Changes

I wanted to blog about a couple of changes in Austin over the past few days! He is doing so good with eating solid foods- which is amazing considering he only has 6 teeth! His new favorite breakfast food is blueberry waffles (along with some fruit baby food.) For lunch and dinner he eats almost entirely solid foods (unless I need to supplement more veggies or something.) Here is an example of his lunch a few days ago!

Turkey hot dog, peas, tomato, cheese, blueberries, & strawberries (thanks for the cute plate, Christy T!)

I have also reduced the amount of formula that he drinks from 5 bottles per day to 3. He only drinks one bottle with a meal (breakfast), but I'm determined to end that soon! So that would leave his night time bottle, and then one in the afternoon before his nap!

Austin is also back to sleeping really good! He must be growing because he has been sleeping 12 hours at night MINIMUM, and then an afternoon and morning nap (sometimes 2-3 hrs each.) We came in a few days ago and he was asleep like this- too cute! Notice his thumb is in his mouth- huh? He NEVER does that!

Anyway, yesterday we went in to get him and he was pulling up on the railings and in a kneeling position over the bumper pads. Yep. So last night we moved the crib down to the lowest level- it looks so weird to me! This morning he went from a laying position to sitting up without help- whoo hoo! Keep in mind though, that he's still not crawling! :)

Sorry this is all of the pics I have to post- I'll try to get some new ones this week!

Historical Day

I decided that I would quickly blog about today, as it is obviously a very historical day for all of us! No matter who you voted for, we all need to celebrate the election of our 1st African American President!

I think we all need to thankful for President Bush's 8 years of service to our country, and also in prayer for our new President. This picture shows one of the many emotional moments that I had while watching 8 hours of coverage- saying goodbye to the Bush family.... as they head off to Texas!

10 Months

Today Austin turned 10 month old... and it's freaking me out! Only 2 more months until he turns 1.... YIKES! Not only does it panic me that my baby is almost not a "baby" anymore, but I'm totally getting overwhelmed thinking about planning his 1st birthday party!

We took Austin to the doctor 2 weeks ago, and he weighed 25lbs! Such a big boy (he's beginning to outgrow his 12 month clothes!) So here are 10 new things about him:

1- Austin has 6 teeth now (2 on bottom, and 4 on top.) The top 4 came in all at once- it was miserable. I'm not sure if Austin also had cold/sinus problems during the same time, or if it was all related to the teething... but either way.. I wish that on no baby and no parents. Considering it was Austin's first time to get sick in 9 months, I can't complain. But it lasted for 2 weeks- runny nose, sometimes fever, sneezing, couldn't breathe (no paci), woke up multiple times every night, cranky, etc. HORRIBLE. But now he's better, and he's showing off those new pearly whites! Oh, and is it just Austin, or do all babies do the teeth grinding thing when they first discover their teeth? It sounds worse that nails on a chalkboard!!!

2- As of 3 days ago, he's holding his own bottle now! I know he could do it before now, as he would play with empty bottles and hold them. He was just being a little lazy and wanted mommy & daddy to feed him! Anyway, he's a big boy now- whoo hoo!

3- Austin is trying lots of new solid big boy foods! I still supplement with baby food though. So far he's had: cheerios, puffs, saltines, pears, peaches, bananas, green beans, carrots, peas, black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, hot dogs, eggs, yogurt, jello, sugar cookies, and ice cream (I know, those last few are soo bad- but it's only been a few times!) What else should I try giving him???

4- He is still not crawling, but is definitely getting closer (yes, I know I say this every month.) He spends a LOT of time on his belly! In fact, I don't remember the last time I went to get him out of the crib when he wasn't on his tummy. I think he sleeps on his tummy a lot too. Austin is also scooting forwards, moving backwards, moving in a circle, and getting up on all fours! I'm anxious for him to crawl! Mainly because I know how much he is going to love being mobile. Personally though, I am not looking forward to baby-proofing the house or chasing him around 24/7.

5- Austin has been spending more time around other children, and he loves watching them. He will sometimes play with them, but is much more interested in watching them play. I'm guessing this is all part of him learning and soaking everything in. As for playing by himself- he's pretty good at keeping himself entertained. Thanks to everyone who gave him toys for Christmas, as he plays with everything at LEAST once a day. Who knew the attention span of a 10 month old is like 15 seconds per toy?

6- He loves animals! We've always known he likes our cat, Max, but on several occasions recently he's been around dogs. He has absolutely NO fear of them- even if they bark or get close to him. At one point, one of the dogs started licking his face... and he just laughed and laughed. It's too cute to see how excited he gets around animals!

7- Austin has a VERY strong personality. He has been a very laid back baby for the first 8 months of his life (like his daddy.) But recently he seems to be much more strong-willed (like his mommy.) He's also getting very rowdy- he loves to squeal loud & bang toys around. Very rough! I can't tell you how many times he's hit himself in the head while slinging toys around.

8- He has learned how to give high 5, clap, turn pages, and roll/throw a ball. He's also working on flipping light switches, waving, pointing out facial features like nose and eyes, and learning how to do the shape sorter and simple puzzles (although right now he's rather just chew on everything.)

9- Austin still isn't talking yet- just making noises and babbling a lot. He also loves to fake cough and growl. Daddy just growls back and he thinks it's hilarious & laughs. Great Shane, way to encourage our growling baby. We are still working on saying words like mommy, daddy, max, etc... but no luck yet. He'll do it on his own time!

10- He is a momma's boy- and I love it! Granted a lot of it is the clingy stage he's going through. But I love that he still lets me hold him like a baby and rock him to sleep. He cuddles up and just looks up at me- it melts my heart! Of course he loves his daddy too, and gets this huge grin on his face when Shane gets home from work! They love playing together, and Shane is really good at teaching Austin new things.

Happy Birthday sweet boy! We love you!!!

Priorities 2009

So I copied this post from a fellow blogger, Lacie, because I was so impressed with it! Don't worry, she has given me permission to copy it :) Anyway, I wanted to post it so that everyone else could read over it & be encouraged/motivated to make your own priorities for 2009. I know that Lacie's list will probably apply to a lot of you, as it applies perfectly to me!

1. God

I want to have a personal relationship with Him. I want to fear the Lord. I want every decision I make to be based on this relationship. I want to have wisdom that only comes from the Father.

My commitment: Get up early each day to sit at His feet in Bible reading and prayer. Spend time memorizing the scriptures to focus myself for the day.

Verses of focus:

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; In the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Jeremiah 31:25

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

Also:
Proverbs 2:1-6; Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10; James 1:5; Proverbs 31:30; Proverbs 31:26


2. Husband

I want to be a wife who brings glory to my husband. I want him to find peace and comfort in me. I want him to understand that I am his biggest fan. I want to bring joy to his life. I want to be his best friend.

My commitment: Make an effort to respond to him lovingly and intimately. Serve him and show him respect. Be patient and careful not to nag. Have date nights.

Verses of focus:

"A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14:1

"Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:11-12

“Wives, submit to your husband as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church.” Ephesians 5:22-23


3. Children

My goal is to train my children in the Lord. I desire for them to love God’s Word and for His words to be on their hearts. I want to have “play” time with them when I’m not thinking of what needs to be done. I want them to see how importance their Daddy is to me. I want then to learn how to “be still” in this busy world we live in.

My commitment: Work hard at getting my home in order so that I can be freed up to spend time with them. Gain control of my time and schedule so that I have time to focus on teaching them stories from the Bible in fun ways. Talk lovingly about their Daddy all the time. Schedule quiet times during the day.

Verses of focus:

"These commands that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Teach them to your children, and talk about them when you sit at home and walk along the road. When you lie down and when you get up. Write them down and tie them on your hands as a sign. Tie them on your forehead to remind you and write them on your doors and gates." Deuteronomy 6:6-8

"Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

“Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Proverbs 31:28


4. Home

I want a clean home - a home of comfort and peace. I want a place where my children feel security and warmth, my husband has a haven, and place where people can show up and make themselves at home. I don’t want to let perfectionism to get in the way or discourage me. I also desire not be overwhelmed by the tasks that need to be done.

My commitment: Work hard. Don’t allow distractions and overwhelmed feelings discourage me. Put my family before myself by taking care of the home God gave me.

Verses of focus:

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

"Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

"Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14


5. Gifts

I want to use my gifts and talents that God has blessed me with me to strengthen my family, friends, church and to be a light to the world and those sweet souls around me.

My commitment: Use my gifts to encourage others.

Verse of focus:

"As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10


6. Personal

I want to find time to enjoy my hobbies and just do whatever I love doing! I feel I will be able to enjoy this time more when everything else is in order.

My commitment: Take time for the things I enjoy!

Verses of focus:

“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- is anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8


While these are my priorities for everyday life I also felt the urge to pick a word or a group of words to focus my attention on each month to address aspects of my life...12 words to be exact! One for each month of the year!

January- Focus
February- Forgiveness
March- Quietness
April- Sacrifice
May-Nature
June-Family
July-Learning
August-Simplicity
September- Routine
October-Hospitality
November-Thankfulness
December- Joy

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year- and I'm guessing a lot of it had to do with the fact that it was Austin's 1st Christmas! Plus we have extremely generous family & friends! I will admit though, that I did a horrible job of documenting the festivities with pictures... so here goes.

Christmas #1- Christmas with my parents. We had Christmas with my parents the weekend before Christmas. My parents stayed for well over a week, yet I have not one picture of them with Austin. Isn't that awful?

I think Santa came, and Austin was a good boy!

Riding on one of his new toys

Playing with toys from his stocking

Austin in his Santa hat!

Christmas #2 & #3- We spent 3 days with Shane's family (including the traditional Christmas Eve celebration with his extended family.) We also had time to visit with both sets of Austin's great grandparents!

Playing with Papa Gary & Daddy

Opening presents... although Austin seemed to enjoy the ribbons the most!

Happy baby!

Ahhh...the happy couple

Shane's family (his mom's side- minus Ashley & Mat... we missed you guys!)

Austin with his his great grandparents- Maw Maw & Paw Paw

Christmas 2008

More presents

Christmas #4- We drove back to Dallas and spent Christmas day with my dad's side of the family! Again, I have no pictures of the party, but we had a great time! Lots of good food too!

Christmas #5- For a few days after Christmas, we were able to spend time with my mom's side of the family. We switch off meeting in Amarillo or in Ft Worth- luckily Ft Worth was this year! The only picture I have of the entire time is of Austin playing with my mom- it's a cute one though!

Things have finally started to slow down, and I'm beginning to get the house back in order, the decorations taken down, and Austin back into his normal routine. Only problem- Austin has been sick this week. It's been absolutely miserable- we all have cold/sinus issues. Anyway, it's Austin's 1st time to get sick in 9 months, so that is a blessing. But it doesn't make it any easier. The poor little guy is so confused on how to breathe when he is stopped up, and it makes sucking his paci impossible. Therefor, our New Years celebration involved ordering take out from Cheesecake Factory & being asleep by 10:30pm- exhausted from a long night with Austin. We are officially "old." Thankfully I think we are all turning the corner & will be healthy soon!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!