Jingle Bells, Shotgun shells...

Jingle Bells, Shot gun shells.... Christmas is on it's way!!! I have to say this b/c Jackson has learned to sing a precious version of Jingle Bells and his Daddy is all about shotgun shells and wackin' the ducks this season!!! We have had so much fun this holiday season. Jackson is so into the season and enjoying all the new sights and sounds. We first ran into Santa with an ambush outside of Dillard's. Momma didn't know he was there yet and Jackson wasn't sure who the strange man in red was. We strolled him up to Santa and asked if he wanted to see him and he quietly said," No" under his breath. Greta protested with a loud cry. Bless their little hearts!!! Santa gave them antlers and candy canes (from a distance) which made them pretty happy. When we came back by you quietly sat in his lap and we told him that you wanted a Thomas the train table. You were very quiet and sat patiently waiting for me to grab you while your fingers were tucked securely in your mouth.

Our second visit with Santa was at the Peabody Hotel with Greta. Santa rode the elevator down with the ducks and lead them into the fountain. You were so excited about all three, the elevator, the ducks and Santa. You kept cheering," Hi Santa!" and "Duckies!". There were several activites to participate in, but you couldn't leave the ducks long enough to do them. Everytime they would splash and get you wet you would laugh hysterically and run to wipe your face off on my coat. You are such your father's child! The sweetest part was how you lead Greta by her hand to show her the fountain and the ducks. You love your Greta so much! That afternoon we went to Mamaw and Papa's house and you saw Polar Express for the first time, or should I say multiple times. You begged to watch it over and over for days.

Our thrid visit was for pictures. You smiled so big when you saw Santa and quietly sat in his lap and read a book. It was so sweet to watch you and we got wonderful pictures to remember it by.

By our fourth sighting you were yelling, "Hi Santa!" across the parking lot to the "big man in red". We were going to Barnes and Noble and he was opening the door for Christmas shoppers.

You almost couldn't contain yourself until we spoke with him. Then you got really quiet, sucked your fingers and smiled.

Oh Baby......

One miscommunicated night
One acute gallbladder attack and a visit to the ER
Two postive pregnancy tests
A second baby....... Priceless!!! (Or should I say shocking!)

Yes, my little one, you are going to be a big brother! We had tossed around the idea, but weren't ready to commit just yet. We have so enjoyed the love and relationship that we have built with you and that was holding us back from having a second child. We question; How we will love another child like we love you?, How will we split our attention?, How will this new addition change our family dynamics?, How will this new little life change yours?. We already feel like we can't capture enough time with you or create enough memories or remember every little detail about you. God must feel like we have enough love to spread , b/c he has blessed us with another little miracle. He knew he would have to intervene this time! Ha! Although we are in a state of shock and panic the ultrasound and the sound of its little heart beat warmed our hearts.

I don't find myself as excited or bonding as quickly as I did with you, but I'm assured in my heart that when our family knows and as I feel this little life grow inside me that I will fall in love all over again. This little one will make our family complete and I know you will be a increadible big brother. Congrats little man!! We love you! Mommy

Catfish...

I just had to mention this... One night you were taking a bath at Nanny and Poppy's and you pulled the chain and stopper out and said," I caught a catfish". Your Nanny couldn't help but laugh and call us right away. You just love your "fishes and turtles" and ask daily to go see them. As soon as we go into the fish bldg. you check them out in awe ( like it's your first time) and then search for your fishing pole, which is a big plain stick that you pretend to fish with. We also go visit the tourist center and name off all the fish and animals. You have gotten very good at differentiating each species. You make your Daddy proud! Now we just have to work on the different kinds of ducks! Ha! Oh, I also have to mention that your Daddy has taught you the correct way to hold your pow pow. I see you standing up to your nick name "Little Bitty Miller" as a great outdoorsman one day. Love ya Baby!

My favorite things....
My favorite things.... 1. The way you kock on your door in the morning and say Mom-my? and then Dad-dy? When we open it you search for Gabbie and call her name as she licks you up and down then you chase her saying," tickle". You always wake up happy and ready for a new day!!
2. The way you say," Daddy working or hunting" with your arms in the air.
3. The you ask for exactly what you want; milk, juice, snack, purple popsicle, chicken and fries, to go outside or to see the fishes/turtles.
4. The way you say," Oh, my goodness" at the right moment.
5. The way you can name everyone in our family photos.
6.The way you count to 10. You can completely count it or I can say," What comes after 5 and you know its 6".
7. The way you say the abc's, esp. when you say "jklmnop". You can alos pick out what comes after a certain letter.
8. The way you sing songs and do the gestures. One evening while riding the Rhino I mentioned the sunset and you made the gesture like we do with the Isty bitsy spider.
9. Oh, how we love to watch you dance, esp. to the Wiggles and wags the dog. You put your hands on your hips and bend your knees to shake your booty. Then you tell everyone to "get up" so they can join in.
10. The way you turn your head to look at us and give a sly grin when you are attempting smething you know is wrong.
11. The way you say " Hold you Mommy" and snuggle in tight next to me.
12. The way I can so easily console you when your hurt. This has to be the most powerful magic in the world.
13. The way my heart melts when your playing with your Daddy and neither of you know I am watching
14.The way you tuck your right arm in and swing it back and forth when you excited and sometimes dance around in a tight circle.
15. How funny it is that you Hate having your hair cut, your hair dried or brushed. You absolutely throw a screaming fit.
16. The way you catch your breath and say "O.K" in the middle of sobbing.
17. You are a very picky eater!!!! You generally eat an egg, banana, and toast or cheerios in the morning. Then you mainly eat shaved turkey/ham, ckn and fries, mashed potatoes, CHEESE, fruit, mac and cheese, bread,dried fruit, crackers or CHEETOS. Lunch is you least fav. meal.
18. You take your medicine by yourself and you know that you get two "dinosaurs" (gummy vitamins) a day. You like to remind me of this.
19. The way you pat our shoulder while we're holding you and your head is down.
20. Your amazing "little chuckle" that seems to wash away the cares of the outside world, stops time and warms our hearts.

You my angel are the light of our lives and the reason we wake to each beautiful new morning! We love you!!

Girlfriends...

It's so amazing to see how much you have changed over the last 6 months. In just the last two months you have gone from single words to sentences to actual conversations. I love to listen to you and watch your gestures. Your little mind is working constantly and you can even differentiate b/w past,present and future. Today you woke up excited to go to school and when you got in the car you quietly said," I'm going to see Kaley (your girlfriend) today." with a smile on your face. Your Daddy thought it was so cute that he had to call me at work to tell me. Your teacher says that you have two girlfriends and that you are very protective of them. She calls you her"Cassanova" b/c you are so loving. She says that you give kisses and hugs constantly. I love that you can be so sweet and loving, yet so energetic and strong willed. You have such a wonderful personality.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Today we went to the "Pumpkin Patch" with the girls from work, Aunt Ally,Greta and Ella. Oh my, did we ever have a blast! We missed the hayride to the patch by a few minutes, but we made up for it by exploring everything else. They had hundreds of pre-picked pumpkins in all sizes, picture backdrops, play gyms, a sandbox and a petting zoo. Your favorite had to be the "John Deere" tractor ride. You rode it through the corn maze (out of my site)and were oblivious to the fact that I was missing. You could have rode it all day! I learned very quickly that posed pics were not an option, so I will post the ones of you on the run! LOL! I am slowly learning that you are the boss these days and that I need to just give in on some things. One thing I won't give in on is watching you explore and just be a little boy! Happy Fall Baby Boy!!!

The cutest words...

You say the cutest things these days. I have to start putting some of your daily comments on here so that I won't forget. Tonight as you were sitting on the potty, you pinched Gabbie's (our Choc.Lab) cheeks and said,"Look at me. No hitting. O.K.?". I about died when I realized you were mimicking me getting onto you. I guess you hear that alot these days!LoL! You have also been saying," Hold you Mommy?" when you want me to pick you up and "Get down" when you want me to get down to your level and focus on you. My favorite is when you say, "Please, Thankyou Mommy, Your welcome, or Bless you" at the appropriate times. Your sweet manners are so precious. I think you could make anyone melt!!

Two years, Too soon.....

Two years ago I realized the potential of unconditional love. I saw it in your father's face and I felt it in my heart with the sound of your first cry. Through all the years of wanting to be a mother, I never imagined what being a mother would truly feel like. You my child are the light of our lives. We look forward to each new day and the discoveries that we will make together. You have stolen our hearts with your laughter and your smiles galore. I look forward to each new adventure that you take us on and I promise that I will lock every memory in my heart forever. Happy 2nd Birthday, my love. Love- Mommy

First time...

There's a first time for everything!! Here's to making memories and sharing them with the ones you love the most!