What Is Happening??

Today marks the day that Aaron became "Mr. Cling." Always needing to be held, always raising his arms for me to pick him up, always wanting to be near. Totally out of nowhere! Yesterday he was fine and played totally fine on his own! What is happening to my independent, self-entertainer? Is this normal behavior for an almost eight-month-old???

p.s. Debbie Lines, you were right! It's happening!! :)

They're Out There!

Just want to take a second to say how grateful I am for kind, helpful people. I think I'm just more aware of said people now that I actually need more help (comes with being a mom.) I have yet to go somewhere in Richmond with Aaron in a stroller where someone hasn't opened the door for us. Having a child has given me more faith and hope in society. People are aware of others; they are willing to help; and they often even say a kind word or two, sometimes in that sweet Southern accent. People have stopped us frequently to ask about Aaron, to ask how old he is, and to just make general conversation. Life isn't in such a hurry here - it's nice. It's people like this that make me want to be better and to spread the kindness.

Firsts

Aaron at 7 1/2 months old. Today someone asked me if he was 13 months! (It was a guy. Bless his heart!) ;)

This is such an awesome stage!!! Aaron is totally laughing, smiling like crazy, baby talking, crawling (just started), sitting up on his own, and filling our lives with so much happiness. When Aaron saw Mike this morning, he brimmed with happiness (as usual) and said, "da da." His first words? Probably just more babbling, but we like to think he knows who we are. :)

So I'm a little excited about these "firsts." I can't help it! Experiencing them for the first time as a new mama is so wonderfully exciting! Now I totally understand the specialness of "firsts."

Family Bonding

Another pic taken the day of Madelyn's baby blessing - Mike, Aaron, Martha, and Madelyn. We had so much fun!

Bath Time's So Much Fun

He loves bath time! (Thank goodness!) Thanks, Dianne, for helping him get squeaky clean while you were here.

The Perfect Colander

So I've been searching for the perfect colander for the past two years. Not just any colander would do. It had to be creamy/yellow with an elegant look to it. We've seriously gone two years without one of these things since I could never find one I liked enough to buy. So I'm picky about my colanders. (I'm really not this picky about most kitchen stuff - promise.)

Then Mike surprised me today with the perfect Mother's Day gift: a sweet little colander in just the right shade of pale/creamy yellow. Apparently it already has other uses ...




Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful moms and moms-to-be! Thank you for your dedication, care, selflessness, and love toward the little ones. I hope you have a wonderful day. Think we're gonna make some pasta tomorrow ...

p.s. ... Before opening the gift, Mike told me he got me a training potty for Aaron for my Mother's Day gift. I believed him at first, of course, and was a little dumbfounded and bratty about it. "What??" I asked. "That would be a gift for Aaron -- not for me," I said, only half joking. I proceeded to tell him he needed to consult with my sister from now on for gift-giving ideas. Needless to say ... I was very pleasantly surprised when he emerged into the living room with a bag containing the highly sought-after kitchen product. Mike gets me every time. Who says men aren't good shoppers??? Love ya, Mike! Thanks for the great gift! Looks great on Aaron. ;)

Blessing Day

On Sunday we attended the baby blessing of our new niece, Madelyn. Then later that day we all enjoyed a lovely meal at Mike's parents' house. We feel greatly blessed to have this opportunity to be near family members. Here are a few pics from the day.

Here she is - the beautiful Madelyn! I do love this picture. She looks so happy in her gorgeous blessing gown made by Mike's mom.


Of course we can't miss an opportunity to take a picture of Aaron in his cute overalls. Does his hair look red to anyone else?? Maybe it's just the lighting (or my imagination).


I was in good company at the dinner as two others were wearing heavy-duty surgical shoes. We had a good laugh about our stylish new shoes - NOT! :) We're posing on Mike's parents' new deck. It looks great, especially surrounded by so many trees. That's Virginia for ya. Trees galore!

The Four P's

Well, we've been on the house hunt for some time now and are getting slightly discouraged. My dad gave us some wonderful, fatherly advice pertaining to our current situation. Here it is:
1 - Patience
2 - Paint (never underestimate the power of paint; it can do wonders.)
3 - Positive (stay positive.)
Mike added the fourth P: Prayer (always essential.) :)
We'll keep you posted on our progress (I guess that would be the fifth P ... .)
It was great to have my parents here visiting and earlier this week, Dianne, Mike's mom. They came to help us out since I had minor surgery on my toe (pregnancy related). Needless to say, I was pretty out of it and immobile the first couple of days especially, so we're very grateful to have family nearby and for the help.
Here is my dad being funny with Aaron. He's grabbing his foot, just like Aaron does! What is it with babies and their feet? :)

"These Are The Moments" - Dedicated To My Hubby And Son :)

I THINK THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG! (It should be playing right now on your computer.) I love the words. They ring very true to me. I just discovered how much I like this song! If you listen to the words, I think you'll see why ...

... p.s. Who knew country would grow on me?? :)