And it begins.

A year ago today I was scared to death as we began the waiting game of hospital bed rest and the fear of preeclampsia.  We were on pins and needles not knowing when you would come.  I have thought about how questionable that time was for us and am so amazed at the power and Glory of God in those moments.  We trusted, hoped, waited for perfect little you. 

 It is hard to believe that a year later we are watching you act like a big boy as you feed yourself broccoli and make yourself giggle.  The difference a year makes is surprising. 

The Don

 Happy Birthday to the best father in-law a gal could ask for!  I am so thankful that this wonderful caring guy helped raise such an amazing man!   He is the husband and father he is today in so many ways because of this guy.  Happy 26th birthday Don!

Looking at 36weeks 365 days later.

 This weekend a year ago Barry and I stepped outside on a warm spring Saturday to take maternity pictures. 

On Sunday I folded baby clothes and did some nesting.

On Monday we took our 36 week pictures to document the last few weeks of our pregnancy.  Little did I know it was the last time we'd be doing that. 

 Oh the difference a year can make.  It was an amazing journey to be a part of and looking back at what happened I can only be thankful for all the wonderful joy I've seen this side of that bump.  Looking at these pictures I can almost feel the heavy ghost of a belly once applying so much pressure to my bladder I could hardly walk.   Thinking about those memories makes me smile, and I foresee a lot of reminiscing for me over the next week, as the impending 1st birthday approaches.  It's hard to believe such time has passed. 

Foto Reel - 50

Henry and Keightley became closer buddies this week.  Henry gets an absolute kick out of him and K is being so good with him too.  

Henry found his way into a box all by himself.  Which was amusing to watch and amazing at the way he worked his body to wiggle inside.  

Being on top of the world isn't so bad either.  Ya know you can see so much from up here!

 

He has changed so much this past week saying more words he now has hat, apple, bye bye, added to his list.  After bath one night he got wrapped up in his lion towel and I told him that lions say rooooaaar.  That statement quickly followed with this little parrot mocking me with a tiny rooooaaarrrr back.  He kept at it for a good minute or two, enough to make his little throat soar.  When asked, "What does a lion say?" he can now reply with a roar!  Daddy taught him that cows say moo ( though his version sounds more like boooo)  and he also began repeating that sheep say baaaaaa.  His little brain is amazing me! 

Daddy came out of his mouth more than once with a little begging. Though he still likes to just look at us most of the time when asked to say mommy or daddy.  

The boy found a bear in a box. 

 Though our beloved Kentucky Wildcats dissappointed this March we still have a little basketball action going on in this house. 

He had some good quality time hanging out with his buddy Lock at Wendy Corner.  Dinner with these two was pure entertainment. 

Mr. Personality keeps on shining.  Especially at dinner time. 

St. Patty's day was celebrated by attending Henry's First parade!  (read more here.)

He got dedicated at church.  GB2G (read more here.)

 And we all stopped to smell the newly blooming daffodils. 

A little leprechaun.

 

Saturday we headed downtown to enjoy the St. Patty's day parade. Henry was completely taken by all the surroundings. He saw his first marching band, petted his first horse, and had a jolly time people/dog watching.

Before heading out for the day we placed his hat on his head. We laughed at the little guy who grinned with delight and began saying "hat", "hat" for the remainder of the day. This guy is a stud if I ever saw one.

  



 

This baby is dedicated to you.

Yesterday we had the sweet blessing of standing in front of our congregation and dedicating Henry to God.  The words and meanings behind his baby dedication further sealed the job on my heart to raise our son knowing and loving Christ.  

From the moment he arrived I have prayed that Barry and I would have God's guidance in raising him.  It's comforting to know that we aren't alone.  The little saying "It takes a village" is defintely true, and having our church family behind us as we make this journey is a very reassuring thought.  

I'm so thankful to be a part of a church family and biological family that care so much for our sweet piece of heaven. 

Foto Reel 49

 

A visit from great grandparents can brighten anyone's day.  It was an absolute treat for us all to get to spend time with them last weekend. 

 We had a little car party with his buddy Lock as Lizzy and I met sweet baby Sawyer at the hospital. 

 Henry is getting more and more playful every day.  He likes to explore, chase, and be chased, throw balls and get into whatever he can. He can turn anything into a toy.  An empty box, plastic container, paper towel rolls, an even the ever exciting toilet paper.... oh yeah.  He pushed, pulled, stood next to and even bit the plush white stuff. 

 We had a glimpse at spring as the weather warmed up into the 60's  and beckoned us outdoors.  

We found joy in watching bubbles float across the air.  Dirt found it's ways to these tiny fingers for the first time and the new experience of crawling in grass brought wonderment to his sweet little face. 

 We discovered branches that were good enough to eat. 

 A little walk to the park gave us a chance to slow down for a moment.  Breathe in the air, watch the ducks sit on their nests, and try to see a little spot of nature through this sweet new set of eyes we have.  Thanks for making us look at spring in a whole new way.