Big

While I talk all the time about Zach growing too fast, Reece seems to be growing even faster. Oh Reece, you are such a big boy.

I love you like crazy. You do and say the funniest things, the sweetest things, and sometimes, some pretty foul things.

One of my favorites is ...""I love YOU the most, more than anybody!"

You are so clever.
You spy things in the clouds, maybe it looks like a dinosaur one minute and a guitar the next. You also see things in the veggie booty (Zach's favorite snack!). Those DO have funny shapes.

You are really putting things together. The other day you said, "Mom, the next time you go get your hair cut, tell them to cut that (referring to my bangs) so you don't have to do this (moving hair off my forehead)." Evidently, I had been fiddling with my bangs quite a bit that day.

Also, you told dad, "Dad, put your car in the garage (which meant moving mine out) so no one will break into it and take your things." It has happened a few times. So thoughtful, Reece.

Oh but you have had some fits of giant proportion also lately, which include phrases I could surely do without. Things like, "I hate you." "I will never do you any favors again!" (ok, that second one is kinda funny)

You sing a lot and even make up your own songs. A few of your favorite songs are "Real Gone", "Celebration" (you love the low parts, "It's a celebration"), "Life is a Highway", and "Good Morning" (really that whole Deliberate Kids cd). I think it's funny that Celebration is a new favorite.

You seem to be a pretty confident boy. I like that.
You know people love you and you are glad to have your friends who love you too.

When someone is being mean on the playground or at the pool, you talk about it with your friends, joining forces together to devise a plan. I like how you all protect each other.

I pray you are strong and courageous, Reece. That's one of my favorite verses put to music. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Random thoughts, I know, but stuff that is precious to me, as is every day I have with you.

Reunion 2010

The road to the reunion may seem long and boring to some. But today's sky and long stretches of corn fields were absolutely stunning to me.

Let me start by saying that I feel like a complete loser. Somehow, we attended the reunion and managed to NOT get 1 picture of our family....not our immediate family, and not the purple Finley clan. I would have loved to have gotten that one, as I so clearly remember this one.This is the closest we got, thanks to my phone and mom taking it. These are all the great grandkids and great great grandkids of Mamaw and Papaw. See us down front.

I didn't take many pics, as the company and conversation was too engaging. Plus, I may have had my hands full. : )

I did grab my camera for the talent show. I'm not sure what this was about, but managed to give us a giggle.Ginny told Aunt Beth that SHE wanted to perform and do her fairy dance. But, when she got up there, she did her shy dance instead.She did warm up, but before then, we watched some incredible cheerleading moves by MacKenzie. She is incredibly talented.

During all the entertainment, I felt emotional all of a sudden. Just hit me from no where. I was getting teary-eyed and didn't know why. I looked at Darren, he looked puzzled and slightly concerned, and I shrugged my shoulders like, "I don't know what my deal is", and then glanced behind me.

Then, I realized why. Scott was having a moment. It was a moment that hits him often, but strikes without warning and powerfully. He was missing Leslie. I didn't see it, I felt it. We cuddled, hugged, and cried as the song played. It was a dear, dear moment, and thankful to have shared it with him. Still not sure how exactly how I knew.

Ginny got up her fairy courage and got her twirl on. ; )Precious now, trouble later. ; )
Zach enjoyed the performance.A ongoing tradition of bingo playing. Bruce read the numbers and was quite the comedic relief. Reece got a bingo and was excited to get one of the prizes off the table. he got a Lightning McQueen dry erase board.

Long balloon torpedos were great fun.Dad and Reece played, and then Lucas and I played catch too.Lucas was ready!

Took it outside in the heat for some baseball, including pitching and coaching by Chris.I loved watching these boys play together. Felt very circle of life, somehow. Sometimes, I can't believe we are the parents and not the kids playing together. How did we grow up so fast?

Speaking of fast, the time went by quickly. It was a long day, but a good one.
Really hope to see the cousins more often than yearly. Love you guys.

9 at 10

9 month appointment today at 10 months. I forgot how busy it is in the summer at the doctor's office.

(irrelevant) Stats:
Weight: 19 lbs. 5 oz. (30%)
Height: 29 1/2 inches (70%)
Head: can't remember number but again 30%

I never can make any sense of these stats. Tall and skinny? I think not.
He's growing and beautiful and right on track. That was my take away.So thankful for you, Zach. (and I'm secretly wishing you were still 9 months.)

But, with you mobile and understanding us and chatting, we are having even more fun now. Let the good times roll. (roll slowly, though!)

First balloon

OH THE MEMORIES...

Click here for Reece's first balloon.

And Zach today:
Lord, thank you for two.

Welcome, Lou

Had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Lou to the neighborhood today.
Oh, how you were yearned for, and oh how you are loved.You don't know yet, but we've got a pretty great block here. Great times ahead. So thankful for you, Lou.

Crawling

Will crawl for balloon.

Peek-a-boo

New favorite game is to play peek-a-boo in the curtains.
ADORE it.He's looking at his daddy in this last one. What a doll.
He really loves his daddy, just lights up for him. Soooo thankful.

Dad's Day

Dad's day started with a Duathlon. We were able to leave to cheer him to the finish when he called. I answered the phone VERY quickly with a "You ok?????"

He was more than okay, he just finished over 30 minutes before he thought he would. We were bummed we missed him.

After a shower and a snack, Darren was serenaded by Reece. His birthday song was complete with harmonica. He just finished his harmonica piece when I snapped this proud, but shy expression...a bow. : )Oh what a wonderful daddy you are.

Happy, Happy Father's Day, Darren.
We love you...

BIG MUCH!

10

Oh, Zach.
You are such a joy. Not just to us, but you make people smile and smile and smile wherever you go. Every time someone smiles from first receiving one of your generous grins, it reminds me how God put you here for a purpose. He blessed us with you and you are a bright light, sweetie.

You clap by flapping your arms up and down, still not bringing them together. But, you don't know any difference, you flail them with joy.

You've signed milk many times, but not consistently. Me thinks you are going to be more of a talker.

You mimic what we say a lot. The other day you and I were in your room and I said, "no, no, Kleenex". And you repeated, "nee-nec". Sometimes I think I'm just hearing things, but Reece yelled from the other room, "I heard him say, Kleenex!", in excitement.

Honestly, I think you are saying more than I can understand just yet.
'Hi' (eye), 'Light' (ight) and 'All done' (ah-da) are words I hear most often.

You're still not officially crawling, but you've made a few crawls here and there. Grass is a big motivator when we're outside, and Reece's toys are another. : )

You do get frustrated, and when you're mad, you let us know. You flap your arms, shake your fists, and grunt or groan loudly. You LOVE to stand, but can't figure out how to get down from there. When you can't reach something you want is another reason you get frustrated. Oh, but when we take something away (like a sticker, small toy or other choking hazard) away from you, YOU GET MAD!

Changing you into your jammies is consistently a fussy time. The looser the fit, the better for me, because getting your arms into those sleeves feels like hours pass when you're not happy.

You like playing peek-a-boo, especially with mommy and daddy. You like rolling the ball back and forth with mommy and Reece. You want everything your brother has. One of your favorite toys is a big plastic bumpy straw...you gnaw and gnaw on that thing.

Oh no, you like to chew on cords! We'll be hiding everything asap!

Speaking of chewing, you still eat like a champ. Many meals, you eat more than your brother, which is crazy to me. I often can't keep the food coming fast enough. Veggie Booty is a favorite snack. My only problem is trying to discern whether you want more or are all done. You're great with your sippy cup now, although you do like to toss it on the floor. You only get a couple of tries before it stays down there. Lucy loves it when you eat, she chows on your droppings, and hops up in your seat to clean up after you're done.

You get pretty messy eating, but MAN do you dislike getting cleaned up afterward. You are, however, so happy in the bath. You splash and splash. You don't mind water on your face, as long as I'm not wiping it. What is it about getting your face wiped? : )

You're still nursing well, too. Primarily you nurse upon each awaking and sleeping, and a couple times in between.

When sitting down, you often clasp your hands and cross your ankles. No, you COULD NOT be any cuter.

Your hair is growing, but I may be the only one who can tell. : )

And, the beloved night time. You are going to bed smoothly most nights, and naps the same. You are still requesting my presence in the middle of the night, though, once or twice. My brain still is not fully functioning, but I'm learning to work around it. ; )

Reece is enjoying you more and more, and I can't tell you how that much joy that brings to my heart. I prayed for a sibling for him so much, sweetie. He is proud of you to others and wants to be the first to see you when you wake up. I adore that.

We adore you, Zach. Happy 10 months!

Now, seriously, a year is just around the corner. Slow it down, Mr. Slow it down.

School's out

School's out for summer, which means Tootie comes for a visit.

She came during Reece's VBS, so we were running around in that very short time. Afterwards, we'd have lunch and then the afternoon to play.I love it when these two do art together.Why the big smile, you say?That's why. One smiley, swinging Tootie.

Room with a view

We got new windows today. What a difference and what a view. I knew they were going to be beautiful, but didn't realize they'd have this tremendous of an impact.

Zach made a great model. : )It was neat that we were able to work with D's cousin, Patrick, and his company to get them. That made it more special.We've made a lot of memories (like this one) in front of those old windows, and I look forward to making more in front of these.

Crazy hair day

Wednesday was crazy hair day at VBS. Well, we didn't have much to work with, but, a little green neon paint sure does the trick!

Reece was shy walking into his class, but his hair looked awesome...
I mean, CRAZY! : )

up

Found you on your way up and chattering away. Cute stuff.

Your brother loves to come in and be the first to greet you. I love that.So incredibly thankful for you boys. So thankful.