Mother's Day, Beach,Baby Dedication and 8 Months old

This month was a busy one.  It started with Mother's Day.  This year was extra special because Mimi came to visit.   We also had the chance to go strawberry picking.  Once again, Waller Family Farms had a great batch to pick from.  They were just as tasty as last year.   It was so very special to have my mom with us that weekend.  We love my Mom/Mimi!

While we were picking strawberries, Presley ate just as many as was picked.   Anderson was in his  wagon taking it all in.  He was just happy to be outside looking at something new.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect while we were there.  We brought home about 20 pounds of strawberries. 

 The following weekend was Anderson's Baby Dedication at church.  Annnnd we have NO pictures to show other then the sad one below.  Reason, hum yep lost count, of why we need to move back closer to family.  They serve as your photographer when needed! Ha.  This dedication was beautiful.  New Hope Church did a wonderful job representing each child while praying for them and over them.  The church gave us the same book that was given when Presley was dedicated.   I was again reminded how important prayer is over our children.  As a parent, I want to leave a legacy of prayers for Anderson more than anything.  It still give me chills to  think about the one person that was praying for my children before I even knew I would have them.  My mother.  She's has left, and is still leaving a legacy of prayer for me and my children.  There is no inheritance that a parent can leave that's more important in my world.   This got me thinking about what is it I truly pray for when it comes to Anderson?  Most importantly, I want his heart to be captivated by Christ.  I want his mind to be focused on things that are greater then himself, and allow Christ to use him to advance the kingdom of heaven.   I pray he is a strong man of God, loving leader, friend, husband and father.  One who loves people where they are in spite of their way of life, one who stands up for the ones who can't help themselves, and one who is generous to others.  Yes, I also pray for his wellbeing and success too.   It's all relative.   I want him to understand that chasing money, and things is a spinning wheel.  It never ends, it's never enough, and it will always leave you wanting more.  If those things happen then that's awesome! I just pray he blesses other people with what he's been blessed with.  I pray over his sweet little body and mind.   As he grows, and life becomes more and more challenging, I want him to find hope that there's a reason for the trying times.  If you allow, hard times produce the best fruit of your life.  They will make you wiser, less judgmental, companionate and builds faith.  I pray he is wise in what he allows his eyes to see, ears to hear, and heart to love.  I could go on and on, and many nights feel like what I pray just isn't enough.  Thank God I serve a big God that knows my heart and hears my thoughts for my kiddos.

Yep. Here it is. The ONE picture. Because the lighting was blue..any picture we did take made us look like we were a family of smirfs.  We will be getting one family shot from the church that will be of better quality. Hoping that one came out!

 

A week after the baby dedication we drove out to the coast to visit Adam's cousins.  This was Anderson's first beach trip, and he loved it.  He was a champ at water splashing, and excelled in sand eating!   Presley had a ball combing the beach for any shell she could find. 

 

 

Anderson Stats:
Weight: 20 pounds
Height: 29 inches
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: strawberry blond
Foods: beans, beans and more beans please! He loves avocados, bananas, mac and cheese, really just about anything right now.
New Tricks: crawling is in full force, pulling up to stand, and screaming a high pitch sqweel..such sweet sound to my ears...uh um.
Words: Dada...ALL DAY LONG!  Every once in a while he will throw in a Mama.

Anderson's new favorite place to hang out.

Easter and 7 months!

I love this kid! He cracks me up with his personality.  The boy is a happy one for sure.
This past month Anderson had his first Easter!  We had the joy of going back home to Texas for a few days to visit family.  Time always seems to fly by while we are there.  Seems like it's never long enough.  Anderson did wonderful on both flights.  For the first time Presley didn't sit in her car seat, and loved being able to be like a big girl.  Anderson continues to grow like a weed. As he grows we continue to learn what he does and doesn't like.  For example, the kid will eat puffs all day long.  In fact, he gets mad when puffs are not waiting in his high chair for lunch or dinner.  He really enjoys being outside with his big sister.  As she rides her bike, he plays in the ball pit, or sits just letting the wind blow on his face.  We have discovered he doesn't like bluebonnets...

or dying Easter eggs...

I guess with time the love for these two yearly family events will get better.  We hope!

While we were in Texas we stayed with my family for a few days then went on to the lake to see Adam's family.  Presley has a blast swimming in Aunt Tricia's pool, and feeding Bun Bun. (RIP Bun Bun we will miss you always) Bun Bun was a stray bunny that decided to make my sisters back yard his home. Uncle David for months made sure Bun Bun had a warm home and food to eat.  This became a highlight of the visit for Presley.

While we were there we also got to celebrate Auston's 7th bday! All my nieces and nephews are growing up way too fast.  Just want to bottle them up and keep them young.

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The kids woke up the next morning to a fun Easter egg hunt.

Then on to the lake we went for more Easter fun. 

When we got back home we had the joy of going to Duke Gardens with some friends of ours.  Even though they are UNC folks...they found it in their hears to step on Duke grounds.  Thanks Burt and Cara for meeting us there.  Anderson even gave a little smile!

Presley Prays for, "Avery Grace" everyday, and on her own calls her her best friend.  I don't know what we are going to do when it's time to move.  Watching this little relationship with these two girls gets me every time.

Anderson and his big sister in the bluebonnets, ball pit and on a walk together. :) The older he gets the more she warms up to him. I pray their relationship is genuine, and full of great times...

Anderson Stats:
    Weight: 19 pounds
    Height: We will find out next month.
    Hair Color: Brown with little blond, and red...just like Presley's was.
    Eye Color: Blue as can be.
    Eating: Loves his puffs, and Oatmeal.  He's still making great progress with his sippy cup.  Next, month we will work on straws
    New Tricks:  He slithers and rolls everywhere.  He has no desire to crawl.  I've been working with him daily to get on all fours and rock...but it just ticks him off. Although Presley has become his biggest cheerleader.  Eats puffs without choking!!  When he talks, he says mmmm mm mmm mmm
    Flights he's been on: 4
  

This past month we lost a very beloved Grandmother.  Adam's Gran has gone on to be with the Lord.  What a wonderful women she was. Although I never got to know her very well, she was very instrumental in Adam's life, even more so after his mother passed away when he was in high school.  We are happy to know that she's in a better place with her husband, daughter and other family and friends.  So so happy my kids got these precious moments with her.

   

5 & 6 Months

 

  Anderson Stats:Hair color: Blond turning brown

Eye color: Very blue
Height: 27 1/2 inches
Weight: 18 pounds According to his Pediatrician...he's perfect...just perfect! I'm sure they teach all doctors to say this in school, but it makes me feel good anyways.
New Tricks: Rolling over all over the place to get to what he wants, sitting on his own after you place him sitting up, swinging in the swing, and putting his knees under his body as if he wants to crawl.
Eating: He is doing great with drinking from a sippy cup! We've replaced one bottle meal with a cup, and he has so far eaten any baby food we have put in front of him.

    Anderson seems to be growing in hyper speed these days.  Although it's very exciting to watch him grow, it makes me sad that my baby boy is closer to one then zero.  He has been consistently in the 80th percentile for height.  Where does he get this height from?  For sure not my side...unless there was a hidden gem I don't know about.  He is still in the 50th percentile for weight.  Looks like little brother will end up being big little brother before we know it.
    The first snow of the year was an enormous one.  It was a grand total of 8 inches!  As Presley built a snowman, jumped on the trampoline, threw snowballs at Maverick and sled; Anderson hung around dipping his fingers in the snow.  He couldn't have been happier. Speaking of happy...this boy smiles.  He smiles at anything.   Each week we make our weekly grocery store trip.  The check out ladies have gotten to know him by name.  He usually gives them a smile then a little giggle.  The best is Lana, she will hold up items and call out the names to him as she scans them.  He loves it! (Yes, I know them by name...it's the same people....and after two years...I should, right?)
    The last event we did during his 6th month was Easter Bunny pictures.  Anderson really had know clue what was going on other then some ladies were encouraging him to smile so he did.  Presley on the other hand we had to coach ahead of time, and it was still a fail.  My sister thinks we should start saving to pay for her counseling fees for traumatizing her with these character pictures.   Anderson and Presley, we love you, we wouldn't do anything to harm you.  Just know what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.  Even the Easter Bunny.

He has yet to figure out that sucking on his thumb will not make the puff in his hand go into his mouth.

 

Brother and Sister playtime.