play time!

Nathaniel and I met some friends at the soft play area at the mall yesterday. He had a great time! But, because he was constantly on the move, most of my pictures came out blurry. Here are a few. The second is blurry, and his eyes are half closed, but he is WALKING! We are really trying to make an effort to make connections with the people God is putting in our path... More on that later... Nathaniel just fell asleep for his nap, and it's time for me to get ready for my first date in 4 months! (ok, 3 and a half months, but who's counting?!)! :)

there's nothing like...

...a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup! (yes, Mom, that's my baby bowl!)

And, he's off!

Yes, Nathaniel is walking! It finally happened on Saturday. Instead of 3 steps here or 5 steps there, he took a full stroll across the living room, twice! He still crawls to get to something quickly, but is certainly enjoying his new talent - and so are we. What a joy he is! We started MOPS today, and he had a wonderful time! When I picked him up, the worker told me what a sweet baby he is and that he was one of the only ones not to fuss at all. What a blessing; we usually here the same thing when we pick him up from the nursery. The Lord has given him such a wonderful disposition and an absolute love for people. It is awesome to see that in him already. I wonder how the Lord will use these wonderful gifts...
As a family, we are doing well. Brian's job is still enjoyable, and challenging, for him. And so is mine! :) I have to admit that I am a little envious of those of you who have mentioned (on blog, facebook or email) about your lovely fall weather...it's still in the low 90's here. However, I think our time is coming...60 degrees in December is sounding nice! (Visitors welcome!) We continue to get to know our neighbors, and are getting involved in our church. Looking forward to feeling like it's "familiar" here...that place in between "new" and "home." I'll post a few pictures before signing off. Need to do a few more things during nap time! Thanks for stopping by!

I love my family!

Air guitar with a soda bottle!

Already a Starbucks lover! (ha - it's just water!)

So sleepy after an afternoon at the mall!

Nathaniel asked for this hat (which was sitting on the counter) during lunch today (yes, by saying "hat!") and was SO happy when I obliged him!

No, he's not walking...

Nathaniel isn't walking on his own yet. He still needs to hold on to a hand to go any distance but, if he isn't too frustrated at the time, he will take a few small steps to get to who or what he wants. But it's what he IS doing that is amazing me!

-He is blowing into (and sucking out of) his harmonica!

-He is eating anything we offer him (including stuffed peppers, lemons, etc, etc)

-He is repeating almost anything we ask him to (wow, does he say "clock" clearly!) and saying all sorts of words on his own (baby, bye, Dada, MAMA!!!, out, car, pretty, banana (it only comes out "baaa" but it's the same every time), duck (again, only comes out "du")

-He is showing us his muscles (so, so, so stinking cute!)

-He is raising his arms in the air when we say "Praise the Lord!"

-He is showing us where his head is

-He is trying to sing along to any song he hears and definitely dances any chance he gets

-He is continuing to talk with anyone and everyone who will take the time to talk back (and, often, even those who don't! )

-He is holding both of his toy phones to his ear and trying to talk!

Hmm...I know there is more, but that's what comes to mind. He is simply amazing and I love him, love him, love him!

forget it...

There are so many thoughts running through my mind right now - on everything from mothering to mentoring to cooking (I used a pressure cooker for the first time last night without my mother's help!) to how to write an effecient grocery shopping list. However, I just had unexpected company for lunch and a little one about to wake up. We really need to make it to the grocery store this afternoon...so...I'll keep this brief. (That seems to be a trend...I really WILL post something more than pictures soon!) Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

So cool!

Nathaniel didn't want to cooperate for a family pic, but I could resist! this is the Savannah airport parking garage! Yes, everything is just lovely here!

Grammy arrived at the airport armed with suckers!

1!

Today, our little miracle, Nathaniel Martin, turned 1! Wow, my eyes are filling with tears (again) as I consider what to words to type. I am so very thankful that the Lord made me a Mama, and made Brian "Dada" (a word we hear often!) - and He used Nathaniel to do it. I am absolutely crazy about this little boy. He has captured the place in my heart that was especially designed for him. I keep typing, erasing, rewording...and disturbing the wonderful man trying to fall asleep next to me. So, for now, I will just post a few pictures from the last few days. Sunday evening, we celebrated with my Mom, Brian's Aunt Judy and cousin Jamelle who live in Savannah, and our friends, the Whitemans. We had a neighborhood outdoor party planned with the neighbor kids tonight, but the rain won out, so we are hoping to do it tomorrow. Instead, we ordered pizza, the ever-popular kid-friendly birthday meal, and opened a few more gifts. Nathaniel has been blessed with a multitude of wonderful gifts...but, for the last 2 days, the balloons have been the main attraction! As you read this and looks at the pics, please pray God's blessing on Nathaniel's 2nd year. THANKS so much! (We miss you, Papa, Grandma, Uncle, Chilly, Aunt Netta, Riley, Courtney, Zoe, Max, Chase, Aunt Nini, Uncle Chris, Aunt Carol, Uncle Vic & Annalyn!)

oh, that smile!

These aren't great pictures (especially were half of Nathaniel's head didn't make the picture!), but his smile is priceless!