Water boy!

"God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness nothing gets lost; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks." (Psalm 36:5 - The Message)

The Halls

Zeke,
       Well, we had our first family trip to Hilton Head, SC this past week.  It was a special trip because we stayed in the same rental house last year.  Granddaddy, Wynna, Uncle Jared, Aunt Jami, Kariss, Sophia, Daddy, you, and I were there.  I was pregnant with you last year when we were there, and we actually chose your name on that vacation.  I can't believe a year has gone by since that time, and you are 7 months old!  You weigh about 21 pounds and continue to develop more personality every day.

Our family in 2009

Our family in 2010

(You were in my belly!)

2009 - 17 weeks pregnant

Hilton Head 2010

(The picture is fuzzy, but it's the same suit, and you're on the outside!)

Some professional photos by 33 Park Photography:

 

Some of our snapshots:

Wynna and the grandbabies

Aunt Jami and me with you and Sophia

You love Kariss and she loves "baby Zeke!"

The cousins

"Chillaxin" with Uncle Jared

Daddy's boy

Mommy and her boy

    It rained the first few days of our trip, but you had a great time with Kariss and Sophia.  We brought your jumperoo and rented an exersaucer and pack 'n' play, so you felt right at home!  After the rain stopped, we were able to take you to the beach for the first time.  You didn't quite know what to think, but it was fun to watch you look down at the sand and water as they covered your toes.  You also went swimming in the pool for the first time.  You kicked like crazy, and loved to splash the water with your hands.

"Jumpy, jumpy, jumpy..."

Ready for the beach!

Checking out the beach...

You feeling the sand and waves for the first time

Where did your feet go?

Your more serious smile!

Enjoying the pool

    As I look back at the photos from our Hilton Head vacation last year, I am amazed at how much our life has changed.  You bless our lives every day, and I am incredibly thankful for you.  God has given us the opportunity to raise you and watch you grow into the person He created you to be....it's just amazing!  You have such a sweet spirit, and almost always have a smile on your face.  You are inquisitive and love to analyze colors, patterns, and textures.  You are still sitting up some on your own, but not for long periods of time.  You schooch around and turn in circles, but are not crawling yet.  I love sharing my days with you, and watching you explore the world.  I am thankful, also, for Granddaddy's generous heart to allow us to have family vacations like this one.  I pray that you look back on these photos and realize what a gift you are to all of us. 

I love you,

Mommy

You, Daddy, and Me

Jump, Jive, and Wale!!!

Daddy and Zeke

Mommy and Zeke

July has been a month full of changes and more milestones.  Zeke is 6 1/2 months old, weighs about 20 pounds, and is about 28 inches long.  He's currently cutting his top teeth, which makes for a lot of drooling and chewing on things (even his own toes!).

We have enjoyed getting to visit with friends and family.  At the beginning of the month, we went to see Sydney (my former home school student).  Syndey and her mom, Jill, have prayed for Zeke since before he was even growing in my tummy!  Sydney got to hold him, which she loved!  She remembered how she used to "tickle" him while he was in my belly!

Syndey and Zeke

Zeke finally got to meet my friend Robyn and her daughter Rane.  They have moved to California, so it was an extra special time.  Zeke loved them both!

Rane and Zeke

Gregg, Zeke, and I got to attend a baby shower to celebrate the arrival of Gabriella Joy Goodwald (our friends from our Bible study recently adopted her).  It was fun to see everyone and thank God for what he has done to bless the Goodwald family!

Me, Zeke, Elizabeth, Amy, Bella, Sarah, and Gabriella (order left to right)

The Hall family

Gregg had to travel some this month, so Zeke and I were able to spend several days with Wynna and Granddaddy.  We had a great time, and my mom was a huge help to me because I was injured and couldn't lift Zeke without experiencing pain (I'll explain more below).

Zeke loves his Wynna!

...after rolling over!

Zeke jumping in the jumperoo!

He spent hours jumping, and loved every minute of it!  We also got to see Auntie Tessa, Aunt Jami, and the girls while we were there. 

We missed celebrating Gregg's birthday with him, but travel is part of his job, and we appreciate his hard work to take care of us!  We sent some treats for him to open each day he was gone.  It wasn't the same as being together, but at least he knew we were thinking about him.

Zeke has been busy mastering the art of rolling over from his back to his front, and can sit up for about a minute at a time.  He LOVES to explore his vocal chords with high pitched squeals, various noises, and other "raspberry" sounds.  He brings joy, love, amazement, and excitement to each day. 

Unfortunately, my chiropractor accidentally separated the cartilage where my ribs and sternum connect.  It was extremely painful and led to a trip to the ER for me.  I have struggled to pick up Zeke, so Gregg had to become my hands for a few days.  He was an amazing help, and I am incredibly thankful for him.  My mom was also able to step in (after she got back from Amarillo), which was s blessing.  I have been frustrated because I can't care for my baby the way I want to, but God has reminded me that I am not in control, and He will provide all I (and Zeke) need.  It is another hard lesson for which I am grateful!  With each trial, we grow closer as a family, and become more thankful for each day we have here on Earth.  We're blessed with the love of our Heavenly Father, each other, our son, our family, and friends.  Now that is worth celebrating...and jumping!!!

P.S. - I'm trying to upload video of Zeke jumping and rolling over, but I haven't been successful yet.  Stay tuned!!!

June fun with family and friends...

The month of June as been fun and busy for us.  Zeke was 5 months old on June 19th.  He's 26.5 inches long and about 18.5 pounds.  He is growing so quickly and developing more into a little person every day!

We celebrated Gregg's first Father's Day by going out for Barbecue at Dave Poe's with my parents.  It was actually Zeke's first time out to dinner with the family in a restaurant.  He has been to lunch a few times with me, but we've tried to keep him away from public places as much as possible until now!  It was nice to spend it with my dad, and Gregg was able to spend the actual day relaxing around the house.  Zeke and I made him cupcakes (well, Zeke watched)!  It was a nice time to remind Gregg how much we appreciate all he does for us!

Zeke and Daddy

My Daddy and Zeke's Grand Daddy

Bethany and Gina Sides came over to visit this month, which was great.  We wish we lived closer to them, but we are thankful that we have cell phones, email, and Facebook to keep in touch.  They are precious to us, and it is neat to think that Zeke will always have them in his life.

Zeke with the girls!

Bethany is great with him!

Zeke took his first road trip when we went to meet our "adopted sister," Tricia Perkins.  We met Tricia through our longtime friends, the Rhynes.  Through Facebook, we have gotten to know her, and decided it was time we actually meet in person.  Jami, Kariss, Sophia, my mom, Zeke, and I loaded our cars and headed for Tuscaloosa, Alabama!  It was a wonderful trip and we instantly felt like part of the Perkins family.  Tricia's husband, Mike, thought we were a bit crazy at first, but I think he warmed up to us pretty quickly.  Her sons, Chris and Nate Dog, had a great time with Kariss and Sophia, and loved entertaining Zeke too.  We thank God for giving us family through the body of Christ!

The ladies!

The group at dinner (minus Nate)

Chris was so sweet with him!

Nate wanted to hold him too!

Zeke loves his Aunt Jami!

Zeke checking out his cousin, Kariss

...with Wynna!

Zeke just hangin'

Sweet Tricia and me

Worn out from all of the fun!

 

We didn't do anything for the 4th of July this year.  It was nice to stay at home as a family and spend some time together.  Here is our All-American boy with an American flag.  We had these pictures taken when we had his Baptism portraits made.  That's all for now, but we look forward to the coming months as we watch our precious boy grow and change.  We continue to thank God for allowing us to be Zeke's parents!!!

Blessed through Baptism

Ezekiel Forrester Hall

Our sleeping angel!

Zeke will be 5 months old in about a week!  It's hard to believe.  He is rolling over, attempting to scoot on his belly, making silly squealing noises, laughing, and generally loving life!  He eats well and is over 16 pounds now.  He's reaching for toys and will be mobile before we know it!

We were thrilled to welcome several family members to town the week of June 3rd.  My Uncle Lewis came all the way from NYC to celebrate our shared birthday, and to be here for Zeke's Baptism.  My Uncle Ken, Aunt Janie, and cousin Riley flew in from Lubbock, Texas for the festivities.  Gregg's brother, Jimmy, and his two girls (Krissy and Leah) drove from Wauchula, Florida to be here with us too.  Maria, Nick, and Gregory stayed home because Nick needed to prepare for his final exams.  It was humbling that they were all here with us during this special time. 

The Gregg Hall family

You may wonder what makes this such a special time?  You may ask why we had Zeke Baptized as an infant.  We understand that this was not his statement of faith (we pray that will come in time).  Our pastor, Randy Pope, likened it to a wedding engagement.  He said that we, as parents, will likely begin to pray for our child's future spouse.  As we do that, we understand that they will become engaged first.  When they are engaged, they are not committed to marriage yet.  Only they can make that true commitment before God to unite with their betrothed.  Only Zeke can take that initial "engagement" we made for Him through infant Baptism, and make the commitment to accept Christ as his Savior.  We, as Zeke's earthly parents, promise to raise him in a Christian home as a child of the Covenant we made with God.  We will teach him about our Lord so that one day he can make the decision for himself.

The Stargel/Hall group

Jimmy, Krissy, and Leah Hall

My sisters with Zeke!

The Baptism was held at Perimeter Church on June 6, 2010.  Todd and Teresa Lesher (along with Jared and Jami) are Zeke's godparents.  Because Todd is an elder at Perimeter, he was able to assist Randy in the Baptism.  That was really special for us.

My parents hosted a luncheon afterwards for our family and friends.  Zeke did great during the Baptism, but because it was during his morning nap, he fell asleep by the time we were ready to take pictures after lunch!

The rest of the weekend was filled with fun times with family.  We went up to Jared and Jami's house one evening for dinner.  We also celebrated Leah Hall's 7th birthday at our house because she and her family were driving home on her actual birthday (June 7th).  Overall, it was a wonderful time with family and friends, and we are thankful for all of the support.  Zeke is one blessed little boy!!!

Uncle "Woo" (Lewis)

 

Ken, Janie, and Riley Kennedy

Krissy and Leah Hall