Lake Guntersville

This weekend we went to Lake Guntersville with Darren’s family to celebrate Will’s birthday.  The trip started off a little rough since it took us four hours to get there and we thought it would only take a little over three.  We had to turn around several times on the way there and then when finding the actual campground.  We stayed in a rental “cabin” at the campground.  It was really nice and we had a great time.  Saturday Darren and I got up and ran (6Mi and 10Mi respectively).  I thought I might die because it was so humid and muggy.  Luckily my sweet husband and brother-in-law brought me some PowerAde.  After I recovered and James Darren woke up from his nap we went to the pool.  It was overcast and a little cool but the kids had a great time.  I left my camera in the cabin but here are a few pictures Shannon took with her phone. 

James Darren climbed out of the pool, I think he was a little  cool.

After the pool we went back to the cabin and got ready for Will’s party!  (We won’t mention the game that afternoon).  Will had a great 16^th birthday party with lots of family to celebrate with.  The party was a “Wrasslin” theme, of course. 

Gia taking some photos for us

Playing with Gia, Kesha, and Carson

Will opening all his birthday gifts

 Some of the kids went back to the pool but it was too cold for James Darren so he stayed in the cabin with Grammy and Poppy. Darren and I went and played a round of Putt-putt. I won.  We had a great time and enjoyed walking and spending time just the two of us, Thanks Grammy and Poppy.  After all the kids went home and to bed the adults all hung out on the patio of the cabin and had a great night. 

A few pics from around the campground

Sunday morning we went to the park for a while before we had to pack up to head out.  We had a great time and will definitely be staying there again. 

He loves to swing

Playing the drums

Daddy going down the slide

He was a little unsure about the slide

9 Months

I cannot believe our baby is 9 months old!  So much so that I first titled this blog 8 months, oops! He is such a joy and we are so blessed to have him.  It is so wonderful to watch him grow and change every day.  With each passing day he looks more and more like a boy and less like a baby.  At times it makes me sad but I am so excited to see what will come next and so happy to have such a perfect healthy baby boy! 

This Month…

-          Learned to crawl – and crawl everywhere.  Including up the stairs from the den. 

-          Trying new foods (at least in the whole fashion vs. baby food) bananas, bread, watermelon(which he loves!)

-          Pulling up – James Darren pulls up on anything and everything that will be still long enough  including but not limited to your legs, the highchair, the couch, the footstool, the side of the bathtub, EVERYTHING. 

-          He is beginning to understand when you tell him something – If you tell him no he will stop at least momentarily, however this is usually followed by cries.  “How dare I take away an electrical cord, it is the best toy ever!” Anyway…

-          We are still working on the sippy cup but I think he is doing better. 

-          Sleeping from 8ish-6ish and takes 2 naps a day each about 1 ½ - 3 hours

-          Has 3 x 6 oz bottles a day, 4 containers of baby food, 2 bowls of cereal and a number of puffs. 

-          James Darren still loves running with me which makes me very happy!  We run a few times a week.  Last week we did 6 miles that is our longest run so far J

We have new changes coming to our lives in the next few weeks!  James Darren is going to start Preschool on September 4^th.  We are so excited that he will be going to a wonderful school and get to play with his good friend Kate.  Prayers that the transition goes well are appreciated. 

Such a sweet boy!  I love that face!

Petting the snake Pops caught in his Bird House.

He has decided he likes to lay in the bathtub.  

"Dada, Dada, Dada"

Photos!!!

Here are a few pictures of James Darren this week.  

Enjoying some splashing on the front porch.

Pooped after our 6 mile run! (Mommy too!)

This is how Darren "fixes" James Darren's hair after every bath,  it drives me crazy!

"Let me out, please" 

A Perfect Saturday

Running, napping, movies, and grilling!!! 

4.5 Miles

14 Miles

Post run, James Darren was sound asleep

Strawberry Popsicle? - Umm I'm not sure

8 Months

Wow, I cannot believe James Darren is 8 months old!  In some ways it seems like just yesterday we were heading to the hospital in the middle of the night.  In other ways it seems like he has always been there, always been part of our family.  Darren and I are having so much fun being his Mommy and Daddy!  James Darren is growing and changing so much every day.  We love to watch him grow and discover the world! 

-          Loves to talk and “sing” – sometimes he will get really excited and go on for several minutes just talking away, he especially likes to do this when we are in restaurants. 

-          He is not crawling yet, when he tries to call he moves a little bit and then just rolls over.

-          Loves his walker and can get just about anywhere he wants.  When he is in his walker you must wear shoes because he will run right over your feet! 

-          He likes to stand and hold onto the couch and play with his toys (and remotes) on the couch. 

-          Takes 3 6oz bottles a day

-          Eats puffs and cheerios

-          Eats “solids” twice a day which consist of cereal and 2 containers of baby food (each time)

-          Loves fruit – especially when you give him little bites of fresh fruit

-          He loves bath time especially now that we are bathing him in the tub

-          Loves to swing outside

-          Doesn’t care too much for  having his diaper or clothes changed

We love this sweet boy and are so happy and blessed to have him in our family!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4^th of July!  We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday!  We had a wonderful relaxing day.  We got to enjoy some great fellowship with our friends and family!  Here are a few pictures from the 4th and  a few random pictures of James Darren recently. 

Happy 4th!! James Darren's shirt has a puppy holding a flag but he is covering it with his hand, oh well at least we are all smiling.  

That's about as creative as I get - haha

Playing under the kitchen table 

He loves bath time!