Holden is feeling better and is having a good week. We're getting back into our routine - which of course was off because of his cold. Now we just need to get rid of the rain so we get back into our daily walks and outside play.I am so happy that Monkey is back in his loving mode again. He used to like giving hugs and kisses, and then one day, he just stopped. He suddenly seemed to prefer head butts and high fives as a way of affection. Lucky for Mommy, my sweet boy is back. The other night, he made a little game out of running back and forth between Mommy and Daddy giving each of us hugs. He could have played all night. And honestly, I could have too!!
Holden was invited to his friend Nathan's 2nd Birthday Party last Saturday. It was in a pavilion at a local park and the weather was gorgeous. Monkey was running everywhere and having a blast playing with all the kids. The pavilion was right next to the playground and it didn't take long for Holden to want to explore this "new and exciting" area. Although he's been on swings and a slide here and there, it was always in a controlled fashion, so Mommy could wipe everything down with wet ones to get rid of the germs. But this time, it all happened so fast and he's way more mobile - so Mommy just went with it and let him have fun. He was fearless. He climbed right up and went straight for the slide. Just before sliding down he'd reach for my hand and then laugh as Mommy helped pull him down. I'd sneak in wiping his hands with the wet ones, and then back up he'd go! I remember telling myself "it's okay", just enjoy the moment.
We were sad to hear that our friend Miss Joan, passed away last week. Joan was Granma Deda's dear friend and had been battling cancer for the past couple of years. We met her several years ago and it didn't take long for me to realize that she was truly an angel here on earth. She came to meet Holden this past Spring. She was great with him and he warmed up to her very quickly. She told me that she asked God to take her and let Holden live. I was touched beyond belief that she would say something so selfless. And you could tell she meant it. Through my tears, I told her that there was no reason that God couldn't perform two miracles! 
I am so glad Holden (and all of us) got to spend more time with Joan when we went to Brevard in August. Miss Joan was Holden's favorite person as she pushed him all around in his little red car! I feel very fortunate to have known such an amazing woman.!
