19 weeks, and still Smilin'
August 25th - August 31, 2008

This week I was sick for the first time in my whole life! Mommy had a cold, and she gave it to me! Can you believe it? If she wanted to give me something so bad, I would have much rather had a toy! She felt very bad about it, but she took very good care of me, even when I woke up lots during the night.

I've started eating lots of rice cereal, and I even get to have some with bananas or apples in it. It's very yummy, and I know exactly when I am supposed to have it. If my Mommy only tries to give me milk when it's time for my cereal, I let her know that I want my cereal. Also, she has to shovel it in, because I don't like any time in between bites!
Aunt Stephanie came to visit me on Friday. We had a great time, even though we went shopping. She bought Mommy a shirt! She is the sweetest Aunt, and she loves me very much.
One day while Mommy was working on packing for the beach, I was playing on a rug, and Mommy left the room for literally 5 seconds. When she got back, I had gotten my head all the way through the pant leg of Daddy's shorts. I'm already getting into stuff, and I can't even crawl yet!
Daddy and I chilled and watched some tv this week. Daddy is so excited to share football season with me for the first time!

Nana and Papa B came up to visit me on Saturday, and we drove up to Grandma and Papaw's so that Nana and Papa B could see where we are going to build our house in a few years. We stayed during the afternoon, but Daddy and Papa wanted to get back so they could watch their first football game with me! We had a good time.

Sunday, we went to the meeting and Nana took good care of me. We even exercised when we got back. Papa B brought his Wii and Wii fit, and Mommy and Daddy didn't pay me a bit of attention because they were having such a good time with it!
This is me just chillin' after a bath. I have a good time splashing and making a big mess with my baths now.

18 weeks, and it's camping time!
August 18 - August 24th, 2008

We were with Grandma a whole lot this week. She came to stay with us since Papaw was in New York at a school he had to go too. Grandma's only gotten to spend the night with me once; so, I was excited to have her visiting my house for a few days!

On Monday, we went shopping at Turkey Creek. It was fun, and Mommy got to get a few things, but I was so worn out by the time we got home; we still had to go to the meeting too! By the time we got to the meeting I was so antsy. I just wanted to get down and play. Mommy didn't even hear one word at the meeting, and she finally put me down on a blanket so that I could kick out some of my energy.

When we got home from the meeting, I was soooo fussy! Mom, Grandma, or Daddy couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. They tried everything they could, and I finally settled down. If only they could understand English, I was trying to tell them!

Tuesday, Mommy took me to the pediatrician. I had a good, healthy report. I weigh 13 pounds and 2 ounces now, and I'm 24 1/2 inches long. I'm still only in the 25th percentile, but that's okay with us. After our appointment, we went shopping again! Mommy picked up Grandma at JC Penney's, and they went to a few more stores in the mall before going home. This night we went and ate at Grandma's cousin Pam's. It was so yummy as always!

Wednesday, Mommy and I got ready to go to Grandma's house. Right before we left for her house, we went shopping AGAIN! This time we went to Marshall's and the Dress Barn. Mommy found me a shirt at Marshalls, Daddy two shirts, and a beach towel. Before we left, we ran by our house, and left Daddy a note with his new things, so he wouldn't miss us too much.

Finally we left for Grandma's, and we got to go count the cows when we got there!

On Thursday, Mommy was so exhausted all she could do was take me over to Great-Nana's and Papaw's and do a little mending. Daddy came to see us tonight, because he didn't want to be away from me for two nights!

Friday, Daddy took the day off to be with us, and Mommy and Daddy mowed Grandma's yard so that it would look nice when Papaw got back from his school. We also took some pictures of me. I'm four months old now! I'm trying to scoot around too. I'll be crawling before you know it!Daddy fed me rice cereal. It was yummy, but one time I got it up my nose, and I sneezed cereal all over daddy! Mommy and Daddy love playing with me, and I guess they are alright too.

I'm very good at grabbing my toes now!Saturday, after a service, Mommy and Daddy decided they wanted to go camping to get away from everything even though Mommy was sick. (She has a cold!)We didn't pack much, and spent all the time we could relaxing! It was great. Sunday, Mommy woke up and took a few photos of me. She says I'm the cutest bear in the whole Smokey Mountains!

Week 17, life's a peach!
August 11 - August 17, 2008

On Monday, after Daddy got off work, we went to pick peaches at Black Oak Farms.
We brought home so many peaches it was unbelievable! They had rows and rows of trees dripping with peaches. For the rest of the week, Mommy and I worked on using those peaches! We ate lots of them, made a peach tart, peach cobbler, jam, and froze all the rest.

Papaw and Grandma came up this week too, because Papaw is going to New York next week for a special school. He said he would miss me too much if he didn't see me!
Friday, Mom was really in the mood to eat Bar-b-que, but she didn't want to drive a long way; so, we just ate a Buddy's B-B-Que. When we got there, Mom and Dad found me sleeping this way. I still had my hand on my toy! ( Well, I didn't want anyone hiding it from me while I was sleeping.) After dinner, we went home and rested.

On Saturday, we went up to Grandma's house because Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Kristin were there. When I first saw them I got a little scared, because Mommy handed me to Uncle Jeremy so fast. I hadn't seen him in a while, and I've started crying when Mommy or Daddy hands me to someone I don't know very well. Uncle Jeremy had to give me back to Mommy, but in no time at all I was just fine around them. Aunt Stephanie is dying for me to spend the night, but now she is nervous because of this new phase I'm going through.

Aunt Stephanie came over later to see me, and she, Mom, and Aunt Kristin planned what food they were going to make for the beach. I can't wait to go to the beach! I've never been, but Mommy says it's the best place to go on trips. When Aunt Stephanie got to Grandma's, we went and visited Great-Nana and Great-Papaw. Great-Nana is always so excited to see me!
On Sunday, Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Kristin stopped by on their way home and dropped off Grandma. She is staying with us for a few days while Papaw is gone to New York! I'm so happy:) Uncle Jeremy just thinks I'm the coolest kid! They always bring me a present when they come to see me. This time I got a brand new hat for the beach trip!
Well, Mommy says I'm going to be a dare-devil, because I love to be way up high and look down at everyone. I also love it when Daddy holds me upside down or when Mommy throws me up in the air. She hopes I don't grow up to be too much of a thrill seeker though! It will make her sooo nervous.

Don't worry Mom; I'll be careful.

16 Weeks, Wishing for company!
August 4-August 10, 2008

This week Amanda, Abby, and Ava came to stay with me! They got here on Monday morning, and they were all so excited to see me. Abby kept trying to play with me, but I didn't quite know how to play yet! We just relaxed today.
While they were here, we did several things though. The first day, we went to the pool. Abby and Ava love the pool! I am getting pretty fond of it too. I was resting in my crib for a while, and Abby climbed in all by herself to keep me company! Amanda came and saw and called for Mom to come look, and they got a real big kick out of it. Abby couldn't get down though!

Tuesday, Amanda and Mom took us shopping at the outlets in Sevierville. We were a lot to handle! After lunch, they just kept us in the car and took turns getting out at stores. By 2pm, they were ready to go home, but we ended up staying until 4pm! After we got home, Daddy made us all dinner (hamburgers!), and we went to the pool. We also watched a movie: Over the Hedge.

Wednesday, we just relaxed again. Amanda and Mommy tried to take us to a water park near our house, but there were a million kids there so we decided to just go home and go to the pool. On the way there, Ava screamed and scared me, and I started crying real hard. Well, that upset Ava, and she started crying real hard too! Aunt Amanda and Mommy were about at their wits end, but still decided to stop at Target. Finally, we made it home just in time for Abby and Ava's nap time.

When Daddy got home, we went to the pool. Mommy bought a float for Ava, but she didn't like it, and started crying. Poor Ava. Abby had a great time in the pool though; she is such a good swimmer!

Thursday, Mommy had to run and get a prescription for her doctor's appointment later in the day, and Aunt Amanda kept all three of us kids! We had a great time and were very good for her. After Mommy got home, Amanda, Abby, and Ava left to go home. Mommy and I are going to miss them so much! Daddy too. He loves Abby and Ava as much as he loves me!Saturday, we went to meet Papa B and Nana in Chattanooga. They took me to the Tennessee Aquarium. We all enjoyed it.
Look how I compare to a penguin!
I don't look too thrilled here, but I really was having a great time!
I really loved this fish. I kept watching them. After we went to the aquarium, we went to eat at Mommy's favorite place to eat in Chattanooga. (Okay, she says that's the only place she's eaten there, but she still loves it.) It's called the Big River Brewery, and they have great salad and pizza! Then, we just walked around and enjoyed downtown Chattanooga. Mommy and Daddy really wanted to spend the night down there, but we ended up going home anyways. Oh well, another time.
Sunday, after the meeting, we went to Mommy's 2nd Cousin's house for dinner. Pam and Jim always take good care of Mommy and Daddy and treat them like their own kids. Pam is an excellent cook too! We just had hamburgers and potato salad, but it was so yummy! After dinner, I got to take a ride in her grandsons' wagon. Thanks, Carson and Jett!
Daddy and Aunt Pam picked Okra and beans for us to take home.
When we got home, I helped Mommy shell the beans.

What a week!

15 weeks, flying by...
July 28-August 2, 2008

This week Mommy and I had a pretty normal week; At least, what she calls normal. I've started moving around in my crib a lot lately. Sometimes, when Mommy comes to get my out in the mornings, I'm in very crazy positions. The first morning I had one leg sticking out, and I couldn't get it back in. Mommy ran into her bedroom and got Daddy out of bed to see the predicament I had gotten myself into. The next morning she came in I was in an even worse predicament! I don't even know how I got in this shape, but it was NOT comfortable. Mommy thought it was SO funny. I wished she would have just got me untangled instead of taking a photo of it.

THEN, the next morning, she came in and I had an arm out of the crib, and my head was smashed against the corner. She didn't take a photo that morning though, because it even looked too uncomfortable for her.

Aunt Stephanie came for a visit on Thursday. She came to spend the night for the first time! On Thursday, we went to a new fabric store Mommy found. She loved it, but I kept acting up because I really didn't want to be there. Then, Aunt Stephanie wanted to go to Old Navy. Finally, we went home and got ready for the meeting. Everyone was asking Stephanie who she was, and if I was her kid! They were all surprised; I grow so fast they don't even recognize me from one meeting to the next! (Although, it was all boys, and I think they just never paid attention to me in the first place.)
Aunt Stephanie also gave me a bath while she was here. She really enjoyed it, and I did too! I love taking a bath.
On Friday, Grandma and Papaw came to visit while Stephanie was here. Mommy fed me rice cereal for the first time while they were here. I loved it! It was yummy, and I ate every bit of it. I get hungry so much now; Mommy had to find something to cure my hunger pains!
See how I'm holding my hands? I always hold my hands like that when I eat, even when I'm nursing.
I really made a big mess though. I needed another bath!On Saturday, we went to the pool again. I got in this time! I liked it, and didn't cry a bit. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me. We had a good day together.

14 weeks... are you kidding me!
July 21 - July 27, 2008

We had another good week this week. On Tuesday, Daddy had to work a reallly long day at work; he worked from 8:00 am till 11:00 pm, so Mommy took me up to visit my Great-Nana Myers who had been calling Mommy to see when I could come visit. We got to Grandma and Papaw's house at about 11:00 am, and Mommy went and got some lunch for Great-Nana and Great Papaw. She took me to see them and Nana waited a long time until Mommy had ate her lunch to hold me before she ate hers! She loves me so much. I got to show Great Nana and Great Papaw how I like to play with my toys now, too! After Great-Papaw finished his lunch, he held me too.

After that, I went and stayed with Grandma and Papaw and had a great time. It even came a big thunderstorm that didn't scare me one bit! They even stayed home from their meeting so that they could visit with me more before Mommy and I had to go home.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Mommy and I tried to get the house cleaned up, but we aren't usually very successful at that. I'd usually rather just play, or eat, or sleep.Friday was special though! Since Daddy worked such a long day on Tuesday, he got to stay home with us. He made us breakfast, and we had a great day together! He helped Mommy clean the house, and even washed the cars.

Friday night, Nana and Papa B came to stay! Saturday morning, Mom, Dad, Nana, Kathryn, and I went out in service. It was a nice time. Nana stopped and bought us two watermelons! We had a good afternoon just relaxing at home, but Mommy had to leave me for a while to go to a party for another baby. His name is Tyson, but he isn't here yet. I should get to meet him in September though! That evening, we went for our usual walk and then watched a movie.

Sunday, Nana and Papa B had to go home. I'm always sad to see them go.

13 weeks, and so much more to do...
July 14-July 20, 2008

Aunt Kathryn came home with me this week. We did lots of fun things, but mostly we just spent time together. Monday was Mommy's catch up day; she got all the laundry done from the weekend, and Aunt Kathryn opened all the presents that I got over the weekend! I got so many great things. Even a big, fun puff coat for this winter from Great-Aunt Allison. Mommy says my arms are going to stick straight out when I'm wearing it, and she can't wait to get photos of it. We also went to the pool today. Mommy and I never go by ourselves, so we took advantage of the fact that Aunt Kathryn was visiting and went three days in a row!

Tuesday, after going to the pool, we went to an organic market where Mommy was very excited to find cheap cous cous, orzo, and bulgar wheat for some recipes she wanted to try. I got a little upset in the store though, and Aunt Kathryn had to take me out. Mommy got us a snack of dates though. They said they were yummy! I can't wait till I can try them myself. Next, we went to Wal-mart and got a bunch of groceries for the next two weeks, and when we got home, Daddy, Mommy, and Aunt Kathryn worked on dinner. They made some new fun recipes! We had fish with pesto sauce, and Mediterranean orzo salad.

On Wednesday, Aunt Kathryn, Mommy, and I went out in service. It was nice, and Mommy was glad to have some help to make it out during the week.

After service, Jennifer came over to swim and she brought Zack, Adrienne, and Nicole. They are in swim classes right now, and I can't wait to start them one day. Mommy says she's going to take me to get swim lessons, because she didn't learn to swim until she was 7!

Wednesday night, I rolled over for the first time! Daddy got real excited and yelled for mom. I did it a few more times for them.

On Thursday, Mommy had to go to the Orthopedic Doctor for her hand. He told her she had Tendinitis and gave her a Cortisone shot. It helped her wrist very much! While she was at her appointment, Aunt Kathryn and I went shopping at Target. Next, we headed to Cleveland, TN to drop Aunt Kathryn off for her camping trip. It was very hard to meet up with everyone, because no one knew exactly where they were! We finally found Brent and Nadin, and Aunt Kathryn said her goodbye's.

On Friday, Mommy and I rested and tried to get caught up from having company.
Saturday was my three month birthday; This was the first weekend since I've been born that Daddy, Mommy, and I had the weekend just to ourselves without any visitors! Mommy was so happy. Company all the time ears us out. We went to the pool together, and later I got a shower with Daddy. In the evening, Mommy took three month photos of me. See how good I can hold my head up!

I'm looking for trouble!
Daddy cracks me up.
Sunday, after the meeting, I got to play with all my toys. I love playing with my toys!
It was another great big week, but I had a great time.

12 weeks and I'm still kicking...
July 7-July 13, 2008

After the convention, we drove home on Monday morning, because Mommy had a doctors appointment that afternoon. Daddy took off the whole day to take Mommy to the doctor and to help take care of me. After we went to the doctor, Mommy and Daddy went to pick up a carton of Ice Cream from Bruster's for free! It was super yummy.

Daddy also took Tuesday off, because he, Mommy, and I haven't really got to spend any time together since I was born! Everyone else is always wanting to see me. We didn't do anything special, but it was quite special to be together with nothing to do.

On Wednesday, Daddy had to go back to work, and Grandma and Papaw came to visit. Mommy wanted Grandma to help her work on the things she is getting ready for her website. She's getting a new one made. Papaw measured how much I weighed; he lifted me with a fish scale! Can you believe it!? Grandma said it read 12 pounds! I'm getting big! They had a good day, and Mommy was glad to have company while Daddy was gone.

Friday night, we headed back to Nana and Papa B's. Scott, Amanda, Abby, and Ava came to see me. After a little while, Mom and Dad left me with my Grammies, and they went with Scott and Amanda to get some dinner. It was ok though, because they left Abby and Ava to play with me. When Mommy and Daddy got back, I was already asleep. It was a long drive down!

On Saturday, my Grammies had my very last baby shower! It was so nice. Everyone held me, and I got sooo many presents.
Nana got this cake made for me. It was carrot cake with cream cheese icing. Can we say "Yum"! This airplane was my Daddy's when he was little. My Papa B got it restored for me, and put my name on it. It's a rocker, and I can't wait till I can play on it by myself.
Lots of my friends came to see me at the party. We are all under 1 year old!
This is Daddy's Uncle Jack. He's pretty crazy!, but I think he likes me pretty good. I loved getting a bird's-eye view of everything.

On Sunday, Nana and Papa B took me to the meeting. Mommy didn't feel well. Since I've been born, she has gotten tendinitis, and it was hurting her real bad. She was just having a bad day, so Daddy stayed home with her. I think all this traveling is getting to her, and it makes me pretty cranky too.

Sunday afternoon, Mom and Dad had to go take photos for Scott's work. They made photos of his cabinets. Mommy's never done anything like that so she was a little nervous, but I'm sure she did a good job! After they got back, we finally got to go home! It was a great to be back home, and Aunt Kathryn came with us. I hope next week isn't so hectic!