Iris Belle is here!

She's here! Iris was born last Friday, December 17th at 11:19am. God ordained the perfect birthday for her and we are so thankful to have her here for Christmas!

Iris weighed 7lbs 12oz and was 20 inches long.

Her name Iris means, Rainbow-God's promise, and Belle means, beauty. She is both and we are so thankful for her! Jeremiah is in love with his sister. He is very sweet with her and hasn't shown any jealousy towards her. He loves to kiss her and hold her, but doesn't mind when she cries or needs Mommy. He cracks up when she laughs or sticks out her tongue and I often find him just sitting and staring at her. Enjoy the pictures!

Fun with friends!

Jeremiah has had lots of friends over lately. He gets so excited to hear that someone is coming over and he's even more excited when they stay!

Shutterfly!

At our house we take a lot of pictures. I have recently been introduced to Shutterfly.com for printing pictures. I am going to order Iris's birth announcements from their site. A friend of ours recently used them for her baby boy's birth announcement and they turned out so cute! They have a ton of adorable designs to choose from. Their Christmas cards are really cute too, but I think since Iris will be joining us around Christmas we may save our greetings for after she arrives. If I was going to do a Christmas card though, I love this one...

I love the colors and the option of including more than one picture. I always have a hard time choosing just one photo.

A couple of years ago I started making a year in review photo book. Shutterfly has great prices on their books and the cover options are really cute. Go check out www.shutterfly.com for your next prints!

The cutest Lumberjack you've ever seen!

When thinking about Jeremiah's costume for this year I knew I wanted three things; cheap, comfortable and warm. My mom sent us a box of clothes and shoes for Jeremiah that she picked up for him at a consignment sale and in that box was this plaid flannel shirt and a pair of "work" boots. With those items in hand I set out to make the perfect lumberjack outfit for him. Well, actually I started planning and then did nothing until Saturday. :) I couldn't find suspenders in his size so I made some from scrap fabric. The hat is his new warm winter hat which happened to look perfect with the outfit and Jeremiah's Uncle Matt made him his special axe, (ok, I did plan ahead with that). I love costumes that come straight from the closet. There wasn't another kid at trunk or treat dressed like our lumberjack! The beard was a last minute addition thanks to my old liquid eyeliner.

Jeremiah collected lots of candy for Al & I to eat. It pays to not introduce your kid to sugar! He didn't even know what he was missing, he just loved all the bright colored packages people kept handing him.

A sneak peek...

This weekend my mom & younger sister came into town for a visit. We had so much fun and we managed to sneak in some time for a family photo shoot at one of our favorite parks where the leaves are changing and falling right now. Two of Jeremiah's favorite things are books and apples, they both made their way into our shoot. We hope you enjoy this sneak peek! The mark on his forehead is from a fall at church that morning.

Wordless Wednesday

Nigh-Nigh Bear

Before Jeremiah was born I used to think I didn't want him to get attached to any bedtime items. Mostly because I was attached to a bear until I was, well, too old to be attached to a teddy bear. Someone told me that if he became attached it would come naturally and there wouldn't be much we could do about it. Boy were they right! Jeremiah is attached to a teddy bear that his Great Grandma Roselle Pearson gave him for Christmas last year. It was the first and only Christmas gift he would get from his Grandma Pearson, she passed away just a few weeks ago, but he will have his bear to remind us every day how much she loved us. I can say that I love the attachment because he can take his bed everywhere as long as he has his bear & his paci. Now when he is tired he goes to his bed and pulls his bear down and says, Nigh-nigh, Momma. His bear gets up with him, watches Praise Baby with him and right now Daddy, Jeremiah and Nigh-Nigh Bear are playing blocks. I look forward to seeing who Iris chooses as her special cuddly friend.

Jeremiah is walking all over the place now and he loves it! He is so much happier now that he can move around more and get where he wants to go with things in his hands. He loves to kick balls, play blocks and read books.

Meeting Nigh-Nigh Bear


Trying to catch some zzz's with Nigh-Nigh


Playtime with Nigh-Nigh




Nigh-Nigh Bear even got to go with us to Uncle Matt's graduation!


Back for a visit with Great Grandma

Jeremiah is going to have a sister!

Iris received an A+ on her ultrasound. She is doing great and is right on schedule with her growth and development. We are so excited to have a little girl!

Jeremiah is a year old!

We went to Chuck E Cheese for his birthday for a fun outing and he loved it!

His birthday cake was a delicious carrot and pineapple cake. If you're looking for a cake with minimal sugar and lots of good ingredients, this is the one! It was yummy!


Wow, I can't believe it has been a year! What an amazing year it has been...

At a year old Jeremiah:
*loves to play Daddy's drums
*takes a couple independent steps at a time, but still hangs on to the furniture
*loves bath time
*eats most anything you give him, but he's not a fan of Goldfish or Cheerios
*gets so excited when Daddy comes home from work
*doesn't care for car rides
*loved youth camp and did amazingly well the whole week
*is going to have a baby sister
*loves to play cars, blocks and balls
*drinks whole milk and loves it
*doesn't like when anyone is on the computer and he's not allowed to touch (which is why I am so slow about updating our blog)

Jeremiah's first haircut...

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Here he is! Before, during and after! The after is with his hairstylist and friend, Bethany. He had so much fun being surrounded by mirrors and people taking pictures. Two of his favorite things.

Jeremiah is 11 months old!

Jeremiah is 11 months old! Wow, time flies! Last night Al & I were talking about what a difference a year makes. My brother Peter and his wife Melinda had a baby boy this morning and we were talking about the day Jeremiah was born. Our lives have changed drastically since that day, but every part of that is for the better. Al comes home from work to 2 smiles and one squeal, I wake up in the night and hunt for the paci in the crib and our floors are littered with blocks, little people and board books. This little boy has brought so much joy to our lives, I can't imagine what life will be like when baby number 2 makes his or her appearance in December!

At 11 months Jeremiah...
*loves to climb into the cabinets and pull pots and pans out
*drums his hands and dances when he hears a song he likes
*stands on his own, but still hasn't taken any steps
*loves to go to the library, swimming pool & the grocery store
*has a silly arm swinging dance that his Aunt Becky taught him while she was here visiting
*loves broccoli, carrots, avocado, chicken, tofu, oatmeal, apples, pears, bananas, watermelon, cherries, blueberries (ok, this list could go on and on. Pretty much, he loves food!)
*loves peek and boo and hide and seek
*prefers water over juice
*loves having his picture taken
*smiles at anyone who will talk to him

The list goes on and on...

Pool days..

My first time in a pool on Memorial Day...

Yesterday in the pool...


Can you tell which one I like better!?

Jeremiah is 10 months old!

Wow, you can tell this momma is busy these days! I am a little late in getting this up, but better late than never!

At ten months, Jeremiah:

*pulls up on furniture and will move around supported.
*loves the swimming pool.
*plays hide and seek by hiding until you find him or until he's tired of waiting, then he just crawls out of his spot laughing.
*loves peek-a-boo.
*can't stand for a door to be open. Closets, front door, pantry, bedroom, it doesn't matter it must be closed.
*loves to shut himself in rooms and lean on the door so you can't open it. He doesn't care if its pitch black, he thinks its amazing.
*greets most everyone with a smile.
*loves to chase his friends and screams like a wild man when he corners them.
*eats anything we put in front of him, but his favorites are grilled chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, broccoli, carrots, bananas and watermelon.
*races to the garage door when he hears Daddy pull up.
*loves to sing along and dance to the music.
*loves going to church and on outings where he sees his people.
*puts anything and everything in his mouth.
*is weaning from Mommy to a bottle quite easily.
*brings a smile to every face he meets!

We are so proud of our little guy!

Jeremiah is 9 months old!

Jeremiah is 9 months old! At 9 months, Jeremiah...
*crawls like a pro
*pulls up on furniture
*claps
*signs "More" (or something closely resembling that) when he wants more to eat
*says Dad, Daddy, Dada and Momma
*loves to go on walks in his stroller
*loves to swing at the park
*plays Peek-a-boo by hiding behind things or by leaving a room and sneaking back around the corner
*loves to talk to Daddy on the phone
*sings "la-la-la" when you sing to him (as long as he doesn't think he's performing)
*loves to take baths
*loves to go grocery shopping, to church, to UTurn, the library, pretty much to anyplace that other people are
*cuddles every night with his favorite bear and blanket

Today we had Jeremiah's 9 month check up. This kid is long and lean! He keeps getting taller, but he's not putting on the chubs. The doctor is not the least bit concerned, because he's a great eater and he's a healthy weight, he's just going to be a tall boy. He weighed 18lbs 12oz which is in the 25th percentile and he is 30 inches long, the 90th percentile. We've had to lower his bed because he can pull up now. We switched his bumper pads around and he loves looking at the bright colored guitars. He is not a still sleeper. He tosses, turns and flips himself around all night long. Which means, he also wakes up a lot because he's cold, can't find his bear or because he's lost his pacifier. Ugh. Hopefully someday I'll know what its like to sleep through the night. Until then, I'll enjoy the middle of the night visits to his room.

He calls for Al all the time by saying, Hey, Dad! Daddy. Dad. Da. Dad!, until he gets Al's attention. It is so cute and funny. Often when you ask him a question he will answer with, Yeah. He doesn't know what he's saying, he's just heard us say it.

We're looking forward to out trip to Tulsa for Matthew's high school graduation next week. Pray that Jeremiah does as well this trip as he did our last.

Nashville and Middle Tennessee Flood

The rain started here on Friday and it just kept pouring through Sunday. And I mean, pouring. Thankfully we didn't have any damage to our home, (unless you count the wet carpet at our back door due to the strong winds blowing the water in through the cracks) or our neighborhood. All around us was flooding. Downtown Nashville has major destruction and damage and the waters are still receeding slowly. Opryland Hotel had about 10 feet of water inside and the mall was the same. The historic Grand Ole Opry was flooded and Titans stadium is under water. Flooding is no respecter of persons. Everyone from the richest celebrities to the homeless community of Nashville have been affected. Several people died, many lost their homes, cars and businesses, but we are proud of our city that there has been virtually no news of looting, stealing or crazies loosing it. People have banned together to help rescue with their personal boats, rafts and anything that floats. All over the area neighbors are helping neighbors with clean up. Here are a few pictures of the flooding to give you an idea of the amount of water we had. These range from a block up the road from us to the Opry Hotel about 40 miles away. I don't think anyone can understand the severity of the flooding until you see the footage and I know not much has been on the national news about this, so hopefully if you aren't here in Tennessee, this will give you an idea. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this and pray for the churches in our area to meet the needs out there. What a great opportunity to serve the community!


King's Creek Golf Course up the road from our house


Historic Grand Ole Opry House


The creek at Jennifer and Garner's house in Spring Hill


Elvis Floating away in Nashville


Downtown Nashville

Jeremiah is 8 months old!

At 8 months, Jeremiah:

*moves around quite efficiently on his bottom. He's close to crawling, but right now we're enjoying watching him get from Point A to Point B by scooting.
*can push himself into a sitting position from all fours.
*says Dada and Dad-dee when he wants Daddy.
*eats everything Mommy has made for him so far.
* talks all the time.
*has decided there is too much to do to sleep through the night.
*loves to play with his friends.
*loves to go to the store.
*loves to go for walks in the stroller, but he still misses the wagon at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
*loves balloons.
*sings songs when you sing to him.
*chews on anything he can get his hands on.
*laughs all the time.
*dances when he hears music.
*loves his Praise Baby DVD's, they can always make him smile and he recognizes the intro music.
*dumps his basket of toys out to make sure he can see everything.
*isn't allowed to play with our cell phones or the remotes, but fights for them constantly.
*recognizes his favorite people and can't focus on anyone or anything if his daddy is anywhere nearby.

Good Friday

This is the song being sung in our house today:

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

If you don't know Him, I would love to tell you how I know He lives! I am so thankful for what this day represents and for the reminders the Lord is giving me today of His goodness and mercy towards us. He died for me so that I can live! Enjoy these pictures on this Good Friday! We love you!

Wordless Wednesday

March was a busy month!

I can't believe that I haven't posted about Jeremiah's dedication or our trip to Tulsa or all the fun we've had with friends this month! Since there is so much to catch up on, I will let the pictures tell most of the story...


Al praying a prayer of dedication over Jeremiah.

There were so many people standing with us that the camera couldn't capture them all. We are so blessed to have such a huge extended family here in Tennessee. We were humbled and so blessed by those that stood with us, prayed with us and who love our boy so much. Jeremiah wanted to hold the mic so badly and Daddy wouldn't share!



It was so special to have Jordan pray for Jeremiah. Jordan and Bethany are two of Jeremiah's biggest fans and the feelings are mutual!


Jeremiah and Lars

These boys have so much fun together! Even though they are six months apart, they play great together. When they see each other they both get so exited, it is precious! It makes me excited for Peter and Melinda, their boys will be about the same age difference.

A little basket time with Aubrey. She thinks he's the best kind of doll.


Swinging with Mommy at LaFortune Park in Tulsa


Taking a ride on PaPa with his cousin Wes


Kisses for Bella! Gideon couldn't figure out Jeremiah's fascination with kissing his sister, Bella.



Besides the people, the wagon rides were by far Jeremiah's favorite part of the trip. Most afternoons my Mom and Dad go for a long walk and while we were there Jeremiah rode in the wagon for those walks. He loved it! If Grandma didn't pull fast enough he would rock back and forth trying to get her go faster. Al & I are planning on getting a wagon for Jeremiah this summer.


When I was in the first grade I met Sarah Bagby. She lived around the corner from us. Over the last 25 years we have stayed friends, sometimes we don't talk for months, but every chance we get we reconnect. She is one of those friends that I always feel like we pick up where we left off. This trip Jeremiah and I headed to her house for dinner with her family. She and her husband have a 4 year old cutie pie, Wesley. He is so cute and says the funniest things! He was sweet with Jeremiah and even shared a toy or two with him. Wesley wasn't too sure about sitting so close to my drooler for this picture, but when Sarah said he could have a piece of candy afterwards, he threw his arm around Jeremiah.

That's our update for now!