Sweetheart

Mason came out sweet and loving. He is naturally kind and thoughtful. I didn't have to teach him how to be these things, they are a part of his character. Mason truly wants to make his family happy, and he is pretty good at it. Whenever we talk to his teacher, she always describes him as kind and thoughtful, so it's not just my imagination. :)
Today, when I picked up Mason, he had a small pillow in his hand. He yelled, "MOM! I MADE THIS FOR RISSA SO SHE CAN HAVE A PILLOW!" As Joanna buckled him into the car, she shared that Mason had specifically asked if he could make a pillow for his sister because she didn't have one in her crib. He was very proud that he had sewed it by himself, and wondered aloud if his sister would like it.
When we got home, Marissa had awoken from her nap and was excited to see us both. Mason gave her the pillow. She was thrilled. She hugged it tight and gave it some kisses. Mason was so happy and so proud that Marissa liked it, and my heart nearly exploded with the tenderness of the whole thing.
I am grateful for my sweet, sweet boy. I am so glad he came to live at my house.

Last Chemo Treatment. HOORAY!

Last night I got a text from my brother, Brandon, saying that his son had just finished his last chemo treatment. I am so grateful that their ordeal is over, and they can move on with their lives. I am grateful for the strength and love of our family, and the opportunities we had to lighten my brother's family's burdens while they were in their darkest times. But mostly, I am grateful that we still have Austin here with us. Soon after we knew of the seriousness of his diagnosis, I forced myself to come to terms with the very real possibility that we would lose Austin to cancer. There were a few times when I was sure his time was near, but he stayed strong and fought hard.
I love you, Austin! Congratulations on kicking cancer's butt!

Marissa-isms

On the list of my favorite things Marissa currently says:
killy (kitty)
Hernie (Ernie from Sesame Street)
Singing, word for word, any number of songs from the They Might Be Giants educational dvd's, particularly "One Dozen Monkeys" and the science songs. Her ability to memorize, even words she has no idea what they mean, is mesmerizing.
Interrupting any song with the words "wiener dog", laughing her little butt off, then saying, "Noooo! That's silly!"