Henry's first visit to the Farm!

Henry visited the Farm for the first time last month! Aunt Lauren graduated from USM, which we wouldn't have missed for the world.

Unfortunately, Henry was unusually fussy, so these were the only two pictures we got pre-graduation.  We attributed it to Henry being a boy that didn't want to sit still, but we found out late the next night Henry had his first ear infection. Poor baby!

So instead of being those annoying parents who kept their screaming child in an auditorium, we decided to walk him around campus.  Clearly, this technique didn't work either (for the reason stated above), so we just ended up with a screaming baby in a stroller on campus! At least it wasn't bothering anyone.  Well, anyone except Henry's Mama... :)

We did manage to get a few smiles out of him at USM's rose garden - so beautiful!!

Many hours have been spent on this swing.  Henry was a HUGE fan of it.

 

It cracks me up how you can spend an absolute fortune on baby toys, but it seems like they're always most interested in the simplest items. Like a fruit snack wrapper..... :)

How many, many hours have been spent at the farm. The absolute best!

Henry's first introduction to the John Deere. Certainly won't be his last if he's going to remain a member of this family!

We were so glad to spend some time with Uncle Clifton!  We thought we'd be seeing him a few weeks later in Dallas, but he got shipped overseas last minute by the Air Force - we're praying for you, bud!!

 Oscar had a blast at the farm - he went to the farm white and came back in various shades of brown.

 Henry also got to spend some good quality time with Aunt Donna - we were glad she drove up to see us!!

 Our lame attempt to get this child to smile.  We still hadn't discovered his ear infection - poor kid. It'll be nice once he can talk and identify aching body parts!

TOY HOARDER!!!! Okay, not really. We just surrounded him so we could load the car up for our trip back to DFW.

Sad to go home, but I'm sure we'll be back in a few months.  Next time, I have a feeling our little guy will be toddling around in the woods and ready to have some fun at the creek! Can't WAIT!!!

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day to the two most loving, God-fearing men I know!

 Love you both, Dad and Paul!

Many Belated Thank Yous!

I have been unbelievably behind on my blogging, but feel like I can't get back into the swing of things without sending out a few thank yous across the great World Wide Web.

Firstly, many thanks to the Swaners for Henry's rope name!!!!

It's a perfect fit - we absolutely love it!

Secondly, many thanks to the Sinacolas for some great FANTASTIC tickets to the Rangers game.  I had a 7 month old boy with me drooling (because that's just what he does)......

And then I had a 29 year old boy with me drooling (because this is how close we were to Hamilton and Young).

 Henry made it 12.5 innings before he started getting a little whiny.  Of course, as we were exiting the Ballpark, Hamilton hit the winning home run, but we were so proud of Henry for his behavior, we didn't even care that we missed it!  Of course, he did squeeze in a little nap mid-game....

 but he got a souvenir, so he can always remember his first Rangers game!!!

And most of all, I cannot say thanks enough to these three girls that cared for my baby this year at ESD.

I think I was a little concerned/hesitant the first day, but didn't worry about Henry for one second after that.  Obviously, I thought about Henry every day (and got my daily picture at 11:30 a.m. from Paul!), but never worried about Henry and how he was being treated or cared for.  There are not enough words of thanks for the three women and how they cared for my little love.  Here are a few snapshots of the units they did with Henry - clearly, he's one of the most talented infant artists of his time... :)

 Easter unit.

 Valentine's Day unit.

Under the Sea unit.

And my personal favorite......

Farm unit!!

He also came home with an ABC book, which has an animal made from Henry's hand or footprint for each letter of the alphabet - I'm debating over whether the Koala or the Yak is my favorite.  It's not really a blog friendly book, so you'll have to invite yourself over to come see it yourself.  Absolutely adorable!

8 Months!

Henry, Paul, and I visited Aunt Gracie this past weekend, and he turned 8 months old while we were there. I was so glad to have an extra set of hands, since it took all three of us to attempt to take his monthly photo. Even with the three of us, I still don't consider any of the photos to be a complete success. Is it obvious he's stubborn and was unhappy we were trying to make him sit back for more than 2 seconds? :)

7 Months Old!

Our big guy turned 7 months old last Thursday. It's so hard to believe he's closer to age 1 than his actual birth!

This child does not sit still. Ever.  Which typically results in a few tumbles here and there.

Despite his falls, his spirit is clearly not broken. :) What a goober.



A few things I adore about him:

1. He exudes excitement and joy.

2. He loves being around people. And dogs. [Clearly my child.]

3. He is very willful. Yes, I know this will be very trying at times, but I handle a strong personality much better than a weak one.  He does not have a weak personality.

4. He goes to bed with a huge smile and wakes up with a bigger one.  It's been weeks since he woke us up crying.  And as long as he's in his own bed at home surrounded by his environment, the only sound we hear through the monitor is babbling.

5. He's just learned to clap his hands.  And he gets quite proud of himself if you clap with him.

6. He never has 2 socks on.  Usually one foot is covered in a sock and the other sock has been pulled off and is being chewed on.

7. Bath time has become a form of playtime - Paul and I are no longer dry when we exit the bathroom post-bath.

8. He loves to beat on things, especially the piano.  I'm considering digging some earplugs out of our closet for our next round of "music lessons."

9. When being held, he holds his arms straight back behind him, almost as though to balance himself out.  It looks ridiculous.

10. Most of all, when he gets excited, he holds his arms straight out to the side and twists his wrists.  It looks like he's riding an imaginary motorcycle, and it's funny every single time.

I swear that every month, Paul and I say he's at our favorite stage.  I'm certain a time will come when I reminisce about the good ole days.  But I don't foresee reaching that stage for quite some time.

Bluebonnets!

In Kentucky, we have bluegrass, not bluebonnets.  I'm pretty sure I first heard of bluebonnets in 2002 when I started dating Paul.  I quickly learned they were a Texas staple - especial in picture frames with children sitting in their midst.  Does Kentucky have such a custom?  I think not.  I have quite a few pictures on horses, but none in cute outfits (I would never label an outfit that involves spandex and a helmet as cute).  So Texas wins this battle.  Don't worry Kentucky, you've still got quite a few things to hold over Texas.  Like seasons.  Texas has yet to figure out there are other seasons besides super horrific summers and winter.  But that discussion is for another day.

Since I gave birth to the most precious Texan I know, we decided to follow the bluebonnet tradition.  Let it be known that as soon as new frames are purchased, these photos will find a permanent home in my office and atop a coffee table somewhere.