Thanksgiving 2009

This year the entire Bos family celebrated Thanksgiving at the Vallier's home. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with great food and fellowship.

"Here I come!" Olivia's ready for the Thanksgiving festivities.

Olivia decided to dance while the family sang hymns.

Olivia did not want to be left out from the fun. Here she is playing purses with Jenna, Lauren & Ava.

Playing with Uncle Andy

The Ackerman Family

After the Bos' Thanksgiving celebration, we drove to Fruitport and visited Grandma and Grandpa Ackerman. Olivia took a short nap on the drive to Fruitport, so when we arrived, she was rested and ready to entertain!

On Friday, we hosted our own Thanksgiving celebration with the Smith's. I cooked my second turkey, which actually turned out pretty good. My parents and Roel provided the rest of the meal complete with homemade apple pie. Everything was delicious! After dinner, Oliver and Olivia enjoyed playing with Papa, Abuela, and Aunt Amelia. This gave us time to play some rousing games of Dutch Blitz with Roel and Emily. It was a fun evening.

Playing with Oliver

She's a Growing Girl

This morning Olivia had her 15 month check-up.

Weight: 21 lbs. 1 oz. (22%)
Height: 30 inches (35%)
Head Circumference: 45.6 cm (41%)

Immunizations Given: Varivax, MMR, Pentacel, Flu Shot

She was quite upset throughout this doctor's appointment and practically inconsolable even while we were waiting for the doctor and nurse to come into our exam room. She had her right big toe poked to check her hemoglobin level, which I think was 13.1 g/dL. This proceeded her measurements, which also caused her much distress. Anyway, her pediatrician said she is right on track, and at 15 months old her entire world is about exploring and getting attention. We held her while the doctor examined her as she was not cooperative; this was actually the first doctor's visit where she cried and fussed almost the entire time. I guess she now remembers what happens at the doctor's office. She did walk across the room for the doctor, though. She had 4 shots and got a prescription for cortisone cream to treat the tiny patch of excema on her right knee.

My Life at 15 Months

Today I turned 15 months old! Here is some insight into my life:

I love to climb practically anything and everything (up stairs, onto the sofa, in my toy bin, the kitchen table, my high chair).

I'm always on the go. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed, I have one speed, and it's NOT slow. I can walk really well now. I still zig zag, though, when I try to walk fast and run. I get my balance by arching my back and putting my arms out like chicken wings. I can even walk backwards.

I like to dance by stomping my feet and turning in circles. I do this multiple times even though I get quite dizzy and tend to fall down. My Abuela taught me how to play "Ring Around the Rosie."

I like to assert my independence and show you what I can do by doing what I want, not what you want me to do. I can be stubborn at times. I am learning to eat with a fork and brush my teeth. I also like to drink from an adult glass, but I tend to always be given a sippy cup.

I can point to pictures you name, if they are familiar to me (banana, apple, duck, dog, cat, flower, ball, etc). I'm still working on saying these words. Mommy taught me what a dog says, but my bark sounds more like "hmm, hmm" in a high-pitched tone.

I am a good eater! I especially love fruit! Bananas are my favorite, and if I spot one on the counter, I immediately let you know that I want it.

I like lots of attention. I tend to get people's attention by playing with them and giving them sweet smiles. I'm very playful and love to make people laugh! I especially like to be tossed up in the air by Daddy, play peek-a-boo behind the drapes, and chase my cousin Jenna.

I like to imitate and help Mommy with tasks around the house, like vacuuming, unloading the dishes, dusting the table, sorting laundry, and picking up things. I'm good at putting my diaper supplies away after a diaper change, and I enjoy handing Mommy clean silverware out of the dishwasher. I like to stick my foot out for Mommy to vacuum it with the hose; it makes me giggle.

I like to carry things around the house in each hand. I love to explore! I look in cupboards, drawers, and closets, and I like to touch nice things my Mommy has sitting out on her tables. I find everything. Sometimes, I even help Mommy find things she's searching for, but if I don't know where it is, I put my hands up in the air and shrug my shoulders.

I have become attached to a blanket, which I sleep with during the night. Sometimes, I take it out of my crib and carry it around while I suck on my thumb. It comforts me.

I have beautiful long hair. Mommy tries to put barrettes, headbands, and hats on me, but I immediately pull these accessories off! I also pull off my socks and shoes as soon as I get into my carseat; I like to feel the wind between my toes.

I love to give open-mouthed kisses and big hugs! Sometimes I accidentally lick you instead of kiss. Ooops!

Grandma Bos

She was the definition of beauty, both inside and out. She was a woman of God, a grace-filled follower of Christ, and her life reflected her strong faith. She was present in my life since the day I was born. She was the matriarch of the Bos family. She was my Grandma.

She was a gifted artist as well as a fierce competitor. She won a foot race around the barn against my Uncle Andy. Though he denies this account, she always insisted on being the winner, and she had several witnesses that confirmed her story of victory. She reigned supreme in cards. Together, Grandma and I were the original Blues. As my blue-eyed partner, we seldom lost against the Browns. Grandma and I always had a special bond.

From birth to fifth grade, she was my next-door neighbor. Her house became our bus stop that my brother and I created on our ride home from school. She was my safety net, even providing me with an escape route as I ran through her house carrying my bike as Mom chased me with threats of a spanking. Her door was always open, and she was always waiting, ready to play cards and listen to my lengthy stories. Snacks and games were the norm at Grandma's house, and I would stay as long as possible, usually until Mom called me to come home. "Are you going to play cards or watch t.v., Peter?" she would say, trying to keep me focused. Her efforts always came with mixed results.

Throughout the years, Grandma and I shared many special memories. When my family moved from Michigan to Kansas and then to Pennsylvania, she never let more than 3 months pass between visits. She slept in my messy bed with unwashed sheets and used my dirty bathroom when she came to visit, never once telling Mom that I hadn't cleaned up prior to her stay. On a trip to Florida, I remember running with her to find a park ranger after the "Great Water Main Break," only to have her leave me stranded as she took a ride on the golf cart back to the site. She was a trooper, visiting landmark after landmark, especially the Harry S. Truman library, which was a frequent visit when we lived in Kansas. She was always there for me with her unconditional love and support. She was a special woman.

She was my travel partner, taking me on my first overseas trip to Italy for my 13th birthday. Together we figured out the Roman bus schedule, realizing after we boarded that we hadn't bought tickets at the station. Luckily, no one was checking. She was a world traveler, crossing the Atlantic 27 times and the Pacific 4 times. She loved an adventure, and even more, she loved to share the experience with others.

Rome, Italy October 1991

Roman Catacombs

Together, we conquered Italy twice and Morocco once after I was married. We also took several family trips across the U.S. together.

Herculean, Italy October 2002

Sorrento, Italy October 2002

Morocco, November 2007

She was an expert in bartering no matter where she was. She was every shopper's hidden weapon against sellers, getting the best possible deal. Grandma got what she wanted for the price she wanted, and always with a smile on her face.

Fes, Morocco November 2007

Fes, Morocco November 2007

She was there by my side as I married Emilia, providing me with an example of a Christ-centered marriage. Married for 58 years to her high-school sweetheart, she was an inspiration for all. She and Grandpa treated Emilia as one of their own grandchildren. She was so full of love, and I loved that about her.

She came to see Olivia when she was 3 days old. Olivia was her ninth great-grandchild. She was one of the biggest fans of Olivia's "cute face."

We lost her today.

As much as I wish that Olivia could have known her better, I realize that she is now at peace with her Lord. And Olivia will know about her Grandma Bos, just not the way I did, but I will always be telling Olivia and my future children about the legacy Grandma left me. She will always be a part of our lives. As she once said, "I had 75 good years and only 1 bad year." This past year was extremely difficult for her, but she remained strong and her faith never waivered. This was my Grandma.

I love you and miss you.

Peter

The Artist & His Brush

The Master Artist, God, has the perfect plan for each of us, each of our canvases. Despite the imperfections that are inherent in our canvas, His sacrifice overcomes all flaws, painting a masterpiece in His image. These ongoing works of art are our lives.

Some paintings are meticulously detailed, while others remain abstract. They range in myriad colors, composition and subject matter. God adjusts the chroma, from vivid, bold colors to pale, muted tones, reflecting our personalities. Each is a masterpiece in progress, and no two are alike.

While The Artist has predestined the final masterpiece, He provides Brushes in our lives that add their stroke of color. These Brushes use the palettes He provides to bleed His colors onto our canvas in their own unique stroke, leaving a lasting impression on our masterpiece. Because of the Brushes’ devotion to The Artist, He equips them as artists in their own right, on earth.

In my life, you were His Brush. God used you to paint His will into my life. I am blessed that with each stroke of color; through conversation, your love, support, and encouragement, you added to my masterpiece. The time we spent together has impacted me in so many ways. You have enriched my masterpiece in my view of God, love, marriage, and life. You truly were a Brush that The Artist has used in not only the painting of my life, but in more lives than you’ll ever know.

Thank you for teaching me how to paint, in more ways than one, while I visited you in Florida and knew you throughout these years. You gave me devotion, love, patience, and support as one of your own grandchildren, immediately welcoming me into the family. I will now carry your artistry and unique stroke as His Brush into my own family members’ masterpieces. Thank you for being His Brush in my life.

I love you and you are dearly missed.

She's in the Big League Now!

This morning Olivia went to the toddler nursery at LaGrave. Since she is a "well walker," she no longer needs to spend her church time playing with the infants. She can now cruise around with the other fellow nursery walkers and play in the room with the "fun" toys. When we picked her up, a worker was holding her while Olivia was pointing at things on the window sill. The worker then brought her up to the pick-up window, and Olivia waved at all the parents picking up their children. She was happy to see her Dad and me.

Dressed for the toddler nursery

The Blessing of the Children

Today at church, we dropped Olivia off in her infant nursery and then went and found a seat for the service. We left little Olivia crying as the nursery attendant pried her out of Daddy's arms. Anyway, after the opening greeting and welcome, the minister asked the elders and all the young children to come forward for The Blessing of the Children (done every year at the beginning of the school year). As babies and infants were being brought forward, my heart sank thinking that Olivia wouldn't be able to participate since I left her in the nursery. I kept thinking that I never remembered this being mentioned in last week's service because had I known, Olivia would've been with me. I was then extremely surprised and pleased when Peter nudged me and pointed out our sweet Olivia being carried forward by a nursery worker. I lost track of her when everyone huddled around for the blessing, but after the blessing, as everyone walked down the center aisle and the congregation sang, "Jesus Loves the Little Children," I spotted Olivia, heading back to the nursery. For the record, she didn't appear to be crying or upset, but was watching the congregation. I also think she had a wooden toy in her hand.

Relaxing Sunday afternoon after her post-church nap

She's a Sponge!

It amazes me at how much Olivia already knows. Even though she only says a handful of words and many of them are still "baby babble words," she definitely is absorbing everything like a sponge. Among other things, she reads and looks at books, gives hugs and kisses, claps her hands in delight, waves hello and bye bye, recognizes family members, and can bring us specific toys when asked. Here, Daddy asked her to "find Grandma & Grandpa". She has performed this task before with me during the day, and also showed Aunt Lindsay & Daddy on Friday evening. This video was taken yesterday morning as she was asked once more to "perform".

On the last page of her book, "When Grandma and Grandpa visited Alaska they..." there are two photos of Grandma & Grandpa Ackerman from their recent trip to Alaska. Watch as Olivia points them out!

Photo Shoot

Tonight we finally had Olivia's 1-year photos taken. I didn't schedule an appointment early enough in August, and we were so busy with her birthday parties that it kept getting pushed back on my list of things to do. Anyway, I guess this photo session would technically be her 13 month shots (two days away), but who's counting?!? We had her photos taken by Megan Wierenga based on a recommendation from Aunt Lindsay. Olivia took awhile to warm up as usual, but once she became comfortable, she had fun at the park getting all the attention! Samples of the photos will be posted here as soon as we get them. I can't wait!!

Well, here are the sample photos. They arrived Saturday morning on Olivia's 13 month birthday and are also posted on our facebook pages! I LOVE them, and now I am excited to see the rest!