The Wright's

Caleb - 16 & 17 months

2012-01-06T11:42:00.006-06:00

Here is Caleb's two-month post! That is, covering the last two months of his life! "Caleb, I do not love you any less, due to less posts on your monthly updates! I just choose to spend that time with you and not on this computer!" {And sometimes I just can't get to this computer! ;) Two little ones always tag teaming for Mommy's UNdivided attention! Whew!}

Caleb, your personality and 'spunk' are absolutely beautiful and handsome all at the same time! You are rough and tumble! You run until you fall down! You are forever bumping your head on things! Yesterday, you hit your head HARD on Rhys' bed, and not 30 minutes later, you were running toward your bed, and you tripped and hit your head on it! Poor guy! You hardly cry! You are so tough! You just pick yourself up and go! I can appreciate that quality, but it sure is different from my {very} cautious nature. Whew! You are our Caleb! What more can I say?

Recently, you have more teeth! I'm surprised to see molars coming in before the rest of your front teeth, but your front teeth are catching up, thankfully! You're able to eat crunchier things, like your chewable vitamins, chunks of apple, crunchy granola bars, etc. You LOVE cream cheese & sausage filled crescent rolls any time of the day! Your typical day consists of oatmeal for breakfast, a cereal snack or granola bar for mid-morning snack, a grilled cheese sandwich, yogurt &/or apple slices or apple sauce for lunch, and maybe a filled crescent roll for afternoon snack and you typically eat whatever Mommy & Daddy are eating for dinner.

You also still drink lots of milk (maybe 15-20oz/day), grape juice, apple juice, orange juice...you're really not picky. You surprise me at the variety of foods you'll eat {b/c I'm used to a pickier eater with your brother}, but I am thankful!! Keep up the healthy appetite, son! You have lost weight! You are down to the 10th/20th percentile in your weight category; 50th/75th percentile in height. So, you've gotten all skinny on us! Too, you've been sick a LOT, recently. Poor guy, you've had a stomach bug, two or three fever viruses and a sinus infection in the last couple of months. So, you've not had a huge appetite for anything but IBUPROFEN during those tough weeks. Praise the Lord, you are well NOW. :) I pray for wellness over you and your brother every day, sweet man. Winter weather just brings on a lot of colds!

A quick note on your napping, I'm pretty certain you are transitioning from two to one nap per day. You do well to get a cat nap in mid-morning, even if it's just 10 minutes, but I am trying to not let you nap much longer than that so that you will take a longer nap around 1/1:30 while Rhys also naps. That makes Mommy's life MUCH nicer!! :) I really enjoy some down time each afternoon to 'reboot' prior to evening time. We put you to bed at 7p most nights, and you're recently sleeping in until 7a or just after most mornings. You're a great sleeper! I am thankful. I know you need that rest in order to continue developing into the strong boy and man that you are and will be!!

You've been trying out new things, Buddy!! You've colored with our {very washable :)} markers!

You are SUPER active during your awake time, so I'm thankful for the many fun and educational toys we have during these cold {INDOOR} months!! Like this piano-like toy that lights up and plays nursery rhymes at the push of a button...

You are recently interested in reading {or maybe just holding books :)}, so I've been trying to be more intentional to read to you and Rhys during the days and nights.

You and Rhys enjoy interacting with each other over meals. One thing that you do that I'm REALLY trying to 'break' you of is throwing your food and drink onto the floor when you're done with it. Although I know that this is a temporary habit, it really 'irks' me! {Especially when I've JUST swept or mopped the floor! I know, I know...it's such a heart issue for me...but, whew!}

You LOVE to climb all things! When we play outside, you make a mad dash for the front steps! You're great a climbing up by yourself, but we need to work on your decline!! Whew!

You learns LOTS from your big brother! :) Here is your first lesson on sticks, I presume...

And you stick EVERYthing in your mouth! {surely, THE reason you've been sick so much!!!}

You are just now showing interest in riding your & big brother's 4-wheeler. I have a feeling you're gonna be tearing through the yard very soon on that thing! {Another "Whew!" from a nervous mama's heart! :)}

And this final picture says it ALL, Caleb! "I WANT MY WAY, AND I WANT IT NOW!!!!!" Sorry, son, I'm not putting you down in any way by sharing this part of your conquering, choleric spirit. We all have a bit of this in our spirits. I just pray that the Lord will continue to help me & Daddy 'reign' in that temperament so that you use it to His glory.

Caleb, you are such a joy. You are a gift to my life and to the life of this family! I enJOY watching you play independently and with Rhys and with others! I continue to look into your life in awe and amazement at God's goodness and mercy!! I pray you come to know our God at an early age, become so on fire for His glory and totally live your life for Him!

Daddy & I love you with every ounce of our being and look forward to many more months and years with you, son!

XOXOXOXOXOXO..............

Happy Jesus' Birthday 2011

2012-01-04T15:15:00.005-06:00

I had an encouraging conversation last month with an acquaintance who, with his wife, has raised their children in hopes of celebrating the Truth of Christmas at Christmas. I have been praying specifically for clarity and direction in how we are to celebrate Christmas with a firm focus on the truth of celebrating our Savior Jesus' birthday and, at the same time, not being legalistic in my/our view of Santa Claus. I want our children to enjoy but also understand the truth of St. Nicholaus and what the world 'makes' of him in the magnification of Santa Claus. All that said, in ending my conversation with my friend, he waved and merrily said, "Happy Jesus' Birthday!" as we parted. For me, that is such a neat verbal gesture to help me and thus my children 'get' what Christmas is all about!

Christmas was, indeed, a rich and sweet celebration in 2011. We started out with planning to celebrate Christmas on the actual day of Christmas (December 25th) this (last :)) year. For the last few years passed, we've celebrated Christmas {with Russell's parents and family} on Thanksgiving in order to be with all family, but this Christmas was different. It was more traditional, and I think everyone appreciated the change.

We started with a sweet Christmas party at Rhys' preschool:

Daddy & the boys...

Rhys opening one of his Christmas goodie bags. There were sooooo {TOOOOOO} many goodies!!! That's all Rhys asked for morning, day and night until I finally got smart and HID the goodies from our kitchen counter! :) Oh, yes, out of sight, out of mind! So true!!!

Then, we spent some fun time with my family. Baba, Mama Nili & Aunt Soraya enjoyed giving some really thoughtful toys, pj's and things to the boys, and Russell and I were spoiled, too!

My favorite part of opening gifts is watching the boys' faces! Rhys literally learned what a 'gift' is this Christmas! He was ready to open ALL gifts {even the ones we wrapped for others!} once he opened his first one! :) Cute kiddo!

Rhys opened a HUMMER!!! Yay!!! Then, he went up to Baba Nili to give him a thank-you hug. :)

Caleb got a fun, educational helicopter to help him learn to count, which both boys are enjoying!

We've had some good family visits with my parents and sister at their store, recently, and the boys have FUN playing on all the rugs! It's like a giant gym for them! :)

(I had a stomach bug in the above pics, so I looked as bad as I felt! Not fun, but I was trying to wear a smile!! :))

Then, we went to Mississippi, where we spent time with Russell's family:

Pappa & Grandmom had a beautiful Christmas tree!!!

Of course, the kiddos {& adults} were curious about all the gifts until Christmas morning!! :)

Then, finally, Christmas morning came! Sierra, Caleb and Rhys were lavished over with fun toys and trinkets, etc.

They got toy airplanes in their stockings, so Pappa gave a lesson on how to fly them! :)

Caleb got a great alphabet train toy, which teaches numbers and the alphabet! I'm ALL about educational toys for our kiddos! Rhys has just as much fun with this great gift, and he is learning a lot!

Rhys got more trucks, tractors, Matchbox cars, a Matchbox car carrying case, etc! Whew!

We all had a fun morning, reading the Christmas story, watching each other open gifts, then indulging in Grandmom's yummy Christmas morning breakfast. No one goes hungry in Grandmom's kitchen! :) She was cooking morning, day and night for DAYS while we all enjoyed visiting, playing and all those fun times!! "Thank you, Grandmom!!"

Then, that evening, the kiddos and Aunt Tami set to baking cupcakes in order to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, which I think really helps us all "get" the purpose of Christmas' celebration that much more.

Uncle Todd & Aunt Kristie (Russell's little sister). :) Caleb could not have been more happy than in Uncle Todd's arms! So, "Uncle Todd & Aunt Kristie & Sierra, we need to get our families together more often!!!"

And a sweet memory to capture of these sweet playmates...Cousins Rhys & Sierra.

And the three grandkids.

Christmas 2011 was a sweet time with friends & family, perhaps with new family traditions. I hope sinus infections is NOT one of those family holiday traditions, as we ALL came home with sinus infections, rushing us all to the dr/pediatrician from Mississippi to Alabama shortly after Christmas. Whew! Glad to be on this side of that! "Thank You, Lord Jesus, for health, wellness and even for medications!"

I hope and pray that you and yours had a Happy Jesus' Birthday and a great start to 2012!!!!

Catching Up on Ending 2011 & Beginning 2012

2012-01-04T13:35:00.003-06:00

I rarely blog anymore, but I do feel a twinge in my gut as memories happen {EVERY DAY!!!!}, and I'm not recording them in any way! So, about every other month, my guilt wins {thankfully!}, and I get to it! So, here I am...trying to catch up, and surely not capturing it all. Well, here goes...

2011 was a good year! I can look back and am so thankful for where God has had us!

Physically, in our current house, neighborhood, city, state and, truly, most of all, our church!

Spiritually, I've been able to finish one study of the Bible (chronological) in one year and moving into a new one (M'Cheyne One Year Plan), which I'm really excited about {and Russell's doing the same one, so we should be able to have good conversations around our Bible study}; Rhys is quoting his weekly Bible verse every morning, just before he gets his yummy vitamin; Caleb gets to hear the weekly verse, for now, as he gums his vitamins. :) And I'm trying to be diligent to read to Rhys most nights from a couple of children's books that focus on Scripture and a moral lesson from the Bible. He typically plays with cars while I'm reading and trying to get him to participate here and there. Both boys also LOVE their Sunday School classes, and Rhys LOVES his preschool (he currently goes 2 days per week), and I see how God truly loves on their sweet hearts when I've picked them up, and they are so filled from their time in those classes. I am thankful!

Emotionally, honestly, I just see how God is growing me more to walk in His Truth, not so much in my fleshly emotions, which I can SEE is so important because that pours into my family...our precious, vulnerable children and my husband who needs a strong, courageous and supportive wife, not an emotional burden! I praise the Lord for His truth and for the reality that we can be emotionally secure and stable in Him!

Mentally, I am thankful that God has impressed on Russell's heart the importance of intentionally seeking out edification in how we spend our evening hours. We've both developed {or realized} a craving for reading! We terminated our subscription to Netflix and have started to read more in the evenings. We slacked in this area during the holidays, but I look forward to finishing a current book and delving into new ones this new year. I also need and hope to be more diligent to read more to our boys so that they will develop a love for learning through reading.

We are just excited and thankful...as individuals, as a couple, as parents, as a family! God continues to reveal His good, perfect and pleasing will to us in His timing and as we seek Him. This new year, I look forward to getting more plugged in through our church in ways of serving and in social ways, just to get to know our like-minded family!

Well, enough of the journaling! Here are some sweet pics of the last couple of months of 2011:

Meet Caleb, our fearless man who gets into anything! :) This is a very descriptive picture of him!

And Rhys, our man who tries to do all things right! Even likes to brush his teeth several times throughout the day!!

This moment is so worth capturing...to remind ourselves years from now how Caleb would sift through our garbage and pick up any boxes or anything else of interest and run around the house with it until we'd catch him and say, "No! No, Caleb. No playing in the garbage." :) Our little garbage man.

We've spent a LOT of COLD days playing indoors:

Warm baths have been a great, clean activity!! :)

Rhys LOVES to play with Matchbox cars/trucks. He gets SO focused on organizing and moving them that he forgets life exists outside of his mind! I love it! It is precious to watch him focus!!

For the most part, the boys play well together, but, like all siblings, we deal with our share of rivalry. I am CONSTANTLY seeking the Lord for wisdom in how to discipline them and for His supernatural love and patience in the process.

Christmas crafts. :)

Fun at meal times...

A family venture to our FAVORITE: Jim n Nick's!!!

Just a cute memory to capture here...Rhys is extremely COLD nature, like his mama, and this is how he likes to travel day or night in the winter months. Blanket all the way to his chin, lovies in hand. :) A man after my own heart! I appreciate warmth, too!

On warmer days, we break away to a local playground! It's been neat to 'get to know' Caleb's personality as he's gotten older. Rhys is definitely more cautious, again like his mama. Caleb is fearLESS! I am fearFUL for him! He just goes and thinks later! 'Reigning him in' has proven more challenging. Whew! It's amazing how different siblings can be!

And more indoor play...

Daddy built a fort over Rhys' bed with an army blanket, which the boys enjoyed one cold Saturday morning.

Rhys is a social eater. He just wants to eat when anyone is eating and pretty much whatever anyone, especially Daddy, is eating! :)

And we've done LOTS of traveling in the last couple of months. Back and forth to Pappa & Grandmom's in Mississippi several times, local visits to friends', my parents' and Granny's, etc.

Another memory to capture. :) Caleb kicks his shoes off, then pulls his socks off first thing when we get into the car! I'm learning to load him up sock-less & shoe-less, even in the recent frigid temps, and just put his socks & shoes on his feet at our destination! :) Thankfully, yet another TEMPORARY phase! Ha!!

More outdoor play when we can! I LOVE the SUNSHINE!!!!

2011 was a good year, and I look forward to living out 2012 with this precious bunch! The last couple of months have gone by super fast. Thus, the super fast 'catch-up' post of pictures! Whew!

Fall 2011 Family Pics

2011-11-17T20:28:00.005-06:00

Thank you, Ashley!

Veterans Day at the Zoo

2011-11-17T20:06:00.007-06:00

Veterans Day (and I suppose all other military and patriotic holidays) at the zoo are free for all military families, so we planned four months ago to go on Veterans Day! We knew it wouldn't be HOT, and it was on the verge of being COLD, but it was actually perfect because the sun was shining bright! So, it turned out to be a perfect family outing!

We saw all kinds of creatures!

Rhys' favorite, the Lorikeets. He kept asking, "Go back to see birds?!" :)

Caleb toured the zoo in comfort with lots of snacks. :)

Hyaenas...

A really WILD lion...

Boars???

A beautiful crane of some kind...

Zebras...

Giraffes & ostriches...

Elephants...

Monkeys...

Don't remember the name of these, but they're beautiful...

A gorilla (my favorite!); he was eating an entire head of cabbage like we eat apples!

A rhinoceros...

Then, we made our way to the petting zoo...

First stop, of course, the tractor!!!

Then, Daddy & Rhys loved on the goats...

And last, but certainly not least, the train ride!! Rhys' favorite part of the zoo! Mine, too, after walking all morning!

Caleb was not as interested in the train ride, but he will be soon enough! All in time!

What a wonderful family outing! A great zoo experience!

Thankful!

2011-11-17T15:32:00.002-06:00

I am so very thankful for the 'second' parents God gave me through Russell's parents! Two weeks ago, I came down with an AWFUL stomach bug, and it knocked me out! It was Wednesday, and the bug still had me down on Thursday night. Knowing that Russell was leaving for a long drill (army) weekend early Friday morning, I texted girl friends and Russell's sweet mama for prayer. Next thing I knew, Rusty & Claudia were here (from 4 hours away!!!), helping, serving and loving me and the boys! God knew I could use the help and companionship while Russell was gone that long weekend, so HE provided BIG TIME, and I acknowledge and THANK HIM!

"Thank you, Rusty & Claudia!! I LOVE and ADORE you two and we are counting down the days and minutes :) until we get to be with you for Thanksgiving!!! Let's all pray for WELLness for all of us! Amen!!!"

This Man...

2011-11-17T15:20:00.004-06:00

I am thankful for this man. He truly serves anyone selflessly, even strangers. God refines me through him! I am thankful! He is the perfect husband for me, and he is the perfect daddy to these precious boys! We miss him one long weekend per month when he leaves for army work, where, I admit, I'm unsure of exactly what he does, but I'm thankful for what he does. He serves his family in serving our country, and I'm thankful for the lessons the boys and I get to learn in watching him serve.

This passed drill weekend, he came home, and before even getting out of uniform, he spent time with his family...the boys {and I :)} treasure this man...

"We love you and appreciate you, Daddy!"

Caleb - 14 & 15 months

2011-11-17T14:29:00.006-06:00

Life continues to fly by SO quickly, so here is a 'combo' update on the last couple of months for Caleb. We PRAISE THE LORD that he is doing great in every way!

Caleb, you are up to a runner's speed! :) You climb, run and walk so well! We're currently teaching you how to sit down and slide down from 'high' places (a foot off the floor) so that you won't fall and hurt yourself.

You are your brother's best friend, and he is yours! I am thankful for this gift! God has blessed each of you with the perfect playmate! Truly, you mimic just about everything Rhys does, so Mommy and Daddy are trying to encourage him to be the proper role model for you! :) I pray that you two will LOVE each other and always appreciate one another as God's gift to each other.

You are definitely determined! I call you Caleb Determined Wright! :) I can see a little bit of why God laid on our hearts to name you Caleb, after Caleb in the Bible! I'm excited to see your personality shining, Son, and I pray that you will love the Lord your God and live for HIM in all your ways!

You're {finally!!! :)} getting in your 5th and 6th teeth! Your teeth have been slower to come in, but that doesn't keep you from eating very well, for which I'm very thankful! You LOVE breakfast! You typically eat oatmeal, and when Daddy's making breakfast, you get biscuits or sausage cream cheese croissants. For snacks, you like peanut butter crackers, Chex cereal, Goldfish crackers, Graham Crackers, honey yogurt, and for lunch, you like chocolate peanut butter sandwiches (that's right...chocolate peanut butter) or a chicken & cheese grilled sandwich with apple sauce. For dinner, you pretty much eat whatever we eat as a family dinner...you LOVE Mommy's Santa Fe Soup...all those yummy beans! :) And you've been doing great with your veggies lately...green beans, sweet peas, corn, etc.

You still nap twice per day...typically 1-1.5 hours in the am and 1.5 hours in the pm. You also sleep great thru the night from 7p to 6a. Sometimes you can stay up till 8p, but there's no getting around you being an early morning riser! :) You come by it honestly, so I won't hold it against you! ;) I'll continue to enjoy our mornings together.

Thankfully, you enjoy room time! You'll play in your room for up to an hour both morning and evening. Then, you enjoy room time with Rhys for a while each day. I love to come in and play with both of you. You just run into me, push me over and slobber me with kisses! Thank you! :)

Your stats (as of 15 months):

weight: 22lbs 3oz (10-20 percentile) - you've gotten 'skinny minny' on us!

height: 31.5 inches (50-75 percentile)

head circ: 17.5 inches

Caleb Christopher, your mommy and daddy are so very thankful for you! I praise the Lord and thank your daddy that I get to stay home with you and Rhys during the days!! I cherish these days with you boys; I cherish you boys with all my heart! You are such a joy, and Mommy and Daddy look forward to many more years of learning, teaching and growing with you! God has blessed us with your life! Happy 14 & 15 months, Son!

XOXOXOXO

Love, Mommy & Daddy

P.S. The below picture is for Grandmom! Like your daddy, Caleb, you sometimes dump your bowl of food on your head. Thankfully, it's only been dry cereal, so far. Your daddy evidently liked to pour his grits on his head! Poor Grandmom! :)

Our Family Pumpkin 2011

2011-10-27T18:19:00.004-05:00

I wanted the boys to have a carved pumpkin this year, so I thought it would be so much fun to make a family night out of carving it and roasting the seeds! I remember enjoying that as a child with my family! Well, maybe in future years! All we really did this year was watch sweet Daddy do all the work ("Thank you, Hun!"), while I reigned in our youngest. :) So, no roasted pumpkin seeds this year. Maybe next year!

We wanted a happy pumpkin!

One afternoon Rhys looked at our pumpkin and said, "Hi, Mr. Pumpkin." :) Sweet young imaginations. Such sweet minds!

First Fire of the Season & Caleb is WALKING!!!

2011-10-04T10:36:00.003-05:00

We got to enjoy our first fire-pit fire of the season with Pappa & Grandmom a couple of weekends ago, and an outdoor fire just ain't a fire :) without metal hangers and marshmallows! Russell built a great fire, and Pappa made roasted some great marshmallows!

Caleb is a Pappa's boy, for sure...

Finally, proof of Caleb walking, and he gets more sure-footed every day! Hooray!!!

Welcome, Cool Weather & Pappa & Grandmom!!

2011-09-23T20:48:00.008-05:00

With the start to Autumn, we've enjoyed some nice cool weather! It's great to pull out the cool-weather wardrobe for all of us, and it's always fun to pull out another season of clothes for the boys. It's been all-too-easy to 'pass down' clothes from one boy to another...I appreciate it! Caleb's wearing all the shirts, jeans, socks and jackets that Rhys wore, and it's pretty neat that they both started walking within their 13th months of age!

The boys enjoy playing around our fire pit, and I think they'll really enjoy it this winter when they see what it does! Holds fire and makes s'mores! :)

Caleb LOVES to swing!

The boys enjoy their new car mat...we're working on the concept of sharing. :)

I was thankful when Rhys came home from school with this Scripture verse (it's condensed for the children's ease of comprehension): "Be generous and willing to share." I Timothy 6:18

I definitely remind the boys of this verse at least once a day, and it's great to know that Rhys' teachers are encouraging the same!

Just another cute pic :)

I walked into our den a few mornings ago, and Rhys was just sitting alone on this stool, eating his granola bar and looking out the window. It was such a sweet moment that I wanted to take a picture to remember his precious quiet moment. He is SO his sweet daddy in MANY MANY ways!!!

Pappa & Grandmom have visited with us the last two weekends, and Grandmom has stayed with us this last week. It's been such a nice help and time of companionship. Most days, I don't get much adult interaction, so it's been nice to have another wise and experienced woman, wife and mom here with me and the boys during our full days! Pappa offered his Camelbak water bottle to Caleb last weekend, and he is a pro at drinking out of it, now! Yay for no-leak bottles!

I found Grandmom sitting with the boys yesterday morning...another sweet, quiet moment, where they were just sitting there, looking out the window...and I wanted to capture the moment.

What are we to do when Grandmom is not here next week???? I know that we'll be fine, but it sure has been a nice treat! "Thank you, Pappa & Grandmom, for coming! Thank you, Grandmom, for all of your love!"

McWane & Friends

2011-09-23T20:45:00.000-05:00

We got to meet some friends at McWane Science Center a couple of weeks ago...there's so much to do there, you can be entertained for DAYS!!! We did all we could in a few hours! Thank you, Jenn, for inviting us, and thank you, Sarah, for coming to visit {before heading to AFRICA for the next three years!!! Wow! That's still sinking in for me!}!!! We had a WONDERUL time playing, visiting and just having a BLAST with all the boys!

First stop, the bed of nails, which, of course, the boys couldn't wait to try...
Christian braved the first try...

See the nails beneath Rhys???? Yikes! Apparently, it doesn't hurt or feel too uncomfortable!

I thought this was neat...the water pressure holding the balls up...I guess until someone nudges the ball off the water...

This was great...a jumping pad that lights up underfoot! Rhys is up in the air in this pic (gotta love that little booty up in the air! :))...

Rhys & Hutson wild & crazy...

Caleb gettin' in on the action...

Then, we went upstairs to 'The House,' where the boys had fun with water! What boy doesn't like to play with water!!???!?!??

Then, Rhys put on a little outfit and started dancing to "Old McDonald had a Farm" for us! :)

Then, all the boys 'fell' into the foam blocks...

We had a FUN time and look forward to another playdate with GREAT friends!!!!

Potty Training "Lock In"

2011-09-23T20:33:00.001-05:00

Just over two weeks ago, we had what I'll call a "potty training lock" in at home! Daddy left for drill on Friday am and was gone until Sunday pm. The boys and I did not leave the house from Thursday afternoon until the next week! It was a LONG weekend, but I knew that the Lord was leading us into that weekend to potty train Rhys, so we stocked up on candy, juice, underwear and pulled out the portable potty and were off!

Sweet Russell even set a stop watch to go off every 20 minutes as a reminder for me to TELL (not ask) Rhys to go to the potty. The intervals changed to every 30 minutes the next day...every 20 minutes felt like we were ONLY pottying all day long...seems like the process of getting his underwear off, sitting him on the potty, 'doing his business,' pulling up the undies, washing hands, rinsing the potty, getting candy, etc. lasted 20 minutes! Then, it was time to do it all over again! :) And all that with another toddler literally hanging on me just about the entire time!!! {Caleb is at a very clingy stage...of course, only clingy for MOMMY! :)} So, the extra 10 minutes was nice for Mommy!

Long story short - and not short of PRAISES TO OUR LORD!!! -Rhys is officially potty trained! He wears 'nap-time' and 'night-time underwear' during nap and night-time sleep, but it's only underwear during the day! Woohoo!!! This Mommy is SO thankful and truly in awe of what our bodies are so capable of being trained to do! With lots of prayer (for my patience!! :)), time, practice and rewards, potty training is totally do-able!

During our potty training time, we made the MOST of whatever we could find to do inside and outside of the house...

4-wheelin' in the wee hours of the mornin' into the dawn... (potty breaks in the grass! :))

A little rain didn't stop this determined little fella...

Playing with trucks inside... (donning the new undies, of course!!)

{I love to watch him try to figure things out. :)}

Caleb joined in all the fun...Here, he's fixated on a movie, while Rhys and Mommy are focused on the goal at hand! :)

Spent a LOT of time outside! Here, on the deck...

Caleb eating graham crackers, while keeping us company.

And Daddy's been a big helper since he's been home from drill and work trips.

Whew! I will say that I still pray when we go out to run errands and on school days, asking that the Lord would continue to help Rhys 'get' the concept of using ONLY the potty, not his underwear, when he needs to relieve himself. God has blessed the prayers, the consistent & constant trips to the potty and all the help from Rhys' teachers, Pappa & Grandmom while they've been visiting and other friends. It's been a good journey!

A Labor Day Full of Friends, Good Food & LOTS of JOKER

2011-09-23T20:21:00.006-05:00

We got to spend Labor Day at some friends' parents' home on the lake...just had a WONDERFUL time!! If you remember our weather that weekend, it was RAINY. However, we didn't let that stop our plans! Yay!! We drove on...

We met up with this bunch and had a fun-filled night and day of JOKER (a super fun game!)!! It was too rainy to play outdoors, so we made the most of the indoors! The girls STOMPED the guys on Sunday night, but the guys came back with a vengeance the next morning, and we ended up TIED!!! Thus, the perfect excuse for a future game with great friends!!!

Their little man, Hudson, is a firecracker! So independent and full of energy...descriptive of just about every toddler, huh?!?! :)

Their precious Anne Stewart...Well, all I can say is that Rhys has eyes for her, even if she is a few years older than he. :) They were holding hands at the get-go! I LOVE it! :)

And sweet Caleb...he actually slept most of the time we were at the lake, but that's a praise for any child away from home! He had a great time, too!

If we weren't playing, we were eating, and if we weren't eating, we were playing! Maybe we ate and played too much, but it was fun, and we look forward to our next trip (to the mountains, we go, we go!) with Jeremy, Becky and their kiddos! Woohoo!!!

I think of this Scripture in particular as I think over our Labor Day weekend with friends:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching

Hebrews 10:24-25

So, see! We have excuse after excuse to keep getting together!! :) Praise the Lord!

Caleb - 13 Months

2011-09-23T14:40:00.003-05:00

Our big little man made 13 months almost two weeks ago. Life has just been fast and furious. So, this mommy is just now getting to post an update!

I PRAISE our Lord that Caleb is HEALTHY & WELL & CHOCK FULL OF SPUNK! He is ATTACHED TO HIS MOMMY these days!!! Whew!!! Hence, the lack of blogging! I'm catching a break during naps.

Caleb is WALKING!!! HOORAY! HOORAY! He took his first steps the day he made 13 months! He's still a bit unsteady on foot, but he's getting there!

He's full of smiles, giggles and laughs!

He eats great! Chugs down about 24 oz of milk per day (suggested amount for his age per our pediatrician).

He still naps twice a day...about an hour in the am, about 1.5 hours in the pm.

Enjoys the outdoors! Loves play time with Daddy & brother. Enjoys cuddle time with Mommy. :)

His personality is proving to be quite determined! Lord willing, that will be a strength!

This big boy's just a mess, and we LOVE LOVE LOVE him with all of our hearts!!!

Here are some fun pics of what Caleb's been up to...

Learning to ride the 4-wheeler...

Of course, big brother jumps in to show him how it's done!

Eating Saturday morning biscuits with Daddy...

Evidently excited to be outside and with apple juice in hand! :)

A beautiful smile that his mama LOVES!!

Playing with pine straw...and, of course, always trying to eat it!

Happy 13 months, our precious Caleb!!! You are SUCH a JOY! Your personality is developing, and we learn something new about you just about each day! It's fun, and we look forward to many more months, many more years and a lifetime with you!

XOXOXOXOXO,

Mommy & Daddy

Rhys Starting School...

2011-08-23T20:30:00.004-05:00

We prayed about the decision to 'send' Rhys to preschool this year, and we sensed the Lord's clear guidance to do so. I asked the Lord in that initial prayer to please confirm that we'd made the right decision, and He has {already!!!!} SO many times, and we're only into week 2 of preschool! I am so thankful!

Rhys on his first day of school... :) {I'm a proud, sappy mommy :)}

I asked him to stand up. :)

And after 3 days of preschool at our church, Rhys shared with me and Daddy this evening some things he's learning. This week, they're starting to learn the alphabet! So, this week's letter is "A," and Rhys brought home art work to help him remember what he's learning..."A is for Apple." He also brought home a Scripture verse: "Be generous and willing to share" (I Timothy 6:18), which is exactly what we're focusing on at home {with toys among both boys}!! So, yay!!!

Well, as if that weren't enough, I teared up tonight when Rhys started singing, and we finally understood that he was singing a PRAYER! Yay!!!! Evidently, his teachers are leading him through this prayer as they sit for lunch...

Absolutely melts a mommy's and daddy's heart. "Thank You, Jesus."

Caleb - One Year!!!!

2011-08-10T00:00:00.002-05:00

Caleb makes ONE year today!

We got to celebrate with Pappa, Grandom, Aunt Kristie and Sierra, and I must say, Aunt Kristie has a talent for decorating birthday cakes and cupcakes! All I can say is, "Thank you! Beautiful! And YUMMY!!! :)" I think Caleb is saying, "Yummy," too, once he gets a taste!! ;)

The pictures tell the first-birthday story...

Russell's favorite picture. He narrates, "I got this thing down, yall!"

Yum!!!

Thank you, again, Kristie!!!

Seems like Caleb 'grew up' over night a couple of weeks ago! He's just gotten in his 3rd and 4th teeth (top front two), which was hard on him - poor guy - but he is using them to master eating all kinds of new foods! He eats blueberries, strawberries, grapes, chicken, hamburger, hot dog pieces, just about any kind of bean, homemade muffins, cheerios, and he's up for trying anything, thankfully! His FAVORITE would be graham crackers, just like Rhys when Rhys was his age! Caleb has also mastered drinking from a sippy cup, which is WONDERFUL!!! No more bottles! Hello, milk! He loves it!!!

He is pulling himself up to standing and stands very well, mostly still holding on to anything within reach. Caleb's also wearing a lot of outfits that Rhys wore, which is fun for me to see! Caleb's been in 18-month clothes since he was 10 months old! He's a big, strong boy! We are thankful!

This was just a cute picture...looks like he's singing along with the music of this piano-like toy. :)

Caleb's been crawling for about 2 weeks...So, no problem keeping up with big brother anymore! :) He and Rhys play so well together, which is truly something I've been looking forward to since we found out we were pregnant with Caleb! It's a dream come true!!! "Thank You, Lord! Thank You! Thank You!!" We are coming into a sweet season of new fun!

He has also graduated to his forward-facing car seat, which has been like a new world for Caleb! He enjoys watching the 'new' scenery, and I love it because it's easier to see him from my rear-view mirror!

It's been a good year with you, Caleb Christopher Wright, and I'm excited beyond words for more years to come, getting to really know who you are, big man!

Happy happy happy :) birthday!!!!

Love you!!!
Daddy & Mommy

XOXOXOXOXO...

Stats:

Height: (5oth percentile)

Weight: 21 lbs, 2 oz (25th to 50th percentile)

Life is Good.

2011-07-26T14:30:00.009-05:00

This has been a FUN month! We've gotten to visit with Russell's parents twice in their new home near Memphis, TN, and it's been a blast!

Between 3 cameras this past weekend, we took just shy of 200 pictures! So, here goes...

Pappa & Grandmom with all the grandkids

All the Wright men

Finally, a recent family picture!

And, now, for some random pictures....

Notice Rhys' shoes below. Cousin Sierra was sweet to let Rhys wear her princess shoes. :)

The kiddos had lots of pool time!

Then bath time!

Sierra & Rhys kept each other company (which the mommies loved!! :)) non-stop!

Caleb is Pappa's little man!

Pettin' on Zeke!

Grandmom got lots of lovin' from her grandkiddos, too!

Playground time...

{How cute this one would be framed! Great picture, Aunt Kristie!! :)}

Staying cool with frozen go-gurts!

Caleb's been practicing walking! I sure enjoyed all the helping hands for so many days!! :)

Pappa & Grandmom were ready for all the grandkids with lots of fun toys!

Rhys couldn't get enough of these tractors! Pappa knows how to speak Rhys' love language! :)

Aunt Kristie LOVES her nephews!!! "Thanks for ALLLLLLL your help with the boys, Kristie!!"

Aunt Tami is amazing with the boys, too!

We had fun and look forward to MORE fun visits soon, Lord willing!!!

Caleb - 11 months

2011-07-26T13:35:00.004-05:00

Happy {very belated!!} 11 months, sweet Caleb!!

Some of your favorites are...

-Rhys! :) You love to watch your brother!! You are likely learning a LOT from him!

-Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars, trucks, tractors, anything with wheels! This makes you and Rhys great playmates, since he like anything with wheels, too!

-JUMPING! We even borrowed a friend's Jumperoo for you! It wears you out nicely for nap time! :)

-Movies! I've had to resort to giving you bottles in front of a movie...distracts you just right so that you'll drink your formula. You become fixated on the colors and music and objects. We watch mostly Baby Einstein and Brainy Baby. Hopefully, you're already learning some fun things! :)

-Blocks! You love to 'clap' them together!

-Clapping! You enjoy clapping your hands!

-Clicking that cute tongue of yours...what a sweet sound!

-Bath time! Splish-splash, big man! You can definitely make lots of splashes...Mommy just about mops the floor after you boys finish in the tub! :)

-Graham crackers! It's all you'd eat, if I would let you!

-Daddy time, especially bouncing in Daddy's arms! You just giggle, giggle and giggle!!! We LOVE listening to you giggle!!

-Room time! Yay!!! Mommy is thankful you enjoy playing in your pack 'n play! You'll play for an hour at a time, which is very nice some days!! :)

Sweet man, we do wish you a happy happy 11 months! We have enjoyed getting to watch you grow up this fast year, and we look forward to celebrating your first year so very soon!

XOXOXOXOXO!!!!

Love, Daddy & Mommy

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-22T15:24:00.003-05:00

Russell LOVED his Father's Day gift this year!!! The boys and I did well! :) Yay!!!

I believe this will be our new Father's Day tradition each year (per Daddy's request)...

Pictures taken by my very own friend! :) Thanks, again, girl!

Four Boys & A Tractor Out Front...

2011-06-22T14:32:00.002-05:00

Pool Time!!

2011-06-22T14:26:00.002-05:00

Summer time has always meant POOL TIME in my family, and, thankfully, my parents have a fun pool that they LOVE for us to use! So, Rhys just might learn how to swim this summer! We'll see!

He's sportin' his new suit...Hopefully, this will help ease him into pool independence!

He LOVED swimming and playing with Daddy!

Can you tell? :)

Caleb hung out with my mom (where I always was growing up...very much a lap baby! :)) and seemed to enjoy the water, too. I look forward to putting him in a float next time we're there. I think he'll be content whatever we do with him! :)

And my dad got some sugar :) from Caleb after we all had a yummy dinner!

Looking forward to more fun pool time soon!

Caleb - 10 months

2011-06-22T13:16:00.004-05:00

Caleb, You are the most easy-going baby I think I've ever been around. I'm so thankful. You just go with the flow, which is such a help! You babble some these days; I look forward to hearing your first word! Your all-time FAVORITE activity is BATH time with big brother! The more bubbles the merrier! You are pulling yourself up to standing. One funny thing is that you'll roll over on to your tummy, but you won't (or can't?) roll back over to your back. So, you'll cry in the middle of the night for Mommy or Daddy to come roll you back onto your back if you get 'stuck' on your tummy! :) We don't mind because we know it's only temporary!!

You weigh about 22 lbs these days, and you have a good, healthy appetite for your bottles and food! You still only have two bottom teeth, so I'm still giving you baby food, but I know you're eyeing all of our sandwiches and other meals, ready to chomp your gums into them! Currently, your mouth is running like a faucet, so I'm certain some top teeth are on their way in! Yay!!

Here are some sweet pictures of you, sweet Caleb, living life with us crazies! Whew!

You LOVE to swing, and you have NO fear of going high! The higher the more giggles we get out of you! :)

You're getting SO interested in cars, trucks and four-wheelers, and you're getting so coordinated! You balance yourself so well on the big trucks!

I LOVE your precious face! Can you just smile for Mommy forever, please!???!!??

And here's a little plug in for our upcoming 4th of July!! This outfit was given to Rhys by Miss Ashley last 4th of July, when we were living in Missouri. He was 18 months, and you're wearing it at 10 months! It's cute...it has a monster truck on it and says, "Red, White & Vroom." VERY BOY! :) ("Thank you, Ashley!")

Caleb, you are such a delight! You'll sit for hours and play by yourself, you'll let anyone hold and love on you, and you are always so content! I am thankful! We love you and wish you a very happy 10 months of life!!!

XOXOXO

Mommy & Daddy

A Day at the Park

2011-05-23T15:25:00.002-05:00

Thank you, friend, for some really beautiful, unexpected photography! I love the 'realness'...not having to get all dressed up! Just getting to be us! That is us!! :)

Spoiled Rotten!

2011-05-23T14:03:00.005-05:00

We're here! Having more fun with Aunt Tami! She's spoiling us! Me! :) We {I!!!} are thankful!!!

We've been...

Blowing LOTS of bubbles outside... {How can you turn down a sweet two year old's plea for 'bubba? bubba? bubba?' :)}

Building fun shapes with FUN BLOCKS (thanks, Ashley!! :))!! These have been a HIT for both boys!

Lots of playtime outside before it gets too hot...

Me and my boys!! Rhys & Caleb really do enjoy each other, which makes my heart smile! {I've been excitedly anticipating the time when they would be interacting and playing together, and it is starting now!!! "Yay, Lord!! Thank You!! It is FUN!"}

More building.... :)

Here, sweet Rhys is trying to put poor Zeke's collar on his own neck. :) Mommy quickly came to the rescue and put it back on Zeke!

And this morning, while Daddy & I took Caleb to have his tubes put in, sweet Aunt Tami took Rhys for a day trip to the Galleria to ride all of these fun things...

Below, a blue train...

An ice cream truck...

And my favorite...the police trike! :) {Rhys' favorite, too, according to Aunt Tami :)}

Life has been nothing short of FUN this last week, and I anticipate more fun this week! :)

"Thank you for loving on us, Aunt Tami!"

Caleb - 9 months

2011-05-23T13:50:00.003-05:00

Happy-happy 9 months and growing, sweet Caleb!!!!

(Ashley, thank you for the picture!!!)

Son, soooo much is happening in your sweet life right now! Mommy is having a hard time keeping up! :)

-you have your first tooth! (bottom left) Daddy saw it first!! ;)

-you are sitting all by yourself; great posture, too!

-you are standing!!! You just started standing overnight! It's so fun!!! You need support, for now, but I'm sure you'll be standing on your own in no time!

-you are drinking from a sippy cup! I just need to help you learn to hold it yourself...maybe that can be a good challenge for us for this month!

-you LOVE to clap your hands {with a big ole smile on your face!! :)}!!!

-you enjoy JUMPING in your Johnny Jump Up or in our laps! :) Those legs are "goin' to town"!

-you have the most contagious smile and laugh! Always smiling and laughing, which makes Mommy so happy!

-you weigh 21 lbs 12 oz...50th percentile

-your height is 28.25 inches...50th percentile

-your head circumference is 18.25 inches...75th percentile

-you are interacting with big brother with lots of laughs and sharing toys; with Mommy and Daddy with LOTS of slobbery kisses and laughs, and you are enJOYing your Aunt Tami's fun visit with us! She's been a huge help in encouraging your STANDING!!! You can blame her when you're pooped for naps and bedtime! ;) Ha!! It's a good thing!!

-Oh! You're learning how to play with some fun toys, enjoying anything that makes sounds and lights up!

The last three months have been really rough for you (and Mommy!), sweet boy! You've basically had an ongoing ear infection...single or double, depending on the week! We've been to the pediatrician's office just about EVERY week for the past three months with you, and they've gotten to know us on a first name basis! Ha! You've been on antibiotic after antibiotic, poor guy...your body just stopped responding to them.

Well, no more, Lord willing!! You got tubes this morning! That's right! Daddy & Mommy loaded you up early-early, took you to the hospital, and you have what Mommy's been ready for you to have for weeks!! Tubes! Lord willing, you will not have any more ear infections, you'll feel better and better, and Mommy will be much more light hearted {ie, not worrying} about your sweet ears! I PRAISE-PRAISE-PRAISE our Lord for allowing for everything to go so smoothly this morning, and you are already showing signs of recovery and feeling better!! YOU are a BRAVE, STRONG patient!!! YAY!!!

Praise the Lord, O my soul!!! I praise You, Father!! My heart is rejoicing and singing to YOU!

Happy 9 months, sweet boy!

XOXOXO Daddy & Mommy

Rhys' First Train Ride

2011-05-17T15:06:00.002-05:00

This little movie is precious to me, and I know that his grandparents and other family would enjoy seeing the excitement and joy in Rhys' eyes and facial expression during his first train ride...

"Great clip, Tami! Thank you!!" :)

A Date with Aunt Tami

2011-05-17T14:28:00.006-05:00

My big man had his first date today!! :) Sweet Aunt Tami treated him to a very special, FUN day at the Birmingham Zoo! She was so good to capture lots of good moments for Mommy to enjoy and for him to remember!

First stop...of course, a good sit on the tractor! :) Tami narrates, "He kept saying, 'Pink tractor,' because it's a faded red color." :) It's fun to learn how children think!!!

Next stop, the goats!

Next, they fed some fish and turtles...Rhys got a kick out of watching the fish come up for the food.

Then, the "looooong neck giraffes," as Rhys calls them. :)

{Great photography, Tami!!}

Evidently, Rhys found a seat here :) and wouldn't get up for a while. Surely resting from a long morning of walking and likely enamored by something in front of him. :) Love that child.

Then, the "Zeeeebraaa."

Some handsome lions...

Tigers... {again, some great pictures!!}

And I just love that my child ate his lunch! :) Doesn't every mom out there want her child to eat well? Get his/her protein? So, of course, I packed a pb & j, and Aunt Tami was sure to give him that before any other snacks! {Thanks, girl!! :) You're speakin' to my love language as you take such good care of my boys! ;)}

Oh, and perhaps the highlight...the TRAIN RIDE!!!! My man looks so happy there!! I can just hear him saying, "Choo choo train! Choo choo train! Choo choo train!" :)

According to Aunt Tami, this was Rhys' favorite...the peacock!

He watched the pink flamingos for about 20 minutes...just takin' it all in, I guess. :)

Finally, the Lorikeet Birds...and I'm excited that Rhys wasn't too scared to get so close! "Yay, Rhys!!!"

What a perfect first date! ;) Now, Rhys is napping nice and long!! Can't wait to see what's in store next for us while Aunt Tami's here with us!!

Fast-Paced Fun...

2011-05-17T13:48:00.003-05:00

Life has been fast-paced around here, and I have a hard time doing more than just keep up!

Rhys is 2 years and 4 months and lovin' life! He's my 'main man' every day! He keeps me on my toes, on the go and flat worn out! I love every little ounce of him!!!

These boys 'mark' T-R-O-U-B-L-E! Nah, they're really sweet and really good brothers. It's fun to get to spend my days with them. Bath time is an activity around our home. :)

One afternoon last week, the weather was warm but with a nice breeze, so we had a nice family evening out on the deck...even pulled the rugs out for some comfort underfoot. :)

Caleb took Rhys' juice, and he's enjoying every chance we give him with a sippy cup, now!

Even with all the miserable ear infections this guy has had (and still has as I type :( ), he is such a happy, content little man! Always smiling! I'm thankful - thankful!

We had a nice visit with one of our sweet friends last week. Of course, Rhys was totally flirting with Natalie :)!!! Thanks for coming to visit, sweet friend!

Then, Aunt Tami came!!!! These boys LOVE their Aunt Tami, and their Mama does, too!!! She's such a JOY to have here {and Mommy must mention the HELP she really does offer!!!}!!!

Aunt Tami and Rhys can get into just about anything!! :) It's such a pleasure to have the company {and, again, the help!!!} these days!!! "Thanks for being here, Tami!!!" :)

And the tale does not end here... :)

Caleb Eating & Giggling

2011-05-06T18:02:00.000-05:00

Rhys & Caleb Clapping Together

2011-05-06T18:00:00.001-05:00

Catching Up...

2011-05-05T16:07:00.005-05:00

The start of our Spring...

Rhys has made good use of our fire pit...

He'll stay in that position for at least 30 minutes at a time...oh, to be young again...and be able to squat like that for that long and be able to get up! :) While on that note, what I would GIVE for some of this precious child's energy!!! I could actually clean the house AND have dinner on the table! Oh well, I'm thankful that my family pours out grace toward me!!

Sweet Caleb...In less than three months, he's had a single ear infection that took two rounds of antibiotics to heal, then two double ear infections, along with a couple of viruses. We're looking into tubes. He is so sweet through all of his discomfort and all the meds. Poor little fella... (actually, he's not that little...This week he hit 21 lbs.)

He's mastered sitting; he's moving on to learn how to crawl...

We've had some good visits with my family...

We call my dad "Baba," my mom "Mama Nili" (my maiden name is Nilipour) and my sister "Aunt Rye" (that's Rhys' version of "Aunt Soraya").

And I got to take the boys over to my parents' house for dinner and a good visit one evening. This picture turned out great with my dad and Caleb.

Grandmom & Pappa came for a good visit over Easter weekend and brought us this fun pool!

Caleb watched Rhys splish-splash from the exersaucer...

and activity mat...

Then, Daddy let him have a try...

Pappa LOVES his boys!!!

Grandmom does too!! :)

And, just for fun...

Rhys LOVES his chocolate ice cream!! :) When he finishes, the first and ONLY word that comes out of his mouth - NONstop - is "More. More. More. More..." :) to which I say, "All done." :) Am I mean, or what!?!? :)

Rhys' Current Passion

2011-04-13T14:45:00.003-05:00

I love that boys are such BOYS in the things they love! Like TRUCKS, TRACTORS, CARS, etc. Rhys' day just about starts and ends with some request, comment or conversation about one of the above! :) We were at the library last week, and we came home with this book, "Construction Zone," which Rhys points to EVERY night, saying, "Daddy, read! Daddy, read" Of course, Daddy obliges... {pardon the rattling you'll hear in the background...that's Caleb playing with one of his rattles :)}

Rhys' New Ride

2011-04-13T14:13:00.004-05:00

Rhys is doing great these days! He's 2 years and almost 3 months old, and he is into EVERYthing at FULL speed! His day starts some time in the 6:00 hour, and he doesn't slow down, except for a good 2-hour (most days) nap. Then, he's up and at it again until bed time, which is typically around 7:30. His newest addition to his car-tractor-truck collection is this new 4-wheeler that Daddy surprised him with this Sunday morning...

Of course, he was on it and all over the yard in no time! He was so worn out from all of his early morning fun on the 4-wheeler that we picked him up from his class at church, and he was ASLEEP in one of the ladies' arms!!

Here's a short clip of him riding...{sorry for the bumpy footage...evidently, I was trying to walk - and dodge pine cones, sticks and tree roots!! - while recording}

Happy 8 Months, Caleb!!

2011-04-13T09:18:00.002-05:00

Sweet Caleb, happy 8 months to you!!!

Here are some updates on how you're doing...

-You are officially on formula, as of two weeks ago (and Mommy feels SOOOOOO good!!! :)), averaging a 6 to 8 oz bottle/formula four times a day
-You enjoy your oatmeal with apple sauce & french vanilla yogurt for breakfast

-You're GREAT at eating finger foods...graham crackers, cheddar cheese puffs, veggie puffs, fruity puffs, yogurt bites and baby cookies!! Your hand-to-mouth coordination is really developing!!

-Your naps are nice and LONG! "Thank YOU, LORD!!!!"

-You still LOVE to bathe in your little bathtub!! I'll fill it with water and then fill the actual bathtub with water, and you joyfully soak in your tub while big brother has fun in his little 'water park.' :) You both love to splash each other, and neither of you minds the other's splashes! I love to see you interacting SO much these days!!!

-I LOVE your head FULL of hair! People comment on that and your LONG eye lashes and BIG blue eyes!
-You've gotten so long/tall, too! You weigh 18lbs 14oz.

-You're sitting better and better each day...almost unsupported!! :)

-Oh, and I should mention that you do so well in your independent play time in your playpen! You get that 2-3 times per day for about 30 minutes at a time, and that's great for Mommy to have time with Rhys or take care of things around the house or even do NOthing but rest for a bit! :)

-You still sleep like a champ through the night, for which I PRAISE THE LORD and sing, "Hallelujah!!" We put you down around 7pm, and you'll start cooing sometime in the 5:00 hour, and almost to the minute, one hour later, you start letting us know (ie, crying! :)) that you're READY to be up and get your bottle! So, you're up any time between 6:15/6:30 to 7:00ish.

-You have had a rough last couple of months with sicknesses, poor guy! Basically, since you were 6 months old, you've been sick! You had an ear infection and had to be on two rounds of antibiotics until it cleared up. Then, you had a stomach virus, which lasted about a week. Then, you had another virus of some kind, which lasted a week and ended in a lovely DOUBLE ear infection, for which you're on antibiotics right now. I pray pray pray that you get well and STAY well thru this Spring and Summer, sweet Caleb!!

-You don't have any teeth showing just yet, but I'm sure they'll start popping out in the next couple of months...it sure doesn't stop you from enjoying some yummy foods! :) I'm thankful for that!

-You are such a cuddle bug! You like to sit in anyone's lap! You love to be held, and you giggle and laugh when we love on your neck! You are so ticklish! I appreciate your smiles and laughs SOOOO much, sweet boy! A mommy needs to know that her baby is content and happy!

-You also LOVE the outdoors! It's interesting 'juggling' both you and big brother at times, but we can all be outside, and you're so content, you hardly need any attention! You'll just play or even just sit and rest in your exersaucer or activity mat and be your 'cool cat' self, while I give all my attention to Rhys! :)

Well, sweet Caleb, I could just go on and on! You are so much FUN, and we ALL adore you! Daddy and I pray for you each night as we put you boys to bed, knowing that you are a gift from our Lord, Who we praise for getting to parent you and live life with you! It's a JOY to get to spend my days with you, son!!!

Our Days In Pictures...

2011-03-25T13:59:00.003-05:00

I don't take much time to blog these days, so getting pictures posted is doing great for me! :) I 'heard' that certain family members :) were WAITING and WAITING for the last posts, so I'm going to try to do better! This is a great documentation of our days in picture form...

Rhys & I hit the play-doh a few days a week...

Caleb is practicing sitting!!! Yay!!! (Holly, recognize the outfit? :) It's fun to see outfits on Caleb that Rhys wore not too long ago!! :))

Caleb in his bouncy seat...

And , now that the days are warmer, we spend as much time outside as possible! Daddy bought these cool shades for Rhys... :)

Now, isn't this sweet... Rhys wants to share his shades with Zeke. :)

One morning, I looked out on our deck, and I saw that Rhys had pulled ALL of his trucks, tractors, etc. out of his room onto the deck! My first thought was, "Great...look what we're going to have to clean up!" It was too cute though...I had to snap a picture...he's even wearing Daddy's hard hat! :)

And this precious smile keeps me going! He enjoys his outdoor activity just as much as big brother!!

Who couldn't love this face of joy and thanksgiving for this FUN play time?!?!?! The first thing Rhys asks for EVERY morning is "Daddy? Daddy? Daddy?" The next thing is "Play? Play? Play?" :) So, we hit the deck running!

And a sweet face to leave you with...

Happy 7 Months, Caleb!!

2011-03-17T15:01:00.004-05:00

Oh, Caleb! Happy 7 months, big guy! Every time I look at you, I think, "You are BEAUTIFUL!" God gave you the most beautiful blue eyes that everyone - and I do mean EVERYONE - asks about..."Where did he get those big blue eyes!?!?" My answer remains, "The Lord because we sure don't have blue eyes!"

Caleb, you are so much FUN...playful, content, full of giggles once we get to ticklin' on you :), and you absolutely LOVE to put everything in your mouth! Any toy goes from hand to mouth in an instant! You enjoy your tummy time, rolling from back to front and front to back, laying on your back and playing with all the fun toys dangling from your activity mat, banging on and sucking on all the fun toys around your exersaucer and, although you haven't quite figured out what you're supposed to do in the Johnny Jump Up, I take heart in knowing you'll get it soon! :) You also love to just watch your very entertaining brother! You just smile and smile as you watch him run around and talk and talk! :) Thankfully, you boys play really well together!!

Ah...and moving on to the subject of eating...you're a pro! I am thankful! You've eaten all kinds of fruits and veggies! Even had some avocado for the first time last night! Yum!! I'm starting to muster up the courage to let you feed yourself some yogurt bites, baby cheese puffs and other baby finger foods. You haven't complained about any foods yet. Yay!! You're just about as laid back as they come, Caleb...you must take after your Daddy, and I could learn from you!

Oh, and you weigh about 18 lbs. I'm just so thankful that you're healthy and so content!!!

We love you so much and wish you a happy 7 months and many more happy months to come!!!

Love, Daddy & Mommy

XOXOXOXOXO.......

Happy 6 Months, Caleb!!

2011-02-10T09:16:00.003-06:00

Wow! How is it possible that you are already 6 months old, sweet boy???

You have been such a JOYful addition to our family!!! I LOVE getting to hold you, play with you, hear you giggle and laugh, and you're just so very pleasant! I am so thankful for you and your sweet, easy-going temperament and can hardly wait to watch your personality continue to develop!

Some things to remember...

-You've been sleeping through the night since about 2 months of age; your bed time is 7p, and since about 5 months, you sleep until sometime between 7a & 8a. Mommy still feeds you a 'dream feed' around 9:00p just to 'top you off' and assure that you'll sleep as far into the morning as possible. :) You nurse GREAT!!!

-You've been eating solids since the day you turned 4 months...started out with rice cereal for breakfast and dinner. Now, you eat a variety of veggies and fruits with either oatmeal or rice cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you enjoy it!! Yay!!!

-You've been napping, since 4 months, from about 9a to 11a; again, from about 1p to 3/3:30p; and most days you need a short late afternoon nap, too, from about 4/4:30 to 5:30/6p, which I think you'll be dropping some time this next month. You nap GREAT!

-Your 6-mo check up is next week, and I think you'll weigh in around 17 or 18 lbs! You are a BIG boy!!! Super healthy and super content, for which we praise the Lord!!

-You coo, laugh, giggle, etc.

-You're about to roll over from back to front, not looking like you'll roll over from front to back any time soon...that'll come in time. We're practicing sitting up, but, again, you're just not all that interested...that, too, will come in time.

-You LOVE to watch your big brother with a big SMILE on your face!!! I think you will be best friends and wonderful playmates! I pray so!!!

-Daddy noticed that you are so expressive these days...he's right! I love your expressions and interactions with each of us!!!

-You play so well on your activity mat, in your exersaucer, and you enjoy your bouncy seat! I think your favorite activity is playing on your activity mat, laying on your back and playing with all the fun, soft, hanging objects, pulling them toward you and sticking them in your mouth. :)

Sweet boy, we praise our gracious LORD for your life and that we get to enjoy these WONDERFUL years with you! Happy 6 months, Caleb!!

Love you, Daddy & Mommy
XOXOXOXOXOXO

Squeezing in Some "Mommy Fun" :)

2011-01-26T17:53:00.002-06:00

This is what I've been up to when I can squeeze it in!!

TWO!!! Happy Birthday, Rhys!!!

2011-01-24T19:21:00.003-06:00

We celebrated Rhys' 2-year birthday with cinnamon rolls this passed weekend.

He saw a train applique earlier last week that I had made for a friend, and he kept saying, "Train! Train! Train!" so I made him a train t-shirt for his birthday. He is definitely all boy!

Some stats:

Rhys is 27 lbs and 33 inches tall, developing well according to his pediatrician. We are thankful!!

Below is a good picture of what my days look like...I love every moment with these wonderful boys!! {Even the tired moments. :)}

Happy birthday, big boy!!! You are such a gift to our family, and we look forward to many more years with you!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Daddy & Mama :)

Rhys branches out to new fruits

2011-01-06T13:11:00.003-06:00

This is just a very short, cute video of Rhys eating an orange...he's all of the sudden discovered that he likes all kinds of fruits...apples, oranges, tangerines, grapes, figs, raisins, prunes, etc. Surely because they're so SWEET! :) Well, some are more tart... (just ignore the background music; we admit, we like The Band Perry around here :))

Christmas & New Year Memories

2011-01-06T10:11:00.006-06:00

These are some random pictures of our holidays for our family to remember in coming years...

Rhys is quite fond of Zeke. We have to remind him to not sit on or play too rough with sweet, Old Zeke! :)

My sister's been coming for good visits with the boys. Soraya's visits truly brighten our days!

My friend, Ashley, brought her boys, Nathan and Luke, for a good play date during the holidays...

The Lord blessed us with a WHITE Christmas!!!

I took pictures from INside, while the boys played OUT in the snow. :)

We got to have Christmas lunch AND New Year's lunch with our gracious friends, the deVilleneuve's. They know how to put an amazing meal together! Good times!!! "Thank you, friends!!!"

Shrimp fetuccini, fresh green beans, yummy appetizers, breads, etc.

Rhys & the boys keep busy, which is great leading up to nap times!! :)

Caleb & Hutson are fast becoming buddies and may very well lead the pack one day! ;)

Papa Pete & Yaya came for a good visit one evening over dinner, as well. It's always such a blessing to get time with such a wonderful, encouraging couple!

And this week, my sweet friend Carrie, her mom Kathy and baby girl Victoria came for a good visit before heading back to Hawaii!! Wow!! I'm still humbled and amazed that they were so sweet to spend SO MUCH time with us when I imagine Carrie needed to be packing and doing last minute things!!! "Thank you, Carrie!!! Love you, sweet friend!!!! Kiss sweet again Victoria for me!!!"

I snapped this picture one morning...Russell and Rhys were dressed alike {not planned! :)}, and it was too cute to not snap a memory! :) These boys are too kind to put up with me and my craziness!

And, finally, my sweet man, Rhys! I'm just so proud of him, using his spoon like a big boy!!! He's been eating his morning oatmeal, grits and other foods on his own, which is super helpful for Mommy!!!

We had WONDERFUL holidays and hope you did, too!!!!

Pictures with Santa Chet

2011-01-06T09:31:00.003-06:00

I just ran across these pictures from about a month ago! Our sweet neighbor, Chet, 'plays' Santa, so he came over one night and invited us to bring the kiddos over for pictures.

Caleb, too young to have a clue :), was just as laid back as could be...

Rhys, on the other hand...well, let's just say this is the best smile we could get from him, and it took Daddy getting into the picture, too! :)

We've since been getting to know our sweet, new friend...he's invited us to his church...we got to go with him this passed Sunday morning, and he came over for dinner and a good evening of fellowship and stories of his life that same evening.

As you can see, Santa Chet loses the "Santa beard" after Christmas, and Rhys was a bit more inclined to befriend him...

How sweet is this...

The Lord has once again blessed us through a good, sweet neighbor, and we are thankful! {And I'm not talking about his role play as Santa! :)}

Brothers {a Four-Month Stats Comparison}

2010-12-15T13:16:00.006-06:00

Caleb is looking more and more like Rhys, so I wanted to post a comparison on the boys...

At four months, Caleb's stats:

weight: 15lbs 6.5oz

height: 25.5 inches

head circumference: 16.5 inches

Looking back at Rhys' stats when he was four months old:

weight: 14 lbs

height: 24 inches

head circumference: 16 inches

They just look SO much alike!! :) Except for the eye colors. Both boys are perfectly made, and we praise the Lord that they are both doing so well in development and health, etc. This was just a fun little post for perhaps my own curiosity! :) It's just fun to watch the boys grow!

I praise YOU, O Lord, for these boys and ask that you continue to guide Russell's and my steps as we parent them and their steps so that they come to know you as early as You will allow. This is our prayer. Amen.

Happy {very belated} 22 Months Rhys

2010-12-11T17:19:00.004-06:00

I got so wrapped up in our family Thanksgiving that I missed Rhys' 22-month post! So, here's a quick one...

Rhys is still VERY much into tractors, trucks, Jeeps, cars, anything with wheels...especially if they make lots of NOISE! :) If you need a smile - perhaps even a laugh :) - watch this short video! Rhys has some super smooth moves! ;) {Takes after his daddy, for sure!}

Rhys has been enjoying waffles for breakfast {and sometimes for dinner}, and Zeke sits there waiting/begging for a bite! We don't allow it, but Rhys sometimes sneaks it into Zeke's diet. Russell and I are the ones who suffer the consequence!!! When that dog 'toots,' which is VERY likely when he gets any human food(!!!), there's a HUGE GRAY CLOUD hovering in the room, and our eyes literally start watering...it's BAD! :) {TMI? :)} So, when I see Rhys so much as considering sharing his food with Zeke, I almost SCREAM, "NO!!!" Trust me, you would, too! It gets BAD around here!! WHEW!!!

And this is cute...we have a screen for the fireplace that Rhys likes to open and close and walk in and out of...he entertains himself doing that for a good while. :)

Happy belated 22 months, sweet Rhys! We love you so much and enJOY watching you learn so much as you grow!! Daddy and I are so thankful for you, and you are a wonderful big brother to Caleb!! You could be a little more gentle with Zeke :), but that'll come with age and learning.

Love you! XOXOXOXOXOXO

Happy 4 Months, Caleb!!

2010-12-11T17:07:00.006-06:00

Caleb is already four months old...time is flying by!!

We've been trying out some new activities...the johnny jump up...

(his eyes are still blue!)

...the exersaucer...

...and rice cereal, his first solid!!!! Yay!!!

Caleb has his 4-month check up this Wednesday, so I'm interested in finding out how much he weighs and how much he's grown! In the meantime, he's doing great! He's transitioning to 5 feedings a day (from 6), two long naps and one short one, sleeps from 7p to 6a with a 9p feeding. He's on the verge of rolling over. He's outgrowing his Miracle Blanket/swaddle, so we'll have to transition him into his sleep sack soon, which I hope is a smooth transition!! I just hope his 'flailing arms' don't awaken him once he's no longer swaddled.

He sweetly coo's and smiles SO much, which is such a treat for Mommy!! He's really easy, and we are thankful!! Such a sweet boy! I'm really enjoying this phase of his life, and I really canNOT believe he's already 4 months! WOW!!!

Happy FOUR months, sweet Caleb!!! Daddy & Mommy are SO very thankful and praise our Lord for you! Life is so fulfilling as we get to parent you and your brother! Love you!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Visit w/Papa & Grandmom

2010-12-11T16:11:00.003-06:00

This passed week, Russell's parents visited. We got to celebrate Claudia's birthday..."Happy Birthday, again, Claudia!!" :)

Grandmom got to spend LOTS of good, quality time with the boys...

Papa did, too!

And I think the heat of the fireplace might have gotten to Russell's head one night {Ha!!}...he got to dancin' with Rhys, and I caught some hilarious pictures of their 'dance.' :) This is only one of several pics...

And Daddy caught this sweet moment...Zeke & Caleb having some quality time together. :)

Christmas at Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

We started a tradition with the Wright side of the family - exchanging Christmas gifts at Thanksgiving - three years ago. Looking back over the last three years, it's made the month leading up to Christmas so nice because we don't have to spend any time Christmas shopping...that part is done! We can rest and relax, looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with family and friends over the Christmas holidays!

This passed weekend, we were thankful to share time, great conversation, good food and life with family! It was a fun several days!!! Rhys got to open his Christmas present from Papa & Grandmom...

Papa & Grandmom know this child very well! :) Rhys is into anything with wheels, but especially TRACTORS!!! He couldn't wait to hop on for a ride! PJ's and all! :)

Finally, I coerced him into letting me dress him! :) Below, he's dancing to music while ridin' his tractor. :) Such a sweet boy!

I am thankful for our Lord's provision...for so much WONDERFUL time with our families, for good memories of years passed, for added memories from this year :) (anyone involved in our Thanksgiving has to be smiling), for great food and so much more! What a beautiful spread of food we enjoyed! "Thank You, Lord!!"

We squeezed in some Joker, of course! :)

Aunt Tami surprised Rhys with blocks...

Aunt Kristie surprised Rhys with another fun tractor {thankfully we found the MUTE :) button on it last night}!!

Thank you, Aunt Kristie & Uncle Todd!! :)

All my men, relaxing together...

Papa helped feed Rhys cereal...

Grandmom LOVED on her littlest man. :)

Grandmom, her sister Sue and Caleb...

Caleb and his very own lovie from Papa & Grandmom...

And Rhys, Ritzin' it up :) as our little 'box head'...kids'll do the darndest things in the midst of excitement! :) I'm glad we caught this sweet moment between Papa & Rhys...look at those sweet smiles. They evidently love each other!

A Quick Weekend Get-Away!!

2010-12-01T08:00:00.001-06:00

We went to Louisiana a couple of weekends ago...last minute decision; 13 hours of driving; 30 hours with family; 8 hours in the hunting stands {for Russell}. It was well worth the trip...Russell got a deer, and we all got in some good family time!

Rhys got to ride on a 4-wheeler with Daddy...

The boys were SPOILED :) by their Grandmom and Aunts Tami & Kristie...

It was a fast & furious :) weekend, but we are thankful for it!

Hangin' Out...

2010-11-30T15:20:00.004-06:00

We've just been hangin' out these last few weeks...

Had a sweet visit with Granny {my granny :)}...

Caleb's tummy times have increased...

His eyes are still blue, which makes me wonder if they'll stay blue??? My eyes are dark brown, and Russell's are more hazel (green/brown), so blue eyes are an interesting and beautiful addition to the family. :)

Rhys is sporting a gift from Daddy after they ventured to one of Russell's favorite places...Bass Pro Shops. Russell went there three days in a row last week, including Black Friday!!! You know he's got to be a very serious {or crazy!! :)} man to get out that day!! :)

And I found Rhys playing in this today! He's a funny fella! :) I really look forward to watching Caleb play in this soon!!!

Caleb's been sporting some sweet Christmas outfits...don't you just love a baby in footie pj's!?!? :)

This afternoon, we popped popcorn and sat by a big fire. Rhys likes to watch the popcorn pop...

...then reaches for the first piece! :)

And I'd like to introduce the newest member of our family, Zeke Wright. :)

Our Little Giggler

2010-11-30T14:57:00.002-06:00

A Sweet Visit...

2010-11-17T19:24:00.002-06:00

We got to visit my family today. Rhys and Caleb got to see their Baba & Mama Nili...

We got to visit with Aunt Soraya, too, but we missed out on a photo opp with her. :( We'll have to snap some pics with "Aunt Sye-Sye" next time!!

Happy 3 Months, Caleb!!

2010-11-14T17:30:00.002-06:00

Caleb made 3 months last week! He's doing great, and here are some sweet pictures of some of his daily activities...tummy time...

Activity mat time...some times with brother :)

Look at Rhys' big smile!! He really delights in his little brother, which Daddy & Mommy love to watch!!

And a little sitting with help from the Bumpo seat.

Caleb is a sweetheart in every way...we are thankful for another laid-back, easy little fellow. He's been sleeping from 9pm to 6/7am for a couple of weeks, now, and I am SO thankful for that good rest!!! I praise the LORD for a good schedule and the diligence to stay on it! It pays off for all of us!! He weighs in at 13lbs 8oz...just a little stat for me to remember on this post. :)

Happy 3 months, little guy! We love you and definitely thank the LORD for your presence in our lives!! XOXOXOXOXOXO.........

McWane Fun

2010-11-05T12:41:00.007-05:00

Thank you, friend, for inviting us out to the McWane Center this chilly morning!! What a perfectly FUN outing on this cold, windy, misty day {as I type , it's actually hailing outside}!!

Rhys & Nathan are only 5 months apart in age and get along so well and had lots of fun together, while we mommies caught up! :)

First stop, the fish exhibit:

The boys were in a trance when "awing" over the pretty fishies!! {Can't you just imagine their expressions with mouths open wide as they stare in amazement at these gorgeous little swimmers? :)}

Rhys was immediately having a blast!

Look how beautiful!!! {NOT my photography, rather the fish!! That zebra fish is REAL!!!}

Then, we mosied on over to the sharks and sting rays, where people were actually petting them! Not me or Rhys! We wanted nothing to do with feeling those slippery things. Yuckie. I venture to guess that Rhys will be up for petting those slimy little guys soon enough, however.

The sharks...

Sting Rays and hammer-head fish...

Then, my sweet tour guide, Ashley, :) took us to another floor of the McWane Center where we got a sneak preview of the train exhibit, which officially opens tomorrow. So, what a treat! Nathan and Rhys were all over these train sets!! The boys were literally hanging over the edges of the big plexi-glass windows wanting a closer view, saying, "Train! Train! Train!"

Then, the boys got some hands-on time with trains...

Rhys ran up to these fun 'cars'...

Funny how kids pick up on what to do with a steering wheel. They just know to turn it...I guess from watching Mommy & Daddy drive the family van!?!?! :)

This was pretty cool...these colorful, transparent sticks that look like Superman's kryptonite :) are pushed into these flexible rubber wholes that have a bright light behind this black screen, and the light penetrates the sticks and makes a really pretty bright color! You can spell out letters, words, make fun designs, etc. with them. I immediately thought of Rhys' Aunt Tami...we're going to have to go back to McWane with Aunt Tami!!!

The 'kryptonite sticks' :)

Then, Rhys went grocery shopping :) He loves pushing these toy grocery carts. What an educational place this is!!! There was even a toy cash register and all the plastic produce to let the children play 'real life'! It's great!

I'm SOLD! We might have to get Rhys a membership to the McWane Center soon!! Maybe a birthday present??? Hmmmm...

Ashley took the boys to another section of McWane while I went to feed Caleb. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of what they did, but I am encouraged to find such an educational, fun place to bring the kiddos this upcoming cold season!!
Thank you, again, Ashley!! :)

A WARM Night & Coming Season!!!

2010-11-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

I noticed that the temperature was supposed to get down to 38 degrees this morning, so last night, I asked Russell if he'd mind starting a fire, to which he quickly agreed!! I'm so glad because I stayed warm, in fact HOT, all night!!!

Daddy & Rhys camped out in front of the fire for all of one or two minutes, before they got too hot!

Then, I took over! This will be my 'hot spot' all winter long!!! My cold nature will appreciate the fires throughout this coming season!! Yay!!!

Rhys was so excited about the fire that he was hyper!!! In-my-face hyper! :)

Then, get this...my SWEET husband started a big, blazing fire for me this morning at 4:30 so that I would be warm during my morning reading/study time. He really scored some brownie points with that act of service!!! "Thank you, Honey!!!!"

Horse Ride on Halloween

2010-11-05T06:33:00.005-05:00

We were invited to a local church's Fall Festival this passed Sunday night (in lieu of trick-or-treating). Most activities were too grown up for our little guy...he's just not ready for race cars and moon walks and other activities where I was sure he'd get trampelled by bigger kids, so when Mommy spotted the pony and horse ride, we headed straight for that!

Rhys was SO patient!! There was a LONG line, and he kept saying, "Nay-nay," reaching out for the horse and pony that were going in circles with other children on them, taking their turns. I kept telling him that he had to wait for his turn, which didn't register one little bit. :) He was so anxious and waiting to get on one of those big "nay-nay's."

When Rhys' turn came up, the HORSE (vs the pony) was available, so Daddy hoisted him up there! (Sorry for the poor quality picture!!)

Rhys got his turn!! He made a big circle on Mr. Nay-Nay, and this is the best picture that Mommy could get at the end of the ride! :) Look at that hilarious little face!!

Whew!! After all that activity...waiting, then riding...Rhys was pooped and fell asleep in the stroller on our walk back to the van. What a fun way to end a day!!

Petting Zoo Adventure

2010-11-05T06:04:00.006-05:00

We took Rhys to the Oak Mountain Petting Zoo a few weekends ago, and it was great to let him put barnyard/farm animal names and sounds with the actual visuals!! :) While we were up in Missouri, I could hardly wait to get back to Birmingham so that we could do this with Rhys, and it was worth it!!

First, after we parked our van, this little guy came by to greet us {surely for food! :)}. Russell warned me to not 'aggravate' it because Mr. Peacock would come after me! Note taken! Leave Peacock alone! :)

I was walking behind Rhys like 'Mother Hen'...had Mr. Peacock so much as looked at Rhys the wrong way, I was ready and charged to scoop Rhys up and 'rescue' him! :)

Mr. Peacock was friendly enough...

Next, once we got through the barnyard gates, we were greeted {more like aggressively sniffed (!!!) until I went back to the van to get a quarter so that we could buy the (poor, starving - NOT really) pony some dry corn!} by this big guy {or girl???}. Rhys wasn't so sure about petting this one...

We, then, got to see some goats, cows and then these beautiful creatures, to which Rhys went running!!

Can't you hear him now..."I wanna pet 'nay-nay'!!!" Sweet boy, climbing with all his might!!!

Daddy obliged and held him up HIGH for a good view!

...then Daddy helped Rhys pet 'nay-nay.' :)

Toward the end of our time at the petting zoo, we spotted some sheep!

Again, Rhys didn't quite know what to think of these guys/girls, so he just casually checked them out, not getting too close.

Maybe I was the most excited to go to the petting zoo??? :) I just wanted our sweet man to get to put a name and animal sound with the 'real thing'!!

Now, I'm ready to visit the ZOO!!!!

New Baby & Children's Gift Ideas

2010-11-02T18:50:00.003-05:00

I've gotten to make some new baby and children's gifts.

Please let me know if I can make anything for your little ones or another's!! :)

Thanksgiving & Christmas appliques are available, too!!

Happy 21 Months, Rhys!!!

2010-10-19T20:53:00.008-05:00

Non-Stop.

That would be the choice adjective to describe this season of Rhys' life. We love it! He's wonderful entertainment, and I tell Russell that he gets his "spice of life" from his Mama! :) He keeps life interesting 'round here!!

We spend lots of our days outside on our back deck. Rhys likes anything with wheels!

Nap times are nice and long these days, as I let him run and run and run, wearing his little self out! :)

Rhys enjoys driving his $3 four-wheeler...a garage-sale find our first weekend in Missouri! It's the little {and CHEAP!!!} things they love the most, huh???? :)

We just had our first fire-pit fire of the season. Sadly, we had no smore fixins, but I hit the grocery the next day, and we're set for the next fire! Rhys was enthralled with the smoke here... Don't you just love that curious expression (mouth opened)??? :)

And he's just gotten so interested in READING! We'll all be sitting in the family room at night, or I might be preparing something in the kitchen, and he just puts a book on the floor and starts looking through it on his own! I'm just AMAZED with God's workmanship in us!! Children are amazing little creations!!

Rhys, we LOVE LOVE LOVE exactly who you are...every little bitty ounce of you!!! We are excited to share in and spend our lives with you!!! You are a wonderful boy and son to Daddy and Mommy, and you love your baby brother so well!!! We are thankful for you and look forward to MANY more months and years with you!!!

Happy 21 months today, son!!

Love, Daddy & Mommy :)

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Back & Back to No Good!! :)

2010-10-12T19:41:00.005-05:00

We're back to the south!!! We've been back for a couple of weeks, settling in, still unpacking, still organizing...seems like it's taking longer than it should??? :)

But we're having fun in the process! Lots of fun outdoor time in the cooler weather...

Enjoying swing & Daddy time!!

You think this big boy enjoys swinging? I'd say so. :) Oh, that precious smile!!!

Enjoying walks with our great neighbors!! :)

And play dates! :)

Rhys is going to be driving a Jeep and riding a bike in no time! Thanks, guys!!

And when we're not outside, Rhys wants to be outside!! :)

Enjoying great time with Aunt Tami, who came to visit for a FUN weekend!!

Rhys is sporting a hanger on his head, here. :) Aunt Tami called him "Hanger Head." :) Ha!

And this morning tops it all! I was preparing a bath for Caleb in his infant tub, stepped across the hall just to take Caleb out of his onesie and diaper, and, as I heard water splashing in the bathroom, I said to myself, "You've got to be kidding." I glanced into the bathroom, and I had to grab my camera...this is what I found! An inquisitive little guy in his pj's AND a POOPY diaper sitting in the infant tub full of water. :)

Close up of wet pj's. :)

So, I just picked Rhys up, put him in the big tub and let him 'help' me bathe his little brother. Rhys was next in line for a bath. :)

Hence, the blog post title, "Back & Back to No Good!!" That we are!

Happy Two Months, Caleb!!

2010-10-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy two months, sweet Caleb.

Thanks to our sweet friend, Miss Ashley, we have these amazing pictures of you....(again, the pictures say everything...)

Oh, we give thanks to our Lord for your presence in our lives, Caleb.

What an honor and privilege to be your parents!

Love,

Daddy & Mommy

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Congrats!!!

2010-10-09T22:09:00.005-05:00

Congratulations, Tracey, on winning the name drawing!!

I had fun making this for Izzie! Great choice!! :)

I've created LOTS more fun goodies HERE!

Thank you all for your orders!! :) You've kept me busy, and I've LOVED it!!!

Family Pics, Fall 2010

2010-10-09T20:54:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my sweet friend, Ashley, we once again have a beautiful set of family pictures! Thank you, friend!! I'll let the pictures 'speak' for themselves! :)

Sweet little guy...sleeping soundly after all that hard work! :)

More pics here.

Happy 20 Months, Rhys!!

2010-09-22T18:01:00.004-05:00

Our big boy is growing up right before our very eyes!!! I want to slow down the process! I want to slow down TIME!!! He is changing SO much, and I can't keep up! Oh, I praise the Lord for this precious boy, for exactly who he is, and what a blessing to get to be part of his life! "Thank You, Lord!!! Thank You!!!"

Rhys' new FAVORITE is TRACTORS!!! We've had construction going on next to our house for about two months. I was thinking it was going to be a miserable process, interrupting afternoon naps and waking us up early in the mornings, but it's actually not affected naps or mornings at all! Instead, we've had the benefit of ENTERTAINMENT as Rhys stands at the windows, watching the tractors for HOURS!!!! :) {Terrible quality picture below, but you should be able to see Rhys, holding his lovie, of course, and probably saying, "Tractor! Tractor! Tractor!" while watching the bulldozer dig up and pour dirt into the dump truck, just outside our window.}

This is what's going on outside... A boy's DREAM!!!!

More about this month of our sweet Rhys' life...

Time with GOOD friends! Doesn't this guy look SO happy!?!?

Well, he is! In the company of sweet Jocelyn, who kissed Rhys the very first time she EVER met him!

And Jude, the over-protective little brother???? :) Jude's a sweetheart, just doesn't want anyone to know it! ;)

And Rhys is now feeding himself {sometimes :)}!!! Here, he's feeding himself chicken, using a fork!!! Yay!!!

Oh, Mr. Independent!!! And Mommy loves this very much, especially with Caleb here, now!!!

Oh, and last, but certainly NOT least!! :) The highly honored lovies! Rhys was given a package of three matching lovies (basically, small blankies with a stuffed animal's head on one corner) at birth. I had NO idea he'd use ALL THREE!! This child SUCKS on the TAGS like a pacifier!!! :) It's really sweet, but it's also GROSS because the lovies smell spoiled at least every other day. I wash them every two or three days {I have to SNEAK them away from him and into the wash! Sometimes I can't even get them into the dryer before he's looking for them! :)}, and I even soaked them in vinegar this week, in hopes of getting rid of that awful, sour smell!

So, now that I've established the importance of these lovies :), I can share that last week, Rhys absolutely would NOT take a bath one afternoon without ALL THREE of those lovies!!! I tried to explain why they did not need to go into the bath tub with him, but then I realized that it's just a phase, and, truthfully, the lovies DID need a bath! :) So, here is our big boy :) with his lovies, I mean "paci's" :), in his bath!

What a WONDERFUL month this has been!!! And, although I haven't shared any pictures of the Rhys and Caleb together {because I just haven't made any, I guess}, Rhys is so sweet to his brother! He points at Caleb's toes, eyes, nose, etc. and names those body parts. He is learning well how to be gentle with little Caleb, and we are thankful for that.

We love you, Rhys!! Happy 20 months and growing!! Love, Mommy & Daddy. XOXOXOXOXOXO............................. :)

Holiday & Other Fun T-Shirts

2010-09-20T12:12:00.005-05:00

I've created some fun T-Shirt appliques and monograms at Sweet Creations!

You can see all the shirts here! Hope you enjoy browsing!!

Introducing, "Sweet Creations by Shireen"

2010-09-14T14:18:00.005-05:00

I've finally put together a site to share my sewing and embroidery creations! I call it "Sweet Creations by Shireen" for two reasons: 1-my name means sweet :), and I've always wanted to use that for a 'business' name, and 2-most of what I 'create' I would characterize as 'sweet,' personalized baby gifts and other handmade things.

http://sweetcreationsbyshireen.blogspot.com/

I invite you to visit my new blog periodically as I share new, fun items...both sewing and embroidery! Please include comments!! I am offering a FREEBIE in the month of October! I will have a name drawing from all who comment this month (September), so take me up on it!! :)

Thanks, and I'm excited to share!!!

Happy One Month, Caleb!!

2010-09-12T14:45:00.003-05:00

Caleb made a month on Friday! Whew! Time is flying by!! He is doing so great, for which we acknowledge and praise our Lord! He's easy going, eats well and quickly {that makes Mommy happy! :)}, sleeps well for naps and at night {not quite through the night just yet, but we're definitely praying and working toward that direction}, and he's just a pleasurable addition to our family! I look at him and think how marvelous God is...what a beautiful piece of creation this child is! Yes, I'm totally biased...he and his brother are PRECIOUS in their Mommy's eyes! :)

Just look at this little gentleman. :)

Such puppy-dog eyes...oh, I'm a sucker for my children...I will cave in for just about anything! :)

We wish you a happy one month, sweet boy! You are such a pleasure, and your Daddy and Mommy and big brother love you VERY much! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO :)

A FUN Four-Day Weekend

2010-09-06T12:43:00.005-05:00

God has blessed us this season - these four months in Missouri - with three four-day weekends, which have been SO needed for our marriage and our family, as Russell stays SOOOOOO busy with training! Oh, I am SO thankful for this long Labor Day weekend!!! We have enjoyed a wonderful COOL break from the HOT weather, so we've spent a LOT of time outside...going for nice, long walks, drives through the countryside, playing on playgrounds, and Rhys' new favorite...scoping out ANY kind of tractor or heavy machinery/equipment.

There is an outdoor museum on post of all kinds of military vehicles and equipment, which we ventured through yesterday, and Rhys kept saying, "Dah-dah," his version of "Tractor." :)

Rhys is intimidated by the SIZE of most of these "beasts," but he let Daddy get him up close and personal with them. I think he'll be ready to start climbing all over them in just weeks! :)

Caleb continues to grow into a handsome little fellow, and we enJOY our time with him!!

Then, we were BLESSED with a visit by this amazing couple! Parker and Emily drove up to MO for the weekend and spent yesterday afternoon and last night with us! We were TREATED to some needed fellowship with them! I was like a live wire, so excited to see them and to get to catch up! The guys went for a drive through the base and through the country to get their guy time, while we girls got to stay in with the kiddos and catch up on the last few months!! Our hearts are INCREDIBLY fulfilled since our time with the soon-to-be Dalton's!! :) "Thank you, guys, so much for coming to see us!!! We love you two with all of our hearts and look forward to celebrating the union of your lives and hearts so soon!!"

Whew! It's just been such a great weekend, and I'm excited that this training week will be a short one because today is a holiday!! Yay!! "Thank YOU, Lord!!!"

A Night Out with My Soldier

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night, Russell and I attended one of his military formals. A friend kept Rhys for the evening, and we were able to take Caleb with us. It was great to meet so many of Russell's training/class mates. I didn't bring ANY dress clothes to Missouri, but the Lord more than provided in options of dresses and all the needed accessories through girlfriends that I've gotten to know here! It all came together LAST minute, and it was a sweet evening at my husband's side! I am so proud of him and thankful to be his partner in this life.

I must say, he is quite the stud in uniform! :)

We head back to B'ham in less than a month, and we look forward to the changes ahead of us!

Bath Time

2010-08-31T10:02:00.003-05:00

Sponge bathing Caleb has gotten easier for Mommy, and what a treat to wrap him up in this cute towel from our sweet friends, Chris, Tara & Crosby. :) Thank you, guys!! :) Doesn't he look so cozy? :)

Our little froggy. :)

Mommy and Caleb time...sweet moments that I know won't last long! I cannot get Rhys to sit still with me for even 30 seconds! :) So, I'm trying to soak up as much cuddle time as possible!

Happy 19 Months, Happy 2 Weeks & Happy 3 Years!!!

2010-08-24T19:09:00.005-05:00

Rhys turned 19 months this week! He's growing like a weed, has several more teeth coming in, is as curious as ever (has his daddy's engineer brain, trying to figure out how everything works!), loves his baby brother, giving Caleb kisses and rubbing his head on Caleb's head :), playing hard, learning a lot, saying new words, etc! He is a pleasant boy, and I do enjoy our days together!

Just last Friday, Papa and Grandmom and I took him to play group, and he learned how to ride a scooter! He hasn't quite mastered riding one alone, but shoot, if someone else were willing to balance and push it while I stood on it, I'd let them, too! He's a smart little fellow! ;)

It's been a fun month, and "Daddy and Mommy wish you a happy 19 months, sweet boy!"

Caleb turned two weeks yesterday! I took him to his 2-week pediatrician check-up, and he's above his birth weight at 7lbs 4oz! Hooray! So, he's eating well, sleeping well, and he's just the sweetest little cuddle bug! He has a head FULL of black hair! (Rhys had a head full of hair at birth, too, but it had a red tint to it!) I'm so thankful for this new little man! He is really easy to care for, and I realize this go-around that this infant stage passes so quickly, so I'm really taking advantage of the sweet cuddle moments. Thank you for your prayers for a safe and smooth delivery and recovery. Caleb and I are doing GREAT, and we are all transitioning, praise the Lord, very smoothly!

Finally, Russell and I get to celebrate three wonderful years of marriage today! It's been more and more fun and fulfilling each year that we've gotten to celebrate! I praise the Lord for my wonderful husband, who is amazing to me, and who is SUCH a great father to our children! I thank him for his selfless service to us, always putting us before himself!

We got to celebrate last Friday night by going out for a yummy dinner and sweet time together, while Russell's parents kept the boys for us. It was FUN to get out and EAT without getting stuffed after one bite! Not being pregnant definitely has its perks! :) More room for food in the belly and not having to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes because there's no longer a baby sitting on my bladder! Ha! Anyways, we plan to spend good quality time together with and without the boys this weekend, which will be great for our hearts!

Happy THREE years, my sweet husband!!!

Now, A Family of Four

2010-08-18T16:17:00.006-05:00

Caleb was 'scheduled' to come into this world last Friday by c-section. However, he decided to change all of our 'plans' the Tuesday before, August 10th, at 3:30am. Russell was heading out the door, off to his morning physical training, but I was sure to 'warn' him that I was hurting in my belly area...Caleb seemed extra heavy that morning, and I was feeling a lot of pressure. I was not really excited because I was terrified of having to go through labor pains {my memory of labor pains with Rhys is still VERY vivid!!}, and, frankly, we had it all planned out...if only Caleb would stick to the plan! :) See, we have Rhys, and what in the world were we going to do with him if we had to go into the hospital before childcare hours???? {I knew he wasn't supposed to be present if I were admitted, and I KNEW I was about to be admitted!}

Well, I called Russell, maybe 10 minutes after he left for PT. His phone went to voice mail TWICE!! I left him messages, letting him know that I was fairly certain that I was in labor and contracting. He called me back several minutes later {his phone had been on vibrate}, and I told him that my contractions were as close as 5 or 6 minutes apart, I'd already called the hospital to let them know I was coming in, I was packing last minute things into our hospital bags - in between major contractions! - and I was needing him home NOW! I wasn't really that 'firm' with him, but I was speaking as lovingly as possible, considering the pain I was in!!! He was home by 4:30ish. He loaded up everything, including Rhys, then, he found me on the floor on my hands and knees, trying to get through another contraction so that I could get myself into the van. Russell was AWESOME!!! He put on his emergency flashers and made a 10 minute trip in 5 minutes! We got to the hospital, and I won't go into detail, but it was the most painful experience I've ever had...labored for two hours before an anesthesiologist showed up. I went from wanting to punch his lights out for being so LATE to wanting to kiss his feet for giving me that spinal and making the pain go AWAY!!! Hooray!!! It was smooth sailing from there!

One c-section later, Caleb arrived, just as beautiful and healthy as could be, and we've been a family of four ever since! :) And I have to make mention that both Russell and Rhys were SOOOOO good through the whole thing! Russell held Rhys in one arm and offered me his other hand the entire time of laboring! Rhys just watched all that drama and did fine. We had nowhere else to take him, but I remember thinking (while sweating, screaming, breathing and TRYING to NOT push) that God prepared Rhys for this morning, is giving him such a sweet composure through all the drama and will surely protect his sweet mind from remembering anything too terrifying. Rhys did so great, and I know we needed that! "Thank YOU, Lord!!"

Warning: LOTS of pictures, but that's what everyone's been asking for. So, here you go! I'll try to let the pictures tell the story...

A delighted Mommy and Daddy with their new little one!
Finally home! Jenn, Ryan, thank you for Caleb's super-comfy blanket!! :) Soooooooo soft!
And, Ashley, do you recognize the red onesie below? :)The boys...And don't forget Papa!! Russell's parents were here as fast as they could get here! They drove 10 plus hours from Louisiana and were here the next morning to keep Rhys company at home while we were still in the hospital. And they've stayed for 10 days to help ME {and the rest of us :)} adjust to life with two little ones. They leave tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll cry and grieve the loss of HUGE HELP and uplifting fellowship!! I'll save those tears for tomorrow, as I move on...
Look at this cute, little bundle of love and joy!

A proud Papa!! A very loved little man!

And I canNOT get over how BIG Rhys is next to Caleb! He's so LONG and even HEAVY {only at 24 lbs!} compared to Caleb's light-weight 7lbs. This boy is CHUGGING some milk, recently! Just yesterday, he had at least 30 oz throughout the day, and he's eating all of his Grandmom's good, home-cooked meats and veggies! Thankfully, there's enough left over to freeze and serve for several more of his meals! I'm taking notes on how to cook such yummy veggies so that I can get Rhys to eat them! :) "Thank you for the cooking tips, Grandmom!" :)

We are doing great! Russell's been training everyday, even while I was in the hospital. He's ready for a weekend to rest and experience our current family. He's home in the evenings and is amazing with Rhys, Caleb and with helping me, even as tired as I know he has to be!! I've transitioned well in feeding Caleb and taking good care of him, while also spending intentional time with Rhys so that he adjusts to the 'newness.' However, next week will be my first week without help, so I'm already praying toward that transition to be smooth, as easy as possible and that the Lord would give me supernatural energy and motivation. It's going to be difficult in the midst of the transition. I'm sure that each day will be different from the next, but God has allowed us this gift of life at this time of life, and we're all thankful and know full well that HE will carry us through it in such a way that HE is glorified!

We do praise HIS name for this sweet season of life! If you feel led to pray for the coming week(s), I would appreciate it!

A Fun Saturday Evening with Friends...

2010-08-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

I am so behind on sharing how we're doing, but my type-A brain is making me go in chronological order! I started this post before we went to the hospital unexpectantly to have Caleb, and I'm just getting back to it. Seems I have to finish it before moving forward! :)

God has blessed our lives RICHLY with the meeting of these new friends since our move to Missouri. I could never have planned such a perfect provision as HE worked out for us through this wonderful family, Joshua, Cristina and their two little ones, Jocelyn and Jude. We got to spend Saturday evening (two weeks ago) with this sweet family, celebrating Jocelyn's 3-year birthday. It was a FUN (HOT :)) evening with yummy grilled burgers, hot dogs and chicken, fun side dishes and yummy yummy vanilla with strawberry icing cupcakes. They went all out to make the party special, and we all had a great time of fellowship!

Jude & Jocelyn...aren't they precious! Yes, Jocelyn is wearing her bathing suit. The kiddos threw water balloons and had a large tub of water to jump in and out of and other fun water toys to keep them cool. Great ideas for an August birthday!!Rhys enjoyed playing in the water...He discovered a water gun for the first time! :) Look at that inquisitive mind at work! :) Hee hee!!!Then, he climbed up and found the food! He started eating anyone's food that was left on the table, starting with left-over cupcake pieces and juice boxes! That child has to be watched at all times! :) I love him, and I'm enJOYing this age! He keeps me going, that's for sure! He would've eaten the paper if I'd not stopped him. Seriously, he already had a chunk of it in his mouth!
Russell and Joshua are in training together and have become buddies very quickly. Joshua did a great job manning the grill!This may be the ONLY pregnancy picture I have this go-around, and, of course, it's when it's HOT, and I was all nice and swollen feeling! :) All in all, this pregnancy was WONDERFUL, and I'm ready to do it again! As God would permit, we would be elated! Maybe round 3 would give us a little girl???? :) Whatever the LORD wills. Amen! Joshua & Cristina. God knew we needed the fellowship and encouragement of this precious couple. They love the Lord, and Cristina quickly became a life-long friend to me! "I love you, girl!!!" My 'battle buddy' :) during our season of growth here. {Caleb was very ready to show face! He came less than 3 days after this picture! :)}

What a sweet season this has been here in Missouri, even sweeter with such great friends in Christ! We are thankful!

Pics of Caleb and Family

2010-08-12T17:56:00.008-05:00

Here are some pictures from our hospital stay. I know I said I'd let Shireen post the first pics but we have no public access to the internet at the hospital. (I guess Al Gore hasn't gotten to that part of his internet project...too busy with global warming I'm sure) So, since demand is so high I figured I'd go ahead and steal all the glory.

Here is the new family of four.

Rhys talking with his little brother

A better picture of Caleb

Caleb playing peek-a-boo

Thankfully my parents made it to town yesterday to take care of Rhys during this time. Tomorrow Shireen will be discharged and we will enjoy the weekend together at home.

Caleb has arrived!

2010-08-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

CALEB CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT
Weight: 7lbs 3oz
Length: 19.5 inches
Born at 7:12am August 10th, 2010

Yes, he came early! The morning has been complete chaos. But we're excited to say that everyone is healthy! God continues to be so very good to us. I'll have Shireen post the first pictures and description of this morning but here's the update.

The C-section went well (once we got into surgery). Shireen has returned to the room and fed Caleb and is resting. I've taken Rhys back to the house for a nap.

Thank you for the prayers and support!

Sweet Moments

2010-08-09T06:22:00.002-05:00

My heart is so full for the time I've recently had with these two guys. I acknowledge how UNworthy I am for the Lord's love, and that He would bless my heart SO much through such a good husband and a precious son absolutely overwhelms and baffles me! I praise You, O Lord! YOU alone!!!

While I was posting on the Annual Duck Race a couple of weekends ago, Rhys was napping off some of the afternoon fun. After a couple of hours of snoozing...into dinner time, too...I decided to go in and awake him. I spoke to him, nudged him, and I realized what a picture-perfect moment it was, so I went and got my camera, turned on the light and snapped a few shots of this precious sleepy head...

Really, I'm not sure that there's anything more precious than this site...a soundly sleeping, contented little one.

Moving on into our week, we had some not-so-fun incidents. I think Rhys is going through a growth spurt because he's not quite a sure-footed as usual, tripping over his own feet. It's kind of funny because he'll normally trip, look up, pick himself up and sometimes do that number all over again...over and over, poor guy. :) Then, there are times when he runs into something, like our glider or a metal chair, which results in the black eye below or in a torn lip and gums above his upper teeth (not pictured b/c I was too shaken!). Praise the Lord, he is fine after all these little mishaps. Whew!Next thing you know, he's running around playing again! Yay!!!

Here, sporting Mommy's sun visor and Daddy's military hat/cap (?). :)

Father-son time...sharing a yummy plum.

You think Rhys knows that I'm taking his picture? :) Oh, he IS the center of attention...these days! :)
I look at this picture and see a little MAN sitting next to Russell! I can't believe how big Rhys is getting!!! Growing up so FAST!

Those are some fun shots to finish off the month of July. I look forward to sharing a little of our start in August shortly!

Happy 18 Months & What We've Been Up To

2010-07-24T15:19:00.008-05:00

I cannot believe that 18 months has come! Wow! It's been a FUN and SWEET age on this big guy! ;) He's been quite the active fellow with lots going on...

Playgroups, playgroups, playgroups...

With our new and wonderful friends, Cristina and her two little ones, Jude & Jocelyn...
Fun times in the bath...(and staying HYDRATED on these HOT days)
ANY time with Daddy that we can get!!!! :)

Great family movie nights!!!

Recommendations: The Blind Side (SOOOOO GOOD!!!!), Extraordinary Measures (VERY SWEET!!!!), Invictus (also great!)

And today's entertainment: The 21st Annual Duck Race, a community highlight here in Pulaski County!!!! Russell is sporting his new shirt because he helped 'man' the race for community service hours.

Joshua is one of Russell's new buddies (same training class). He and Jocelyn, his little girl, are helping carry the ducks after the ducks crossed the finish line. (These are decorated decoy ducks, not real ones.)

Joshua's wife, Cristina, and their son, Jude. Cristina has been my best friend here!! We take our kiddos to playgroups, the pool, Bible study and whatever else is available for fun fellowship and play time!!!The ducks at the starting line...

Coming down the river...

The finish line...The river was definitely the PLACE to be today! All of 92 or more degrees outside, and the water was so nice and frigid that my feet were numb in it! :)

Rhys helped Daddy with yummy shaved ice...

I am so blessed with these wonderful men! I'm THANKFUL to have had the day TOGETHER!!!
What doesn't look comfy and fun about this...? Such a sweet father-son bonding time! I can tell that Rhys will have fun on future camping trips with Daddy. (I'll stay home and enjoy the cozy indoors and my girl time! :))

It's been a fun last month, since Rhys made 18 months. Time is FLYING by here in MO, and before Rhys' 19-month post, we should have another little man joining the family. More fun ahead, and we absolutely PRAISE our Lord!!!

Something to Remember...

2010-07-08T08:10:00.002-05:00

Rhys has some of the sweetest words and sounds, and I want to remember them by capturing them on video. Russell and I made this video of Rhys last night, and I've watched it at least 20 or 30 times! It's so sweet, and it's so Rhys! Treat yourself to the end of this little video!!! It's so worth a minute of your day!!!

Jenn, doesn't this make you want to go back and watch over and over again Rollins' video making the roaring lion sounds? :) Parenting is such a gift! Thank you, Lord!

Happy Belated 4th of July!!!

2010-07-08T07:57:00.002-05:00

We hope everyone had as sweet a 4th of July weekend as our family did! Ours was four days long, and we enJOYed every minute of it...TOGETHER!!!

Rhys sported a CUTE and SWEET new outfit from my sweet friend, Ashley, who sent it from good ole' Alabama just for him!

And this just for Caleb...he'll have to get here to model it for us...should be soon enough! :)

What a sweet surprise to find these at our doorstep!! :) Thank you, sweet friend!! :)

Recent Projects for Caleb...

2010-07-08T07:40:00.003-05:00

Here's to our coming little man...

Poor guy, he's already expected to live up to this... :) I ENJOYED embroidering these burpcloths!!! I had to use larger appliques because my goal was to re-use Rhys' burpcloths, and I needed to cover up whatever designs/his name with new ideas. I love how they turned out, so I wanted to share.... :)

I liked how they all turned out, but I think my very favorite is the sweet, simple elephant. :)

Thanks for letting me share. :)

4th of July FUN with Papa & Grandmom!!!

2010-07-05T11:21:00.004-05:00

Papa & Grandmom came all the way up from Louisiana (a 12-hour drive!!!) to spend this nice, long weekend with us! We had fun, fun, fun! Lots of relaxing, catching up, playing with Rhys, playing LOTS of Joker, and I'm just thankful for the good fellowship. Russell and I were just talking about how fulFILLED our hearts are from this weekend, and we are so thankful for the quantity and quality of time we were able to share because our time here is truly limited.

We got to go to some fun restaurants over the weekend. One was The Point Steakhouse which has an amazing view of a gorgeous valley with grazing cattle and lush, green grass, trees and a landscape you will not forget. We had delicious appetizers, steaks, great side dishes, etc!

Rhys got to try Papa's iced tea...

Papa & Grandmom :)

Yours truly & the love of my life...

Gotta love Rhys' pose here, folks!
I am enraptured with these men!
Can you tell?
We are more blessed than we ever deserve. I praise our Lord for where HE has our family, that He's allowed for us to experience this season of life TOGETHER, and Russell and I are enjoying dreaming and praying toward whatever God has laid out next.

Happy 17 Months, Rhys!!

2010-07-01T15:39:00.003-05:00

Rhys is into everything these days!

First and foremost, he is ABSOLUTELY 'into' his daddy! First thing in the morning, Rhys wakes up either saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy..." until I get him out of his crib, or, once we're out of his room, he'll be saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy..." Daddy's gone long before this little guy wakes up, so I try to be quick with distractions so that I don't have to deal with a sad heart. You better believe he's all over his daddy when he walks in the door at the end of the day!

One afternoon this week, I was trying to work on my computer, and Rhys was not about to let me have fun with that cool, bright, colorful 'toy' without having part in it. So, I got smart, and I gave him his very own 'computer!' :) Look in his hands below. He thought it was cool, and it worked as a fun toy of his own...for a while!Yesterday, I found Rhys putting on Mommy's shoes. Yes, my feet are HUGE! :) Especially against his little body! The picture is blurry b/c I didn't give the camera enough time to focus for fear I'd lose the photo opp! :) SO cute! Such an inquisitive little fellow...like his daddy! JUST like his daddy!
So, of course, I helped him accomplish the "feat"! ;)
Then, as I was packing our bag to take Rhys to the pool, I walk into our bathroom, and he's stepping into our trash can! What is it with him putting his FEET into everything?!?!? :) This morning, he had his foot in his snack trap! :) Then, he proceeded to put other stuff into the trash can...
And just for fun, I had to take a picture of what he looks like when he's ready to go outside....DESPERATELY waiting and by no means patiently! Can't you just hear him now? "Mommy, come on already! Forget the snacks! Let's just get to the pool already!" with fussing between every word. :)

Lastly, this child is into using his utensils! I had NO clue! I saw a friend's post where she was teaching her daughter {same age as Rhys} to use a spoon and fork, and I thought, "Hey, we'll give that a shot!" Rhys picked up his little fork, and he's learning to use it properly! What great timing! Maybe he'll completely feed himself before his brother gets here in 6 weeks!?!?! :) {okay, that would be amazing!}And this picture shows you how 'into' watermelon he is...don't you love the look of excitement over his face!?!? Or maybe he's telling me, "That was a really big and really COLD bite, Mommy!" It was right out of the fridge, so maybe that's what he's communicating. :)

Happy belated 17 months, Rhys! You are into all things these days, and, although it sometimes just about causes my heart to stop when I see you attempting something new, I know in my head it's all part of the growing-up process, and I need to let you try and learn new things.

Russell and I are constantly telling each other, "I love this little boy!" We do, and we have fun imagining and dreaming what Caleb will be like and how these brothers will interact as they, Lord willing, get to grow up together. It will surely be challenging but such a blessing in every sense of the word! I praise our Lord for His blessings through children! {Now, if I could just figure out Rhys' sleep schedule since we've been in a new environment. He wakes up around 5:00/5:30am, naps ONE measly hour around lunch time and goes like a little crazy man until we put him down around 7pm. Today, I'm trying something new...he awoke at 5a, napped from 11 to noon, and I just put him down for a second nap about an hour ago, and he's OUT, so maybe that's the discernment I've been praying for! Go back to two naps! We'll see!}

More Fun Onesies...

2010-06-27T12:14:00.006-05:00

I've had SO much FUN making these onesies for our coming little man, too! He's going to be well suited :) for his first 3 or so months!

I've got a couple more blank onesies to come up with more fun ideas and several birp cloths to get busy on!

Happy Sunday to everyone!!

Caleb's First Onesie

2010-06-24T14:20:00.002-05:00

Today, I got busy, found some blank onesies to embroider for Caleb, from Rhys' old clothes, and I finished my first outfit for him today!

I look forward to making more! Onesies, birp cloths, what else can I get into?!?!? :)

I've also posted more on my etsy site if you'd like to see!

Our Days Here...

2010-06-23T18:29:00.004-05:00

After a month of being here, Rhys and I have gotten a great and fun schedule to look forward to something different each day! Most mornings consist of a playgroup, where Rhys and I both get to be SOCIAL and PLAY! :) This has been such a ministry to my heart, as I've met wonderful moms who can relate to our current season of life and really encourage me, and I hope to be of encouragement to them, as well! It's been AWESOME!

Rhys is learning how to slide down the slide, and I'm coaching him on how to run back around and climb the steps so that he can slide down again...rather than climb up the slide! :)He likes to turn wheels...Play with anything he can get his hands on...

Hoola Hoop time! and other fun activities...

SWEET Aunt Tami came for a nice, long visit that REALLY helped and encouraged all of us! We LOVE you, Aunt Tami, and we're ready for you be here again...NOW! :) Thank you for making the LONG drive both ways! Whew!!!

And we've made Rhys' room a safe place where we can dump toys, close the door and let him play alone for sometimes over an hour. This is how we found him several times... :) So cute. He would climb into his laundry basket and just sit in there with his toys and play! So content. I am thankful! He's playing in his room right now so that I can blog! :)

This is how I found him another time...not sure that's a good idea. Yikes!

These are our afternoons...AT THE POOL!!!! There's an AWESOME adult pool, kiddie pool and splash pad for FREE on post, so I take Rhys every other afternoon for an hour or longer, just depending on how much time I want to kill out there! :) Tami got to experience it with us. "Tami, the water's a LOT warmer, now!" :) She knows that I do NOT care for cold water or temps!
Rhys didn't care for the pools or the splash pad when we first got here, but I've either forced him to like it because it gives us something to do in the afternoons :) or he's learned to like it! Either way, we BOTH enjoy the pool, now! Yay!!

So, that is literally our days...morning play groups or playing on the outdoor playgrounds before it gets too hot outside, home for lunch and nap time, then, back to the base most afternoons for pool time! I'm enjoying life here! I really praise the Lord for this season. It was challenging, at first, but God is growing us closer to Him through the challenges, and I'm learning a LOT about Him, myself, our family, and we look forward to our future in His hands!

Rhys Trying Out A New Food Group

2010-06-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Rhys is such a stinker! We went to Pizza Hut for dinner last Saturday night with one of Russell's classmates and his wife, and to keep Rhys entertained, I was feeding him off my plate. At one point, I just grabbed the lemon off my water cup and gave it to him to see how he'd respond, and here you go! Please give yourself a 33 second laugh!!

Don't you love the facial gestures!?!? :)