South Carolina Day Celebration

For all of you who don't live in the great state of South Carolina (or even if you do) June 28th is South Carolina Day. The reason this day is celebrated is explained here. I, like many of you, did not know this day existed until Josh explained it to me three years ago. Our friends, Chris & Amy, had a mini-celebration when were in Louisville. However, since I am from Georgia, Josh (who was not my husband, but only a friend) did not think I should celebrate with them, but Chris & Amy overruled him! By June 28, 2006, Josh & I were engaged, and it was expected that I celebrate SC Day too. Since we were in transition in 2006, there was no party, but I did go to Kroger and get a cookie cake that said, "Happy South Carolina Day" (yes, the bakery thought I was crazy).

We were in major transition last year and Josh decided we would wait until this year to have a party. He didn't want us to just grill out burgers, but to have a big southern meal. We decided a southern meal had to include fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, corn, green beans, & sweet tea. I cooked the chicken (23 pieces), made the sweet tea, and everyone else brought a side. After we ate, there was a game of SC trivia and then a small gift for all those who attended.

We hope to make this an annual event in our family. And even if no one else comes, we are pretty sure that Chris & Amy will always come, for they love SC almost as much as Josh!

Here are some pictures of our fun day.

Walking Mania!

While Thomas isn't "techinically" walking yet, he sure is going everywhere in his walker! About two weeks ago, Josh's parents brought him a walker they had for one of their other grandchildren. At first, he just sat in it and went backwards, but after a couple of days, he was going everywhere! Since he has been using his walker, he is doing so much better holding our hands and walking around.

To be honest, I've been a little worried (I know - it is a sin) about his physical development because he has yet to crawl (although he does move around on his stomach, he just won't get on his knees) and he is now 10 months old! Many people have told me that some babies skip crawling and just walk - anyone else had this experience? I did talk to the pediatrician about his physical development, and he said not to worry. Thomas is meeting all of his other milestones - socially, mentally, emotionally - so he isn't worried. The pediatrician said one day everything is going to just "click" and I won't be able to stop him!

Along with his newfound independence comes more discipline. He is so curious and wants to touch and hold everything. Thankfully, he is responding well to discipline and listens often when I say, "No." However, certain objects, such as the remote control, seem to be too much of a temptation, so I try to keep those things in places he can't reach or see.

Here are some recent pictures of my sweet boy "walking" around.

He loves his hairbrush!

Walking around!

Looking outside

Sweet Moment

Last week, Josh & I decided we needed to buy fabric to recover our dining room chairs. Since we were having company over on Tuesday evening, Josh indulged me and we went to a fabric store on Monday night. Thomas is in the midst of teething (2 top teeth) and was not feeling great. He did okay in the fabric store, but by the time we got something to eat, he wasn't a happy camper. I was getting a little frustrated and managed to knock ALL of his puffs in the floor, which didn't help my mood any!

Before we went home, we had to go to Josh's parents to borrow a staple gun to recover the chairs. Thomas seemed happy enough for a few moments as he watched his cousins swim in the pool, but he did not want to get back in his car seat. Josh said he would sit in the back with him and I could drive. Even though Josh was trying to entertain him, he still was not a happy camper. Josh took him out of the car seat (I know it is dangerous, but we were on back roads with little traffic and I drove slow) and held him. He still was a little fussy, so Josh told me to sing to him. Thomas loves "Jesus Loves Me" and when I started to sing, he calmed down immediately. Josh began to make up words to the tune and continued to sing to him. We sang to our sweet boy all the way home and he was at peace.

It was such an ordinary, but an extraordinary time with my family. Thomas brings us so much joy and I was reminded that it truly is the everday moments that matter.

First Swim

My sweet husband told me yesterday morning that he was going to leave work around 3:30pm, so that we could have some family time and go swimming. We were planning on taking Thomas on Saturday, but we spent too long at the furniture store and weren't able to go (more details on the furniture later). After Thomas awoke from his nap, we went to Grandma & Poppy's house for dinner and swimming. We were sure that Thomas would love the water and he did! He was so happy the entire time he was in the water. Thanks to Poppy, we have pictures because we forgot our camera!

I'm ready Mom!

Poppy & Thomas
Family photo
Having fun!
Look at that sweet face!
Sweet moment with Daddy
My boys!

It is amazing how time passes so quickly. Last year at this time, I was 6 months pregnant and swimming in the pool with Thomas in my tummy! I dreamed about him enjoying the water this year, but I didn't realize how quickly this year would come. He has been such a tremendous blessing to us!