September 2008

by: Aunt Cathy

Cara is starting to "talk" and smile more. She favors her daddy so much. I pray that she is just like him...loving, humble, and good. Adam is the champion big brother. He is starting to notice Cara more, and truly show affection towards her. He is super careful (a phrase we repeat often.) He loves checking on sissy when she is crying and he gives her the best spontaneous hugs.

My grandparents came down from Tahlequah, Oklahoma to celebrate my 28th birthday. It is always so great to see them. We don't get to near as often as we or they would like. Their visit was present enough...but my grandfather brought a swing that he actually made for me. I've always loved the swing that has hung on their front porch. And him, always paying attention to detail, thought it would be special to BUILD his favorite granddaughter a replica. We love it and swing in it almost everyday (we decided to hang it in the oak tree). Hopefully we'll post some pictures of us in action soon. Mom made sure my birthday party was special as well. She too always attends to detail. She had all my favorite things. Thanks everyone!

We also got to spend some time at the lake in September. John and Sherry have moved to Brownwood, so Labor Day weekend we headed down. Grammy took Adam swimming, which he loved, and took us all out on the boat. It's exciting to see Adam enjoy all the water sports that his parents enjoy. Jesse is the slalom King. We always have fun sitting around, laughing, and watching John cook. Cathy and Robby hosted us, and we are always grateful for them and their home. Cathy painted Cara the most beautiful picture and lamp. It looks great and will be special to her forever.

August 2008

August

August was Adam's 2nd birthday. We had a party at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Burgers and Elmo cake were on the menu. We should have hid the cake, because Adam would have nothing to do with dinner. I think he got a finger or two in the cake before we actually ate any. Adam recieved golf clubs, baseball gear (from Grandpa), curious george dvds, and Elmo everything. Aunt Tygre and Uncle Tod came and brought him an Elmo/Cookie Monster wiggle toy. He was a bit fearful of crazy wiggle Elmo(and so was mommy), but he loves rolling it now. Cara slept and smiled quietly while Adam had his big day!

Cara and Adam both had doctors appointments the end of August. They are both doing well and developing right on schedule- if not a little ahead. They are both so smart. Adam had to get several shots, but he was super brave (especially with a strawberry sucker). Mommy hates shots, but I know they are the right choice for us. Their tears were short lived and mine were a bit longer.

We are praying that we'll enjoy every moment and make it through the tough sleepless nights. They grow too fast...

Time really does fly by...

July 2008

Cara's First Month

First family picture

I loved the bow!

Too Cute!

What a pair!

Grandpa loves his Cara!

Cara's 1st Month

Greetings! Cara Ann was born on June 23, 2008. She weighed in at a perfect 7 lbs 8 oz. What a blessing she's been from the very beginning! Some of Cara's favorite things to do were cuddle under mommy's arm and EAT! She also liked sleeping on her belly...so this made mommy nervous knowing that experts recommend laying infants on their backs to sleep. But we made the choice to monitor her closely as she snoozed tummy side down. Mom, Dad, and big brother Adam could not be more proud of her. She is well on her way to becoming the most beautiful person- inside and out! Hopefully this will be a place for family and friends, who might not get to see Adam and Cara as much as they would like, to see updated news and pictures of our clan.

The first month Cara was home we spent a lot of time learning how to organize and manage having two kids! Adam did really well. He didn't pay Cara much attention, but was just glad to have dad home. Jesse did a lot of playing with Adam. They went swimming almost every day. Mom and Cara did what they do best...cuddle and eat! We learned quickly how thankful we are for each other. Single parenting must be the hardest job on earth.

Thankfully, we had tons of visitors. And they usually came bearing gifts of food for mommy and daddy. I think we had meals provided for us for at least two weeks. What a blessing our friends were. Also, Grandma and Grandpa, were always willing to lend a hand, so mommy and daddy could get some much needed rest. Cara was still waking up every two hours in the night, which made for 'zombie' days for the first two weeks. Grammy and JoJo(Sherry's mother) came and stayed as well, giving more support and love. Adam fell in love with JoJo and sadly she went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2008. He still asks to see JoJo..."someday" we tell him.