Six months old?! Already?!

It is obvious to me by how infrequent I do blog posts that time is FLYING!! The evidence is apparent in our sweet baby boy turning 6 months in March. Those baby blue eyes are hanging around and we love them!

Emerson is a smiley, happy boy- especially when Eleanor is around

He is still trying to master the art of turning over and his arms aren't quite strong enough to hold him up, but he is persistent and tries again

Most of the time, he just prefers to chill

We look forward to all the things he continues to learn and teach us (like patience :)

Emerson also received his first ashes on Ash Wednesday this year and was proud to show them off with his Daddy

On Wheels

On 2 feet or 4 wheels, we were ready to go! A beautiful February day took us to Winthrop Lake for a walk & bike ride with our friends, Rachael, Riley & Charlie.

Eleanor is becoming stronger and able to ride her bike without help

Watch out world, here she comes! 

Emerson is content to be pushed and play with his toys, but I am sure he will be out running after his sister in no time!

A Few of our Favorite Things

Emerson and Nakia looking nice in their sweaters enjoying a birthday party at Chick-fil-a

Eleanor was so happy to celebrate her friend, Campbell's birthday at one of her favorite places, Chick-fil-a!

Isn't that the sweetest thing you have ever seen?? Although Emerson can barely reach, Eleanor wanted to hold his hand

What a great big sister!

And a good photographer too!

We really like it when Grand Daddy meets us in Columbia, SC for lunch. We went to one of our favorite places, Outback & Eleanor enjoys goofing off with her Grand Daddy

Hugs from the grandkids!

Eleanor likes to read books to her brother and he just loves to be around her

Who doesn't love a slide?!

Emerson was trying to eat the pine needles

While Eleanor & Nakia enjoyed the view

Eleanor loves going to visit our friends, the Lowrance's farm. She helps Mary Claire and Emma feed the chickens.

Check out the new seat!

Look at the big boy in the new high chair!

"Hmm, I wonder what good food Mommy will put on this tray for me to eat?"

It looks like some avocado- delicious!

He is a happy eater!

"What? Is there something on my face?"

He really loves prunes too!

What is a cup?

Emerson is trying to drink from a sippy cup for the first time, but he is not sure how to hold it

With Mommy's help, he says "Bottoms up!" However, it is mostly down the front of his shirt

Emerson is definitely a messy eater

But with that cute face, who cares?!

I can't blame myself since it appears that he wants to feed himself already

I think most of it is ending up in his mouth! In February, he tried avocados & sweet potato with rice cereal & oatmeal. He continues to enjoy everything he tries. It helps that he got his first tooth on Feb 23rd- at 5 1/2 months! The second followed soon on March 8th, right after turning 6 months. In comparison, Eleanor got her first one at 10 1/2 months and the second, about a year. These two are very different children, but get along so well! I hope that continues..

Valentine's Day presentation

The class is ready to perform for the parents- since it is 3 & 4 year olds there is a big height difference. The front row girls are all 4, turning 5 and Eleanor's row is 3, turning 4 year olds.

Eleanor doing her funky monkey

I am guessing that she skipped nap that day

Eleanor with her best friend from school, Delaney D, showing off their valentine's for a family member. Eleanor made hers for cousin Mikayla and the teachers emailed it to Aunt Jen for Mikayla to view online. They were learning about the world wide web that week. Here is the link to their class page to check out: Mrs. Chamberlain's class

Hello song- Eleanor was sitting next to Daniel, who she says she is going to marry someday... we told her to wait as long as possible! I think she likes that he does whatever she tells him to do :)


The Funky Monkey song- Eleanor loved making the monkey motion and sound


Under One Sky song- beautiful song with hand motions. Also, Eleanor loved the instrumental part

While Daddy was away...

...we played dress-up! I think Emerson could be the next poster child for Steak 'n Shake, don't you?

My prince & princess

Thank to Great-Aunt Judy for the beautiful tutu! It helps Eleanor transform into a princess, ballerina, whatever she wants to be!

Poor Emerson continues to get dressed-up by his sister: here we have a combination of many birthday party favors. The pink hat from a cowgirl party, eye patch & sword courtesy of a pirate party- I really think he enjoys it!

And then we went to a birthday party (which was also Super Bowl Sunday, so Emerson had to wear his football monkey shirt)

Eleanor went bowling for the first time- it was mini bowling so the ball was smaller and the lanes were shorter. It was perfect for 4 year olds.

So excited!

The final event proved to be the most favorite- riding a fish on a merry-go-round. Happy birthday to our friend, Andrew! We had a great time at your party!

Is there anything sweeter?

On this Mother's day, my first with 2 kids, I thank God for the blessing of 2 healthy, loving, beautiful children. Of course, I couldn't do it alone (and am grateful that I am not alone) so I must thank my wonderful husband, Nakia, for his never-ending love and support, plus the bonus of allowing me to stay home! I can't express how lucky I feel. Also, I wouldn't be where or who I am today without the guidance of my own mother, Marilyn Gette. She is a shining example of a truly great mom. Thanks for making me who I am and teaching me what being a selfless mother is all about. 

One of the sweetest sounds- a baby's laugh:


And playtime with a sibling:

Babies have cool stuff

At first, Emerson was not sure what to think of this thing called an exersaucer

He thinks it is pretty cool that it makes him stand up, but what else does it do?

"Really, Mom?" I think he was ready to get out.

Now, this horse called a jumparoo makes him smile!

Ride 'em, cowboy!

Check out this jumparoo in action, including big sister picking on him: