Guys and Dolls

Yesterday, during the brief rainstorm Jesse, Will, and I played football in the house. Yes, I know my mom always told me to never play ball in the house. I think it is actually a very good rule, but yesterday, we made an exception. Jesse brought Will a soft UT football back from one of his overnight flights in Knoxville. I think it was for Will...Jesse plays with it an awful lot though. So, during the rain we pulled it out and Jesse taught Will to run with the ball. It was so cute. I had to include a picture.

My little guy is becoming such a big boy. I can hardly stand it. It is as if the Lord is preparing my little guy for the weeks to come. He wants to do EVERYTHING by himself. He loves to stand on the stool in his bathroom and "Buush his teefh" and he always wants to "wah his hands". I love it though. It is really cool to see it click. All of this time teaching him new things and it really does make a difference.

He is also transitioning to sleeping in a big boy bed. Yes, a tear is rolling down my cheek. How and when did he get so big? I had to include a picture of Will napping on the floor. It became very quiet and I started looking around the room for Will and this is what I found....

So, I transitioned him to here... doesn't it look more comfortable!

Last night was such a fun night! Ashley W. had a wonderful idea to load up the car and go to the Cheesecake Factory for $1.50 slice cheesecake. Normally, it was our bible study night, but we decided to have fellowship over cheesecake. It was fabulous. The cheesecake, the friends, and the fellowship! We even had sweet Lila with us. She is a doll. I got the Chocolate Raspberry Truffle. Let's just say it was so worth the three hour wait and the fact that it cost $1.50 well that was the icing on the cheesecake! I forgot my camera, so check out the pics on Tiff's blog.

No baby P. #2 yet. That's okay, we are waiting patiently, remember.
Amanda

Hurry up and Wait

So, we are home from the doctor, no real changes. Dilated to 3 cm, fully effaced, just waiting on the Lord's time. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. So, then I started thinking about waiting. To wait, according to Merriam-Webster is to stay in place in expectation of. After reading that I was like, um yeah, I knew that. That, however, was just one definition listed. I then glanced down the page and it read, to wait...to attend as a servant. I thought, now that is definitely interesting. I mean I know waiters serve people, but that doesn't apply to me now does it. But the more I thought about it, it is so applicable in this situation. Here I am trying to rush this precious gift from God before it is ready and really what I need to do is WAIT. Jesse and I were talking on the way home from the doctor's office this morning, and trust me it was a long disappointing ride. He brought up the fact that one week is not really that long in the grand scheme of things. He is so right. So, right now I am going to take this day, week, weekend, however long it may be and focus on serving. Serving the Lord, my family, friends, etc, and who knows I bet it will even pass the time!

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

—Romans 8:25

Look who came to live at our house...

Gotcha, I know all of you thought we had the baby last night...nope, I still look like a pumpkin, but we do have a new friend at our house. Before Will was born, Jesse's Aunt Crea gave Will a huge Caterpillar stuffed animal. We aren't talking the cheap fair stuffed animal, we are talking expensive toy shop stuffed animal. Will really hasn't met his friend before now because we did not have a playroom at our old house, so "Big Worm", as Jesse calls him, has been living with PaPa and Nannie. Yesterday, we introduced the two and Will loves the "Big Worm". He keeps running over to him and saying "JUMP" and then he pounces on him. I am really glad "Big Worm" is a stuffed toy!
Amanda

The Last Supper...and night out

Tonight, my mom and dad graciously watched our sick child so we could have one last dinner/date night with each other before the new baby arrives. Under other circumstances, I would have never have left my sick baby but since it was my parents we felt like it would be okay. Jesse and I enjoyed a nice dinner at Sperry's courtesy of a $$$nice$$$ gift card and then we headed to the theater to see Dark Knight. Jesse and I have not seen a movie since...well actually I am too embarrassed to blog about it. Let's put it this way, it has been a LONG time. He has been dying to go see the Batman Movie and I conceded, but not before making him solemnly promise that he would go see a girly movie next time. About halfway through the movie, as the Joker was sending chills down my spine, I leaned over to tell him that he had no clue just how girly of a movie he would be seeing next time. All in all, it was a wonderful time for us to talk and enjoy each other's company. I am also including what I hope it my last picture for this pregnancy! Please hurry little baby. We want to meet you! Update on Will: Thanks for all of the prayers and sweet phone calls. I think he is feeling a little better. We have an appt with the Dr tomorrow, so I will update then.

Amanda

Sick Day

Well, today did not end up like I thought it would. For those of you who know me, well, know that I was hoping I would be doing something more fun today...like maybe having a baby or something fun with my family, but that was not the case. Will has been sick for almost a week and had a relapse this afternoon, so I called good ol' Dr. Brooks. Three hours later and many tears from Will and I, we were going to Walmart to pick out our surprise for our not so fun Dr. visit. Will ended up having to have a shot of antibiotics and we are just hoping that it knocks this nasty bug out! We are tired of you Mr. Cold, go away and leave us alone! Will actually did fabulous with all of the tests, bloodwork, and the shots and he seems to be more comfortable now. Please pray that the fever does not return because if it does... we have to return tomorrow for a second antibiotic shot and let's just say that will be really, really, really not fun for anyone, including the poor nurse giving it! I did learn a very valuable lesson through my first big illness ordeal with my child.I really have so much to be thankful for. I am so thankful for how healthy my child really is and I truly have one of the sweetest and most supportive husbands ever. He was a rock today when Will and I both needed him.
Amanda

My little BABY

This morning, I was in the nursery packing the baby's bag for the hospital and Will found the stash of pacifiers. Keep in mind that this is the child who would NOT take a pacie. I mean no shape, form, color, brand... He was mesmerized by the pacifier! He kept putting them in his mouth, he tried out every single pacifier we had! I could not believe it. In fact, he walked around with it until I distracted him and hid the pacifiers. There is no way I am letting my 20 month old start taking a pacie! I explained to him that babies use pacifiers and he was a big boy. I took a little video, it was so cute,but I am still not letting him play with those again!


It is upside down, he doesn't even know how to use a pacifier!

He is cracking up because I am trying to get it away from him!

Giving in or giving up. I finally just let him play with them!!

Make a Smilebox postcard

Celebrate the Little Things

Celebrate we will, for life is short but sweet for certain.- DMB
That is one of Jesse's favorite lyrics and he repeats it to me often. It actually is quite inspiring if you think about the words. Life is short, but there is so much to celebrate daily. The other day my mom gave me a book called, 101 ways to Be a Great Mom. I really have enjoyed reading it and as I was reading #5 Celebrate the Little Things, I started to think about how there really is so much to celebrate. It talks about how each new day is fresh from the hand of God and that it is worth celebrating. It talked about how there is joy that can be found even in small, unexpected places. We were able to celbrate the little things this weekend. On Saturday night we went to Bethesda Market for dinner and bluegrass music with a group of friends and family. It was so much fun and Will had a great time even though he did not feel great. Sunday, Jesse headed back to work :( but we were able to celebrate with my grandfather his 78th birthday. It was a great time and I am so thankful to share another year with PaPa. With a young child there are new things daily that are big celbrations. A few of ours today was making a birthday card for PaPa with stickers and markers(we don't get to use those very often at all!) Will did not feel very good today but was able to help me pack my bag for the our swiftly approaching hospital trip. That was a celebratory moment!!! Then we headed to Target for a few last minute baby things. I have only bought this little baby a few things, so today I bought a boy gown and a little girl gown. I love them both and I can't wait to see who is wearing it. Talk about celebrating a little thing! Will started feeling better this evening and we ate Spaghetti with NaNa and PopPop tonight and Will did an excellent job feeding hiself with a fork!! Big Guy.
As I sign off, I am leaving you with this beautiful verse from God's holy book.









This is God's work. We rub our eyes-we can hardly believe it. This is the very day God acted- let's celebrate and be festive! Psalm 118:23-24.

Hoping you had lots to celebrate today!
Amanda

Favorite Photo Friday

My WillWill has been battling a fever all day but still managed to flash me that sweet little smile of his. Hope you have a great Friday!
Amanda

$19.08...What can that buy?

I know what you are thinking...$19.08 in our economy...
4.6 gallons of gas at the Shell in Franklin or
2 tank tops from Old Navy or
1 pack of Huggies size 4 diapers (54 count)?
Nope, that is not it. It is three hours of fun at Chuckie Cheese's with your best friends. Tonight, our gang and the Lankfords loaded up our kiddos and headed to Chuckie Cheese for three hours of fun, 2 medium pizzas, 4 drinks, and 110 tokens for approximately $19.08 per couple. The old CC has certainly changed since I took a ride on the mechanical toys and watched the dancing gorilla. First off, no more piano playing monkey and cheerleader mouse. Nope, just Chuckie himself and he does a quick routine and he is out of there. There are still a million dump trucks and horses that let you ride for a minute for one token. Will and Cy rode their fair share of those. They played Ski Ball and Air Hockey and Jesse and I were able to squeeze in a game of Deal or No Deal in which Jesse was a big winner. His case held 22 tickets, mine held 4. Oh, well. We actually had tokens left, so I guess that means we will be going back again soon. We better go really soon, with the way the price of things is rising, our tokens will be obsolete! All in all, it was such a fun time and Will is now snoozing happily. He crashed after all that sugar and fun!



Ski Ball...I wonder who wanted to play this game?


Cy and Will playing a mean game of Air Hockey

Will's loot!

Everyone tired, but still smiling!!

Wordy Wednesday- Laying Low

We have been laying low at our house for the past few days. Jesse brought home a cold last week and left it here when he left. So, we have just been hanging out trying to feel better. I used to blog during Will's nap time, but with the baby coming now I nap with him!!!Will turned 20 months on Sunday. He is getting so big and I am so proud of him. I thought for his 20 month birthday I would post some of things he has really been interested in.

1. Watermelon- Will discovered Watermelon last week and he is in love. It is so messy that I pretty much have to bathe him after we eat it, but it makes me so happy to see him enjoying it.

2. He has learned to swim with his water wings! I am very proud of that and it gives me a small piece of mind. Don't get me wrong I still have to watch him constantly because he is so adventurous, but the water wings are wonderful!

3. He is obsessed with my belly at this point. I posted a picture of it actually. With Will, I decorated my belly like a lady's face and this time I painted it like a flower. Will loves touching it and saying "baby". He thinks everyone has a baby in their belly, so if he happens to walk up to your belly and say "baby", please take no offense...he even thinks Jesse has a baby in his belly!


My belly at 37 weeks with Will

My belly at almost 37 weeks with #2

4. He is still really into Cars. He doesn't discriminate either. It can be the Cars kind or Hot Wheels or the no name brand. He just loves cars. We must have at least two with us on every outing. He loves them so much that he sleeps with them. Boys and their toys!

5. He has become super sweet all of a sudden. He loves to climb up in my lap and say "wuv you". It melts my heart and I hide those words in my heart every time I hear them, for I know that someday he will grow out of wanting to climb in his mommy's lap!


My mom watched Will the other day and she let him enjoy an inside picnic.

I also wanted to send birthday wishes to my cousin Ashley! Happy 28th birthday!!!
We hope you are all doing well. Happy Wednesday!
Amanda

Watch out Ladies

Will has done it again! He graduated from BPC VBS! My sweet little guy, who less than three weeks ago, cried at the mere thought of attending "a sunday school" like activity, was such a big boy this week. I dropped him off and he marched right into the room like he had been doing it forever. It helped he had two super sweet teachers. He loved playing in the rice pool and making a flower necklace! I was so proud of him. Jesse and I even went on Friday night to watch him "perform" in the closing of VBS! He did so well, he at least stayed up there the whole time. I am including some pictures of the "island boy" doing his thing!!! Will also learned to swim unassisted with his swimmies yesterday! When did this little guy get so big? He has been trying for a few weeks, but could not get the hang of keeping his head up while moving his arms and kicking his feet. Jesse has been practicing with him all summer and he finally took the plunge yesterday! He was swimming like a little fish all over the pool. In fact, he didn't want "hep" from mommy and daddy! He had so much fun swimming with his cousin Davis! Last night, we had lots of fun at Aunt Kiki and soon to be Uncle Jon's first bridal shower. It was in Manchester and we had a good time seeing all of Jesse's sweet family! Check out Will's new favorite thing... trying on other people's shoes. Yeah, I am sure Jesse would be really proud to see Will prancing around in my Mom's pink high heels. I should probably keep this picture around for when he is being sassy as a teenager or just too cool for his parents. Yep, that is definitely what I am going to do! Will also received his first kiss tonight. One of my sister's friends had a bridal shower and her friend's adorable little girl kept giving Will kisses. At first, he looked pretty upset. Later, I think he actually liked it. He would run from her and laugh!

Favorite Foto Friday- Busted

Jesse and a couple of guys have been working out on Tues and Thurs mornings. Apparently the workout is quite intense. I guess Jesse had started to eat a banana when he got home and left it lying there for just a few seconds. I caught this little monkey red-handed! Check out his face. Happy Friday.





Amanda

Mmmm Mexican!

Warning...LONG POST, sorry.

Will has discovered a new love. You see, we haven't eaten out Mexican in a long time, probably almost as long as Will has been eating table foods, because he is so picky. We would occasionally go with my parents when my sister was in town because she is obsessed with Panchos and apparently you can't get Mexican in Knoxville, who knows. Tuesday, Mom and I went to SuperTarget for diapers (Huggies and Pampers on sale for $8.49 and I had a $1.50 coupon), yep, I am livin!! Hey, when you almost have two in diapers, you must go and buy big when they are on sale. After Target, we were famished. It probably had something to do with Will running around the store non-stop and me chasing him. We decided to go to Taco Bell, I had been thinking about a good chicken quesidilla for a couple of days and I decided to just take the plunge and take picky boy to the BELL. HE LOVED IT. Yes, you are hearing me correctly. He ate almost half of my chicken quesidilla and almost a whole thing of cinnamon twists. Who doesn't love cinnamon twists?
So, we had to take a picture to photograph how happy he was about his new found love until... See this next picture...this is Will's new friend from Target.



He is really cool. You shake him really hard and then place him on the ground and he drives really fast. It is fascinating really. He was really loving Taco Bell until he shook Mr. Blue Car as fast as he could and let him go. Guess where Mr Blue Car landed...all the way under the nasty ice machine. Yep, under the dripping, nasty, probably cootie-infested drink/ice machine. You should have seen the fit he threw! You should have seen me, the 9 month pregnant lady assessing the situation on my almost hands and knees. Thankfully, a very sweet lady (that worked there) came over and rescued Mr.Blue Car. All was well. And you thought going to Taco Bell and Target was boring!

Will also helped his Aunt Kiki celebrate her 26th B-day at Garcia's (another Mexican resturant, I know, twice in one week...GO WILL!). It was super fun to see Jack and Abby and BeBe and the rest of the family. Will laughed when the waiters came and sang to Aunt Kiki in Spanish! Thanks for inviting us Aunt Kiki!!!





Will has also been going to Vacation Bible School at Bethesda Presbyterian Church. He has had a blast (thanks to VBS bootcamp at TSC) and I hope to post pictures to highlight the week soon.

Update on BABY #2: Moving right along, good appointment today. I even dilated some since last appointment!!!