Monday, March 1, 2010

Just chillin...and dancing?

We were listening to praise music this morning, and PJ laid on the couch to eat her cheerios...and I captured this on video. PRICELESS!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Valentine's Date 2010

Michael surprised me with this special belated Valentine's date...and it just so happened to be Eric & Leah's ONE year anniversary celebration, too. Dinner at Flyte and then Harry Connick, Jr. LIVE at the Ryman. What a night for all of us!


Friday, February 5, 2010

Walking in...Nashville (close to Memphis!)

Little Miss Payton Joy decided to walk all by herself today! Michael was playing with her and goading her to walk from him to the couch and then, all of a sudden, she stood right up from where she was sitting (without our help OR our suggestion) and balanced on her own two feet! Michael saw her and started chanting, "Go, PJ, go!" and off she went! Up...step, step, step...down. Then up again, five or six steps, then down again. After about 20 minutes of that same activity, she realized just how strong and capable her sweet little chubby legs were and she gained loads of confidence! We caught it all on video...so here you go. PJ's first day of walking in...Nashville!

P.S. Today is Tenley's birthday - so happy birthday, TRH! PJ decided to give you a special birthday treat today just by walking all alone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYrO4MZXSpI

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Flu Season...pptthh!

Well, PJ has contracted her first REAL viral infection (or so I'm assuming that's what type it is). She started coughing and having a runny nose on Saturday. This morning, her temp spiked to 100.9 - apparently, that's not high enough to warrant a doctor's visit. My pediatrician's nurse was super helpful over the telephone with me and told me that I was doing everything right (yay, me!). It just really hurts your heart when there's *nothing* you can do for your baby once you've done everything...ya know?

She is a trooper, though! Once the baby ibuprofen kicked in this morning, she attempted to push around her stroller or play with her toys for about 45 minutes. That was all she could handle, and then she was back in my arms. We've been reading a lot of books over the past few days because she doesn't feel like being active. It's a nice break for me since I don't have to watch her like a hawk, however, it means I cannot get anything "done" in the house. I told Michael last night, "She's only sick for a few days (God willing) and then life will go on...everything else can wait if my being here for her (to hold, to cuddle, to read, to suction her nose countless times) is what she needs then that's what I'm going to do!" He just mumbled in agreement as he nodded off to sleep...and then today, I sent HIM the grocery list. HA! :-)

So please say a prayer that our little PJ gets better sooner rather than later. Thanks!...oh, and I want to send a big shout out to my pal, Tenley Hardin. HAPPY BIRTHDAY on February 5th! :-)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Sharing the big news (2008)

Okay, this might be almost a year late in sharing but I came across this video today and got such a kick out of it!! This was Chrystal's and Rachel's reaction to the news of our pregnancy (PJ) last spring 2008.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

It's Official

Payton Joy has weaned herself from breastfeeding. They say the best way to wean a baby is for it to happen naturally, so I guess I really cannot complain. She has been just fine - maybe a little more clingy to me than usual, which is normal - but she hasn't even tried to nurse again since Monday morning.

Around Thanksgiving, I started supplementing her nursings with organic milk-based formula, which she happily accepted. My supply had been diminishing, so I think she was excited to get more milk in general. So perhaps that addition made the weaning occur because now, barely two months later, she is not wanting to nurse at all.

I think this is harder on me than on her!! Breastfeeding is a very special relationship between a mother and her child. One that cannot necessarily be explained or ever duplicated. Losing that bond is a little sad but watching her gain independence and maturity is exciting. Our baby girl is growing up!! Our first year was perfect...and very special. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to nurse PJ as long as we did, and I feel confident she is healthier and stronger because of it.

So if you think of it, please pray for ME during the next few days ahead (because PJ seems perfectly happy!). I know I'll be fine...and I know it's just one more milestone for all of us. She will be 13 months old next week, and I believe she is on the verge of walking...she's already taking 4-5 steps between Daddy and Mommy, and she gets SO excited!!

Love to you all~
Christy

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year!

It's 2010, and it just sounds weird to say the year out loud. It's so futuristic sounding and kinda freaks me out. But alas, it is where we are right now. This is 2010. I hope and pray that you all have a great year ahead of you that is full of contentment, excitement, joy, peace, health, prosperity, and LOVE. Of course, I would be remiss to ignore the Source of complete and perfect LOVE, which is our heavenly Father God Almighty. I pray that you know Him in a very personal way and if you don't, just call out to Him and ask Him to be in your heart and soul. That's all it takes, really...the next step would be to start reading the Bible because that is where you'll learn about the many beautiful and amazing attributes of God and how much He loves and adores you!

My last blog update was in October. Shew! A lot has happened since then which is why it's been rather difficult to make myself sit down at the computer to write and pick out photos to post. It's such a time consuming project but one that I thoroughly enjoy!

Michael's birthday was October 24th, and we celebrated at the house by opening gifts first and then we went out to dinner at The Outback (one of his favorite restaurants). PJ really got into opening gifts...












She was 10 months old and experiencing all of her "firsts" such as the pumpkin patch, Halloween, a new car seat, and beautiful fall leaves:




















On December 1
7, 2009, our little girl turned ONE YEAR OLD! We had her birthday party on the Sunday before (Dec. 13th), and all her friends and cousins came except for Jackson and Maxwell who were at home sick. We really missed them! Michael and I purchased some fun play house-like items and the kids had a blast! Michael hung white tarps over the screen porch windows and put space heaters out there. It felt like we were inside another room in the house. It was perfect! I had prayed for a warmer day, and it was around 53 that day - thank you, Lord! We were touched by all the family and friends that celebrated PJ's special day with us.


It's a bit unreal to think she is one year old - that first year really DID fly by! But it's been a beautiful experience, and I hope the next year will be just as amazing. She is a wonderful little girl who is full of joy and silliness. She gets so many hugs and kisses every day from both of us that prove to her how special she is. We thank God for her every single day!!

We
spent Christmas in my hometown of Springfield, MO. Payton Joy was doted upon by all her aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and even a few in-law's and friends that aren't even related!! Aunt Becky & Uncle Steve threw another birthday party for her after Christmas, and she got to spend the evening playing with her cousins, Evan and Andrew and ALL of the Westerman's (Becky's family). It was really wonderful to be with family, and I'm happy that PJ's pseudo first Christmas was a good one! (She was only 8 days old last Christmas).

I want to thank you for reading my blog and staying apprised of PJ's first year!! I will continue updating it as time allows. Michael and I love you and value your relationship, and we wish you all a very Happy New Year!