Goodbye Fred

As most of you already know, we had to say goodbye to Fred on August 2. Fred is now living with Granny (Jerry's mom) due to having bit Marcus in the face. It was a very traumatic experience for all of us, and the Lord helped us through it. Marcus and I got to have our first and hopefully only ambulance ride to Children's Hospital. The bite went to the bone and Marcus received 6 stitches under his right eye (praise Jesus - He miraculously protected his eye) and 4 by his right ear. Marcus stopped crying on the way to the hospital and actually started smiling at the medics and nurses. The Lord has given him such a sweet and joyful spirit. Thanks to everyone for praying for all of us during that time!

Already 8 Months Old!

Our little Marcus isn't so little anymore. He's wearing 12-month clothes, likes to walk around holding onto our fingers, and babbles quite a bit. He hasn't said Mom-ma or Da-da yet, but it isn't for the lack of Jerry or I trying.

Now that the weather is warm, we are spending a lot of time outdoors. Marcus loves to walk in the grass barefoot, attempts to eat it (has probably swallowed some pieces), and watch the neighbors walk by. He also likes to chase Fred (our dog) around in the house. Fred normally stays just out of reach and then asks to go outside. What will Fred do when Marcus starts crawling and/or walking?

For those of you that haven't met Marcus yet, he is known as the "Happy Baby." Even strangers describe him that way. Jerry and I were laughing the other day when Marcus had a little coughing spell and then smiled immediately afterward. It's like nothing can discourage him. I pray he will always have that attitude.

One last tidbit - Marcus loves strings right now - whether it be a shoelace, drawstring on a sweater or pair of pants, etc. - he'll chew it. He's been teething since he was 3 months old and I believe all of his hard work is about to pay off. I finally felt a needle point in the bottom of his mouth where a tooth is coming in. I'm going to have to take more pictures before his toothless grin is no more.

*Check out the photo link for recent pictures.