Georgia Aquarium

Playing with Daddy in the aquarium cafe

Picking out my stuffed sea turtle in the gift shop

A gigantic fish

Ian apprehensively watching the sea otters

My favorite exhibit, the Beluga Whales

Ian enthusiastically awaiting our turn into the aquarium

Since we're about to leave the great state of Georgia and head to the lonestar state, we're attempting to see as many Georgia attractions as we can. Today, we headed to the Georgia Aquarium. We strolled through all types of exhibits with whales, sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, sea otters...if it lives in the sea, we saw it.

My first trucks and cars

Aunt Elana gave Ian his first set of trucks and cars when he was born. I recently pulled them out and Ian hasn't taken his hands off of them. His daddy and granddaddy had fun playing with them too! Finally...a man toy!

Learning to sit up

I thought the sitting up process would take awhile to learn. It just seems like a huge feat and a milestone in a baby's life, but recently we've noticed Ian sitting up and staying up without assistance. And now, at six months and one week, he has learned this great rite of passage.

Ian's sixth month

Ian's sixth month has been full of fun activities!  We spent a fun morning picking blueberries and having a picnic with good friends.  He enjoyed strolling through the blueberry trees and sitting in the shade with his toys and friends.  Ian started eating baby food (sweet potatoes to be exact) but has yet to fully enjoy the experience of eating something other than formula!  And he finally decided to roll over!  After several failed attempts, Ian and his belly were able to roll from his tummy to his back and vice versa all within a couple of days.  Now he's the rolling king...on the floor, in his bed...anytime he has the chance!  Ian has a great time in his jumperoo and practically wears those little legs out bouncing so hard!  Ian and Mommy took a road trip to Moulton to visit with Papaw, Aunt Sherre, Leigh Ann and family, and Haley and family.  Ian fell asleep with Haley (she has the magic touch with him) and I was able to spend much needed time with my dear friends.  Ian has now discovered the sound of his own voice and uses this screeching ability often!  His expressions, his motor skills, and his personality continue to develop and Fred and I love watching every minute of it!        

Ian's fifth month

Ian's fifth month has been incredibly precious.  He began "eating" rice cereal, which amounts to him crying while I attempt to slide the cereal off the spoon, into his mouth, and down his throat. After a taste test between Fred and I, we completely understood his reluctance to eating organic, whole-grain, brown rice cereal.  He started attending Champions for Children two days each week and really seems to enjoy his class and teachers.  They continuously comment on how sweet he is and I couldn't agree more!  Ian wants so badly to turn over as he rolls his upper body to one side and then the next.  However, that big belly is preventing further action!  We moved Ian into his crib this month and so far, he's taken to it really well.  He seemed uncomfortable in his pack n play and though I've slept each night with the video monitor in the bed with me, he definitely sleeps better in his own space.  Ian's laughter has grown into a full-blown adult laugh!  It's amazing!  We took another trip to Moulton for a longer and happier visit to attend my step-brother Jonathan's wedding.  Ian got to meet Uncle Paul, Brody and Bryce, and Aunt Larinda, Morgan, Jessy, and Colton.  He loved spending time with his Aunt Sherre and enjoyed sitting on his Papaw's belly watching tv in his recliner.  He got a visit from his Granddaddy, Grammy, Aunt Amber, and Aunt Aprile who were able to love, hug, and kiss all over him!  Overall, Ian's fifth month of life has been a joy to witness.  He continues to explore his environment, puts EVERYTHING in his mouth, and greets people with a smile.  

The Goodness of God

I'm sitting here watching my infant son sleep...I know the saying, "Sleep when your baby sleeps," but the peace is all the same. My heart hasn't been full for quite some time. Those of you who know me well, know that I have struggled with the goodness of God since losing my mom in January of 2005. I felt abandoned, unloved, and left wanting in relation to God. Though my mind knew better (I have an amazingly nurturing, patient, faithful husband whose faith has carried me time and time again), my heart couldn't shake the loss. Some would say "That's natural or understandable," but in the grand scheme of God's love, it's neither. My lack of faith, underestimating the greatness of who God is, only seeing what this world has to offer...those things kept me at bay with God, my heavenly Father, and the keeper of my soul. And now, in the month of January, four years later, my heart is renewed. I'm not on a spiritual high, nor am I delirious from my lack of sleep...I simply recognize that God's goodness, His graciousness (which is the literal meaning of Ian's name), is not based on what God gives or what Satan takes away. His goodness is because He is. I can't explain the transformation in my heart. I've wanted it and searched for it over the last couple of years, but the hurt was more blinding than I knew. My eyes, however, are bright once again. God has replaced my mourning with joy, my tears with laughter, and my struggles with peace through the birth of one amazing little boy. And that too was made possible through the giving of His own son Jesus. What a good God...