Time Flies!

On Grandpa Randy's mower

Enjoying the sunshine

Playing "boo!" with the Thomas tent

Petting a goat at the Ozark's Empire Fair

Playing in Duke's kennel

Swinging at the park

At Brooke's bday party

Daddy and Cooper at the bday party

"Surprised" face!

Sitting in his chair from GiGi - Daddy just finished staining it.

Beautiful day!

I just realized that I haven't posted since July!  Since then, my little man is running around everywhere!  He is also saying some really cute words like "baby" and "bus" and making a few animal noises too.  He even got to go to his first birthday party!  His friend, Brooke, turned two, so we went to the Springfield Gymnastic and Aquatic Center for a great party.  Every day I am amazed at how much he is learning and growing.  His current favorite things (they change from week to week): Thomas the Train, the book There is an Alligator Under My Bed, his ball popper, playing outside, swinging at the park, his Baby Einstein movies and CDs, playing in his Thomas tent (thanks Aunt Lou-Lou!) the song "The Wheels on the Bus", making his "surprised face", playing peek-a-boo with his cuddle blanket, laughing and smiling, the book Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?, any nursery rhyme (he has two Mother Goose books), and playing with things that are no-no's (potting soil, toilet water, Duke's food and water, etc).

As for baby #2, things are going great!  I am feeling really good this week.  Much less tired - I am thinking the gross, hot weather had something to do with it.  We are trying to get outside and walk everyday and enjoy the cooler temps and beautiful sunshine.  This pregnancy feel like it has gone so much faster;  I am already at 31 weeks!  She moves around like crazy - usually when I am ready for bed, but I am not complaining.  I think she is going to be one heck of an athlete.  :)  We have a couple of names picked out, but I like to see what they look like before I decide for sure.  If you want to hear them, just ask.  I am so excited for her arrival.  I can't wait to meet her and see what a great big brother Cooper is.  :)

Steve is good, too.  He has been working a lot.  I so so so appreciate all of his hard work for our family.  His hard work and long hours on the job are what make it possible for me to be at home with our children.  I love being a stay-at-home mom to Cooper and I love being Steve's wife.  I am a pretty blessed lady.  Thanks again, baby for everything that you do for us.  We love you so much!

In each of my roles -as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend - God has been teaching me so much!  I think the main reason I haven't posted on here for a while is because I have been journaling.  Although it is time consuming, I love it.  I feel so much more connected to the Father when I am able to write our my feelings and prayers.  In my quiet times, I have been reading a book called Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Children With The Love Of Jesus, and I also just finished the gospel of Matthew and started on Mark.  I love how Jesus was always challenging the disciples to think beyond what was considered "normal" in their society.  It challenges me to look beyond preconceived notions.


We are headed to the zoo this weekend!  I will post some pictures from that soon!  :)  Hope this post finds everyone happy and healthy.  We love you all!