And he's off!

Well, I am ready to admit - after much denial - that my baby is no longer such a baby.

(When you put him down, leave the room, turn around and he's behind you again? Yea, it's time to just admit it...)

Graham crawls.

And yesterday Jared was laying on the floor, Graham crawled over to him and STOOD UP using Daddy's tummy as support. And then LET GO and balanced for a few seconds.


Who is this big kid and where did my baby go?!

Eight. Eight. Eight.

Maybe if I keep saying it over and over again, I will finally be able to wrap my head around the fact that my itty bitty baby is now EIGHT months old.

And crawling.

And waving.

And chewing and eating like a toddler.

And sleeping through almost every night.

And SMART. His latest trick is to let out a high-pitched blood curdling scream as if he is stuck or hurt, wait for you to come running or even just look over at him, and then smile. Neener neener. Made ya look. The boy is clever. And very very noisy.

Eight Months Old!
(And always happy in the mornings.)

Trouble.

Look at this beautiful boy! Oh my, how I love this crazy kid.

God's Gift

Last Sunday was the Baby Dedication ceremony at church for Graham. We've dedicated all the boys so far and each time has been really meaningful for us. But this time, now our pastor just so happens to also be our brother! So that surely made Graham's dedication even more special for us.

There were three other babies from church that also participated in the ceremony - including Graham's very own brand new cousin, Miriam - and everything went so well. Graham didn't mind being held by Uncle Kevin at all, and it was so nice to once again be surrounded by our loving church and family as we thanked God for these beautiful gifts he has given us all and promised to raise them to know Him.

After church we had a big extended family lunch at Jared's parents house and then lots of fun outside, just enjoying the beautiful weather and the happy company.

It was truly just a lovely day and we were so glad to celebrate and give thanks for all the incredible, healthy children we have been blessed with in our family.

The ceremony

Uncle Pastor Kevin dedicating Graham

Praying with our families

Snuggling with his Mimi after the service

Family photo to help us remember this special day. And Holden - not participating.

Showing off the fancy dessert: Double Chocolate Raspberry Pavlouva

And now for some fresh air and sunshine!

He's off!

Baseball season

Catch with Bridger

And now Holden's turn

But it's way more fun to wear the glove as a hat

Catching some rays with the cousins

Bridger, Aunt Shanti, and Hannah's "Tiny Baby"

Grandpa's awesome.

And Aunt Shanti's turn to give the wagon ride

Practicing his crawling

Holden and Grandma, having a chat

And Graham, just sitting in the sun with Mom

And one more spin around the yard with Uncle Tyler!

The "men" - trying to fix the wheel

"Walking" with Grandpa

Or-ne-ry.

Happy boy

Sitting so big on his special day

Beautiful little stinker ♥

Because he lives.

Three days before Easter, Jared's aunt Karen finally lost her battle with cancer.

For over 3 years, she fought with dignity, strength, and grace completely beyond my comprehension.

She was a beautiful, amazing woman and she had an incredible, gracious heart.

We are all forever blessed for having had her in our lives. And we will always miss her quiet, loving smile.



And with her loss weighing heavy on our hearts, Easter was especially meaningful this year for our family. Or at least it was for me.

Dwelling so much recently on the whole concept of mortality and the fact that we each have only a very finite amount of time to be here... Well, the words of the hymns and the sermon surely were more comforting and meaningful to me this year - and I leaned fully on them to support my faith and help heal the pain in my heart.

When you're right in the thick of losing a loved one, I think it's sometimes really hard to focus on the good - on the incredible gift that awaits us - and to remember that this life is just a stepping stone. So when I was looking for comfort with this, I came across this verse:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him."
1 Corinthians 2:9b

I know there's a heaven.

And I know Karen's there, filled with joy, in the very presence of God.

And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

And now, some photos of my beautiful boys on Easter. Because I am blessed and life is good.♥

Easter Baskets

8am and already sneakin' candy

Playing with their new little toys. These boys love Disney Cars.

And Graham got a basket, too!

Helping Graham look through his goodies.

He found the Easter grass....

... and had to give it a taste. Of course.

Looking at their Peeps.

And now whacking each other with them.

Sigh.

Easter boys :)

Shaving with Daddy before church.

And I'm just surrounded by handsome guys.

The boys in their Easter clothes

♥ ♥ ♥

A kiss for Graham!

There are no words for how much I love these boys.

And here is a photo I like to call, "Noisy Trouble." Oh boy.

Sweet Graham sitting with Grandma's eggs

Oh fun!

Beautiful little boy

Thieves, I tell you. For they completely stole my heart.