Our Newest Addition

Keeping it short and sweet, this is our NEW VAN!!! We are excited! We now can all go together in one vehicle! This is a big blessing to us--those of you who know us, know the story already. We couldn't be more thrilled.

Isaiah--10 Months Old

It's hard for me to believe that in 2 more months, Isaiah will be a year old. He continues to be a BIG joy in our lives...and each day he continues to grow BIGGER!!!

Isaiah is very proud of his new abilities. He walks now. Yes...that's right. He is walking. He is still a little shy about it, though. He doesn't really want anyone making a big fuss about it. His best walking times are those when he thinks he is doing it alone or unwatched. If he thinks someone is watching him, he stops and just crawls.

Isaiah continues to put EVERYTHING in his mouth! He loves to eat and nimble on ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! I was hoping that this phase would end as soon as we began introducing him to real food, but no. He does enjoy his new food (brown rice, sweet potatoes, avocados, wheat porridge, and oatmeal), but he's not quite ready to let go of his old favorites (leaves, lint, bugs, tinsel, sticks, foam, toilet paper, paper, crayons, etc).

TJ and I both thought that we were going to have a lot of trouble with Isaiah getting into the Christmas tree, but he hasn't really bothered the tree at all! I think it's because the tree "pokes" him, and he just leaves it alone.

It's hard to believe that last year at this time, we were still getting things ready for him to join us. We were constantly thinking about him, wondering what he was going to be like and how our lives were going to change. Now I can't imagine him NOT being with us!!! He is such a special part of our lives!!!

Aliya's Turns 7

Such a beautiful girl...

We have been celebrating Aliya's Birthday for the past week! First we had a little celebration in Arkansas while we were on Thanksgiving break. Yesterday we had a little party at the Ogilbee's house--so sweet!!! Then earlier today we met Daddy for lunch at Aliya's favorite place--Chinese, of course! Finally, we topped of the already-fabulous day by decorating for Christmas.

Aliya is now ready to BE more grown up. She is realizing that she is no longer a little kid--I guess I'm having to realize that, too! She still "plays" but she is also interested in more of the grown-up activities.

No matter how old she gets, she will always be my little Chunkie Love. I am so thankful and blessed to be her mother!

P.S. Even after all these years, I still can not resist kissing those cheeks!!!