Fave Foto Friday

Will's grandmother, Nonni and his Aunt Jen Jen brought him a t-shirt from New York. They also brought him some cars from Toys R Us. They brought the new baby a I Love New York onesie. We are so glad they are home.

It's a Zoo out there!

Today was Will's 2nd trip to the Zoo. We loaded up the car and picked up Hayley and Tyler and met our friends at the Nashville Zoo. It was wild. We met Courtney and her crew, Em and Lila, Ashley, Sophie, and her nephew Grayson, and Amanda and Mary Elizabeth. I am not sure who was wilder, our group or the zoo animals. Will loved it. We went last May when he was about 6 months old, so this time he really enjoyed. He loved the monkeys and the fish. He loved making monkey noises and was quick to point out the "blue bird". We had the best time walking around and looking at the animals and Will was a pretty good boy. We had lunch at the Safari Grille and then Will fell asleep. I think he had too much fun!!! We missed our other playgroup friends that were out of town or had other appointments. All in all it was so much fun!!!

Happy Anniversary to Cy and Colby's Mom and Dad! We missed both of you sweet boys at playgroup!

I tawt I saw a puddy tat...or four puddy tats

Well, needless to say it has been another eventful day at the Pilkinton farm. This morning Will and I were playing outside and my grandmother and grandfather came over. My grandfather loves to play outside with Will and they love to feed the dogs and the cat (singular). Well, when they opened the barn door much to their surprise they saw four baby kittens. I guess, somehow, someway, we missed our cat being pregnant! I know what you are thinking because it is the same thoughts running through our minds. I called Jesse to tell him and he was so shocked. We possibly have one of the skinniest cats on the planet. She is so thin that at times she looks sickly, so we are having a hard time believing that we are now the proud owners of four baby kittens. They are super cute and we cannot keep them all. When Jesse got home tonight, we took some pictures and played with them for a little while. So, if you would like a kitten let me know. We think they are around four weeks old.

Will and I also went to Henry Horton State Park with my grandparents for Memorial Day. I know what you are thinking, "wild times"! It was actually super fun. My father is out of town and my mother and sister are in the Big Apple, Jesse was out of town, and I am sure Jesse's siblings and Mom were busy, so we decided to have our own Memorial Day fun. We picked up lunch from Sonic and headed to the park for a makeshift picnic and some fun at the playground. Will had a blast. He loved the slides. He was so tired when we returned home that he took almost a three hour nap.








I also want to take time to thank the men and women who have died for our freedom and for those who fight for it daily. We should not only remember them today, but everyday. Jesse and I have a rich history of men in our family serving in the military. Both of Jesse's grandfathers served in the military and my two grandfather's did too. My uncle, my father's oldes brother fought and lost his life in Vietnam. So, today we are thinking about them and are proud that they served our country. I hope you all had a great day spending time with those that you love. We sure did.

Jesse, Amanda, and Will, and the four kittens

Will's fun weekend

Will loved playing outside this weekend. He is really enjoying the beautiful weather and loves playing in his pool and in the yard. Poppy came over to mow our yard yesterday and Will enjoyed a sitting on the lawn mower and driving. The nurse in me freaks out when I let him do things like that but he really did enjoy it. His Aunt Jen Jen came home this weekend because she is going to New York with my mom for a graduation party. Poppy is also going to China for 3 weeks. We will miss him lots.

Hope you have a great Memorial Day!

Fave Photo Friday

I know the theme of Fave Photo Friday is your favorite photo from this week, but this is a photo of one of my favorite people. We found out tonight that they will allow sponsorships in Nicaragua and Jesse is so excited that we can now sponsor a sweet little girl that he met down there. It was so sweet to see him so excited about being able to give this little girl the gift of going to school and that is why I love him so much!!!

Wordless Wednesday, well almost wordless...

Will had his 18 month check up with Dr. Brooks today! He did pretty good until sweet nurse Eva came at him with two shots, after that he decided he did not like visiting the doctor. Good news! He has gained two pounds in three months. He now weighs 22 lbs and is in the 10th percentile! Yea, we jumped up by 7 percent! We are also in the 5oth percentile for height! I am so glad, I though he was destined to be a shrimp his whole life! Here is a picture of Will at birth and one taken recently. Isn't he a big boy!!!

Weekend Update

Will had a super fun time this weekend. It was his Daddy's 29th (yes, it really was his real 29th) birthday and we had our family and some of our friends over to celebrate. I think Will and Jesse had a blast. Will thought it was his day though! All of his little friends came over and they had so much fun playing in the creek and outside. I think the first party at our new home was a success. Happy Birthday Jesse! I love you so much and I am so thankful that you are a part of my life!

Today Jesse and Will played outside a good portion of the day because I felt a little under the weather. I did manage to venture out to see the freshly cut hay at the back of our house. I thought it would be such a cute photo opportunity. Will has been less than cooperative lately in the picture taking department, so the pics aren't that great. He did have fun though and that is what is important.

Samson, our youngest black lab did have a minor surgery today and is in the hospital overnight, so our older lab, Wilson is missing his buddy. They have spent every night together for three years, so it was kind of sad to see him in the backyard alone tonight. We pick him up tomorrow, so I know it will be a sweet reunion for all.

And one last thought for the day. I had a really proud mommy moment tonight. I know, those happen lots to all of you that have children any age, but this one was really special. Lately, I have really been praying for God to give me wisdom to direct and lead my child to him, for I know that it is only a gift from God that I even have Will in my care. I mean, I am not trying to teach Will anything deep or anything like that, but I have been praying for small ways each day to introduce God into Will's young life. We sing Jesus loves me and we read our little books of Bible stories and we also pray together at night and all the while, I wonder is he grasping any of this??? Tonight, when Jesse was rocking him to sleep and they were praying togther, Jesse said he paused in the prayer, to think about what to say, and Will said, "Amen". HE IS LISTENING!!! Praise God for those small moments that make Mommy's and Daddy's so proud that their heart grows a bigger size. Thank you, Lord for the gift of children.

I know this is a picture heavy post, but I could not resist this series of pictures. Who knew I could love two boys so much at the same time!!!




Happy Monday!
Amanda, Jesse, and Will

Will's Day of Play

Jesse had to go out of town today for some recurrent job training and I had to be at the hospital for a few hours(working), so Will enjoyed spending the day with his grandmother and grandfather at their house. He had such a big day playing outside. I think he practically spent the whole day outdoors. Nonni got a new camera and we enjoyed trying it out on Will. It actually works nicely and I am officially jealous.

We also wanted to send a shout out to DAD/Jesse because tomorrow is his birthday and we won't be with him until tomorrow afternoon. So, you are able to read this at the hotel. Happy Early Birthday! We are so glad that you are in our life and we are very thankful for you!!! Hope you enjoy these pictures of Will as a little early b-day present. See you soon.

We love you.
Amanda and Will

He followed her to school one day...

No, not a little lamb, a little bear! Willbear went to his Nonni's school this morning for field day and boy, did he have a blast! I had been telling Will all week that we were going to school to see his NaNa and that we were going to play outside! Well, we did see NaNa and we did go outside minimally, but it was just to cold!! Today was field day at Bethesda Elementary and Will thought that he was a big boy because he got to watch the parade, pose by a real fire truck, and play in the gym with balls! He had so much fun and the colder weather didn't even phase him. We ate lunch with NaNa and her other sweet ladies that she works with and we had the best time. I took some shots of Will playing by the fire truck and just hanging out. Thanks for inviting us Nonni, we had a blast! We love you.

Will playing on the playground!



Go Dragons!