12 months

The week before your birthday was, honestly, pretty emotional for me. I mean, to think of where we were last year and where we are today? The only thing I can say is that God is AWESOME!

This month, I feel like you became a big kid over night. 

Big kid food and drink.

Big kid swing.

We celebrated you on the weekend before your birthday. The inspiration for your party came from a photo that was taken of your dad reading to you in the NICU, while you were in the incubator.

This one. And like I said in last month's post, you still love to read.

We are very blessed that you have all you need. So in lieu of gifts, we had all the guests that were invited to your party bring children's books that we could donate to the same NICU that your dad and I read to you in. That was a special time for us, and one of the few things we could do for you while you laid there getting stronger. We want to make sure other parents have that same special moment.

You are very loved. A lot of people came to celebrate you, but most of all, we celebrated your Creator. Your dad said a few words about you. We all sang your favorite hymn, "Come Thou Fount." Then, before you dug into your smash cake, Big Bob (my grandfather) prayed over you. It was a very special day.

On your birthday, we went to the hospital, where you were born, to drop off the books. It was great to be able to thank the doctors and nurses who took great care of you.

I will end this year of posts with the verse that we prayed over you while we were in the hospital, awaiting your arrival.

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being." (Ephesians 3:14-16)

We will continue to pray this over you, as you continue to grow. We love you.

11 months

In less than a month, you will be a year old. This year has been full of changes. The different stages, just in this one year, have brought me so much joy.

This past month was pretty funny.

 

You perfected the "stank" face. Which means the attitude is here, in full force.

You love to play chase. You may be tiny, but you sure are fast. You chuckle every time you crawl away from us. This is cute and funny, until we are really not wanting you to go somewhere. 

Each night we throw as many pacifiers as we can into your crib. Why??

Because you do that. You throw all but one out onto the floor. Usually in that same spot. I walk in each morning to find a pile of pacifiers by the door and scattered around your crib.

You also chew on the end of the crib. I suppose you are waiting for us to come in and get you. Look at those teeth marks!!!

The dishwasher and mirrors are hilarious. You found your reflection and are pretty proud of yourself.

When I say, "Oh, wee!," you will grunt and give love to whatever is close to you. Stuffed animals, your dad, me, etc. It's pretty stinkin' cute!

You love books. Especially reading them with Nonnie. She makes sound effects for you to copy, like the busy bees' noise. "Bzzzz." You mainly just spit, while trying to copy her.

Your hair is finally beginning to lay down. This makes some people sad. I am thrilled!! Bring on the hair that I can braid and put in precious ponytails!

You attended your first "sangin" practice. Ask your dad and Granny about the Ballew sisters. Your granny and her sisters sure can sing. 

We made it 10 months before you got sick. You got a stomach bug. It was not fun for anyone. Especially for your dad and Nonnie, who ended up getting it after you had it. :(

A lot happened this month. The invitations for your first birthday party have been mailed. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. Love you, boo bear!

10 months

Here we are.  Just two months away from your first birthday.  While we were at the hospital with you...10 months ago...the doctors told us to expect you to be behind in your development.  They wanted us to prepare for you to be 2-4 months behind.  Also, while we were in the hospital, if you remember from a previous post in the delivery story, they gave you the nickname, "Pistol."  There has not been a day that you have not lived up to your nickname.  You are right on track developmentally.  The doctor even complemented you on your toned muscles at your last visit.  He knew by looking at you that you were crawling and pulling up.  Again, right on track.  The Lord has shown His glory through your life since the day you were born.  We praise Him for that!

This month you have perfected your crawling and pulling up on things.  You are fast!

Right when we thought you were over the activity jumper, you figured out how to actually jump in it.  You crack up laughing when Nonnie jumps with you.  I find it entertaining as well. :)

You make a ton of fabulous faces that constantly keep us laughing.  One of my favorites that you have mastered is the "duck face."  You do this A LOT!

You have learned to clap....well, sort of.  You more so slap the back of your hands really fast and quite violently, at times.  You are so proud of yourself when you do it.  I am too! :)

You stand all the way up in your crib, which, for awhile, was challenging your sleep.  We all got the hang of it, though.  One of my favorite times of the day is when I come in to get you and you are staring at the door, waiting for me....then you give me the biggest grin when you see me.

You now can say, "Da-Da, Mama, and Bye Bye."  I love the sound of your voice.



I know that I say this in every post, but my love for you is only growing.  I am honored to be your mom, to watch you grow, to be able to teach you.  As your dad and I pray that God would get glory from your life, we also pray that He would get glory from our parenting.  You are a blessing that He has given us.  I am forever thankful for you, my blessing! 

First day - March 2013

Our first day of March was filled with coffee, kitchen organizing, and spending time with Auntie Chelsae.

9 months

I honestly cherish every stage of your life! This stage...oh so much FUN. I absolutely love watching you grow and develop. Your eighth month was intense.

Belly laughs.

Crawling

Pulling up

Which means we had to lower your crib.

Waving

First tooth

Picking up these puffs and eating them

Your first words were, "Hey, Da Da." I had never imagined what your voice would sound like. Before you were born, i dreamed about what you would look like. Who's eyes you would have, what shape of lips, etc, but never really thought about what your voice would sound like. You have the sweetest, raspy voice. It is the sweetest noise I have ever heard.

Have I mentioned that I love being your mom?! I am so thankful that the Lord placed you in my life. I constantly pray that I would honor Him well by being your mom.