1 Year....

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Wow, how is it even possible that you are a year old?? It seems like yesterday that I was holding you in my arms for the first time. What an amazing year it has been. Life with you is more than I could have ever hoped for.

We have had such a fun, full month! We took our first trip to the beach. You got sick while we were there. The doctor said you had the chicken pox, but they were wrong! Turns out you are allergic to penicillin! We were so scared that you would have the chicken pox for your first birthday, but you were just fine by your big day! You loved the beach. You tried to eat the sand, you played with your cousin, and you absolutely adored the big swimming pool! You got all kinds of attention and you ate up every second of it. We can't wait to take you back again.

We started Kindermusik up again this month, and it is quite different than last time around. You are all over the place. It is very hard for you to sit in one place - so we spend a lot of time playing a game of chase around the room. But you absolutely love the music, and you dance and smile the whole time.

You are not showing a whole lot of interest in walking. You will try to stand up on your own, but then you realize you are doing it and sit back down. You love to push your truck around, and one day I think you are just going to let go and take off! You are quite tentative in the walking department, but that's ok! You say "uh-oh" all the time, and you have also started saying "mama," "dada," and "ball." I think I even heard "dog" and "duck" but you haven't been too consistent with those! You sign "all done" and you are working on "more" and "please."

You're still taking 2 naps a day. You are just like your mommy - you love your sleep! You sleep about 12-13 hours at night, and around 3-4 hours during the day. I guess you are just a growing boy who needs your rest!!!

Your birthday was such a very special celebration. Your actual birthday was on Wednesday. We went to lunch with your friends Owen, Carter, and Ansley (and their mommies). That night, Gigi, Pop. Doodle, and Grandaddy all came over for dinner and to have cake and open gifts. You weren't too sure about your cupcake, but you eventually gave in and got some icing on your face! You loved opening your presents and we played and played until way past your bedtime! On Saturday, we had lots of friends over for a special first birthday party and it was so much fun!!! It rained for the first few minutes, but then the sun came out and it was a beautiful evening. You had a great time, and you really dug into your cake that time.

It has been so fun to watch you grow up over this past year. It amazes me that you have turned into this little person with a personality, and an attitude too! You are such a sweet baby, and you are rarely fussy. You have always been that way. You bring so much joy into our lives.

We are forever grateful to God for allowing us to borrow you and be your mommy and daddy.

We love you so much!!!
Happy Birthday, Baby Drew!

Mommy

11 Months

Dear Drew,

How is it possible that another month has gone by, and that next month we will be celebrating your first birthday?? Everyone told me that it goes by too fast - now I believe them. You are certainly not a "baby" anymore....You are growing up and turning into this little person right in front of my very eyes.

You are developing such a personality.... When we are out and about, you have to take it all in. You don't crack a smile too easiliy for strangers, and you are pretty quiet. But when we get home or around people you know, you really let loose and smile, talk, and giggle. You are into ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. You are most certainly on the move these days. Your little legs take you very quickly where you want to go. You haven't attempted walking yet, but you are cruising around on all of the furniture and have stood on your own a few times - until you realized you were doing it and promptly fell down!

You have 6 teeth now and eat just about anything I put in front of you. You got over your "people food strike" and now you want nothing to do with baby food, which suits us just fine. Your favorite things are anything involving cheese - such your daddy's boy! I need to buy stock in Kraft so I can keep enough cheese in stock in the house.

You rarely snuggle anymore, but when you do, I relish every moment. Most nights you will snuggle with me after your bottle and I love that time with you. You are now saying "Mama" and it thrills me beyond belief. You love to play peek-a-boo and get a big kick out of yourself for doing it.

Your 11th month will be full of many exciting things - a beach trip, starting back in Kindermusik, meeting some of your cousins for the first time, and a BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! I can't believe it.

Every day I am amazed at how blessed I am to be your mommy. I can't imagine my life without you, and most of the time I don't remember a time that you weren't part of my life. I think that is because I loved you before you were ever a twinkle in my eye.... You are such a joy to your daddy and me. We LOVE being your parents.

Happy 11 Month Birthday sweet baby boy!!!

I love you!

Mommy

10 Months

Dear Drew,

My baby Drew isn't so much of a baby anymore! I can't believe what a big boy you are becoming. We have had a fun month and you are definitely keeping your mommy and daddy on our toes.

You are pulling up on everything and crawling everywhere. You have just started cruising around a little bit on the furniture. You uttered your first "mama" the other day - at the same time that you got your first knot on your little head! You ran into the corner of a door and boy did you cry! And then said "ma-ma-ma-ma" as your stretched your little arms out for me. I'm sure that is only the first of MANY bumps on the head.

You are really starting to like big boy food - peas, green beans, chicken, cheese. You will not pretty much try anything we put in front of you. Quite a change from even last week when you wouldn't have anything to do with any finger foods other than puffs! We went to Piggy's for the first time and you loved the ice cream. We also have discovered that you like cake when you pretty much planted your face in my piece the other day!

You had a very busy 4th of July. We went to a birthday party, the church picnic, and our neighborhood picnic. You slept blissfully through the many fireworks that were being set off right outside your window. I'm not sure how you managed that!!!

It is fascinating to watch you grow and learn. You are full of curiousity and wonder - and I love every minute of it. I can hardly believe that in two short months you will be a year old.

You are such a blessing to me!!!
I love you!
Mommy

Powerful Word for the Day....

I was in the car today on the way to go grocery shopping. I was listening to our local Christian radio station, and the song "Praise You in the Storm" was playing. It is one of my favorites. But today, for some reason, one line struck me and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. It says, "Every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand." What an amazing image of our loving, compassionate, and caring Father. Picturing His strong hands holding my tears almost brings me to tears....

Isn't it comforting to know that the God of the universe loves us enough to hold our tears in his hands??

9 Months

Dear Drew,

What a fun month it has been!!! I can barely wrap my mind around all the things you are doing now. As always, it has gone WAY too fast and you are getting to be too big too fast for your mommy. But I know that is part of this motherhood gig, and I just have to get used to it.

Your army crawl has turned into a real crawl and you are really on the move. I can't take my eyes off of you for a second. You are also pulling up now - on EVERYTHING! Your favorite spot is the entertainment center. You are just like your daddy - you love the electronics! Your two top teeth have come in so you are now sporting a 4 tooth grin. I love it! You have also learned to sign "all done" and even say it in your own little way.

You've grown out of all kinds of things - your bouncy seat, your car carrier, your activity gym.... It amazes me the rate at which I am moving things down to the basement to put away for the "next baby" - a LONG way down the road, I might add! It makes me sad to put it all up, but at the same time it is so exciting to watch you explore the world around you and learn new things every day.

You also found out this month that you are going to have a new baby cousin in December. Your Aunt Amy is having another baby, and it will be so much fun to have another baby in the family. I hope you two will grow up to be very close! Your cousin Braden already adores you, so I'm pretty sure you two will always be big buds!

I can hardly believe that in just 3 short months we will be celebrating your first birthday. I will treasure these moments forever and I am so very grateful that I am your mommy. I couldn't ask for anything better in the world.

I love you baby boy!
Mommy

This.......

...is what I walked into after Drew's morning nap today. Think it might be time to lower the crib?? I'm gonna have my hands full!!!

8 Months

Happy 8 Months Baby Drew!

You are getting to be SUCH a big boy!!! I fall more and more in love with you every day.

You are really on the move now! You decided to start "crawling" this month. Now, for you this means the army crawl. You crack me up because you use your whole body - head included - to get where you want to go. And lately, you have wanted to go towards either electrical cords or Lexie's bones. You have a TON of toys, but all you want is what you aren't supposed to have!

I walked into your room a couple of mornings ago and you greeted me - sitting up! You acted so proud of yourself - as you should be! That's a pretty big feat - going from lying down to sitting up!

You went on your first airplane ride. You and I went to Florida to visit Jen, Chad, Jack, and Grant. You were such a trooper and had a great time. You absolutely loved the pool. I think you are going to be a water boy for sure. You loved watching Grant and Jack and I could tell you were trying hard to figure out how to GO like they were!

You have also learned to clap and wave. It's pretty cute!!! Now every time someone says "YAY!" you grin and clap your hands.

It was my first Mother's Day this year, and it was one of the most special days of my life. You have brought me so much joy and happiness. I feel so blessed that God smiled on me and entrusted me to be your mommy!

8 Months of Pure Joy!
I love you baby boy!
Mommy

7 Months

Dear Drew,

I am a day late on this post...Where has the month gone?? Time goes so much faster now that you are in our lives. There are many days that I just want to make time stand still so I can enjoy these fleeting moments with you for just a little bit longer. You are growing up too fast for me! But what fun we are having. Daddy and I just love to see the new things you learn, and watch you take in the world around you.

You are really coming into your own as far as your personality is concerned. You are CONSTANT motion. If you are awake, you are moving, and you don't want to miss a thing. I have no idea where you might have gotten that (ha, ha - you definitely get it from me). You are also very inquisitive and seem very interested in making things work. You come by that honestly too....you have quite the engineer for a daddy.

You are sitting up like a pro these days and hardly ever fall over. If you do, you are great at catching yourself so you don't get hurt. We got you a Johnny Jump Up and now all you do is jump, jump, jump. I can sit you down on my lap, and you will just start bouncing. Like I said, constant motion.

We celebrated your first Easter and what a wonderful day it was. I dressed you in a sweet little outfit that you will probably hate me for one day, but that's okay. I can only dress you like a little baby boy for so long.... We had Gigi, Pop, Doodle, Grandaddy, Aunt Amy, Uncle Trade, and cousin Braden to our house for Easter dinner. You and your cousin hunted for eggs and he was so excited to help you find them. He loves you so much. It was such a special day for us to celebrate with you, and we can't wait to help you understand the meaning of Easter.

You have turned from a teeny tiny baby to a big boy right in front of my very eyes. I love watching you grow and explore. I love being your mommy.

I love you sweet boy,

Mommy

Watch This - But Have Some Tissues on Hand

Just proof that we are judgemental, critical, and often very WRONG humans....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk

Happy 1/2 Birthday Monkey!

6 Months Old!!! I can't believe it! A half of a year has gone by. In some ways, it feels like you have just been here for a very short time. But in many other ways, it seems like you have been here for much longer. Most of the time I can't even remember life without you. I never knew I could love someone the way that I love you.

You have grown up a lot this month. You smile and laugh all the time. You are sitting up like a big boy. You are quite the eater. You roll all over the place! I am amazed at all the things you are doing and learning.

You suddenly are very aware of when I am in the room and when I am not..... And often if I am not in the room, that leads to crying...which breaks my heart! You cry the most when I put you down for naps and it is so hard to just let you cry and not come and just cuddle you (sometimes I do....). But you are learning that mommy always comes back.

We had a long trip to Gigi and Pop's while daddy went to Mississippi for a few days. While we were there, we got a BIG snow! You came out for long enough to have your picture made. I'm not sure you were too impressed with it.

You are very aware of Lexie these days. You light up when she appears in the room. You grab for her and pet her, and you don't seem to care too much when she licks you all over the place! I think you two are going to be good buddies!

All of these firsts are so much fun to experience with you. Seeing life through your eyes makes it take on a whole new meaning. I adore you, little boy. It's that simple...I just adore you.

Happy 1/2 Birthday - I can't wait to see what the next 1/2 a year holds.... It's going to be fun, I know that much!

I love you,
Mommy

Who Comes Up With These??

So, have you ever driven by a church, read their little sign message, and promptly wanted to scream???? I have a huge dislike for church sign messages - especially those that make Christians look like judgmental, hypocritical people.

Here are a few of the worst I have seen...

Don't let 6 strong men carry you to church for the first time.

Where will you spend eternity? Smoking or non-smoking?

We are not Dairy Queen but we have great Sundays.

Anybody else out there hate these as much as I do?? What are some of the best ones you've seen???

5 Months

Dear Drew,

5 months old today! You are getting to be such a big boy! It has been such a fun month. You are changing and growing in so many ways. I love to see your personality forming - you are quite the entertainer!

This month you have started all kinds of new things.... Solid foods being the biggest! You started with avacado and you have loved it from the beginning. It didn't take you too long to figure out the whole eating thing - you love it. And you come by that honestly! You weren't a huge fan of the rice cereal, but you are liking the oatmeal better. That is all we have tried so far, and you seem to be happy with that. We'll stick with it for a little longer before we add more to your little diet!

You are talking up a storm! If you are awake, chances are you are making some kind of noise! You get that from me. You are also now rolling all over the place. Once you figured out how to go from your back to your stomach, there was no stopping you! It is fun to watch you discover the world around you and figure out how your body works. Your hands amaze you, and you have found your feet this month as well. I love to watch you grab your little toes and squeal with delight!

You had your first Valentine's Day. We celebrated your cousin's birthday for the first part of the day, and then we took you to church so that we could go to the Valentine's banquet. You hung out in the nursery with your friends. Daddy came and got you toward the end of the evening so you could come and dance with us. Those were sweet moments dancing with you and your daddy.

Every day you do something else that just amazes and astounds me. You are more than I could have ever dreamed. And even though I didn't think it was possible, my love for you just keeps growing stronger and stronger. While there are times that I miss you being a tiny baby, I love seeing you grow and learn and discover. What a joy it is to be your mommy!

You are on the verge of sitting up without help. You are about to start eating all kinds of new things. Before I know it you will be crawling. I can't wait to see what this month holds.

I love you monkey,
Mommy

4 Months

Dear Drew,

Happy 4 Month Birthday! I cannot believe that so much time has passed. I know I say that every month, but every month I mean it even more. The time seems to go faster and faster. Some days I just want to make it stop - to slow everything down so I can hold onto these moments for just a little bit longer. But some days I just can't wait to see what you are going to do next. You continue to amaze me at all the things you do.

It has been a busy month for you! All of a sudden you are no longer this tiny baby - you are a little person who DOES all kinds of things! For the longest time, you HATED being on your belly. But one day this month, it suddenly clicked. You lifted your head up, looked around for a minute, and promptly rolled over. It seemed to freak you out a little bit, but you did it again. That same day, you laughed for the first time - a real, true to life LAUGH out loud. I loved it! From that day on, I have tried and tried to get laughs out of you, but they are few and far between. But, you smile all the time, and it still thrills me just as much as it did the very first time you broke into the wide-mouth, gummy smile.

You are 26 and 3/4 inches long. You are almost off the charts. And you weigh about 15 and a half pounds. You've had some eating issues this month, but we are figuring it out. You are very patient with your mommy, but you certainly let me know when you are hungry. You have gotten quite opinionated - a trait that you come by honestly!

You are now really playing with your toys. You grab things and examine them. And then put them straight in your mouth! This month you discovered your Bumbo seat and your exersaucer. You seem to be fairly impressed with them both.

You and I started Kindermusik this month. Your friends Owen and Carter are in there with you, and your mommies have more fun than you do, I think. But you do seem to enjoy it and you appease mommy with smiles and giggles when I attempt to "bring home" what we did in class. You also love playgroup and seeing all of your friends a couple of times a month. I am so glad we met all these great little boys and their mommies. It is always a great time!!

Christmas was more fun than I ever imagined. I just kept telling your daddy that Christmas is so much cooler with a kid - and it really is! We made cookies for Santa, and you even played Baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Service. Your daddy and I were Mary and Joseph. It was a really special evening for us. After church, we went out to dinner and came home and made cookies for Santa. I tucked you in tight, and Santa visited you and brought you your cool exersaucer. I'm not sure how impressed you were with all of it, but your daddy and I sure did have fun! We went to Gigi and Pop's for the rest of Christmas day and you got more toys than any 3 month old could ever need! But you had a great time, and you are loving all your new stuff. We celebrated Christmas with Doodle and Grandaddy when they got home from Virginia and it was another fun celebration.

You continue to amaze us, and we continue to thank God for the gift you are in our lives. It is hard to remember what life was like without you. We are so glad that God thought we were special enough to be your mommy and daddy. We feel very blessed!

I am excited to see what you do in the next month of your life.... Every day is a new adventure, and I love every minute of the journey.

You are the light of my life, sweet baby boy...

I love you!
Mommy

A Hit to the Ole Self Esteem

So, we have a Wii Fit. We have had it for awhile. But I just got on it for the first time tonight. CAL warned me that it would be irritating....humiliating, even. But I didn't really believe him.

Turns out he was right.

I stepped on the Wii Fit board and it groaned. Yeah, you read right - it groaned at me. And then it weighs you and calculates your BMI (How a board like that can do that, I have no idea.....). After it did that, my Mii expanded. Yep. My Mii is now fat - apparently to reflect my current status.

But wait - it gets better......

Then it tells me my Wii Fit age....... 43. I kid you not......40 freaking three. 12 years older than I really am.

I hate that thing.

But I'll be darned if it is going to win....I'll prove it to that stupid machine.

Yes, I am insulted by a machine and have decided that I must have revenge. Pretty sad, huh?? Not nearly as sad as watching an expanding Mii and being told you are 43.

It's on.

2009

Happy New Year!

So, I'm normally totally into the whole New Year's Resolutions thing. I make a list of all these lofty goals that, for some strange reason, I really think I can attain. And they normally revolve around "self" thing - weight, organization, etc. etc. etc.

This year, though, I didn't even THINK about New Year's Resolutions. I'm not sure why. 2009 just kind of "arrived" without me giving much thought to it. And when I got around to thinking about it, I decided that it wasn't worth my time and energy to come up with resolutions to only be disappointed in the end. Instead, I am just going to LIVE. If I make some goals along the way, great. If I accomplish them, fantastic. But this year, for me, loving my boys is all that really matters. Watching Drew grow and change and just being "mommy" is enough for me.

So, Happy New Year, everyone...and here's to LIFE!