One Already?!!?!!

Today was Blaine's First Birthday!!!!

Last night he also took his first steps!  (Cutting it close.  haha.)  We weren't expecting him to start walking till after he turned one, but it was a great surprise!  He took about three steps his first go-around.  I think it was just as exciting that he took his first steps toward Tim.  With as much as Tim missed the first eight months, it seemed extra special that Blaine chose to head for Tim.

Just about a week and a half ago he starting standing up on his own.  As he's done with everything else though, once a new milestone comes around he seems to pick up on it pretty quick and sprint through one or two right away.  He'll probably be running by next week.  ;)

Our normal 1st Birthday tradition is to use bright blue icing so it gets nice and messy and you can see it.  Originally I had plans to made him a blue truck cake, but then thinking about his birth I decided to go with a red ambulance.  You can go here and here to read up on his grand entrance!  Next year we'll do a blue truck. ;)

He's such a sweet boy and he brings much joy to our lives!  Can't imagine life without him!

Photo Shoot: Colin

I finally got out to take some pics of Colin since he turned 3!!!!  I actually went out twice.  Only about 10 minutes max each time, but it was still hard to get him to give me a good smile.

Here's a cheesy one for you... 

 

 Here's a pretty genuine one...

There's his sweet face!

Now I just have to decide which one I want to print and put on the wall!

So Dramatic Already!

I'm always amazed at how dramatic a baby can be!  No matter how little.  Although, this one is on the not-so-young side, it's still quite entertaining.  ;)

Photo Shoot:: Sofia

About two months ago, I had the privilege of photographing one of my friend's daughter for her 1 year old pics.  She loved being outside and I was trying my best to keep up with her!  LOVE those deep brown eyes.  Meet Sofia....

Milestone: Colin Turns 3!!!!!

Three years ago, we woke up on a Saturday morning on mission to help one of our friends move.  I had been to my regular appointment the day before.  Although I was still six days prior to my due date, he assured me I wouldn't make it till Monday.  I scoffed and said, "Yeah, right!  That's what you guys said three weeks ago."  I had every intention of making it past my due date.  And I was ok with that.  Apparently, I wasn't in "the loop".  I woke up at 11:30 PM that evening with hard, strong, back to back contractions.  I told Tim I didn't think I could make it the hour that they suggest waiting before coming in.  We packed it up, headed to the hospital and Colin arrived at 1:56 AM on Sunday, September 21st!

What a sweet baby he was and a blessing he has been since!  Colin, you add MUCH to our lives!  We are so excited to be celebrating this great occasion as a WHOLE family!  (Skype...although I am grateful for you, I am SO glad I don't have to set you up for this birthday!)

 Colin at 1...

Colin at 2....

This might sound kind of strange, but it's kind of weird when I think about it and the fact that he's only had two other birthdays in his life.  Feels like he's been around longer than that.  :)

Official 3 year old pictures to come!!!

Moments to Remember

So...I was browsing through my lists of posts the other day, and came across a few unfinished..never posted...posts.  This is SUPER old, but good moments I couldn't delete.

Just wanted to share a few of the things the boys have said/done lately that have made me laugh or have just warmed my heart.

On my first date with Ryan we went to lunch at McDonalds (not my favorite, but the indoor playplace is hard to match).  While waiting for our order Ryan looked up at me and said, "Mom, when I grow up I want to work at McDonalds."  (Oh joy.)

We were watching Gordy (a movie with a talking pig).  In the movie there is a Father and his daughter who travel around singing at establishments.  Ryan asked why the girls bed was in the car and I told him it was an RV.  Ryan's response, "Can we live in an RV?"

Around the corner from our church is a business that sells large lawn ornaments.  You know..the ones made out of wire.  They still have some of their Christmas ones leftover and they light up.  There's one of Santa Clause which has become a favorite of Colin's lately.  "Ho, ho, ho," Colin says.  One night as we headed home from church he sang "Santa Clause, Santa Clause, Santa Clause" all the way home.  I can't wait till he's older.  Maybe he'll want to sing other songs with me!

We had to go to Target to get some diaper, wipes, t-shirts, etc.  When we got home I had to get Blaine in his bed and discipline Colin for not obeying while at the store.  Without me asking, Ryan unloaded the car: two boxes of diapers, a box of wipes, and the bag of clothes.  He's been so helpful lately!

A few weeks ago when I was sick.  The first thing Ryan did in the morning was come downstairs and asked, "Mom, how are you feeling this morning?"  So. sweet.

A Sweet Reminder

Salvation isn't the end goal. A life lived in submission to the Lord is the goal. Salvation happens in an instant.  Submission is something your child will watch you and your husband do every day, and that is how he will learn to lovingly obey God.

-Sarah M.