FIRST BIRTHDAY!

He has already changed so much in the last three weeks! Anyways, we celebrated Blayne's First Birthday with family and friends in our church gym. It's a great space and he loved playing with the basketballs! Of course, the next Saturday he started walking, so my family missed it by a week. :( Luckily, we are flying out to Texas Memorial Day weekend so my parents can see him toddling around! He's near full out running now! Pretty adorable!

More beach pictures!

1) Family pic on beach

2) Blayne and Rory (our friends' 18 mo. old)

3) name in sand

4) cool dude w/bruise from fall the night before :(

5) loving the waves

Spring Beach Trip to Ft.Morgan, Alabama

Again, I get the worst blogger award for the month. Oh well! As soon as we got back from the beach, we got ready for Blayne's birthday and family visiting plus work on top of that. I'll talk about the big 1st birthday in another post with pictures.

Now about the beach! We decided to share a condo with our friends, the Oleksik's, this year b/c we knew we'd both be planning vacations around the same time. It was super! They have two girls, ages 4 and 18 months. We love them so much!

We left on Tuesday afternoon and spent the night in Prattville at Ben's Aunt Cindy's house. All his other aunts and uncles came over for a yummy cookout. Blayne tried to stay awake as long as he could. It was nice to be with all of them.

Wednesday morning, we got up and got on the road headed south! About 10 minutes before our exit, we got pulled over. It actually was quite hilarious b/c of the officer's accent. He said, "where ya headin?" and we told him the beach. Then he proceded to say, "well, alby darn, you almost made it!" He let us go with a warning, thank goodness, and a good laugh!! Only in LOWER Alabama!!

We got to Gulf Shores, ate lunch, went to Walmart, and then headed to the condo way out in Ft. Morgan. Little windy the first day and half, but then the rest of the week was perfect! We ate at the Orginal Oyster House, Lambert's, and a new to us place called Cottons (filet mignon was amazing!). Good eats, good tan, lax schedule = great vaca!

Another good, relaxing vacation! 3rd time to the beach for Blayne. our neighbors actually make fun of how many times we've been to the beach in the last 9 months. I LOVE IT!

Masters Sunday

The Masters Golf Tournament is a big deal in our household. Ben has been fortunate enough to go to one day of practice rounds there the last two years. This year it didn't work out, but we all wore our shirts in support.

It was a beautiful weekend here, but unfortunately the pollen is back again. Thankfully, we are headed to the beach for the rest of the week! We are so excited and all packed! April is a good month for us to get away before both of our busy summers kick into full gear. Plus, when we get back, Blayne will be moving up to the one year old room at his daycare. He goes two days a week for five hours. I thought he had to wait until he was walking, but the director said he could go when we were ready! YAY! Although, I have a feeling he's going to be walking by his birthday anyway, which is only two weeks away! WAH!!!

I know after being off the rest of this week I will miss him so bad when I go back to work next Monday. He's such a sweet boy. As soon as he starts walking, I'll be sure to post a video! He's very very very close!!

So the next post will be about the beach!!

Easter 2010

Easter weekend my dad from up from Auburn. Saturday, Ben and I both had to work. Our church egg hunt got postponed from the previous Sunday because of rain. Dad watched Blayne while I ran the egg hunt. Then, we went to Moe's for lunch with Ben. After everyone got an afternoon nap, we grilled out and ate on the deck.

Of course, on Easter we all went to church. I had to leave early b/c it's such a big day at church, but before I left I made sure to dress Blayne in his Easter outfit (which was a handy me down from a friend). After church, my dad made his way back to Auburn and we went to Manchester for the afternoon with the Harbin's. Josh and Alisha came over too. Poor Ben's allergies got the best of him, so he took another two hour nap like he had Saturday. Meanwhile, Blayne was the energizer bunny and kept going without a nap. He even made it all the way back home that evening without falling asleep! Go figure! Needless to say though, as soon as we got home and gave him a quick bath, he laid down and fell asleep within five minutes.

My mom (from Texas) also sent us an Easter basket or should I say carrot with a bunny. It's cute. Can't wait for Blayne to use it next year, when he'll be a little more into the egg hunt rather than just throwing them. I'll try to post a picture of that and our Easter basket for him later.

Next post....Masters Sunday!

Catch up!

So it's almost been a month since my last blog post....sorry! I'll try to catch you up!

First, Blayne and I went to my grandma's house in Florida for a long weekend. My cousin Erin is expecting her first child in July, and we had an early baby shower for her. This was also the first time Jarod and Erin got to meet Blayne! They live in Louisiana, so we don't get to see each other much. We also got to see April and Ella! April and I are 6 months apart, and Ella and Blayne are 4 1/2 months apart. It's so fun to get them together, and we hope too as often as possible so they are close like we are.

The next post topic will be Easter! More to come...

A visit to Auburn and Monkey Park!

Pictures (top to bottom): my dad holding Blayne after his nap, static hair from slide, train ride, swinging, sliding again, on campus w/our neighbors abby and rebecca, dad and blayne at becca's game!

The first weekend of March we went to Auburn for a visit. Friday night, we ate at Cock of the Walk with dad. It was super good! SO much food! Then, Saturday morning we had a big breakfast as always with Dad and we headed out to Becca's soccer game. She is a 17 yr. old neighbor who plays on a select soccer team in Chattanooga. Her team played in a tournament in Auburn for a college showcase. One game an Auburn scout was at her game! She'll be a senior next year, so we have high hopes!!

After the game, we took the Whiteside's to another classic Auburn restaurant, the Barbeque House! After that, we took them on a driving tour of campus and pictures in front of Samford Hall! Then, Ben went to play golf with Rick, our new brother in law, while dad and I took Blayne to the Monkey Park in Opelika! He loved sliding, swinging, and watching all the other kiddos! I grew up going to that park, so it was fun to take him there!! Many mores outings there in the future I am sure!

The rest of the weekend flew by. Cookout Saturday night, visited with more friends, and then attended 10th St. for worship. It was fun for everyone there to see Blayne and to get so many hugs from people who've known me my whole life! Then, we hit the road to get back home before small group at church.

Great weekend "home"!

More posts to come! This month is loaded with fun happenings!!!

little stinker and big eater: Part 2!

little stinker and a big eater!

Recent videos of Blayne and Hoppers!

10 Months and First Visit to the Aquarium

Well, my pictures are not in order, but at least they are loaded. Today we went to the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga! Luckily, Blayne got two good naps in before we met Ben's family down there at 3:30. It was Blayne's first time to the aquarium, and since the Harbin's like to scuba dive, it was a must they be with him on this day. Plus, we got to celebrate Ben's brother, Josh, turning 31. It was a fun evening!

It takes a few hours to go through both parts of the aquarium. So after all that walking and taking turns holding a 20 lb. baby (he did sit in stroller at times too!), we were ready to chow down. Where did we go? Sticky Fingers, of course! Super good bbq if you are ever in town! Yum, ribs!!

Blayne turned 10 months old on Thursday! I can't believe he'll be one in two months! This time last year, I had just entered my third trimester and passed a kidney stone. We also said goodbye to Ben's papa who passed away at age 88. It was an emotional two weeks. I'm always amazed at how things change within a year.

Now, it's time to start planning the big party! Any simple, cute ideas? I think the colors will be baby blue, red, and green!

more milestones...

This picture was taken Valentine's Day! He's kissing the flower. But what is on the left of this picture, you'll never see Blayne drink out of again! The bottles are all gone. I've been thinking about transitioning him to a sippie cup for a while, and tried over the last few months to see which one he'd like. No luck! He could care less! So, Tuesday, I just packed them up. If he wanted to eat, he had no choice but the new cup. Little much at 9 1/2 months? maybe. But now after 5 days, it was worth it to go cold turkey! will probably do the same with the pacifer before his birthday too! baby boy is becoming a big boy!!

In other news, I'm continually reminded of how blessed I am to have a home, a family, a job, and friends. Some of our friends are really struggling with what life has dealt them at this time. My heart is saddened and cries out to the Lord on their behalf. I pray he answers our pleas! Be sure to praise Him this week for all the blessings He has poured out upon you. ~Psalm 20

GROWTH SPURT!

This month Blayne has been snoozing! When I returned from Savannah, he spent the next week sleeping in past 8 a.m. and still taking all three 1 1/2 hour naps everyday! One morning, he didn't wake up til 8:55! He goes to bed every night between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Can we say major growth spurt?!

I SURVIVED!

I survived three days of not seeing this precious face! I went on my first overnight trip since Blayne's been born. It was for a church conference in Savannah. Well worth the trip, but did miss my boys! Ben and his mom took great care of Blayne! I know he had fun! He's such a daddy's boy. Loved seeing his sweet smile and receiving love from him ALL day Saturday. We had a lot of catching up to do. He's so wonderful. I thank God for him everyday!

Speaking of surviving, I can't tell you how excited we are for the new Survivor: Heroes vs. Villians to debut this Thursday. Ben and I really enjoy watching this together. Then, the Amazing Race starts again! Woo hoo for reality TV! lol!

Shout out to the SAINTS for surviving the Colts! WHO DAT? The Super Bowl Champs, that's who!! Well deserved!

SNOW and FIVE YEARS!!

This weekend we had one of the best snows ever! We had almost 6 inches starting Friday afternoon through the night. Saturday was a blast sledding with our neighbors. Ben and my dad made a life-size snowman too. I was impressed! Can't wait til Blayne can help Ben with one someday. Then, Ben and I got to go on a quick date to the movies. Thanks to my dad for watching Blayne! He made it through the icy weather Friday night and enjoyed the beautiful snow covered mountains on his way home today. It was a nice weekend to stay indoors and hang out.

In other news, tomorrow (2/1) marks my five year anniversary as the Children's Minister at our church. Normally, I would not mention it, but five years is a big marker (especially in ministry)! I've definitely had my favorite moments and not-so-favorite moments. Overall though, God has been lovingly and patiently by my side each step of the way. I look forward to seeing how He will continue to use me in this place. Glory to God!

Home with baby boy!

So I go to drop Blayne off at daycare today, which he only goes to two days a week. The first thing I find out is that his normal teacher is home with the stomach bug. Great, I thought! This means there is strong possibility she got it from working here. I really didn't want to leave him, but I did. 45 minutes later, I get the phone call..."Blayne has thrown up. You'll have to come get him". URGH!!

Since we already had an appointment today for his 9 month wellness visit, I wasn't too worried about getting him to the doctor. I get there to pick him up, and come to find out he only threw up once. Recently, we have learned he has a sensitive gag reflex as we have been trying chunkier foods. AND...he does puke alot when this happens. Sorry if this is gross. The director said it stunk though. I bit my tongue b/c I knew I had to take him regardless. It is just the sick policy places have even at church. Let me tell you though, the boy had yogurt this morning, and anytime he eats this....even his burps want to make me gag b/c of the smell! Of course his puke is going to stink...it's digested food and stomach acid! WHATEVER!

I took him with me to do one errand for work and then home until his appt. Before we could even get out of the parking lot, the child was gabbing and laughing! He ain't sick!

I'll just chalk this one up as a little blessing from God for me to be at home with my son on a day I really didn't feel like leaving him. Thank you God for this extra time him (and a good nap)!

9 months old!

Blayne is 9 months old today! He changed so much just since Christmas. Crawling..eating finger foods...laughing hard...standing up in crib...and getting sweeter by the day! I'm so thankful for our precious son!

The New Year!

I had a feeling I didn't post these pictures right, so read below first. In order from top to bottom...Christmas day, reindeer bootie, by tree, at 1st Christmas parade in Maryland, New Arrivals Day at church (not the best of ben--sorry), Ben and I at the Auburn/Alabama game (Nov. 27), our new grass, blayne at 6 months, and blayne at 5 mo. pushing up.

Well, 2009 wasn't the best blogging year for me, so this year I hope to do better! Since the holidays, Blayne has been changing so fast. He'll be 9 months old on the 25th. He probably weighs around 20 lbs. and began crawling on Dec.30 at 8 months old! He's really moving now! It makes me sad for our parents who live out of town and miss so much. Hopefully, we can see all of them again soon!

Not sure what 2010 will bring for our family, but 2009 was fantastic! Blayne has been an absolute joy! Everyday I try to remind myself this is as easy as it gets b/c I know soon I'll have to start disciplining a little toddler. Then again, he's a super sweet boy, so maybe I'll be lucky!

Here's a few pics from the fall and holidays! I'll post some January pics in the next post!