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Karsten's 5th Birthday!

A little late getting this posted, but here is some pictures from Karsten's birthday!  We hope our cousin Carter had a great birthday too!  (He was born the day after Karsten.)

Making yummy pizzas for his birthday dinner.

Pretty cool number five with the candles, although it took more than five candles to make it.  This is John Woozier cake.  Karsten wanted a chocolate cake.  When it was time to eat it, all he wanted was ice cream.  Go figure.

Make a wish!

Karsten was born by an elective c-section.  Looking back, if I had been in a better state of mind, I may have chosen the less invasive measure. But that's the past and the Lord knew it would all happen that way, so I don't regret it.  My scheduled c-section was on a Wednesday but I went in late on Sunday with contractions, and so the doctor decided to deliver him early Monday morning.  Karsten was blessed to be born on his Auntie Tonnia's birthday and she happened to be visiting when he was born!  Grandpa Christensen was also here as well!  He got to drive us home from the hospital!  We had visited Uncle Warren the Sunday before he was born with Aunt Linda and I was having contractions that whole day.  We love our smart little Karsten!  Kindergarten, watch out!

A Performance by Dane

I have been teaching the children to play the piano.  We've been pretty consistent, but it's  a challenge at times.  It is fun to see each of the different personalities of the children as they learn.  Here's a little bit of Dane playing.  He is so logical about things.  He wants to know why something is a certain way and once he understands, he doesn't forget.  He gets nervous sometimes when I give him a lesson.  He's so cute!  I ask him why he is nervous and he says it's because he wants to play the song well so he can move on to the next one!  Enjoy!

Seth is Walking!

Seth just started this last night!  He crawled into the family room, stood up, and decided to start walking!  He turned 21 months on the 15th of March. But subtract 3 1/2 months for prematurity, and he's not that far behind in walking!  Kate and Dane were 15-16 months old when they walked, so adjusted, Seth is 17 1/2 months.  Not bad for being such a preemie!

Karsten Can Ride a Two-wheeler

Took Karsten outside today and told him it was time to take off the training wheels and ride like a big boy.  He was reluctant at first, but while a little reassurance and a little bribing, we took off the training wheels!

Blue Roses

After shopping I headed for checkout only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about 16.  I patiently waited for him to realize that I was there.  Then he waved his hands excitedly and
declared loudly, ‘Mommy, I’m over here.’ It was obvious now; he was mentally challenged and also startled to see me waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened with surprise as I said, ‘Hey buddy, what’s your name?’ ‘My name is Denny and I’m shopping with my mother,’ he responded proudly. ‘Wow,’ I said, ‘that’s a cool name; I
wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal.’ ‘Hal like Halloween?’ he asked. ‘Yes,’ I answered. ‘How old
are you Denny? ‘How old am I now, Mommy?’ he asked his mother as she came from the next aisle. ‘You’re 15, Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass.’ I talked to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school, and I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center
of someone’s attention. Denny’s mom thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son.  I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow and pink roses in God’s garden. However, ‘Blue Roses’ are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a ‘Blue Rose’, and if someone doesn’t stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they’ve missed a blessing from God. (From the March/April 2010 Gathered View.)

As if you and I have nothing more to do in life!

I've created a blog focusing on PWS and Alex.  Feel free to come and read!  www.christinastaileypraderwillisyndrome.blogspot.com