Happy Halloween!

Being that it is possibly the  last year that I can dress my baby up as something cute and cuddly, I was hoping to put together a monkey outfit, especially because Charlie loves them (making monkey noises all the time, kissing his stuffed monkey, wanting to wear his monkey pj's all the time). I'm always reluctant to buy anything because growing up we always made our own. But why, when I can barely get myself off the couch to make dinner and clean the house right now, I thought I would make his outfit.....?????

So, today I confessed to him that he had no special outfit, that maybe we would just wear his hand-me-down, too small baseball uniform - that he wears all the time anyway. No sweat, he was thrilled. 

stretching those muscles......
to wind up for a pitch....
benching him..... just to be still for a picture.....

Oh, and yes, he is a confused baseball player with his Braves uniform and his Yankees hat, I know. But it is actually fitting for this year, don't you think? 

Ashley's day

This was a lovely day, and I was so thankful and honored to be a part of it. 

Ashley was nothing less than Ashley ~ 

all smiles, push-ups in the brides room, happy tears, full of joy. 

Having 3 pregnant bridesmaids in my own wedding, I knew my time would come~

Davises

The highlight of our time at the Davises was getting to see Stephen's football game ~ especially for Charlie. He was truly in awe of him, and everything about "ball-ball" (I think we heard that word literally 100 times while there). 

"touchdown #25!" ~


I have to say that Charlie wasn't the only one in awe of Uncle Stephen. We were amazed not only by his athletic ability, but his humility amongst all the praise and affirmation. We pray that the Lord will continue to bear this in his life! 

more highlights from home

Living far from my family is hard. I get sad. I miss them being able to stop by whenever they want. I miss having them stop by whenever I want. 

But~

I am grateful for the good that comes from it as well. 

When we come to town it's reason for a party! My brother and sis-in-law usually come to spend a weekend with us, which makes it almost feel like Christmas. Time together is always sweeter in pj's. 

A typical morning~all squeezed in the kitchen sitting area after breakfast, all attention on Charlie, Courtney and I with camera in hand~

My dad, already dreaming of his Heisman~
The newest grandchild, Brodie (who would be Sam.....but we got dibs)~
And our most favorite Gurney~
Our time is inevitably short, but rich. 

MaMa

We started our 2 week trek in the South in GA to visit MaMa, Bryan's grandmother. This woman amazes me. I can only hope to have an ounce of not only her energy and spunk at 91 years of age, but also her simple faith and optimistic outlook on life. Though I've heard it many times already, I smile every time I hear her say "just like Minnie Pearl says, I'm just happy to be here!".  And each time it is as sincere as the last. 

I was so happy that Charlie warmed up to her quickly, and even reached for her to hold him. He then happily obliged us and performed all his 'tricks' (which anyone who has a toddler knows, they typically do not perform on command). 
My heart swelled as he was friendly with the other residents as well - waving, "helping" water flowers,  and playing the piano with his dad. 
It's always a little daunting making a list of all the people we want to see during our short visit home, but in the end the hours in the car are always worth it. I felt like I left this day with MaMa's smile, ready to quote Minnie Pearl myself! 

Happy Birthday GG!

Mom asked me to make you a present for your birthday, so I got right to work.

I mean, what could be a better present than me? 

I knew you would think so too.

But Mom didn't think I would pack and ship very well. 

She said I should draw you a picture - on paper. 

So I worked really hard, all by myself. I didn't even want her to take the caps off of the markers. So it took much strength
and endurance.  

Mom was laughing so hard at me that I thought I would keep making my 'I'm trying really hard face', just for kicks. 

I do have a little Pop and Lacey in me you know. 

In the end, I think I did a pretty good job. Hope you like it! 

We love you! 

I love them

We returned last night from a wonderful 2 week stay in AL filled with weddings, time with loved family and greatly missed friends, babysitters, and even a beach vacation.  I have so much I could and want to post, but due to some much needed r & r from a long day of unpacking and laundry, most will have to wait. 

My family will be very upset that out of the hundred or so pictures I took while there, this is the first one posted. But this is just one reason I love and miss y'all so much!
Yes, this is their freezer, if you weren't quite certain. And being that this was taken only a couple of days after opening day, I'm sure the empty space will not last long. 

Brother

Most of you know by now that yes, we are having another boy! We are thrilled that Charlie will have a little playmate soon. 

Because I live far away from friends and family I am always asked how big I am. Well, here is a picture of us. 

I am six months now (24 weeks, but 6 months sounds so much further along right?).  Baby is extremely active, which I love. Ask me though if I feel that way though when he is more than 2 lbs. Other than atrocious heartburn, super-tiredness, the occaisional sciatic jolt, and pain under my right rib ~I feel great!

I love this little one so dearly already, and am amazed by the room in my heart to to love so much. 

Picassa in the making

*Photography tip, from someone not quite qualified to give photography tips ~

shooting on an angle is really "in" and can add interest or a playful feel to a photograph. But sometimes, like here, it just makes your subject look like he's going to slide off the page! But I couldn't help but to keep this face.

I would like to thank, very much, the man or woman who created washable crayons. You my friend are a genius.

just because

(it's his fish face)

walking

At 15 months, Charlie had been taking steps for nearly half a year, but only when we asked him to. The child is so extremely cautious that we wondered if he would ever do it on his own. Of course, like most of his age, he finally did.

To capture the milestone, I thought I would take him to a local field in front of a pretty bridge and let him kick a ball and run around gleefully as I snapped beautiful portraits. As usual, the images in my head didn't quite make it to the camera. Charlie had an idea of his own ~ the playground. So off he ran, and off we followed.

For a split second I was discouraged. I was not going to get those "perfect" little shots that I really wanted. Then I laughed. Was this my first silly little lesson of letting go of my plans and letting him follow his own? The first of many, I'm sure.

*Or for you a little less sentimental than I......yeah, he's a kid, and there was a playground in sight. What did I expect?!

bello giorno

lovely day.
It began at the Bronx Zoo.

Although Charlie seemed genuinely intrigued by the tigers, monkeys and sea lions, he also seemed equally excited about the pigeons and ducks on the sidewalk; yet the trip was worth it. He at least has finally seen the animals that we have been making him imitate for months now, and Bryan and I loved watching the baby giraffe darting around the adult giraffes in the field. What a weird, quirky, seemingly out of place, and yet beautiful animal!

If I were an animal these days I think I would be a giraffe (the quirky and out of place part). Arthur Avenue ("Little Italy") is only a block away so we headed there after Charlie was done. We have been wanting to go for a while, for both the cultural experience as well as for the fabulous groceries. Bryan's Italian co-workers always talk about authentic mozzarella, prosciutto, and sausages and the best places to find each ~ on Arthur. It did not disappoint. We came home with bags of the goodness and promptly dug in.

dried sausages of many kinds....everywhere. even the ceilings

and cheese. lots of cheese.

We didn't eat these, hand-rolled cigars, but I did enjoy watching a woman sneak pieces to chew on as she rolled.
Now, what to do with all these Italian delicacies that I've never had in my kitchen before?