Saturday, July 15, 2006
The actual birthday - part 1
On Jbird's actual birthday, we had a family dinner with my parents, sister and her family. It was a relaxed time to celebrate the first year of his life. He didn't much care for being sung to, but he soon got interested in the cake with the help of his dad!
The actual birthday - part 2
Cake eating was fun...he really enjoyed the icing, but not the cake part so much. We aren't sure what set him off, but at one point he wasn't happy anymore and he almost face-planted in his cake...but at the last minute he turned to the side.
Then it was time for presents...my mother couldn't wrap her gift so I had to cover his eyes! He was quite amused with this.
Then came clean up - a birthday bath!
What a great way to celebrate a year of life! It was a wonderful day.
Then it was time for presents...my mother couldn't wrap her gift so I had to cover his eyes! He was quite amused with this.
Then came clean up - a birthday bath!
What a great way to celebrate a year of life! It was a wonderful day.
The Skipper reunion
Well, I will finally take a moment to try to catch you up on all the happenings in our world over the last several weeks. We knew July was going to be crazy, but it is much more taxing than we ever expected and it is only half over! Don't get us wrong - we are having a lot of fun and great memories are being made, but we'll be glad for a bit of "normalcy" come August!
We began the month in Philadelphia, MS for the every-3-year Skipper family reunion. I think it is technically the Duncan reunion...but we refer to it as the Skipper reunion. It is always good to see family we don't see often and visit the southeast. Once again, I was amazed at how still it is there...and muggy. I have definitely acclimated to the southwest! We always laugh a lot and get some good entertainment from distant family members. Jbird was the youngest one in attendance, and he was a real trooper.
This was his first trip in almost 6 months and only his third in his lifetime. He did get to face forward this time - which made it a lot easier on all of us. The reunion didn't start until Saturday so we were able to have some QT with Clay's parents and sister on Friday...and Jbird enjoyed a few early birthday presents.
Here is a priceless picture of Jbird and his father "in conversation"! I can't believe I caught them both this way!
Saturday night there was a dance...and Jonathan got a bit groovy with just about everyone! He had so much fun, loved the grass skirts (Hawaiian theme)...and lasted much past his bedtime. Once he did sack out, the noise didn't phase him one bit as you can tell by this first picture...he is simply off in the corner of the main room where all the festivities took place!
Here are a few pictures of family...the man with the beard isn't Santa Claus... it is simply Uncle Fidelis. Jonathan got a kick out of all that facial hair!
We began the month in Philadelphia, MS for the every-3-year Skipper family reunion. I think it is technically the Duncan reunion...but we refer to it as the Skipper reunion. It is always good to see family we don't see often and visit the southeast. Once again, I was amazed at how still it is there...and muggy. I have definitely acclimated to the southwest! We always laugh a lot and get some good entertainment from distant family members. Jbird was the youngest one in attendance, and he was a real trooper.
This was his first trip in almost 6 months and only his third in his lifetime. He did get to face forward this time - which made it a lot easier on all of us. The reunion didn't start until Saturday so we were able to have some QT with Clay's parents and sister on Friday...and Jbird enjoyed a few early birthday presents.
Here is a priceless picture of Jbird and his father "in conversation"! I can't believe I caught them both this way!
Saturday night there was a dance...and Jonathan got a bit groovy with just about everyone! He had so much fun, loved the grass skirts (Hawaiian theme)...and lasted much past his bedtime. Once he did sack out, the noise didn't phase him one bit as you can tell by this first picture...he is simply off in the corner of the main room where all the festivities took place!
Here are a few pictures of family...the man with the beard isn't Santa Claus... it is simply Uncle Fidelis. Jonathan got a kick out of all that facial hair!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Solitude
I am experiencing the most solitude I have had in over a year... my other half is gone for the weekend, my son is at his grandparents for the night... I am in my house, all alone (minus the dog) for about the next 15 hours. AMAZING!!!! I am in need of a good night's sleep with no possibility of interruption and the availability to sleep until I choose to get up. I have an endless list of things I could do, but the hard part is figuring out how I want to spend these hours... sappy movie so I get out a good cry? long, hot bath with a good book? early to bed and late to rise? playing games on the internet? watching mindless TV? So many choices... and a silent house to allow me to think and refresh and rejuvenate. Every woman needs time alone with herself... and that is just what tonight is for! What an amazing gift tonight is!!!!
Just hope I'm not sick of myself come the morning!
Just hope I'm not sick of myself come the morning!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
A bit sentimental
So, why is it that when my other half leaves town I become a bit sentimental? Guess absence does make the heart grow fonder in my case. How often I have thanked him for having a "normal" job that allows him to be home every night. I think he has traveled a total of 2 weeks in the 5+ years he has been at this job. Perhaps I get sentimental because I finally get a chance to watch sappy, girly movies... perhaps it is because I realize how quiet it is at night when I know he isn't coming home... the bed, which often seems too small suddenly becomes large... the noises of the house become louder... and in times like this, I realize what an amazing man he is (because sometimes that is easy to forget in the humdrum of every day life).
He and 6 others left tonight headed to New Orleans to gut houses for victims of Katrina. Our LifeGroup has desired to do a mission trip for about 5 years now, but one has yet to materialize. However, my precious man felt called to go to New Orleans. Having attended school in the southeast and having friends and family who felt the effects of Katrina, our hearts have desired to do something... and money and prayers just didn't seem enough. We had the honor of having a Katrina evacuee as part of our LifeGroup during his displacement. He is now back serving his church and the community organizing groups for manual labor and such. Clay got in touch with him and began working on the details of this trip... and they finally left today.
This trip seemed like a great idea, but it seemed like people weren't able to go. However, doors opened and there was a group of 10-11. Then things began happening (hmm, wonder if someone didn't want this trip to happen), and the group dwindled... but with another addition today, 7 people left tonight headed to serve people they have never met.
I am so proud of my husband. He is not one to initiate such things as this... he is a great supporter... works hard behind the scenes. He isn't much for details (except in his job) or being looked to as the coordinator of something. However, he felt called to New Orleans and he got busy. Yes, I did a lot of phone calling, emailing and such and some other people helped with other details, but he picked up the reins, started the entire thing, and kept us on track.
Maybe that's why I am a bit sentimental tonight... replaying various moments in our lives like a movie reel... dancing at Classix and him pulling me a bit closer, when he grabbed my hand under the blanket on the couch at his apartment, the first kiss, skiing at Winter Park, sitting in a park in Indianapolis with our feet in the sand talking about getting married, him down on one knee at Eckie's Pond, on the beach at Paradise Island, water skiing, being in the hospital room as our son was born, standing in our kitchen this evening before he left... there are so many precious moments.
While the bed will seem much too big tonight, I will fall asleep with a smile on my face as I bask in the blessing of my husband and our marriage. I feel so blessed to have him and the relationship we have... it hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade a moment because of the intimacy and oneness we have now.
Thank you, God, for these things and more I do not deserve.
He and 6 others left tonight headed to New Orleans to gut houses for victims of Katrina. Our LifeGroup has desired to do a mission trip for about 5 years now, but one has yet to materialize. However, my precious man felt called to go to New Orleans. Having attended school in the southeast and having friends and family who felt the effects of Katrina, our hearts have desired to do something... and money and prayers just didn't seem enough. We had the honor of having a Katrina evacuee as part of our LifeGroup during his displacement. He is now back serving his church and the community organizing groups for manual labor and such. Clay got in touch with him and began working on the details of this trip... and they finally left today.
This trip seemed like a great idea, but it seemed like people weren't able to go. However, doors opened and there was a group of 10-11. Then things began happening (hmm, wonder if someone didn't want this trip to happen), and the group dwindled... but with another addition today, 7 people left tonight headed to serve people they have never met.
I am so proud of my husband. He is not one to initiate such things as this... he is a great supporter... works hard behind the scenes. He isn't much for details (except in his job) or being looked to as the coordinator of something. However, he felt called to New Orleans and he got busy. Yes, I did a lot of phone calling, emailing and such and some other people helped with other details, but he picked up the reins, started the entire thing, and kept us on track.
Maybe that's why I am a bit sentimental tonight... replaying various moments in our lives like a movie reel... dancing at Classix and him pulling me a bit closer, when he grabbed my hand under the blanket on the couch at his apartment, the first kiss, skiing at Winter Park, sitting in a park in Indianapolis with our feet in the sand talking about getting married, him down on one knee at Eckie's Pond, on the beach at Paradise Island, water skiing, being in the hospital room as our son was born, standing in our kitchen this evening before he left... there are so many precious moments.
While the bed will seem much too big tonight, I will fall asleep with a smile on my face as I bask in the blessing of my husband and our marriage. I feel so blessed to have him and the relationship we have... it hasn't always been easy, but I wouldn't trade a moment because of the intimacy and oneness we have now.
Thank you, God, for these things and more I do not deserve.
Lots of happenings
There has been a lot of activity in our family over the last week and half...and I have been trying to recover and continue with life! I thought I could take at least a few moments to share some photos of the last week and a half...commentary to come later!
This is the boy and his friend "enjoying" the playgroup pool party yesterday!
Two cousins enjoying playing together!
Now on to birthday fun...playing with toys...enjoying his cakes (one on the actual birthday and one at his party)...and not so much enjoying the pool!
This is the boy and his friend "enjoying" the playgroup pool party yesterday!
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Two cousins enjoying playing together!
Now on to birthday fun...playing with toys...enjoying his cakes (one on the actual birthday and one at his party)...and not so much enjoying the pool!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
A whole year
It's hard to grasp that it has been a whole year since our little one entered the world - almost to the minute now! I watched him sleep for a bit last night recalling various moments and memories. This year has flown by, he has grown so much, learned so many things, brought much laughter, some frustration, and unspeakable emotions. It is difficult to find the words to capture what this year of motherhood has meant...maybe another time...but I just wanted to acknowledge today - because I now understand why birthdays are just as special for the mom as they are for the kid...and to thank God for His blessings... because this little boy is more than I deserve.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
New discoveries
Our precious little one has had some new discoveries this week... each day he gets better at walking around the coffee table, ottoman, sofa, me, and such. He has gotten quite fast! He gets a bit braver each day about transferring from one thing to another. He discovered the DSL cable and laptop earlier this week. This morning he realized that he could get over to his buckets of toys (holding my hands of course) and realized the world that awaits him there. He was too cute! He has also figured out how to turn himself around while sitting to get something he wants... nope, he still isn't crawling, but why try when you love to stand and walk around?!?!
He has had some new food - cheddar cheese and yogurt - and he likes them both. Selfishly, I am waiting to introduce milk until after all our July travel. Formula is easier to pack and serve on the road than milk!
Yesterday was monumental... we turned his car seat around. It is a week before his first birthday, but we head out on a long, quick car trip tomorrow. We knew the trip would be better for us all if he was facing forward, and he meets the weight requirement...weighing about 22 lbs. based on our scale at home. He was quite intrigued with his new view... and he just squealed in delight! It was quite fun.
It is hard to believe his birthday is less than a week away... how fat and miserable I was this time last year! What a joy this year has been as we have learned to be parents and watched him grow and begin to discover his world. There are still moments I just look at him in awe, amazed that God entrusted him to us. We can't wait to celebrate!
Our God is so good!
He has had some new food - cheddar cheese and yogurt - and he likes them both. Selfishly, I am waiting to introduce milk until after all our July travel. Formula is easier to pack and serve on the road than milk!
Yesterday was monumental... we turned his car seat around. It is a week before his first birthday, but we head out on a long, quick car trip tomorrow. We knew the trip would be better for us all if he was facing forward, and he meets the weight requirement...weighing about 22 lbs. based on our scale at home. He was quite intrigued with his new view... and he just squealed in delight! It was quite fun.
It is hard to believe his birthday is less than a week away... how fat and miserable I was this time last year! What a joy this year has been as we have learned to be parents and watched him grow and begin to discover his world. There are still moments I just look at him in awe, amazed that God entrusted him to us. We can't wait to celebrate!
Our God is so good!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Lightswitch
I have determined this is my son's new nickname. "Why?," you ask. Because this is how he approaches life...he is completely off to an idea, then SWITCH! he is all about the new thing and wants nothing to do with the "old" way. He has always been one to do things in his own time and in his own way (wonder where he gets that from? HA!), and this week proved to be no different.
Several months ago, I began introducing a sippy cup. I thought this would give him a slow transition and maybe ease the pain of saying goodbye to the bottle. He didn't have much to do with it. Sure, he would play with it if he saw it on a table, but he didn't want much to do with drinking out of it. He slowly seemed to come around over a couple of weeks taking an occasional "meal" from it or having some juice during his snack. And then BAM! Sippy cup = BAD. Refusal to eat, pitching of fits, and more ensued. Mama was confused...and then it hit me: two new teeth coming in could mean pain was associated with the sippy cup. So, I waited to try again until the teeth were well established.
Then the process began again...introducing the cup during a meal, offering it instead of a bottle. He was a bit more receptive - probably because he REALLY likes V8 Splash - but formula was another issue. Being the persistent person I am (nice spin on my stubbornness, huh!?!), I kept trying and he began to get the idea. He stopped fighting me as much and eventually began drinking an entire "bottle's" worth without much fuss or mess. So, I got a little brave and decided to try it twice on Thursday. No problem...until his snack before bedtime came. Like a lightswitch, my son no longer wants a bottle...he only wants a sippy cup! Mind you, he still wants to recline a bit and have someone hold the sippy cup for him, but at least we are one step closer to his independence in this area.
He is a little lightswitch, I tell you, a lightswitch.
Several months ago, I began introducing a sippy cup. I thought this would give him a slow transition and maybe ease the pain of saying goodbye to the bottle. He didn't have much to do with it. Sure, he would play with it if he saw it on a table, but he didn't want much to do with drinking out of it. He slowly seemed to come around over a couple of weeks taking an occasional "meal" from it or having some juice during his snack. And then BAM! Sippy cup = BAD. Refusal to eat, pitching of fits, and more ensued. Mama was confused...and then it hit me: two new teeth coming in could mean pain was associated with the sippy cup. So, I waited to try again until the teeth were well established.
Then the process began again...introducing the cup during a meal, offering it instead of a bottle. He was a bit more receptive - probably because he REALLY likes V8 Splash - but formula was another issue. Being the persistent person I am (nice spin on my stubbornness, huh!?!), I kept trying and he began to get the idea. He stopped fighting me as much and eventually began drinking an entire "bottle's" worth without much fuss or mess. So, I got a little brave and decided to try it twice on Thursday. No problem...until his snack before bedtime came. Like a lightswitch, my son no longer wants a bottle...he only wants a sippy cup! Mind you, he still wants to recline a bit and have someone hold the sippy cup for him, but at least we are one step closer to his independence in this area.
He is a little lightswitch, I tell you, a lightswitch.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Father's Day
Father's Day was a wonderful celebration with family. Clay and I had the joy of caring for the toddlers during the worship service, our LifeGroup enjoyed breakfast together, and then we joined my parents, sister and her family for lunch. It was a great afternoon - but I didn't get a nap. What a great way to celebrate Clay's first Father's Day!
Clay is one amazing man...and a great father. Jbird lights up when the door opens each evening...he loves his daddy! I swell with pride when people talk about how beautiful Jbird is...because he is Clay's mini-me. I love watching them play together, laugh together, and cuddle. I am so thankful for a man who encourages and supports me. I am so blessed to have a man who is committed to me being at home during these formative years. Clay, you are a great father...and I look forward to watching Jbird grow up with you. I love you!
Here is Clay enjoying his Father's Day!
Here are the two boys playing together...Jbird was so intrigued with the mask Clay wore while tearing down the shed.
Pop with the grandkids... and then alone with Jbird. This is the first time Jbird ever reached toward Dylan...usually he cries when Dylan gets anywhere near his personal space!
Jbird enjoyed walking around the room with this fun toy! He is getting so fast and much braver about letting go of what he's holding on to... so walking is just around the corner!
Clay is one amazing man...and a great father. Jbird lights up when the door opens each evening...he loves his daddy! I swell with pride when people talk about how beautiful Jbird is...because he is Clay's mini-me. I love watching them play together, laugh together, and cuddle. I am so thankful for a man who encourages and supports me. I am so blessed to have a man who is committed to me being at home during these formative years. Clay, you are a great father...and I look forward to watching Jbird grow up with you. I love you!
Here is Clay enjoying his Father's Day!
Here are the two boys playing together...Jbird was so intrigued with the mask Clay wore while tearing down the shed.
Pop with the grandkids... and then alone with Jbird. This is the first time Jbird ever reached toward Dylan...usually he cries when Dylan gets anywhere near his personal space!
Jbird enjoyed walking around the room with this fun toy! He is getting so fast and much braver about letting go of what he's holding on to... so walking is just around the corner!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
SAHM
Stay-at-home-mom or SAHM: my job title for the last year. One year ago today... I walked out of the paid working world. That seems almost unreal to me. It doesn't seem like a year ago, and yet working at the church feels like decades ago. There are pros and cons to this arrangement - as there are with most anything - and I thought I would share the few that come to mind... I am sure some will agree and some will disagree, but this is only my humble opinion!
PROS
1. Watching my son grow up - experiencing him learn about his world and getting to do most of the "firsts" with him (this is actually probably #1-30!)
2. Not having to be presentable every day (I do shower, but I don't always do hair & makeup) -and my wardrobe is always comfortable!
3. Freedom to visit with friends
4. Being able to shop while children are at school and adults are working
5. Freedom to help with things at church or other such needs
6. Learning to enjoy time by myself and the quiet
7. Being able to nap if I so need
8. Makes breastfeeding easier
9. We can take vacation whenever we desire
10. Being challenged to think outside the box to stimulate my child (and myself)
CONS
1. Not getting paid
2. Not having a real excuse not to cook dinner
3. Not having a real excuse when the house does get out of order or dirty
4. I've lost some motivation I used to have - I can now waste time like the best of them
5. It can get lonely
6. Little things around the house now bug me
7. Many days seem just like the one before
8. Fewer conversations with adults - especially those not centering around children
9. Not getting paid
10. Not getting paid
I decided to limit each list to 10 because I am sure I could go on and on. I love my new title and the responsibilities that come with it; and I am humbly grateful that I get to stay home. I am thankful for sacrifices made, but mainly for a husband who feels as strongly, if not more so, about me being home as I do.
PROS
1. Watching my son grow up - experiencing him learn about his world and getting to do most of the "firsts" with him (this is actually probably #1-30!)
2. Not having to be presentable every day (I do shower, but I don't always do hair & makeup) -and my wardrobe is always comfortable!
3. Freedom to visit with friends
4. Being able to shop while children are at school and adults are working
5. Freedom to help with things at church or other such needs
6. Learning to enjoy time by myself and the quiet
7. Being able to nap if I so need
8. Makes breastfeeding easier
9. We can take vacation whenever we desire
10. Being challenged to think outside the box to stimulate my child (and myself)
CONS
1. Not getting paid
2. Not having a real excuse not to cook dinner
3. Not having a real excuse when the house does get out of order or dirty
4. I've lost some motivation I used to have - I can now waste time like the best of them
5. It can get lonely
6. Little things around the house now bug me
7. Many days seem just like the one before
8. Fewer conversations with adults - especially those not centering around children
9. Not getting paid
10. Not getting paid
I decided to limit each list to 10 because I am sure I could go on and on. I love my new title and the responsibilities that come with it; and I am humbly grateful that I get to stay home. I am thankful for sacrifices made, but mainly for a husband who feels as strongly, if not more so, about me being home as I do.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The big bathtub
Today Jbird experienced the biggest bathtub he has seen to date - my parents' neighborhood pool! We had a grand time - and got to share it with Grannylou, Pop, Aunt Kristi, Kadyn and Dylan. We figured Jbird would enjoy the pool since he loves bath time and his outdoor pool so much... and he didn't disappoint. He laughed, smiled and kicked his legs. He wasn't too fond of going under water, but it only took a moment to calm him back down. He really loved being pushed around in his floatie - he is a man of speed just like his father!
My son is always one to provide laughs, and today was no different. At first we all thought he was just tired of the sun in his eyes and the brightness of the day, but then we began to see the head fall. Yep, he was falling asleep in his floatie!
He finally couldn't take it anymore and the head fell completely forward...
and slowly he began to just let his whole body go.
It was quite hilarious... he might have tipped himself over if someone hadn't been holding on to the float.
He wasn't stirred by being moved around the pool, by the other children playing, or even by being lifted from the floatie. Apparently we had worn him out. He did finally stir when we laid him on his towel, but he was a happy boy.
What a great evening! I am sure he will sleep well tonight. We are so glad he likes the pool since we are planning a pool party for his birthday! More pictures were taken by Pop, and I will post those in another blog once I get them - so stay tuned!
Have I told you that he has taken to walking around the coffee table and playground table? He seems to get a bit faster each day and has even moved to other adjacent pieces of furniture. He'll be running before I know it!
My son is always one to provide laughs, and today was no different. At first we all thought he was just tired of the sun in his eyes and the brightness of the day, but then we began to see the head fall. Yep, he was falling asleep in his floatie!
He finally couldn't take it anymore and the head fell completely forward...
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and slowly he began to just let his whole body go.
It was quite hilarious... he might have tipped himself over if someone hadn't been holding on to the float.
He wasn't stirred by being moved around the pool, by the other children playing, or even by being lifted from the floatie. Apparently we had worn him out. He did finally stir when we laid him on his towel, but he was a happy boy.
What a great evening! I am sure he will sleep well tonight. We are so glad he likes the pool since we are planning a pool party for his birthday! More pictures were taken by Pop, and I will post those in another blog once I get them - so stay tuned!
Have I told you that he has taken to walking around the coffee table and playground table? He seems to get a bit faster each day and has even moved to other adjacent pieces of furniture. He'll be running before I know it!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
My little biter
My precious little boy has become a biter overnight! He doesn't mean to bite, but his top teeth are now in far enough that he can get a hold of a small piece of skin and OUCH! He loves to give "kisses" (an open mouth placed on some part of your face, shoulder, or neck), but hasn't realized yet that he shouldn't clamp down. He bit me a total of 5 times today... 4 of them while we were getting a tire patched at Discount Tire. The last time was after dinner at church. Then he bit his precious nursery worker! We have entered a new phase of life... yet he doesn't understand why kissing was okay yesterday (and at times today) but now sometimes it is not...nor does he quite understand the word "no". So for those of you who see him regularly... consider this fair warning... his biting hurts and will leave a mark!
Monday, June 05, 2006
A BIG DAY
Today is a BIG DAY in our home... not only is Jonathan 11 months old today, but he took a couple of steps while holding on to the coffee table!!!For those who don't know... Jonathan hasn't been mobile up to this point. No crawling, no pulling up. He loves to stand, but you have to stand him up.
This afternoon, I decided to let him play at the coffee table for a bit. He started playing with an empty bottle and then I placed it out of his reach. He took a couple of steps to get it. I was so excited... and so was he!!! This is the first time he has seen something he wants and taken steps to get it. Usually he simply leans toward it and then either falls or catches himself before falling.
I think these pictures capture his excitement well.
What a great day! The doctor said our goal for his first birthday was some form of mobility... whether crawling, walking along furniture, or walking alone. I was beginning to wonder if we would reach that goal, and now it looks like we'll get there. What a great way to celebrate 11 wonderful months...
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