Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Picture Day!

All teachers, and a lot of parents I'm sure, know how picture day at school can be. You might think the circus was coming to town the kids get so excited! Yesterday was baby B's second picture day, and I think his mommy was just that excited. The last time he had pictures taken he looked like this:


So tiny! He was only 5 weeks old, and I was so nervous of how it would go. Tonya did a wonderful job of calming my nerves, and capturing his precious little expressions.

Yesterday felt completely different. B is such a happy little guy right now, and he can't go anywhere yet, so I couldn't wait to see what Leslie would capture. He wore a pair of overalls that had been mine, and we went out to my parents' farm. He did great, and it was a lot of fun. I think Leslie also did a great job of capturing him. Here are a few of what we've seen so far:


Monday, June 28, 2010

1/2 A Year Already?

Bath Time in the Big Tub

The Funniest Guy You Know and the Best Daddy

Sitting With Your Best Bud

It seems impossible, but you are 6 months old today Baby B. What an amazing six months we have had! You are growing so big, about 18 lbs., and have such a fun personality. You have days that you laugh at everything, including every funny face mommy made yesterday. I love to hear your deep giggle when we tickle your chin or legs. You have a head of fuzzy reddish hair, and bright blue eyes. You're at the Michelin Man stage, with rolls aplenty.

I think your best birthday gift today was a cancelled doctor's appointment. You didn't have to have your day ruined by immunizations. Instead, you spent the day out with Mommy and Daddy. We went to lunch at Connor's, Mommy's favorite, then did a little shopping for you at Gymboree. After a few other errands, we stopped by Walmart. Daddy decided you needed a toy for the big day, and he helped you pick out a couple. I know you will love both the big ball, because it moves, and the funny noisy elephant. You love anything that moves, makes noise, lights up, has velcro, or has a tag. We went swimming tonight and had friends stop by. Unfortunately, you also had your first bump on the head tonight. You were sitting on the floor and tried to turn around but instead fell over and into the side of a cabinet. That was the first time you have gotten hurt, and you cried like never before. Luckily, you are ok and a little Mommy love dried those tears. We are going to continue the festivities tomorrow by having pictures taken on the farm.

This month you have begun to sit all by yourself, and you enjoy sitting and playing in your room for short times while Mommy is out of sight. You have become very social and love to meet new people. So far nothing really scares you or bothers you. You are very laid back and take most everything in stride. You are enjoying baths in the big tub now. Your favorite part is being rinsed by the hand held shower. You are very inquisitive, and love to take in everything when you enter a new place. You often have an expression of awe, with your mouth open and your eyes staring. Our days are filled with fun: playing on the floor, singing songs, reading books, swimming, and visiting with friends are a few recent favorites. You are loving eating new foods. Of the applesauce, pears, sweet potatoes, and bananas you have tried, the only thing you didn't like was applesauce. Drinking your bottle is still your favorite pasttime, but you are doing pretty well drinking water from a sippy cup as well. A few other firsts this month include: concerts in the park in Huntsville, Memorial Day, Rowe family reunion, Father's Day, an ear and eye infection, swim party, surprise birthday party, solid foods, visit with Mawmaw (Daddy's step-grandmother), a Stars baseball game, having your friend Lily over to our house for a swim date, and going to the Waynicks' (Mom's childhood friend's) to play. The only activity you don't really enjoy right now is sleeping, alone at least. You will still nap in your swing ok, but nights are hard. It takes several tries to get you to stay asleep at bedtime, and then you are usually back up around 2or 3. You aren't hungry, but you want company. A tooth is about to pop through those gums of yours, and I hope that will help you to sleep again. Right now, I have to admit, Mommy and Daddy's bed is the only solution we have agreed on.

We are starting to prepare for your next stages, and our next stage as a family. You want to crawl so bad, and I know it won't be long. I've started putting your play quilt in the living room and letting the dogs explore around you. Wells is your protector and buddy. He is always close by, and even lets you love on him now and then. Soon I have a feeling you will be chasing behind him. Amazingly, neither Wells nor Buster bother your toys. We also bought a big boy carseat. You will need it when Mommy goes back to work, and you stay with Nonna and Miss Bethany. We have also been buying the next clothes for you, because you are quickly out growing your 6/9 months ones. It's so amazing to watch you grow and change, and I look forward to every moment to come.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Oh What A Night!

Tonight was date night! Mike and I met a group of friends at The Station for dinner. It had been quite awhile since we had an adult night, and we really enjoyed the live music, good conversation, and cool patio. After dinner, and a few hours of conversation, we all stopped at Maggie Moo's for ice cream before heading home. We went to pick up B and finally got home sometime after midnight, way late for us these days.

I've been battling a double ear infection for most of the week, and after two trips to the doctor am still in pain. As these things go, it is worse at night. By the time we got home I was pretty miserable. I decided to sleep on the sofa at least until the meds kicked in again. After trying to sleep, and getting up to reheat the microwavable heat pack several times, I finally decided to give up and just stay awake. That's when things got interesting! Just as I finished typing a Facebook status the doorbell rang. Yes, the doorbell rang at 2:30 a.m. I sat here a second thinking was that really the doorbell, and knew it really was when Wells came running in barking. Soon both dogs were doing there jobs as security patrol. I crept to the peep hole and found a lady standing there. She looked like something was wrong, and seemed to be talking to someone else. My mind raced with what to do first: open the door-no, get Mike-maybe, get my phone-yes. I looked out again and could still just see her stumbling around, standing up then sitting down. I said to the closed door, "I'll call for help." Mike came in at that moment oblivious to anything that is happening except the dogs barking. I try to quickly explain that this time we want them to keep barking, and I am calling 911 because a lady is on the porch. As you might imagine, he is a little confused, but decides to call himself. After having to explain a couple of times why he is calling, they send a police officer. At this point the lady is just sitting on our front steps. When the officer arrives we hear her tell him that we know she is sitting there and said it was ok. Mike opened the door and stepped out. The lady asked him for help, said she was here because he knows Jesus, and that people were in her house. The officer called for backup. Mike tried to assure her that the police would help, but she kept asking to stay here. As Mike's trying to convince her, and I'm watching through a peep hole in the blinds, the officer is turned around trying not to laugh. They finally convince her to go, and he will check her house out. She took the officers hand and started through the yard. The poor lady was bare foot and could barely walk. Where she came from, how she got to us, and why she picked our porch will remain a mystery I imagine. Mike could tell from the look in her eyes that she was not mentally fit.

After all the excitement, and now the adrenaline rush, my ear is finally feeling better. Maybe we can call it a night before someone's ready to say good morning.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Surprise!

That describes our week! It was a good week, with some happy and not so happy surprises. We went to the first concert in the park of the season Monday night. It has become a tradition to go every Monday night during the summer, with a group of friends. It was Brennan's first night, and he loved it. We loved catching up with the gang. Tuesday night we went to Sweet Annie's monthly open house night. Mom had a good turn out, and again we got to catch up with a few friends.



Our first surprise of the week came Wednesday morning. Brennan woke up with a gunky, red eye. We made a visit to Cornerstone Pediatrics, and left with eye drops and lab work. Eventually we learned that B had his first ear infection. I would have never guessed that, but he did start pulling on his ear the same day we finally got the results back. The doctor also said his first tooth is ready to pop through, so that may be the culprit to his ailments. He hasn't acted like he felt bad other than a little fussing at night.

I got to enjoy my new favorite hobby Friday, couponing. I started at CVS where I used the gift cards I had gotten from new prescriptions this week and got a few deals, then to Bath and Body Works with their big sale, then Victoria Secret for a pair of free undies, and finally to Publix to snag a few deals. I love saving money, and especially when it's free. This week we have gotten free razors, free undies, free paint samples, and free Father's Day cards. Fun!




Saturday was the biggest surprise of all! Not to us thank goodness, but to our friend Diana. She is turning 30 this week! We helped to host a surprise party, along with her husband and best friend, at our house. Many of her friends and family came to celebrate with cake and goodies. Some stuck around for swimming and dinner. It was a super day!




Today we attended the Rowe family reunion. I have been going each year in June since I was a baby, and today I got to take my baby. It was a special day for my granddaddy and his cousins as well. They seemed to enjoy reminiscing. Another surprise came after we got home. A friend called to say she is preggo, and due in February. I'm so excited for her! We finished the day off with our small group tonight. But, the surprises kept coming. After we got home and were settling in, I walked out of the kitchen going to give B a bath. I noticed "water" on the floor, but oh no not just water. Wells had not made it outside in time, and so I had the privilege of cleaning the floors again. It's time to call it a night, and say goodbye to another week of summer.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Parties, Pools, and Puddles



We've had a great summer week! It started with a Memorial Day pool party. The rain held off, and several friends, family members, and neighbors showed up for a great time. We had done a lot around the house to get ready for our first big summer gathering, so Tuesday was a little more laid back. We planned to join friends at Bridgestreet that night for an outdoor concert, but rain canceled those plans. The week flew by to Friday. I had planned to have a ladies' swim day then, but since it was suppose to rain and many people were driving a distance to come we canceled that also. As these summer days tend to go, it didn't rain a drop! The sun shined here for most of the afternoon. I spent the afternoon working on projects for Sweet Annie's instead. I've made several more onesies, in larger sizes, and planned a few flag pillows. It will all be ready for a special open house on June 8th. Friday night we finally made it to Bridgestreet. It's hard to believe we used to go there almost every weekend, and this is our first visit since the weather warmed. We've planned to go several times but it has always rained. It rained this time as well, but by the time we finished eating it had cleared. Brennan LOVED Red Robin. He was mesmerized by the sights and sounds. They gave him a balloon, and he continually fell back in his highchair to stare at it. We walked around a little before he got sleepy eyes. Saturday was a fun pool day with friends, and then everyone went out for Mexican. Sunday was much the same. We unfortuneatly missed church because of a time change that I had forgotten. My aunt and uncle and their granddaughters came to swim in the afternoon, and then we went to our small group tonight. We started a new study, 40 Days of Community.

We are gearing up for a busy week this week, with open house at Sweet Annie's and hopefully more pool gatherings. Tomorrow night is the kick-off of Concerts in the Park in Huntsville, our favorite summer night gathering with friends.

As I go through each day, I always have something on my mind. They're just ramblings, but I wonder how many other people do this too. This week it has mostly been my job, and Mike's job. For my job, I'm trying to think of ways to make the most of my time when I won't be working and minimize the outside things that could take that time (cooking, laundry, etc.). I'm finding this therapeatic in some way as I prepare for that change. Any tips? As for Mike's job, I keep wondering about some "coincidences" related to a promotion he had interviewed for a few weeks ago, and the turn of events in the last week which leaves the possibility that he might not have a job as of June 22nd. I think coincidences are part of God's plan, so I'm curious what he has in store for us. It's great to know that I can trust my God to have a perfect plan, far better than any I may try to make.

Happy Summer!