Half Birthdays. . .

So, I am a little embarrassed (and a bit proud) to admit than when Jeremy and I were dating, very early on, I told a little fib. It was a teeny, weeny, tiny, white lie. But, I don't regret it one, single bit because it has served me well over the years.

You see, I told Jeremy that 1/2 birthdays were a big deal in my family. When you were 6 months away from your bday, you celebrated with cake, ice cream and of course presents. He went along with it for a few years and then found out one night over dinner with my parents, that this was indeed not true at all. We had never celebrated half birthdays growning up. But, we should have! I mean, can you really blame a girl for trying? I mean, who doesn't want cake, ice cream and presents just for fun?

Well, as a result, we have made it a tradition of ours to celebrate each others half birthdays. This year, my parents finally came around to the idea and ordered a cold stone creamery cake and had us over for dinner. It's about time, folks! Now if I could just get my siblings and in-laws to participate! :)





...and a FULL, birthday wish, to Kathy, aka Grandma Buzzard today! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful second mother and grandmother to my kids! We love you bunches! Hope your day is extra special!

The first 6 months. . .

. . . too bad this kid is such a grouch, I mean seriously!

We love you Caleb! You are such a joy! Happy 1/2 bday, buddy!

Caleb, 6 months

I can't believe my baby boy is halfway through the first year of his life. He is such a joy and it's hard to imagine our life without him. Here are some stats and fun facts about our sweet little "bubba."

*At 6 months, Caleb weighed in at a healthy 19 pounds even (75th percentile), and measured 27 inches long (50-75th percentile).

*We've had some set backs with eating this month. Not sure if he has outgrown the dosage of his reflux meds or he is teething, but he only eats half of what he normally eats.

*He takes 2 naps, a morning and afternoon nap, each lasting about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

*He is asleep for the night after his 8:30/9:00 bottle. Jeremy feeds him right before he goes to bed for the night, usually around 11:30. We experimented with skipping this feeding, but after a few nights of waking up around 3:30, we quickly decided he wasn't quite ready to go for the long haul. One day. . .

*He is starting to sit up longer and with better balance.

*He is almost crawling....no joke! He scoots backwards through a room, and also rolls from one end of the room to the next. He can get on all 4's and rock back and forth. Sometimes the momentum of rocking springs him forward and he squeals with delight.

*He LOVES jarred food! There is nothing he does not like, in fact he is now eating cereal. What the poor boy really wants is table food. He grabs and eyeballs everything we eat.

*He adores his big sister and she adores him. He lights up when she enters the room. If he is really fussy and I am trying to cook dinner or back up the diaper bag, I have Kenzie go over and sing him a song or play peek-a-boo with him. His tears turn to squeals of delight. It is the sweetest thing ever!




I know I'm bias, but seriously, how cute is this face?


Best buddies





Yep, he is standing on all 4's!


Rolling....you never can tell where this wild man may end up!



Speaking of rolling, this is his favorite way to roll....with bottle in mouth!




Tummy Time...he is only on his back these days when he sleeps. If you attempt to put him on his back, he flops over in half a nanosecond.





Curious about everything. So much so that this day lily ended up in his mouth!


How Mommy gets ready in the morning!



Talking to his homeboys

Can anyone help this kid set up a facebook account already?


Party in Sissy's bed



This is what I really think of Mommy's photo shoots!

On the move

Well, it's official! Our house is on the market. On a wonderful date night out, Jeremy shared with me that he thought we should put our house on the market. I was shocked since we hadn't even discussed the possiblility of moving anytime soon, but always trust him when it comes to finances and planning for our future. We bought this house with the intention to live here for 5-7 years and then move. We have been here 6 years now and LOVE our house, LOVE our neighbors, but are in need of storage and square footage. Our street alone has had houses fly off the market in as little as 5 days. In fact, our next door neighbor's put their house on the market 3 weeks ago and it's already in contract. The interest rates are great, and it is definitely a buyers market. Hopefully we will have the same luck and will have the right buyers walk through at the right time!

So, anyone want to buy this adorable 4 bedroom home? :)

Father's Day, 2010

I am so lucky to be surrounded by some amazing men. First, my father, who has always been there for guidance, who has always worked hard to provide for our family, and has loved me unconditionally. You are such a wonderful man! You are a a walking encyclopedia and full of knowledge. Thank you for teaching me all about the World around me and for always making me smile. I am so lucky to have your as my Dad! I couldn't have hand picked anyone better! I love you bunches!

Next, to my wonderful husband. You are an amazing father to our 2 children. From day one, you were a natural. You have always been the late night feeder, and as much as I know you did it to help me get some much needed sleep, I know you did it more to get some 1 on 1 daddy time. You are always patient, caring and a great role model to our children. I couldn't ask for a more hands-on dad for our children. I love you dearly and can't wait to see how our life unfolds with our two little blessings. With you in it, I know it will be full of fun!

To Father Bob, my second Dad, you play such an important part in our lives. You have helped shape Jeremy into the wonderful husband and father that he is today. You are such a great example to your two boys. Thanks for always being there for us and your grandchildren. I am a lucky girl to have found not only a wonderful husband, but also a second dad! We love you so!

Lastly, to my 2 brother-in-laws. I always wished growning up that I had a brother, and am so thankful that I have TWO! David- you are the the handiest of men, your talents are endless. Whether it's putting together a winning pinewood derby car with your oldest son, or finishing your basement on your own, you can do anything! You are loving and patient with your children and a great Christian example. Jeff- you were born for the role of father and are a true natural. You are always hands-on and have passed on your wonderful sense of humor to your girls! Your children truly adore you and so does Mackenzie!

Happy Father's Day to you all!

And now...some pics and highlights from this weekend!

We celebrated Father's Day at the Buzzard's Lakehouse this past weekend. We enjoyed 2 full days there and swam, went for a boat ride, did some tubing, layed out on the dock and enjoyed some family time. The weather was amazing and it was the perfect way to celebrate Father's Day.



















Happy Father's Day!

Surprise Party

This past weekend, we threw a surprise party for Mackenzie and Caleb's daycare provider, Lori.  She has been such a huge part of our lives and we are so sad that she will no longer be watching children at her house.  We have grown so close to her and trust her completely with our children. However, we are so excited for this next chapter in her life and know that she will be a great teacher & addition to any elementary school.  Saturday we had all the families that she currently watches over to our house for a cookout.  Everyone brought something delicious to share and the kids played, and played, and played.  Since they are used to spending 8 hours a day with each other, they could play independently and happily, without any issues or meltdowns.  It was so nice to just sit back and watch the kids run around, while we enjoyed some kid-free time.  After the cookout, we gave Lori a "teacher bag" monogrammed with her name.  It was filled to the brim with supplies for her class and a scrapbook filled with pictures, notes and memories from all of us.  The weather ended up being perfect, the kids had a blast together, and the adults enjoyed a night hanging out laughing and enjoying each other's company. We were so glad we could celebrate such a wonderful woman who will forever be cemented in our hearts.  Good Luck to you, Lori!  We will miss you dearly!

Thank you Lori, for caring for our children like your own. For all the little phone calls after a rough drop off, for the sweet texts letting us know our little ones were having fun and involved in a craft, for always answering the door at the start and end of the day with a smile and sweet story. You will always be a special part of our lives and we will miss you dearly!