Lots of Birthday Fun

We have had several days of birthday fun! Hal waited to go to work on Thursday so he could be here when Drew woke up. Then we took him to a birthday lunch with Hal and that night let him have a birthday cupcake. He tore into it quickly! Today he had his 12 month wellness visit and his birthday party was this afternoon. I think all the birthday fun caught up with little man! He wasn't to into his cake today!

To say the last year has been amazing is an understatement. It has been filled with many challenges and frustrations, but has also been filled with laughter and full of joy. I think about how terrified Hal and I were the night we brought Drew home. We felt so ill equipped, but in His grace, we have made it through little man's first year! I am grateful to have Hal who has encouraged me every day this last year and told me more times than I could ever count that he appreciates what I do and that I am a good mom. What would I do differently? I remember my friend Kim saying, she would slow down and not worry. I agree. I wouldn't worry about how much I held him when he was so tiny. I would worry about messing up.

Now to the pictures...that is what you want to see anyway. :)

Birthday morning with Daddy!

present from Grammy and Grampy

Birthday cupcake

Reading books from Paw Paw and Maw Maw (notice he is sitting in the box they came in)

Present from maw maw and paw paw

Ready for the party!

Oh...what is this??

The crying begins. I think he was mad because we blew the candle out. He is holding on to it in this picture.

Phone time with Daddy

I really need to take a video of this! The last few weeks Hal has left for work before Drew gets up, so they have been having a morning phone call. It really sounds like he is trying to tell his daddy something important. He will just jabber on and on and he MUST hold the phone.

Weekend

We had a great weekend! Even though Hal had to work until 2 on Saturday we were able to squeeze in some fun. :) Friday afternoon Drew's first birthday present arrived. We waited until Hal got home and then let him open his gift from Hal's brothers family. He was more interested in the bows on the package than anything for a few minutes, but then started loving his new truck.

Saturday morning Hal had to work. I took Drew to get his H1N1 shot as well as a seasonal flu shot and then we headed to a birthday party.

Sunday we were off to church and then to lunch. After Drew's nap, we headed back down to the park in Sarasota where we had been for the bday party. There was a neat play area that Drew really enjoyed.

This silly face cracks me up!

How he as grown since the last time we took a picture in this spot!! The picture below was taken in late January.

Return of Random Friday

1) We haven't had a random Friday in a while, so I thought I would bring it back. :)

2) We took a quick trip to the park yesterday afternoon. It was actually cool enough that we needed a jacket. Surprisingly, he didn't try to pull his hood off.

3) We are going through a schedule change around here....I hate trying to figure out his new schedule! I think he is trying to drop his morning nap, which doesn't make mommy too happy!

4) Looking forward to having family in town next week for the big birthday.

5) I am studying James right now with some women at church. The book of James challenges me more and more every time I study it. Last week really made me examine how I treat others.

6) I love Thanksgiving, I think it might be my favorite holiday. I wish I could have a Thanksgiving meal once a month.

Grammy's Update

I got in a little bit of trouble with Grammy because she had seen a new picture of little man in over  a week.  So here is what we have been up to over the last week or so.  I told her there weren't too many pictures of him smiling because the poor little guy is working on several teeth and a molar!

We stayed here at the house for Halloween.  I guess I am a Halloween scrooge because I didn't even put him in a costume! He did have on a Halloween shirt, so I guess that counts.  His girlfriends came by to visit.  This was our best attempt at getting all 3 of them to look a the camera!

Such a big boy eating out of a bowl!  I gave him some vegetables and beef out of the soup I had made for dinner.  Surprisingly it didn't end up on the floor.

Lately he has been crawling around with his bear in his mouth.

Never still...tried to get a few pictures before church last night without much luck.

Playing ball with daddy.  Over the weekend he entertained himself for quite a long time just throwing and chasing 2 balls.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to a pumpkin patch this morning.  A few people from our community group met there with their kiddos.  We took a few pumpkin pics and then Drew rode a pony and went on a train ride.  It was fun to hang out with friends, but so hot, so we headed home (after a breakfast trip to Broken Egg of course).

Checking out the goats...

Mommy had to do the train ride...

He loved the pony!  Please disregard the pink saddle. :)

Wedding Bells!!!!

I am beyond words excited for my best friend Sarah!   She is engaged and getting married this summer!  Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."  This verse keeps ringing in my head today.  My friend is an amazing Godly woman who has truly sought to grow in her relationship with Christ and strived to look more like Him everyday.  I am so thrilled that God has blessed her and given her Jay who desires the same for his life.   We are praying for you guys and can't wait to celebrate with you next summer!

Sarah and Jay and the ring!

Sarah and I this summer with little man

Sarah and I in Houston in '06.  She has been to visit us in both Florida and Houston.

11 Months Old

A little bit in shock that Drew is 11 months old today!  What a true joy this little man is.  I had a good time taking his 11 month picture today because he was just laughing and having a good time.  You can also see a month by month collage....this time next month it will be time to party!!

Who needs toys?

Drew was cracking me up in our guest bedroom today.  He thought playing on these pillows was the coolest thing!

What has Drew been up to?

What have I been up to lately?

Clapping, eating waffles and grilled cheese, standing on my own for a few seconds, walking behind my walker, going for walks in my  blue car, laughing, imitating sounds mom and dad make, outgrowing my clothes, eating snacks out of my snack trap, helping mom fold laundry or maybe unfold laundry, playing in my friend Mia's tunnel, crawling under the table, playing chase with Daddy, and most of all I like to make my mom and dad laugh.

Big Race and Big Boy!

The Susan G Komen 5K in St Pete was last Saturday.  It has been my goal since the beginning of August.  I am excited to say I was able to run the race!  The last few weeks I haven't been as consistent in my running because of pesky allergies, but I was proud to be able to finish and finish well.  My friend, Lisa, was a great encouragement!  I am looking forward to another race in October or November!

Look at this big boy!  We turned his car seat around this weekend.  I know it is a little early, but infant carrier was getting a little snug and it is still 90 degrees around here, so facing forward keeps him cooler!

Morning Trip to the Park

Today we had a nice break in the Florida heat, so Drew and I went on a morning adventure.  After his nap, I put him in the stroller and I ran to a park in our neighborhood.  We played for a little bit and then I ran home.  The park has astro turf/fake grass/whatever you want to call it and little man wasn't to sure what to think about it!  I am looking forward to many more cooler days spent at the park!

Yes, Grammy...he is crawling up the slide.

What is this stuff, mom?

Ready for the trip home!