Michael's Birthday Weekend

Michael turned 27 on Sunday and we had a big weekend celebrating how special he is to us. On Friday, Brenton and I made cookies (Michael's favorite-white and milk chocolate chip) and took him lunch to school. While we were there, Brenton got to feed the ducks with his Daddy and the Nemo class. On Saturday, we went shopping (although Michael only got a pair of pants, it was mostly for Brenton) and to eat at Outback (another of Michael's favorites). On Sunday, we went to church, where Michael found a Happy Birthday balloon tied to his chair. Afterwards, we went to Dollywood, where Brenton had his first sucker. We had a good time, but we were very tired come Monday morning. We love you Michael and are so glad to have you in our lives!

Just Like My Daddy!

Over the last few months, Brenton has started to want to be just like his Daddy. From what Michael is doing to what he is wearing, Brenton notices and wants to have it, do it, or wear it too. When we were remodeling the house, Brenton would follow Michael around and insist on "doing" what Michael was doing. We had to get creative sometimes to let Brenton think that he was really doing the same thing. A few weeks ago, Michael made pancakes for breakfast (his specialty) and Brenton had to help. Now he has to have a spatula whenever Daddy is cooking. Lately, he has discovered Michael's watches and will get them out and wear them around the house. He even noticed Michael having a pen behind his ear when we were working on Thatcher's room and he had to have one as well (even if his ear was too small). When I see how much Brenton loves his Daddy, especially when Michael is reading to him each night, it brings tears to my eyes at how blessed I am. Blessed with a precious son, who always picks out the I Love My Daddy book, and especially blessed with a great husband. I can't say enough about how great Michael is as a father and how wonderful he has been to me since Brenton was born. Even though I am beginning to feel anxious about Thatcher's arrival (and having an 18 month old and a newborn), I am fully confident that Michael will be right by my side every step of the way. I love you boys very much!

Thatcher's Nursery

We are finally (almost) done with Thatcher's room. We only have a few details, like a small shelf and his name on the wall. It is a good thing that it is coming together since we only have 10 weeks until he comes! Unbelievable, only 10 weeks. We are excited, but we know what we are facing, since it has only been 16 months since we have done 2 hour feedings! We feel very blessed with Brenton and we know that we will be equally blessed with Thatcher.

More Playtime with the Girls

Last night, Chad, Abbey, and Sydnee and Robbie, Vanessa, and Olivia came over to our house for dinner. Brenton, Sydnee, and Olivia had a great time playing together and seemed to get along great. I think that every toy and book in our entire house was out but what fun they had, literally running circles around our house. We even managed to get them to sit down (all at the same time) for a picture. We are glad to have such good friends and we know that Brenton had a great time with the girls, because he went to sleep right away!

Brenton's First Play date

Yesterday, Brenton and I went to visit Mandy and Colton for Brenton's very first play date. Colton is 13 months old, so he and Brenton are very close in age and it turned out perfectly. Although the boys aren't really old enough to play "together" they both had a lot of fun exploring and getting into Colton's older brother's toys (who was at school for the morning). Mandy even fixed us a yummy lunch. While the boys were playing, Mandy and I had a chance to visit and it was comforting to me to learn that the "challenges" we are facing (such as throwing food) are not unique to us. I feel very blessed to have a friend with 2 small boys and I know that I will have lots of questions for her in the near future as we are nearing Thatcher's arrival.

Brenton also got to visit the doctor with us today and hear Thatcher's heart beat. All looks well with him!

A trip to Ripley's Aquarium

On Saturday, we went to Gatlinburg to visit the aquarium with Nona and Popa. Michael thought that Brenton would really enjoy the visit, but we had no idea how much he would love it! When you first enter the aquarium, there is a large fish tank and Brenton was so excited. He spent quite a long time circling the tank and squealing in delight. I told Michael that we were finished because I think that Brenton would have spent the entire day looking at that tank. When we finally got him away from the tank, he continued to enjoy looking at all the fish. It was really funny when he began to move his lips just like the fish, which he continued to do for the rest of the day. Brenton was so happy seeing all the fish that it was worth getting up and ready early on a Saturday morning and entertaining him for the trip up!

Three Tiny Bandaids

Last Friday, Brenton had his 15 month check up at the doctor. He weighed 23.01 lbs and was 31 1/2 inches long. That means he has gained a pound and an inch since his 12 month visit. He also had to get 3 shots and was very interested in the band-aids and wanted to show everyone we saw Friday what was on his legs. We can't believe how fast he is growing!

Three Little Friends

A few weeks ago, we went to a picnic in Cades Cove for our friends Chad and Abbey's little girl, Sydnee. It was to celebrate Sydnee's 2nd birthday. After some yummy food and birthday cake, we took a trip down to the creek. Brenton, Sydnee, and Olivia Odom (20 months) had a great time splashing around in the water with Michael, Chad, and Robbie and Vanessa (Olivia's parents). After the trip, we took off the little ones clothes and walked back to our area before getting them dressed in dry clothes. It was too cute to see them walking together in their Pampers and Crocs!