Pumpkin Patch

He loved it.

She didn't.

Okay...maybe I'll touch one.

Jayden the pumpkin farmer?

Cuteness.

He loves it!

We went back and forth about getting a bed rail or just getting a toddler bed. Here is my (well my parent's actually) $40 craigslist purchase (orlando craigslist is MAJORLY awesome). The rails on craigslist were $15. We decided this would fit better in an apartment, which is where we will probably be in about 6 months. That's right...back to Mobile in just 6 months!

A New Transition

He has fallen asleep in his baby bathtub.

On his changing table.

Laying inside the boppy.

In his carseat....and....


IN A BIG BOY BED!!! We have officially transitioned our baby, I mean big boy to a bed. We took his crib rail off yesterday. We talked it up all day and when it came bedtime he kept asking me to "fits it." He wanted me to put the rail back up. I just told him he was so brave and I was so proud of him. That's all it took! Well, and a little warning that he would get a spanking if he got up. I took a friend's suggestion and told him he could not get up but if he called me I would come in and check on him. He called me in once but that was all. He called out for Demetrius twice during the night and with daddy's reassurance he went back to sleep. This is what I heard at 4a.m.

"mommmmmmmmyyyyy....daddddddddddyyyyyy...I on da floor."

He fell of the bed onto a pile of pillows I strategically placed in the event that he fell out. I was pretty impressed that he did not get up from the floor but called out to have us come get him. He had a smile on his face when I went to get him. He reminded me several times today that he fell off the bed. Followed by him telling me "but I not scared." He napped in his bed today for the first time too. I can't believe he transitioned so easily. This kid is not usually great a big transitions. Grace...

I have a BILLION things to blog about...maybe soon I'll have time to do it!

He ate broccoli.

The only veggie I think the kid has EVER consumed...and then he says "mommy, Jeden eat blocully."

A Few More Favorites

This is one of my all-time favorites of me and Jayden. This little guy is such a funny, quirky and sweet boy. He is unique and creative. I love him.

I really want to tear up when I look at this one. Demetrius with his babies...who absolutely think he hung the moon (and the stars). I am so thankful that they will experience such a loving and patient father.

When I ask "are you mommy's boy" he confidently replies, "Noooooooooooo, I daddy's boy."

Firsts

She took her first steps today. Two to be exact...and they were small. It's hard to believe she's been in our lives for a year. Her birthday is just a week away. To say that I'm sentimental about it would be an understatement. We are pretty sure she's saying uh-oh and up...which would officially be her first words. She makes lots of noises and ma ma da da sounds but she's definitely not associating those with us yet. She is a joy to be around and she has this constant "knowing" look in her eyes. She is nothing short of a miracle and a blessing. More simply put, she is a bright spot in our lives...in our days. Seeing her in relationship with her big brother and her daddy is the sweetest gift. As a friend so creatively put it, she causes my heart to beat outside of my chest.

Randomness

Our kitchen is gated off....can you tell why? For whatever reason, once a mama steps over the gate into the kitchen, flocks of crying children ensue.

Coolio. Nuf said.

My girl has a serious case of the high top fade. I guess eventually I'll have to trim the top as the back catches up. For now...we are cool with little puffs and headbands.

Here's a shot of our friend Stacey as 4 of the 5 kids (who are apparently attention deprived) compete for a spot in her lap. The little girl on the right (making #5) is Selah. I was babysitting her while Stacey was babysitting the twins.

Gabbie's room AKA the "kitchen." This spot is favored and frequented by many.

Jesus Loves Me

Please allow me to interpret. "Dis I know for the BIBLE tells me so....." He does know the whole song but on this day he preferred crashing into the couch over finishing up the song. I love it.

Sweetness

Siblings

One of the great joys we have is seeing their relationship blossom.

Our big boy.

We think she looks JUST like Jayden in this one.

One Year Old

We had Journey's 1st year pictures! She'll be one in less than two weeks. Where did the time go? We are totally in love with her and cherish her greatly. She is an irreplaceable gift and a really bright spot in our days. We love you sweet girl. Our hearts are bigger because of you.

End of Summer=Still HOT here!

It's still a little too hot to brave the heat for very long. Journey enjoys getting on and off Jayden "horsey." She is very proud of herself :)

For the first time ever Jayden actually wanted me to brush his hair. He drives me nuts when I have to comb through it twice a week during bathtime. Today he is sporting the afro. Oh, and he didn't let me comb very much so it would look WAY bigger if I actually got all the curls out.

Look sleepy to you? Probably because she's been waking up just about every night for the past several weeks. Started with teething and now its just a habit. Instead of putting her and us through several hours of crying it out...we are praying that God would keep her asleep (she usually wakes up around 11-ish.

And did I mention that she ALWAYS sucks her left hand and holds on to her right earring when she's tired? It's so predictable...and so cute.

Bet your dishwasher doesn't look like this. Unless of course you have 4 kids in your house and the oldest is barely 2.

I got this outfit for jayden when I was pregnant. He's never worn it. I literally laughed as I watched him walk around in it. And although it is cute, it's just not him.

This, however, is him.

She is just growing up too fast. She is showing more and more of her personality...I love it!

Jayden's sty (sp?). Yuck...hopefully it goes away before we take pictures next weekend.

Running for Sophie Grace

My really good friend lost her sweet baby girl this past week. I am heartbroken as I consider her sorrow and look forward to the day when she will hold her 2nd daughter in her arms again.

Journal Entry: September 7, 2009

My morning began a little sooner than I had anticipated. I woke at 4:30am thinking about the race, thinking about Leslie and finally feeling prompted to pray about those specific things. After praying I just knew I was to run for Sophie Grace. Suddenly another level of significance was added to this adventure I was about to undertake. In my mind I kept hearing, "running for Sophie Grace."

Since my training had me doing a 4 minute/1 minute run/walk interval I planned to race the same. But when I came to the realization I was to run for Sophie, thus Leslie, I knew I would do all I could to run the whole 13.1 miles without stopping. I felt like if any pain I endured during the race could ease Leslie's for those few minutes I didn't care if it hurt. The funny thing is that I never hurt, never really ran out of breath, never felt like I needed to stop and never had a single doubt I was running for Sophie, to honor her life, and it wasn't on my own. I experienced serious supernatural endurance and strength both physically and mentally. It felt amazing and purposeful and God-honoring.

When I think back to the race I can hear myself over and over again saying, "this is for you baby girl." I never got to meet Sophie but I feel connected to her in a really special way. I love her.