Feeding the Ducks

We took Clayton to the local park for a short visit

I had packed some stale bread & bagels, and we wanted to show Clayton the ducks that hang out by the park.

He LOVED chasing the ducks, all the while, saying "Quack, Quack"


Then Clayton had to take a stroll by the creek and point at the water and say "Fishy"

We will definitely be going back to feed the ducks many more times this summer!

Braxton Hicks

I had BH contractions so hard for about an hour & 1/2 this evening. I think I scared poor Andy half to death! I really was getting concerned when they continued to get harder & more painful. I literally had to breathe through a couple of them...I was mentally packing my hospital bag!!! Can anyone relate to getting them this early and that powerful?

Clayton's Memorial Day Highlights

Spending time with his HERO!

Riding with Daddy on the river in the kayak

Playing in the water

Going for a ride in Pappy & Grammy's new boat


(Did you notice a theme?! Clayton LOVES water!)

King of his Throne

The only place left for Clayton to sit in the cart was on the case of bottled water. He didn't seem to mind his throne though... :P

Clayton's 1st Trip to Knobel's

Riding on the Army tank ride!

And the Army jeep

Clayton's FAVORITE: the train! He couldn't stop looking at it!

Enjoying the train ride!!! He said "toot, toot" the whole ride! :)

Playing in the ball pit

Riding the carousel

Mr. Independent trying to put his own straw in his juice box on the way home.

Famer's Market

Today was our first time to the local farmer's market for this year. Clayton loved looking at everything!

He LOVES to eat cherry tomatoes, so Grammy is planting him some to enjoy later!

Trying to sneak a head of lettuce? :)

Clayton tried as many samples of watermelon, orange, & cantaloupe as he could get his hands on!!!

I know we will be making many more trips to the farmer's market this year for fresh fruits & veggies!

A night out

Thursday night was our church's mother/daughter banquet. Andy babysat Clayton (his longest time ever) while I was away. They had a great evening, and Clayton got a new swing out of it!!!
Here is my Mom, me & my Mother-in-law.

Holding Daddy's hand

"I am big enough to walk by myself, Daddy"


Clayton LOVES his new swing from Daddy

Clayton's 15 month Well Child Visit

Clayton's appointment went well yesterday. He is a growing boy at 27.5 lbs. and 33" tall. Everything was as expected, but the Dr. did say the bottle had to go ASAP for good. ugh. Clayton loves his bottle at sleepy times. We decided to hold off on the "cold turkey" for the rest of that day since he'd just had shots and was irritable from that. But TODAY, THIS...

is the only way I could get Clayton to sleep! I put a very tired boy down for a nap at his usual time, with a sippy cup (which he likes when he's NOT sleepy) instead of a bottle, and several hours later, still without a nap, I let him watch Thomas the Train, and he finally fell asleep this way. I'd say this is going to be a long rest of the week!

Fun at Susan's

All the kids at Eric Jr.'s 6th birthday party.

Grabbing for candy out of the pinata!

Clayton entertained himself with a softball he found

He also loved playing around the dog

He loved his (first) lollipop so much that even when it fell and got grass all over it, he stuck it back in his mouth!!! :P

Happy Mother's Day

The person I call "Mom" with the little man who calls me "Mommy".

As a young Mommy myself now, I can see the many ways my own Mom is such a wonderful person. It is not always easy to know if you are being the right role model, or carrying out the right discipline, or teaching your child the right amounts of things for their ages. My Mom is not only my Mom, but my friend. I appreciate the many, many sacrifices she has made for me over the years, and the prayers she has prayed for God to lead me in His ways and not my own. I truly love and admire my Mom!!!

It is also an incredible privilege and blessing to be a Mommy myself. God has given me so much in Clayton, and I never take a day with him for granted. He helped me stay strong through a very long, hard year, and continues to give me strength to "fight the good fight for the prize" -which to me is seeing him grow to be a man of God. I love every moment of his new achievements & discoveries. I love that his face lights up when he sees me, and I love his slobbery kisses & sweet little hugs. I cherish him and also the new life growing inside me.
I Samuel 1:27

Enthusiasm of a Child

"LOOK, DADDY!!!"

Fun Outside!

Clayton's old outdoor play set was getting a bit small and unchallenging for him, and someone gave us a bigger one that their son just outgrew!


A stick!

Happy to be playing outside!

Yard Sale Finds

These are bigger-sized name brand clothes for Clayton. I did get more things in the size he's in now, but forgot to take a picture since they are already in his room to wear.

Beautiful girl clothes that I can't WAIT to wear on baby girl Plank!

Lauren's 3rd Birthday Party at the Park

Lauren blowing out her candles (with a little help from Ashley & Jennifer!)

Clayton pushing Lauren on her new bike

Clayton happy with his dandelion

Not much room on Mommy's lap to swing these days...

sea-sawing with Daddy