Day Seventy Six - Caleb's first birthday and incredible heat!

Psalm 127:2-4

It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one's youth.

Yesterday, when Riley decided to get me out of the house, I decided that we should go get Emily and take her to Barnes and Noble.  I called Heidi, and she said that Tom was supposed to have gotten her.  Well I asked if she knew this for sure, and she didn't.  So we stopped by the day care center and sure enough Emily was there.  She was working at a computer, and doing a very good job, I must say!  What an amazing world we live in, where 2 year olds understand computers.

Emily was glad to go to Barnes and Noble, which she refered to as a library.  She ran right in and then ran straight to the children's book section, where she knew just what she wanted - princess books.  Then I finally convinced her she had enough of them, and we went to find Papa and a table.  Eventually Papa and Emily settled on a rice crispy treat, iced coffee, and a warm chocolate milk (her choice).  Then I went and got a few things to read.  And then Papa got a few things to read, and we all settled in with our breading material.  I had chosen a couple doll magazines, which really got Emily's attention.  All in all, we had a fine time reading.  Then at the appropriate time Heidi showed up to collect Emily, who didn't want to go.  But she was eventually convinced of the necessity of leaving.  


After they left Riley decided we should walk around a bit.  That was a good idea, as I needed to get my blood flowing, or whatever it is.  As we passed Gymboree, by favorite children's clothing store, I suddenly remember Caleb's birthday.  So we went straight in, and back to the little boys section.  As I looked through the clothes, trying to find something without words on the front, I soon picked out a really cute red and navy onesie, and a very cute rugby shirt.  Riley was thrilled with the ruby shirt, and I soon found a pair of navy shorts to go with it.  And there you have it.  Two cute outfits, one from each of us.  Riley was so excited that he got to help pick out the outfit.  He usually gets left out of such things.  But after the shopping I was ready to go home and take a little nap.


So then today I took Riley to work and decided that I needed to buy a small toy for Caleb.  What kid wants to get just clothes?  I called Annie to see if she'd like to go with me, but no answer.  Found out later that she just didn't bother to answer her phone.  !!!!  She would have liked to have gone with me.  So I decided I would go to Grasshopper, the lovely children's store on Alberta, right down from Petit Provence.  I combed the store thoroughly to find just the right toy. Not an easy task. But before I was done I was tired, and I found a chair and sat down for a while. But I eventually settled on a toy with shapes that go into holes in a box - a very mathematical toy I thought. They wrapped it for me, and I headed home.

Caleb finds a first class treasure, a flashlight.

How is it that all children love flashlights?

On the way home Annie called (I think) because she saw that I called. I told her what had happened, and offered to give her and Corey a ride somewhere, as it was getting very very hot for being before noon. They hustled, and were ready when I got there. I took them to the Lloyd Center. Then I went home and took a nap. I don't knew whether it was the heat or the chemo that got to me.

Poor Heidi wasn't doing well in the hear, but Stephane was doing alright.

And Corey was doing alright.

The day just got hotter and hotter, and I stayed in my air conditioned bedroom. Luckily Riley came home on time, or I might have forgotten the party. I'm glad I didn't have to bring anything except the presents and myself. The party was at Green Gables, and it surely was hot there.

Tiah did a lot to help organize the party.

We arrived just as Sarah and Zac arrived with Amalfi's pizzas. There was also chips and dip, friut salad, and a quinoa salad. Now that's only an approximation on that last item. It wasn't long before it was decided we should go down stairs. as it was too hot upstairs.

Caleb really enjoyed his birthday pizza. It was from the exact same restaurant that my 14th birthday pizza was from, my very first pizza.

The basement was better, but when it's 106 degrees outside, nothing is too much better. But the birthday boy was having a good time. He didn't seem to be the least bit bothered about the heat.

He spent a good deal of time practicing his walking.

After eating the presents were opened.

Emily really enjoyed her job as next present picker-outer.

Caleb wasn't too sure of the present he received from Annie and Corey - an animated stuffed baby elephant.

But Emily, Annie, and Sarah were highly amused. Caleb did begin to warm up to the baby elephant.

Caleb and his parents, shortly before they decided he needed to get home to bed.

Heidi and Stephane needed to do some moving (as Heidi still had stuff at Green Gables), so Riley and I took Emily to our house, along with Annie, I think. It was so hot we went out to the pool, where Emily wanted to get into the water. I still haven't been able to find to lovely swimming suit I bought her, so I just took off all but her panties.

She loves being in the water as long as I'm right there.

Annie and Riley also got into the pool. Emily didn't like them to get too close, lest they grab her and take her out into the pool, away from me and the steps.

She had a great time splashing Annie.

Finally I decided Emily was too cold, and I was tired, so I took her out and dressed her in a dress from upstairs, and set her clothes in the front hall for her Mom to collect. They eventually showed up and went swimming - I think. Then they all went home. And it wasn't long before I went to bed. We slept in the room with the air conditioner, as it was sooooooo hot upstairs.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety. 

Psalm 4:8