Remember me?!?!

You're probably reading these all together so you really won't notice that it's been 6 weeks since I've written in your blog! I have no other excuse except that we have all been crazy busy! This is going to be a long one, so get comfortable and enjoy!

The last we left off, we were looking forward to your birthday. Well, it was a success! Thank goodness I took off work on Friday before your party, because it took me 2 days to make your cake! It turned out pretty well. I was just thankful it didn't fall over. That was a definite possibility, but thank goodness your Emme is very resourceful and found ways to prop it up as it was leaning over.

Your dad went decoration-crazy and found all kinds of barnyard props to decorate the house with. It was a GORGEOUS day, so we ended up opening your presents on the deck. We were all prepared for a full-out devouring of your cake, but you didn't quite put on the show we thought you would. You really wanted nothing to do with it at first, but once I shoved (yes, I think I literally shoved it in your mouth) a piece of cake in your mouth, you realized that it wasn't so bad!! But you didn't make the mess we thought you would (which I was actually very thankful for!!). Presents were funny too. You were excited about opening the first present, but once that was opened you wanted to play with it and not open the rest, so I took care of it for you! All in all, it was a fantastic day, and I can't believe you're one year old!!!!

During all the prep and partying, we found out that sweet little Lexie's health was going downhill fast. We actually had to take her to the vet on Saturday before your party. The dr. gave her a few days to live, so we took her back home and just hoped that she didn't pass during your party! 3 days after your party we were supposed to take her to the vet to have her put to sleep, but luckily she passed away just moments before we were supposed to go. It was a very sad day for your dad and me. I'd had her for 15 years, and your dad had known her for 9 of those 15 years (and she loved him way more than me!!). I know you'll never remember her, but we've got lots of pictures of you as a baby with her!!

So after all of that, we did our typical weekly routine for a few weeks (with me traveling for work in the middle of all of that). Then came Thanksgiving. We went to Ripley to spend time with your dad's side of the family and then we went to Little Rock to spend time with my side of the family. Everything was going good - you had a great Thanksgiving meal in Ripley and ate it all like a champ! But then you got a little fever. By the time we got to Little Rock your fever was pretty high. Luckily my cousin Preston was there and is a dr. so we bugged him like crazy to make sure you were OK! In the meantime you had developed a rash all over your body. We had a family gathering at the farm and drug you to it, and you were such a trooper. After we got back to Franklin, we went to your dr. and found out you had a double ear infection and hand, foot and mouth! I feel so bad that we drug you all over the place while you felt so bad. Hopefully you won't be haunted by those memories!! Just have happy memories of Mommy - forget the bad stuff!!!

The next weekend we went to downtown Franklin for their Christmas parade. Abigail and her parents came too. We were a little concerned that you and Abby were going to miss the parade because you were both sleeping when we got there, but you guys perked up when the parade started. You seemed to enjoy seeing all the cars and trucks go by, but you got really excited when you saw Santa!! We'd shown him to you before but this time you go to see him in person!

The next weekend we went to the Opryland Hotel to show you the Christmas lights. We thought we'd just breeze right on in and go through the hotel and then go to dinner (at one of your dad's favorite restaurants - Cock of the Walk). We seemed to forget that the Opryland Hotel is a major tourist attraction! We waited probably an hour in traffic just to get to the hotel! Luckily you had not had an afternoon nap, so that was the perfect time for you to take one! Once we got there though, it was worth the wait. You loved all the lights and seeing the decorations. We also just happened upon Santa (and there was no line to take a picture with him)! So we decided we'd give it a try and see if you'd be up for it. And to my surprise, you actually did very well. I thought for sure you were going to lose it as soon as we sat you in his lap, but I think we'd played up Santa so much that you were actually a little intrigued (I wouldn't say you were thrilled, but at least you didn't freak out!). All in all, it was a successful venture! The next day we went to downtown Franklin where they were having a Dickens Christmas festival. It was basically craft vendors and a petting zoo, but it was fun to walk around and see everything.

So that was last weekend. This week I found out that they're moving you up at daycare to a toddler room. That freaks me out more than you turning one. This means you really are getting to be a big boy! You're going to transition when you come back from the Christmas holiday. I hope it all goes well. I think you're really going to learn a lot and have a lot of fun!!!

Also this week, you've decided that you need to wake up multiple times during the night!! We've figured out that your molars are coming in, so I think they're keeping you up. If it's not an ear infection, it's a tooth! One of these days you're going to get a good night's sleep, I'm sure of it!!!!

Well, I think I've caught you up so far (if you haven't dozed off while reading this!!). You've got more Christmas activities this week, so I'll try to do better about updating the blog, so you won't miss any details! I hope you have a restful sleep tonight and I'll see you in the morning. I love you. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Halloween!

We made it through Halloween! We all got dressed up on Saturday afternoon to go to Pumpkinfest in downtown Franklin. You, by far, were the cutest monkey I've ever seen. But the big banana was a hit at Pumpkinfest!! People were stopping us on the street to take our picture!

It was so cute to see all you kids dressed up! We came back to our house to trick or treat at a couple of houses then we hung out and played the rest of the night. This is the best picture I could get of the 3 munchkins all together! I guess I can't be too picky these days since you're all on the move!

Now we're focusing on your 1st birthday!!! I can't believe it's already here. I'm going to attempt to make your cake, so I'll have to let you know next week how that goes. I'm taking 2 days to prepare so if it doesn't work out, there's always Publix!!! I hope you have a fun birthday. I think the presents are going to be a little overwhelming (for you and for your dad and me!), so we may have to ration them out over the next few weeks!

I better go prepare for the big day. It's been the best year of my life and it's all because of you!!! I can't wait for what's ahead! I love you!!!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Fun week

Hey Buddy! What a week. We've got more firsts to tell you about (since you probably won't remember them). We started off by moving you from your infant car seat to your big boy car seat. Don't tell anybody - we're a few weeks early, according to the law - but it's been quite a struggle getting your growing body into that infant car seat, especially with a coat on. Hopefully you won't have memories of my trying to squeeze you in there and you screaming at me!! It's so nice to have you facing me and not facing backwards! You've figured out that you can see me in the rearview mirror and I think you like that too!


The next fun thing was Fall Fest at your school on Friday night. We dressed you up in your costume and you got to see all your buddies in their costumes! I'm not putting any pictures on here yet, because we want everyone to be suprised next week when it's really Halloween. But I will say, you were the most precious monkey I've ever seen! Then of course after that we went to eat Mexican with the gang. We were in a hurry to get there because we wanted to be there when Uncle Jay and EP told everyone the news - they're pregnant! You're going to be a cousin!! It's going to be so much fun because you guys are going to be so close in age. You're going to have to show him/her (I think it's a girl already) the ropes. So fun!!!

Then on Sunday, the weather was beautiful, so we went to the park. We had a picnic, and then you played on the swing and slide. You were a little hesitant about both, but as you can see, you LOVED them! When you start walking, it'll be even more fun because you'll be able to play on everything!!








Speaking of walking, you've taken a few steps! Nothing that I would really call walking by any means. It's more of you letting go and falling into a step. I really don't think it's intentional at all! But it's a start! Maybe you'll be walking by your birthday!!

Next week's going to be fun! We've got Halloween next weekend, so there'll be lots more talk to about next time!! Can't wait! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Week of firsts

What a week this has been! You've done so many things for the first time; hopefully I can remember them all! First of the "firsts" is that you ate your first big boy lunch at school! We've been trying to phase you into table food at home, and you've done a pretty good job (when you're not throwing it on the floor!). So we tried it out at lunch. On Thursday they had chicken fingers, au gratin potatoes and pears. They gave you the potatoes and pears, but I told them to hold off on the chicken fingers. We're not there yet! Trust me, there's plenty of time for them - I'm sure in a little while all you'll want is chicken fingers or McDonald's! But they said you did great and ate it all! You weren't at school on Friday (I told you, you're never there!!), but today you were there and had green beans and applesauce and, again, you ate like a champ! Now Mommy's going to have to start coming up with meals for you! It sure was nice just to pop open a jar and there's your dinner! But, I must say, it will also be nice not to have to run to Target every few days to fill up on our baby food supply!

The next "first" was your first haircut!! Your daddy wanted you to go to the same place that he, Uncle Jay, your Granddaddy and his Granddaddy all went to, so since we were going to Ripley this weekend, we signed you up for a haircut! All you really needed was some trimming on the sides, but I sure didn't trust myself to do it! You did FABULOUS! I was so worried you were going to scream and cry, but you sat there (with your paci, of course) and looked in the mirror and just sat patiently while she cut your hair. We were all so impressed at what a good boy you were!

The next first was your first wedding! Your Daddy's cousin Matthew got married in Ripley on Saturday, so we went down for that. It was an outdoor wedding (and the weather that night was around 40 degrees!), so we were a little concerned about you being there. But your Granddaddy watched you in Anne Laura's dad's house during the ceremony and then we all hung out in a big heated tent for the reception. You did great there too! You were shown around to all of Ripley and Dyersburg it seemed! You and I danced a little bit too. You liked being dipped the best!!

So basically this whole week was a week of firsts and showed us how truly wonderful you are. You just roll with the punches and enjoy whatever we bring your way! I couldn't ask for a more precious child!

Speaking of precious, you're quietly sleeping right now, so I'm going to do the same! I hope you have wonderfully sweet dreams, and I'll see you in the morning. I love you!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Fun Fall Stuff

Hey Pumpkin! You've had quite a fall festival-filled couple of weekends! Last weekend we went to the Country Ham Festival with Uncle Jay and EP. You saw your first petting zoo. We're not quite ready to actually pet the dirty animals just yet (or Mommy isn't, I should say!). But you had a good time looking at the animals.

Then your Emme and Papa came by on their way home from Destin. They spent a couple of nights and kept you one day so you guys could get a good visit. Sometimes I wonder if you've actually had a full week at daycare since you started! I don't mind; I just find it funny!

We did our usual Mexican Friday night with the gang. Then on Saturday your dad and I bought your new car seat! It seems so big, but you're definitely outgrowing the infant car seat we have now. It'll be a couple of weeks before we actually put you in it, but we're ready! It's going to be a whole new world for you when you can face forward and see me while we're in the car!

Saturday night we went to Uncle Jay and EP's and watched the Cardinals game. It was a big playoff game so we all had to wear our Cardinals gear.

As you can see, you were cheering really hard, but they didn't pull it off. But we had a good time anyway.

Then on Sunday we went to Gentry Farms. They had some animals, hayrides, a corn maze and lots of activities for kids. You were just a little too small to do the activities but you didn't seem to mind just watching. Since Abigail's the only baby walking, she tried everything out for you guys. Next year, it'll be a different story!! We did have lots of photo opps though!

As you can see, it's been a busy weekend, so I'm exhausted. I'm off to bed. Sweet dreams and I'll see you in the morning. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Been a while

It may not seem like it as you read these one after the other, but I've slacked off the past couple of weeks and haven't written! Well, not exactly "slacked off," let's call it "being busier than a one-armed coat hanger!" It all started off when you threw up on me first thing in the morning a couple of Sundays ago. From there it just went downhill! We took you to the doctor on Monday and he said you had another ear infection and the fever probably caused the vomiting. Whew, we thought - we really didn't want to get a stomach virus. You still weren't eating right by Monday night, so your Granddaddy and KK came up to watch you so I could go to work. Well, Wednesday I went to work and immediately came home because I had a stomach bug. Then a few hours later, here comes your dad, home with a stomach bug. Then the next day your KK gets it. Then your Uncle Jay and EP get it!!! (So now I'm wondering if the dr. got it too!). Fun week! Things have been better since, and thank goodness, because we had a lot going on.

I had a girls weekend at the lake with my bunko friends, so you, your dad, your Granddaddy, KK, Uncle Jay and EP went to Pickwick for the weekend. I definitely missed you, but it was nice to be around the girls! From what I hear, you guys had a good time too. Then this week I had to go to Salt Lake City for work so I had to leave you again for 2 days! That was hard. I just remember lying in bed thinking how physically far away from you I was and that made me so sad! But I'm back now and laying kisses on you constantly (you probably wished I had stayed!!). Your dad took good care of you while I was gone though. He took you to school and picked you up from school. Then he took the day off, so you both could have a guys day together. How cute is that?!

As far as tricks, you can stand on your own, but you just don't seem comfortable trying to walk. Anytime you think you might be starting to walk, you drop to your knees and crawl away! You've also started clicking with your tongue - I have no idea where you learned that, but it's really cute!

You also do the cutest thing with your chin - you stick it out and I tickle you under your neck. You think that's so funny. Here's how cute it is...

Isn't that precious!?! I think so!

We've got another busy weekend. We're going to the Country Ham Festival (!) tomorrow and then the gang's coming over tomorrow night for your Uncle Jay's birthday. Then your Emme and Papa are coming Sunday on their way back from Destin. So get lots of sleep - we're going to need it!!! I'll see you in the morning.
Kiss Kiss from Mommy

Busy Bee

Whew, have we been busy this past week and a half! Let's see if I can remember everything. Friday night we had dinner with Miss Kristi and Miss Carrie and Chase. Then Saturday we went to Abigail's first birthday party! Can you believe she's already one!!?! And you're next! You had a good time playing in her playroom with all of her thousands of toys! We took the cutest picture of you guys...

... and then about 2 seconds later, you took a nose dive into the ground! That was not fun! Looking at the picture now, it doesn't seem nearly as far as it is in the replays in my head!

Then this past week you had zoo day at school. The Nashville Zoo brought a few animals to daycare and showed them to the kids. I came to watch your reaction to the animals, but you really could have cared less! (And I don't blame you - there are WAY more interesting animals to see than a turtle and a possum! I'll show you a possum on the side of the road next time we're out!).

Your Emme and Papa came up to watch you on Wednesday, so your dad and I could go see a play. That was a real treat for us! Then on Thursday we drove to Little Rock for the weekend. You got to see lots of family - TJ, Kevin, Sarah, your Granddad, Meemo and Beepo.

I just can't get over at the new tricks your learning every day. You started clapping, you're standing up by yourself for longs period of time and sometimes you wave. It just seems like all of a sudden you picked these things up. What's next - algebra!?!?

That's all for the update right now. You're sleeping and I need to get some things done. I hope you have a good night's sleep (and by you, I really mean you AND me!). I love you!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Well, we've had a good weekend and week. Friday night you played with KK and Granddaddy while Mommy got some girl time! You shopped with me and the girls almost all day Saturday and you were such a trooper! They were so impressed how you were so good and didn't fuss at all. Thanks for being so precious!!! Then Saturday night you and Daddy hung out while the girls went to a concert. You guys watched the Titans and you looked SOOO adorable in your matching shirts!!

We keep adding food to your growing diet! This week we tried some okra! I realized afterward that I probably should have put some water in with it when I pureed it. You weren't quite sure what to do with it because it was so thick. Check out the video and you'll see what I mean! I'm not sure if you really liked it or not, but we'll try it again to make sure. I know that when you're old enough to eat it fried, you're going to LOVE it!

Then Sunday night we went to our last Carnton concert. It was absolutely packed! The weather was perfect, so I guess everyone had the same idea that we did! You did so good hanging out and playing. It was kind of hectic so you didn't really play a lot with Abigail or Ellie. But you'll have plenty of time to do that this weekend at Abigail's 1st birthday party! Can you believe it, she's already one. And then you'll be next! I've already started working on it - I can't wait!!!

You had your 9-month pictures taken this week (yes, we're a month behind, but that's OK). You were in a great mood and they got some really good pictures. I can't wait to get those back! This weekend is Labor Day weekend so we have 3 days together - I can't wait!! We're going to have dinner with Kristi on Friday night and then it's Abigail's party on Saturday!! Then next week your Emme and Papa are coming in town for one night and then we're all going to Little Rock! It's gonna be busy - but lots of fun! I'll tell you all about it next week! I love you lots!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Sleepy

I'm so sleepy!! Why aren't you sleeping at night!?! Is it the multitude of teeth you have coming in (don't tell Miss Nicole - she'll be so jealous!). Is it the exzema on your lower back? Is it that you just want to crawl all the time? Are you getting the cold that I have? I don't know, but I wish we could figure it out!

Other than the sleeping thing, you're having a ball! We've tried lots of new foods this week. Some you liked and some, well, not so much! Canteloupe - you liked at first, but then it lost it's appeal. I personally don't like canteloupe so I can understand if you don't like it! Mashed potatoes - you didn't really love those either! Now that's surprising! What's even more surprising is that you loved eggplant!!! That's a keeper for sure!

You were in your first car accident this week. Nothing serious. Someone rear-ended us. I think you were more irritated that you had to stay in your car seat while we got everything sorted out, than anything else! Hopefully that will be your one and only experience with car accidents!

You're really catching on to finding the light! You've even started to point! It's SO cute!! You're getting so big, I just can't believe it!

Your KK and Granddaddy came up yesterday to see you, so they're going to take care of you tonight and tomorrow while Mommy plays with her friend Miss Lisa who's coming up from Atlanta. Yes, Mommy has friends too, but she doesn't get to play with them like she used to. But that's OK, I'd rather play with you any day!!!! So we're going to miss Mexican tonight with the gang, but you'll get to see them on Sunday for the last Carnton concert of the year! Hopefully I'll have some pictures of that to post next week.

I hope you're having a good day with KK and Granddaddy. I think you're going to lunch with Uncle Jay so I hope you're on your best behavior!! I'll see you in a little while. I love you!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

New Toy (Mine, not yours!)

Yes, Mommy got a new toy! (I can have toys too, you know!!). Actually it's really for your benefit. For my birthday, your Emme got me a baby food maker - it steams and purees whatever we want so you can have homemade food! So all day Sunday I steamed and pureed my heart out - asparagus, apples, apricots, carrots (can you tell I'm starting at the beginning of the alphabet and working my way down?!). And you actually ate it (separately, not all pureed together!). I was so tempted to try some salmon, but I just can't muster up the nerve to puree salmon (yuck!!). So hopefully I'll continue this process. I have figured out though that it's still easier (and cheaper) to buy the jar food. So I'm going to continue to make yours but only for foods that don't come in the jars (like asparagus and whatever else comes after C that I haven't gotten to on the list!). So get ready, new foods are coming your way!

Trick of the week: We're working on pointing to lights. You've got it down in some areas of the house, but when we go somewhere different, I think it's a little confusing. As long as you look up when I ask where the light is, I consider that a success!

We have a low-key weekend planned because the next 5 or 6 are going to be crazy with weddings and trips and visitors! So enjoy this relaxing weekend! See you in a little bit. I love you!!! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Guess what! You have an ear infection! Suprise, surprise! This time we didn't even know it. We went to the dr. for your 9-month checkup, and he found it! You must be so used to them by now, that they don't phase you anymore - you poor thing!

And we've introduced you to meats! Get excited! So far you've only had chicken, but you've gobbled it up! (I guess I should've saved that statement for when you started eating turkey!). Your Emme bought me a baby food cooker/processor for my birthday, so I MAY attempt to make your food. This should be interesting. We'll give it a try and see how it goes.

Speaking of my birthday, you sent me some really pretty flowers for my birthday. You're so sweet! I asked your dad where you got the money and he said from your college savings account. You better not be digging in that fund for toys and candy!!!! I'm going to have to introduce you to Dave Ramsey pretty soon - he'll teach you how to save money! 'Cause by the time you go off to college, it'll probably cost as much as our house! Daddy better work on that money tree in the backyard!

Hope you're having a good day at school. I'll see you in a little bit. I love you! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Please don't cry!

Hey big guy! You've had a really good week. Done lots of crawling and talking up a storm. You had cartoon t-shirt day at school this week, so your daddy had to go buy you a t-shirt! He got you a cute Tom & Jerry t-shirt (and of course, found a Ghostbusters t-shirt for himself)!

We've nixed your late afternoon naps and, voila, you're going to sleep earlier and sleeping just as long! We probably should have been doing this a long time ago, but we just weren't smart enough to figure it out! I sure wish you came with instructions!!

Unfortunately, what I've been reading about (and thinking for sure that that wouldn't happen) has happened. Separation anxiety has kicked in! For the past 2 days you've cried when I dropped you off at daycare. Can I tell you how heart wrenching that is!?!? I want to keep running back to you, but I know I need to be strong and let you learn on your own that it's OK and I'll be back to get you soon. I've got to figure out some kind of routine that hopefully make this easier (again, an instruction manual would come in SO handy right about now!). Miss Jennifer is really good though about distracting you with toys to make it easier on both of us!

That's about it for now. You Emme and Papa are coming to see you for the weekend! I'll tell you all about it next week. See you soon. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Crawling Machine

Yes - you are as the title says, a crawling machine! Just in the past week, you've gone from traveling just a few inches to going from room to room. Your poor legs and knees were almost raw tonight from crawling so much!

You've had so many visitors this past week. Your Emme and Papa came to stay with you Wednesday night and Thursday night and then your KK and Granddaddy came up Friday and left today. You've amazed them all with your traveling skills! Unfortunately you also scared us a little Thursday night with a terrible case of excema on your bottom. So along with the ringworm on your bottom you had this terrible rash. We paid yet another visit to the doctor on Friday morning and he gave us the diagnosis. We're hoping this will be a temporary thing and you won't have to worry about it once you're out of diapers. So now we're putting all kinds of ointments on your poor little bottom. And what used to be your favorite spot (the changing table) has now become a dreaded destination! I think it's partly because of how painful your bottom feels and partly that you don't want to be confined to one spot anymore!

Your dad and I spent Saturday night in Nashville to celebrate our 5th anniversary while your KK and Granddaddy watched you. We had a great time, but it's just so hard to leave you! I know one of these days I'm going to have to spend more than one night away from you, but I just can't imagine it right now. I would just miss your cute little face too much!!

You're sleeping peacefully right now, so I'm going to try to get a few things done around here and then go to bed. I'll see you in the morning. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

1st Morris Family Reunion

Hey Bud! You've had a busy couple of weeks. I didn't write last week because we were in Arkansas for your first Morris Family Reunion! They're usually a lot of fun, but they were even more fun this year because you were there! We drove down to Lake DeGray on Thursday and so started our weekend of family and fun! You got to meet ALL kinds of cousins, young and old. Friday we played in the lake with everyone, and I think you had a blast. You and your cousin Ben actually had the same float. It was pretty cute! He's just one month younger than you are, so I'm sure you guys are going to have lots of fun at future reunions!

We had a catfish dinner Friday night and your KK took care of you and put you to bed while she let me and your dad play games with everyone. She's so sweet! Then on Saturday you and I went to Little Rock so we could see my side of the family. You got to have lunch with Emme, Papa, Jimmy, TJ, Kevin, Sarah, Ruthie and Aunt Edith and you met Emme's cousins Diana and Philo. Watch out for Philo - he's a character - but we love him anyway! Then you went to see your Granddad and Meemo and Beepo. They loved to watch all of the new things you can do like crawl backwards and stand up (holding on to things, of course!). Another thing you've started doing is pointing! That's so fun to see you point at things and push things around with your finger. Unfortunately you've also found something else you can do with your finger!!

Saturday night we came back to Lake DeGray and had a BBQ dinner with everyone and then went to bed. I think we were all tired after the big weekend. One thing I haven't mentioned yet is that on our way out of town Miss Nicole called me and said that Abigail had chicken pox!! She was SO worried that Abigail had been contagious on our last Mexican night out. So all weekend we were checking you for fever or spots. But luckily I think you've made it through unscathed! (Knock on wood!). However, you do have a lovely case of ringworm on your bottom right now!!!

Your uncle Jay has coined a new name for you - it's more of a phrase really. You're now Ry Ry (fill in whatever you're doing) guy. For example, on our trip he bought you a little red Razorback frisbee and you loved it and wouldn't put it down. So he called you Ry Ry Frisbee guy. So now it's stuck - you've been Ry Ry Whiny Guy, Ry Ry Silly Guy and anything else we can come up with. I'll be interested to see if we're still calling you that when you're a teenager!!

You've done SOOO good at sleeping this week. I think the key is that you've started rolling over and sleeping on your stomach. That's probably how you've wanted to sleep this whole time, but I've been trying to follow the rules and make you sleep on your back. Now that you can maneuver yourself around, I guess you're showing me who's in charge!!

One last thing I have to tell you is that last night you did the FUNNIEST thing. Your dad had some fresh corn and he was outside chopping the ends off of with a knife, Everytime he whacked that corn with the knife, you BUSTED out laughing. And not just a chuckle, it was a hearty laugh. He finally ran out corn, so he just pretended like he was doing it and you still laughed! We still haven't figured out why that was so funny! I wish you could tell us!

That's all I have for now. I'm sure there'll be lots more stories next week! See you in a little while. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

No News

Hey big guy! I don't have much to share this week. It's been a quiet one. The most eventful thing we've done is go see your new cousin George last night. He's 4 weeks old and just now weighs as much as you did when you were born!! You weren't too impressed with George, but you sure did like their dog! I wasn't sure if you'd recognize a Golden Retriever as a "doggie" since all you've seen before is Lexie, but I think you figured it out!

I think you're getting another bottom tooth! You've been sleeping pretty well the past couple of nights so hopefully if you are getting this tooth the painful part is over! Let's keep it up, OK?!

Not much else to tell for this week's update. See you in a little while. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Summer Fun

Thank goodness you like the summer as much as we do (at least I think you do!). You've been having lots of fun over the past 2 weekends playing with friends. Last weekend you went to Ms. Dana and Mr. Porter's house for a cookout. There were tons of kids there but most of them were a little bit older than you. I was more nervous than you were about you getting hurt, but everything was fine!

Then this past weekend we went to Mr. Jason and Ms. Stephanie's for our Mexican night. Then we had them over with Uncle Jay for 4th of July. I had bought you one pool but when we got it home we figured out that it had sprayers all over it and there was nowhere to sit without getting sprayed so your dad got you a regular pool! You and Ellie played in both of them, and you both seemed to like them!

Believe it or not, I think we may have found a food that you don't like! I tried to give you some avocado today and well, let me just say, your gag reflexes are working! I've never seen you physically gag before, but I saw it today!! I'm thinking that once we can put some tomatoes and onions with those avocados, you'll really enjoy them!! But we'll wait on that!

You're really doing well at standing up while holding onto things. You're not really taking any steps but your legs are really strong and you can stand for a long time without falling!

I know I keep saying how close you are to crawling, but you really are! You're kind of doing a military crawl, but instead of going forward you go backwards!! It's pretty funny.

(As you can tell, I've learned how to add pictures, so your future blogs should be a lot more interesting!). Talk to you next week. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Who needs milk when there's food?

Yes, the title says it all. I think you've decided now that food is so much better than milk! But I can't really blame you. Drinking milk for every meal would be pretty boring once you've tasted the goodness of peas and brown rice all mashed together to make a lovely soupy mess!! But really, I can understand how milk would get boring. All of this to say that we have to hide food from you while we're feeding you your bottle or you throw a fit for the real food! And you're really not picky about your food - green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, apricots, bananas, pears, mango - you like it all! We'll see how long that lasts!

Also, I must add that almost a week with your grandparents has shed some light on what I have to look forward to. This week you have refused to hold your own bottle and your sleeping has been all out of whack. I think we've finally gotten the bottle thing working but we're still working on getting you to at least sleep a little while on your own! I love our rocking chair and all, but I'd prefer not to spend my entire night sleeping in it!!! But I have to admit I don't mind snuggling with you at all. I know it won't last long, so I'm definitely taking advantage of it!

You had water day today at school, so I can't wait to hear how it went. I'll fill you in next week. Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Little Rock Bound

Hello traveling man! We've had quite a busy week! I think where we left off, you were going to have water day at school. Well, the weather didn't cooperate so they ended up not having it. They do it every week, so you'll have a chance this week.

Last Wednesday, you and I packed up (you weren't much help though) and drove to Little Rock. Thankfully, Miss Nicole rode with us to Memphis. You slept most of the way, but it was nice to have someone to talk to on that long stretch. You did fine on the last leg from Memphis to Little Rock. Let me tell you, you were the hit of Little Rock! Of course your Emme and Papa were so glad to see you. And Sarah came by to see you Thursday at lunch. Then you got to go by your granddad's (he still hasn't picked a name yet!) office. He's just about the only man in the office so you were oohed and aahed over by all of the women in his office! You could tell how proud he was of you too by the way he just gushed over you! Then we went over to Meemo and Beepo's so they could gush over you too! They just couldn't get over how big you were. Their dog Riley was not very impressed with you though. You stole all of the attention that he usually gets!

Then on Friday, we had lunch with Miss Lori and Miss Kay (I know, you need to give Daddy a hard time for not taking you on guy lunches - it's always a girls lunch that you get dragged to!). Then I left to go to Hot Springs for the weekend with my college girlfriends. You actually got to come by and visit us Saturday morning (and hang out with the girls again!). You had dinner Saturday night with Uncle Jimmy and Kevin at US Pizza. (If you don't like US Pizza when you get older, we'll have to do some kind of DNA test on you because there's no way my child couldn't love US Pizza!!!) Then Sunday we headed back to Franklin. We met KK and Granddaddy about halfway there and they came to Franklin for Father's Day and to hang out with you. We got to take home your teddy bear quilt that all of your relatives made you. It's the most precious thing I've ever seen!! I hope you treasure it when you get older - a lot of work and love went into it.

We're just waiting for you to crawl now. It's going to happen any minute, I know! You try to reach for things and get over on your stomach but you just haven't quite figured out that you can move to get those things that are out of your reach. We'll keep working on it though! That's all for now. See you in a little while! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Fun at school!

Hey Bud! You've had a good week this week. Nothing too crazy - I think we're all trying readjust to getting back into the groove. You've had some exciting days at daycare this week. Wednesday was pajama day! You got to wear your cute pjs all day - I was so jealous! I wish I could wear pjs to work! I think I'd be much more productive! And today is water day. You're supposed to be going outside and playing in the sprinklers today! I'll be interested to see how that went this afternoon when I pick you up. I'm sure you loved it since you loved the water in Florida (well, not the ocean water, but the pool water!). We don't have a busy weekend planned which is good! We're having our usual Mexican tonight with the gang. We may try to take you to the neighborhood pool this weekend, but we'll have to see how that goes! We're headed to Little Rock next Thursday so I can have a girls weekend with my college friends. You're going to get to see lots of family! They're SOOO excited to see you and how you've grown. They're going to amazed at all of your tricks - especially if you start crawling soon! It's just a matter of time before that happens! I'll see you in a little while! Kiss Kiss from Mommy!

Beach Bum

Well, we're back from the beach. What a trip! We had to haul a trailer to fit all of the luggage and baby stuff for the 8 adults and 3 babies! Your dad drove our SUV with the trailer and did a great job! Everything made it there in one piece - including us! You were really good in the car too - I can't complain! I think you really liked being in Florida. We tried to stick your toes in the ocean but you screamed as soon as we did it, so that was it for your ocean encounter! However, Miss Nicole brought a blowup baby pool and you LOVED that! I think you and Abigail would have played in that for days! Ellie seemed to like it too (in the Bumbo)! I had so much fun dressing you in your 5 bathing suits (and of course, matching hats and water shirts!). I think the trip was a success except for the nights. Your room was on the main level, so I think we kept you awake a few nights. I finally figured out to put you in our room in your swing and you slept like a champ! Unfortunately I figured that out on the 2nd to the last night! But other than that, we had a blast. Now you're back home and we're trying to get back into our regular schedule. I forgot to mention that while we were in Florida Mr. Jason found another tooth of yours! He was pretty proud to be the one to find it. You also started saying Mama!!!!!!! Mr. Jason said you really didn't have a choice since I kept repeating it to you 3,000 times. But nonetheless, you said it and you've been saying it a lot (you have no idea what it means, but that's OK!). We're really going to work on this sleeping thing. I've bought a book which will hopefully give me the secret to you sleeping through the night! I'm not holding out a lot of hope, but it's worth a try! Maybe by the time you go off to college, you'll have gotten the hang of it. And speak of the devil, you're crying right now after being asleep for an hour! Better go rock you! Kisses from Mommy!

Are you ready for the beach?!

As the title says, we're headed for the beach tomorrow! This will be your second trip in about 5 weeks, so I'd say you're becoming a regular in Destin! Get ready, I'm sure we'll be going back MANY more times (maybe even in the fall if we can work it out!). This will be an interesting trip though - 4 couples and 3 babies under 9 months old! You guys are going to keep us busy I'm sure, but I can't wait to see you play in the pool and on the beach and with your girlfriends! You got sick halfway into the trip last time, so you didn't get to really enjoy it. But this time will be different because you're ALREADY on antibiotics! Yes, you have another double ear infection - surprise, surprise! But we're getting the antibiotics and all the medicine ready, so hopefully you'll be OK. You seem to be somewhat happy though through this one. You were a little whiny last night, but now we know why!

As for this past week, you've done a lot of socializing. We had our usual Mexican Friday night with the Clarks and the Grugetts. Then Saturday you had your 6-month pictures taken. I was a little worried that you might be fussy since we were going mid-morning, but you were FABULOUS! You smiled and laughed and looked so cute! Of course, I had to pull out that song that Mommy's friend Ms. Lisa taught us - I like 'em big, I like 'em chunky, I like 'em big and plumpy plumpy! Supposedly that's from Madagascar 2, but we haven't watched it yet to see how it's really sung, so we just kind of make it up as we go! Saturday night you went to Uncle Jay and EP's for a cookout. You got to meet EP's mom and dad and brother. They just thought you were the cutest (and you are, of course!). You were so cute watching Daddy and Drew play cornhole. You watched it like you were watching a tennis match - back and forth! Then you had your girlfriends (and their parents) over Sunday night for another cookout. You were SO good at sharing your toys with Abigail (you really didn't have a choice though - you were trapped in your exersaucer, so you couldn't do anything about it!) And you even let Abigail borrow some of your pjs! She looked really cute in them even though they were little boys pjs! Then on Sunday you had lunch with me and my college friend Angie and her daughter Abby. Abby LOVED you. She kept wanting to hold you and hug you! It was really sweet!

This week has been good. We've been strolling every night which I think you really like (and Mommy likes it because hopefully she's losing some weight!!). You've tried all kinds of vegetables and started fruits! I don't think we've found a food you don't like yet! You've even come around to liking peas!

So we'll pack tonight and leave tomorrow morning for Destin! I can't wait to see what this week has in store for us! I'm sure next week's blog will be really long, so get ready! Kisses from Mommy!

Big Week

Happy 1st Memorial weekend, Buddy! It's not here yet, but in a few hours the fun will begin! We'll get to that in a little while. First I'll recap what a big week you've had! You are really talking up a storm. You throw in "mama" every now and then but you have no idea who or what mama is - I can't wait for you to make that association! Last Sunday morning you rolled over 4 times from your stomach. I had said before how much you hated being on your stomach, so for you to actually stay on your stomach long enough to roll over 4 times was a big deal! I was a little sad to take you to day care this week because you're doing so many cute things now. It's something new every day!! You've been trying new vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, squash) and you seem to like everything. You even liked eating your peas this week! But the biggest news this week is that you've got 2 bottom teeth coming in! I just can't wait to see a big 2-teeth smile when they are totally in! As for the weekend, you've got a busy social schedule. We're having our weekly Mexican outing tonight with the gang. Then you have your 6-month pictures tomorrow (I sure hope we scheduled it at the right time so you'll be happy!!). Saturday night we're going to Uncle Jay and EP's for a cookout. Then Sunday night your KK and Granddaddy are coming back in town just for one night. They're bringing us a trailer for our trip to Destin next week. Did you know that you require so much stuff that we have to pull a trailer just to carry it all!?! (Really, it's because there are 8 of us +3 babies going!) So we're going to have a big weekend! I'm just glad I get 3 days of you this weekend instead of 2!! Get ready!! Kisses from Mommy!

Well here we are on our 2nd blog! So far so good! You've had a great week. You had lots of fun with KK and Granddaddy last weekend. They just can't get over how cute you are! Last Sunday was Mother's Day (my first!). Daycare (and you) made me a card with your picture and your handprints - how precious! Then Sunday you, me, your dad, KK, Granddaddy and Uncle Jay went to eat brunch. You had your first celebrity sighting - Sheryl Crow! You were not nearly as excited as I was!! Your dad was really sweet and made me a DVD (with the help of Mr. Jason) of the best pictures of you and me from the past 6 months. I cried like a baby when he played it on Sunday! You had your 6 months dr. visit on Monday. He said you're doing great in all aspects. You weigh 18 lbs. 14 oz and are 27 1/4" long. You're a big boy - sometimes we have to go to the 9 months (or even 12 months) sizes on your clothes!!! You're eating really well too. You tried green beans and squash and you seem to like both of them (much better than peas!). We'll be moving on to carrots and sweet potatoes next week, so get ready!!! Pretty soon you'll be able to eat quesadillas and cheese dip with us on our weekly outings to eat Mexican! I sure do hope you like Mexican food as much as your mom and dad!! I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend with you and your dad. Weekends are extra special now since that's when we get to spend lots of time together! See you in a little while! Kisses from Mommy

Well, here goes nothing!

This is something totally new for me, but Miss Nicole did this for Abigail, and I thought it was so cool. So here I go! This blog is for you Ryan, so you'll hopefully be able to read about your early years and know how much you are loved and how blessed we are to have you in our lives. I'm going to try to keep these as short as possible, but this first one might be a doozie since I've got to catch up on 6 months!! Now, on to the disclaimers:
1) I like to type fast and I usually leave words out, so with me (see, I meant to say bear with me)!
2) I'm going to try to do this weekly, but things get hectic sometimes, so we'll see how it goes.
3) I'm not a natural-born comedian, but I do try to keep things light and comical, so humor me and laugh at them!!
4) If you don't like anything I've written, your dad made me write it!

I figured today would be a good day to start this since it's your 6-month birthday. I'm not going to rehash the past 6 months, but in a nutshell, you were born (and you were huge), you've been eating, pooping, playing and sleeping (sometimes) ever since! You've pretty much hit all of the milestones you're supposed to except rolling over. You absolutely hate tummy time so we don't do that as much as we should. But you're starting to sit up on your own, so I think you're doing just fine! So now on to more recent things.

Last week you and I went to the beach. We drove 7 hours for your first trip to Destin! Your Emme and Papa met us halfway though (thank goodness!). You actually did really well. You slept almost the entire way. You had your first walk on the beach (which you fell asleep during), your first swim in the pool (which all you wanted to do was lick the water off the float) and your first taste of peas (which you did not like - we're trying them again, don't think you're getting away with not eating peas!). You actually started sleeping through the night there too which was suprising because you were sleeping in your pack & play. Unfortunately you caught some kind of virus and starting getting a little cough halfway through the trip. So your Emme watched you during the day while I got to go to the beach - very nice! You slept for most of the trip back as well. We had to take you to the dr. when we got back though and they said you had another double ear infection (this is #2). So you're taking antibiotics and hopefully won't get another one, right?!

I threw a shower for our cousins Melissa & Brian (and future cousin George) on Saturday so your dad watched you while I did that. You guys needed some guy time anyway because you hadn't seen him all week. He claims you said dada while he was watching you but I didn't buy it. But I have heard you say it since, so maybe he wasn't totally dreaming! Now we've GOT to work on mama!!

This week has been pretty uneventful. You've been doing pretty well at sleeping through the night. Now that depends on what your definition of sleeping through the night is! The books say 5-6 hours which you're right on track with, but I say waking up at 4 a.m. is NOT sleeping through the night!! But I'm so tired at that time, that I put you in the rocking chair with me and we go back to sleep for an hour or so. I believe that goes against everything the books say, but you and I both sleep really well that way!! You tried green beans which I think you liked at first, but you weren't real happy with them last night! Oh, that's one thing, you are VERY impatient when it comes to eating. When you're ready to eat, you're ready to eat and you let me know! I wonder where you got that from, hmmmm? We've been working on you sitting up and and you really do it well. You only fall on your face once or twice!! I think you're starting to notice Lexie more too. When I'm holding you and she's walking around you just about fall out of my arms to look down and see her!

This weekend your KK and Granddaddy are coming up to see you. Tonight, your dad and I are going to your cousin Matthew's birthday dinner tonight and your dad's favorite restaurant, Goten. Then Saturday night we're going to Mr. Jason's (Ellie's dad) birthday dinner. Hopefully you'll be on your best behavior with your grandparents! You always are though!!

OK I'm done- I swear, the others won't be this long!! I can't wait to see you this afternoon!! (By the way, I think you really like daycare. Ms. Jennifer is so sweet and she raves about you all the time!) Kisses from Mommy!