A mommy blog- just for fun, and for fear of forgetting what life was like when it is later.

Augie 21 months, Becket 2 months, Kelly 28 years, Jeff- 30 (as in old)

What are we doing lately?

We are enjoying being at home, a lot, and playing together. We are going to take Thanksgiving week "off" and just enjoy our family.

We set up all our Christmas decorations.

We are trying to see our extended family as much as possible. We are trying to have buddies over for play dates and dinner about once a week so we don't lose touch with the world.

We are listening to lots of music and playing lots of games. A new favorite- bringing the big foam numbers to mom and dad while they sing the names of them.

We are working on words. Augie has a speech therapist. He is super smart, but talking is coming slowly. Buh for bite, guck for drink, shout shie for outside, lots of babbling and cute sounds, but not enough significant words to make Doc or folks feel comfortable. Talk about the worst and most conflicting feelings a parent can have. There is shame, fear, anger- and resolution, hope, understanding about 10 times a day. We were worried about autism, so much so I could hardly even talk about it with Jeff or my own parents. We're less worried, but mostly because we have come to a point of knowing we can handle anything as a family, that our son is brilliant and wonderful and just plain Augie, and because we are on a path towards working on all he needs. I share this to say that parenting is real and hard. Everything is our responsibility and I would never forgive myself if we didn't do everything we could to love and protect our boys. I do feel a ray of light and hopefulness even with all of this. I feel a protective, primal and wonderful love for these guys. I have triumphs totally vicariously through their lives. I am learning to not just survive, but thrive, love, enjoy all these times. Every month, every day life gets better- more meaningful, more vibrant (take heart new mommies)!



Becket is cooing, smiling, observing. He is such a good and easy baby (thank the Good Lord!). Beck is so good at going with the flow and playing whatever, being put down where ever. It was especially good for my heart to see him in the arms of Betony at church last night- all night. We have such a fantastic family with the Atlas crew- enough to make me a little weepy last night. He is getting fat (for a Cook baby anyway) He eats and sleeps great. We are really starting to know him- he is his own man, a great balance for his brother. I hope so much they will be friends as they age. He seems fascinated with everything Aug. does.

Jeff is working on his book! He will be published some time next year. Our finances and our family are provided for just in time, and my wonderful husband finally gets to do something he enjoys for a living.

Kel is running and schooling and sometimes keeping the house clean, but mostly not.

It is November 20th. We get to have a great dinner with the new Mr and Mrs. Langley on Thursday. I am going to try to make a pie. Our life is fantastic... as long as I remember to enjoy it. We are blessed.