Firsts...

First bath.. Nov 2nd

First Charleston visit.. Nov. 17th

First smile at mommy.. Nov. 18th

First library visit... Nov. 4th

First Pampered Chef party.. Dec. 6th am

First Hanukkah celebration.. Dec. 6th pm

First dentist appointment... Dec. 13th

The time of our lives...

If one were to ask L., "What do you love to do?" one would most likely get the response of "....." because he can't talk yet. BUT if you asked his mommy what he like best to do she would describe his play time. Looks a lot like the above picture. He lays on the changing table pad kicking his legs and moveing his arms, staring intently at the strategically placed interesting toys dangling from above and listening to his wind up tigger or wind up train playing a lullaby. The ball you see in the photo is a great find from Babies'r'us; a ball for all ages as little ones, like Levi, can fit their little fingers around it. It's in perfect swat and grab range. Currently the favorite toy that is dangling from above is a funny looking horse/mule like creature: big googgly head, two floppy neon green ears, and four limp legs of black and white check fabric. When you pull a string attached to his body he makes a rattling noise as it retracts back up. Needless to say it's the star of the show. L. usually spends about 15-25 mins max playing in this way. I just remember to keep the 'Winnie the pooh' song playing as I am afforded a few minutes to fold laundry nearby.

A Long Pause...

So sorry to my faithful viewers, I have not updated you on our lives as we have been incredibly busy over the past few weeks. Seems like we are almost at the end of the initial rush of family. But as a surprise blessing, my mom was able to come stay with us for 5 days. We've enjoyed being together.. she's been a busy helping around the house and playing with L.


This past Saturday mom and I went to Covenant Birth Center where we toured the facility and then helped hang a bunch of pictures. The birth center is amazing, if you're local you should make an appointment for a tour. It's going to revolutionize birth in the Midlands. I'm so honored to be a part!

Unfortunately S. and I seem to have come down with a cold. We have sore throats and are very tired. BUT we are excited Aunt C. is arriving tomorrow afternoon and will be visiting us until next Tuesday. We're going to pack in as much fun baby L. time in as possible.

On a very exciting note, Steve will be graduating Paramedic school on Dec. 12th. He has yet to take the National Exam but has passed the class with flying colors! I'm so very proud of him. This year has been crazy but amazing. So, for this afternoon our plan is to be lazy... I think L. has a head start on that!

Harvest Family Visit

My hubby's entire family came for a visit this Harvest. We were so excite to all be together as it has been a long time since we were able to connect.

Here Grandma and Grandpa greet L. for the first time!

Here Daddy is opening his birthday present from his sister et al, a WONDERFUL handcrafted baby bag filled to the brim with goodies for little L.

Cousin J. especially loved L. He would often point at him and say 'bebe?' or more certainly 'bebe!' He's such a little boy!


We tried to keep the kids entertained by spending time outside each day. Here Uncle S. and Cousin C are enjoying the Harbison State Forest outing. Fresh air is great!

What a special time together! We are sad that we are not able to see our family more often. It's always a hoot when we get together. The Harvest Meal was WONDERFUL, kudos to C. and D. for the turkey and fixins!


Lastly, The little man himself... though he didn't enjoy the food, didn't partake in the conversation or laugh at any jokes he was there and the life of the party.
One more 'First' to add to the list.

Pictures from the weekend...

Cuddling with Mama in the hotel...


Cuddling with mama at the Battery in Charleston...

Cuddling with Aunt M. in the coffeehouse...

My Favorite Things

Although raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens rank rather high on my list of favorite things, there are currently a few other things that top the roses and kittens.

1. L. sleeping peacefully on top of me. This sounds odd to anyone who doesn't have a child. But as I am typing this precious little angel is balled up in the cutest way on my chest. I can feel and hear him breathing, kiss his forehead, and gaze at his face all I want in this position. It's heaven on earth.

2. When L. sleeps he must be dreaming of his Mama and Papa because sweet little smiles flitter across his face leaving both of his parents in awe. We also are anticipating the day when he looks us in the eye and smiles. As of right now he has a look that says, "Yeah, I see you but MAN that shadow over there on the wall is captivating."

3. I love that I make him happy. I provide comfort, warmth, security, protection, fulfillment of his needs, food and playtime... all the good things in life. To say it in one word- I am his Mama!

4. I love the moment after a long day at home alone, my husband relieves me so that I can take a shower. Again, you pre-child women out there won't fully understand but days... we're talking days without a shower... sigh. Then to pass a crying (or maybe contented) child off to S., saunter to the bathroom and shut the door. I'm describing moments of joy and freedom. But about halfway through the shower ritual, my ears are peaked and I'm straining to hear if my little man is in need of me.

5. Knowing my husband is madly in love with our son. This brings me such joy. He's such a great dad and each day we are growing and learning more of what it means to parent.

6. And as of this morning, Starbucks Peppermint Mocha :-)

Not too shabby...

This weekend is a first for L.... We will be going with Daddy to Charleston for his Reserve weekend. We're staying at the Wingate... not too shabby for a first vacation. We shall see how he does. His luggage is not very extensive.. lots of changes of clothes, lots of disposable diapers (I doubt there is a laundry service available for the cloth diapers), his 'inclined to sleep bed', and the all important baby wrap carrier. I think it will be a great success. I hope that he doesn't see fit to be unhappy on the 2 hour drive down or at night for the sake of our sanity and for the neighboring guests at the hotel. He's been a happy baby lately. I'm hoping to go visit my sister, Sunday morning. It will be great to see her. There may be some other weekend highlites that are unforeseen... perhaps a coffee break? or perhaps a stroll around the battery? Who knows?? We will have fun though and report back here to fill you in. And hopefully we'll have some pictures to share.