Afternoon playtime, the roller coaster rocket and meal time

Whipped the camera out and rolled on the floor with Roo during afternoon playtime the other day. Little guy is all about the army crawl and pulling up on all fours. Crawling is around the corner.






We've had a few days of nice weather so Alex has been riding his roller coaster rocket. Please take note of the last picture. Alex is saying, "Mom, put your camera down. Go to the street to catch me."

Roo is eating a few table foods these days. And learning to drink from his sippy cup, too.

A prayer for these brothers

Dear God,

Please help these boys grow into strong and courageous young men. Help them not to be afraid of anything that comes their way in life and to know that You are with them wherever they may go. (Joshua 1:9)

Help me plant seeds of joy and gratitude in their hearts and please surround them with people who will water those seeds so that they may grow into young men who don't take their blessings for granted.

Bind their hearts tightly to one another with a friendship that only grows stronger as the days pass by. Let them find encouragement, respect and admiration in each others company.

And help them see the depths of Your love for them so that they may always spur one another on in their faith and good deeds.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Roary and Roo - 6 & 7 Months

*blink*
six months went by.



*blink*
seven months went by.



*sigh*
it never slows down, does it? in fact, i've come to realize that it only goes faster...

Our sweet little Roo-bear is really coming into his personality these days. Every person who has ever met him says the same three things about him:

*he's so happy.*


*he's so content.*


*he's so busy.*


And that, my friends, just about sums it up. It is rare for him to cry. It is rare for him to sit still. And the only time he may be discontent is if you try to contain him.

His key milestones the last few months have been:
• eating solids. He started solids just after he turned five months old. We were hoping it would help with some of his reflux, but I don't see much change in that. Regardless, he loves his food. Favorites are sweet potatoes and banana/plum/grape.
• starting the sippy cup. We just started working on this, but he's doing pretty well.
• bottom two teeth. And whoa - was teething ever a bear for him! Poor little guy! Got these in just before Christmas at about 6 1/2 months. Here, you can barely see them starting to come in.


• sitting up. Started this right before Christmas, too.


• playing in the johnny jumper. Surprisingly, this one is hit or miss for him. I thought he'd really love it because he jumps up and down all the time when you're holding him. But so far, the jumper hasn't been embraced like I expected.


• moving into the stroller without the infant carrier. This happened right after Roo turned five months.


Sweet, Roo. You are precious. Amazing. Extraordinary. And you fill my heart with a joy that makes my cup run over. I love you so much, and I will forever cherish every wet, slobbery kiss that you give. xoxo, Momma

Christmas in Texas Part 4: Christmas Day

When I was a little girl, Christmas morning always held such magic about it. Some of my greatest memories are of waking up to see what Santa had delivered.

I was a very early riser. Very early. Like, 2 a.m. early. I think there's potential for Alex to follow in my footsteps. He didn't get out of bed at 2 a.m., but he did cry out and Jerry had to go in and lie down with him a while until he went back to sleep. We'll see how this shapes up in the years ahead. I'm sure Noni and Pops are both hoping that he, too, is an early riser. Just to show me what it was like. ;-)

Of course we started out the evening before with milk and cookies for Santa. And a note to tell Santa thank you for coming to visit.

Seems like Santa enjoyed his cookies. Oh, and look! He left a little note that says,

Dear Alex and Roo, 
Thank you for the cookies and milk and for feeding my reindeer. You are very kind. I know you make Jesus smile. Merry Christmas! 
Santa

And did you notice the "reindeer bells" that the reindeer left behind for the boys as a thank you, too? Alex had more fun ringing those bells!

Here's what it looked like after Santa had made his visit.

Alex's toys...

Roo's toys...

Here's Alex as he woke up and started looking to see what Santa brought him.

Who was more excited, Noni or Alex?!

Alex loves, loves, loves his harmonica. He plays and sings songs to us.

And when Roo woke up, he joined in the fun. He wasn't too sure what to make of it at first, but he got into the excitement once he saw his toys.

We had such a Merry Christmas – especially getting to spend it with family and friends. And more than any toy or gift we received, we are so grateful for the gift of Jesus and the hope, grace, mercy and forgiveness He gives to us each and every day.