The Best Nest

Riding double

2011-12-07T10:39:00.001-05:00

Here are a sweet brother and sister that love riding this old rocking horse together! I love that they are friends!

talking

2011-12-02T08:40:00.002-05:00

Elisabeth talks a lot. She has been talking for months. Her Sunday school teacher is always so excited when we drop her off because Elisabeth "talks more than all the rest of the class combined." Sometimes, I'll give her something and she says "Thank you. My pleasure." It is hilarious! I have taught Sam to request things in a nice way, such as "May I please have ..." I decided Elisabeth could learn since she already copies everything he says anyway! I started her off with one word at a time, the way I did with Sam. May May I I please please... One day I was handing her some apple juice without looking. Before I realized that the object was a foot out of her reach, she said "May I please have apple juice?" I was so excited! It's amazing how quickly they learn things!

work

2011-11-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

Sam "Where's Daddy?"
Me "Daddy's at work."
Sam "at Chick-fil-A?"
Me "That's right! Daddy works at Chick-fil-A."
Sam "I work at Chick-fil-A!"
Me "Oh you do? What do you do at work at Chick-fil-A?"
Sam "I work at Chick-fil-A and I eat supper there."

inhibitors

2011-11-18T08:04:00.004-05:00

Years ago, my uncle had the idea to take his family to a "fun park." I think he invited my dad because I remember both families being there together. Well my dad is very practical and Scottish, which is just a kind way of saying cheap. When we got to the fun park, he decided it was too expensive for all four of us to ride rides, so the fair way to divy it up was that no one got to ride anything. We stood on the split rail fence watching our cousins on ride after ride. Years later, we still laugh about the experience.

Last month, we went to the South Carolina State Fair. It is a family tradition which we all enjoy! We mainly go for the food, but I still had to bring up the old story from above. Not to rib my dad, but instead to highlight how fitting it is that God gave my dad a grandson like Sam.

Sam loves the rides at the fair. I better explain that statement unless I want everyone to get confused. Sam loves watching other people ride rides at the fair. Sam doesn't actually love riding rides at the fair. He has some kind of inhibitors that prevent him from liking things he deems scary. He is afraid of heights. He dislikes motorcycles. If there is a seatbelt, he must be buckled. He usually goes down stairs backwards. He doesn't like glass elevators.

At the fair when said he wanted to go on the caterpillar ride, I was surprised. We got in line. He didn't back down. He and I got in the seat together. Immediately upon moving, he looked at me with pleading eyes and said "I'm finished." After 2 loops around the roller coaster with his head and body tucked under my arm like a duckling to his mother, the ride finished. We got off and Sam went straight back to the sidelines with the best view. He stayed there and watched and watched and watched for an hour!

Who knew that some kids actually enjoy watching more than riding?

Our Little Penguins

2011-11-16T06:42:00.000-05:00

Sam and Elisabeth were the cutest penguins I've ever seen! At first, neither one wanted to wear their costume. After they saw themselves in the mirror, they changed their minds and completely embraced being penguins! Once they realized that candy went into their buckets, neither one let it out of their grip all night! It was so funny!

busy playing

2011-10-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

Does a cute picture make up for a month of no blogging?

Preschool

2011-09-15T16:49:00.000-04:00

Sam started school at the beginning of this month. This is a picture of him on his first day of 3 year old preschool. He's carrying a loaf of homemade bread to his teacher. The good news is that he loves it! In just two weeks, he has gotten more self confident and responsible. It is such a sweet thing to see him growing up!

With Sam at school 3 mornings a week, that leaves Elisabeth and me with some time together. The first day, once she got over the fact that she wasn't going to get to stay at school, we took an hour long walk, painted our toenails, and read books together! This one on one time is really good for us to play, as well as to teach and learn how to obey and have a good attitude!

crocs

2011-09-06T14:34:00.000-04:00

If you have met Sam within the last two years, then he was probably wearing his red crocs. Let me put it this way, there were no more than 6 days in the last year and a half that Sam did not wear his red crocs. As you might imagine, they are faded and his heels are practically hanging over the back edge.

It's not like we won't buy him other shoes. In fact, we have bought him shoes and he adamantly refuses to wear them. The poor child would do anything to wear the red crocs, even desperately saying please in sign language. When there was no choice, he made sure the only option was the red crocs.

We got him some special shoes for his flat feet. 10 minutes.
James' mom got him some brown crocs with the nice fur in them for winter. Wore them as mittens.
I got him some tennis shoes. One day.
My mom bought him 2 different pairs of flip flops, tags on. Didn't even look twice.

We all stopped buying him shoes.

Then my parents, who bought him the original pair of crocs, got him a special present for his third birthday. They did leave the tags on, just in case.

Elisabeth is another story completely. She adores shoes and hairbows, apparently multiple at one time. I noticed that she certainly didn't waste any time at all in claiming Sam's old crocs...

Three!

2011-09-02T23:08:00.003-04:00

Sam's third birthday has come and gone with much fanfare, encouraged mostly by me and received heartily by him! He is such a delight to have around, especially when he's enthusiastically looking forward to an upcoming event, particularly his birthday!

For a month or two prior to the big day, I had been coaching Sam on a series of birthday related questions and answers. Example:
Q: How old are you?
A: I'm 2.

Q: How old will you be on your birthday, which is August 19th?
A: THREE!!!!!

Q: How old is Elisabeth?
A: She's just 1.

We also practiced the art of holding up 3 fingers. It's pretty tricky when you're short! He has now mastered the "OK" sign style 3, which he proudly displays when requested.

On his birthday, Sam, Elisabeth, and I headed to Chick-fil-A for breakfast! We had a delicious meal and Sam brought his own "3" candle to show everyone how old he was, since he hadn't quite figure out the fingers yet. Then Sam and Elisabeth got to go play at their great grandmother's house. After naptime, Sam requested that we make chocolate chip cookies. He even helped make them, and not by just licking the beater! That night, the four of us had a simple birthday supper. We sang happy birthday with his "3" candle stuck on a cookie. We played puzzles and all watched WordWorld together. We followed that with some reading and snuggling before bedtime. We tried not to remind him that his birthday party was the next day because we wanted him to actually sleep!

His little shindig was a little bit last minute. We got home from a week at the beach on a Saturday. I made the invitations on a Sunday night with a cheesy poem, my specialty, printed out on computer paper, which James' sister helped me cut and assemble on construction paper. I mailed them first thing on a Monday. His birthday was on the upcoming Friday, and the party was Saturday! Although it was a quick pull together, it turned out quite fun! Almost everyone came, including one of my sweet sisters, and we had plenty to eat; what more could you ask for?

Well, since you asked... After the kids played and played inside, we headed outside to the pool. The camera didn't make it that far, but the crowd did! We swam and splashed until we were all waterlogged! One adventurous dad pulled a plastic toddler slide over to the edge of the pool. The kids thoroughly enjoyed sliding straight into the water! Elisabeth loved it! She went again and again and again! Safety Sam wouldn't go near it, but he enjoyed watching and laughing with everyone else!

It was such a special time for us all! It really is hard to believe that our sweet boy was just seven and a half pounds three years ago!

I knew he couldn't live forever, but I secretly hoped that he would.

2011-08-09T07:48:00.001-04:00

SammyDog died. It happened at the end of July, but I just couldn't post that on the internet because it hurt so badly.

It was one of the saddest events of my life. He was 10. I'm not really sure what he died from. It could have been a few different things. The corn on the cob could have messed up his insides. On the x-ray when they were looking at the corn cob last month, the vet said his spleen looked funny, but he couldn't tell what was wrong with him. I guess it could have been a complication with his spleen. I fed him some salmon the day he died, but he's had it before, so I'm hoping that's not what it was. I guess it doesn't really matter because he was well loved and didn't suffer for years on end. His sister, Sandy, from his same litter, died a few months ago of cancer. So who knows?

He died right next to me while I rubbed his head just the way I have since I got him as a puppy the summer I turned 15. It's one of the last places in the world I wanted to be, but I wouldn't have chosen to be anywhere else for the world.

The first day after Sammy died, Sam asked "Where's Sammy" close to 500 times. Sometimes I responded. Sometimes I changed the subject. Sometimes I just didn't say anything. Some of our responses were "the ground, dead, sleeping forever, in heaven," and some combinations of those. After answering about 100 times consecutively, I asked, "Where do you think Sammy is?" "In the dirt" was his response.

Explaining death to preschoolers has been really difficult.

In the car, Elisabeth said, "Bye Sammy" as we were pulling out of the driveway. Sam said, "No Libby, Sammy's in heaven."

As I was tucking Sam in for the night, he said, "Mommy's home. Sam's home. Elisabeth's home. Sammy's in heaven. And Daddy's home!"

The hardest part has been at night. At bedtime when all was quiet and dark, I would go to the laundry room or kitchen for one last "to do" before bed. I always tried to be considerate of Sammy by not cutting on the den light. He would open his eyes anyway and look at me as I tried to tiptoe past. I would go over and rub him and tell him how good he was. I have been telling this dog secrets and sharing my life with him since high school. He was such a good "furry friend." It's so hard to walk into the den and see an empty spot on the wooden floor that should have a big blue dog bed with a great big dog lounging peacefully on it.

He was the best dog in the world. Here are some pictures from the past two and a half years.

I knew he couldn't live forever, but I secretly hoped that he would.

twenty-eight and looking great!

2011-08-04T18:07:00.000-04:00

James' birthday was Tuesday. We had a great day! Sam was probably more excited than anyone! He sang "Happy Birthday" to James from the moment James woke up until he drove off to work. Then, he sang "Happy Birthday" to Elisabeth, to me, and then to himself. He even helped me make an ice cream birthday cake for James.

James is a wonderful husband and father. I am so thankful to be his!

And then we were robbed

2011-07-25T08:04:00.001-04:00

While we were gone, on top of everything else that happened in our absence, we got robbed. We were skyping with James' youngest brother and he said, "Oh, I've been meaning to get in touch with you. Someone broke into your house." What wonderful news to hear when you're over 5000 miles away from said house. After inspecting some of our high ticket items, he said the only thing that seemed to be missing was James' xbox360. James and I breathed a big sigh of relief and said no biggy. We were just thankful that we weren't there and that the thieves didn't empty our house. He told us that the police said it definitely looked like the robbers went all through the house because there was a bunch of clutter everywhere. Embarrassingly enough, my first thought was, "Well that doesn't sound terribly different from the way I left it. Maybe they just ran in, grabbed the xbox, and left." James' brother told me it was rifled through and lots of stuff was moved around.

We had someone clean our house before we got home so it would look normal again.

We got home. It looked normal, except with no xbox and no xbox games.

A few days later, James called me from work asking me to get his social security card out so he would remember to take it somewhere the next day. That's when we ran into a big problem. My "important papers" place was nearly empty. Our SS cards were missing, along with the title to my car. Ouch. We didn't see that one coming. Fun fact, they left all the children's documents and our marriage license. They also spent the time to weed out all the VeggieTales DVDs from the xbox games that have the same lime green cover. I kinda wish they had taken and watched a few of the VeggieTales!

Now we're in the process of dealing with all that. We're hoping it's not the whole intricate web of identity theft. We got a call from a "Title Loan" place, so we figured that they just took the SS cards to prove they are the owners of the car in order to get quick cash.

Though I don't recommend getting robbed, if you are so unfortunate, I highly suggest having someone straighten your house before you see the mess. I don't feel unsafe or creeped out that anyone was snooping through all my stuff because it's all is in its proper place. Maybe that's just the illusion of security, but hey, whatever works!

After realizing they took important documents, James was a bit miffed that we didn't get to see the house as the robbers left it, but I'm not at all.

On our to get list:

-rottweiler*

-alarm system

-safety deposit box

*just kidding. Though Good Dog, Carl is one of my favorite children's books, we'd probably end up with a Rottweiler as docile as Carl, who is less ferocious than Sammy!

I just can't help but feel bad for the people who broke in to our house. Maybe they're trapped in some bad addiction where they need fast cash desperately, or maybe they are regular people just looking for a thrill. Maybe they have been in and out of jail, or maybe they are first time offenders. Maybe we're complete strangers, or maybe they read my blog. Maybe they're just like me. Maybe they need to experience Amazing Grace first hand the way I did, do, and will forever. Maybe I should to do something to help.

Ok, here goes: To the people who robbed our house, I forgive you for breaking into our home, going through all of our belongings, and taking some of our things.

My next step: Put them in my prayer journal. "-please help the people who broke into our home to realize their need for Your amazing grace and to find forgiveness and salvation that come only through knowing Your Son Jesus."

While We Were Gone

2011-07-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

James and I left bright and early to go out of town for a week. With bags packed and hugs given, we headed to the airport. We left the kids and the dog in the care of my parents. The first days, we emailed back and forth. Then they stopped responding. After another day with no response, I sensed that something was amiss.

My sister, Graham, finally told me that SammyDog hadn't eaten or had water for 2 days. This began after he stole Sam's ear of corn on the cob and ate the whole thing, probably about 5 minutes after this picture was taken. She called multiple vets. They all said the corn cob had to come out. James graciously said to do whatever needed doing.

Then she told me that our other sister, Mardi, was sick. She has a 3 week old baby, so my mom went to the doctor with them to watch the baby. In my next update from Graham, she told me Mardi had a 103 degree fever and the baby had a terrible case of colic. My mom decided to stay with Mardi until she and the baby improved. I can only assume that my mom didn't leave my children alone at the lake house reading books...

which brings us to a big question:
Where does that leave Sam and Elisabeth?

answer: with Aunt Graham!

Thankfully, Graham had a few days off work and was willing and happy to take over!

She watched them during the days, while transferring the dog from vet to vet, as pictured above. After they were fed, bathed (some days), in their PJs, read to, and prayed with, Graham left them with my dad and went home for the night. In the mornings, my dad fed them breakfast and played with them until Graham arrived. One day, he took them to a drop-in nursery and Graham picked them up around lunch time.

That morning, Sam and Elisabeth chose their own clothes, without a passing glance at the ones Graham had laid out for them the night before. Let me remind you that Elisabeth is not even one and a half. Elisabeth "picked out" a yellow dress that needs the hem let out immediately. She wore no bloomers and no bow, but she did have on shoes. Sam wore a white "I heart Chick-fil-A" t-shirt that has two holes in it with khaki shorts. He also had on shoes, red crocs in case you haven't seen his feet in the past two years. My dad said that when he dropped them off at the nursery, the lady, who knows our mom pretty well, looked at them with wide eyes mingled with a bit of shock when they got to the door. I can only assume it's because of how cute they were...

When we got back, everyone was healthy, happy, and in their proper place. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful family where one person picks up where another leaves off!

Up next, "And then we were robbed."

Skype

2011-07-15T04:03:00.005-04:00

I have a love-hate relationship with technology.

LOVE:
-the Internet
-skipping commercials
-the convenience

HATE:
-our wireless router doesn't work so we have to use a 100ft cord to get downstairs
-when people cut their phones off after asking me to call them right away
-getting the infamous blackberry "hourglass of death"

Some days I feel like I'd be better off chunking all of modern technology out the window. Well, maybe not the dvr. I do enjoy a good episode of Cash Cab.

But on days like yesterday, I wouldn't trade the promise of a "simple" life for anything.

We got to Skype with Sam and Elisabeth when they woke up from their naps! They were really excited to talk with us, and us with them! Elisabeth loved saying, "Hey Da-dee" and "Ma-ma!" Sam told us that SammyDog ate his corn cob and had to go to the doctor. Next it was time to show off what they have been doing. We watched Sam climb a chair and slide down. Then we saw Elisabeth push her shopping cart around the house while saying, "Hey Sam. Hey Sam." SammyDog even came over to wag for the camera. I tried to think of some fun tricks that I could show them. Thankfully, they are easily entertained. They both loved when I drank water, ate an orange, and showed them a triangle. Then we all told each other how much we love one another. It was really sweet!

Then Sam kissed us goodbye. That's the best pucker I've seen in a while! We can't wait to get home so he plant a real live wet one on our cheeks!

A big THANK YOU goes out to Aunt Graham for watching them this week.*

*More to come on why most of our arrangements got altered while we were away, including why Sam wore the same shirt for 2 and a half consecutive days.

sayings

2011-07-14T03:55:00.000-04:00

Sam's language has exploded in the last few weeks. He talks all the time about everything! It is so fun! Some of my favorite sayings are:

"I'm bouncing the bed"

"I like ______."

"I need ______."

"Lispeth's crying. What's wrong Libby?"

When we finish grocery shopping, he says "Ok. Let's go pray."

I've been coaching him on asking for things in a very polite way. I would say one word at a time and he would repeat each one. "May I please have _____?" Now he can say the whole question after I say "May." I call that baby steps...

AND THE GIRL... Though much younger, her language has emerged about the same time as Sam. The difference between the two children is just astounding! I'm not sure if it's a boy/girl thing, a first/second child thing, different personalities, or a combination. Here are some of Elisabeth's favorite sayings:

The front door opens and Elisabeth says, "Did Sammy go outside?"

She responds "Yeah" all the time. I say "Say 'Yes Ma'am.'" Without missing a beat she says, "Yah Mah."

"mease" is please

I tell her to say more please. She says, "more more" while signing "please."

me: "what's your name?" Her response, "Sammy."

When looking at the little sign in her room that says "Elisabeth," she points at it and says, "A B C."

Our two precious little ones fill my heart to overflowing! They are so sweet and loving. And on days when I'm about to pull out my hair or theirs, all I have to do is watch them sleeping and my heart is wiped clean of any frustration. A big kiss and a tight hug when they wake up just seals the deal!

busted

2011-06-04T18:34:00.000-04:00

I have a few questions.

1. Did he think of this idea himself?

2. Did he see someone, a.k.a. James, do this?

3. Was this his first time?

4. Was his mouth empty, thus minimizing the amount of back wash that now resides in our OJ?

beat the heat

2011-06-03T00:48:00.000-04:00

It has been hot. I mean really hot. The kind of hot that makes every pore of your body sweat before you even have the chance to close the door behind you. That kind of hot. Unless I'm swimming in a pool, I try to avoid being outside in the heat of the day at all costs.

On one particular day, we went to the pool to cool off and play. After everyone scorched their feet on anything and everything not submerged, we decided to come back inside. Sam went wild with blocks. He gathered them all up, or swiped them from the sweet hands of his little sister, and started piecing them one on top of another. He tried and tried and tried to build a tall tower, but his top heavy creations tumbled down again and again. Finally, he got one to stay standing with some sage advice from Aunt Rachel about firm foundations.

This is Sam posing with his masterpiece, The Leaning Tower of ~~Pisa~~ Blocks.

Non-hot things I am thankful for so far this summer:
- nap time
- a pool nearby
- A/C
- the playroom
- Skype
- strawberries
- reading
- ice
- Publix
- blocks
- puzzles
- play dough
- crayons*

* I like crayons on paper, not on the walls or the TV screen like earlier this week.

From my home to yours,
Stay Cool!

pony tails

2011-05-19T19:28:00.000-04:00

To have a pony tail, you need a rubber band.

I have an uncanny ability to misplace hair rubber bands. I can't explain it. I don't know how it happens. It's actually pretty ridiculous.

Normally, I bring quite a few more than I could possibly lose on one trip. Yet, on multiple occasions, I can still remember having to wear my hair down because I couldn't locate a single one by the end of the trip. Am I the only person who has this problem?

James and I are out of town. We have been gone for six days so far. At the airport, I came to the harsh realization that I only brought two rubber bands with me for eight days. Both are clear. This was a gross oversight on my part. What was I thinking? Clearly, I wasn't. I have poured all of my concentration into remembering where I placed at least one of them when I want to put my hair up. It is my one source of stress on this trip. I have already searched the entire bathroom floor twice. I am happy to report that both ventures were successful! Well, except that my hands and knees got really dirty... But it was totally worth it!

And since we're talking about rubber bands... both of these are my favorites!!

it happened

2011-05-18T08:20:00.001-04:00

My mom was sitting on the floor saying, "Elisabeth, walk to me!" And my sweet girl, who was standing in between the coffee table and sofa, took two steps back, let go with her hands, held her head high, locked eyes with her grandmama, and walked oh-so-confidently all the way across the room to my mom's eager arms! My mom and James went wild with joy, mingled with a little shock!

When did this happen? Well, since you asked...

My mom and one of my sisters came for a quick overnight trip a few days before my birthday. My sister and James attended Chick-fil-A Leadercast while my mom and I spent the day catching up and playing with the kids. The plan was for them to be packed and ready to go home at 5:30pm. The appointed time arrived and they just kept finding excuses to hang around for a few minutes more and then a few more. I heard some hollering from the den and rushed in to see what was the cause of the excitement. They said "watch this!" This is very close to what I saw...

Elisabeth hadn't taken a single step since they had arrived and really hadn't taken many steps at all with James and me, so this was a pretty big shock! I'm so glad they stayed about an hour longer than planned! Elisabeth must have been saving up her special trick for her grandmom! Sam was so thrilled with all the cheering that he wanted a piece of the action. He started walking to everyone and waiting for our cheers. We indulged him and his face just lit up. It made me think, I definitely take for granted that I can walk. Then I decided to change my way of thinking and try not take anything for granted. Let's celebrate, even the little things!

Happy Walking Everyone!

quarter of a century

2011-05-16T07:25:00.002-04:00

I am practically a relic.

I'm 25. My birthday was on Mother's day this year. We spent the whole weekend with family. It was such a special time for me. I am so thankful for all my years here on this beautiful earth!

On Thursday, my sweet sister in law offered to help out while I scrambled around, trying to pack for an upcoming trip. I accepted her gracious offer and headed out to run errands while she stayed at the house with my two napping kiddos. I returned a few hours later to the most scrumptious smelling house! As I walked in, Sam gave me a big hello and practically dragged me to the kitchen where he excitedly showed pulled up a chair to the counter. He climbed up and said "Cake! Happy to you cake!" Rachel walked in and gave me a big hug while she said "Happy Birthday Connie!" I was so surprised and excited! Sam, Elisabeth, and Rachel lit the candles and sang happy birthday to me. Sam got a little ahead of himself in all the excitement and blew out half the candles in the middle of the song. After they sang, he helped me blow out the rest of them!

And best of all, it was a Funfetti cake!!

We all had a delicious piece of cake before supper, because life's uncertain. Though we all gobbled it up, I'm not sure whether Sam or Elisabeth enjoyed it the most...

big change is near...

2011-05-05T00:21:00.000-04:00

A big change is about to happen in Sam's life.
A big change is about to happen in Elisabeth's life.

Change is a part of life. Change is good. It's true. Sometimes change is hard. I recently heard someone say that it's not the actual change that people resist, but the transition to the new thing. Wow. I use to think I just woke up one day and didn't like change. After watching my children, I realized that is probably not true.

Sam can go to the bathroom completely by himself. He knows when he needs to go. He just doesn't like to very often. He will usually go when I remind him that he gets a treat. When thinking about this, I wonder why on earth he begs me for a diaper when he is fully capable of going in the toilet.

Elisabeth can walk, she just doesn't. She will take 2 or 3 steps by herself without coaxing, then she realizes that no one is holding her, so she gently sits down. I can tell that she is dying to walk, but she just won't take the first step. pun intended. She will, however, cry after a few laps around our house holding my fingers if I set her down and she wants to keep going. What's holding her back? Could my one year old be resisting the transition to walking?

Yes. Turns out, I haven't taken the time to think about change much. I enjoyed most of the changes in my life because they had very little transition. I only remember resisting the transition of one change in particular. I went to a new school in the 6th grade. I practically kicked and screamed. I distinctly remember crying. Resisting transition to something new must be just something we go through from day 1.

I guess my job during this stage of life is to make the transition to new things as smooth and painless as possible for Sam and Elisabeth.

Here's to toilets and toddling...

because after all, they're getting "so big!"

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T12:50:00.000-04:00

Here's our sweet little family, dog and all! We've had a wonderful Easter weekend and hope you have too!

Christ the Lord is risen today!

speed crawler

2011-03-29T16:38:00.001-04:00

On your mark.

Get set.

GO!

hot mess

2011-03-11T07:32:00.003-05:00

peep

eye!

Elisabeth has gotten so good at Peep Eye, or Peek-a-boo, lately! She especially loves playing it with her daddy. Unfortunately, she has no inhibitions about playing it with spaghetti covered hands!

playing

2011-03-10T06:43:00.012-05:00

...it's what he does best!

spring?

2011-03-07T06:20:00.000-05:00

The first week of March has been so confusing.

Not because there is a lot going on. There isn't.

Not because we are making important decisions. We're not.

It has been confusing because of the weather. I can't figure out what I should pick out for Sam, Elisabeth, and myself to wear! One day we're sweating in turtlenecks. The next we're freezing in shorts! And if the temperature varying from day to day wasn't bad enough, the days start out in winter and progress to late spring by lunch time. It's a lot to consider when dressing for the day.

Regardless of our outfits, we have all been enjoying spring's sneak peek. Sam has been riding his tricycle in the driveway. He's so big! Elisabeth has enjoyed pushing the wagon through the grass. Sammy has enjoyed sitting in the shade of the trees when it's warm. We even had a picnic lunch in the front yard one day.

Our trees are blooming and our grass turned green. That means it's definitely spring, right? I'm ready! Elisabeth said that she just hopes Punxsutawney Phil was right...

no ma'am

2011-03-04T08:20:00.001-05:00

Sam is polite. By nature, no. By nurture, yes.

He is two. Two year olds say no, a lot. It's normal, so I've heard. I got tired of hearing "no" about the third time he said it. From then on, every time he said "no" to me, I immediately said "no ma'am." He caught on pretty quickly. And let me tell you, hearing "no ma'am" all day is much more pleasant than the alternative. Life went on as usual until James told him to come to supper one night about two weeks later. Sam responded, "no ma'am." He wasn't aware that there were sirs in the world. We tried to tell him, but he just continued saying ma'am to everyone. This went on for about two months. Quite amusing, I must say!

Monday he said "no sir." We cheered!

At our house, we celebrate the little things in life!

pumpkin

2011-03-02T22:51:00.001-05:00

We stayed with my parent's last weekend. We celebrated Elisabeth's birthday again with our Columbia family. So... the picture isn't the best, but it's the best we have... Anyway, it was great seeing everyone, including my pregnant sister. She's due in June. I brought Sam over to her and told him that there was "a baby growing inside" as I pointed to her stomach. Sam said "Baby." To see if he understood the concept, I asked him what was in her stomach. He patted her stomach and said "Pumpkin." It was hilarious! She does look like she swallowed a small pumpkin.

Later, I realized that sometimes I refer to Elisabeth as "Pumpkin," and apparently Sam thinks it's synonymous with baby. I guess he really did understand... maybe.

one

2011-02-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

It's official, Elisabeth is 1. We had a birthday supper to celebrate. I made a pound cake for the special occasion. Sam had to walk past it all day and gaze longingly at it. He kept saying "happy cake" instead of birthday cake. He was so excited when we finally got to have some!

Elisabeth had her own little pound cake and pink whipped cream topped with strawberries and blueberries. After Sam helped her blow out her candle, she went straight for the fruit. A few bites into eating, she inadvertently brushed a strawberry through the whipped cream. Apparently she liked it- very much! She then dove right into the cake! Soon, the whipped cream was all over her face, hands, and highchair! At that point, we told Sam he could share with her. It's safe to say they both thoroughly enjoyed her first birthday cake!

the adventure capital of the world

2011-01-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

New Zealand is unreal! I have witnessed real life landscapes often pictured on postcards with some of the most amazing sights in the world with my own eyes! If I hadn't, I would not have believed that all this beauty could be in one place. From incredible views to precious sheep, with the largest and smallest dolphins in between, this is simply a wonderland! I love it here! Of course, it's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that this is summer for them and we've been wearing long sleeves most days! This has been an incredible adventure in the land of the Kiwis.

the largest bottle nosed dolphins in the world

the smallest dolphin (Hector's dolphin)

No worries, I did not bungy jump!

sweet little lamb

Merino sheep getting herded

the zoo

2010-12-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

Sam, Elisabeth, and I ventured out to Zoo Atlanta for the first time today. I'm convinced that we picked one if the top ten coldest days of the year! Our friend told us to wear tons of layers and all our warmest clothes. I scrounged around for something appropriate this morning and found some good stuff. I didn't want their arms to be too restricted like in "A Christmas Carol" to the point that they couldn't use them, so I thought their top layer should be a vest. I came across Elisabeth's ladybug costume and knew it was a perfect finish to her ensemble of multiple shirts, tights, socks, gloves, a hat, and footie pajamas. Though a little silly looking, she'd be pretty warm! Sam has a strong aversion to coats, so he wore a turtle neck, a shirt, a sweater, and a vest with a hood. He also wore 2 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of socks, with Crocs, per usual!

Many of the animals were inside in their heated beds, but we still had a great time! We got to see some pandas, a zebra, an elephant, a komodo dragon, kangaroos, a peacock, and a few others fauna friends. Our favorite part was spending the day with our friends. We were the only people visiting the zoo, so we pretty much had free reign of the place. After lunch, the boys rode together in my friend's stroller and I got to push the girls. As we were loading up the cars with tired little ones, it started snowing! It was beautiful! Somehow cold weather turns surprisingly pleasant when snow enters the scene!

Love

2010-12-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

These two absolutely LOVE each other! I originally thought it would be fun to have another boy so they could be friends. I didn't realize that this little girl would adore her big brother so much! And I didn't know that Sam would look out for his little sister and want to include her in everything, including prayers. They entertain each other and they're starting to play together really well! It is so sweet and I love it!

one funny girl

2010-12-08T14:19:00.000-05:00

This is one sweet and funny girl. She gets so excited about eating at every opportunity! Sometimes the excitement overcomes her and she makes the silliest faces! I'm just glad I caught one on camera!

good genes

2010-12-07T13:17:00.000-05:00

While earning an early childhood education degree in college, I heard all the arguments in child psychology about nurture versus nature. On certain traits people lean towards the side that says, "it's the environment that shapes the child." In many cases, I agree. With Sam, I don't. He is a miniature version of James, and he was born that way.

At meal times, James likes to have only the food on his plate that he is going to eat. That means that all the garnishes and foods he dislikes are removed. He doesn't make a big deal of it, he just places them elsewhere, sometimes on a bread plate, my plate, or even on the table if it's really informal. I thought it was just a bad habit. I realized this morning that it is not a learned behavior; it's something you're born with. I'll give you one guess who else was born with it?

Sam.

Sam loves clementine oranges. After I get one started, he can peel and eat the whole thing by himself. The only catch is that he likes to put each piece of peeling in the trash immediately after removing it from the orange. Since he was on his bench at the table and nowhere near the trash can, he held up a piece of peeling and said, "Trash. Trash. Please!" to me. I did not want to become his personal trash lady, so I showed him how we pile all the pieces up and when we're finished, we throw them all away. He was very hesitant at first, but finally relinquished the hope of a "trash free" plate during this meal.

James is very particular. Sam is more particular. Last night at supper, James was sitting at the head of the table. Sam wanted to sit closer to him in a chair, not his usual bench. James humored him. After Sam was next to James, he asked (motioned for) James to get his place mat, plate, and drink. James and I continued chatting. I looked at Elisabeth in my arms and said to James, "Isn't she just like me?" since she and I were both eating a slice of apple. James didn't miss a beat and responded, "Isn't he just like me?!" as he nodded towards Sam. I looked at Sam's place setting with amazement and started laughing! While James and I were talking, Sam had been pulling and wiggling his place setting until it looked identical to James', even down to the angle of his place mat!

Though I am amazed and sometimes flabbergasted by the similarities in James and Sam, I am so thankful that they are both so wonderful and precious to me! And if I had gotten to choose what Sam would be like, I wouldn't have him any other way than just like his daddy!

Christmas Cards... I didn't know

2010-12-06T15:53:00.001-05:00

Normally, I am late. I am behind. I am slow.
Last year, I put Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on our Christmas card because I sent them out so late. I figured the recipients could legitimately display it for at least 1 week since it barely got there by Christmas day.

Not this year. This year, I beat the rush on Christmas cards.

I failed to send out a baby announcement when Elisabeth was born. I failed to send out a change of address card when we moved. I was not about to drop the ball on Christmas cards, especially since it was basically a we had a baby, we moved, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year card. I acted fast and I acted early. I had the majority of them addressed, stamped, and ready to go the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I did wait a few days before I sent them out. And I was so pleased with my punctuality this year! Quite pleased.

I have come to find out that there are some unspoken rules. Let me just go ahead and say that I didn't know.

I didn't know that you were supposed to wait until December 1 to send them. I thought the Friday after Thanksgiving was fair game.

I didn't know that people always receive the same first card each year.

I didn't know that people pride themselves on being that card every year.

I didn't know that Christmas cards were such a big deal.

Oh well. I hope I didn't mess anyone up too much this year! Being early on my Christmas cards kinda feels good though! Watch out for next year because forewarned is forearmed!

Skinny Jeans

2010-12-03T09:48:00.010-05:00

I may be on the cutting edge with the popularity of Amish fiction books, but for me, being hip ends there. That statement goes on the gross assumption that anyone can really even call reading Amish fiction cutting edge or hip. It's a stretch at best. Speaking of stretch...

skinny jeans.

I don't own them. I can't remember ever trying them on.

wait... No! It can't be---- but it is.

A horrible memory just flashed in my mind. I think I was in college. I had never heard of skinny jeans. I was innocently shopping at Banana Republic, if my memory serves me correctly. I grabbed a pair of jeans in my size, based solely on color. I did make sure they had a bit of stretch; it just works better for me. In the dressing room, I gripped the waist and had my right leg poised for entry. I lowed my leg into the jeans, but that's when I knew something was terribly wrong. My foot got caught in the crotch of the pants and my brain forgot to send the memo to my hands to release the jeans until it was too late. My body was tugged to the ground by a force unforeseen. I've tried to block this from my memory for obvious reasons, but I vaguely recall my forehead hitting the stall wall on my way down. I got up, brushed it off, then tried again. This time when my leg didn't go into the jeans as it should, my brain was ready and my hands released them before my body cumpled onto a heap of denim. I picked the jeans up and examined them. I quickly realized that my foot was not getting stuck in the crotch. It was getting stuck in the leg hole. Upon closer inspection, I came to the conclusion that these jeans were defected. The leg holes, if one could even call them that, were about half the width they should have been, even with the stretch. Being the astute shopper that I am, I saw that these jeans were clearly mis-sized and flawed. Then I read the label. Skinny. After hastily redressing, I handed the jeans to the attendant, walked out of the store hoping desperately that no one suspected what had just transpired, and decided I would never attempt that road (or leg hole) again.

A few days ago I was in Belk, and as I passed the Levi's, remembered that James could use a second pair of jeans. I browsed for the color I liked the best, dark. As I was looking for his size, I realized that there were different styles in the darker color. I was horrified to see the word "skinny" on the labels of men's jeans, and Levi's to boot! I'll admit in ignorance that I thought all the fellows with painted on jeans were wearing women's clothing! I had no idea that companies actually manufactured skinny jeans for men. After finding no dark jeans that bore the "regular" label, I bravely picked up a pair of "slim straight" jeans in the desired color. James had alluded to possibly, kind of, maybe wanting some stylish jeans, so I figured this was an opportunity to try some out. I laid a pair of the slim straights on top of a pair of light regulars and checked the differences. After I determined that they had the exact same foot hole size, I made the bold decision to buy them. When James got home from work, I had him try them on, while awkwardly trying to hide the word slim from his line of vision. He noticed I was being extraordinarily odd but put them on anyway. At first, he was very resistant. He noticed immediately that they were thinner than his usual jeans. After a few minutes, he asked what I was hiding. I admitted they were slim. He laughed because slim would probably be the last word that comes to mind when describing his thighs. Thick. Meaty. Solid. Not slim. But after another couple of glances in the mirror, we both decided that they fit him perfectly and looked really good on him. Here's a picture of the color and style of James' new jeans. (This is not James.)

That should have been the end of the story. It is not. James is so excited that I found a pair of jeans that fit him perfectly and are somewhat in style that he's telling people. Why is this a problem? Because instead of telling people that I bought him slim straight jeans, he is telling people that I bought him skinny jeans. Skinny jeans! If slim is a bad word to describe his thighs, skinny is only worse.

I am so thankful that I was able to find some jeans that pleased James, but please know that I did not purchase skinny jeans for anyone in our family. That's just not how we roll.

Surprisingly hip

2010-12-02T16:53:00.000-05:00

I don't usually get into fads. If I finally succumb, it's usually at the tail end, not when they're fresh and new, particularly with clothing.

I found out today that I am on the cutting edge of a trend! Any guesses?

Amish fiction books!

I bet that was your next guess. Ok ok, so you didn't see that one coming! Don't feel bad. I was actually mildly shocked when I heard the news myself. But I was excited! I'm telling you, these books are phenomenal! I've been reading them for a year or two and I heartily recommend that you pick one up at your local library or bookstore!

Let's face it folks, I'm hip!

friend stealer

2010-11-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

This is one of my sisters. This is one of my friends. Both people could fall under both categories. The sister recently had to ask my permission to invite the friend to supper. This may sound extreme since I'm so close to both of them. I assure you, it is not. The sister is a friend stealer.

Growing up, I had a (different) friend. She lived on my street. And I practically lived at her house. On one such occasion that I was spending the night, the parents were going out to dinner and the regular babysitter had plans. In desperation not to get sent home, I offered my sisters' babysitting services. The parents were thrilled and both of my sisters loved earning the extra $. Big mistake on my part. The sister pictured above got very bossy while babysitting. Years later, the lapse in judgment continued to follow me. The friend and I attended different schools and we ended up being in different grades, which meant that we shared few mutual friends anymore. This is when my sister saw her chance and stepped in. She started babysitting without me being there. And when the friend stayed at my house, my sister would practically beg us to sleep in her twin bed all together. Then my sister started staying with the friend and her brothers for a week at a time while the parents went out of town. Finally, I came across the harsh reality that my sister had stolen my friend when the friend saw me and immediately asked about my sister instead of me. This example is not an isolated occurrence. (In all fairness, this friend nor at least one other that was stolen had an older sister, so I can't fault the friend because my sisters are pretty great.)

The friend above is very special to me, one I was not going to let get stolen. Her family, thankfully, had a very loyal babysitter, so I never had to suggest my sisters. And when she spent the night, she usually got homesick (probably because it's hard to sleep with my sister's feet in her face) and left around 11pm, so the 3 of us only shared a bed a handful of times. She was, however, sisterless. Over the years, the sister and the friend became close, but they never left me out. Actually I think the sister tried to talk to the friend in her room alone once, but my incessant banging on the door and unlocking it with a toothpick helped her realize that I wouldn't give up without a fight. And the sister would tell the friend embarrassing things about me, but since we had been friends since age 3 or 4, she knew it all, and still liked me!

Two decades later, I have realized that good friends are hard to find and sisters are irreplaceable . So when God blesses you with both, it's important to share your friends with sisters, and it's important to share your sisters with friends.

Trouble?

2010-11-04T18:32:00.000-04:00

This sweet girl is crawling like crazy. She doesn't realize she's a baby; she thinks of herself as a regular sized girl. That means when everyone walks out of the room, she follows. And apparently, when someone goes upstairs, she follows. Her favorite form of entertainment is the dog. She always crawls to him and gives him a nice pat or a good intentioned hair-pull anytime he's around. Moo Moo, my mom, has come to town! We've enjoyed having here to visit for a few days and will be so sad to see her go tomorrow. Elisabeth has certainly loved all the extra attention! Ah, the life of a 9 month old!

Movin' On Up

2010-11-01T13:54:00.000-04:00

Sam likes to sit at the table in a regular chair so Elisabeth has been promoted! Not only does she get to sit in the high chair, but she also gets to sit in Sam's old car seat that stays in the car. It just makes sense that Elisabeth should be moving up in the world... since she can crawl! She is quite undaunted with her skills, crawling out the back door onto the porch and toward the brick steps! She's a mover and a shaker!

oh mister moon

2010-09-23T23:47:00.005-04:00

Last night I heard Sam talking in his bed long after he was supposed to be asleep. I went upstairs and opened his door. All I saw were two little legs standing in his bed. After he realized I was in the room, the rest of his body peeked out from behind the curtains with a huge grin lighting up his face. I asked him what in the world he was doing. He pushed the curtains aside, pointed out the window, and said, "Moon!"

Sam is absolutely fascinated with the moon. He talks to the moon and especially loves waving at it! Tonight, when I told him it was time for bed, he ran to the window and said, "moon!" We looked out the window, but the it was hiding behind the trees. We walked outside and found the moon. We sang, "Oh mister moon, moon, bright and shiny moon, won't you please shine down on me?" Then I reminded Sam that God made the moon and him, just like in the creation story that we'd read earlier in the day. When we put Sam to bed a few minutes later, I opened up his curtains and shutters. We left him chatting at the moon... and slipped out of his room unnoticed.

It's that time again

2010-09-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sam's hair was in his eyes and over his ears, so I figured it was time for another... haircut! This was his 2nd "real" haircut and I must say he tolerated it much better than the first! This time, he sat in my lap and said "Ouch" every time she snipped his hair. Then he did the sign language symbol for "finished." He cried for a minute here and there, but overall didn't pitch a fit like last time. When we were finished, he signed "thank you" to the hairdresser and said a hearty "Bye Bye!" And Elisbeth just watched it all, with the occasional grin. Overall, I'd call it a big success!

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labor day

2010-09-07T23:15:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, Sam hitched a ride to Columbia and stayed for the week with my parents. They had such a great time together! They went swimming, visited Sam's great grandparents, and watched the Gamecocks win their 1st game! James, Elisabeth, and I had a good week at home. We crossed a few things off our to do lists, like get Georgia driver's licenses. On Friday, we joined up with my family at Lake Murray for Labor Day weekend. We had such a great time just relaxing and spending time with family. We went swimming, went on walks, read on the porch, went for wagon rides, and I even snuck in a nap in a hammock on the dock! It was the perfect way to spend the weekend! Then our family of 4 headed back west to the new place we call home.

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what you don't know can't hurt you

2010-09-01T08:18:00.009-04:00

James and I took Elisabeth on a nature walk today. It was our first time to use the trails at the Chick-fil-A home office. As we were strolling over a stream, James reminded me of a funny story from a few years back.

I was in college. My sister was in law school. She bumped in to an old family friend every once in while. Our families used to go to the same beach at the same time, but it had been so long since the last time. Also, he is around 8 years older than I am, so I remember him, but not that well. She said he always asked how our family was and then he asked specifically about me. every. time. She mentioned to him that I could pick them up after class and drive them to their cars one day. He was thrilled and said to her, "Great, because there's something that I want to tell her." We set a date. We tried to guess what he was going to tell me, to no avail. After much waiting, the day arrived.

My sister gets in the back. He gets in the front. We small talk for a few minutes. Then he turns to me and says, "I have a confession to make." My sister and I falter and then tell him to go ahead, not knowing what in the world to expect. He begins his tale with sincere eyes and says, "Connie, when you were a baby, your mom left me to watch you by myself while everyone else was on the beach." I nod with a confused and slightly concerned look on my face. He continues, "I decided to take you for a walk. I put you in the stroller and we went off toward the boardwalk. Once we were on it a good ways, I saw a wasp nest. I remembered seeing on the news just a few days before that a 2 year old got stung by wasps and died, so I started to panic. It was too far to turn back, so I decided that I should run to get by it faster. As I was running, the boardwalk was uneven and the stroller was bouncing so much! All of a sudden, the stroller hit a board funny and fell over sideways, tossing you out and face first into the marsh!" At this point, my sister's and my eyes are as big as saucers. We beg him to continue and, of course, asked what happened next! He says as if he were flabbergasted and horrified at the same time, "I was completely terrified! I thought you were dead! I thought I had killed you! I jumped off the boardwalk and picked you up. At this point, you were crying and screaming pretty loud. I brushed a little sand off your face and ran you all the way back to your house. I put you in the crib and then I ran back to get the stroller." We both stop him with, "Whoa, wait!" I continue, "You left me? By myself? What were you thinking?" He responds, "I was thinking 'I better get the stroller back and act like nothing happened so when her parents get back they won't suspect me when she dies!'" Absolutely shocked, I just stare at him. He finishes the story with the such conviction as he says, "and after I put away the stroller and checked on you again, I decided that I would take what happened to the grave and never confess, even if you were hurt or died." My sister and I just start laughing, not quite sure what to make of this revelation. We pepper him with all sorts of questions, the last of which, "So, after all these years of asking about me, you finally decided to confess?" He says, "Yes! I've had this on my chest for almost 20 years and I figured that if something bad was going to happen to you, it surely would've happened by now!" We concede that yes, I was in the clear. He closes his story from yesteryear with, "You don't know how good this feels to have this out in the open! I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders!"

So sometimes, what you don't know can't hurt you!

visitors

2010-08-31T18:36:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago, we had a whirlwind of events! Sam turned 2 on Thursday the 19th. We celebrated by having chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast!

The same day, I noticed a leak in our living room ceiling. A man came to fix it. Right after he left, the ceiling separated and it started raining inside. The man came back. He said it was fixed. Wrong again. More leaking. 2 men came to replace the drywall. It went from a quarter sized spot to half of the ceiling that needed to be replaced. The water had soaked into the insulation and the drywall. Finally we got it all taken care of (so we think)!

On Friday, we had a family birthday supper for Sam. My parents, my mom's parents, and Mardi and Banks came from Columbia for the weekend! We also had all 3 of James' grandparents, his parents, 2 brothers, 1 of their girlfriends, an uncle, and 2 really close family friends to help celebrate! It was lots of fun!

Here's the big boy trying his hand at cutting the cake!

new smyrna beach, florida

2010-08-19T00:23:00.000-04:00

We just got back from a wonderful trip to the beach! We enjoyed being with all the Cathy side of the family and doing beach things together. A 1st for James and me was parasailing. It was awesome! The rope was 2000ft long and the driver said we were about 1000ft high!. It was very different from what I was expecting. My stomach didn't drop at all and it felt more like a slow ferris wheel than anything else I've felt. The picture is of us getting reeled back in.

Sam and Elisabeth were both feeling bad, so I took them to the doctor. They both had double ear infections! Poor kiddos! When they weren't feeling up to snuff, we let them watch a movie on my computer.

And finally, we had some great sports sets. We had a face off in volleyball as well as tennis. Apparently, there were lots of armadillos roaming near the tennis courts. We caught one. Poor guy looked terrified!

Great trip. Great memories.
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In the making

2010-08-06T01:09:00.001-04:00

This morning as I was about to walk out the door, I realized that it was time to make bread (knead dough and form into loaves). I decided to go ahead and do it really fast because I may not remember when we returned home. Sam started pointing to the counter and saying please. I kept telling him that I was going to make bread and that I wasn't getting something to eat (which is what he usually wants on the counter!) Since he kept saying please, I pulled up his high chair and stood him up in it. I explained what I was doing and after watching intently for a minute, he began copying me. He made fists and began kneading the bread. Then when I would pat it, so would he! It was so adorable! After we formed the dough into loaves, he put his cheek on one like it was a pillow. Then he laughed so hard! Making bread with Sam was such an unexpected but special treat! He was a great little helper! It looks like we have a cook in the making! I wonder what his specialty will be. Any guesses?

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jtc

2010-08-03T21:51:00.000-04:00

James' sister Rachel is home from Shanghai for a few days! Tonight I got to go to dinner with her and some of her friends from growing up. It was so much fun to meet them! We ate at jtc. It was delish! Such a good night out!
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James "Cow"thy

2010-07-09T14:48:00.000-04:00

Today is Cow Appreciation Day! There was a contest at the home office and guess who won best dressed... That's right, Mr. James "Cow"thy! He won a cow trophy and an ipod nano, which happens to be the 1st apple product that he's owned since an apple2! And as Fr'ank from Father of the Bride would say, "Velcome to de nineties, Mr. Bonks!"

Eat Mor Chikin!

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Mmm... food

2010-07-06T19:14:00.000-04:00

Elisabeth is 5 months old today! We just gave our sweet girl her very first taste of baby oatmeal- and she loved it! She hummed the whole time I fed her! She's been intently watching Sam eat for weeks and she seems thrilled that she got to try some today!

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We're home

2010-06-25T23:59:00.001-04:00

We've been here for a week and we're settling in well. There are still lots of boxes to be unpacked, but we'll get to them eventually! I'm not sure that it's hit me yet that we live here because I kind of still feel like we're on vacation. Maybe when all our clothes are in drawers and closets it'll feel like home! Who knows...
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Hold the phone!

2010-06-14T04:34:00.001-04:00

This does not happen often! He must be sentimental since we're moving Saturday. =)

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toes in the water

2010-06-12T12:55:00.002-04:00

We just got back from the beach. We had such a great time! Our time was filled with:

-walking on the beach

-swimming

-bike rides

-shuffle board

-tennis

-baskin robbins

-sleeping

-spotting a shooting star

-laughter

-stories

-just plain old fashioned fun

With an infant, albeit the second one, you have to make special accommodations for transportation when on vacation.

This looked innocent enough as James was riding toward us. Then I wondered aloud, "Where's Elisabeth?"

only to realize that she was, in fact, along for the ride.

Our options here were: A. let her ride in a sidecar or B. have one of us hold her on a bicycle with no basket:

And... that's how we roll.

"We got no troubles, life is the bubbles"

2010-06-12T00:29:00.009-04:00

Last summer, Sam and I were invited to a friend's house, along with 4 other moms and babies, to swim. All of the babies were around 1 year old. With the exception of 1 baby (who was utterly fascinated with SammyDog and followed him around the yard) all of the babies sat in their floats contentedly while their mothers visited. Sam was the oddball. First of all, we didn't bring our float. Even if we had, I don't think it would have been of much use. Sam was sticking his head underwater and kicking his legs, desperately trying to swim in my arms. He didn't stop. I should have known that this summer...

Sam can swim! And he is so proud!

And in case you want to see what those cute little legs are doing underwater:

Would you like a fry with that ketchup?

2010-06-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

Sam has found the wonderful world of dipping sauce! He was first introduced to the concept at San Josés, our favorite Mexican restaurant. He would alternate between regular salsa, mild salsa, and cheese dip. Then he got really crazy and dipped a chip in water. At the beach, Sam wanted to dip french fries and chicken in everything. His wildest combination was an onion ring dipped in baked beans. Gross! Today at the pool, he met ketchup and honey mustard for the first time (that I'm aware of). He thought they were delicious. When he ran out of fries, he dipped a fork into honey mustard. Then he held the plate up to his face to have one more lick (and sniff) of ketchup. Apparently, dipping is very fun for Sam! He does come by it naturally though. My dad has been known to put honey mustard on everything, including salmon!?! So much that you can't even see what he's eating because it is dripping yellow! Hopefully Sam will not take it that far!

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3 = leather

2010-05-31T14:36:00.005-04:00

James and I have been married 3 years as of last Wednesday. Wow! The days seems to go by at a regular pace, but the weeks and months and now years seem to fly! James took me to Florida for our anniversary. We left Sam and Elisabeth and Sammy with my parents and headed off together last Monday to Friday. It was wonderful! We had a great time.

As for gifts, James is really good about researching which gift corresponds with each year. 1 = paper. 2 = cotton. 3 = leather. He got me a leather picture album, which he filled, and some leather picture frames for the refrigerator in a variety of colors. They are so fun! He also got me some other things that weren't leather. And I... totally forgot to get him anything! I remember thinking very late one night the week before our anniversary, "James has to have ___!! I should order it for him, but it won't get here in time, so I'll wait until we get back." Only now I can't remember what it was that he just had to have!!! Oh well... Since James is starting a new job, I offered to get him a watch (with a leather band). I think we might go with that idea since I still cannot remember what I was going to get him. I'm sure I'll do better next year! 4 = flowers. On second thought, I might have to get creative!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-31T14:12:00.003-04:00

This sweet girl took 2 naps in my arms on Sunday in this very spot. She woke up at 6am, ready for the day, which is about 2 hours earlier than usual. After eating, we went onto the porch to enjoy the beautiful scene before us. We watched about 15 birds eating out of the birdfeeder my dad hung over the water. Underneath it were 6 Mallard ducks, bigger than ducklings, but not quite full grown. After their breakfast, they swam towards us and came onto shore about 20 feet from our spot on the swing. Two or three turtle's heads popped up here and there in the water. A few minutes later, a mama Mallard swam past with 4 precious ducklings, which were barely bigger than my fist. She was teaching them how to follow her and other swimming basics. Then all of sudden, we heard a big splash. The mama duck had jumped up onto the dock and was watching her ducklings swim around. One swam away from the others, so the mama duck jumped back in the water and herded him back to his siblings. It was amazing! And apparrenly it was so soothing that my little one fell right back to sleep amid the early morning wonders of nature.

Elisabeth's second nap on the porch was late in the afternoon as dozens of boats were motoring around and a plane was flying really low over the lake. We just swung slowly back and forth and her eyes just got heavier and heavier until she finally dozed off. The sounds were so different, but both scenes were peaceful and relaxing! Happy Memorial Day!

Who needs a U-haul?

2010-05-31T14:10:00.000-04:00

This will be us in a few weeks...

That's right, we're moving! James has gotten a job at the Chick-fil-A home office, which is in Atlanta. He will start work on June 21st.

I've lived in Columbia my whole life, so it's bittersweet. Bitter to leave all of my family, but sweet to get to live near his.

We're really excited and look forward to this upcoming season of our lives!

Sam's Visit to Georgia

2010-05-13T22:30:00.002-04:00

Sam is currently staying for a week in Georgia with James' parents, BubbaDaddy and CiCi. We haven't talked much, but I did get a curious message at 9:30 am from Bubba this morning.

This is what I remember:
"Hey Connie. We were just calling to say hi. Sam and I are having such a good time together. We've already been swimming today. He likes swimming a lot. He especially likes the deep end and putting his head under. He holds his breath and kicks. We've also been riding on the golf cart a lot. Ok, well, talk to you soon. Bye!"

I'm not sure what all they are doing this week, but I know they are having fun!!

Go, shorty it's your birfday

2010-05-13T20:35:00.003-04:00

Different families have differing degrees of birthday celebrations. In my family growing up, birthdays were a pretty big deal, not as in huge presents, but as in everyone acknowledged that it was your special day all day. On my actual birthday, which happens to be the day before my brother's birthday, my almost 6 year old brother took cupcakes with pink icing to school in honor of me, his newest sister.

One year I was invited by one of my closest friends to go to their family's farm for the night on my 7th birthday. To ensure that my special day wasn't overlooked, I requested that my mom send a birthday cake with me. To this day, my friend and her mom still call or send a text message to wish me a happy birthday.

My most memorable birthday, to date, was the following year. Once every 7 or so years, Mother's Day falls on my birthday. It happened in 1994. I was 7 turning 8. My family went out to eat at the same place we go every year for Mother's Day. Long story short (which is basically erasing all embarrassing parts), I got left. on. my. birthday. At 2:13 pm, I turned 8. alone. The proprietress offered me chocolate cake, but I turned her down, which means I was very distressed. Thankfully, she knew all of my family, so she left a message on my parents' and grandparents' answering machines. Probably around 30 minutes later, someone picked me up. I did not die... but I certainly haven't forgotten.

This year, I turned 24. I had a great day! James' dad, Bubba, wished me a happy birthday ever time he saw me, which was about 30 times, since we were staying with them! And Cindy got a delicious and beautiful cake for everyone to enjoy! We had a lot of fun! I even went swimming in the pool with James and Sam (and others)! And the whole weekend was really special because after a fun day in Georgia, we came home because Elisabeth got dedicated on Mother's Day at church. Then we had lunch with all of our family. Don't worry, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to my brother! And that night, his wife and one of my sisters threw him a surprise 30th birthday party! It was lots of fun!

In other birthday news, Sammy turned 9. We share a birthday. I don't know his actual birth date, but it's within a week of mine, so we celebrate together. This year, he got a scrap piece of tenderloin at Stan's b-day party. He also got to have this cutie rest on him.

We really try to make it special for him...

baby announcement

2010-05-04T00:17:00.003-04:00

or lack thereof... because this is the best picture of the 2 of them together that i have managed to capture:

and here is the runner up:

and for obvious reasons, I just can't send these pictures out on a printed card (but the internet is fine because they are funny and part of me wants to use the top one because, well, that's life sometimes!)

Teething?

2010-04-19T17:49:00.000-04:00

Because sometimes one just isn't enough...
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Big helper!

2010-04-16T16:38:00.001-04:00

Sam is such a big helper! Here he is giving Elisabeth a bottle! Sweet big brother!
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snoozer

2010-04-08T17:07:00.000-04:00

Elisabeth had her first day of work on Monday! And surprise, surprise, we caught her sleeping on the job! I think this is getting to be a family trend...

Update on sleeping

2010-03-16T10:02:00.002-04:00

I'm happy to announce that Sam is adjusting very well to his bed. I think he loves the independence, though he is obedient and doesn't get out of bed until morning. Maybe the fact that he can get out of bed if he needed to is appealing. Who knows? We moved his bedtime from 7 to 8, which was easy with DST. And he usually comes out of his room at around 8. He still naps in the crib.
And Elisabeth is sleeping well at night too! Last night she ate at 12:15 and then at 6:30! No complaints on my end! Other than her long stretch each night, she eats every 3 or 4 hours, which is great.
I'm VERY thankful that they are sleeping well, because that means James and I are too!
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a boy

2010-03-10T23:09:00.001-05:00

We have watched the transition, and we think tonight kind of sealed the deal. Sam is no longer a baby. He's a boy, a big boy.

James and I, & Elisabeth, were talking and playing with Sam as we were about to put him to bed. He was sitting in his chair at his table playing with a puzzle when I asked, "Sam, would you like to sleep in your big boy bed (and I pointed at the bed) or the crib in the other room (and I pointed out the door)?" He then proceeded to stand up, cut off the lamp on his table, and climb into his bed, his big boy bed. I ran to grab his beloved duck from the crib and handed it to him as we all held hands to say prayers. As we said "Amen," James told Sam to put his head down. He did. Then I told him to stay in the bed until morning. And so far... HE DID!! James and I peeked at him a few hours after he went to sleep and he was in the exact spot where he first lay down.

(he sleeps with the lights off. i used the flash on the camera.)

Fun facts about the picture:
1. My grandfather slept in this bed when he was Sam's age. 2. My mom and one of my sisters did as well. 3. My grandmother painted circus animals on the bed when my mom was a little girl. 4. I repainted the bed before Elisabeth was born but left the animals. 5. The wooden steps are the same ones James used to climb into his bed when he was Sam's age. 6. James' granddad made them. 7. A really good friend gave me the cow bean bag for my birthday a couple of years ago. 8. Her mother found it on the side of the road (as in trash). 9. I didn't wash it. 10. because when you open it, all the beans fall right out (there's no inner bag) 11. My friend's mom did know the family and called them after she took it to make sure they were getting rid of it. 12. Their kids were grown and didn't need it anymore, but assured her it was in great condition 13. and were thrilled someone wanted it!

In other news, Sam enjoys reading magazines before getting dressed in the morning. It looks like he's reading up on the latest and greatest showers. The one in the ad looks like a carwash.

He also enjoys practicing (for when his legs are a tad longer) riding his tricycle.

And he loves rocking his sister. *Sweet story: He and Elisabeth were the only 2 kiddos in the nursery today at 1st pres. Elisabeth was asleep in her car seat and Sam was ready to play. When I came to pick them up, the lady told me that she put Elisabeth (still in her car seat) in the adjoining room (because it was dark) and Sam started screaming. Apparently, he is very protective and wanted her right next to him while I was gone! What a sweet big brother!

And... here's our 1 month old! I can't believe long she has gotten in just a month!

Our favorite things

2010-02-26T09:11:00.000-05:00

Elisabeth's current favorite daytime activity:
being held

Sam's current favorite daytime activity:
climbing up onto anything; including, but not limited to, his highchair, the sofa, his bed, the coffee table, his stroller, and the child sized table in his room.

Connie's current favorite daytime activity:
holding Elisabeth and taking a nap

James' current favorite daytime activity:
playing disc golf

Elisabeth with some family

2010-02-14T20:09:00.007-05:00

Here's a proud daddy with his 2 babies Sam kissing Elisabeth for the first time

pointing out her nose

CiCiMoo Moo

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T19:42:00.004-05:00

Our new valentine on her 1st Valentine's Day!

SNOW DAY 2010

2010-02-13T20:39:00.010-05:00

Wow! Can you believe it? A substantial amount of SNOW? in Columbia??

FUN FACTS:

-8.6 inches (at the airport)
-5th highest snowfall in Columbia history
-1st major snowfall in 7 years

My mom and grandmother visited us yesterday afternoon. We realized that my mom had forgotten to bring Sam's beloved duck back to him, so she said she'd go back home and get it. At the last minute (as if she hadn't been planning for this to happen) she said she'd take Sam along for the ride. She grabbed his diaper bag and threw a few odds and ends in and off they went.

Somehow, Sam ended up getting "snowed in" at my parents' house and had to spend the night. Conveniently, the "odds and ends" that my mom had packed included pajamas, extra clothes, and diapers! It, of course, was fine with us; my only requests were that she take some pictures of him playing in the snow and try to bring him back the next day while there was still some snow on the ground so we could play as a family.

We had so much fun! My parents and Sam came over around 10 and visited for a bit. After they left, the boys next door (8 & 10 yrs old) knocked on our door to see if Sam wanted to come out and play in the snow. (How cute that a 1 1/2 year old got invited outside to play?!?!) I bundled him up in some clothes (none of it proper snow attire) and out we went. Sam literally just tromped through the snow and had a blast! He just sorta shuffled his way around. And he's actually very fast, especially since I was trying to keep Elisabeth snuggled and warm in her blankets. We took some pictures and Sam helped James pat the snowman. Then I headed inside with the little ones and Sammy, except Sam did NOT want to go. So I put Elisabeth down in her bassinet and headed back outside with Sam. When we finally went back inside, Sam cried and cried. Then he took a nap for almost 4 hours!!

Then this afternoon, Mardi, Banks, and Trout came over. We had a great time!

What a wonderful Snow Day!

Sam playing in the snow at my parents' with his duck!

Mrs. Snowman

The Master Snowman-MakerElisabeth's first snow at 1 week old!

Sam tromping all through the snow and LOVING it!

A friend reminded me of this verse today: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." from Isaiah 1:18. God's grace is amazing! And it was so beautiful to see the illustration of His forgiveness with real snow in Columbia in real life!

Oatmeal anyone?

2010-02-12T10:59:00.000-05:00

Note to self:

When your 1 1/2 year old gets really quiet, you should start to wonder what's being discovered.
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Elisabeth Esther

2010-02-09T17:22:00.004-05:00

Introducing

Elisabeth Esther Cathy

born February 6, 2010 at 9:39 am

8 pounds and 19 inches long

We have had an exciting weekend! Well, let me start with Thursday evening. I'll give the condensed version (if I can)... Sam got a very mild case of the throw up bug. Friday morning, after one sip of water made me a tad nauseous, I decided not to eat. I went to my doctor's appointment and found out from an ultrasound that after being breech for weeks, our prayers were answered and Elisabeth had turned head down! I know it was God, but maybe he used me shining a flashlight on my stomach or doing summersaults and headstands in the pool at the YMCA to help her turn! Anyway, we were thrilled! James and I left the doctor and I went to pick up Sam at my mom's. Since I hadn't been sick yet, I thought I was in the clear, so I had lunch. Very. Bad. Idea. Right when we got home, I got "the bug." Then James' mom and brother Luke came and stayed with us for the night on their way home after visiting the Citadel. James got "the bug" after supper. We slept with big bowls by our bed. We had to use them many times. And we were both in the bathroom at least once or twice an hour. Even just rinsing out our mouth would make us lose about a gallon of fluid. MISERABLE. Around 2 am, I realized that I couldn't go back to sleep... and the clock was creeping by. Then I realized that I was probably in labor. WHAT? I had one piece of ice every 30 minutes or so because I figured I needed the fluid. Probably not that good of an idea since I wasn't feeling any better. James started feeling better at 4:30 am. At 5 am, I told James I was having contractions. He timed them and they were 4 minutes apart. He said we should call the doctor. She said come to the hospital. We woke up Cindy and Luke. They were excited and very willing to stay with Sam so we could leave. We did last minute packing and headed to the hospital. We got to the hospital around 6, and they thought I was in pre-labor (like they thought with Sam too). They said it would probably be after lunch... or later. James told people not to come. It would be a while. My parents came. Graham came. Graham and my dad left. My contractions were pretty strong and still 2 to 4 minutes apart. James wanted them to check me. They wouldn't because they still thought it would be awhile. At 9, they finally checked me. I was 8-9 cm. She said to press the red call button in about an hour when I felt pressure. Ten minutes later, I pressed the button. The doctor said I was 10 cm and could have my water broken or just keep on keeping on. He said it could be 5 minutes or 40, but breaking the water would make her come faster. I decided to let things continue naturally, since we were waiting on family to be their for the big occassion. Not 30 seconds into the next contration, I pressed that red call button again and told the doctor I'd changed my mind. What was I thinking? Waiting for family to get to the hospital while contracting without drugs??? REALLY?? Doctor comes in, breaks my water, Elisabeth is born 10 minutes later at 9:39 am. YAY! James and I were both so exhausted after being up all night with no fluid left in our bodies, but thrilled to have and hold our newborn little lamb!

As a side, we warned everyone about our "bug" before they came into contact with us. We have officially given it to James' mom, my dad, my grandmother, James' older brother, his wife... who will be next? We hope no one because we wouldn't wish this even on our worst enemies. By reading this blog, you may have been contaminated... GO WASH YOUR HANDS IMMEDIATELY!

When the idea strikes...

2010-01-31T23:40:00.000-05:00

You just have to go with it. So here's her name with polka dots that will go on the wall by her crib. I'll probably hang it with pink ribbon. Now it's officially time for bed!
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A little pink for the nursery

2010-01-31T23:01:00.000-05:00

Here is my first art project to help change Sam's room into Elisabeth's room. The other day I removed the blue bedspread from the queen bed that's in the room and replaced it with a white and light green quilt. Now I have this sweet little lamb to add. Next I am working on painting some flowers for the wall and maybe something with her name on it. So far, I'm having lots of fun moving the blue out and the pink in! But don't worry about Sam, I just finished repainting his toddler bed and will put all of his blue items on the walls of his new room!
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God made dirt...

2010-01-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

And dirt don't hurt!

Sam had such a great time playing in the dirt in our back yard. It is actual soil, but it is organic so I figured there weren't any chemicals in it. He loved picking it up with both hands and letting it trickle through his fingers. And then he started eating it. I helped him wipe some out of his mouth, but overall, he seemed quite pleased with himself and the new experience! After we moved on from the dirt, Sam started riding Sammy and rubbing dirt all over the dog. Then Sam started barking. We sure are enjoying this beautiful day outside! And I guess all I can say about Sam is that he's "all boy!"
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Working hard

2010-01-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Right after breakfast, Sam went straight to work. He's getting the hang of the large crayons I got him yesterday. And in case you're wondering, today is casual (aka no pants) Tuesday.
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Happy moo year!

2010-01-01T00:27:00.000-05:00

What better way to bring in the new year than a nugget drop? That's right, instead of a ball or even a peach, we watched a giant nugget drop into a pool of Chick-fil-A sauce at midnight! The Truett's Grill in McDonough, GA does this every year and it certainly draws a crowd! They have big bouncy play things, cotton candy, popcorn, a stage with a band, cows, and the restaurant stays open until midnight! We had a great time! Happy Moo Year everyone!
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It's Christmastime Already!

2009-12-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

December has been good so far. I've been more tired than usual. I find myself napping the whole time Sam does in the afternoons, which should explain the lack of blogging! James and I were able to go see his oldest brother graduate from the master's program at Pepperdine University. Yay Mark! Other than that, it has been pretty much "life as usual" for us. Sam is growing and changing every day, but is still sweeter than sugar (other than his newest thrill of biting my fingers when I least expect it). My new favorite is that when Sam sees my tummy, he smiles and says "BayBee." Unfortunately, he may think that a "BayBee" is a belly button, but it's still really cute! And we're still working on using a "gentle" touch instead of hitting. He'll either learn to be "gentle" by the time she arrives or our little girl with toughen up pretty quickly!

We got a really pretty Christmas tree this year. This is James "trimming" it before we brought it inside to put it up and "trim" it.

My family never said "trim the tree." We decorated our tree. Much easier; no need for quotation marks. Does anyone really say "Let's trim the tree!"? Anyway, James put our tree up. We decorated it. Then, it fell over (and a bunch of water spilled everywhere). James stood it back up, re-watered it, we replaced the few ornaments that fell off, turned around and... the tree fell over again. And water went everywhere again. This time, James straightened it up and tightened it down in the stand really well, we replaced the ornaments, and then we got all ready to take our Christmas card picture. While doing so, the tree fell AGAIN! This time, we decided to anchor the tree to the only screwed in object closeby, our paper towel holder. Needless to say, James was a bit upset at this point. I was trying really hard not to laugh. When we started taking the pictures, James was still pretty mad. After 3 failed attempts at a mediocre picture, we had a genius idea: put a banana next to the camera (which was on the 10 second timer) and tell Sam to look at the banana. And it worked! (This is extrememly ironic because he no longer likes eating bananas, but apparently still smiles and gets a little giddy when he sees one!) Our tree is beautiful, we were able to successfully get a good picture for our Christmas card that evening, and the tree is still standing a week later! WHEW!!

End of November Recap

2009-12-18T22:32:00.004-05:00

We had a great end to November! The weather was so pretty! It was wonderful!

Thanksgiving was nice. We had lunch with my family and then drove for supper with James' family. We stayed for the weekend and then left Sam because we were coming back Thursday and thought that it would be a fun time for all!

Sam has learned some new words and sign language signs. He can say mama, daddy, hi, bye bye, banana, candy (thanks to my dad), ball, mimi (not sure; it's his go-to word for Sammy and lots of other stuff), wah wah (water), car, drive, and probably some more that I can't think of right now. As for signs, he currently knows and can "say" more, milk, I'm finished, please, thank you, water, and eat. Life would be very frustrating for him and me if he couldn't at least communicate part of what he wants to me. For instance, he will walk over to near our front closet and grunt. I didn't know what he wanted until he started signing please and pointing to the door knob. Now I understand that he wants to play with the vacuum cleaner. (Why didn't I automatically assume that???) And another example. He walks over to my bedside table and stares at it while grunting. I would open the drawers, move all accessible items off the top, etc. Now he signs please and when I cut on the lamp, he smiles and lets out a little giggle. Then he walks over to James' bedside table and does the same thing. My favorite is when he brings me a book and I ask if he wants to get in my lap and me read it to him and he responds with please. Oh, it's so sweet!

And that brings us to December...

"In dreams there are no impossibilities"

2009-11-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

James and I don't have cable. We used to subscribe to Blockbuster's all access rentals. After we ran out of movies to watch, we decided to borrow and watch old TV shows and movies on DVD from the library for free. We are currently watching the A-team and MacGyver.

so... James' parents came to visit and stayed with us on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. James and I really enjoyed being with them, but I have to admit that I think Sam had the most fun of all! His latest fascination is "driving" anything, but particularly cars. He likes to stand in the seat and hold the steering wheel... and push buttons. Apparently, while James and I were off at appointments and such, BubbaDaddy and CiCi took turns sitting in the car with Sam and letting him "drive," all day! They did an impressive amount of spoiling in general in the brief period of time that they were here. It must come naturally to grandparents! =)

Thursday, James left for work very early in the morning. And as he does on regular days, he armed our alarm as he left. Bubba and Cindy were snoozing in their room, Sam was catching some zzzs in James' closet, and I was peacefully slumbering in my bed until... I heard something. It sounded like someone set off an alarm and the building would blow in 37 seconds! WAIT, but it's ok because MacGyver will disarm it! I know he'll pull through, that's what he does... "disarm system now. beep. beep. beep. disarm system now. BEEP. BEEP. BEEP." Then Bubba comes in and asks how we cut off the alarm. I tell him. And I officially am awake at this point. Then I get up because I remember that Sam is still asleep and probably won't be for much longer with all the racket. We get the alarm cut off quickly. And then I hear Sam. Apparently, it was a bit loud for him to sleep through. Bubba and Cindy scoop him up and take him for a walk (which was the reason they set off the alarm in the first place). I return to bed to catch a few more minutes of shut eye.

As I am going back to sleep, I ponder these thoughts: I heard the alarm from the very beginning. I seriously thought that MacGyver would disarm it. I'm just glad it was Bubba and Cindy trying to take a walk and not a fire or something! But then again, I'm sure MacGyver could put out a house fire, no problem. Well, except that he's fictional- but let's not get hung up on technicalities.

Publix

2009-11-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's officially the only place that Sam LOVES to shop. He cried when he had to get out of the buggy and into our car.

Publix. Where shopping is a pleasure.
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Picture Time

2009-10-16T16:39:00.004-04:00

James' cousin, Angela Edwards, takes amazing pictures. Here are some that she took of Sam shortly after his first birthday!

Thank you Angela!

on the farm

2009-10-07T20:39:00.007-04:00

This past Friday, we went to Country Adventures with our church. It was so much fun! We went last year, but Sam was only about 6 weeks old.

This time around he actually knew he was somewhere exciting.

He had such a great time petting the sheep and tolerated riding the donkey. He definitely prefers riding Sammy though! We had a great time. Sam even got his very own little pumpkin to take home!

"Nana"

2009-09-28T13:58:00.004-04:00

"Nana" is a word that Sam likes to say. One might think that he is referring to a really sweet grandmother, but they would be wrong. He is thinking solely of his tummy, and filling it with:

a banana.

I have to hide all the bananas in our house because if Sam sees one, he says, "nana!!" incessantly until he has one in his hands. He also will stop at nothing to reach one, including climbing on our table, digging through bags and baskets, and chasing anyone with a banana in their hands through the house.

The other day, Sam was out of sight and was being very quiet. James checked on him and found him with a banana in his hands. He had eaten through the peel on the bottom end to get to the banana inside and was eating it quite contentedly. Apparently there was an extra one hiding in our basket that we take when we go off in the car.

We are thrilled that he loves bananas, but I do try to limit him to one or two a day. Otherwise, I think that he would eat them all day everyday!

yard work

2009-09-25T11:39:00.003-04:00

Sam loves being outside. If he is inside and hears a door open, he crawls at lightning speed to the door to see if he can sneak out before it closes. If it has glass and has already closed, he knocks on it and talks to the person outside. And if you're holding him headed in the direction of a door to the outside, his little body quivers with excitement and he goes up and down on your hip from anticipation. Since we don't have cable and James likes to watch the games in HD, we spent the night at my parents' house. This morning, my dad decided to mow the grass. Sam really wanted to watch, so first we sat on the swings in the back yard. Then we followed him to the front yard. After my dad finished mowing, he let Sam help him push the lawn mower in the yard. Sam loved it!

Sam's longest walk!

2009-09-23T17:58:00.005-04:00

I dedicate this first video of me walking to CiCi and Bubba Daddy! I love you!

Love, Sam

and he's talking

2009-09-18T09:44:00.002-04:00

At Sam's 1 year checkup, he could say 2 words. "Dada" and "Mama." He could also say, "nininini" when he wanted something to eat.

On Labor Day, he said, "more." The next day, he just started talking. Now he can say over 10 words, not necessarily on command, but he's saying them nonetheless! Here is a list of his words as of 9-17-09:

Dada & Daddy
Mama & Mommy
more
dau (dog)
hi
bye
no
my (mine)
um (Graham)
na na (banana)
mi mean (ice cream)
dow (cow)
mo me (more please)
nam (either name or Sam)
mimi (?)

It is amazing to watch the changes that happen overnight in Sam! I am so thankful to have the opportunity to spend my days with him! He is such a delight!

The Patient

2009-08-31T23:44:00.000-04:00

James was in a wreck on Wednesday afternoon. There was one other man involved and he left without a scratch. James got a few bumps, probably from the air bag. It was quite scary. I was just a couple of minutes away from the accident, so I came immediately when James called. I'm so glad that he was sitting in the grass when I got there instead of strapped to the stretcher with a neck brace on for the ambulance ride. That would have really been nerve wracking! So, after getting the paperwork from the police, I went to the emergency room to be with James.

This is just an ice pack strapped to his head.

Here is the black eye.

James got 3 stitches in his eyebrow and 1 staple in his head. This is the eye after they cleaned it but before the stitches went in. His eye was pretty much swollen shut in the picture.

Here is it healing nicely after a few days.

We are so thankful that he is safe and sound! And that he wasn't sore the day after the wreck. James has been wearing sunglasses to work and church because the black eye was pretty dark and he didn't want to gross anyone out. The swelling has gone down so it's just black and blue now. We go on Wednesday to get the stitches out and then again to get the staple out. And then it will be back to normal for us... except that his car is most likely totaled. But that's OK because cars (no matter how sentimental) can be replaced!

just kidding about the moped!

Sam's 1st Birthday

2009-08-30T17:19:00.000-04:00

Sam is 1! His birthday was August 19th, but we waited until the next day to celebrate with family. Sam was a little under the weather with his first ear ache, but seemed to perk up and have a really good time! I guess it's hard not to enjoy an evening with both sets of grandparents, 3 aunts, 2 uncles, 2 great grandparents, and 1 great uncle doting on you!

Sam was a bit timid of the cake at first. Then he noticed the candle. After I gave him a lick of icing, he decided it wouldn't be too bad if he tried some on his own. He had a few good licks from his fingers. Then he must have had an itch, because he wiped his face, which put icing everywhere!

Meet Sam's duck. He loves this duck (on the right) so much. He loves to sleep with it and snuggle with it. It is so soft and fluffy and perfect. So, I tried to make a cake that resembled it.

Sam got a Radio Flyer push wagon from my grandparents. Here is Bubba Daddy pushing him in it. Sam pushes this wagon around our house all day! He loved it so much! He is just beginning to understand the concept that walls prevent you from pushing any futher that direction. We help him redirect the wagon and off he goes again!

Though he is not quite walking, Sam is definitely a toddler. He has learned how to untie my shoes while they are on my feet. He understands that there is more to life than just what is in front of him. He will even crawl up to me and give me a big hug around the neck! And he is such a joy! We can't believe that a whole year has passed! It certainly has gone by quickly!

Sick patient.

2009-08-20T11:15:00.000-04:00

Today we visited the "sick patient entrance" at the pediatrician's office for the first time. Poor Sam is under the weather. He has a little ear infection. He's been weepy and clingy for a few days. I thought it was a cold, then teething, and when he had a fever this morning, I figured it was time to visit the doctor. So, we are sad that Sam is hurting, but we are so thankful that this is the first time he's been sick. Hopefully he'll feel better soon since we're celebrating his birthday tonight!
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I'm slipping

2009-08-07T07:18:00.000-04:00

My grandmother is turning 80. We call her DeDe. Sam will call her Great DeDe. The girls in my family, my mom, sister, sister, sister (in-law), and I are planning a luncheon for her. She is thrilled! We are too! Anyway, my grandmother is very clever. [Example: she finishes the crossword in the newspaper every morning before 8:30am.] She is often saying witty statements that make you laugh, smile, or want to change your attitude immediately. They usually have just a few words that speak volumes. My family can say these comments to one another and we know precisely the intended meaning. When we were younger and fighting because a sibling "stole" the comfy chair that was "ours" though we got up to get a bottled coke, she would say, "He who rises, loses." We don't through tantrums anymore, but if someone gets possessive about a lost seat, we still say it. And the other person hushes immediately and can't help but smile. Another one of my favorites is "Seven days without Connie makes one weak (week)." That one always makes me go visit in a hurry!

One that aided in sharpening my memory is a saying prompted when we forget to do something asked of us, such a return a phone call or retrieve something from the other room for her or my grandfather. In response, DeDe would say, "You're slipping." I took it to mean that your mind was not being exercised enough and you were becoming less intelligent. Well, one of my sisters and I love to say this to just about everyone in the family when appropriate. I think we may overuse it a tad with our mom, which is even funnier to us. Well, I have been the recipient of this comment so many times in the past month, I am losing count. I might have the tendency to be in a bit of a fog while expecting a baby.

So if I forget to call you back, or worse, my only explanation is: I'm slipping. Sorry. Check back at the end of January and we'll see if the effects are permanent.

3 weeks already?

2009-08-06T14:14:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in 3 weeks?
What?
Wait a second... I actually have to write and take pictures for them to show up on the blog?

OK, so while I have been in La-La-Land, here's what's been happening in our family:
-James is 26 years old! And is still the best husband ever!
-Spending the whole day with my sister on her birthday.
-Sam is up to 8 teeth.
-been planning a party for my grandmother.
-spending the weekends at the lake.
-reading.
-hanging out with new friends in our neighborhood.
-visiting grandparents.
-Sam has mastered the art of climbing.
-Sunday school party.
-attending a few weddings.
and finally, the one you've all been waiting for with bated breath:
-we're having another baby!

That's right! The baby is due January 28, 2010. Sam and the baby will be just shy of a year and a half apart. We find out if the baby is a boy or a girl soon, either the end of August or beginning of September. We're so excited! Our family of 2 has quickly grown to 3, then 4, then 5, and now 6. OK, so #3 is the dog. And #5, Belle (the cow). Animals officially don't count in this census anymore. Family of 2, up to 3, now expecting the 4th!

Studious Sam

2009-07-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

Sam loves reading. He reads the mail, my books, magazines, his books, and newspapers. He also loves glasses: sun glasses, reading glasses, and fake glasses alike. So, Studious Sam it is!
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Cow Appreciation Day!

2009-07-10T19:14:00.000-04:00

Isn't Sam the cutest cow ever? We think so!

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Another first

2009-07-05T17:19:00.000-04:00

Baby's first jet ski ride! Sam and BubbaDaddy went for a spin on the lake today. They both had a great time. And last night, Sam got to experience fireworks for the first time! He took a late nap and went out with us on the boat at dusk. When the show started, he got very still and just watched all the beautiful colors light up the sky. The loud bangs didn't even phase him. And on our walk from the dock to the house, at every boom, he would turn towards the lake and look up and the sky. He wanted to see all the fireworks he could before bedtime!
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Beach Time!

2009-07-03T17:55:00.003-04:00

We went to Isle of Palms for our first beach experience as a family! We went down there with my family and are had such a great time! Sam still LOVES water, even the salt water. When we put him in the sand, he immediately started crawling for the ocean. He can't get enough! He also enjoyed it when we'd hold him and go a bit deeper because he liked to kick his legs and splash with his arms. He didn't even mind when big waves would splash into him mouth. He took it in stride. Sam certainly got the appropriate skin tone for being outside and around water all day. He is so tan! It's amazing! It is the most perfect color! I'm so glad he got James' olive skin!

And the other night when we were eating out, everyone was enjoying the conversation and laughed when we looked at Sam in my mom's lap because he was eating fried shrimp with both hands! It was adorable!

Bubbles

2009-06-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

I pulled out some bubbles that my sister gave me in the car on our way to the beach. It's safe to say that they were a big hit! Sam loved them! He just smiled and tried to grab them when blew them right at him. Only bad part was that he didn't like it when I stopped blowing the bubbles. Good thing we were only 10 minutes away when he saw his first bubble!
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water water

2009-06-20T23:41:00.004-04:00

One of my very favorite books growing up was Love You Forever. I would read it and cry and cry. The story was just so special to me.

And ever since having Sam, I have been waiting for this to happen in my house. I was so excited the other day when I found him in the bathroom with toilet paper unrolled on the floor. I just wish I could have gotten another huge grin in the picture like the one he gave me when I found him.

By the way, the toilet lid is down on purpose because someone very short likes to pull up on it and splash his fingers in the water!

Which reminds me, we have a total Water Bug. Sam is crazy about water. He's always enjoyed bath time, but now it goes much further. He went swimming for the first, second, third... sixth time last week. He's been in a pool, a lake, and an ocean. And he seems to just love it! He seeks out water at every turn, even going so far as to dump out the dog's waterbowl and then play in it!

Does anyone know how to teach babies to swim or know of a place Sam can take a swimming lesson?

Watermelon

2009-06-06T18:29:00.000-04:00

My baby loves watermelon! And I am so glad. It is my favorite food and I'm just excited that he likes it too! I was thinking that he may not like it because when he was just a few weeks old, his Aunt Rachel gave him his first taste. He was so confused and had no idea what to do with it, though it was smaller than my pinkie fingernail. He just smacked his little gums together with the funniest face! I fished it out of his mouth and today was his first taste since. So, Aunt Rachel, maybe he loves it because you introduced him to it! Thank you!

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date night numero uno

2009-05-30T00:51:00.001-04:00

James and I heard about The Great Date Experiment from Amy and then April. There are six "great dates" and each date revolves around one of 6 "essentials." If you're married, try it, it's fun! I must warn you though, April's post has a "spoiler warning" and Amy's doesn't. Forewarned is fare warned. Now you know.

James and decided to "take the plunge" and start dating again. We thought it might improve our relationship since we haven't had a night out alone (together), much less left our house past 6pm since Sam has been born. just kidding. But we did think the Great Date Experiment sounded like a good excuse for a lot of fun!

We went to Rome for our anniversary. OK, OK, not that Rome, this Rome. Rome, Georgia. We stayed at a cabin on the campus of Winshape, which is located on the campus of Berry College. And Sam stayed with CiCi and BubbaDaddy (James' parents).

James decided we would do both the 1st and 2nd date nights while we were gone, but this one is just about:
Date Night #1. essential: nurture romance

Select a place for an appetizer: Arby's. curly fries. As we were eating, we had some questions to talk about. a.k.a. food 4 thought. One of them was: What is the best date or trip we have ever been on? We both said our first date and our honeymoon.

****spoiler warning! don't read any more if you are going to try the Great Date Experiment****

Next up, we selected a place for an entree: Provino's Italian Restaurant. While we were waiting, we had some "would you rathers," which by the way, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE and could sit around all day and ask/answer them. Here goes:
Would you rather go on one $5000 week long vacation or five long weekends that cost $1000 each? We both said five long weekends!
Would you rather eat and never gain weight or speed and never get caught? We both said eat and never gain weight. I questioned James because he has a lead foot and a few "certificates" to prove it. He said, "I just worked really hard and lost 26 pounds and I haven't had a ticket in a long time. Maybe you should ask me again after my next ticket." Unfortunately, I got the opportunity to re-ask after he got caught going 50 in a 35 without proof of insurance or registration near our home not a week later. His answer was unchanged because the officer showed grace by issuing 2 warnings and only citing him going 9 mph over.
And finally, Would you rather have an average house and a vacation home OR your dream home. We both said OUR DREAM HOME!

Then we went to Walgreens and split up with $2 in hand to buy an "it's the thought that counts" present. James cheated and spent $11. I got him a Milkbone dog toy squeaky plush Squirrel. It is black with a brown stripe on the tail and has MILKBONE sewn onto its back. It also squeaks when you squeeze it. I got it because he loves squirrels and we can hide it in conspicuous places around the house so the other person knows we love them (his idea). I'm pleased to have you meet our "love squirrel."

Dessert was next. We went to a Chick-fil-A Dwarf House to get a milkshake. It was about 9:20pm. There was not a single car in the parking lot. James says we'll just drive around, you know, just to make sure. He proceeds to the drive thru and places our pretend order for a chocolate milkshake. Then we pull forward to the first window, which said "Next Window Please." He complies. At the next window, James pulls our his money and holds it out the car window, just like if someone had actually taken his order. I am cracking up at this point, and then a truck turns in. I laugh even harder. They drive around to place their order, then pull around really fast and try to leave, but we are blocking them. James gets out and apologizes. WHOOPS! I actually felt really bad for them because I've been there too! It's not fun. Sadly for us and the people in the truck, they closed at 8pm because it was Memorial Day.

There were more questions, and we had a great time talking. Overall, James and I had a really fun night out together! Oh and there were also some suggested pet names used, such as Ghangsta Love, Duckling, and Bambie. I was totally oblivious (though I had read the instructions too) and just thought he was being weird.