Eighteen months have passed since Ian arrived in our world and I'm still taken back by how much my love for him grows day by day. He's shaping into a little boy, leaving behind the "baby-ness" that we've known for so long. His emerging personality is seen everywhere. He's strong-willed, has his own ideas of how things should be, has particular ways of doing things and wants them done the same way each time. He associates well and seems to remember when two things are connected. He's a people person, waving and saying "hi" at most anyone he sees. He thinks every man who's bald with a white go-tee is "Papaw." He loves to read, especially his Bible stories and has learned to say "Jesus" in his own special way. His vocabulary consists of momma, dada, hi, bye, night night, juice, car (anything with wheels is considered to be a car), Jesus, Bible, dog, lamb (which is his blanket and best friend), baba (meaning pacifier, his second best friend), and papaw. He makes attempts at other words and will usually emulate the influx in our voice, but those words are the ones we actually understand. He's definitely a chatter-box, making sounds and talking to his toys throughout the day or when lying in his crib. He watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning while drinking his milk and eating breakfast and laughs outloud at Goofy during each episode. Music is still a huge part of his life...from listening to Christian rap in the car with his dad to watching his favorite video of scripture set to music (thanks Steve Green for your cheesy but inspiring tunes for our son). His favorite food is still spaghetti but broccoli casserole now runs a close second. He loves cars of all kinds and rides his four-wheeler constantly throughout the day. He spends his evenings after bathtime lying on the couch with his dad, milk, and lamb, but occasionally wants Mom to rock for just a moment before going to sleep. He loves playing with others and joins right in during Bible class and the one day a week he spends at Paramount Baptist Church for Mother's Day Out. He couldn't get enough of the pool this summer and showed no fear as he ran through the kiddie pool and splash pad. I, on the other hand, wished for some apprehension near the water. He was just independent enough to be dangerous! We spend most of our days outside, walking through our neighborhood, and playing on his swing and slide in our backyard. He's outgrown strolling for the most part and would rather do the pushing than the riding. He's a fantastic traveler (typically) which bodes well for our "on the go" lifestyle. At eighteen months, he's already spent the night in Alabama, Georgia, Missippi, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Thank you Ian for giving us the most amazing eighteen months. It's a joy watching you grow up...
Ian at 18 Months
Eighteen months have passed since Ian arrived in our world and I'm still taken back by how much my love for him grows day by day. He's shaping into a little boy, leaving behind the "baby-ness" that we've known for so long. His emerging personality is seen everywhere. He's strong-willed, has his own ideas of how things should be, has particular ways of doing things and wants them done the same way each time. He associates well and seems to remember when two things are connected. He's a people person, waving and saying "hi" at most anyone he sees. He thinks every man who's bald with a white go-tee is "Papaw." He loves to read, especially his Bible stories and has learned to say "Jesus" in his own special way. His vocabulary consists of momma, dada, hi, bye, night night, juice, car (anything with wheels is considered to be a car), Jesus, Bible, dog, lamb (which is his blanket and best friend), baba (meaning pacifier, his second best friend), and papaw. He makes attempts at other words and will usually emulate the influx in our voice, but those words are the ones we actually understand. He's definitely a chatter-box, making sounds and talking to his toys throughout the day or when lying in his crib. He watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning while drinking his milk and eating breakfast and laughs outloud at Goofy during each episode. Music is still a huge part of his life...from listening to Christian rap in the car with his dad to watching his favorite video of scripture set to music (thanks Steve Green for your cheesy but inspiring tunes for our son). His favorite food is still spaghetti but broccoli casserole now runs a close second. He loves cars of all kinds and rides his four-wheeler constantly throughout the day. He spends his evenings after bathtime lying on the couch with his dad, milk, and lamb, but occasionally wants Mom to rock for just a moment before going to sleep. He loves playing with others and joins right in during Bible class and the one day a week he spends at Paramount Baptist Church for Mother's Day Out. He couldn't get enough of the pool this summer and showed no fear as he ran through the kiddie pool and splash pad. I, on the other hand, wished for some apprehension near the water. He was just independent enough to be dangerous! We spend most of our days outside, walking through our neighborhood, and playing on his swing and slide in our backyard. He's outgrown strolling for the most part and would rather do the pushing than the riding. He's a fantastic traveler (typically) which bodes well for our "on the go" lifestyle. At eighteen months, he's already spent the night in Alabama, Georgia, Missippi, Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Thank you Ian for giving us the most amazing eighteen months. It's a joy watching you grow up...
Man Stuff
Ian's been sick this week with the flu, but that hasn't stopped him from doing "man stuff." That is, mowing the carpet and riding his four-wheeler while wearing Mom's baseball cap :) Lovin' Some Corn on the Cobb
Ian has a new favorite veggie...corn on the cobb. He's always eaten corn, but now he munches away on the entire cobb! Maybe it's the salt and butter... Learning to Clean My Mess
Ian loves to sweep...well, that might be an overstatement, but he does enjoy playing with the broom. We found him "sweeping" under his highchair...appropriate.Jump 'N Jive
It was way too hot today to be outside...even at the pool so Fred and I took Ian to Jump 'N Jive and out for a chocolate malt. After a bit of coaxing by Fred, Ian couldn't get enough of these bouncers and slides. He's so much fun to play with and gets a kick out of playing with his mom and dad...a treat for us both. That laugh is enough to take him to Jump 'N Jive every day! Pancake Station...whoot whoot!
Silly face!
Keeping Ian entertained while we finish our coffee
Several months ago Fred and I discovered this wonderful country diner for breakfast. They have the best pancakes which is fitting as the name of the diner is Pancake Station. We like going there for breakfast on our Friday Family Fun Days. Yard Work with Daddy
So unfortunately I didn’t get a pic of this precious moment today. Our trees needed a trim so Fred spent the afternoon cutting branches and dragging them to our back alley for pick up. Ian and I went outside to say hello after his nap and he immediately started picking up “Ian sized” twigs and carrying them to the dump site for Fred. After a while of “helping,” we went inside for water. When we came back out, Ian sat on the sidewalk, water bottle in hand, and clapped for Fred as he continued trimming trees. I hope he’s always as enthusiastic about yard work and helping his dad as he was today.
Road Trip Anyone?
Poor guy...we had to be innovative while napping in the car so Ian could get some rest
Relaxing in the hotel on our long drive back to TX
Sweet Ian just made his second road trip across the southern part of the country with MUCH cooperation! We headed out last week crossing through the Texas panhandle and Oklahoma. We stopped after crossing into Arkansas for food, a night of rest, and time out of the car. We rolled out the next morning and pulled into Oxford, MS for the National Campus Ministry Seminar (hosted by Ole Miss) late that afternoon. We were a bit worried when we left Amarillo due to the fact that Ian started fussing and didn't stop for most of the day. But once he resigned himself to the car, he was a trooper. He spent the next three days in Moulton with my sweet Aunt Sherre who spoiled him with lots of love and attention so Fred and I could participate and enjoy the conference without the distraction of a one year old. As much as I hate to admit it, Ole Miss is a beautiful campus and Oxford has amazing restaurants. We ate so well and even worked in a date night with Ian being gone. We thoroughly enjoyed the conference, the speakers, and the connection we have with other ministers who have the same drive and passion for college campuses as we do. A bonus was having dinner with Leigh Ann, Reagan, Charlotte, and John David. They drove over from Tupelo and it was great sitting down with her even if only for a moment. I love the relationship we share, how familiar it is, and how I know it's for life. Our trip back to Amarillo was just as uneventful and with a one year old, that's a good thing. We left MS, crossed through Memphis and AR, and finally ended our first day right outside of Oklahoma City. The next day was a short four hour drive back into the TX panhandle, full of wind, heat, and no humidity. Ian was definitely tired of riding and we entertained him with an array of music which he actually recognizes and likes. Christian rap, Matt Kearney, and the theme song to "Gilmore Girls" are among his favs on his playlist. All in all, we had a great road trip. It's refreshing driving on the open road with the two people who make my heart sing. But yes, it's nice to be home...
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