Life In Fast Forward

Since the birth (okay really the conception) of our second child Aubrie, life has gotten so busy. It feels these days that life is in fast forward. I guess a good example of that would be the fact that I haven’t posted on this blog since July. Soooooo much has happened since then. I was hospitalized for pre -term contractions, placed on bed rest, went off of bed rest and had our daughter Aubrie Raelene Smith on 09-09-09 (cool birthday, huh!). Aubrie is now a little over two months so she is sleeping a six hour stretch most nights, and for that I am thankful! But even with that extra sleep I feel so tired these days and most of the time just feel like I run around crazily and get nothing done. I know I sound so melancholy but truthfully I wouldn’t give up all this craziness for anything. For several reasons really… not the least of is that I love and adore my children. But it is more than that, it is not just their laughter and smiles that keep me going (because trust me there are several days when those are not ample) but it is God’s sustaining grace. He is using my children to purge out my selfishness and make me more into his image. Everyday He uses life’s trials and chaotic messes to teach me patience, love, peace and perseverance. It is ironic because as I teach my children these things, God is using them to teach me. So praise be to God for his grace to continue on when things get hard and for granting me with two precious children. I certainly do not deserve God’s grace nor the two lives’s that he has entrusted to my care, but I am grateful that I, along with my husband get to shepherd them.

Like A Weed

Our little man is about 9 1/2 months old now and he continues to grow like a weed. Every day it seems he is learning and changing. It looks like he is cutting 5 teeth right now, four on top and one on the bottom. He loves to crawl and pull himself up on anything and EVERYTHING!! We are so excited because the last few days he has been sleeping better, as in at least eight hours straight. Ahhhhhh, sleep, it's a beautiful thing. ;-) I took a couple (okay more than a couple) of pictures today in one of his cutest outfits because it is more than likely the last time he will be able to wear it... did I mention he is growing? :) Hope you enjoy.

A Blessed Woman

I just thought I would take a few moments to brag on my husband. I am truly a blessed woman!! Today I went to my routine ob appointment for my pregnancy and my Doctor said that my cerclage is still iron clad but that my cervix is thinning about 50%. He didn't sound too alarmed but wants me decrease my activities a little since I have an incompetent cervix. When I told Warren, his initial and really ONLY sentiment was for my safety and that of little Aubrie's. He immediately began to consider ways that he could take on more tasks to simplify my load. All of this from a man who already works full time and does duties at the church so that I can stay home with Caleb. As a matter of fact, as I write this post he is working diligently on the church getting it prepped for tomorrow's service. I am so thankful for you Babe and all that you do to enrich my life and our children too. You are truly an example to me and to others of what a Godly, hardworking man should look like. Thank you for working so hard for the family!! We love and appreciate you.

9 Months and Counting

All tuckered out after church on Sunday. He is taking his Bapti-Nap. :)

Playing with Alexa Porter at the Metro Mall play area.

I can not believe it! Caleb had his 9 month check up last week. He is growing so quickly... just in time to be a big brother. :) His current stats are:

He weighs: 18 pounds 8 ounces (25% for his age)

He is in the 60th percentile for his height

He loves to crawl at mock speed and pull himself up on anything and everything. He is very exploratory and enjoys being around people.

Swinging At the Park

Last night we strolled around Indian Steele Park enjoying the unseasonably cool weather. While we were there, we put Caleb in the swing. It was his 3rd time swinging, but the first time he REALLY enjoyed it!!!

June Visit to Cottonwood

Caleb, All smiles...

4 generations

Caleb's second time in the pool, loving it!!!

Good times with Daddy!!!

We made our monthly trip up to Cottonwood last Saturday, and had a wonderful day with family. We started off our day at Nana's then visited Grandma and went swimming for Caleb's second time. We then had lunch, went to a Gelato shop and visited the Melton's. It was busy but a lot of fun!! Thanks Nana for taking such good pics of everyone. :)

Swimming with Daddy

On Memorial Day, Warren took Caleb swimming for the first time! It was sooooooo neat to see him experience something new, and he had a really good time. We look forward to him going in the water again soon.

More Food Please

Lately Caleb's palate of food has been expanding. He loves to eat, in fact we can't shovel the food in fast enough. :) This morning, I fed him one of his fav's, Yo Baby yogurt with cereal and fruit in it. Yummmmmmm, just kidding... I tasted it and to be quite honest, it wasn't very appetizing at all, but it did make for a couple cute pictures.

Pictures At The Park

Thanks to one of our good friend's (Shannon Porter) love of photography, we got some really cute pics of Caleb at the park yesterday. They turned out really nice!!! Thank you Shannon. :)

Before The Heat

Last Wed was unseasonably cool so we took advantage of the weather and dressed Caleb up in his cute little sweater and hat. He looks so cute... thanks to auntie Erin for passing down Jackson's outfit to Caleb. :) The pictures are a little fuzzy due to the fact that Warren took them on his cell but they are still cute!

Tummy Time Fun

"Jumperoo" Time

Warren and I made an excellent investment this past weekend, we bought a used Jumperoo from craigslist for a total of $25.00. Caleb absolutely loves it!! We knew he would, he has loved to bounce since he was 2 weeks old. I wanted to include some adorable pics of him in it. Hope you enjoy. :)

Caleb jumping away in his hat that is too small for him....

ahhhhhhhh, he wore himself out... it's a beautiful thing!!!

Bath Time Fun

Just about every night before Caleb goes to bed, either Warren or myself give him a bath. He really enjoys the warm water and just soaking in the bubbles.


After I take a bath I get to wear my cute bear robe....

hey, I look like a boxer!

Mommy and Son

I just wanted to share a pic of Caleb and me taken this past week...

Tummy Time

This weekend we went up north to play in the snow and while we were hanging out in our motel room Caleb was practicing his tummy time moves.

Getting Stronger

One need only look at the following pictures to see that Mr. Caleb is getting stronger by the day... His favorite things are to sit up and to stand (with support of course). We think he may just try and skip crawling and go right to walking, but we will have to wait and see. :)