The Things We Do (already)

We intended to update the blog last night or at least write a meaningful piece tonight about the challenges of Morgan going back to work. Clara and Wilson decided to delay those plans. However, the blog has been one of the few highlights of this experience - we love it that so many of our friends and family are interested in Clara and Wilson and continue to stay with us as their journey continues - and we are not ready to quit.

Growing up, the McGarvey family took lots of road trips. Before ipods and DVD players came along, we played games and listened to books on tape to pass the time. One of our favorite things to do was listen to stories told by Lewis Grizzard, a humorist and columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Lewis wasn't a stand up comedian, but told funny stories that made everyone chuckle and were perfect for a long car ride. One particular story (not one of his best) was a spoof on General Sherman marching out of Atlanta and encountering a lone Confederate soldier shouting obscenities at the Union Army from the top of Stone Mountain. To make a long story short, General Sherman continued to send up men to kill the rebel but none returned alive. Finally, after sending 150 men to the top, one lived to tell the story. When General Sherman asked what happened, the soldier replied "it's a trick General Sherman, there's two of 'em!!!"

Putting political correctness aside, I can't tell you how many times I've thought of that punch line since Clara and Wilson arrived at our house. There are two of them and it feels like we're out-numbered at all times. Rare is the occasion that no one is peeing, pooping, spitting up, crying, needing to burp, or hungry, but we're coming up with creative ways to handle our troublesome tandem. 

When Clara is inconsolable, she needs to be held and requires constant motion to calm down. At any given moment you can find us two-stepping with her in the kitchen or waltzing through the hallways. Wilson also likes to be held, but really enjoys it when we sing to him. Classics such as "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad," "She'll be Comin' Around the Mountain," and "This Little Light of Mine" are in heavy rotation right now. You may think our house sounds like an episode of The Voice or Dancing With The Stars, but don't mistake it for an episode of America's Got Talent. We've tried to explain to Wilson that we're better singers with a six pack and a karaoke machine. We've also tried to tell Clara . . . nah, forget it; not even drinking makes us good dancers.

 

One of many father-daughter dances at the Twin City