Adalynn ~ 11 Months Old!

January 28, 2013, Adalynn was 11 months old.  It seems like once they pass the 6 month mark, they just take off!  She began crawling while we were at my parents' house over Christmas and has started pulling up within the last week.  She is cruising some, but still does not want to try to walk (even when I try to hold her hands).  That's okay with me...we can wait a little longer on that!

She says, "Hi," and waves.  It is the cutest thing because her wave is so girly!  She has 4 teeth (two front and two center bottom) and weighs just under 20 pounds.  We are supposed to wait to put her in the Britax bigger kid carseat until she is 20 pounds.  Zeke was in it at 7 months!  Ha! 

She continues to be very good at letting us know what she wants.  I don't want to say demanding, but kind of demanding!  She loves to laugh at her daddy and brother and is a great eater.  I'm still nursing 3x/day.  I just can't seem to go to 2 feedings, since she is likely our last baby. 

We have plans to celebrate her 1st birthday with everyone in Johns Creek.  My mom has made her a sweet little dress with a "1" on it.  I don't think I will even bother with any kind of dessert for her since she is still eating her "Dr. Denmark mush."  Watching the videos of Zeke's birthday reminded me that he had no idea what to even do with the cake.  He just touched it, then ate his mush!

One more month and we'll have a 4 year old and a 1 year old....hard to believe!  We thank God for both of our little blessings!

Zeke turns 4 and the Stargels visit!

I sound like a broken record, but I truly can't believe it has already been four years since I gave birth to Zeke.  He is such a blessing.  He is outgoing, silly, opinionated, strong willed, loving, bright, and makes me laugh all the time.  As I watch him grow into the person God made him, I see so much of myself, Gregg, my mom and dad, and then his own unique personality.  We pray God will use Zeke in a mighty way to serve Him someday. 

We were incredibly thankful to have family down to visit for Zeke's 4th birthday.  Jared, Jami, Kariss, Sophia, Harper, Mom, and Dad all came to celebrate.  Jared's family was able to stay in our upstairs space (love having that option in this home) and Mom and Dad spent the night in the bridal suite at the Windsor (heehee!).

The kids had a great time waking up together like they did at the beach last year.  This year was a little harder for Zeke, though, because he is not used to sharing the backyard and his toys.  It was a hard lesson, but one that is important for him to learn.

The day of the party, we set up all of the Thomas decorations and made lunch.  Zeke requested hotdogs.  Everyone enjoyed the organic beef hotdogs, but weren't too keen on the spelt hotdog buns...ha!

We opened gifts, then everyone set out to put together the train set (even Dad!).  Jared and Gregg put together Zeke's art easel/desk (from us) and the train table (from Wynna and Papa).

 

Next, we had cake.  As you know, I march to the beat of my own drum sometimes, so avoiding sugar at a birthday party can be a challenge.  I ordered a spelt angel food cake from Berlin Natural Bakery.  They mill their own grains.  It did have sweetener, but not white sugar.  I made some whipped cream and cut up strawberries.  It looked beautiful and was delicious!

Then, the kids played a Thomas game.  It was like pin the tail on the donkey, but you pinned the funnel on Thomas!  They were blindfolded.  Kariss almost hit it perfectly.  It was a cute, fun little game.

The little girls had fun getting to explore and know each other better too.  They were not in on the action as much, but we tried to include them.

A family picture before Gregg had to leave for his trip...

The following day (Zeke's actual birthday), we all went to our new church, Cornerstone Church.  We went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday after church before everyone had to head home.

I was humbled that everyone would take time from work and life to drive down and spend the weekend with us.  We are so thankful for family and can't wait for them to come back when it's warmer and they can all swim.  

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!  Happy Birthday, Zeke!!!