our bedroom. He was my big helper today.

Evan Day 6

I finally remembered to take my camera as Evan was calling to get up this morning. I wish I could wake up each morning looking as happy as Evan does.

Evan in Fremont

This photo was taken just as we were leaving Great Aunt Bonnie's and Great Uncle Charlie's. You can see, Evan did not want to have anything to do with sitting. He had a great time sitting on a big Frog lawn ornament and a big turtle.

Day 5 With Evan

Evan woke up this morning and greeted me with a big smile. How that warmed my heart!!! Evan and I went to Meijer to get some things for dinner and Evan said "Go shopping." I had a snack bag to entertain Evan... chips, pretzels and cheese puffs. Of course, the person in front of me in the checkout had to have a price check and a couple of other things. Evan started to get fussy but thank goodness I saw a flag and redirected him. He likes flags. We went to visit Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Charlie today. Evan always points to the telephone and says "Bunny" (his name for Bonnie). We had fun visiting and Evan gave Aunt"Bunny" a kiss. He is such a sweetheart. I am going to miss him. Tomorrow night he goes home.

Day 4 With Evan

Evan has been so much fun these past few days. He is talking in two and three word sentences. We have a wooden rod that we put in the track of our sliding glass at night and when we go away. Well, Evan saw it and wanted to play with it. I took it and put in the washroom. He said, "Don't. I want it." Is this the terrible twos early???? Just kidding... he really is a very good little boy. This morning he was playing with a dog that his Uncle Zach played with. At church on Sunday, several people said to us that Evan looks like our kids when they were little. They remember how cute Zach and Alisson looked. Tonight Evan got to go to a Rainbow board meeting with me. He was very good.... just talkative. No problem. Then we out to Carter Park to watch Pappy play a few innings of softball. Evan was sucking his thumb on the way home from the ballpark... a definite sign that he is ready for bed.

Day 3 with Evan

We took Evan to the Toledo Zoo on Sunday afternoon. He was so interested in the animals, especially the Polar Bears and the monkeys. We got one of his favorite snacks at the zoo... ice cream which he says very clearly. I took a picture of Evan with Pappy at one of the hot spots to take a photo.

Evan Day 2

Evan's Grandma Michelle gave him a Little Tikes tree swing. Since Alisson and Terence do not have a tree, they asked if we wanted to use it at our house. At first Evan did not like the swing. He screamed a bit. After I sang to him and said "Wheee", Evan started to like it. Today, he loved swinging in it. We have the perfect tree for it. Many thanks to his Grandma Michelle.

Evan with Pappy Day 1

Evan was so excited to see Pappy come home. We had a pizza party on the picnic table. Evan went with Pappy to get the pizza at Pisanello's Pizza. Several people saw them and commented on his curls. Evan is playing catch with Pappy and is having so much fun.

Evan's Stay With Us Day1

Evan came over yesterday about 1:00. He took a 2 hour nap. When he woke he saw the other children eating cheese puffs. Of course, Evan wanted some, too. He is really enjoying his cheese puffs.

Baby in October

Alisson had an ultrasound today. She is having a boy!!!! We are all very happy and so thankful for this little one's development. His spine is closed and his neck is developed and I saw his little fingers. In one picture, he was sucking his thumb. Praise God for this miracle of life!!!!!

Evan at WBGU-PBS Kids Extravaganza

This morning I went with Evan and his family to the WBGU-PBS KIDS Extravaganza. It was a fun time. There was face painting, many jumping inflatables, music, a fire truck demonstration, food, and visits with Ruby the Tree Frog and Clifford the Big Red Dog. I got to take Evan around as the other kiddos went on all of the inflatables. All Evan wanted was a balloon. As I pushed him around he kept saying "Balloon." After asking a nice lady, I found the tent where I could get Evan a balloon. When I asked Evan if he wanted a red or a blue balloon, he said, "Blue." Evan was so happy to get his balloon. He, also, played a game with frogs floating in water. He picked up a frog and got to pick a ball as a prize. He chose a green ball and then threw it. He knows what to do with a ball. Evan had his first snowcone... a blue one. He thought it was ice cream and made a funny face when I gave him the first bite. He did take a second bite and then said "Yummy." This photo is a picture of his first balloon. After awhile, Evan squeezed his balloon to tightly and it popped. I got another blue balloon for him and tied it to his stroller. He was not happy about that. I had a wonderful time with Evan. I saw so many Rainbow children and families. They all stopped and said, "Evan, I have heard all about you."

Evan Tired

We played and played today. We did squeeze breakfast and lunch in during our playing. We went for a long walk in the stroller and then he wanted to walk with my hand. He was very tired but sitll a good little boy. This photo was taken just after lunch. After this photo was taken, I took him outside to play so he would not fall asleep. I knew Alisson would appreciate him taking a good nap. He looks so tired.

Evan Playing

I had so much fun playing with Evan today. He amazes me with his play skills. I gave him a puzzle with pieces that match on the puzzle board. I told him to match the piece. He said, "Match" and he did match the piece to the correct spot. Most of the time the puzzle pieces were turned, however, he had them in the right spot. I told his Daddy that I noticed some pretend play, too. Evan likes to drive cars around on the carpet.

Evan in His Swimsuit

Pappy and I bought the big globe ball in the background for the kiddos this summer. It sprays water out of the top. Today, I tried it with Evan. He did not like it at all. He liked the ball when the water was turned off but not when the water sprayed. So, he sat down in his green Adirondack chair. He was happier doing that than being sprayed. I hope he likes the little pool this summer.

Evan Pretend Playing

Evan was with me all morning today to play. I was in the bathroom putting in my contacts. Evan came in and found a paper towel tube that I had not recycled yet. He picked it up and started talking and humming in it like a horn or a microphone. It was too precious.

Our Big Boy

Evan is just growing up so fast. He has been crawling up on our couch for the last few weeks. Today, he climbed up onto Pappy's rocker. Evan sat and rocked. He looked so proud of himself. Evan is starting to put two words together... "Outside, Grammie" is he way to ask to go outside. Last night, Pappy was mowing the lawn. Evan said, "Awn mower, Pappy". He told me "Evan bath" as I was getting the water ready for his bath. Evan has learned to say No, no,no from Baby Sign Language and likes to say it now. He had an action figure to play with. Evan surprised me by pointing to the backpack and said "backpack." He, also, pointed to its eyes and said eyes, and then did the same for the ears, mouth and nose.

Evan Outside

Today Evan was over for a couple of hours. Just before our walk, I decided to take a photo of Evan by my clematis that is blooming like crazy. It is hard to get a picture of Evan. He does not stay still for very long. If I take too long to focus, etc., I miss the photo. Evan is on the go!!!!

Evan Playing

Evan likes to choose toys from "his" room that he wants to play with. He walks out of the room and says "toys." Here he is playing with a ball and looking at a car. The photos were taken right after his bath. See the wet hair. Evan is so much fun.

Alisson and Baby Bump

Alisson was in a wedding on Saturday. She ordered the dress for the wedding in February when she was just pregnant. She ordered a one size bigger. If the wedding had been two weeks later, the dress may not have fit. Alisson looked so cute at the wedding. She covered the baby bump with her flowers. A couple sitting at our table at the reception, did not realize that one of the bridesmaids was pregnant. Alisson allowed me to take some pictures of her little baby bump. If you remember, I took a picture of her with Evan at 8 1/2 months. Alisson is 4 1/2 months pregnant in these pictures. I pray every morning for God to protect this precious baby and to have the little one to grow healthy and strong. Alisson looks so cute in these photos.

So Lucky and Blessed

On Mother's Day I felt like the luckiest Mother. Our son called and wished me a Happy Mother's Day. Later in the afternoon we had Alisson and family over for a Mother's Day dinner. The real surprise happened at church on Mother's Day. Some people mentioned to me about the flowers. I said, "What flowers?" I quickly got a church bulletin. There in the bulletin was stated that the flowers on the altar were in honor of me given in love by Alisson and Terence and grandkids!!!!!!!!! I was so surprised and loved. Of course, I ruined my makeup with my tears of happiness. I am so thankful to God for my family!!!!!!! I feel so blessed. I just had to share the beautiful flowers.

Evan's Pappy

Evan's Pappy plays Vintage baseball and is on the Wood County Inmates team. This is a photo of their new uniform this season.

16 Weeks and Growing

Alisson had her 16 week appointment today. All is well. Praise and thanks to God. The baby's heart rate is 150. Alisson will have an ultrasound next month and hopes to know if she is having a little boy or a little girl. We are so thankful to God for protecting this little life as he or she grows and develops.

Funny Evan Story

Evan was helping his Pappy get corn for the squirrel feeders and bird seed for the bird feeders this morning. I thought this was a cute picture of Evan holding the corn for Pappy. Right after I took the photo, Evan put the ear of corn up to his mouth and said "Banana." Pappy caught him before he put it into his mouth. In his little mind it must have looked like a banana. Too funny!!!

Evan Having a Snack

Evan visited with us at 8:30am today. Around 10:30 I asked him if he wanted a banana. He walked right over to the highchair and said "Eat." When I put him in the highchair, he said, "Baby" and signed baby. He likes to watch the Baby Signing Time DVD while he eats. Evan ate a banana, 2 Ritz crackers for his snack. He then said, "Cookie." In this photo Evan is munching on a small piece of the cookie I gave him and watching his DVD.

Evan at Rainbow

Today at dismissal time at Rainbow, Evan reached out for me to hold him. Alisson was picking up the other kiddos. As soon as he was in my arms he said, "Ball." Evan helped me say good-bye to all of the Rainbow Lions and parents. He then went into my office to get a playground ball. Evan was happy to have a few minutes to bounce and kick a ball. Remember that I said that he is very, very interested in balls. When I was holding him as I said good-bye to my preschoolers, one little girl asked "Where did he come from?" I told her I was his Grammie. She responded, "Oh." I love being a Grammie.

Evan and His Blocks

Evan got these nesting ABC building blocks for Easter. He used to knock blocks over all of the time. When I build a tower with these blocks, I say, "Wait." When the tower is completed I tell Evan he can knock them down. As you can see, he is more interested in reaching the top block than knocking the tower over. Today when I said,"Thank you," Evan said, "Thank you, welcome." I was holding him and he saw the basket of Easter candy. Evan said, "Candy." When I gave him a Hershey miniature, Evan said, "Chocolate." I told Alisson that I gave him a piece of chocolate candy. He said, "Big boy" today. We played a lot of ball bouncing, throwing and catching today. Evan loves his balls.

Pappy and Evan

It was cute seeing Pappy and Evan on the floor together. Evan joined his Pappy to lie down next to him.

Pappy feeding Evan a treat of ice cream and a cookie.

Evan's New Ball

We walked through Ben Franklin's in BG with Evan on our way to Easy Street for dinner. Of course he spotted all of the balls. I thought we should get Evan one on our way back. We bought him a Tigger and Winnie the Pooh ball. As soon as we got the ball, he wanted it. Evan yelled ball when the clerk took it to ring it up. She gave it to me quickly and I said, "Of course, we do not need a bag." Here is Evan kicking his new ball. Evan really likes balls of any kind.

Fun With Evan

We are having such a fun time with Evan the past couple of days. He is a very good little boy. Tonight, Pappy decided to take us to Easy Street restaurant for dinner this evening. Evan was such a sweetie. He ate a grilled cheese sandwich, some french fries and chocolate milk. Everyone said he was so cute. I told Gerry that I realize now why I eat so fast.... it was when our kids were little, I ate fast to keep them busy. I did the same tonight with Evan. I ate my salad quickly so I could keep Evan entertained and busy. I think Evan's Pappy wanted to show him off to people he knew. This photo is a picture of Evan and Grammie at East Street.

Evan's First Day with Us

Evan is spending a few days and nights with us while his parents are attending a wedding in North Carolina. Evan's Mommy and Daddy are going to get together with Evan's Aunt Laurie and Uncle Zach. This morning Evan's Pappy made pancakes. Evan really liked the pancakes. He ate 2 pancakes. I just had to take the picture of Evan and Pappy watching Curious George together. Pappy is such a good sport.

Evan Visits Great-Grandparents

Yesterday was Evan's Great-Grandpa's birthday. So today we went over to visit Evan's Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa. The one picture is a cute one of Evan with his Great-grandparents. The other photo is Great-Grandpa doing a trick with his fingers and Evan is so interested in it. We had a fun day visiting and Evan was so wonderful!!!! Evan said "birthday."

After His Bath

Here is Evan playing after taking his bath. Pappy and I gave him the nesting ABC blocks for Easter. Evan is very interested in them. Evan now says A-B when he wants someone to sing the ABC song.

Evan Signing

I have been playing the Baby Signing Time DVD while Evan eats his dinner at our house. He has just started to sign "baby." He signs it and says "baby." He is so precious.

Blog Title Change

I changed our blog title to Grandchildren since Evan is going to be a big brother in October. We are so thankful to God for the good report from the doctor and the ultrasound today. The baby has a strong heartbeat and is doing well!!! Please keep Alisson and the baby in your prayers throughout her pregnancy.

Evan Playing Outside

Evan was with Pappy and me for 3 hours on Friday. It was a very nice day so we played outside with Evan. He loves to go outside. Evan played with balls. Pappy was playing basketball and Evan really wished he could throw the ball up high, too. I took Evan for a walk and he pulled his Fisher Price dog along behind him. It was so cute. Evan's Mommy told me that he says "Gammie" and "Yeah" when she pulls into the driveway of our home. I just love hearing that. Pappy was glad to be home on Friday to play with Evan. Enjoy the photos.

Playing Outside

Today is a gorgeous spring day. It is sunny and in the 70's. When we got back from the picture taking "fun", I changed Evan into play clothes. He loves to be outside. I stayed and talked with Alisson and played with Evan a bit.

Evan in his Easter Outfit

I went with Alisson to get the kiddos picture taken in their Easter outfits today. There were a zillion kids at the photo studio. When we got back to Alisson's, I took a photo of Evan outside. His shirt is hanging out.... a typical boy! Thanks to Alisson for getting an Easter photo of the kiddos.

Fun Sunday Night

We had Evan with us from 5:30-11:00pm Sunday. His family went to see the Toby Mac and Skillet concert. Evan sat in his highchair at the dinner table with us and ate a big bowl of spaghetti for dinner, bread, a banana and blueberry yogurt. When eating his yogurt, he said, "Cookie." Pappy asked, "Did he just say what I thought and he spelled "c-o-o-k-i-e". I gave him a small piece of a cookie because we had cake, too. I asked "Evan, do you want some cake?" Excitedly, he said "CAKE!" Evan fed himself all of the cake with a fork and he said, "Yum." I think he may have a sweet tooth. We were excited to see Evan use a spoon when eating his spaghetti. If we had some spaghetti on his spoon, Evan could even get some spaghetti into his mouth. What a big boy!!!! He went to bed so nicely for us. Evan asked for "doggy." He has a tiny silk blanket with a dog's head. We gave that to him and he put his thumb in his mouth and went right to sleep. Evan's Mommy called about 10:00 to tell us that they would be home at 11:00. Evan heard the phone ring and woke up. I changed his diaper and said, "It is still night night and you are going back to bed". He said "Bed. Doggy." Once again, he had his doggy blanket and went right back to be bed with no crying at all. Evan is such a good boy and so much fun!!!!! We are so blessed.

Aunt Bon's Birthday

Last Saturday we all got together to celebrate Aunt Bon's early birthday. We ate at Phil's Inn and then went back to Evan's Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa's house for birthday cake. Evan is watching as Aunt Bon is ready to blow out her candles. It was a wonderful family time.

Evan Came Home

Evan and his Mommy and Daddy came home at 5:00pm Thursday. At 5:30 Evan came over to play. When I held him, he gave me a kiss. What a sweetie!!! I had so much fun with him. Pappy came home and played with Evan. Evan saw Uncle Zach's 10 string guitar. Last week Evan's Daddy played some tunes on the guitar for Evan. Tonight, Evan pointed to the guitar and said, "Guitar." I said, "Not tonight, your Daddy is not here." Well, the smart child that he is, Evan went over to Pappy and tugged at him and said, "Guitar." Pappy said, "Does he want me to play the guitar?" Pappy got out the guitar with Evan on his lap. Evan is very interested in the guitar and any music. I just thought this photo was adorable.

Missing Evan

Evan had his first airplane ride to Chicago with his Mommy and Daddy on Monday morning. He will not be home until Thursday early evening. Alisson has been so considerate and loving and has called me last night and tonight to let me talk to Evan. I miss my little buddy. Tonight when I said, "I love you," Alisson said that Evan kissed the phone. When he heard my voice, he didn't say anything but he did smile a lot. Evan got to go swimming today. Alisson said that everyone thinks Evan is so cute.... of course. I am so glad that I had Evan play with the Fisher Price airplane at our house recently so he could say "airplane" while they were flying. Now he knows what a real airplane is!!!!!

A Great Moment for Grammie

Evan was looking at the pictures on the wall in our hallway. He saw his Daddy and said, "Daddy." I pointed to his Mommy and Evan said, "Mommy". I pointed to Gerry's picture and said "Pappy". Evan repeated "Pappy". I pointed to my picture and said "Grammie". Evan said, "Gammie". I said, "Yeah" and "thank you". Evan gave me a kiss then. That is the only time he said Gammie the whole night but HE CALLED ME GAMMIE for the first time!!!!!!!

Having Fun With Pappy

As soon as Pappy comes home from work, Evan, first wants Pappy to pick him up. Then, Evan follows Pappy into the bedroom. Tonight, Evan stood at the bed and said "Up". Evan likes to be on our bed as Pappy plays a game with him. Pappy brings his hand down and gets Evan's tummy. Of course, Pappy is very animated while bringing "the claw" down. In the first photo Evan is anticipating and the other photo shows Evan's response. He just loves this game with his Pappy.

Evan Water Play

After Evan ate his spaghetti tonight, I thought of having him play in soapy water to wash his hands. He had a great time playing in his "water table." He splashed the water and even said, "Bubbles." Evan is talking like crazy. He says "nose" and then touches everyone's nose. He, also, says "mouth", "ear" and "hair" and can touch those body parts, too. Evan said "sketti" for spaghetti and he said "ogur" for yogurt at dinner tonight. "Bana" is his word for banana. Evan signs "more" and "all done." Today he saw a squirrel outside and repeated "squirrel". I was surprised to see him take his pants off when I asked him to do so before his bath. Evan is 15 months old now. He had his check up yesterday and all is great. Praise God!!!