Five Years!

Can I just say that I am so proud of my husband. It doesn't seem that long ago that Justin was applying for a job right out of college. He never thought he would be working at ECS (thinking he would for sure be at SBEC), but after a great interview...ECS offered him a perfect position. Sixth grade math and coaching opportunities. Justin has now been teaching for FIVE years already! He has learned patience with the students, is very respected among his co-workers, and is an excellent teacher and coach. God just placed him in a very special place where he is loved by many people. So, Justin, just wanted to post this one to show how much I love you and how proud I am of you!

Here are some photos of Justin accepting his five year award at ECS's service recognition banquet.

Leiper's Fork

Recently, Justin, James, and I headed out to Leiper's Fork to visit the Paynes and the Fishes. We always love going out there, because you get away from the city life and, instead, enjoy the rolling hills, the neighbor's donkeys, and coffee on the front porch! What a great resting place! (And that's just the added bonus. Really we go to see our wonderful family!)

Sweet Leah couldn't keep her hands off of James :)

Lydia just recently turned ONE.

I believe they are about the same size now!

Papa Blair is so loving with James.

James wasn't sure what to think about Papa's glasses and hat!

Nonie and Pops took James out to see the donkeys.

He loved them!

Kramer was quite interested too

James' first petting zoo

(and we didn't have to pay anything!)

Of course I had to get another picture of Belle taking over Kramer's bag

(to remind everyone, we keep K-man's leash, bowls, food, treats, etc.. in there)

Kramer doesn't ever seem to mind Belle's possessiveness!

Nonie and James enjoyed the swing outside.

(It was a beautiful day!)

James loved it so much, I think it really soothed him, so he started to hum to himself and get a little drowsy. He just stared off into space! ha

Daddy and James

Can you tell Kramer loves Leiper's Fork too!??

If I can't have my paci....

James only uses his pacifier for naps and bedtime, and I don't think he misses it at all during the day. But...he seems to ALWAYS have something in his mouth! Recently we went through a couple of weeks where James would pop a toy in his mouth and just continue to play and roam all over the place, never dropping the toy! It was so funny that we had to snap some pictures.

Puzzle pieces

I love that he even smiles while gripping it with his gums :)

(since at 9 1/2 mo still NO teeth!)

stuffed animals

bath time letters

He is even starting to get upset here, but still hanging on to the puzzle piece!

hahaha... not too happy here either :)

Already NINE months!

It is the most amazing feeling to have a child that you love unconditionally. God has blessed us with the most lovable son. If you come around him, he will make you either smile or laugh. James is nine months now and each day is a new adventure to him. He is still off the chart in weight (below 5th percentile), but our doctor says he is just burning an incredible amount of calories. Hopefully mommy is burning calories too, chasing him around everywhere!

9 months

15 lbs 13 oz

(this picture was actually easy to take this time)

Each day, James looks more and more like a BIG boy!

He still loves getting plenty of attention :)

One day I made ground beef for him and he loved it! Not sure what happened, but now he will only eat beef from a jar. Oh well, at least he is getting his iron.

James loves to watch Kramer outside.

We can't wait until it gets warmer so that James can actually go play outside too!

He is standing EVERYWHERE now. Notice there is nothing but toys on the coffee table. :)

His new favorite thing to do is to climb the stairs. He can get up them pretty fast now (of course with mommy right behind him). We have recently put up a baby gate at the bottom.

And yes! He has finally found the toilet paper. I caught him in the act one day, and he was having the time of his life with his new found toy. Needless to say, the bathroom doors stay closed now.