My baby is starting to walk! He took his first steps last week, but he'll only walk when we make him lol. He's so cute. I have video of him, but can't get it to load up on here. He's such a joy. We have our Christmas tree baby proofed in a ghetto fashion. It's in the corner, behind a baby gate that has a big Army duffel bag and watering can behind it and a coffee table and stand in front of it. Whatever works! He's also getting his top two teeth, just in time for Christmas lol. He also jabbers constantly. My mom said I did the same thing lol. He said bye bye the other day and he says "up" for the puppy. He'll be 11 months in 10 days. How did that happen? I love him so much.



Eric's done with this semester of college, only one to go! One more semester and he'll be commissioned as an Officer and be back on regular active duty. I'm so proud of him, he's working so hard. He's still considered active duty and gets the regular pay right now, but I'm ready for him to be done with school. It's a lot of work. Right now, he's working on putting tile in our bathroom. I painted it yesterday and he's been putting the tile backer in. He's been wanting to do this since we moved in. It's going to be beautiful.

It doesn't seem like Christmas time to me. Not having my dad here to celebrate with makes it hard. Next month will be a year since he passed. On the 29th of this month him and my mom would have celebrated 30 years of marriage. I miss him. They say it gets better with time, but sometimes it hurts just as bad as it did the day it happened. Which brings me to ask, who says that and what do they know? Anyways, it's also Ryan's first Christmas which makes it difficult too. It's in the Lord's hands though, He'll lead us through.

We adopted a dog, he's a Golden Retriever/German Shepard. He's beautiful and so laid back it's ridiculous. He's a year old, so he's already grown. He just lays there and lets Ryan step on him and pull his ears and fur. He's the perfect dog for a baby. We named him Copper from The Fox and The Hound. This is the first dog my husband's ever had, isn't that sad? I think it is.
I'm going back to school next semester. Lord help me.

Thanksgiving is day after tomorrow. It's our first holiday without my dad. I miss him terribly and today was one of the worst days I have ever had. I can't wait to climb into bed and forget this day ever happened. Thank God for a loving, caring, understanding husband.

My baby will be 10 months old on Friday. Wow.

Today is our 6 year anniversary! It has been the best 6 years of my life being with the man of my dreams. I love him very much and look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. We went and watched the movie Fireproof, I definitely recommend it! It's a Christian movie and totally clean. First time they've come out with one of them for a very long time! Two thumbs up!

Today is also my Grandma Jean's 70th birthday! We had her a surprise party yesterday. She had never had one before. She enjoyed herself so much and it went wonderfully. We all pitched in and got her a digital camera and one of those printers that you put your memory card into and print your pictures. She's gonna have a ball! She's the cutest grandma, I just love her to pieces! I made the cake myself from scratch. I enjoy doing that, too bad it has to get eaten.

My baby boy is 8 months old now. He's growing so fast, but I just love the age he's at. He's learning so much so fast. I just love it. Today he was running round and round the coffee table lol. I don't think it'll be too long before he's walking. I was taking his socks off and told him he had stinky feet and he just cracked up laughing. He laughed and laughed it was so cute! I even called my mom so she could hear since she was having a bad day, she definitely brightened up. I love how babies are so easily pleased and they don't need big fancy things to amuse them. Oh I love love love this age. He's such a joy.

My absolute favorite picture of my two favorites

My sister is 18 now. We threw her a surprise party, I don't think she was surprised lol. It was kinda hard that day, to be expected. My brother had to work and couldn't be at the party. We surprised her again when we were at the restaurant when her bf brought her in. She was really surprised then and really appreciated it. Another surprise came for her when our brother was able to get off work and showed up to surprise her too. She cried. It was very special that he was able to be there. Eric, Ryan and I bought her a necklace with her birthstone in it. She loved it, so do I lol. I can't believe she's 18. I remember the day she was born. I was so excited. It was late at night and I was sleeping. My dad woke me up and we all loaded up in the car (which was new by the way and they stacked tons of towels in the front seat for reasons I didn't understand for a long time lol). We went over to the hospital that was 15 mins away. There was nobody to sit with my brother or I. We were so tired and started to fall asleep and this creepy guy came in and told us, "it's ok to go to sleep". Well that was enough for the both of us, we were wide awake then. I started bouncing off the walls and then my dad came in and told us we had a little sister. My brother was mad and sat there sulking. They brought her down the hall and he wouldn't come out and see her. I did though and she was so beautiful. I fell in love. She's been a blessing from the moment she entered my life and I couldn't ask for a better sister. I love her! She's the bestest Bisty never!

I made this cake for her, homemade I'm pretty proud of the way it turned out, hours of labor went into this lol

Oh, I'm so excited!!!! My baby boy said his first word today, "mama"!!!! I was hoping it would be mama. I was pushing dada more but hoping for mama lol. I love that little boy! He's a beautiful wonderful miracle and I thank God for him.

My brother and his wife are going to have a baby! She sadly lost the last baby. He/she is up in heaven with his/her Grandpa Tommy. She was about 5 weeks when she lost that baby. They never even got to go to the dr. They lost it before she could go to the dr. So, when they found out they were expecting again we all waited to tell people to make sure this baby would be ok. It was heartbreaking enough without having to go back and tell everyone. Well they went to the dr yesterday. The heartrate was 150 and she's due May 13. I can't wait! Hopefully she'll have it a little early and have it on his/her Grandpa's bday, May 6.

My beautiful sister won homecoming queen last Friday. She's the most beautiful queen I've ever seen. I'm so very proud of her. The only downside to the evening was her bf didn't get king. For some odd reason people voted her as queen and not her bf as king. It doesn't seem right. I felt bad for her, she was torn. I don't blame her. But, she deserved it. She's doing everything she can this year. She's on the yearbook staff, secretary of her class, she's planning a senior trip, you name it she's involved this year. I'm so proud of her. A few years ago she was hanging out with the not-so-good crowd. The girls she hung out with were not good influences on her. She met her bf, Colter. He was the best thing that ever could have happened to her. God definitely put him in her life to get her away from the old friends. I love that guy for her. I couldn't have picked a better guy. While we were in WA he went over to my mom's house to make sure she was ok and ask if she needed anything, so sweet! Anyways, back to homecoming... The girls had to have their father/father figure walk with them to give them to their escorts. My brother walked with my sister. It was an emotional time for us. I felt sad for her. She has so many things coming up in her life that should involve dad. I'm very glad she has my brother, but it's not the same. It can't be the same. I didn't put a picture of the guy who won king because, quite frankly, I don't have one. I was in shock after Colter didn't win and I didn't get a picture.

Well Jenn did this a while back and I just wanted to see if I could come up with 101 things about myself, so here goes:

1. My nickname given by my dad was Puddin' Shack
2. My nickname by my brother growing up was Thi's Thoul
3. My dad wrote me a song, it went as follows: "I love my Puddin' Shack, because she scratches my back, and that is why I love my Puddin' Shack, Smack, Snack, Shack"
4. I miss my dad more than anything in the whole wide world, he's been gone 8 months today
5. I listened to a song he wrote "My Family" last night, I cried
6. My nickname from my sister is Bisty
7. My husband and mom call me Chelle. Eric introduces me as Chelle, I have to tell people it's actually Michelle
8. I collect ink pens, I love them
9. I love folding baby clothes, they're so tiny and cute
10. I love the smell of a clean house
11. Clutter bothers me
12. I love being an Army wife
13. My husband and I met online
14. Next month we'll celebrate our 6 year anniversary
15. I have lost 110 lbs in 2 years, 105 before in a year, before I got pregnant and what I gained plus 5 lbs since I've had the baby
16. I've worked my butt off to do so, literally
17. I love working out now
18. I love 70's rock music, Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne ect.... My dad kinda ingrained that in our heads :)
19. Jackson Browne is coming to the state in Oct, I would like to go
20. I've seen Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top in concert--They are both AWESOME
21. I love seeing elderly couples holding hands, it's so cute
22. Growing up I always wanted a relationship like my parents, my dad always lit up when he saw my mom
23. I now have that kind of relationship, I love it!
24. I have an associates degree, I have started on my bachelor's but it's on hold until my
child(ren) are older
25. My goal in life has always been to first and foremost be a wife and mommy
26. I never quite got how much work babies really are until I had my own
27. I had a wonderful pregnancy and hope that any others to come are just as wonderful
28. There's nothing I love more than looking into my baby's baby blues
29. I have worked at 2 convenience stores and a newspaper
30. I really liked my job at the newspaper, except they were very biased and that drove me crazy
31. I love to write
32. I love to read
33. I live by my dad's motto, Family First
34. I haven't been able to sleep the past 2 weeks, Ryan won't let me
35. I have no idea why
36. I have noticed myself becoming more like my mom
37. I don't think that's a bad thing
38. My favorite color is purple
39. My birthstone is Emerald
40. I love that color too
41. Growing up I looked up to my brother
42. He was very mean to me
43. He has apologized several times, it's ok, I forgive him
44. I'm 5'7
45. I love spending time with my husband and son
46. I love baking
47. I'm going to be an aunt next May
48. I can't wait
49. My inlaws drive me crazy
50. They never call to check on my husband, I'm glad my family isn't like that
51. I don't tell my husband that they drive me crazy, that would be rude
52. I don't enjoy shopping
53. My middle name is Lee
54. Three of my cousin's middle names are also Lee
55. We named my baby after my brother and dad
56. I drive a Jeep Liberty
57. It's completely paid off, that makes me happy
58. I wish for nothing more than my son to be happy and healthy
59. I try my best to live my life for the Lord
60. He is my Savior
61. I like to fish
62. I was very clutzy as a child
63. I believe Tae Bo has helped me with that
64. I have many questions about the timing of my dad's passing
65. I know he's much better off
66. It still hurts
67. I used to have my tongue pierced
68. I took it out several years ago
69. What was I thinking?
70. I'm picky about the length of the arms on my tshirts
71. I hate my arms
72. I love sappy love stories
73. My sister is homecoming candidate, I'm so proud of her!
74. Drinking hot cocoa on a cold day is wonderful
75. I adore my husband
76. He never ceases to amaze me
77. I wish I could have found a solution for winged scapula for my daddy
78. I tried with ever ounce of me
79. Dad used to get sad everytime we would say we had to go home
80. We had to give him a day's notice
81. He still got sad
82. My family is very close
83. I love taking pictures
84. My husband and I went to Maui after he got back from his deployment
85. That was the longest year of my life
86. It made our relationship even stronger
87. I pray he doesn't have to go back
88. My mom is the strongest woman I know, I admire her so much
89. I went 4-wheeling at the river for the first time this summer
90. It was fun
91. I have a cat named Gizmo
92. He lives with my mom
93. I love the Americana decor
94. Watching as my son grows brings me so much joy
95. I have a hard time making close friends
96. I'm very shy and reserved
97. My best friend (outside my family) lives in GA now
98. I hope we're stationed together again someday
99. Our son's are almost 2 months apart
100. Nothing makes me happier than being with the one's I love
101. This was a lot harder than I thought it would be

I'm frustrated with myself. I feel like I've not been myself for quite some time. I feel like I need answers. I need to open my heart and hear God. Ever since I lost my dad and had Ryan and everything else that's gone on in my life I just feel like I haven't allowed myself the opportunity to be. I have a serious addiction to the scale, I weigh myself approximately 6 times a day (yes, every day). I fear weight gain. I know it's not healthy to be obsessed with it. There's only so much a person can do. I exercise every day, I eat right, I don't drink pop, I usually rarely eat sweets (although that's another thing I'm mad at myself for lately, I've had a never-ending sweet tooth). In total since I began my journey when Eric was deployed I have lost 110 lbs. I have worked so hard to get to this point. I'm happy with where I'm at on the scale. I just know that gaining it back isn't an option. However, if all of that doesn't keep my weight down perpetually weighing myself isn't going to help now is it? So, I'm taking back control of myself, to include my mind. I put up the scale so it doesn't call my name every time I walk into the bathroom. I'm seeking the Lord's help. I believe that with His help I will find the answers I seek. I will find my groove again. I just have to clear my head and regain control of myself. With God ALL things are possible!

Why is it that people in customer service jobs don't seem to realize they are in CUSTOMER SERVICE jobs? It's irritating to me to be "helped" by someone who is rude and acts like they could care less about their jobs and the people they are helping. The least you can do is pretend to be friendly for pete's sake. I've had my fair share of jobs that I haven't particularly liked, but I still slapped a smile on my face and greeted them with courtesy.

So the other day we went to my grandma's house. Mom mom needed her oil change. I offered to have Eric take it and get it changed. He would have bought the stuff and did it himself but there was no place to do it at my grandma's. We go to the store, drive around back give them the keys. Eric says to do just the basic oil change and to put the high mileage stuff in. They tell us it's going to take 3 HOURS! Well I wanted to leave but Eric really wanted to get it done for my mom so we waited, and waited and waited. When it was finally finished we go to pay. They charged us $52! They did the whole shabang, not the basic change. We both were mad and both tried to argue with them but the lady was so rude. So, Eric goes to pay and she looks up at me and says, "Next time tell him to change his own oil!" Are you kidding me?! Well, needless to say, they won't be getting our business any longer. Eric always changes our oil here at home. We simply needed a service provided that time. Neither of us asked for attitude.

So, if you're going to work in customer service, service the customer without attitude. Without being rude and hateful. Do your JOB, what you're paid for.

My baby is 7 months old today. He's grown so much and I just can't believe that 7 months has passed already. I don't know where the time goes. He's already so independent, he wants to do everything himself and he's such a busy-body. Into everything he can get his hands on. He's laid back most of the time and everybody we come across says, "wow, what a good baby!" He's so handsome and I swear is a spitting image of his daddy. He's been the biggest blessing through the worst time of my life. I pray everyday that I am the mom that he needs me to be. The one who makes him feel better when he's hurt. The one who teaches him right and wrong and how to be a decent human being who grows up to be a productive member of society. The one who teaches him about Jesus and how to serve the Lord. He is the most wonderful baby and his daddy and I couldn't be more proud of him.

I remembered, so here are the pictures. I do have to say that I didn't take all that many pictures for two reasons: 1. I didn't feel like it 2. My camera lens is acting up

Graduation ceremony

Reunited and it feels so good

The Space Needle, it really is a beautiful sight
A family photo at the Space Needle
My sister, she almost blended with this building
This is at home, but he's such a big boy in his high chair Ryan is also starting to crawl, where in the world did the time go?!

It's late and I'm still very tired, but we just got our internet back working this evening so thankfully I've been able to get on here and catch up a little (very little, but still).

We made it back from our trip safely. It was definitely not a smooth trip and I wouldn't recommend flying with an infant to anybody. I mean, it's shorter than driving, but that's about the only pro I can think of at the moment. Ryan did ok, he slept that majority of the time but hauling all his stuff (to include a stroller that he refused to ride in) all over creation was taxing. Not to mention, my sister's afraid to fly. Our plane was delayed. By the time we got there I was so tired I went to the wrong rental car counter. We got lost. Ryan would not sleep when we finally got the hotel (I got 3 hrs that night). The next morning was ok, we went to the graduation and got Eric (YAY!). Our flight out wasn't until 11:30 p.m. so we went to Seattle and piddled around. We went to the space needle (I'll post pictures later, if I can remember). It's very pretty there. Well from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. is a long time to piddle and Seattle is expensive, so we went to the airport at 6:30. From 6:30 to 11:30 in an airport is an even longer time. It's even longer when the plane is delayed until 12:30. It's even longer when your sister complains about sitting in the airport for that long and it's even longer when she goes to look at magazines and ends up calling you telling you she accidentally left the secured part and can't get in until you bring her boarding pass and you get mad at her lol.

When we boarded the plane a guy comes running back and about knocks Ryan out of Eric's arms so he can get to the bathroom to throw up (he's drunk). Then the guy across the isle from us throws up all over himself. At least the first guy had the decency to go to the bathroom. Geez. So, the flight attendants put coffee on it (surprisingly it did work a little) and made him use his blanket to cover it. Oh how lovely. I really think they should have kicked them off the plane but what do I know?

We made it home safely though and Ryan only woke up once on the flight to Dallas. A long long long trip, but we're home and back together. I'm so glad. I'm still resting up from a long month but at least I'm getting to rest. It's so nice to have him home. It's so nice to be back together and to see my two handsomes interact together. I love it, it's the way it's supposed to be.

Looking on the bright side

Since I haven't necessarily been doing this I thought I'd dedicate this post to things that are on the bright side of my life:

I just LOVE the song "In Color" by Jamey Johnson. It's wonderful. If you haven't heard it you should check it out at cmt.com. I'm just sayin' lol.

7 days til we see Eric :)

We had my mom a surprise party last Thursday. I made her a homemade cake, my first one. It turned out pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. (By the way, my baby boy hates the little birthday blower things, they scare him in a big way lol.)

Ryan's naps have been lasting longer the past couple days, giving me a little more time to rest.

I tried on pants Saturday, my size doesn't fit me, I had to get a SMALLER size! YAY!

I've lost 7 lbs since Eric left. (Stress, it does a body good dun dun dun lol.)

I actually have a couple free minutes tonight. Ryan went to bed a little early and I was able to get a shower and fix my hair (which, by the way, I love having to take a shower and fix my hair at 9 p.m. so that in the morning it's all screwed up again). Ryan's 6 month appt is tomorrow. I'm very curious to find out how much my little guy is weighing these days and how long he is. He's already as tall as my brother's SIL's baby who is 6 weeks older than him and taller than my friend's baby who is 2 months older. His daddy is fairly tall though and there's tall genes on both sides of the family (Eric had a great uncle that was 7 ft). My dad was 6'2" and so the potential is there. I can't believe how quickly he's developing either. He is starting to scoot himself, he sits like a champ and today I was playing with him on the floor and he used my leg and pulled himself to his feet.



I'm so irritated. You would think that technology today would be a little more durable, but no. We were leaving my mom's this morning and I was carrying out the camcorder/camera bag. Well it wasn't closed, they fell out. I get home and find that the camcorder deleted everything off the disc that's in there. I had recorded everything Ryan's been doing since Eric left on there. I had also recorded Eric reading a bedtime story to Ryan that I've been playing for him. All gone now. It's so frustrating. However, since I can't do anything about it, I've been re-recording the things for Eric. Here's Ryan's 6 month picture and a picture of Ryan with his Uncle Matt.

I went into a Christian everything store yesterday with my sister to pick out my mom a birthday present (her birthday is the 31st) and the lady in there is the nicest lady I've ever met. I've known her forever and she used to work with my brother and adores him. I had Ryan and she held him while we looked around just adoring him. She told him he could stay and couldn't believe how laid back he was. Anyways, when we got up to the register she asked how my mom was doing and whatnot and then asked if Ryan had an uncle to spoil him. It breaks my heart cause you know most people ask if they have a grandpa to do the spoiling but she knew so rephrased the question. I sure miss my daddy. Well I guess I can quit rambling now. Keep a girl from the computer long enough and this is what happens lol. Sorry if I bored you.

Well I have to make this fast. Ryan's down for a nap and his naps don't last long, usually 15 mins tops and I've already spent about 10 of them. I'm tired, exhausted actually. We have 17 days left til we see Eric again. My sister, Ryan and I are going to fly out and see him graduate. I'm excited/nervous. I don't know about flying with a baby but it'll be ok. We've spent some time with my family but came home today. I don't want to get on their nerves ya know? Of course my mom just can't get enough of her little baby boy. He's getting so big. He'll be 6 months this coming week. Where has it gone? Well, speaking of the little guy, he's up. So, I'm off.

Sleep, please give me some sleep!

A lady I used to work with always quoted this verse when I was having a bad day: "This too shall pass". I've been saying that a lot this past week lol. One week down, 4 to go.

Eric's gone. He left yesterday morning. Ryan is already keeping me occupied. Although time's going by extremely slow. It's only been a day but it feels like a month already lol. Oh geez. Sometimes the life of a military wife just isn't all it's cracked up to be. That's alright though, Eric's definitely worth it :) I was planning on going to my mom's house but Ryan's in a terrible mood today (thank God for naps) so figured it best to stay home and deal with it here instead of there. With Eric gone the house is so super quiet. I'm kinda worried that Ryan will get scared of people lol. Of course I take him around people but at the house there's nobody but him and me. I taped Eric reading a bedtime story to Ryan so that I can play it for him so he doesn't forget his voice. Last night he woke up and wouldn't go back to sleep so I played it for him and his eyes got really wide and he smiled real big and started looking around for his daddy. It was so cute. He loves his daddy. Boy do I hope this time goes quickly.

Today is also six months since my daddy passed away. Half a year without the strongest most wonderful man I've ever met. Just doesn't seem possible. I don't want it to be possible. I still find myself waiting on him to come back or looking for him every time we go to mom's. I miss him terribly.

Eric, my sister, her bf, brother, sil and I went to the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert on the 4th. It was awesome. I sure wish my dad would have been able to be there with us. He seen the originals 3 times when he was younger. Afterwards they had the most beautiful fireworks display I've ever seen. It was awesome. I'm definitely glad that we were able to go and that my wonderful mom offered to babysit for us so that we could. I'm very thankful for my family. My sister and mom left this morning. Eric, Ryan and I have 2 more full days together before he leaves for a month. I'm not looking forward to this, not one little bit.

And just because I'm in love with this little boy...

Please keep my brother and sister-in-law in your prayers. She lost the baby this morning.

I'm gonna be an Aunt! My brother and sister-in-law announced yesterday that they are expecting their first baby. They just found out yesterday too. My brother asked if he could wake Ryan up but before I could answer he woke up anyways. So Matt took him outside and then next thing I know they're walking through the front door with Ryan holding pink and blue balloons with "gonna be a cousin" written on them lol. She went today and they said her expected due date is March 6. I'm very happy for them. Eric's brother has 2 daughters, but they live in Alaska and I've never met them. So this will be my first real nephew or niece. Funny thing is, we weren't even going to come down this weekend. Things beyond our control made us come, good timing I guess lol.

On another note, my baby is 5 months old now. Where does it go? I don't understand. I blink and he's doing something new. I turn around and he's grown another inch. Geez. My brother told me "call me when he does something real" lol. I told him after they found out that I wouldn't tell him that when his baby starts reaching out or sitting up or giving kisses, but I think I will lol.

My baby boy started reaching his arms out for me yesterday. I was going to get him out of his walker and he held his arms up for me. Oh, so cute!!!! I love watching him grow. I love seeing him develop and learn new things every day. I adore his beautiful blue eyes, and his flirty little smile. I love him!

Eric has to leave in a couple weeks for a month. I'm really not looking forward to that. My mom and sister came down this last weekend. They're coming back for the weekend of the 4th. We're going to the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert!!!!!! Wooo Hooo, I'm so excited! I really love 70's Southern Rock. Now, I know it's cause my dad loved it, that's all we listened to growing up. Well, job well done Dad, we all love it! lol.

I can't believe that my beautiful baby boy is getting so big so fast. He'll be 5 months old at the end of next week, where has the time gone? It's amazing how fast they grow. He's starting to sit up by himself now, I'm so proud of him! He's the apple of my eye, if you can't tell lol.

I love my husband, he's such a wonderful husband and daddy. I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my life with. I thank God for him each and every day. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He's such a hard worker, so loving, caring, and understanding. I have say I'm not the easiest person in the whole world to live with sometimes, but he just takes me in his arms and tells me he loves me. Seeing him with Ryan just melts my heart. He told me the other day, "I never thought I could love another guy this much" lol. Ryan is already his right-hand little man and I LOVE seeing that. I pray that I'm as good a wife and mommy as he is husband and daddy. I hope he has a wonderful Father's Day and knows how much we appreciate everything he does for us, both those that are expected and those that are above and beyond. WE LOVE YOU!!!!



On another note, this is the first Father's Day without my daddy. He was everything that I just mentioned Eric is too. They were two peas-in-a-pod. Eric called my dad dad, my dad called him son. Dad wanted to take Eric fishing so much, but sadly he never was up to going, so I know Dad's up in Heaven waiting at the fishin' hole for Eric. I miss him more each day it seems but life requires that you keep your nose to the grindstone. Ryan keeps me very busy, thankfully. I miss Dad with all my heart and I am SO VERY thankful that I had him for 24 years. I'm thankful that I got to spend the time that Eric had to be gone with him. I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories that I have of him and for all the stories I have to tell. I wouldn't be who I am if I hadn't had my dad in my life and I thank God that He gave me to him for the time he was here. So for those who still have their daddy's I would encourage you to call them or go see them and tell them exactly how much they mean to you. I sure wish I could.

I'm tired, I need a nap. I miss my dad. For some reason my sister-in-law thinks that we all need to know when they are going to try for their kids. Just in case any of you are curious it's 23 days now. What is that?! I don't get it. I don't want to get it. I want her to realize that my sister and I are his sisters and that my mom is his mom and we don't need to know that info. It's strange and more than a little disturbing. People.

We bought a little 2 ft pool today so we could swim with Ryan. He loved it! I bought him a pair of swim trunks, so cute!

I had to put a hat on his head so he wouldn't get burned. He's just maxin' and relaxin'. He was so laid back, he loves the water, YAY! He loves the outside, which is wonderful. Sometimes he starts getting fussy and if we take him outside he calms down lol. Silly boy.
His daddy couldn't be more proud. He's in love with his little boy.
He laughed for the first time the other day. He's been giggling but he laughed and it was the cutest thing in the world. Yesterday's tummy time he scooted himself some. Definite progress. He's even seeming to enjoy it a little.

My baby will be four months old tomorrow, where has the time gone? I really can't believe it. His four month appt is Friday. He's grown so much. He's giggling a lot these days. He rolls over on the couch, he's even laying on his belly more these days without yelling right away (well, it really depends on the moment, but sometimes he does and I consider that progress). He's talking so much these days and my mom just loves to hear him over the phone while we're talking. She's in love. Me too. (His pajama's got stuck on his head when I was changing him lol)

Please keep my brother in your prayers. He has been looking for a job and things just keep falling through for him, poor guy. He's really getting down about the situation. He put in an application for the department of corrections so hopefully he'll hear from them. I REALLY hope he hears from them so he can stay out of the oil field. I HATE the oil field with a passion, that's where my dad got hurt. I don't want to see my brother in that field any longer. He didn't want to put his app in at the DOC but told my mom he felt that's what the Lord wanted him to do, so hopefully he'll hear from them soon. Otherwise he's going back. My mom and sister are supposed to go to Wyoming with my grandma, aunt and uncle to visit family. They were going up to my grandma's today but turned around cause it was hailing. Hopefully the storms will ease up so they can have a safe trip there and back. With all the tornadoes we've been having I sure hate to see them set out. Please keep them in your prayers too, I would appreciate it.

My sister's junior prom was Friday. She looked so beautiful. Her boyfriend is so funny. He bought a camo tux to wear. My sister was fine with that, and they looked so cute together. I just love her boyfriend. He's so good to her, I told her if she ends up not staying with him I feel sorry for her next bf cause we all just love him. Last year he borrowed a 69 Mustang to take her in. This year he got a 08 Crossfire. He's so handy. He either has anything you need or knows where to get it lol. Anyways, they went out to eat and then came back so my brother could see her and we could take pictures as a family and it was sad cause she hugged my brother and started crying cause she was missing dad. I felt so bad for her. It was so funny though cause my mom planted a sweet potato under a tree and while we were taking pictures my sister's heels sank into the ground and when she pulled it out the potato was stuck on there lol. They went to the prom and after prom and had a good time though so I'm glad for that.

The next day we went to my grandma's house and we helped her move. Well, I didn't really get to help cause I had to take care of Ryan but Eric and my brother helped and they got everything moved from one town to the next and unloaded.

Sunday my mom kept Ryan for a couple hours (the longest I've ever left him and I was so ready to get back lol) while Eric, my brother, sister, sister-in-law, and I went to the river. We had a good time. We played baseball with imaginary runners lol.

Yesterday was my 25th birthday. It was a wonderful day. Eric and Ryan went and got me breakfast and then they gave me my presents. We went and had a picnic at the park for lunch. Eric made me a cake (the first cake he ever made and was so delicious) and for dinner they took me out to a steakhouse and bought me a rib eye (so good). We bought the game Risk and we spent the evening playing that. By the way, I kicked hiney in a big way! It was a wonderful birthday. Yes, that's my natural curl. I just don't wear it like that very often at all (it's such a pain in the rear).

Now it's back to work on the house. I do believe Eric and I are insane for starting to paint the whole house with a 3 month old.

Well, no luck so far with tummy time, but that's ok. My mom is officially a college graduate! She graduated and then we had her bbq afterwards. She enjoyed herself and we all had a good time together. I'm so proud of her!

On Friday Ryan giggled for the first time! It was so cute and it was for me, which made it all the better. Eric had ran to the store so he missed it, but got to hear it the next day. It just made my day.

We are painting all the rooms in our house (minus Ryan's room, since we did that before he was born). We painted the livingroom yesterday and today and it looks so good. I love it! We now have 3 rooms left. I'll post pictures when it's completely done.